What Was the Fish Gate? (Zephaniah 1:10)
Question: What exactly was the “Fish Gate” mentioned in Zephaniah 1:10, and what was its purpose in biblical history?
Answer:
In ancient Jerusalem, the city was fortified with several gates, each serving both practical and symbolic purposes. These gates were points of entry for people, goods, and animals, and they often carried names based on what passed through them or what lay nearby. Some of the notable gates included:The Sheep Gate used to bring sacrificial animals into the temple area (John 5:2).The Old Gate, The Ephraim Gate, The New Gate, and the Fish Gate.
Let’s focus on the Fish Gate, mentioned directly in Zephaniah 1:10:
“On that day,” declares the Lord, “a cry will be heard from the Fish Gate, a wail from the Second Quarter, a loud crash from the hills.”
(Zephaniah 1:10, ESV)
Location and Historical Background
The Fish Gate was located on the northwestern side of Jerusalem, likely near the fish market where traders from regions like Galilee brought their goods. It was named not because fish passed through it directly, but because of its proximity to this marketplace.
Galilee, located north of Jerusalem, was known for its large fishing industry many of Jesus’ disciples, such as Peter, Andrew, James, and John, were fishermen from this region (see Matthew 4:18–22). Merchants would bring fish through this gate into Jerusalem, especially during festivals when many pilgrims gathered.
Mention in Zephaniah 1:10 Prophetic Significance
In Zephaniah 1, God speaks through the prophet Zephaniah about the coming Day of the Lord, a day of judgment and reckoning. The Fish Gate is mentioned as a place from which wailing and mourning will be heard, symbolizing that judgment will reach every part of society including merchants and traders.
The surrounding verses speak of God’s wrath against complacency, idolatry, and corruption in Judah. The wailing from the Fish Gate may symbolize the collapse of commercial activity and economic security. This shows that economic systems and human enterprise are not exempt from divine judgment.
Earlier Mentions in the Old Testament
The Fish Gate appears earlier in Scripture, during the reign of King Manasseh of Judah. After repenting from his idolatrous practices and returning to the Lord, he fortified Jerusalem:
“Afterward he built an outer wall for the city of David, west of Gihon, in the valley, and for the entrance into the Fish Gate, and carried it around Ophel, and raised it to a very great height.”
(2 Chronicles 33:14, ESV)
This passage reveals the strategic importance of the Fish Gate, especially as Jerusalem expanded westward. It was part of strengthening the city against future threats.
Nehemiah’s Restoration
After the Babylonian exile, when Nehemiah returned to rebuild Jerusalem’s ruined walls, the Fish Gate was among the first mentioned as being repaired:
“The sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate. They laid its beams and set its doors, its bolts, and its bars.”
(Nehemiah 3:3, ESV)
Its early restoration highlights its ongoing significance, possibly because it was a key entry point for merchants.
Later, during the dedication of the wall, the Fish Gate is again referenced:
“…and above the Gate of Ephraim, and by the Old Gate and by the Fish Gate…”
(Nehemiah 12:39, ESV)
Theological Reflection
The Fish Gate represents commerce, daily life, and the connection between God’s people and the outside world. Its mention in a prophecy about judgment (Zephaniah 1:10) reminds us that God sees every aspect of human activity, including business and trade. There’s no “secular” space outside of His authority.
Moreover, the proximity of this gate to Galilee hints at the future ministry of Jesus, whose first disciples were fishermen. This is a subtle foreshadowing of the spiritual “Fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19) who would enter Jerusalem, not through commerce, but through the proclamation of the Gospel.
Personal Reflection: Are You Ready for the Lord’s Return?
Zephaniah warns of a coming day of judgment a theme echoed in the New Testament regarding Jesus’ second coming. The call is urgent:
“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake…”
(Revelation 16:15, ESV)
Be blessed!
Signs of the Coming of the Lord Jesus Christ
The coming of the Lord Jesus to the world unfolds in three major phases, each with distinct signs and purposes according to Scripture.
1.His Birth through the Virgin Mary
The first coming of Christ was a unique historical event where God became flesh through the virgin Mary (John 1:14). This event fulfilled Old Testament messianic prophecies, including the virgin birth (Isaiah 7:14).
