#daniel 1 captivity for children

[soular-sisters]

The most common celebrity/fame Astrology placements ✨🤩📸

The glitz, the glamour, the endless number of fans that seem to be mesmerized by them… have you ever notice how a lot of famous individuals have a certain grab and magnetism about them? Well, they might have more in common astrologically than you thought. Without further ado, here are some of the most common traits you will find in famous individual’s natal charts:

1. Pronounced Leo and Cancer placements in personal planets, especially sun, moon, and ascendant.

In the world of Hollywood, Leo energy is prevalent with countless Leo suns in the industry including: Demi Lovato, Steve Carell, Robert De Niro, Kylie Jenner, Daniel Radcliffe, and Madonna just to name a few. Cancer energy also runs strongly, with cancer sun celebrities also finding major success such as:

*Lana Del Rey (a Cancer sun with a Leo Moon, Scorpio Ascendant, Leo midheaven and Venus conjunct her north node)

*Ringo Starr (another cancer with a Leo moon)

*Margot Robbie (a cancer sun with a Taurus Midheaven & Aquarius north node)

Cancer & Leo personal planets can be found in a wide range of celebrities including:

*Dua Lipa (a Leo sun/Cancer Moon)

*Taylor Swift (a Sagittarius sun/Cancer moon)

*Micheal B. Jordan (an Aquarius sun/Cancer Moon)

*Drake (a Scorpio sun/cancer moon/Leo ascendant)

*Julia Roberts (Scorpio Sun/Leo Moon)

*Megan Fox (Taurus Sun/Leo Moon)

*Paul McCartney (Gemini Sun/Leo Moon)

*Bruno Mars (a Libra sun/Leo moon)

*Blake Lively (a Virgo sun/Leo ascendant, with plenty of positive sun aspects including sun conjunct her natal Mars, venus, and Mercury, & also sun trine her Jupiter)

There are many more celebrities who have these similar placements.

2. Prominent north node aspects or favorable house placement.

The North Node shows our Karmic Destiny. Certain placements show where an individual might see fame more than others, including the 1st, 5th, 10th, and 11th houses. Some celebrities that have these placements include:

1st house of identity:

*Martin Luther King Jr. (North Node in Taurus: who showed fearlessness in the face of racism to unite the people)

*Amy Winehouse (North Node in Gemini: who’s songs about her life have remained popular long after her untimely death)

*Megan The Dutchess of Sussex (Leo sun/Cancer Ascendant with North Node in Leo: who is one of the most famous women in the world now whether you like her or not)

*James Dean (North Node in Aries: who’s image as a bad boy heartthrob has been solidified in history long after his untimely death)

5th house of creativity, children, and happiness:

*Angelina Jolie (who is also cancer Venus and Ascendant at 28°, has her North Node in Sagittarius. She is a talented actress that has also traveled the world and made it her mission to help and adopt children)

*Selena Gomez (who is also Leo Ascendant, with moon & part of fortune conjunct her Taurus midheaven, has her North Node in Capricorn, and is also a talented actress, who due to her illness cannot have children. Unfortunately, the planet of Saturn, Capricorns ruler, may deny children entirely, or only bring very few)

*Christiano Ronaldo (who is also Leo moon, has his North Node in Taurus, he has had a stable career playing soccer, known as a heartthrob with the Venus energy, and also the father to five children)

10th house of public image:

*Donald Trump (who is also Leo ascendant & Taurus Midheaven, with sun & Uranus conjunct his North Node in Gemini, he has captivated audiences on a global scale with his words and with Sun and Uranus being opposite planets conjunct his north node, he is extremely polarizing with his supporters absolutely loving him and his opposers absolutely hating him)

*Beyoncé (who is Mars conjunct her Leo North Node in the 10th house. Beyoncé is also known on a global scale and the amount of time and energy she puts into her craft is very evident, she also carries herself with a mars-esque energy in her public persona.)

*Britney Spears (with her North Node in Cancer. While she is extremely talented, her career has had a lot of exploitation of her and her assets and made her a victim in the public eye)

11th house of social circles aspirations and collaboration:

*Lady Gaga (who has her North Node in Taurus, which rules the voice, has famously collaborated on singing projects with other creatives including Tony Bennett, and Bradley Cooper)

*Robert Downey Jr. (who has his North Node in Gemini has famously gotten himself into heaps of mischeif when he was younger turned his life around when he associated himself with Marvel and propelled himself further into stardom, eventually getting his Oscar winning role in Oppenheimer)

*Ariana Grande (who has her North node in Sagittarius. In Jennette McCurdy’s book “I’m Glad My Mom Died” she recalled being jealous of how lucky Ariana was for all the opportunities that were being granted to her though her association to higher ups at Nickelodeon)

3. 1st house planets, 5th house planets, 10th house planets, and 11th house planets (especially Sun, Jupiter, Neptune, and Venus)

House placements are always important to check when looking at a natal chart and this area is no different. We see many of the same placements among famous individuals such as:

*Blake Lively (who has a first house stellium consisting of her sun, mercury and Venus, and a fifth house stellium with Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune)

*Paul Rudd (who has a fifth house stellium with Neptune, moon and mars, and a 10th house stellium with his Mercury, sun, Venus, and Saturn)

*Vanessa Hudgens (who is also Leo ASC & Taurus MC also has a fifth house stellium with her sun, Uranus, Neptune, Saturn, and Mercury)

*Kim Kardashian (sun and mercury fall into her 11th house and she has a 10th house stellium consisting of Jupiter, Pluto, and Saturn. She also has Neptune in her first house which is another popular fame placement that is also seen in Marilyn Monroe) A stellium is not needed in these houses either.

*Rihanna (her sun & mercury is in the 11th house with her Jupiter in the first house and though her moon & Venus fall in the 12th house, they do conjunct her ascendant)

4. Having a fixed midheaven: Scorpio, Taurus, Aquarius, Leo

The midheaven shows where the most ideal career placement for an individual. Usually fame can been seen amongst fixed midheaven placements. Some examples include: Taurus MC:

*Margot Robbie

*Timothée Chalamet

*Emma Stone

*Vanessa Hudgens

*Miranda Kerr

*Nick Jonas

*Justin Timberlake

Leo MC:

*Harry Styles

*Daniel Craig

*James Gandolfini

*Chevy Chase

*Robin Williams

*Nicole Kidman

*Jim Carrey

*Aretha Franklin

Scorpio MC:

*Hilary Duff

*Zendaya

*Jane Fonda

*Johnny Knoxville

*Barack Obama

*Willem Defoe

*Carrie Fisher

Aquarius MC:

*Miley Cyrus

*Pamela Anderson

*Will Smith

*Drew Barrymore

*Gordon Ramsay

*Tim Burton

*John Krasinski

5. Having personal planets at 5°, 17°, or 29° as they are degrees ruled by Leo.

In degree theory, these degrees are ruled by Leo and can also be seen as a common placement among many different famous individuals including:

*J.P. Morgan (successful banking mogul, who actually used astrology in his personal life, had his Taurus mercury at 29° and he once famously said, “Millionaires don’t use astrology, billionaires do.”)

*Post Malone (also has his Gemini Venus at 29°, and he has made his career diverse in various genres and has been extremely loved wherever he goes)

*Morgan Wallen (has his Aquarius moon at 29°, and his 5° Libra Jupiter conjunct his Midheaven)

*Steven Tyler (who has his Aries Sun at 5°. He has amassed many fans among his decades long career)

*Jim Carrey (who has both his Gemini moon at 17° and his Capricorn mars at 17°, once wrote himself a check for a million dollars before he became famous to manifest his future as a successful actor and around a year later found himself with major roles)

*Loretta Lynn (the iconic “Coal Miners Daughter” singer has her Aries Mercury at 17°, and her songs have stood the test of time)

6. Having personal planets at 28° ruled by cancer. Makes an individual a “household name”

Cancer rules the home, so it goes hand in hand with creating a household name among 28° holders. A few examples include:

*A$AP Rocky (who has his Leo Venus at 28° is famously known for his music and style)

*Miley Cyrus (who is 28° Taurus ascendant is definitely a household name and made her way into homes being a child actress and singer)

*Rihanna (has her Sagittarius mars in 28° as well, and she has had a fruitful career full of energy that she has put forward to become a self-made billionaire before 40)

7. Strong 11th house energy

The 11th house in astrology is the realm of Aquarius. Think of these individuals being innovators, and different. 11th house energy is commonly seen in famous individuals including:

*Johnny Depp (world famous actor has his Gemini sun in 11)

*Beyoncé (billionaire and one of the biggest singers in the world also has her sun in the 11th)

*Angelina Jolie (renowned actress and philanthropist has her Gemini sun and Mercury in the 11th house)

*Rihanna (another one of the biggest singers in the world has her Pisces sun and Aquarius Mercury in the 11th house)

*Lady Gaga (has her Aries sun, Aries venus, and Taurus north node in the 11th house)

*Kim Kardashian (A-list reality television star, model and business woman, has her Libra sun, and Scorpio mercury in her 11th house)

*Zayn Malik (another one of the biggest boy band & solo singers in the world has his Capricorn sun, nept, Uranus, and Mercury in the 11th house)

8. Prominent Jupiter Aspects

Jupiter the planet of luck, optimism and abundance having prominent energy in the natal chart can have a “lucky” influence on a famous individual, a few examples include:

*Elizabeth Taylor (world famous actress has natal, Jupiter trine ascendant, Jupiter trine Uranus, Venus trine Jupiter)

*Quentin Tarantino (talented movie director has natal Sun conjunct Jupiter, Mercury conjunct Jupiter, and Jupiter trine North node)

*Zendaya. (world famous actress, singer, and model has natal sun trine Jupiter, moon trine Jupiter)

*Samuel L. Jackson (another one of the most famous actors in the world has natal sun conjunct Jupiter, moon trine Jupiter, Jupiter trine Saturn, and Mercury conjunct Jupiter)

9. Aspects made to the ascendant and/or midheaven.

Our ascendant (how we portray ourselves) and our midheavens (career placement) having plentiful aspects can be seen in a wide range of well known celebrities in both old Hollywood and in recent time. Here are a few examples:

*Jayne Mansfield (one of the biggest sex symbols of her era before her untimely death had, North node trine ascendant, Neptune sextile ascendant, mars sextile ascendant, ascendant trine Midheaven)

*John Wayne (world renowned western actor, was a natal holder of, Mercury conjunct ascendant, sun conjunct ascendant, ascendant trine midheaven, sun trine midheaven, Mercury trine midheaven)

*Judy Garland (who played Dorothy in Wizard of Oz, had ascendant trine midheaven, moon sextile midheaven, mercury conjunct ascendant, Mercury trine midheaven)

10. Positive mars & Jupiter aspects

Mars the planet of action in a harmonious aspect with Jupiter the planet of luck, abundance and optimism can bring lucky opportunities with action and can be seen in famous individuals such as:

mars conjunct Jupiter:

*Ariel Winter

*Channing Tatum

*Lily Collins

*Ludacris

mars trine Jupiter:

*MGK

*Rachel McAdams

*Heath Ledger

*Joaquin Phoenix

mars sextile Jupiter:

*Nicki Minaj

*Emma Stone

*Bella Thorne

*Reese Witherspoon

11. Natal Midheaven conjunct north node.

Our career placement, the Midheaven, in conjunction with our North node, karmic destiny can be seen in quite a few famous individuals including:

*Jared Leto (We the Kings singer and actor has his conjunction in Aquarius)

*Jaden Smith (actor, rapper, and nepo baby has his conjunction in Virgo) *Donald Glover/Childish Gambino (actor, writer, rapper and producer has his conjunction in Gemini)

*Meryl Streep (world famous actress has her conjunction in Aries)

*Mike Tyson (world famous boxer has his conjunction in Taurus)

12. Gemini energy is very common amongst rappers.

Gemini energy is extremely prominent amongst rappers, for the sake of keeping this example shorter I will just be using sun sign Gemini’s. The list of sun sign Geminis:

*Kendrick Lamar

*Sage the Gemini

*Fetty Wap

*Ice Cube

*Kanye West

*Tupac Shakur

*Notorious B.I.G.

*Trippie Redd

*Kodak Black

*Takeoff

*G-Eazy

*Don Toliver

*Azaelia Banks

*Macklemore

*Swae Lee

13. A 10th & 11th house conjunction. If two planets are conjunct but fall into the 10th house of public image and the 11th house of friends/friend groups.

