BiblePlaces releases new Photo Companion to the Minor Prophets

Todd Bolen at BiblePlaces just released a Photo Companion to the Minor Prophets. Here's the notice:

Today we are excited to announce the completion of 12 new volumes for the Minor Prophets in the Photo Companion to the Bible. This is our largest release in fourteen years and the culmination of a project we began a decade ago.

The Minor Prophets are filled with historical and geographical references, making an illustrated companion especially valuable for bridging the gap between what we see today and the world of the ancient Israelites.

We have details, endorsements, photos, and free downloads below, but here is the short version: today you can purchase all 12 volumes, including 67 PowerPoints and more than 9,000 photos, for the release price of $79 (immediate download or DVD + download).

While you're there, be sure to check out the other outstanding volumes of this photo series. And to keep up to date on all things related to Bible places, be sure to check out the BiblePlaces Blog.

Hebrew Calendar, Festivals, and Seasonal Activities from Bible Mapper

David Barrett on his Bible Mapper site has added another useful resource.He reports:

Bible Mapper is pleased to release a clickable, searchable Hebrew calendar that includes festivals and seasonal activities. Click the snapshot below to go to the live calendar. 

Thanks to Barrett for sharing this! 

 

Matthew 5.38-48 (Beatitudes) for RCL Epiphany 8A

Image by ChatGPT

The RCL text for Epiphany 8A is Matthew 5.38-48, part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. 

This is my translation which stays close to the Greek but perhaps gives a different tone.

Matthew 5.38-48 mgvhoffman

³⁸ “You’ve heard that it was said,

‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’

³⁹ But I’m telling you not to retaliate against an evil person.

Rather, should anyone slap you on your right cheek,

turn the other to them as well.

⁴⁰ And as for the one who wants to sue you and take your undergarment?

Give them your outer garment as well.

⁴¹ And should anyone force you to go one mile?

Go on with them for two.

⁴² As for the one asking you for something?

Give it to them.

And the one who wants to borrow from you?

Don’t turn them away.

⁴³ You’ve heard that it was said,

‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

⁴⁴ But I’m telling you, love your enemies and pray for the ones persecuting you,

⁴⁵ so that you become children of your heavenly Father,

because the sun, God causes it to rise on the evil and the good,

and sends rain on the righteous and unrighteous.

⁴⁶ For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have?

Don’t even the tax collectors do the same?

⁴⁷ And if you greet only your siblings, what are you doing more than others?

Don’t even the Gentile do the same?

⁴⁸ So then, as for you, you are to be perfectly whole, just as your heavenly Father is perfectly whole.”

• For an explanation of my choices, HERE is a guide comparing translations and highlighting grammatical and lexical issues.