Luke 1:30-32 (ESV) states:
“And the angel said to her, ‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David.’”
- Incarnation: God taking on human flesh to redeem humanity.
- Messiah’s Davidic lineage: Jesus inherits the throne of David, affirming His role as the promised King (2 Samuel 7:12-16).
- Grace: Mary was chosen by grace, signifying God’s sovereign plan.
2.The Rapture of the Church
The second coming involves the rapture a sudden, secret catching up of believers to meet Christ in the air before the Great Tribulation (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). The event is sudden and selective, as Jesus described in Luke 17:34-36 (NIV):
“I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed; one will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together; one will be taken and the other left. Two men will be in the field; one will be taken and the other left.”
- Imminence: This event can happen at any time, encouraging believers to be spiritually ready (Matthew 24:42-44).
- Separation: The rapture divides the faithful from those who are not ready or who reject Christ.
- Hope: The rapture is a blessed hope for the church (Titus 2:13).
Signs preceding the rapture (Matthew 24, Mark 13, Luke 21):
- False Christs and false prophets deceiving many.
- Wars, rumors of wars.
- Increase of lawlessness and coldness of love.
- Natural disasters.
- Persecution of believers.
These signs are described as “birth pains” (Matthew 24:8, ESV), indicating the approach but not the immediate arrival of Christ.
3.The Visible Return for the Millennial Reign
The third coming of Christ is visible to all, with every eye seeing Him (Revelation 1:7), and will inaugurate His 1,000 year kingdom on earth (Revelation 20). This happens after the Tribulation period and the rise of the Antichrist.
Revelation 1:7 (NIV) says:
“Look, he is coming with the clouds,” and “every eye will see him, even those who pierced him,” and all peoples on earth “will mourn because of him.” So shall it be! Amen.”
- Judgment: The rebellious are judged and mourn.
- Kingdom establishment: Christ reigns physically on earth for a thousand years.
- Fulfillment of prophecy: God’s promises to Israel and the nations are fulfilled.
Signs that Precede Each Coming
Before the First Coming: The Coming of Elijah/John the Baptist
The Old Testament prophet Malachi 4:5 prophesied Elijah’s return before the Messiah. This was fulfilled by John the Baptist, who came “in the spirit and power of Elijah” (Luke 1:17).
Luke 1:13-17 (NIV):
“Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard… Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you are to call him John. He will be great in the sight of the Lord… He will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children.”
John’s ministry prepared the way for Jesus’ first coming (Isaiah 40:3, Matthew 3:1-3).
Before the Second Coming: Signs Leading to the Rapture
Jesus gave several signs signaling the approach of His return and the rapture of the church, as recorded in Matthew 24 (ESV) and Luke 21:
- Deception by false Messiahs.
- Wars and conflicts.
- Famines and earthquakes.
- Persecution of believers.
- Increase in wickedness and moral decay.
These signs are called “the beginning of birth pains” (Matthew 24:8), meaning the rapture is imminent but not immediate.
Before the Third Coming: Cosmic Signs and the Great Tribulation
The final coming will be preceded by dramatic cosmic disturbances signaling the end of the age:
- The sun darkened.
- The moon turning blood red.
- Stars falling from heaven.
Matthew 24:29-31 (ESV):
“Immediately after the tribulation of those days, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light… Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven… And he will send out his angels with a loud trumpet call to gather his elect.”
Luke 21:25-27 (NIV) also describes these signs, emphasizing the fear and awe of the nations at His visible return.
These signs follow the Great Tribulation period, during which the church is absent (having been raptured).
- Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your personal Savior?
- Are you confident that if He returned today, you would go with Him in the rapture?
- If unsure, seek Him earnestly, for the time is near.
Maranatha! “Our Lord, come!” (1 Corinthians 16:22).
Biblical Foundations of Christian Marriage
1. Marriage as a Divine Institution
Genesis 2:24: “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.”
- This foundational verse establishes marriage as a divine institution, instituted by God from the beginning. It underscores the covenantal nature of marriage, where two individuals become one in purpose and unity. (G3Min)
Matthew 19:4-6: “And He answered and said to them, ‘Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning made them male and female, and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh’? So then, they are no longer two but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.’”
