In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Korach covering 1 Samuel 11:14-12:22. Gordon and Johnson’s insight into the language, history, and context surrounding Samuel’s trip to Gilgal not only inform the portion at hand, but other passages in the Torah as well as extra-biblical sources from the times of the Judges. Gordon reveals the possible identities of Jerubbaal and Bedan. The name of the king of the Ammonites, Nahash (serpent) illustrates that metaphors need to be studied carefully. The study of the word-of-the-week, “witness/ed” (ayin-dalet), includes an explanation of hollow verbs—where not all letters of the root appear.

Gordon considers whether this portion provides a picture of the coming Messiah—rejected and then accepted after a great victory. In closing, he prays that Yehovah (like Saul) will have mercy on those who don’t recognize him—and that the day of Messiah will not be a day of wrath, but a day of honoring the Name.

Artwork for this week's episode is a painting by Mara Hofmann, artist.

"Here I am! Testify against me, in the presence of Yehovah and in the presence of His anointed one..." 1 Samuel 12:3

I look forward to reading your comments!

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Nehemia Gordon's Teachings on the Name of God