Commentary

This page last updated: 03/12/2009 08:26 PM

Manna or The Annual Reading Cycle a.k.a. the Parasha

Articles By Title  |  Dead Sea Scrolls Calendar

Speeches  |  Columns  |  Barna Updates

This page has links to articles by a number of different authors listed alphabetically by title below.  If you need an article on a specific section of Scripture, try using the search tool at the left of the page.  There are some speeches, and some columns, which caught our eye and we felt were worthy of inclusion here.  Barna Updates is a statistical analysis organization (like a Christian Gallup Poll) that provides some of the statistics (through opinion surveys) that we use sometimes.

The opinions expressed by other authors on other web sites that we may link to or cite are not necessarily those of the Management (who is God, by the way).  They also may not represent our opinions, but we include them for help and reference and different view points.  Then again, maybe our opinions are not necessarily those of the Management's either.  If you have suggestions for something to include here please email us with the information and we will consider it.

Barna Research is a statistical research organization; sort of like a Christian version of the Gallup poll.  They do all sorts of surveys and polls to try and find out and measure what's going on in Christianity. 

We decided to include some articles from the Barna Research web site because it might be a little hard for you to find some of the articles we refer to if they move them or archive them.  However, you can go to their site www.barna.org and browse.  You can also sign up for free email updates they put out about every couple of weeks.

Three of the Barna Updates that we refer to in several articles on this web site are listed below.

How America's Faith Has Changed Since 9/11

Pastor's Rate Themselves Highly - Especially As Teachers

Americans Are Most Likely to Base Truth on Feelings

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Manna, or The Annual Reading Cycle

aka Parasha - 1 year

Manna is our name for the annual reading schedule common in synagogues and usually called the Parasha (Hebrew for 'portion').  It is a repeating schedule where the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch) are divided up into sections for reading, study, discussion, meditation, preaching, and teaching.  There is a one-year schedule and a three-year schedule, which just breaks the one-year schedule down into smaller weekly pieces.  The schedule starts the first Sabbath after the feast of Tabernacles ends.  We thought the idea of regularly reading through the Pentateuch each year was such a good idea that we used it as the basis for our own schedule.  We do this in order to share good ideas from good people.

We selected the one-year schedule because we feel that there needs to be a lot more reading of God's Word amongst those who wear His Name.  More reading would probably go a long ways toward solving most of the disagreements and problems between us.  And, of course, a whole lot more doing.

The difference between our schedule and the synagogue schedule, of course, is that we add in readings from the gospels and Acts, plus some additional readings from the New Testament wherever there are direct quotes from the Pentateuch portion in other books.  We make a nice booklet titled 'Manna for Whole Bible Christians' which is available to all active, registered members of our learning and debate center called Berea.  It is in a PDF file for printing out on your own printer.  It is compact and designed to go in your Bible for easy access.  Inside you will find an easy-to-read chart for weekly reading suggestions with dates and an area for notes. 

We have weekly commentary for each section posted on Berea under the title of 'Manna.'  If you click on the link you can read without registering, if you want, or if you register you can post your own comments also.  This part of Berea is divided into about 61 or so fixed topics (one for each week, plus God's feasts) using the Hebrew name, the English transliteration of the name, and the Bible section. The order of the subjects is fixed so to find new posts you may have to scroll down. God's Festivals are at the bottom of the list for easy location. The object is to create a gathering point around the topics relating to each portion where people can give and receive help or find further study options and hear what others are saying. Comments or personal insights on anything in that section of Scripture are welcome, as are links to other commentaries or related articles.

Other Commentary Sites

Commentary can also be found on the following web sites.

Articles By Title

This is a list of nearly all the articles on our site, or links to articles on other sites we have found.  Some are formatted so you can read them on your browser, and a lot of them are in or have printable versions too (called PDF files if you don't already know, and using the Adobe Reader program for viewing or printing).  If you want to find an article for a specific reference or book, try using the search tool on the upper left of this page or the index.

The 613 Commands by Moses Maimonides.  PDF version, 16 pages.