- Jesus reaffirms the Genesis account, emphasizing the permanence and sanctity of the marital bond.
2. Spiritual Compatibility in Marriage
2 Corinthians 6:14-15: “Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness? And what communion has light with darkness? And what accord has Christ with Belial? Or what part has a believer with an unbeliever?”
- Paul advises believers to marry fellow believers to maintain spiritual harmony and unity, avoiding potential conflicts in faith and values.
1 Corinthians 7:39: “A wife is bound by law as long as her husband lives; but if her husband dies, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord.”
- This verse highlights the importance of marrying within the faith, ensuring that the new union is in alignment with Christian beliefs.
3. The Covenant Nature of Marriage
Malachi 2:14: “Yet you say, ‘For what reason?’ Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously; yet she is your companion and your wife by covenant.”
- Marriage is depicted as a covenant before God, emphasizing faithfulness and commitment. (G3Min)
Ephesians 5:25-27: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her, that He might sanctify and cleanse her with the washing of water by the word, that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that she should be holy and without blemish.”
- The husband’s role mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love for the Church, highlighting the sanctifying and purifying aspect of the marital relationship.
4. Mutual Roles and Responsibilities
Ephesians 5:21: “Submitting to one another in the fear of God.”
- Mutual submission is foundational in Christian marriage, where both spouses honor and respect each other.(WISDOM FROM HEAVEN)
Ephesians 5:22-24: “Wives, submit to your own husbands, as to the Lord. For the husband is head of the wife, as also Christ is head of the church; and He is the Savior of the body. Therefore, just as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything.”
- Wives are called to respect and support their husbands, acknowledging their leadership role.
Ephesians 5:25: “Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her.”
- Husbands are commanded to love their wives sacrificially, reflecting Christ’s love for the Church.
5. Purity and Fidelity in Marriage
Hebrews 13:4: “Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.”
- The sanctity of the marriage bed is emphasized, condemning sexual immorality and adultery. (ESV Bible)
1 Corinthians 6:9-10: “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.”
- Paul lists behaviors that are incompatible with the Christian faith, underscoring the importance of moral purity.
6. The Role of the Church in Marriage
1 Corinthians 6:1-3: “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints? Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world will be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?”
- Believers are encouraged to resolve disputes within the church, reflecting the community’s role in upholding Christian values.
Matthew 18:15-17: “Moreover if your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone; if he hears you, you have gained your brother. But if he will not hear, take with you one or two more, that ‘by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established.’ And if he refuses to hear them, tell it to the church.”
- This passage outlines the process of reconciliation within the church, emphasizing accountability and restoration.
Christian marriage is a sacred covenant established by God, reflecting the relationship between Christ and the Church. It is characterized by mutual love, respect, and commitment, underpinned by biblical principles. While the church setting provides a formal and supportive environment for the union, the essence of Christian marriage lies in the adherence to these divine principles, regardless of the ceremony’s location.
Is It YESU, JESUS, or YESHUA? Understanding the Power in His Name
Question:
Which name should believers use in prayer and ministry? Should we say YESU (Swahili), JESUS (English), or YESHUA (Hebrew)?
Answer:
One of the tactics the enemy uses to confuse and divide the body of Christ is the debate over the “correct” name for the Messiah. However, Scripture and sound theology show that the power of the name of Jesus is not in pronunciation but in the person it represents and the faith placed in Him.
There are two main views:
- The Hebrew only View
Some believe that the Messiah’s name must only be pronounced as Yeshua (יֵשׁוּעַ), the original Hebrew name, as the Angel Gabriel might have said to Mary (Luke 1:31). This name means “Yahweh is salvation.” - The Translated Name View
Others believe the Messiah’s name can be faithfully translated into different languages. This is supported by the historical spread of the Gospel across cultures and the use of names such as:- Jesus in English
- Yesu in Swahili
- Iēsous (Ἰησοῦς) in Greek
- Iesus in Latin
These names, though different in form, refer to the same person: the Son of God, the Savior of the world.
Is Translating His Name Biblical?
Yes! God has always used human language to reveal Himself to people. The New Testament was originally written in Greek, not Hebrew, and the name of Jesus appears in Greek as Ἰησοῦς (Iēsous) throughout the Gospels and Epistles.
