Jerusalem
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The New Jerusalem in the Digital Age: Technology and Eschatology
1. Introduction: Pixels or Pearls? The Hope of the City to Come In a world increasingly shaped by digital realities, technological visions of utopia—virtual metaverses, AI-governed societies, post-scarcity automation—present futuristic hopes that often rival religious imagination. For the Christian, however, the ultimate vision of human flourishing is not found in…
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1: Place-Name Transformations in Israel: From Foreign Designations to Hebrew Restoration
1. Introduction Israel’s geographical names represent a rich tapestry of linguistic, cultural, and political history. Over millennia, the region has been ruled by a succession of empires—Babylonian, Persian, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Ottoman—and each has left its mark on place names. Many locations in Israel have undergone significant transformations, changing…
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6: Biblical Geography and Archaeology: Correlating Ancient Texts with Modern Sites
1. Introduction Biblical geography and archaeology form a vital interdisciplinary field that seeks to identify and understand the physical locations mentioned in ancient texts. Correlating biblical place names with modern archaeological sites enriches historical understanding, illuminates cultural contexts, and informs both religious scholarship and secular history. This article examines methodologies,…
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14: Ottoman-Era Urban Planning and Its Legacy in Modern Israeli Cities
1. Introduction The urban fabric of many modern Israeli cities bears the imprint of Ottoman-era planning and development. This article examines the characteristics of Ottoman urban design, its influence on city layouts, infrastructure, and architecture, and how these elements continue to shape contemporary urban environments in Israel. 2. Characteristics of…
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17: Trade Routes and Economic Networks in Ancient Israel: Geography and Cultural Exchange
1. Introduction Trade routes have historically played a pivotal role in shaping the geography, economy, and cultural interactions of ancient Israel. This article examines the major trade corridors traversing the region, their influence on urban development, and their role as conduits for goods, ideas, and people. 2. Major Trade Routes…
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23: The Evolution of Jerusalem’s Place Names: A Historical and Cultural Analysis
1. Introduction Jerusalem, one of the world’s most historically and spiritually significant cities, has borne numerous names across millennia. This article traces the evolution of Jerusalem’s place names, reflecting its complex political history and religious significance to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. 2. Ancient Hebrew Origins The earliest references to Jerusalem…
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Jerusalem in Biblical Context
1. Introduction Jerusalem stands as the most theologically charged and historically significant city in the Bible. Known variously as Zion, the City of David, and the Holy City, Jerusalem is more than a geographical location—it is a symbol of covenant, kingship, worship, and eschatological hope. Spanning from Melchizedek in Genesis…
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Why do some religious groups want to rebuild the Temple today, and what are the political and ethical implications?
Modern Temple Debates 1. Introduction The idea of rebuilding the Jerusalem Temple, particularly the Third Temple, remains a focal point of religious, political, and ethical debate in modern times. This analysis explores why certain religious groups seek its reconstruction, the theological motivations behind it, and the broader political and ethical…
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Article 16: The Jerusalem Council – Apostolic Debate on Gentile Circumcision
1. IntroductionThe Jerusalem Council, recorded in Acts 15, marks a pivotal moment of doctrinal debate among the apostles and elders concerning the inclusion of Gentile believers and the necessity of circumcision. This event reflects early church efforts to resolve theological conflict within the same generation. 2. Historical and Biblical ContextAs…
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David – Covenant and Kingship
Introduction and Rise to PowerDavid, the youngest son of Jesse from the tribe of Judah, emerges as the most prominent and enduring figure of Israel’s united monarchy. Anointed by Samuel while Saul still reigned (1 Samuel 16), David’s rise to kingship is marked by a complex interplay of divine favour,…
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Solomon – Wisdom and the Temple
Introduction and Dynastic SuccessionSolomon, the son of David and Bathsheba, succeeds his father as the third king of the united monarchy of Israel. His accession to the throne is marked by political intrigue, including the neutralisation of rival claims, notably from his half-brother Adonijah (1 Kings 1–2). Despite the contested…
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Seleucid Oppression and Maccabean Revolt
Background: From Ptolemaic to Seleucid RuleFollowing the death of Alexander the Great, his empire fragmented among his generals. Judea initially came under Ptolemaic control (based in Egypt) but was later taken by the Seleucid Empire (based in Syria) under Antiochus III the Great around 198 BCE. While early Seleucid rule…
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Ministry, Crucifixion, and Resurrection of Jesus
Jesus in the First-Century Jewish ContextThe life and ministry of Jesus of Nazareth must be understood within the complex socio-religious context of first-century Second Temple Judaism, a period marked by Roman occupation, theological diversity, messianic anticipation, and profound national longing. Born into a Jewish family in Roman-controlled Judea, Jesus lived…
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Major Wars and Peace Treaties
Introduction: Conflict and Diplomacy in a Volatile RegionSince its founding in 1948, the modern State of Israel has been shaped by a series of wars and peace efforts that have defined its borders, security doctrine, and regional relationships. Military confrontations with neighbouring Arab states, driven by unresolved questions of territory,…