List of commands found in the first five books of the Bible (the Pentateuch) sorted by a rabbi around the 1100's named Maimonides (also called the Rambam from an acronym of his name - Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon).  With references for each and a short description, and grouped under convenient headings.  The web page is also searchable with the search tool at the left of each page.

The 1050 Commands by Finnis Jennings Dake.  PDF version, 19 pages.

List of commands found in the Apostolic Scriptures (NT) by Dake.  Open to interpretation, but his arguments are pretty convincing that there are over a thousand commands in the NT.  Has subject headings and references, and the web page is searchable with the search tool on the left of each page.

Absolute Truth by Bruce Scott Bertram.  3 pages.

This one might just frost your cookies, but don't blame us, blame the Church's teaching and Barna Research.  What are we to make of the statistic that most people in the Church do not believe in absolute truth?

Acts 15 by Moshe ben Shaul.  PDF version, about 10 pages.

Here is an article by a good friend who has thoughtful comments on this chapter of Holy Writ. 

Acts 15 and the Jerusalem Council by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 17 pages.

Extended treatment of the incidents concerning the Jerusalem council and their finding on the issue of circumcision being necessary for salvation.

Adoption by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.

Few people are as qualified as Bruce to write on the subject of adoption.  In this article he shares some of his insights gained the hard way.  See also Two Into One and One House for some other similar ideas.

The Adulterous Woman by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.

Article from John 8 you might find interesting.  Jesus the lawyer neatly instructs in the proper application of the Law.  Don't miss it. 

Asses and Elders by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF file, 6 pages.

Starts with the four-legged talking donkey in Numbers and finishes up with the two-legged talking donkeys in our daily lives.  Includes views on super churches and the media, too.  This article is built around the Reformation concept that 'all truth is God's truth.'

Atonement by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.

Has a discussion of fasting in addition to the description of the Feast. 

The Church Isn't Cutting It Anymore by Bruce Scott Bertram.  4 pages.

Check out our opinion of what other interesting statistics Barna Research has uncovered.  Pastors who rate themselves highly while the Church is falling apart.  Shades of Nero's fiddling!

Covenant Reading by Rev. Steve Schlissel.  PDF file, 15 pages.

An article contrasting the differences between the statements "What must I do to be saved" and "What does God require of me?"  The link to the web site is www.messiahnyc.org, if you need it.

Covenant Thinking by Rev. Steve Schlissel.  PDF file, 15 pages.

On the differences between Hebrew and Greek thinking.  Web site is www.messiahnyc.org if you want more.

Covenant Hearing, by Rev. Steve Schlissel.  PDF file, 13 pages.

On assurance and identity.  Browse the site at www.messiahnyc.org; we're sure you will find it helpful and interesting.

Christian Faith and Practice through Blessing by Bruce Bertram.  PDF version, 7 pages.

Helps to illuminate some of the many ways to bless and be blessed.

Christian Faith and Practice through Cleanliness.  PDF version, 6 pages.

Discussion of issues relating to clean and unclean, including sex.

Christian Faith and Practice through Cycles by Bruce Scott Bertram, PDF version, 8 pages.

A general teaching or overview of all of the feasts as they relate to cycles in the year, themes, and Yeshua (Jesus). 

Christian Faith and Practice through Diet by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.

Explores the teaching and blessings that come from following our Father's ways in the area of food.

Christian Faith and Practice through The Feast of Tabernacles by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.

Party, party, party, all the time party!  Do we have a great God, or what?

Christian Faith and Practice through the Mark by Bruce Scott Bertram. PDF version, 5 pages.

The mark of the beast makes many people shudder.  But did you know the Scriptures teach us about a mark of God?   Offers information giving a possible whole new meaning to the Mark.

Christian Faith and Practice through Money by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.

Here we talk about some of the general aspects of the Law as they apply to handling money.  Tithing, charity, and loans are covered along with some beginning interpretations.

Goes over much of the Scripture relating to prayer.  Attempts to provide some guidance from our Father's instructions.  Contains a word study on prayer. 

Christian Faith and Practice through the Sabbath by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.