Example:
“She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:21 (NIV)
The Greek manuscripts say Iēsous, not Yeshua. Yet we understand it refers to the same person.
What Happened at Pentecost? (Acts 2)
When the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, the disciples spoke in various known human languages, not in one sacred language:
“Utterly amazed, they asked: ‘Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language?’”
Acts 2:7–8 (NIV)
They heard the works of God proclaimed in their own tongues (Acts 2:11). This means that the Gospel, including the name of Jesus, was understood and spoken in different languages from the very beginning of the Church.
Names of God Are Translated Too
Even the names and titles of God are translated throughout Scripture:
- In Hebrew: Elohim, YHWH
- In Greek: Theos (God), Kurios (Lord)
- In English: God, Lord
- In Swahili: Mungu, Bwana
If God’s names and titles are translated for understanding, then the name of Jesus can rightly be translated too without losing its power or divinity.
Faith in the Name, Not Just the Sound
What matters most is faith in the person behind the name, not the specific pronunciation.
“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.”
Acts 4:12 (NIV)
The power of His name is demonstrated not by how it’s said, but by who He is and what He has accomplished through the cross and resurrection.
Demons Recognize Him in Every Language
In deliverance ministry, it is well known that demons respond to the authority of the name YESU in Swahili, JESUS in English, or Yeshua in Hebrew because they recognize the authority of the person being invoked.
“The seventy two returned with joy and said, ‘Lord, even the demons submit to us in your name.’”
Luke 10:17 (NIV)
God Embraces All Languages
God desires that all nations, tribes, and tongues worship Him:
“All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.”
Psalm 86:9 (NIV)
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
Revelation 7:9 (NIV)
This shows that linguistic diversity is God ordained, and the name of Jesus is meant to be proclaimed in every language.
Whether you say YESU, JESUS, or YESHUA, what truly matters is:
- That you are referring to the true Son of God, crucified and risen,
- That you believe in Him by faith, and
- That you walk in obedience to His Word.
The issue is not the translation, but the truth and faith behind the name.
“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”
Romans 10:13 (NIV)
May the Lord bless you as you call upon His name in truth.
Is the Earth Round, a Sphere, or Flat Like a Plate? What Does the Bible Say?
QUESTION:
Is the Earth round, a sphere, or is it flat like a plate covered by glass at the top?
ANSWER:
Before we answer, it is crucial to understand the nature and purpose of the Bible.
The Bible is not a scientific textbook, nor is it intended to serve as a manual for physics, business, or technology. The Bible’s primary purpose is to reveal the nature, character, and plan of God for humanity and to teach mankind how to live in relationship with Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV):
“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
(2 Timothy 3:16-17, NIV)
Thus, expecting the Bible to provide detailed explanations about the physical universe, like a science textbook, is a misunderstanding of its purpose. Its focus is spiritual rather than scientific.
Some people try to find business principles such as “demand and supply” or “cash flow” in the Bible. However, the Bible was not designed to teach business economics. For such matters, it is wise to seek formal education. Likewise, scientific principles — like atomic structure, types of rocks, the functions of blood cells, or the invention of medicines — are subjects developed through human investigation and are not explained in Scripture.
It is true that the Bible occasionally mentions aspects of the natural world — but when it does, it is always to illustrate or support a spiritual truth, not to serve as scientific documentation.
Moreover, Scripture makes it clear that worldly wisdom and divine wisdom are very different:
“Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world?”
(1 Corinthians 1:20, NIV)
In short, God’s wisdom surpasses human reasoning, and human achievements, however great, are limited in light of His divine understanding.
What About Technology and Modern Discoveries?
Many modern technologies — such as the Internet, social media, artificial intelligence, and future innovations — are not directly mentioned in the Bible. However, the Bible prophesied a time when knowledge would rapidly increase:
“But you, Daniel, roll up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.”
(Daniel 12:4, NIV)
Thus, although specific inventions are not listed, the increase in knowledge and global exploration was foretold long ago.
Now, Returning to the Main Question:
Is the Earth a sphere, a circle, or a flat plate covered by glass?
While the Bible does not give a full scientific description of Earth’s shape, it does provide strong hints.
One key passage is:
“He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy and spreads them out like a tent to live in.”