Both of these houses are major players when it comes to our public life. A few examples of these placements are:

*Kim Kardashian (sun in 11 is conjunct her Pluto in 10th)

*Eminem (sun in 11 is conjunct his 10th house Uranus)

*Nicki Minaj (her 10th house sun conjunct her 11th house Venus)

*Marilyn Monroe (11th house sun conjunct her 10th house Mercury)

14. Having prominent Mercury aspects.

Mercury is the planet of communication and self expression. Having mercury aspects are common amongst famous individuals as well including:

*Stephen King (who has had an extremely long career with countless dark books written and movies made, has natal Mercury sextile Pluto & Mercury conjunct Neptune, and Mercury sextile Saturn)

*Drake (has natal Mercury conjunct Venus, common amongst musicians and actors)

*Beyoncé (has her natal Mercury sextile North Node, Mercury sextile mars, and Mercury conjunct Saturn, and her songs have been listened to around the world countless times)

*Justin Bieber (who unfortunately has had a lot of hardships explaining himself and expressing his truths has Mercury square North Node, Mercury square ascendant, and Mercury square Pluto)

*Liam Neeson (the world famous actor has his natal sun conjunct Mercury, Mercury conjunct Venus and moon opposite Mercury)

Research Disclaimer:

All research was conducted by Arielle in April & May 2024. This is all information found by her own research. There are definitely more celebrities that fall under these categories not listed. There is more room to further research this topic.

-AH

IG: @starlit.artistry

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Devotional Hours Within the Bible

by James Russell Miller

Naaman Healed of Leprosy (2 Kings 5:1-14)

The story of Naaman is interesting in several ways. It gives us a glimpse of the times. The country of Israel was subject to incursions from hostile tribes. In these raids not only was property carried away but women and children were ofttimes taken as captives. Naaman himself was a great man in his country; he was commander-in-chief of the army of Syria. He was held in distinction by the king, who honored Naaman throughout the land. He had won great battles. He was a brave and valiant soldier. But all this list of honors was offset by one sad woe he was a leper!

This story of Naaman is like many a rich man’s life today. He has all that wealth can give him BUT there is some dark shadow, an incurable disease, a secret sorrow, a domestic infelicity, a shame which nothing can blot out and that spoils all the glory. No human life is altogether perfect. No human happiness is altogether complete. Leprosy meant sin every one of us, however great, is a sinner. Leprosy was a terrible disease. It was incurable. Its progress was slow but certain. It ate away the body joint by joint. In the land of Israel it drove a man from his home and friends, to live in isolation. Yet the leprous body is only a type of the leprous soul. We all have this drawback which Naaman had.

The incident of the little girl is instructive, and yet moving. It was a cruel fate that had torn her away from her home in the country of Israel. Young girls will be interested in this little maid and will sympathize with her in her sad misfortune. She may have been ten or twelve years of age. She was carried off by a company of Syrian soldiers from her home, and was held captive. She must have been greatly frightened as the rough men of war seized her and took her away with them. Her mother must have wept bitterly. Her father and brothers must have vowed some time to get the child back. But God had her in His keeping, and He used her while a captive to do good.

This is not the only Bible story of a captive child. We all remember about Joseph, who when but a lad was treacherously sold by his own brothers and carried off to Egypt as a slave. Yet he in his captivity proved a great blessing, not only to Egypt but to his own people and to the very brothers who had sold him! Daniel also was carried away when only a child into a heathen country, and he also did a great deal of good.

Sometimes children are put into places and circumstances of hardship, where they must suffer much; but wherever their lot is cast, and whatever the circumstances are in which they find themselves, they may do good. Wherever God allows us to be placed we shall find not only divine protection but an opportunity for usefulness. God has something for us to do right there or He would not have put us there. Some children find themselves living in hard conditions, without many pleasures, receiving unjust or cruel treatment, it may be; but they may trust God in the hardest circumstances. He will not forget them, and if they commit their lives to Him He will use them for doing good.

This little girl was thoughtful and sympathetic. Evidently she had been well trained, for she knew much about God and God’s prophet. When she learned of Naaman’s condition as a leper she expressed to her mistress the wish that he might visit the prophet who was in her country. It seems a little strange, that this child who had been carried away captive by Naaman’s soldiers, perhaps by Naaman himself, should have this kindly interest in her master. She had been cruelly wronged, torn away from her homeland, and carried as a captive to a foreign country. She was now captive, working as a slave in Naaman’s house. We would not have been surprised, if the child had cherished bitter feelings toward the great captain. But instead of this she looked upon him with pity. She even interested herself so much in his recovery, as to tell her mistress about the prophet who could heal him. We have a lesson here on the treatment of those who have wronged us or injured us. We should always try to do them good.

Another suggestion from this part of the story, is that even a child can do great good. But for this little maid, Naaman probably would have remained a leper, growing worse and worse, until he died. Her words to her mistress made her and Naaman also aware of the healing that was within reach. There is a Prophet greater than Elisha, of whom every Christian child knows Jesus Christ Himself. We should tell those about us who are in sin or in sorrow of this great Healer, that they may come to Him as Naaman went to Elisha and find blessing. If this child had said nothing of the prophet, Naaman would not have learned of the healer!

We learn here also that there is no place in life without its opportunities for usefulness. We would say that this little child, a captive in a strange land, could not be of any use in the world yet her simple - hearted kindness was the means of the curing of the great soldier. A boy may be in a very humble place just an office boy, an errand boy, a messenger boy; or a girl may be only a little serving maid in some great house. Yet both of them may bear such witness for their Master in their lowly places as to become great blessings to others!

Naaman quickly availed himself of the information which had come through the little slave girl, and with a letter of introduction from his king soon appeared in the country of Samaria. But he went to the wrong place with his leprosy. His king had sent him to the king of Israel instead of to the prophet. And when the letter was read by the king, it caused alarm. He knew that he could not cure the man of his leprosy, and at once he suspected that the letter from the king of Syria was part of a plot to bring about war. As he opened the letter he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God? Can I kill and bring back to life? Why does this fellow send someone to me to be cured of his leprosy?”

Just so, many people go to the wrong place with their troubles, their sorrows, their sins. The king could not cure Naaman’s leprosy. There are some things which earthly power cannot do. It is said that money will do anything but there are many things which money cannot do. It cannot buy love. It cannot give peace to a troubled heart. It cannot prolong life. The queen’s cry, “Millions for a moment of time,” received no answer. Rich men in authority may have great power but there are poor men who, by their prayers, by their teachings, or by their lives can bring blessings which no rich man could bring. It is better to have Elisha’s power to do good than to be king!

Elisha helped the king out of his perplexing dilemma. “When Elisha the man of God heard that the king of Israel had torn his robes, he sent him this message: Why have you torn your robes? Have the man come to me and he will know that there is a prophet in Israel.” It was a splendid cavalcade that waited before the prophet’s humble dwelling that day. Although Naaman was a leper and had come to implore help of a lowly servant of God he kept up all his grand style. There was no sign of humility. Indeed, he expected to be cured in a grand way, and then to pay for the healing with a princely sum. He was not there as a poor suppliant, and no doubt he thought he was conferring great honor upon this humble and obscure prophet in coming thus to him.

There are many people in these modem days, who treat Christ’s Church very much as Naaman wished to treat Elisha. They put on all their magnificence when they attend the services. They consider that they honor the Church when they accept its ministrations. They like to be called patrons of the Church. They show favor to it. Such people, like Naaman here, will find it necessary to get out of their chariots, to lay aside their fine trappings, to step down into the valley of humiliation, and to bathe in the fountain of Christ’s blood before they can find any real blessing at God’s hand. There is no way to the favor and mercy of God but by the way of penitence and humility.

Elisha was not awed by the grandeur of the general before his gate. He did not even come out to speak to the great man sitting in the chariot before his door. He showed not a shadow of servility. He simply sent a message to him, telling him to go and wash in Jordan seven times. Naaman was very angry and turned away in rage. He was angry because Elisha had not shown deference to his grandeur. He was not there as one of the common herd but as the great general of Syria. He had formed his own idea of the way he ought to be healed in some grand way. There are people who in their pride and haughtiness, imagine that God should treat them differently from common folks. The way of the cross is altogether too humble for them. They turn away with scorn and rage from it!

But we must not fail to notice how nearly Naaman missed being healed. Had it not been for the entreaties of his attendants he would have gone away a leper still, rather than submit to the prophet’s lowly requirements. There are many people who fail altogether of salvation, for the same reason. They come to the cross but when they hear what they must do to be saved they turn away, keeping their sins and their leprous hearts, rejecting the salvation which can come to them only in Christ’s way!

It is well that Naaman’s servants were wiser than himself. They persuaded him to do as the prophet had bidden him to do. So he thought better of his course; he let the counsel of his friends influence him; he considered how foolish it would be for him to miss the curing of his leprosy. He let his rage cool down and returned humble.

He had a second chance. This shows the divine patience. Thousands of people reject Christ, and then, when they come, by and by they find the way still open. They have a second chance. God waits long to be gracious even to the sinner who has often refused the invitation of mercy. Naaman did as he was bidden. “So Naaman went down to the Jordan River and dipped himself seven times, as the man of God had instructed him. And his flesh became as healthy as a young child’s, and he was healed!”

[freebiblestudies]

The Three Angels Messages Lesson 02: No Sympathy for the Devil

Revelation 14:8 - And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she has made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.”

The second angel’s message seems very complicated at first.  It definitely deals with a lot of symbols.  In order to understand this Bible verse, let’s take a closer look at the following keywords:

Babylon

Fallen

Wine

Wrath

Fornication

Let’s read together Genesis 9:7-17; Genesis 10:10; Genesis 11:1-4; Isaiah 14:13-14; and Daniel 1:2.

If we are to talk about Babylon, we need to also discuss Babel. Both kingdoms were founded in the land of Shinar.  Babel can be considered the archetype for all the worldly kingdoms that followed it.

The story of the Tower of Babel is one of the most famous stories in the Bible.  Have you ever considered the builders’ motivations for building the tower in the first place?

 The builders did not trust God’s promise to never destroy the world again with a flood.  They wanted to survive another flood on their own power. 

The builders also did not want to follow God’s command to be fruitful and multiply across the earth.  Rather, they wanted to build a tower whose “top is in the heavens”  and make a name for themselves.  The builders seem to be motivated by pride and perhaps to even take the worship of God for themselves.

Let’s read together Exodus 20:2-6; 1 Chronicles 9:1; Jeremiah 16:18; Jeremiah 50:38; and Daniel 3:1-7.

The story of Daniel’s three friends and the fiery furnace is another well-known Bible story.  Have you considered what was Nebuchadnezzar’s motivation for setting up the golden image in the first place?  He wanted everyone in his empire to acknowledge Babylon as supreme, even over any god his subjects might be worshiping.  If anyone refused to bow before Nebuchadnezzar’s golden idol, they were to be killed by being tossed into a fiery furnace. 

Nebuchadnezzar had essentially set up a false religious system of worship enforced by civil authority.   This system forced people to choose between dying for their religious faith or to compromise that faith in order to live.

Let’s read together 2 Samuel 1:27; Isaiah 21:9; Jeremiah 51:8-9, 47; Daniel 5:25-30; and Revelation 18:2.

“Babylon is fallen, is fallen.”  God ultimately judged Babylon for its idolatry and persecution of God’s people.  Babylon was conquered by the Medo-Persians in 539 BC.

Let’s read together Proverbs 20:1; 23:29-35; 31:3-5; and Jeremiah 51:7.

Alcoholic wine in the Bible is always viewed in a negative light.  Alcoholic wine clouds and even perverts judgment.   Note that the Bible does talk about unfermented non-alcoholic wine more positively, but that is a Bible study for another time.

Let’s read Psalm 75:8; Jeremiah 23:15; and Hosea 4:11-12

Prophetically speaking, wine also represents God’s judgment against wickedness and  idolatry.  You definitely do not want to drink this wine!

Let’s read together Exodus 15:6-7; 32:9-12; Numbers 11:33; 16:46; Deuteronomy 9:7-8; 2 Kings 22:13-17; Ezra 5:12; Jeremiah 44:7-9; and Romans 1:18.

What is wrath?  The Merriam-Webster Dictionary offers two definitions that are relevant to our Bible study today.  Wrath can be defined as a “strong vengeful anger or indignation (anger aroused by something unjust, unworthy, or mean).”  Wrath can also be defined as “retributory punishment for an offense or a crime; divine punishment.”

God’s wrath is His response to sin.  In the Old Testament, God’s wrath consumed the Egyptian army chasing the children of Israel.  God’s wrath was also aroused when the children of Israel committed sins or fell into idolatry.  God’s wrath led to the destruction of the temple of Jerusalem and the Babylonian captivity.