When was the Sabbath instituted?  Who was the first person to observe the Sabbath?  Is the Sabbath really something that is part of Christian faith and practice?  It seems the Scriptures say so, but men say no.  Which is it?  Or rather, which one do we listen to?

Christian Faith and Practice through Sex by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.

An article detailing some of the Laws governing intimate relationships with one another, specifically between married people of opposite genders sufficiently removed.

Christian Faith and Practice through the Spirit by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.

Doesn't cover specific Laws as much as it addresses the Biblical teachings on the Spirit and various practices which have arisen from incomplete understandings of the Word.  'Leading' and 'filling' are covered, as well as some of the Spirit's activities in the Tanakh (OT).

Christian Faith and Practice through...Tradition by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 8 pages.

Using some of the principals from the movie Fiddler on the Roof and quotes from his buddy Tevye, Bruce lays out some of his viewpoints on the legitimacy and place of tradition in the believer's life, contrasting the traditions of men with the traditions of God.

Christian Faith and Practice through Tzitzit by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.

It may seem a little odd, but an important article on tassels can be found by clicking on this link.  Some argue that these are not necessary, but how do we define 'necessary?'  Read and find out just how many of the commands really do apply to Christians.

Count the Cost by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.

Helps to put some of the costs of truly following our Messiah into perspective. 

Dead Sea Scrolls Calendar by Shari Freeland.

Calendars constructed by Shari from the Dead Sea Scrolls which were authored by the Essenses at Qumran, and cross checked with other historical information such as the books of Enoch and Jubilees.  Each year is broken out into a separate file below.  Shari places the biblical feasts and the Jubilee years in their proper places (according to the Essene tradition) along with other helpful information such as priest schedules from the scrolls and even a little astronomy.  See the Intro for a full explanation and the Footnotes for reference details.

Dead Sea Scrolls Calendar Intro by Shari Freeland.  PDF file, 5 pages.

Coming soon, an introduction to a calendar constructed by Shari using information from the Dead Sea Scrolls.  See the companion articles below for the calendar itself and related footnotes.

DSS Calendar Year 1 by Shari Freeland.  PDF File, 12 pages.

DSS Calendar Year 2 by Shari Freeland.  PDF File, 12 pages.

DSS Calendar Year 3 by Shari Freeland.  PDF File, 12 pages.

DSS Calendar Year 4 by Shari Freeland.  PDF File, 12 pages.

DSS Calendar Year 5 by Shari Freeland.  PDF File, 12 pages.

DSS Calendar Year 6 by Shari Freeland.  PDF File, 12 pages.

Dead Sea Scrolls Calendar Footnotes, by Shari Freeland.  PDF file, 5 pages.

Footnotes by Shari for the Dead Sea Scrolls calendars (above) constructed by her from documents authored by an Essene sect and found in the cave at Qumran.

Did You Know? by Laura Mayhorn.  PDF file, 2 pages.

Laura visits our site and developed a good list of questions and biblical answers, covering facts related to God's Laws, that should appeal to all seekers of truth. 

Dividing Wall in Ephesians 2:14 by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 16 pages.

Covered very well in this article written in 1996.  We find here that Jesus did not abolish the Law at all, but that a wall erected by men is torn down by Him. 

Did God change His mind about food? by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 13 pages.

Asks (and answers) the question about God and changing.  He looks at Mark 7:19 and Acts 10 (Peter's Vision) to determine if our God changed His everlasting Word or not.

Dr. Laura by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.

Our own response to a letter that sometimes circulates through email, concerning a person's concerns who supposedly listens to her radio show.  Dr. Laura Schlessinger speaks positively on her shows concerning the Law, among other things, and it is plain that the alleged listener is not really listening after all.

Encounters with an Ephraimite: Identity Through A Lost Heritage, by Boaz Michael.  PDF file, 16 pages.

Personal article discussing Mr. Michael's interactions with people who believe in the Two House theories.  Nicely put and meaningful.

Feast of Trumpets by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.

Not only gives help with observing the feast but also has information on shofars and where to buy them.

Galatians by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 30 pages.