(Isaiah 40:22, NIV)
The term “circle” used here (Hebrew word: chug) can mean a round shape or spherical form. It implies that the Earth is circular, not flat, and not covered with a physical glass dome.
Additionally, when we consider the physical evidence God has allowed humans to discover through science — through astronomy, satellite imagery, and physics — we now know that the Earth is a sphere (or more accurately, an oblate spheroid).
In God’s providence, human beings have been given the ability to study and understand creation, confirming what Scripture hints at.
Final Reflection:
While scientific discovery is a gift from God, the Bible’s main purpose remains to guide humanity into salvation and a relationship with Him through Jesus Christ.
We must therefore respect both realms: use science for understanding the natural world and use the Bible for knowing God’s heart and His will for our lives.
May the Lord bless you and lead you into all truth.
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What Does the Word ” to speak against” Mean? (Psalm 78:19)
Psalm 78:18–19 (NIV)
18 They willfully put God to the test by demanding the food they craved.
19 They spoke against God; they said, “Can God really spread a table in the wilderness?”
The world “to speak against” or “to speak contrary to” God. It’s not merely questioning it carries the tone of defiance, complaint, and unbelief. It reflects a posture of distrust, even in the face of God’s demonstrated power.
So in verse 19, when it says,
“They spoke against God, saying, ‘Can God really spread a table in the wilderness?’”
it’s not an innocent question. It’s a rebellious statement, challenging God’s ability and faithfulness.
The passage is part of a larger Psalm (Psalm 78) that recounts Israel’s repeated cycle of rebellion and God’s continued mercy. Even after God delivered them from Egypt through miraculous signs and wonders (Psalm 78:12–16), they still doubted His provision.
Their question “Can God prepare a table in the wilderness?” was not born from lack of knowledge, but from a heart hardened by unbelief (cf. Hebrews 3:7–12). This question represents:
- Spiritual forgetfulness: They forgot what God had done.
- Testing God: They treated God like He needed to prove Himself again (see Deuteronomy 6:16).
- Ingratitude: Rather than giving thanks, they complained and demanded.
- Superficial faith: They believed in God’s past acts, but doubted His present and future power.
This reflects a broader biblical principle: words can either express faith or unbelief. In this case, their words revealed their deep lack of trust, and thus, they “spoke against” God.
New Testament
The same spirit of unbelief is warned against in the New Testament:
Hebrews 3:12 (NIV)
“See to it, brothers and sisters, that none of you has a sinful, unbelieving heart that turns away from the living God.”
1 Corinthians 10:10–11 (NIV)
“And do not grumble, as some of them did and were killed by the destroying angel. These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us…”
The apostle Paul reminds believers that the Israelites’ attitude in the wilderness serves as a warning. Their complaining, testing, and unbelief are patterns we must avoid.
Personal Reflection
Just like the Israelites, we may find ourselves in spiritual “wilderness” seasons times of need, testing, or uncertainty. In such times, our words matter. Will we complain and speak against God, or will we trust and praise Him even when we don’t understand His ways?
Let us be people whose speech reflects faith and gratitude, not doubt and defiance.
Proverbs 18:21 (NIV)
“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”
To speak against God is to speak words of rebellion, doubt, and ingratitude it is to question His power and faithfulness, even when we have seen what He can do. May we not fall into the same trap. Instead, let our words be filled with faith, praise, and trust in the God who can not only prepare a table in the wilderness but who invites us to dine with Him in every season.
Shalom.
Learn from the Heroine Jael: The Power of Hospitality and Milk
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Welcome to this special reflection, crafted especially for women of faith who desire to grow in knowledge, character, and effectiveness in ministry. If you’re hungry for more spiritually nourishing teachings, feel free to explore more here
Today’s lesson is drawn from one of the most powerful and unique stories in Scripture the story of Jael, found in Judges 4. It teaches us that spiritual victory doesn’t always come through strength or position, but often through faith, courage, and wisdom qualities that often flourish in quiet, unexpected places.
Israel’s Oppression and Cry for Deliverance
In Judges 4, Israel had been suffering under the oppressive rule of King Jabin of Canaan and his ruthless military commander Sisera for twenty years. Scripture says:
“And the people of Israel cried out to the Lord for help, for he had 900 chariots of iron and he oppressed the people of Israel cruelly for twenty years.”