Let’s read together Psalm 21:8-9; Zephaniah 1:1-18; Matthew 3:7; Luke 3:7; Romans 2:5; Ephesians 5:6; and Colossians 3:6.

God’s wrath is also associated with judgment.  God’s wrath will be poured in full on the unrighteous at Judgment Day.

Let’s read together Numbers 16:46; 2 Chronicles 12:6-9; 32:25-26; Psalms 78:32-39: 85:2-4; and 106:23.

Despite what many people believe, God does not want to pour His wrath on people.  In the Old Testament, Aaron and Moses both interceded on behalf of the children of Israel to avert God’s wrath.  God is willing to spare sinners from His wrath when they humble themselves before Him.  Whether it was the people of Israel or a king like Hezekiah, God was willing to grant mercy to all who came to Him earnestly and asked forgiveness of their sins.

Let’s read together Isaiah 53:4-6, 10; John 3:16, 36; Romans 5:9; 1 Thessalonians 5:9; and 1 John 4:10.

God has done everything He could to shield us from His wrath.  God loves us so much that He gave His only son Jesus to die for our sins.  Jesus is our ultimate intercessor.  We only have to confess and repent of our sins and call upon Jesus as our Lord and Savior.

Let’s read together Ezekiel 23:16-18; Hosea 4:11-12; Isaiah 23:17; and  John 8:41.

What is fornication?  The Merriam-Webster Dictionary gives the definition as “sexual intercourse between two persons who are not married to each other.” 

The Bible likened God’s people (the church) to a woman (Jeremiah 6:2).  Paul the Apostle described the church as the bride of Christ (Ephesians 5:22-33).  Therefore, spiritual fornication would be the church embracing someone or something other than Christ.  In the Old Testament times, the people of Israel strayed from God and worshiped various idols and other false gods.

Let’s read together Matthew 24:24; John 4:24; 2 Timothy 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-23; Revelation 17:1-6; and Revelation 18:3, 9.

The book of the Bible describes a harlot woman who represents a false worship of Christ. This church outwardly seems Christian, but in actuality, it does not follow Jesus in spirit and truth.  Many people will be deceived and fall into Babylon.

Let’s read together Deuteronomy 31:19 and Revelation 18:1-8.

What does the second angel’s message mean?

All false systems of worship will be judged.  Salvation by works, the idea you can make it to heaven on your own merits, cannot save you.  Salvation in sin, the idea that once you are saved, you are always saved, will lead you to be lost.  All these forms of worship will lead you to Babylon.

Even if you are worshiping at the “right” church the “right” way, you can have Babylon in your heart.  If you harbor pride in your heart or you esteem anything in the world more than God, then you are in spiritual Babylon.

If you find yourself in Babylon, what are you to do?  God wants you to leave Babylon right now!  Jesus is calling you to worship Him in spirit and in truth.  He does not want you to face God’s wrath.  Repent and turn to Christ your Savior!

Friend, will you share the second angel’s message with others?

[mosrambles]

can we take a second to talk about celestial beings

(from a jewish lens)

Angels/celestials are incomprehensible in thought but since they are based in religon it only makes sense that we as humans all have different perceptions of them. This also varies based on religon, culture, etc. What I find cool about the jewish perspective of angels and celestial bodies is that it varies depending on the prophet, specifically Daniel and Ezekiel.

Every year on the first day of shavuot I find myself reading over the same few pasukim in the haftarah. I cant help but be enraptured by the description of gods chariots as god appears before Ezekiel in a vision. The juxtaposition between the children of Israel coming close to catching a glimpse of the divine at Sinai and Ezekiel coming close to seeing god is iconic and i cant not mention it. anywho back to the perek, ill put the english below the break if youd like to hear more :3

Ezekiel 1:1 (sefaria.org)

...a huge cloud and flashing fire, surrounded by a radiance; and in the center of it, in the center of the fire, a gleam as of amber. In the center of it were also the figures of four creatures. And this was their appearance: They had the figures of human beings. However, each had four faces, and each of them had four wings; the legs of each were [fused into] a single rigid leg, and the feet of each were like a single calf’s hoof; and their sparkle was like the luster of burnished bronze. They had human hands below their wings. The four of them had their faces and their wings on their four sides. Each one’s wings touched those of the other. They did not turn when they moved; each could move in the direction of any of its faces. Each of them had a human face [at the front]; each of the four had the face of a lion on the right; each of the four had the face of an ox on the left; and each of the four had the face of an eagle [at the back]...

Theres more detail outlining the movement of the wings and the wheels of the chariots covered with eyes.

"When those moved, these moved; and when those stood still, these stood still; and when those were borne above the earth, the wheels were borne alongside them—for the spirit of the creatures was in the wheels."

I dont know about anyone else but ive seen my fair share of angel imagery regarding the three faces and/or multiple wings. However the combination of all these different depictions in one moment is indescribable. I can think of many words (divine, defying, awe, terror) but none will be able to describe the visceral image of the throne above the chariot, the semblance of the Presence of god. Just as Ezekiel did, I too would have "flung myself down on my face". What i find particularly captivating is the following interaction. Yes of course god came to speak and deliver a message to Ezekiel, but the thing about judaism is that god doesnt speak AT the children of Israel. He speaks through them, within them. In the second pasuk it describes it as a "spirit enter[ing] into [him]". Only once hashem was speaking through him did he hear what was being spoken to him.

On the contrary, Daniel had a much different experience regarding his vision.

Daniel 10:5 (sefaria.org)

Prior to the vision Im gonna talk about, the angel Gabriel spoke with daniel and delivered a message. He was given 7 weeks to rebuild jerusalem and to usher in eternal righteousness, ratifying the prophetic vision. Daniel kept 3 weeks of mourning before seeing

"a man dressed in linen, his loins girt in fine gold. His body was like beryl, his face had the appearance of lightning, his eyes were like flaming torches, his arms and legs had the color of burnished bronze, and the sound of his speech was like the noise of a multitude."

Daniel was with others, but only he could see it. Despite this the other men were seized with a great terror, akin to the sense of dread you can get even when youre seemingly alone. The figure delivers a message and daniel was drained of strength and vigor, overcome by a deep sleep.

Beryl is an interesting descriptor because, well, its a mineral. They can be found in morganite, aquamarine, and emerald. The key fact about beryl is that they can be up to several meters in their naturally occurring state. This implies the "man" was tall, his face bright and hard to look at with the naked eye. Lightning brings the idea of something almost acrid, sharp and bitter, the torches a contrasting yet accompanying warmth. You wouldnt expect gold and bronze to be put together, yet its combined with linen. It makes me think of the contrast between portrayal verses being. The man is dressed in linens yet hes girded in gold, described by these biotic features that usually arent attributed to humans. The best part is it describes his skin to be the COLOR of burnished bronze.

What striked me the most was the description of his speech. "the noise of a multitude". that phrasing in of itself just sounds ethereal. There isnt a voice mentioned, its speech. Speech, unlike a voice, is an abiotic way of looking at things. Speech is something a computer can do, not just a human. This implies that while man is used to describe the figure, there is obviously an otherworldly aspect to him.

Then theres the multitude part. Kind of like how chariots have multitudes of eyes, i love the idea of this figure having multitudes of speech. I imagine hundreds upon thousands of voices, overlapping and piling on top of eachother. They vary in pitch, tone, language, forming a distorted union around a central idea. The concept of a multitude is vague and relative, but thats the point when it comes to these types of ideas. its up for interpretation

Anywho its 3am thus ends this ramble, ignore the grammar mistakes :3

[orthodoxydaily]

Saints&Reading: Monday, April 8, 2024

march 26_April 8

Synaxis of the Archangel Gabriel

Troparion

Gabriel, commander of the heavenly hosts, / we who are unworthy beseech you, / by your prayers encompass us beneath the wings of your immaterial glory, / and faithfully preserve us who fall down and cry to you: / “Deliver us from all harm, for you are the commander of the powers on high!”

The Lord chose the Archangel Gabriel to announce to the Virgin Mary the Incarnation of the Son of God from Her to the great rejoicing of all mankind. Therefore, on the day after the Feast of the Annunciation, the day the All-Pure Virgin is glorified, we give thanks to the Lord and venerate His messenger Gabriel, who contributed to the mystery of our salvation.

Gabriel, the holy Archistrategos (Leader of the Heavenly Hosts), is a faithful servant of the Almighty God. He announced the future Incarnation of the Son of God to those of the Old Testament; he inspired the Prophet Moses to write the Pentateuch (first five books of the Old Testament), he announced the coming tribulations of the Chosen People to the Prophet Daniel (Dan. 8:16, 9:21-24); he appeared to Saint Anna (July 25) with the news that she would give birth to the Virgin Mary.

The holy Archangel Gabriel remained with the Holy Virgin Mary when She was a child in the Temple of Jerusalem, and watched over Her throughout Her earthly life. He appeared to the Priest Zachariah, foretelling the birth of the Forerunner of the Lord, Saint John the Baptist.

The Lord sent him to Saint Joseph the Betrothed in a dream, to reveal to him the mystery of the Incarnation of the Son of God from the All-Pure Virgin Mary, and warned him of the wicked intentions of Herod, ordering him to flee into Egypt with the divine Infant and His Mother.

When the Lord prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane before His Passion, the Archangel Gabriel, whose very name signifies “Man of God” (Luke. 22:43), was sent from Heaven to strengthen Him.

The Myrrh-Bearing Women heard from the Archangel the joyous news of Christ’s Resurrection (Mt.28:1-7, Mark 16:1-8).

Mindful of the holy Archangel Gabriel's manifold appearances and his zealous fulfillment of God’s will and confessing his intercession for Christians before the Lord, the Orthodox Church calls upon its children to pray to the great Archangel with faith and love.

The Synaxis of the Holy Archangel Gabriel is also celebrated on July 13. All the angels are commemorated on November 8.

VENERABLE MALCUS OF CHALCIS , MONK IN SYRIA  (4th c.)

The Life of Saint Malchus, the Captive Monk, was written by St. Jerome in his monastery in Bethlehem. The composition is original in that St. Jerome reports the solitary man telling his own life story to him.

I was an only child and tenant of a small farm at Nisibis. When my parents were coercing me to marry because I was the last descendant of the family and their sole heir, I told them that I preferred to be a monk. With what threats my father assailed me, with what coaxing my mother pursued me to betray my chastity, you can judge by the fact that I left both home and my parents.

In Bethlehem, St. Jerome writes the story Malchus told him since I could not go to the East because of the proximity of Persia and the Roman guard, I turned to the West, taking very few provisions, merely enough to keep me alive. To be brief, I finally reached the desert of Chalcis. There, having found a community of monks, I placed myself under their guidance, earning my living by the toil of my hands and curbing the lust of the flesh with fasting.

After many years, the thought occurred to me that I should return to my native land while my mother was still alive (I had heard of my father’s death) to comfort her in her widowhood. After her death, I could sell our possessions, give part of the proceeds to the poor, erect a monastery with another part, and (why should I blush to confess my infidelity) reserve the rest to take care of my own needs.

My Abbot protested that my desire to return home was a temptation from the Devil and that under a virtuous pretext lay concealed the snares of our ancient enemy; in other words, the dog was returning to its vomit.

Many monks, he said, had been deceived in this way, for the Devil never comes without disguises. When persuasion failed, he begged me on his knees not to desert him, not to ruin myself, not to look back having put my hand to the plough.

Alas, miserable creature that I am, I did not relent. He escorted me from the monastery as if he were attending a corpse in a funeral procession. Bidding me a last farewell, he said: “I see, my son, that you are marked by the brand of Satan. I do not seek the causes nor do I accept excuses. The sheep that leaves the sheepfold straightway exposes itself to the teeth of the wolf.”

I decided to travel in company to decrease the danger of surprise attack by nomad Saracens, always wandering back and forth on the road. There were about 70 in my company, men women and children. Suddenly, Ishmaelites, riding upon horses and camels, descended upon us in a startling attack. We were seized, scattered and carried off in different directions. A woman of the company and I fell by lot into the hands of the same master.

The slave Malchus is content tending sheep in solitude and prayerWe were lifted up onto camels and traveled through the vast desert until we arrived at its heart, where the master’s household was. There I was assigned the task of pasturing the sheep and, in contrast to the evils I might have been subjected to, I enjoyed the comfort of rarely seeing my master and fellow slaves.

Alone in the desert, I lived on cheese and milk; I prayed continually; I sang the psalms I had learned in the monastery. In fact, I was delighted with my captivity and I thanked God for his judgment, for the monk whom I had nearly lost in my own country I had found again in the desert.