Written in response to questions from a church he attended.  With bibliography, .  This article has a quick summary of the historical split between Judaism and the Church, along with hitting some of the highlights in the epistle.  It is not a complete study, but serves to orient the student to the beginnings of a different viewpoint than the Church has traditionally taught.

The Great Commission, an Inquiry by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 13 pages.

Matthew 28:18-20 is discussed thoroughly by Tim here.  Baptism, authority, the Holy Spirit's ministry and more are included here for your consideration.

Head covering Customs of the Ancient World by Michael Marlowe.  Link to web site.

Article from a cultural viewpoint on what he thinks Paul is talking about in 1 Corinthians 11.  We don't agree with his conclusions, but he provides some interesting information.

Head Coverings and Bible Study by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF file, 18 pages.

A fairly complete article with balancing viewpoints on the subject of Bible study using 1 Corinthians 11:1-16 as an example.  The emphasis is mostly on Bible study methods.  This article is also available in booklet form.  Just email us at info@wholebible.com to request a copy you can print and staple yourself.  Or, email asking for a booklet and we will mail you a printed copy.  We just ask for a couple dollars for paper and postage.

Home schooling, Why? by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 6 pages.

This article has a number of good points for those considering whether or not to allow the public (or even Christian) schools to get a hold of their kids or not.  We recommend not.

How to Tie Your Own Tzitzit in one of the Jewish Styles by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF file, 7 pages.

An article with instructions and illustrations on tying one style of the tassel God asks His children to wear on their clothing.  Lots of photos and some other web addresses for purchasing kits, too.

Identity Issues by Bruce Scott Bertram.

Short article on the general idea of identity problems within the Messianic Movement, including an analysis of the Two House theories, with links to various articles by Bruce and others.

In Vino, Veritas by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 16 pages.

Bruce presents one of his papers from a Yeshiva class he took on basic Hermeneutics.  'In Vino, Veritas' is Latin for 'In Wine there is Truth' and has footnotes but no bibliography.  He covers everything from how the words for wine are defined and used in the Bible all the way to wine making.  Probably a great cure for insomnia.

Law Primer by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version 29 pages.

An attempt to help define terms and concepts, with bibliography.

Matthew 5 by Bruce Scott Bertram.   PDF version, 16 pages.

Verse by verse comments on Matthew chapter five, showing how Jesus' teachings were not all that new to begin with.

Matthew 5:17-20, Yeshua's View of Torah by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 16 pages.

Tim presents a 'fuller' treatment of the four verses in Matthew 5:17-20.  Enjoy the fruits of his hard work in presenting this for our understanding.

Matthew 6 by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.

Part two of the Sermon on the Mount.  Verse by verse opinions showing connections to similar concepts in other parts of Scripture.

Matthew 7 by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 8 pages.

Third section of Jesus' Sermon from the Mount.  Dogs and pigs, sand and rock, and the difference between working for God and working for self.

The Name of Jesus by Shari Freeland.  PDF file, 2 pages.

Discussion of the differences between Jesus, Yeshua, and Joshua as found in the text.

The Name of The Lord by Shari Freeland.  PDF file, 3 pages.

Shari asks, what do the names Yahweh, Jehovah, and Lord all have in common?

The Old Wine Is Better! by Dr. Brad Young.  Link to web site.

A different view point is offered in the matter of wine by Dr. Brad Young.   We don't necessarily agree with this excerpt from his book "Jesus the Jewish Theologian," but it has a couple of worthy ideas.

One House by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.

Long before it became fashionable to speak of 'one house' in the Two House teachings, Bruce in 2003 was writing on the fallacies of those teachings and making pleas for maintaining the unity already given to God's children by the Spirit.  See also Adoption and Two Into One for other articles relating to these issues.

One Law Movements, A Challenge to the Messianic Jewish Community by Daniel Juster and Russ Resnik.  PDF file, 9 pages.

Dr. Daniel Juster is Director of Tikkun Ministries International (www.tikkunministries.org) and Russ Resnik is Executive Director of the Union of Messianic Jewish Congregations (www.umjc.org).  This 9-page article describes why they do not like the idea of Torah for everybody.

