In “our scarlet cord” Jefferson Vann shows from Joshua 6 that faith in the gospel is the only thing that can keep people from being destroyed in hell when Jesus returns. Joshua 6:15-19 (JDV) Joshua 6:15 Early on the seventh day, they started at dawn and marched around the city seven times in the same way. That was the only day they marched around the city seven … [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.
Psalm 71 (a verse-by-verse commentary)
In "Psalm 71 (a verse-by-verse commentary)" Jefferson Vann shares some insights into this psalm, including how it answers an argument against conditionalism. Psalm 71 (a verse-by-verse commentary) Psalm 71:1 Lord, I seek refuge in you; let me never be disgraced. God provides the psalmist with a refuge – a place to hide until the Lord’s power prevails over his enemies. … [Read more...]
Basar in Genesis (a study of meaning in context)
In “Basar in Genesis (a study of meaning in context)” Jefferson Vann traces instances of the Hebrew word usually translated “flesh” and shows how they attest to the natural mortality of human beings. Many English biblical terms are so common that we rarely stop to examine their meaning. In such cases, significant meaning behind the words can be lost – hidden in plain sight. … [Read more...]
Psalm 82 (a verse-by-verse commentary)
In "Psalm 82 (a verse-by-verse commentary)" Jefferson Vann shows that the gods condemned in this psalm are demonic beings. Most commentators are quick to put quotation marks around the word gods in this psalm. Some don’t ever translate the word. They take this as a prophecy against unjust human rulers. They claim that Jesus implied this in John 10:34-35. But Jesus only … [Read more...]
Psalm 88 (a verse-by-verse commentary)
In “Psalm 88 (a verse-by-verse commentary)” Jefferson Vann translates and comments on the spiritual and theological significance of the psalm. The superscription for this Lament Psalm attributes it to Heman the Ezrahite, whose wisdom was only bested by Solomon himself (1 Kings 4:31). But this wise man also suffered greatly. What he suffered from, we do not know exactly. One … [Read more...]
kachad
In “kachad” Jefferson Vann shows that God punishes the wicked by making them disappear. Readers of afterlife may remember that I have done studies of several Hebrew words which provide data for a biblical picture of the final state of the lost. I think it important to review the Old Testament usage of such words, rather than merely presume that the picture the theologians … [Read more...]
The future David saw
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...]
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...]