But nothing is ever safe from the Devil. How multiple and unspeakable are his deceits. My master, seeing his herd increase and finding in me nothing of fraud �� for I obeyed the Apostle’s injunction that masters were to be served as faithfully as God himself – desired to reward me to better insure my fidelity. So he offered me in marriage the woman slave who had been taken captive with me.

When I refused and said that I was a Christian and it was not lawful for me to have for wife one whose husband was living (her husband had been captured with us and carried off by another master), my implacable master was seized with fury. Drawing his sword he started to attack me. If I had not made haste to throw my arm about the woman, he would have shed my blood then and there.

All too soon for me, night came on, darker than usual. I led my new bride into a ruined cave nearby. Realizing the full force of my captivity and, throwing myself down on the ground, I began to lament and sob for the monk I was on the point of losing. “Of what avail to have renounced parents, country, property for the Lord, if I now do the very thing that I would not do when I renounced them. What shall I do, my soul, perish or conquer?”

Prepared to turn the blade of my sword against myself rather than suffer the death of the soul, I told the woman, “Farewell, unhappy woman. I am yours to have as a martyr rather than a husband.”

Then to my surprise, the woman threw herself at my feet and beseeched me not shed my blood, for she said, even if her husband would return to her, she would preserve the chastity that captivity had taught her and would rather die than lose it.

“Take me, therefore, as a spouse in chastity,” she said, “and love the bond of the soul rather than that of the body. Let our master believe you a husband; Christ will know the brother.”

I confess that I was amazed and, admiring the virtue of that woman, I loved her more than if she were my spouse. Never, however, did I look upon her nude body; never did I touch her flesh, fearing to lose in peace what I had preserved in conflict.

Many days passed in wedlock of this kind. Our marriage rendered us more pleasing to our master; there was no suspicion of flight. Sometimes I was absent for a whole month, all alone, the trusted shepherd of the flock...to be continued

ISAIAH 14:24-32

24 The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, And as I have purposed, so it shall stand: 25 That I will break the Assyrian in My land, And on My mountains tread him underfoot. Then his yoke shall be removed from them, And his burden removed from their shoulders. 26 This is the purpose that is purposed against the whole earth, And this is the hand that is stretched out over all the nations. 27 For the Lord of hosts has purposed, And who will annul it? His hand is stretched out, And who will turn it back?” 28 This is the burden that came in the year that King Ahaz died. 29 “Do not rejoice, all you of Philistia, Because the rod that struck you is broken; For out of the serpent’s roots will come forth a viper, And its offspring will be a fiery flying serpent. 30 The firstborn of the poor will feed, And the needy will lie down in safety; I will kill your roots with famine, And it will slay your remnant. 31 Wail, O gate! Cry, O city! All you of Philistia are dissolved; For smoke will come from the north, And no one will be alone in his appointed times.” 32 What will they answer the messengers of the nation? That the Lord has founded Zion, And the poor of His people shall take refuge in it.

GENESIS 8:21-9:7

21 And the Lord smelled a soothing aroma. Then the Lord said in His heart, “I will never again curse the ground for man’s sake, although the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth; nor will I again destroy every living thing as I have done. 22 “While the earth remains, Seedtime and harvest, Cold and heat, Winter and summer, And day and night Shall not cease.”

1 So God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them: “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth. 2 “And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, on every bird of the air, on all that move on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea. They are given into your hand. 3 “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you. I have given you all things, even as the green herbs. 4 “But you shall not eat flesh with its life, that is, its blood. 5 “Surely for your lifeblood I will demand a reckoning; from the hand of every beast I will require it, and from the hand of man. From the hand of every man’s brother I will require man's life. 6 “Whoever sheds man’s blood, By man his blood shall be shed; For in the image of God He made man. 7 And as for you, be fruitful and multiply; Bring forth abundantly in the earth And multiply in it.”

[walkswithmyfather]

“During the third year of King Jehoiakim’s reign in Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon came to Jerusalem and besieged it. The Lord gave him victory over King Jehoiakim of Judah and permitted him to take some of the sacred objects from the Temple of God. So Nebuchadnezzar took them back to the land of Babylonia and placed them in the treasure-house of his god.

Then the king ordered Ashpenaz, his chief of staff, to bring to the palace some of the young men of Judah’s royal family and other noble families, who had been brought to Babylon as captives. “Select only strong, healthy, and good-looking young men,” he said. “Make sure they are well versed in every branch of learning, are gifted with knowledge and good judgment, and are suited to serve in the royal palace. Train these young men in the language and literature of Babylon.” The king assigned them a daily ration of food and wine from his own kitchens. They were to be trained for three years, and then they would enter the royal service.

Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah were four of the young men chosen, all from the tribe of Judah. The chief of staff renamed them with these Babylonian names: Daniel was called Belteshazzar. Hananiah was called Shadrach. Mishael was called Meshach. Azariah was called Abednego. But Daniel was determined not to defile himself by eating the food and wine given to them by the king. He asked the chief of staff for permission not to eat these unacceptable foods.”

—Daniel 1:1‭-‬8 (NLT)

“Obeying God” By InTouch Ministries:

“Make it a daily habit to spend time with God in the Word, and you'll be ready for the inevitable challenges of life.”

“The story of Daniel illustrates some key elements of obedience. The young man knew that God’s law had dietary restrictions prohibiting food that had been offered to idols, yet now he was in foreign land with no such limitations. When King Nebuchadnezzar ordered that food from his table be given to Daniel, that posed a dilemma: Was it better to obey the Lord and risk angering the king or to disobey God and please the ruler?

The underlying issue was allegiance to God. Daniel could have rationalized breaking the divine command by telling himself he was a servant and had no choice. Instead, he resolved not to eat the royal food and sought a solution that would honor the Lord and keep His law.

Today, many things that our world finds acceptable are outside God’s will for His children. The struggle comes down to this: Our desire as Christians is to obey the Lord, whereas our fleshly side wants to please ourselves. However, obeying God is always the right choice.

To become like Daniel, we must consistently apply Scripture to our decision-making. Then, when challenges come, we’ll have the courage to obey God’s commands.”

[raikkonenvettels]

thank you to @itsillyakuryakin and @thatquirkycookie for tagging me in this, it was fun!

Pairing/Shippy list!

Here’s the rules:

1. List your top seven ships

2. Put them all in order for your love for them; 7 to 1, 1 being your favourite.

3. Name the fandom.

4. Put a picture of the guys in question.

let’s goooooo! (this all all f1 ships btw)

7. loscar (logan sergeant / oscar piastri)

(aren’t they the cutest babies btw like???)

reasons: they have captivated me with their dynamic and i still have to completely understand why too. anyways childhood friends to lover with a shit ton of pining anyone? (also did you know that logan was in a picture on the fridge of the piastri household? yeah)

6. makkinen (mika hakkinen / michael schumacher)

(i love this pic of them sm 😭)

reasons: i have been appreciating them a lot more rn so i thought they should be here! they are married TO ME (also the og grumpy finn/sunshine german 😩)

5. dando (daniel ricciardo / lando norris)

(fruity af and also lando’s face in the first pic apkeekek he was soooo red)

reasons: the sillies i love them so much 😭 it’s the “everyone said we would be great together, but it seems we hate each other in the beginning but then something shifts and now i’m in love with you and have to let you go” TO ME. when i saw the pics of them together on the plane my soul ascended for a sec.

4. jensonando (jenson button / fernando alonso)

(that second pic is my LIFE you don’t understand!!!)

reasons: also the sillies, i genuinely love them and their dynamic so much, and the fact that they so underrated is CRIMINAL to ME!!!

3. britcedes (george russel / sir lewis hamilton)

(they are twinning in the first pic 😩)

reasons: from the first moment i saw them together i knew there was SOMETHING about them. like genuinely the way they look at each other makes me literally go “😵‍💫😵‍💫😵‍💫” irl it’s not even funny. also the fics for this ship are soooooo good it’s insane like some of them capture them sosososo well??? and also i want both of them to like genuinely be happy and i think they would be the happiest with each other!!!

2. charlos (charles leclerc / carlos sainz jr)

(they are so silly and goofy my beloved idiot boys 🫶🏻)

reasons: ferrari boys 2: electric boogaloo. honestly the more i see their interactions the more i question if they are like actually kinda gay for each other bc like some of their moments are very suspicious like 😵‍💫 they call each other baby all the time, carlos has called charles love, they ALWAYS have to be touching each other, they are always giggly and blushy around each other etc etc. honestly i love them sooooo much and i am not prepared to see them being separated as teammates 😭

1. simi (sebastian vettel / kimi raikkonen)

(i could’t dump my whole gallery here so i limited myself alsksksk)

reasons: there is just so much i have to say about them bc like they are literally so important to me it’s insane but i’ll try to keep this as short as possible.

they have the best trope (grumpy x sunshine is the best idc about what anyone says, but also specifically the “i am supposed to be the iceman, but you are my sunshine and you melted the ice around my heart” is sooooo LSMSNSNE I CAN’T), the best and longest friendship (20 years as of 2023 technically, every time something happened between them they resolved it asap. goals fr fr) AND the chemistry of a couple that has been married for an ungodly amount of time (and are still very much in love might i add). also they have many children together so there is that (charles, lance, antonio, mick, lando etc etc they are way too many). so yeah they are just better you know?

also there is SO MUCH MORE to say but i don’t want to cry today (nor do i want to annoy anyone lol) so i gotta stop here lol

honorable mentions not f1 related:

eimiko (raiden ei / yae miko) from genshin impact

the wives, need i say more?

yewnolia (yew geneolgia / magnolia arch) from bravely second

they are so underrated it’s insane

ineffable bureaucracy (beelzebub / gabriel) from good omens

i can’t believe they are actually canon 😭

meikai (MEIKO / KAITO) from vocaloid

literally soulmates (created to be used together)

tagging @watercolor-hearts to do this bc this is genuinely fun af!!! (no pressure as always tho!)

[aboutanancientenquiry]

The Byzantine scholiasts of Herodotus

“Why Herodotus is Worth Copying: The Scholia on Book 1

Simone A. Oppen

The scholia to Herodotus remain neglected (as discussed by Eleanor Dickey, 2007: 53-54), despite a general resurgence of interest in scholia (witness D. J. Mastronarde’s 2017 studies on the scholia to Euripides and the English translation of the scholia to the Iliad forthcoming from Cambridge University Press). The Herodotean scholia are comprised primarily, though not exclusively, of glosses (as noted by David Asheri, 1991: 241 and A. B. Lloyd, 1993: 211). Largely through close reading of the published scholia to Book 1 of the Histories, this paper makes the case that the interplay of glosses and other material preserved by the scholia illustrates a way of reading Herodotus distinct from that suggested by the Λέξεις Ἡρδότου (two glossaries, one arranged by order of appearance in the Histories, the other alphabetically) and other ancient scholarship focused on the historian’s dialect (such as the Περὶ Ἰάδος of Moschopulus).

Significant differences between the glosses in the Λέξεις Ἡρδότου and those in the scholia emerge early in Book 1. After glossing several words absent from the Λέξεις Ἡρδότου (ἀνακῶς, σπερχθείς, ἄτην, ᾖα, and περιημεκτέων as indicated by H. B. Rosén’s index, 1997: 456-67), the scholiast (or scholiasts) apostrophize the Lydian king Croesus:

σὺ μὲν ὦ Κροῖσε τῷ Δελφοῖς χρηστηρίῳ θαρρήσας κατὰ τοῦ Κύρου ἐξώρμησας· ὁ δὲ Κῦρος τὸν μέγιστον προφήτην Δανιὴλ μετακαλεσάμενος καὶ ἐρωτήσας καὶ μαθὼν ἐξ αὐτοῦ ὅτι σε καὶ ἡττήσει καὶ αἰχμάλωτον λήψεται, τὸν πρὸς σὲ συνεκρότησε πόλεμον, καὶ ὁ μὲν σοὶ δοθεὶς χρησμὸς ἐψεύσθη, ἡ δὲ τοῦ Δανιὴλ προφητεία ἠλήθευσε.

You, oh Croesus, having trusted in the Delphic oracle, set out against Cyrus. But Cyrus, having summoned the greatest prophet Daniel and inquiring and learning from him that he would defeat you and take you captive, waged war against you. And the oracle given to you was mistaken, whereas the prophecy of Daniel spoke truth.

(Greek text from Asheri, 1991: 242; translation my own in consultation with Asheri’s.)

This apostrophe suggests that the scholiast (or scholiasts) read, at a minimum, both Herodotus and the Hebrew Bible and sought to rationalize the two. Similar rationalizations, in the fullest collection of scholia to Herodotus gathered by Rosén, next occur at Book 1.153 and Book 2.44.5.