One Law Movements, A Response to Russ Resnik and Daniel Juster by Tim Hegg.  PDF file, 31 pages.

This article describes why Daniel Juster and Russ Resnik are wrong.

People Husbandry through the Word by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF file, 8 pages.

Discussion covering the issues of modesty in relation to nakedness and clothing, written in response to an article in a Gates of Eden publication by a Brother John Robinson.  Is a head covering Scriptural?  Do women have to wear long skirts according to the Bible?  Why don't men have to wear long skirts, too?  What is idolatry, anyway?  These are some of the questions Bruce looks at in an attempt to balance arguments about how women should dress with what the Scriptures say about the subject.

The Practical Effects of Translational Bias by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF file, 10 pages.

Looks at some of the practical issues regarding the supposed difficulties of properly translating the Bible.  Some in the 'Hebrew Roots' camp are claiming the Apostolic Writings in particular are 'mistranslated' because some translators had a deliberate bias against Judaism and the Hebrew language.  Is this really true?  Can God be trusted to deliver an uncorrupted version of what He requires from man?

The Priestly Blessing by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 4 pages.

A nice article on his site covering some of the principles involved in the Aaronic or Priestly Blessing.

Psalm 22:16 by Tim Hegg.  PDF file, 2 pages.

The words "they pierced" in this Psalm have been the center of controversy for quite a while now.  See why, and read about a conclusion based on ancient evidence recently unearthed.

The Red Heifer Sacrifice by Shari Freeland.  PDF file, 6 pages.

Shari does a good job comparing her view of the red heifer sacrifice in Numbers 19 with the crucifixion of Jesus.

Romans 14 and the 4th Commandment by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 4 pages.

A good treatment of the "disputatious matters" issue raised by Paul and misunderstood by many, especially with regard to the Sabbath.

The Two House Theory: Three Fatal Flaws by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 11 pages.

Excellent article on basic flaws exhibited by the Two House theory.  1.  The 10 tribes are not lost.  2.  God's plan is for all Gentiles, not just descendants of the 10 tribes.  3.  The union of Judah and Ephraim is separate from salvation for Gentiles.

Two Into One by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.

A look at the Two House theory.  Written in 2002, before the changeover in the Two House teachings to an emphasis on 'one house.'  See also Adoption (2002) and One House (2003) to read about Bruce's other pleas for those brothers and sisters to read Scripture and maintain the unity already given to us by the Spirit.  Of course, 'one house' is not an original idea at all.

Sabbath by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 4 pages.

Part of the feasts but perhaps better explained under a separate heading, the article takes a look at the day of rest and how we can connect with our Father by observing it. 

The Sabbath in Scripture by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 12 Pages. 

Another article on the Sabbath with an in-depth look as the day combines with the Law and is taught throughout the Scriptures.

Save the Adulteress by Dr. Brad H. Young of the Gospel Research Foundation.  Link to site, estimated 14 pages.

Excellent presentation from a different angle on the woman caught in adultery, with a link to his web site.  Scholarly and a little dry, but excellently presented and researched.

Should I Remove My Kippah? by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 12 pages.

An article on some different articles of clothing, particularly kippahs (key-paws) and head coverings.   Excellent study of 1 Corinthians 11:2-16.

Some Thoughts on Traditions in Torah Communities by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 7 pages.

Traditions have their place, but that we need to be careful of judging one another based on practices that are not found in the Word of God.  Well reasoned and gives some excellent guidelines.

Stringing Pearls for Yom Kippur by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 6 pages.

If you would like a little more explanation for Yom Kippur check out the article, which includes a detailed study of affliction and humbling.

Sukkot: The Feast of Tabernacles by Richard Chaimberlin.

We are privileged to be able to include Richard's articles on this site.  Feel free to bop on over to Richard's site Petah Tikvah, if you want.

Torah and the Hammer by Rick Taylor.  PDF file, 10 pages.

Mr. Taylor has gone on ahead of us to be with the Lord, but he left us with some good teaching that doesn't need to go by the wayside even so.  This article is a nice look at tools and the different ways to use them.

