July 22, 2012

A Wise Woman Speaks for God

Sometime, somewhere, when you least expect it, someone or something will get under your skin. Your self-importance will flare up, and before you know it, you will be off to avenge hurt feelings. This is where we find David this week. Confronted by a mere fool, only a wise woman stood between him and regret over needless bloodshed.

Hospitality, Middle Eastern Style

Because travelers and temporary residents were at a disadvantage in the land of Israel, the Bible gives specific instructions about how they were to be treated. These people were extremely vulnerable. They were in a strange land, with customs they knew little about. What kind of treatment could they expect from the Israelites? Find out more about hospitality in the ancient Near East in this week's article.