Later scholia on Book 1, however, indicate a more pervasive interest in the ancient Near East and again preserve material distinct from that in the Λέξεις Ἡρδότου. The scholia to 1.71.2 gloss ἀναξυρίς not as trousers (LSJ s.v. ἀναξυρίδες), but as a leather sandal first introduced by the Persians since earlier Greeks wore footwear of linen or wool (πρῶτοι δὲ Πέρσαι καταδεδείχασι τοιαῦτα, οἱ γὰρ Ἓλληνες τὸ πρὶν πεδίλοις ἐχρῶντο, ἅ οὐ σκύτινα, ἀλλὰ λίνεα ἢ εἴρινα). At 1.99.1 the scholia remark that customs established by Deioces are observed by Turks even now (τοῦτο καὶ νῦν φυλάττεται παρὰ τῶν Τούρκων; cf. scholia ad 1.135). The scholia to 1.125 connect the names Persian and Achaemenid to children born from intermarriage. These glosses are not idle but, together with material such as the apostrophe above, provide evidence that the scholiasts sought to guide future readers in using the text of the Histories as a source of knowledge about the ancient Near East relevant to their own historical moments.

In sum, this paper illuminates a part of the intellectual environment surrounding late antique and Byzantine readership of Herodotus. In so doing it makes a small contribution to our knowledge of the history of Herodotean readership. Parts of this history—whose lack was noted already by Felix Jacoby (1913: 504-5)—have been written by S. R. West (2011) and Olga Tribulato (2016). And yet their important work, focused respectively on the papyri of Herodotus and ancient Greek lexicography and grammar, has not specifically addressed the scholia preserved by the manuscript tradition, as this paper begins to do. Thus, this paper helps us to better understand some of the reasons why Herodotus’ monumental text remained relevant enough to readerly communities to merit copying.”

Source for this abstract of the paper: https://classicalstudies.org/why-herodotus-worth-copying-scholia-book-1

Simone Oppen, Assistant Professor at the College of Liberal Arts, University of Minnesota, specializes in Greek drama and historiography, in particular literary production under the Athenian Empire and its later reception (https://spanalumni.academia.edu/SimoneOppen/CurriculumVitae ).

[lilyofgod]

WHAT RACE WERE THE ANCIENT ISRAELITES?

Let me preface this by saying, I don't believe in preaching the Gospel to any particular race or nationality. Yeshua made it clear, his teachings were to be preached to all creation (Mark 15:16).

However, today, many Hebrew Israelites are shirking this commandment, putting race before the Gospel. Claiming Israel was and still is a black nation. So I've decided to thoroughly research the matter and lay it to rest once and for all. (At least for me.)

But rather than jumping straight to determining what race the Israelites were, I broke it down into two questions.

1. What complexion were the Israelites?

2. What texture was their hair?

Let's start with the first question.

WHAT COMPLEXION WERE THE ISRAELITES?

Let's begin with Yeshua/Son of man.

According to John, Yeshua's feet were described as burnished brass.

"And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; and his voice as the sound of many waters." - Revelation 1:15

According to google images, these are some examples of burnished brass. A gold shade and a darker shade. As we continue, we will narrow down which shade is more likely.

The next individual we will look at is the man God sent unto Daniel. He was also described as having a body of beryl and limbs like polished brass.

"His body also was like the beryl, and his face as the appearance of lightning, and his eyes as lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like in colour to polished brass, and the voice of his words like the voice of a multitude." - Daniel 10:6

According to the Concordance, it is possible, beryl is actually yellow jasper.

Let's move on to David. In the Book of Solomon, he was described as ruddy.

"And he sent, and brought him in. Now he was ruddy, and withal of a beautiful countenance, and goodly to look to. And the LORD said, Arise, anoint him: for this is he." - 1 Samuel 16:12

The definition of ruddy has been the cause of many debates. Some believe it is a reference to white, while some believe it refers to a brownish-red. As in the red heifer.

To get a better idea, let's consider Solomon who was also described as ruddy in poetry.

"My beloved is white and ruddy, the chiefest among ten thousand." - Song of Solomon 5:10

Not only was he described as ruddy, but also as white. However, some have pointed out, the word translated as white is 'tzach', which means dazzling, glowing or clear. It doesn't necessarily mean white. However, it comes from the word 'tzachach' and was used to describe the Nazarites as being whiter than milk. In this instance, there is no doubt that the word means white.

"Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire." Lamentations 4:7

So here, we have the Nazarites being described as ruddy, like David and Solomon. But the second descriptor 'white', would imply this ruddiness was not a brownish-red, but a light complexion.

Does this mean the Israelites were white people? Based on what the Scriptures say, I would say, no. They were most likely coloured people, with complexions ranging between medium and light. David and Solomon being on the lighter side.

In the Song of Solomon, the Shulammite describes herself as black. However, this was due to her being exposed to the sun.

"Look not upon me, because I am black, because the sun hath looked upon me: my mother's children were angry with me; they made me the keeper of the vineyards; but mine own vineyard have I not kept." Lamentations 1:6

Again, Lamentations mentions the same Nazarites who were white and ruddy as becoming blacker than soot. Due to the harshness captivity.

"Her Nazarites were purer than snow, they were whiter than milk, they were more ruddy in body than rubies, their polishing was of sapphire: Their visage is blacker than a coal; they are not known in the streets: their skin cleaveth to their bones; it is withered, it is become like a stick." Lamentations 4:7-8

In all the verses I have seen describing Israel as black or dark, it was a result of captivity and not the norm.

Now, why I said Israelites were most likely a light skin people, but not white, is based on my observations of white, brown and black people.

I live in a predominantly black country, but I'm equally surrounded by Indians and see white people from all around the world on a regular basis as this a popular tourist destination.

From what I've seen, being able to go from light skin to dark is a trait more commonly found in Black and Indian people. (Not sure about other Brown races.) While some caucasians tan in the sun, it's more common for them to burn. Many of them are seen leaving the beaches over here looking all red and splotchy. I don't recall seeing any come away looking dark.

Black people and Indians on the otherhand darken pretty quickly. During vacation when the children are home from school, they usually lighten up, but once school starts, they darken quickly. Give them a week, but sometimes it only takes one day.

I myself also experience this. My complexion fluctuates with the temperature. I had a nice golden complexion, but due to the rise in temperatures and last winter in the Caribbean being hotter than usual, it's been over a year that I've darkened to brown. Literal brown as a tree trunk. I'm burnt!

So, based on what the Bible says and what I know about the different races, I believe the Israelites were not white, but were coloured people. Either medium-light skin Black people or medium-light skin Brown people.

Now let's get into their hair.

WHAT TEXTURE WAS ANCIENT ISRAEL'S HAIR?

Firstly, there is no doubt, ancient Israelites were black of hair. This is supported by God's words.

"But if the scall be in his sight at a stay, and that there is black hair grown up therein; the scall is healed, he is clean: and the priest shall pronounce him clean." Leviticus 13:37

While people with lighter hair on their heads can have darker body hair, there are many who have lighter coloured body hair. For God to specifically mention black hair being a sign that all is well, gives the impression He was speaking to a people with unquestionably black hair.

Now, let's move on to the hair texture.

According to many Hebrew Israelites, Israelites had wooly hair. They see verses like Daniel 7:9 and Revelation 1:14 as proof.

"I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire." Daniel 7:9

"His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire." Revelation 1:14

While it could refer to the texture of hair, to me, it seems to be a reference to the colour. Revelation 1:14 specifically mentions his hair being WHITE like wool. Not KINKY/COARSE like wool.

In the Scriptures, the simile, white like wool is always accompanied by white as snow. And in each case, it's always a reference to colour.

"Come now, and let us reason together, saith the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool." Isaiah 1:18

However, we have actual examples of hair texture in the Bible. The first being the Shulammite.

"Behold, thou art fair, my love; behold, thou art fair; thou hast doves' eyes within thy locks: thy hair is as a flock of goats, that appear from mount Gilead." - Song of Solomon 4:1

Here, Solomon isn't describing the colour of the Shulammite's hair. He's just talking about her hair in general. How it falls. And how does goat hair look? It's straighter than wool. Silkier and softer.

The next instance of someone's hair being likened unto goat hair is Esau who was described as red and hairy. Now, for everyone saying Esau doesn't count as he was a different race to Jacob, the same word that was used to describe David as ruddy, was used to describe Esau as red. So whatever David was, Esau was as well.

Now, to deceive Isaac and take Esau's blessing for himself, Jacob was covered in baby goat skins. Which matched the feel of Esau.

"And Rebekah took goodly raiment of her eldest son Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them upon Jacob her younger son: And she put the skins of the kids of the goats upon his hands, and upon the smooth of his neck." Genesis 27:15-16

I have seen hairy Black people and hairy Brown people. The hair on hairy black people's hands felt rougher to my touch. Whereas, the hair on Brown people feels softer and smoother. I've never felt the hair of a kid goat, but I assume its soft.

Based on this, I believe the original Israelites were a Brown race, rather than Black. Having medium-light skin with straight, wavy and maybe curly hair.

However, while I don't see any concrete evidence in the Bible of ancient Israelites being black originally. I do believe there were black Israelites among them. Israelites such as Joseph intermarried with Egyptians. Even in the wilderness they were hooking up other races. Moses was married to a Cushite. When they entered the Land, they intermarried with Canaanites, whom many believe were black, due to Canaan being Ham's grandson.

So even if the original Israelites were a Brown race, there were probably lots of Brown Israelite men with curly hair mixed children. But primarily, a lighter skin race.

Why do I say lighter skin? For one simple reason.

"Can the Ethiopian change his skin, or the leopard his spots? then may ye also do good, that are accustomed to do evil." Jeremiah 13:23

The Ethiopians or Cushites were known for being a dark skin race. If the Israelites were dark skin as well, why would God bring up the complexion of the Cushites like that? That would be like saying to a white American, can the Canadian change their skin?

No, God mentioning the dark skin of the Cushites would make more sense if they were different in complexion to the Israelites.

I believe Black Hebrew Israelites today are true Israelites, but their blackness is due to many generations intermarrying with Hamites. While in the Land surrounded by Canaanites and while in exile in Africa.

But desite their difference in appearance, as long as their fathers were Israelites, they too are Israelites.

With all this said, even though ancient Israelites were probably a Brown race with Black people mixed in, that doesn't mean Israelites today are only Brown or Black people.

Lineage is passed down through the father and throughout the generations, there would have been alot of interacial marriages, resulting in Israelites coming in all different shades and hair textures. So right now, there are Israelites of all different races. Black, Brown, Yellow and White.

This is my conclusion.

[yhwhrulz]

Charles Spurgeon's "Morning & Evening" Devotional for September 28

Morning

“Who is this?”

Matthew 21:1-16

Matthew 21:1-3

He had the hearts of all men under his control, and at once moved the owner to lend his ass. The colt came and its mother at its side, for Jesus would not cause even the meanest creature a needless pain by separating it from its young.

Matthew 21:4 , Matthew 21:5

He came in state as a judge, but it was in fitting state, and such as was becoming in a true ruler in Israel; for he did not ride upon the horse which was the boast of Egypt, but on the humbler ass, which ancient lawgivers had been content with.

Matthew 21:9

And the multitudes that went before, and that followed, cried, saying, Hosanna to the son of David or, “Save now, we beseech thee”

Matthew 21:10

Bishop Hall has well said: “The attending disciples need be at no loss for an answer. Which of the prophets has not put it into their mouths? Who is this? Ask Moses, and he shall tell you, the seed of the woman who shall bruise the serpent’s head. Ask your father Jacob, and he shall tell you, the Shiloh of the tribe of Judah. Ask David, and he shall tell you, the King of Glory. Ask Isaiah, and he shall tell you, Emmanuel, Wonderful, the mighty God, the Prince of Peace. Ask Jeremiah, and he shall tell you, the righteous Branch. Ask Daniel, and he shall tell you, the Messiah. Ask John the Baptist, he shall tell you, the Lamb of God. The God of the prophets hath told you, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Yea, the very devils themselves have been forced to confess, I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God. On no side hath Christ left himself without a full and plain testimony.”

Matthew 21:11-13

This was his second purgation of the temple. He had cleansed it once before in his earlier ministry. A las! when good things begin to be perverted they need many cleansings before they are set right again.

Matthew 21:14-16

Let children learn from this that Jesus values their praises, and let them give him their hearts while they are yet young.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

In lowly pomp ride on to die:

O Christ! thy triumphs now begin

O’er captive death and conquered sin.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

Thy last and fiercest strife is nigh:

The Father, on his sapphire throne,

Expects his own anointed Son.