Torah Morality by Tim Hegg.  PDF file, 4 pages.

Discusses some of the issues of sex outside of marriage, and sex within marriage.  An excellent read, the link is to a copy of the article we downloaded but cannot seem to find in his index at the moment on the Torah Resource web site.  We usually will point to the home site as the source, just in case they want to change the article or something.  Let us know if we need to change the link back to the site instead of linking to our own copy.  The one we have should be printable, but if you have any problems, let me know.

Traditions by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 8 pages.

Another article in the Christian Faith and Practice series.  Using his experiences in the last few years, combined with what may be a slightly unique view of the Scriptures, Bruce comes to some interesting conclusions regarding the place of tradition in the practice of a believer. 

True Confessions by Rev. Steve Schlissel.  Link to web site.  Lots of pages.

A Reformed or Presbyterian minister, and also a Jewish person, Steve puts together a somewhat formal but thorough explanation of some ideas concerning the applicability of the Law to Christians in an article on his congregation's web site www.messiahnyc.org.  While we don't agree with every single point, he makes a strong case for the Law and how it relates to us Christians.  The article revolves around Galatians 3:28 and various interpretations.

What Does plerosai Mean in Matthew 5:17? by Tim Hegg.  Link to web site, PDF file, 18 pages.

This is an in depth, scholarly presentation to the Evangelical Theological Society made by Tim at a meeting in November 2000, so you will need to know at least a little Greek and Hebrew to really get the 'full' meaning, but a novice will be okay if patience is used.

What If God Were A Linebacker? by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 3 pages.

Only slightly tongue-in-cheek article exploring God's possible impact on sports if He were to play as a linebacker in professional football. 

Where Do I Start? by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 3 pages.

An article explaining some of the introductory concepts of Torah submission for the person just starting.

Who is the Messiah? by Jeffrey J. Harrison.  Link to web site.

He has a web site called www.totheends.com, or To The Ends Of The Earth.  We happily recommend his site and his articles, because he really does a good job using a vocabulary that the average person can understand.  He also ties in the geography of Israel to his articles using biblical directions and showing pictures.  A beautiful site with beautiful teachings.  (A reminder - we do not necessarily agree 100% with other web sites or authors we include on this site.  We expect dialogue to remain open and for you to learn how to think, not what to think.)

Who's Running This Place? by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 5 pages.

Takes a look at the issues of God's authority along with 'right thinking' as opposed to 'right doing,' and consequently why the Torah is included in the walk of a Christian.

Winking at the Word by Tim Hegg.  PDF file, 4 pages.

Don't let the title fool you, Mr. Hegg's article is an excellent discussion of Isaiah 66:2 and what it means to "tremble" at God's Word.  It should be printable in it's current form.

The Woman's Head Covering by Michael Marlowe.  Link to web site.

We don't agree with his conclusions, but we include these links because he provides a different perspective and some good cultural information.

Women's Head coverings: A Messianic Viewpoint anonymous author.  PDF file, 6 pages.

We include here an article on head coverings for women, but it has a little bit more extensive review than others because the subject matter seems to get so many people in a passionate uproar.  Apparently it is a woman, though, as evidenced by the last paragraph.  One wonders why she wants to remain anonymous, until the article is read.  Then it is obvious why she doesn’t want to give her name – her arguments are inadequate and incomplete, and she has poor hermeneutics, so she doesn’t want to have to answer for what she says. 

The article should’ve been called something like ‘Women’s Head Coverings, A Traditional Viewpoint’ because not all people of a Messianic viewpoint are the same on this issue.  Secondly, even modifying the title to more accurately depict something to do with traditions wouldn’t exactly cover it, since the article mainly consists of traditional references from select sources rather than a broad sampling.  She claims to represent the ‘Messianic’ view, yet the majority of Messianics do not seem to share her opinion as evidenced by the lack of head coverings among Messianic women.  The author obviously has an ax to grind and carefully selects historical or biblical texts that support the grinding.  So perhaps a better title would be ‘Why I Want Women to Wear a Cloth on the Head.’

