Jefferson Vann describes the future David saw in Psalm 68:1-3 Psalm 68:1-3 (JDV) Psalm 68:1 God will arise. His enemies will scatter, and those who hate him will flee from his presence. Psalm 68:2 As smoke is blown away, so you blow them away. As wax melts before the fire, so the wicked will be destroyed before God. Psalm 68:3 But the righteous will be glad; they will … [Read more...]
Old Testament
Articles in this subcategory either trace a subject through the 39 books of the Old Testament (Genesis to Malachi) or focus on the subject as revealed in a particular book or group of books. The books may be grouped by historical period or author. The articles serve as a basis for a biblical theology on their particular subject.
in his house forever?
In “in his house forever?” Jefferson Vann examines the final stanza of Psalm 23. We are packing up again. My wife and I are getting ready for another move, into yet another ministry. We are confident that God has led us into this new place to serve him, but don’t ask us if we are excited about it. Moving is hard work, and it is heartbreaking to leave the friends we have made … [Read more...]
Elihu on the soul at death
In "Elihu on the soul at death" Jefferson Vann looks at what an Old Testament character says about the soul, and shows that he did not believe it an immortal entity that survives death. Job 33:14-22 (KJV) [14] For God speaketh once, yea twice, yet man perceiveth it not. [15] In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falleth upon men, in … [Read more...]
the big one
In "the big one" Jefferson Vann shares a message from Isaiah, and talks about the coming disaster that no one can escape, without the protection of God now. Isaiah 24:1-3 (JDV) Isaiah 24:1 Watch! Yahveh, about to lay the land waste and about to demolish it, and he will twist her surface, and he will scatter her inhabitants. Isaiah 24:2 And the people will be like the … [Read more...]
don’t ask for a demonstration!
In "don't ask for a demonstration!" Jefferson Vann discourages those who dare ask God to demonstrate his power. Psalm 48:4-7 (JDV) Psalm 48:4 Notice! The kings assembled; they advanced together. Psalm 48:5 They looked and froze with fear; they fled in terror. Psalm 48:6 Shaking seized them there, agony like that of a woman in labor, Psalm 48:7 as you … [Read more...]
don’t miss the boat
In "don't miss the boat" Jefferson Vann shares how Noah's ark represents the cross of Christ. Gen 6:13 (CSB) — Then God said to Noah, “I have decided to put an end to every creature, for the earth is filled with wickedness because of them; therefore I am going to destroy them along with the earth. The Bible reveals a sovereign God who makes decisions fairly, but … [Read more...]
the way of the wicked
In "the way of the wicked" Jefferson Vann explains the consequences of living this life apart from Christ. the way of the wicked "Great wealth is in the house of the righteous, But trouble is in the income of the wicked. The lips of the wise spread knowledge, But the hearts of fools are not so. The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, But the … [Read more...]
until they had been finished
In "until they had been finished" Jefferson Vann explains what Deuteronomy 2:14-18 tells us about God's final punishment of sinners. Deuteronomy 2:14-18 (JDV) Deuteronomy 2:14 The time we spent traveling from Kadesh-barnea until we crossed the Zered Valley was thirty-eight years until the entire generation of fighting men had been finished from the camp, as Yahveh had … [Read more...]
throat adventure
In "throat adventure" Jefferson Vann discusses the translation of Judges 9:17. Judges 9:17 (JDV) because my father fought for you, risked his throat, and rescued you from Midian, For several years now, I have been translating the Bible, and it has given me opportunities to investigate some of my hypotheses concerning biblical words relevant to conditionalism. One of those … [Read more...]
sunk, never to rise again
In "sunk, never to rise again" Jefferson Vann explains another OT symbol of final punishment. Jeremiah 51:59-64 (JDV) Jeremiah 51:59 This is the wording the prophet Jeremiah used when he commanded Seraiah son of Neriah son of Mahseiah, the quartermaster, when he went to Babylon with King Zedekiah of Judah in the fourth year of Zedekiah's reign. Jeremiah 51:60 Jeremiah … [Read more...]