Ride on, ride on in majesty!

In lowly pomp ride on to die:

Bow thy meek head to mortal pain;

Then, take, O God, thy power, and reign!

Evening

“We would see Jesus.”

John 12:20-36

John 12:20-22

These Greeks did well to desire to see the great teacher, and we shall do still better if in all our attendances upon religious worship our chief desire shall be to see Jesus. We should desire this that we may know him better, trust him more readily, and become more like him. We miss the end of public worship if we fail to see Jesus.

John 12:23 , John 12:24

Our Lord showed that he could only reach his mediatorial glory through death, and he then went on to teach the Greeks, and us, that, in like manner, by self-denial only can any of us attain to glory.

John 12:25-30

This was the third time the heavenly voice had borne witness to him. First, when as our Priest he commenced his life-work at his baptism; a second time upon the mount of transfiguration, when his Father said “Hear ye him,” thus marking him out as the prophet long foretold; and now a third time when he had just entered Jerusalem as

King. Thus in each of his three offices the Father bare witness concerning him.

John 12:32 , John 12:33

Thus by his death Satan is conquered and cast down from the seat of power, and souls are saved by myriads.

Matthew 21:17

We would see Jesus, for we know

His sovereign grace alone

Can on us hearts of flesh bestow,

And for our sins atone.

We would see Jesus, does not he

Bid contrite sinners come?

And to such guilty souls as we

Proclaim “There yet is room!”

We would see Jesus, for his saints

May lean upon his breast;

Pour out with confidence their plaints,

And find celestial rest.

We would see Jesus, and would pray

For those unhappy friends,

Who still pursue that crooked way

Which in perdition ends.

Copyright Statement This resource was produced before 1923 and therefore is considered in the "Public Domain".

[wolint]

NO LIMIT!

NO LIMIT

Joel 2:28

 

There are certain limits to most things in our society, limits that allow for protection, empowerment, qualification, and much more. However, in Christendom, God does not limit us in any way. Limitations can be placed on people for various reasons, but most are drawn from man’s standards, not God’s.

In most cases, age is the biggest limitation placed on people by man and society. “You are too young! Too old! Not old enough!” These are some discriminatory measures and limitations placed on us by society. We’re told what we can and can’t do because of age. It’s either we’re immature or too mature, too old, not old enough, or too young. Make up your mind already!

There’s an age requirement in every sphere of society for certain activities such as driving, drinking, and job offers. But in God’s kingdom, age is not required to walk with God. We mustn’t despise others or be despised because of our youth (age) according to 1 Timothy 4:12. Youth should not be the time of sowing wild oats or wasting life in the guise of enjoyment. Youthful strength should be used for living and witnessing for Christ. Youthful vigour should be used for serving the Lord and setting examples for older, mature Christians who have become lethargic in the service of the Lord. Ecclesiastes 12:1 says we should remember our Creator, the Lord, in our youth.

God can use anyone, young or old, in any way, in everyday things or big special things. Be sure that God can work in and through anyone at any time. Each age has its own experiences and adventures. According to Proverbs 20:29, agility and strength are evidenced in young people, while older people express prudent counsel and wisdom gained from life’s experiences. Unfortunately, wisdom is not always the privilege of age according to Job 12:12. A young person may be wiser than an older person in many cases.

In today’s world, the young and youth are excluded from the serious work of the ministry because of their age or perceived immaturity. But Christ admonishes us in Matthew 19:14 that only those who act like children, with child-like faith, humility of spirit, and great expectation, is heaven reserved for. It’s only such “children” that can receive from the Lord. Christ loves little children, young people, and the youth because He loves simplicity and innocence; He sanctified every age by passing through them Himself.

Daniel was a teen when he was taken into captivity, and an attempt was made to strip him of his Israelite identity. Sound a lot like our school system today? He stood his ground, refused to defile himself, and the Lord used him to affect change in the entire palace according to Daniel 1. Jeremiah lamented his inadequacy for public speaking at 17 years old when he was called a prophet because of his young age in Jeremiah 1:6, but God didn’t allow him to use this excuse. Esther was a teen when she saved Israel, facing death to confront the king. Esther proves that teenagers can change the world for God’s kingdom, even when the world seems to want to wipe out that kingdom.

Josiah had a terrible father who led Israel away from God. But at 26 years old in 2 Kings 22:3, he repaired the temple and the Word of God. During his reign, the kingdom turned back to God. How about David, Joseph, Mary, Samuel, and many more whom God called and used regardless of their age? God promises to pour His spirit on all flesh; age is not required. Don’t let your age limit you from receiving from God.

PRAYER: Lord, there are no limits in walking with You. Help me to never allow man, circumstances, and the enemy to limit me in any way. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Shalom,

WOMEN OF LIGHT INT’L PRAYER MIN

[lordgodjehovahsway]

1 Chronicles 3: History Records Of David's Sons And Daughter

1 These were the sons of David born to him in Hebron:

The firstborn was Amnon the son of Ahinoam of Jezreel;

the second, Daniel the son of Abigail of Carmel;

2 the third, Absalom the son of Maakah daughter of Talmai king of Geshur;

the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith;

3 the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital;

and the sixth, Ithream, by his wife Eglah.

4 These six were born to David in Hebron, where he reigned seven years and six months.

David reigned in Jerusalem thirty-three years, 

5 and these were the children born to him there:

Shammua, Shobab, Nathan and Solomon. These four were by Bathsheba daughter of Ammiel. 

6 There were also Ibhar, Elishua, Eliphelet, 

7 Nogah, Nepheg, Japhia, 

8 Elishama, Eliada and Eliphelet—nine in all. 

9 All these were the sons of David, besides his sons by his concubines. And Tamar was their sister.

The Kings of Judah

10 Solomon’s son was Rehoboam,

Abijah his son,

Asa his son,

Jehoshaphat his son,

11 Jehoram his son,

Ahaziah his son,

Joash his son,

12 Amaziah his son,

Azariah his son,

Jotham his son,

13 Ahaz his son,

Hezekiah his son,

Manasseh his son,

14 Amon his son,

Josiah his son.

15 The sons of Josiah:

Johanan the firstborn,

Jehoiakim the second son,

Zedekiah the third,

Shallum the fourth.

16 The successors of Jehoiakim:

Jehoiachin his son,

and Zedekiah.

The Royal Line After the Exile

17 The descendants of Jehoiachin the captive:

Shealtiel his son, 

18 Malkiram, Pedaiah, Shenazzar, Jekamiah, Hoshama and Nedabiah.

19 The sons of Pedaiah:

Zerubbabel and Shimei.

The sons of Zerubbabel:

Meshullam and Hananiah.

Shelomith was their sister.

20 There were also five others:

Hashubah, Ohel, Berekiah, Hasadiah and Jushab-Hesed.

21 The descendants of Hananiah:

Pelatiah and Jeshaiah, and the sons of Rephaiah, of Arnan, of Obadiah and of Shekaniah.

22 The descendants of Shekaniah:

Shemaiah and his sons:

Hattush, Igal, Bariah, Neariah and Shaphat—six in all.

23 The sons of Neariah:

Elioenai, Hizkiah and Azrikam—three in all.

24 The sons of Elioenai:

Hodaviah, Eliashib, Pelaiah, Akkub, Johanan, Delaiah and Anani—seven in all.

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

The Writing on the Wall

1 Belshazzar the king made a great feast to a thousand of his lords, and drank wine before the thousand. 2 Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels which Nebuchadnezzar his father had taken out of the temple which was in Jerusalem; that the king and his lords, his consorts and his concubines, might drink therein. 3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God which was at Jerusalem; and the king, and his lords, his consorts and his concubines, drank in them. 4 They drank wine, and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone. 5 In the same hour came forth fingers of a man’s hand, and wrote over against the candlestick upon the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace; and the king saw the palm of the hand that wrote. 6 Then the king’s countenance was changed in him, and his thoughts affrighted him; and the joints of his loins were loosed, and his knees smote one against another. 7 The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the astrologers. The king spoke and said to the wise men of Babylon: ‘Whosoever shall read this writing, and declare unto me the interpretation thereof, shall be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about his neck, and shall rule as one of three in the kingdom.’ 8 Then came in all the king’s wise men: but they could not read the writing, nor make known to the king the interpretation. 9 Then was king Belshazzar greatly affrighted, and his countenance was changed in him, and his lords were perplexed. 10 Now the queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house; the queen spoke and said: ‘O king, live for ever! let not thy thoughts affright thee, nor let thy countenance be changed; 11 there is a man in thy kingdom, in whom is the spirit of the holy gods; and in the days of thy father light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him; and the king Nebuchadnezzar thy father, the king, I say, thy father, made him master of the magicians, enchanters, Chaldeans, and astrologers; 12 forasmuch as a surpassing spirit, and knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and declaring of riddles, and loosing of knots, were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar. Now let Daniel be called, and he will declare the interpretation.’

13 Then was Daniel brought in before the king. The king spoke and said unto Daniel: ‘Art thou Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king my father brought out of Judah? 14 I have heard of thee, that the spirit of the gods is in thee, and that light and understanding and surpassing wisdom is found in thee. 15 And now the wise men, the enchanters, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing, and make known unto me the interpretation thereof; but they could not declare the interpretation of the thing. 16 But I have heard of thee, that thou canst give interpretations, and loose knots; now if thou canst read the writing, and make known to me the interpretation thereof, thou shalt be clothed with purple, and have a chain of gold about thy neck, and shalt rule as one of three in the kingdom.’

17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king: ‘Let thy gifts be to thyself, and give thy rewards to another; nevertheless I will read the writing unto the king, and make known to him the interpretation. 18 O thou king, God Most High gave Nebuchadnezzar thy father the kingdom, and greatness, and glory, and majesty; 19 and because of the greatness that He gave him, all the peoples, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him: whom he would he slew, and whom he would he kept alive; and whom he would he raised up, and whom he would he put down. 20 But when his heart was lifted up, and his spirit was hardened that he dealt proudly, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and his glory was taken from him; 21 and he was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild asses; he was fed with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven; until he knew that God Most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and that He setteth up over it whomsoever He will. 22 And thou his son, O Belshazzar, hast not humbled thy heart, though thou knewest all this; 23 but hast lifted up thyself against the Lord of heaven; and they have brought the vessels of His house before thee, and thou and thy lords, thy consorts and thy concubines, have drunk wine in them; and thou hast praised the gods of silver, and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which see not, nor hear, nor know; and the God in whose hand thy breath is, and whose are all thy ways, hast thou not glorified; 24 then was the palm of the hand sent from before Him, and this writing was inscribed. 25 And this is the writing that was inscribed: MENE MENE, TEKEL UPHARSIN. 26 This is the interpretation of the thing: MENE, God hath numbered thy kingdom, and brought it to an end. 27 TEKEL, Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting. 28 PERES, thy kingdom is divided, and given to the Medes and Persians.’ 29 Then commanded Belshazzar, and they clothed Daniel with purple, and put a chain of gold about his neck, and made proclamation concerning him, that he should rule as one of three in the kingdom. 30 In that night Belshazzar the Chaldean king was slain. 31 And Darius the Mede received the kingdom, being about threescore and two years old. — Daniel 5 | JPS Tanakh 1917 (JPST) The Holy Scriptures according to the Masoretic text; Jewish Publication Society 1917. Cross References: Genesis 40:8; Genesis 41:8; Genesis 41:11; Genesis 41:38; Genesis 41:42; Exodus 9:14; Exodus 9:17; Exodus 10:3; Numbers 7:79; 2 Kings 25:28; Ezra 4:1; Esther 1:3; Job 18:11; Job 31:6; Psalm 22:14; Proverbs 1:9; Isaiah 13:6; Isaiah 21:4; Isaiah 47:12; Ezekiel 28:3; Jeremiah 50:24; Daniel 2:4; Acts 2:9; Acts 8:20; Acts 17:28; Revelation 5:9; Revelation 9:20

[satellite-tv-company1]

Top 10 Toddler TV Shows That Educate and Entertain on Dish Network

In the world of toddler entertainment, finding shows that not only captivate but also educate is a priority for many parents. Dish Network offers a variety of programs designed to achieve just that. Here’s a look at the top 10 toddler TV shows available on Dish Network that strike the perfect balance between education and entertainment.

1. Peppa Pig

Overview: Peppa Pig is a beloved British animated series that follows the adventures of Peppa, a cheeky little piggy, her family, and friends.

Educational Value: The show teaches social skills, problem-solving, and the importance of family and friendships. Each episode introduces new vocabulary and basic concepts like numbers, colors, and shapes.