The author is trying to get the reader to believe that all cultures everywhere at anytime have had a head covering element.  This is absolutely not the case.  There are many cultures and traditions that do not include a head covering, and she fails to account for other reasons why a head covering might be worn, such as for head or hair protection.  She also overlooks an obvious point: if culture or tradition are good arguments for a cloth on the head, then why wouldn’t the current ‘culture’ or ‘tradition’ (modern practice) tell us that NOT wearing one is okay?

Another problem is that she ignores biblical references that would contradict her idea that a head covering for women is universally ‘good.’  For instance, in Genesis 38 Tamar is recognized as a prostitute by Judah because she has a covered head.  Moses wears a veil to cover the glory of the Messiah (Ex. 34:33-35 – and he’s male to boot) because the people couldn’t bear to look at his face, and death is a covering or veil over the nations in Isaiah 25:7.

She consistently confuses the presence of a cloth with hair, but only when it suits her purpose.  For instance, right in the first paragraph, second sentence, she states that a woman’s hair is “unveiled” in places such as Number 5:18, when clearly the text reads ‘unbound hair.’  She quotes Isaiah 3:17 for a second such reference, yet not only does the verse simply refer to a loss of hair but a few verses later the thought of hair removal is reinforced and made even more specific (compare Isaiah 3:17 with Isaiah 3:24).

¹⁷Therefore the Lord will afflict the scalp of the daughters of Zion with scabs, And the Lord will make their foreheads bare.” (Isaiah 3:17 NASB95)

²⁴Now it will come about that instead of sweet perfume there will be putrefaction; Instead of a belt, a rope; Instead of well-set hair, a plucked-out scalp; Instead of fine clothes, a donning of sackcloth; And branding instead of beauty. (Isaiah 3:24 NASB95)

The only Bible reference that she spends much time on is Numbers 5:18, which leads me to believe she has read Tim Hegg’s article ‘Should I Remove My Kippah?’ (above) and is trying to make a translation come out different.  But all she can come up with is a rabbinic interpretation where the unbinding of a woman’s hair is equated to her own idea of ‘uncover.’  This is nothing more than eisegesis and poor hermeneutics.

We find the article to be good at picking out a few cultural practices, but very poor at coming up with anything Scriptural.  The author’s hermeneutics are sloppy, and she reads into the text to support a pre-existing viewpoint.

The Word of God by Bruce Scott Bertram.  PDF version, 10 pages.

If you like comparing Scripture with Scripture you will like this article.  Be warned, however.  If you are looking for confirmation for what you already believe this article may damage your thinking!

Speeches

Winning the Culture War by Charlton Heston

Circulated by email a while ago.  It is by the President of the NRA, Charlton Heston, and he has some very pointed comments about the air of political correctness that is pervading America at this time.

America: The Good Neighbor by Gordon Sinclair

Actually fairly old.  We think it was first broadcast as an editorial on a TV show some years ago.  It circulates around the email environs occasionally.  Gordon Sinclair is a Canadian, but from his comments he could certainly pass for an American.

Columns

Larry Miller On Palestine

An article written by the comedian Larry Miller and circulated through cyber-space from time to time but mistakenly attributed to Dennis Miller.  Mr. Miller has some very penetrating observations on the situation in the Middle East.

One Vote For a Palestinian State - In Saudi Arabia by Columnist Jack Englehard.

What if a Palestinian state was created?  Why not in Saudi Arabia?   Jack makes a case for this idea, and makes it very well.

You Say You Want A Resolution by Larry Miller.

Another article from one of my favorite actors and comedians published in The Daily Standard in January 14, 2002, about the best New Year's resolutions.  I think I'll make mine like Larry's.

Words of Wisdom from an Armor Master

An article from another email.  We checked out the source and there really is such a person, and he really did write this article. We can provide you with his address and phone number if you request it.  Mr. Thomas gives us some words to help us cope with a biological, chemical, or nuclear attack.  His common sense advice will ease your worries (if you have them) concerning the eventuality of such an occurrence.