Entertainment Factor: With its charming animation style, relatable characters, and humorous storytelling, Peppa Pig keeps toddlers engaged and entertained.

2. Paw Patrol

Overview: Paw Patrol is an action-adventure series featuring a group of rescue dogs led by a boy named Ryder. Each pup has a specific skill set, such as firefighting, police work, or construction.

Educational Value: The show emphasizes teamwork, community service, and problem-solving. It also introduces basic concepts of engineering and technology through the pups' various gadgets and vehicles.

Entertainment Factor: The exciting missions, lovable characters, and catchy theme song make Paw Patrol a hit with young children.

3. Bluey

Overview: Bluey is an Australian series that follows a Blue Heeler puppy named Bluey and her family. The episodes depict everyday family life with a focus on imaginative play.

Educational Value: Bluey teaches social and emotional skills, the importance of creativity, and the value of family interactions. It often highlights problem-solving and communication within a family setting.

Entertainment Factor: The show’s humor, relatable family dynamics, and engaging animation style appeal to both children and parents.

4. Sesame Street

Overview: Sesame Street is a classic educational series that has been captivating young audiences for decades. Featuring beloved characters like Big Bird, Elmo, and Cookie Monster, it combines live-action, puppetry, and animation.

Educational Value: The show covers a wide range of topics, including literacy, numeracy, social skills, and emotional regulation. It also addresses important social issues and promotes diversity and inclusion.

Entertainment Factor: The mix of fun songs, engaging characters, and interactive segments ensures that Sesame Street remains a favorite among toddlers.

5. Daniel Tiger’s Neighborhood

Overview: Inspired by the legacy of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, this animated series follows Daniel Tiger and his friends as they navigate life in the Neighborhood of Make-Believe.

Educational Value: The show focuses on social and emotional learning, teaching children how to deal with feelings, practice empathy, and understand routines and responsibilities.

Entertainment Factor: The gentle, nurturing approach and catchy songs make it an ideal show for young children.

6. Bubble Guppies

Overview: Bubble Guppies is an underwater-themed series that features a group of mermaid-like preschoolers. Each episode explores various topics through songs, dances, and adventures.

Educational Value: The show covers a broad range of subjects, including science, math, literacy, and social skills. Each episode is structured around a specific theme, making learning fun and engaging.

Entertainment Factor: The vibrant animation, memorable music, and engaging storylines captivate toddlers and keep them entertained.

7. Doc McStuffins

Overview: Doc McStuffins is an animated series about a young girl who can "fix" toys with a little help from her magical stethoscope and her stuffed animal friends.

Educational Value: The show introduces basic medical and health concepts, emphasizing the importance of caring for others and self-care. It also fosters problem-solving skills and empathy.

Entertainment Factor: The imaginative premise, colorful animation, and endearing characters make Doc McStuffins a delightful show for young viewers.

8. Team Umizoomi

Overview: Team Umizoomi is a math-centric series that follows a team of miniature superheroes as they solve everyday problems using their math skills.

Educational Value: The show focuses on early math concepts such as counting, shapes, patterns, and measurements. It encourages children to see math as fun and useful in real-life situations.

Entertainment Factor: The interactive nature, engaging storylines, and bright, colorful animation keep toddlers entertained while they learn.

9. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse

Overview: This interactive series features Mickey Mouse and his friends as they embark on various adventures that require problem-solving skills.

Educational Value: The show teaches basic math concepts, shapes, and colors. It also promotes critical thinking and the use of reasoning to solve problems.

Entertainment Factor: The familiar characters, interactive problem-solving, and lively songs make it a perennial favorite among young children.

10. Blaze and the Monster Machines

Overview: Blaze and the Monster Machines is an educational animated series that focuses on STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) concepts through the adventures of Blaze, a monster truck, and his driver, AJ.

Educational Value: The show introduces young viewers to physics, engineering, and technology through exciting storylines and interactive elements. It encourages curiosity and problem-solving.

Entertainment Factor: The thrilling races, dynamic animation, and engaging characters ensure that toddlers remain entertained while learning valuable concepts.

Conclusion

Dish Network provides a diverse selection of toddler TV shows that blend education with entertainment seamlessly. From the problem-solving adventures of Paw Patrol to the imaginative play in Bluey, these shows offer valuable lessons while keeping young viewers engaged and delighted. With a focus on social skills, STEM education, and emotional intelligence, these top 10 programs are excellent choices for parents seeking quality content for their toddlers.

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[biblenewsprophecy]

World Refugee Day 2024 and Hezbollah leader warns ‘no place safe’ in Israel if war erupts

COGwriter

There have been multiple millions of refugees from Ukraine and many other refugees fleeing from various problems around the world.

June 20th has been designated as World Refugee Day:

World Refugee Day 2024

June 20, 2024

On June 20th, 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) joins UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, and partners in observing World Refugee Day 2024. In line with this year’s theme, “Solidarity with Refugees”, WHO emphasizes the importance of building inclusive health systems and ensuring equitable care for refugees worldwide. WHO highlights solidarity and health, celebrates refugee resilience, advocates for their health rights, and strives to create a world where everyone, regardless of migratory status, enjoys universal access to quality health care.

UNHCR estimates that by mid-2023, over 110 million individuals worldwide were forcibly displaced, with 40% being children. 75% of these displaced individuals are hosted in low- and middle-income countries. https://www.who.int/news-room/events/detail/2024/06/20/default-calendar/world-refugee-day-2024

The primary causes of the refugee situations around the world include war, political considerations, religious persecution, and economics.

After the millennial Kingdom of God is established, the time will come when every one will have their own home (cf. 1 Kings 4:25, Micah 4:4) and wars will cease:

1 Now it shall come to pass in the latter days That the mountain of the Lord’s house Shall be established on the top of the mountains, And shall be exalted above the hills; And peoples shall flow to it. 2 Many nations shall come and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, To the house of the God of Jacob; He will teach us His ways, And we shall walk in His paths.” For out of Zion the law shall go forth, And the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 3 He shall judge between many peoples, And rebuke strong nations afar off; They shall beat their swords into plowshares, And their spears into pruning hooks; Nation shall not lift up sword against nation, Neither shall they learn war anymore.

4 But everyone shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree, And no one shall make them afraid; For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. 5 For all people walk each in the name of his god, But we will walk in the name of the Lord our God Forever and ever. (Micah 4:1-5)

However, before then, there will come another time when all real Christians will be subject to intense persecution (see also Persecutions by Church and State).

But this will come in stages. First, mainly the faithful Philadelphia Christians will be affected:

25 He shall speak pompous words against the Most High, Shall persecute the saints of the Most High, And shall intend to change times and law. (Daniel 7:25a)

33 And those of the people who understand shall instruct many; yet for many days they shall fall by sword and flame, by captivity and plundering. 34 Now when they fall, they shall be aided with a little help; but many shall join with them by intrigue. 35 And some of those of understanding shall fall, to refine them, purify them, and make them white, until the time of the end; because it is still for the appointed time. (Dan 11:33-35)

13 Now when the dragon saw that he had been cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child. (Rev 12:13)

The Philadelphia Christians who survive will then be protected:

7 “And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write,

‘These things says He who is holy, He who is true, “He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens”: 8 “I know your works. See, I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it; for you have a little strength, have kept My word, and have not denied My name. 9 Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie — indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the earth. (Revelation 3:7-10)

The Philadelphia Christians flee to become refugees in a place in the wilderness:

14 But the woman was given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness to her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, from the presence of the serpent. 15 So the serpent spewed water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood which the dragon had spewed out of his mouth. (Revelation 12:14-16)

Some believe that this place in the wilderness will be in or near Petra in Jordan (see also There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra).

Prophecy scholars tend to recognize that the expression “time and times and half a time” equates to 3 1/2 years. The fleeing to the wilderness happens just after the Philadelphians have successfully preached the Gospel of the Kingdom to the world as a witness (Matthew 24:14) and just prior to the start of the Great Tribulation (Matthew 24:15-21).

Jesus said to watch and pray to be accounted worthy to escape, indicating that not all Christians would be counted worthy:

34 “But take heed to yourselves, lest your hearts be weighed down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that Day come on you unexpectedly. 35 For it will come as a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will come to pass, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:34-36)

So, what about the rest of the Christians in those days?

The Bible shows that they will be subject to death and persecution:

17 And the dragon was enraged with the woman, and he went to make war with the rest of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ. (Revelation 12:17)

25…Then the saints shall be given into his hand For a time and times and half a time. (Daniel 7:25b)

So this second period of persecution, for those who do not flee to the wilderness, lasts 3 1/2 years as well. Those subject to the persecution from the Beast power are mainly Laodicean, Sardisian, and Thyatiran Christians (though some of the Thyatiran remnant may be protected per Revelation 2:22-24). Those Christians would be those that failed to heed various parts of the Bible as they should and will ignore the warnings in Zephaniah 2:1-3 to gather together prior to the time to flee (watch also the video Zephaniah’s ‘Gather Together’ Prophecy).

While we Christians go through our day to day lives, the Bible is clear that those who live long enough are going to be subject to intense persecution and becoming refugees.

Basically ALL end time Christians will be refugees or at least subject to terrible persecution.

Did you know what seems to be the second most looked up verse in the Bible is?

The first is John 3:16, but the second is found in Jeremiah. Here are three translations of it:

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV)

11 For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of affliction, to give you an end and patience. (Jeremiah 29:11, Douay-Rheims)

11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. (Jeremiah 29:11, New Living Translation)

Some quote Jeremiah 29:11 as proof that God has a plan for them. And while God does have a plan for all, many tend to not consider the verse in context.

Notice what the Bible teaches:

11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12 Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive. (Jeremiah 29:11-14)

Notice that the plan was exile. To be a sojourner, to be a refugee.

So as you consider the plight of the millions of refugees on the Earth, you may also consider that if you are truly a Christian, that you will be subject to intense persecution and even being a refugee yourself.

As far as wars and rumors of wars go, notice the following tweet and article related to Hezbollah, an Iranian-linked group in Lebanon:

Hezbollah leader warns ‘no place safe’ in Israel if war erupts

June 19, 2024

Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah’s leader in Lebanon, warned Wednesday that no place would be safe in Israel if a war erupts between the country and the Lebanese militant group.

Nasrallah said in a televised address that Iran-backed Hezbollah has a “bank of targets” that would be subject to precision strikes if the sporadic fighting between the two foes turns into a broader conflict.

“There will be no place safe from our missiles and our drones” in Israel, Nasrallah said.”

On Tuesday, Hezbollah released what it said was drone footage of sensitive sites deep within Israel.

“We now have new weapons,” Nasrallah said Wednesday. “But I won’t say what they are. …The enemy knows well that we have prepared ourselves for the worst … and that no place … will be spared our rockets.”

Israel is well aware of Hezbollah’s weapons, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces, said Wednesday during a trip near Israel’s border with Lebanon.

“The enemy only knows a small part of our capabilities and will see them at the needed time,” he said.

Israel and Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, have exchanged strikes since October, when the war in Gaza erupted. In eight months, more than 400 people have been killed in Lebanon, mostly Hezbollah fighters, but also at least 80 civilians. In Israel, 16 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed in the fighting.

In his broadcast, Nasrallah threatened Cyprus, accusing it of opening “Cypriot airports and bases for the Israeli enemy to target Lebanon.” That move, he said, “means that the Cypriot government has become part of the war, and the resistance will deal with it as part of the war.” https://www.voanews.com/a/hezbollah-leader-warns-no-place-safe-in-israel-if-war-erupts/7662970.html

June 19, 2024

Amid widespread reports and statements that Israel and Hezbollah are on the brink of full-scale war, the Shia paramilitary group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah has warned of a war “without rules or ceilings” if Israeli forces launch an offensive in Lebanon.

The words were given in response to Israel’s top generals the day prior announcing that battle plans have been approved for a Lebanon offensive and widening of the war. The IDF statement said it is preparing to “accelerate readiness in the field.”

“The enemy must wait for us by air, land, and sea. We repeat: If war is imposed on Lebanon, the resistance will fight without rules, controls, or ceilings,” Nasrallah responded Tuesday.

“Storming the Galilee is a possibility that remains present within the framework of any war that the occupation may launch against Lebanon,” Hezbollah’s Secretary-General continued. https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/nasrallah-says-no-place-safe-even-threatens-cyrus-if-israel-invades-lebanon

The Bible prophesies that God will remove the protection of Judah (modern tiny nation called Israel) and that great damage will hit Jerusalem in Isaiah 22:6-9 from a confederation that looks to involve Iran, Syria, and parts of Lebanon. Hezbollah seems to wish to help fulfill those prophecies (see also Hezbollah actions and denials, the IDF, and some of what PCG has wrong).

Anyway, in addition to death and destruction, wars tend to cause more refugees.

Pray, as Jesus said (Matthew 6:10), for God’s Kingdom to come.

Strive to live as a Philadelphian Christian.

Related Items:

There is a Place of Safety for the Philadelphians. Why it May Be Petra This article discusses a biblical ‘place of safety’ and includes quotes from the Bible and Herbert W. Armstrong on this subject–thus, there is a biblically supported alternative to the rapture theory. There is also a video on the subject: Might Petra be the Place of Safety? Here is something related in the Spanish language: Hay un lugar de seguridad para los Filadelfinos. ¿Puede ser Petra?

Zephaniah’s ‘Gather Together’ Prophecy Is it safe to be ‘independent’ or in a non-Philadelphian Church of God? What did God inspire Zephaniah to write? This is a video.

Persecutions by Church and State This article documents some that have occurred against those associated with the COGs and some prophesied to occur. Will those with the cross be the persecutors or the persecuted–this article has the shocking answer. There are also three video sermons you can watch: Cancel Culture and Christian Persecution, The Coming Persecution of the Church, and Christian Persecution from the Beast. Here is information in the Spanish language: Persecuciones de la Iglesia y el Estado.

Prophecies Showing Persecution of Sabbath Keepers Are Sabbath-keepers going to be persecuted in the 21st century? Are there biblical and non-biblical prophecies that point to this type of persecution?

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God This free online pdf booklet has answers many questions people have about the Gospel of the Kingdom of God and explains why it is the solution to the issues the world is facing. It is available in over 1,000 languages at ccog.org. Here are links to four kingdom-related sermons:  The Fantastic Gospel of the Kingdom of God!, The World’s False Gospel, The Gospel of the Kingdom: From the New and Old Testaments, and The Kingdom of God is the Solution.

Iran in Prophecy Is Iran in Bible prophecy? If so, what does the Bible teach? What names, other than Persia, may be used to describe Iran? There are also two related videos: Iran In Prophecy and Iran and Israel Conflict.

Gaza and the Palestinians in Bible Prophecy What does the Bible teach about Gaza and the fate of the Palestinians? Here is a link to two related videos: Gaza and Bible Prophecy and Gaza and Palestine in Prophecy.

Damascus and Syria in Prophecy Will Bashar Assad hold power as he has it? Does the Bible show that Damascus, the capital of Syria, will be destroyed? What will happen to Syria? Will the Syrians support the final King of the South that the Bible tells will rise up? Which scriptures discuss the rise and fall of an Arabic confederation? Does Islamic prophecy predict the destruction of Syria. This is a YouTube video.

When Will the Great Tribulation Begin? 2024, 2025, or 2026? Can the Great Tribulation begin today? What happens before the Great Tribulation in the “beginning of sorrows”? What happens in the Great Tribulation and the Day of the Lord? Is this the time of the Gentiles? When is the earliest that the Great Tribulation can begin? What is the Day of the Lord? Who are the 144,000? A related video is: Great Tribulation: 2026 or 2027? A shorter video is: Tribulation in 2024?

Could God Have a 6,000 Year Plan? What Year Does the 6,000 Years End? Was a 6000 year time allowed for humans to rule followed by a literal thousand year reign of Christ on Earth taught by the early Christians? Does God have 7,000 year plan? What year may the six thousand years of human rule end? When will Jesus return? 2031 or ? There is also a video titled: When Does the 6000 Years End? 2031? 2035? Here is a link to the article in Spanish: ¿Tiene Dios un plan de 6,000 años?

The Arab and Islamic World In the Bible, History, and Prophecy The Bible discusses the origins of the Arab world and discusses the Middle East in prophecy. What is ahead for the Middle East and those who follow Islam? What about the Imam Mahdi? What lies ahead for Turkey, Iran, and the other non-Arabic Muslims? An item of possibly related interest in the Spanish language would be: Líderes iraníes condenan la hipocresía de Occidente y declaran que ahora es tiempo para prepararse para el Armagedón, la guerra, y el Imán Mahdi.

Is the Future King of the South Rising Up? Some no longer believe there needs to be a future King of the South. Might Egypt, Islam, Iran, Arabs, or Ethiopia be involved? Might this King be called the Mahdi or Caliph? What does the Bible say? Two videos of related interest are: The Future King of the South is Rising and The Rise and Fall of the King of the South. Here is a version the Spanish language: ¿Esta Surgiendo el Rey Del Sur?

Islamic and Biblical Prophecies for the 21st Century This is a free online book which helps show where biblical and Islamic prophecies converge and diverge. Here are links to related sermons: Seeing Christianity Through Islamic Eyes. Imam Mahdi, women, and prophecy., and Terrorism, Iran, and Fatima.

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Saints&Reading: Friday, December 30, 2022

december 30_december 17

THE HOLY PROPHET DANIEL (600 BC)

The Holy Prophet Daniel is the fourth of the major prophets.

In the years following 600 B.C. Jerusalem was conquered by the Babylonians, the Temple built by Solomon was destroyed, and many of the Israelite people were led away into the Babylonian Captivity. Among the captives were also the illustrious youths Daniel, Ananias, Azarias and Misael.

King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon ordered that they be instructed in the Chaldean language and wisdom, and dressed them in finery. Handsome children of princely lineage were often chosen to serve as pages in the palace. For three years, they would be fed from food from the king’s table. After this they would be allowed to stand before his throne. Daniel was renamed Baltasar, Ananias was called Shadrach, Misael was called Mishach, and Azarias was known as Abednego. But they, cleaving to their faith, disdained the extravagance of court, refusing to defile themselves by eating from the king’s table and drinking his wine. Instead, they lived on vegetables and water.

The Lord granted them wisdom, and to Saint Daniel the gift of insight and the interpretation of dreams. The holy Prophet Daniel preserved his faith in the one God and trusted in His almighty help. He surpassed all the Chaldean astrologers and sorcerers in his wisdom, and was made a confidant to King Nebuchadnezzar.

Once, Nebuchadnezzar had a strange dream which terrified him (Daniel 2:1-6). He summoned magicians, sorcerers, and Chaldeans before him to interpret the dream. When they asked him what he had dreamt, the king refused to tell them. He said, “If you do not make known to me the dream and its interpretation, you shall be torn limb from limb, and your houses shall be laid in ruins.” The Babylonian wise men protested that no magician or sorcerer could be expected to do this. Only the gods could reveal the dream and its meaning, they told him.

The king ordered all the wise men of Babylon to be executed. When they sought Daniel and his companions to put them to death, Daniel asked that the king’s sentence not be carried out. He said that he could tell the king what he dreamt, for it had been revealed to him in a vision. Daniel was brought before the king and was able to reveal not only the content of the dream, but also its prophetic significance. After this, the king elevated Daniel to be ruler of the whole province of Babylon, and the chief of all the wise men.

During these times King Nebuchadnezzar ordered a huge statue to be made in his likeness. It was decreed that when people heard the sound of trumpets and other instruments, they should fall down and worship the golden idol. Because they refused to do this, the three holy youths Ananias, Azarias and Misael were cast into a fiery furnace. The flames shot out over the furnace forty-nine cubits, felling the Chaldeans standing about, but the holy youths walked in the midst of the flames, offering prayer and psalmody to the Lord (Daniel 3:26-90).

The Angel of the Lord appeared in the furnace and cooled the flames, and the young men remained unharmed. This “Angel of Great Counsel,” as he is called in iconography, is identified with the Son of God (Daniel 3:25, Isaiah 9:6). In the first Canon for the Nativity of the Lord (Ode 5), the Church sings: “Thou hast sent us Thine Angel of Great Counsel.” The emperor, upon seeing this, commanded them to come out, and was converted to the true God.

Under King Baltasar, Saint Daniel interpreted a mysterious inscription (“Mane, Thekel, Phares”), which had appeared on the wall of the palace during a banquet (Daniel 5:1-31), foretelling the downfall of the Babylonian kingdom. Under the Persian emperor Darius, Saint Daniel was slandered by his enemies, and was thrown into a den with hungry lions, but they did not touch him, and he was not harmed. The emperor Darius then rejoiced over Daniel and ordered people throughout his realm to worship the God of Daniel, “since He is the living and eternal God, and His Kingdom shall not be destroyed, and His dominion is forever” (Daniel 6:26).

The holy Prophet Daniel grieved deeply for his people, who then were undergoing righteous chastisement for a multitude of sins and offenses, for transgressing the laws of God, resulting in the grievous Babylonian Captivity and the destruction of Jerusalem: “My God, incline Thine ear and hearken; open Thine eyes and look upon our desolation and that of Thy city, in which Thy Name is spoken; for we do not make our supplication before Thee because of our own righteousness, but because of Thy great mercy” (Dan 9:18). Because of Daniel’s righteous life and his prayers for the people’s iniquity, the destiny of the nation of Israel and the fate of all the world was revealed to the holy prophet.

While interpreting the dream of King Nebuchadnezzar, the holy, glorious Prophet Daniel spoke of a great and final kingdom, the Kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ (Dan 2:44). The prophetic vision about the seventy weeks (Dan 9:24-27) speaks about the signs of the First and the Second Comings of the Lord Jesus Christ, and is connected with those events (Daniel 12:1-12).

Saint Daniel interceded for his people before King Cyrus, who esteemed him highly, and who decreed freedom for the Israelite people. Daniel himself and his fellows Ananias, Azarias and Misael, all survived into old age, but died in captivity. According to the testimony of Saint Cyril of Alexandria (June 9), Saints Ananias, Azarias and Misael were beheaded on orders of the Persian emperor Chambyses.

Saint Daniel and the three holy youths are also commemorated on the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers, and on the Sunday of the Holy Fathers (Sunday before the Nativity).

THE THREE HOLY YOUTHS ANANIAS, AZARIAS AND MISAEL

The Holy Youths Ananias (“God is gracious”), Azarias (“whom God helps”), and Misael (“Who is what God is?”) were companions of the Holy Prophet Daniel. 

They were chosen to serve in the king’s palace with Daniel (Daniel 1:6) and were all from the tribe of Judah. They gave Ananias the Chaldean name Shadrach (“royal”), Azarias the Chaldean name Abednego (“servant of Nego”), and Misael the Chaldean name Meshach (“guest”). They were thrown into a fiery furnace when they refused to worship the golden idol set up by King Nebuchadnezzar, but the angel of the Lord preserved them (Daniel 3:25).

The Seventh and Eighth Odes of the nine Biblical Odes at the back of the Psalter are taken from The Song of the Three Holy Youths (found in the Septuagint text of the Old Testament used by the Orthodox Church).

The Three Holy Youths and the Prophet Daniel are also commemorated on the Sunday of the Holy Forefathers and the Sunday of the Holy Fathers.

Source: Orthodox Church in America_OCA

LUKE 11:47-12:1

47 Woe to you! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and your fathers killed them.48 In fact, you bear witness that you approve the deeds of your fathers; for they indeed killed them, and you build their tombs. 49 Therefore the wisdom of God also said, 'I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they will kill and persecute,' 50 that the blood of all the prophets which was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah who perished between the altar and the temple. Yes, I say to you, it shall be required of this generation. 52 Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered. 53 And as He said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to assail Him vehemently, and to cross-examine Him about many things, 54 lying in wait for Him, and seeking to catch Him in something He might say, that they might accuse Him.

1 In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people had gathered together, so that they trampled one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, "Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.

HEBREWS 7:18-25

18 For on the one hand there is an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect; on the other hand, there is the bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God. 20 And inasmuch as He was not made priest without an oath 21 (for they have become priests without an oath, but He with an oath by Him who said to Him: "The LORD has sworn And will not relent, 'You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek' "), 22 by so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant. 23 Also there were many priests, because they were prevented by death from continuing. 24 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Commentary of the Church Father

St John Chrysostom AD 407: And forasmuch as not without the taking of an oath. You see that the matter of the oath becomes necessary for him here. Accordingly for this reason he previously treated much [hereon], how that God swore; and swore for the sake of [our] fuller assurance. But the bringing in of a better hope. For that system also had a hope, but not such as this. For they hoped that, if they were well pleasing [to God], they should possess the land, that they should suffer nothing fearful. But in this [dispensation] we hope that, if we are well pleasing [to God], we shall possess not earth, but heaven; or rather (which is far better than this) we hope to stand near to God, to come unto the very throne of the Father, to minister unto Him with the Angels. And see how he introduces these things little by little. For above he says which enters into that within the veil, Hebrews 6:19, but here, by which we draw near unto God.