Judges 4:3, ESV
In response to their cries, God raised up Deborah, a prophetess and judge over Israel, and Barak, a military leader, to lead the charge against the enemy. But Barak was reluctant to go into battle without Deborah:
“Barak said to her, ‘If you will go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.’”Judges 4:8, ESV
Deborah agreed, but she gave him a sobering prophecy:
“Certainly I will go with you… but because of the course you are taking, the honor will not be yours, for the Lord will deliver Sisera into the hands of a woman.”
Judges 4:9, NIV
This prophecy introduces us to one of Scripture’s most striking women: Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite.
Jael’s Moment of Destiny
As the battle unfolded, the Lord routed Sisera and his army before Barak. Sisera fled on foot and came to the tent of Jael, whom he believed to be an ally.
“But Sisera fled away on foot to the tent of Jael… for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite.”
Judges 4:17, ESV
Jael welcomed him with extraordinary hospitality, saying:
“Turn aside, my lord; turn aside to me; do not be afraid.”
Judges 4:18, ESV
He asked for water, but she gave him milk instead likely warm and comforting.
“He said, ‘Please give me a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.’ So she opened a skin of milk and gave him a drink and covered him.”
Judges 4:19, ESV
This small but significant act of nurturing hospitality made Sisera feel safe. He relaxed and fell into a deep sleep completely unaware that he had walked into divine judgment.
Then came the most dramatic twist:
“But Jael… took a tent peg and took a hammer in her hand. Then she went softly to him and drove the peg into his temple… and he died.”
Judges 4:21, ESV
By this act, Jael an unarmed, non combatant woman became the instrument God used to bring justice upon the oppressor.
Spiritual Lessons from Jael:
1. God Uses the Unexpected
Jael was not a soldier, a prophet, or a leader. She was a tent-dwelling woman, far from the battlefield. Yet God used her mightily. This reminds us of 1 Corinthians 1:27:
“But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong.”
1 Corinthians 1:27, ESV
2. Hospitality as a Spiritual Weapon
Her milk and kindness disarmed Sisera not violently, but emotionally and psychologically. In the New Testament, hospitality is lifted up as a form of spiritual service:
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Hebrews 13:2, ESV
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
1 Peter 4:8–9, NIV
3. Milk Represents the Word of God
The milk Jael offered is symbolic of the Word of God, especially the pure, foundational teachings of the gospel that nourish and strengthen the soul.
“Like newborn babies, crave pure spiritual milk, so that by it you may grow up in your salvation.”
1 Peter 2:2, NIV
“I gave you milk, not solid food, for you were not yet ready for it.”
1 Corinthians 3:2, NIV
As Christian women, we are called to nurture others through the Word offering comfort, encouragement, and truth that leads to transformation.
Your Role as a Spiritual Jael
You may not preach from a pulpit, but your quiet acts of faith, kindness, and hospitality have the power to defeat spiritual enemies and change lives.
- When you serve food, clothe the needy, or help others while speaking words of truth you are wielding spiritual weapons.
- When you love the unlovable and gently share the gospel, you are breaking strongholds.
- Like Jael, you don’t need a sword you need discernment, courage, and obedience.
Even 1 Peter 3:1–5 affirms this:
“Wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives…”
1 Peter 3:1, ESV
“Rather, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.”
1 Peter 3:4, NIV
The Way of Jael Still Stands
In a time when the enemy is on the move, God is still raising women like Jael quiet but fierce, calm but strategic, nurturing but powerful. These women are reshaping families, communities, and even nations not with loudness, but with love, truth, and spiritual milk.
You don’t need a sword to win souls. You need hospitality, the Word of God, and the heart of a servant.
So, daughter of God, wherever He has placed you in your home, business, workplace, or church be a woman of influence, full of hospitality and armed with the Word. Just like Jael, you can be used by God to bring victory, healing, and transformation.
May the Lord bless you and empower you for every good work.
Amen.
What is the meaning of the cross?
The cross is a wooden structure, made by placing one beam across another, designed as an instrument of execution through a slow and painful death.
Unlike today, where many countries use methods such as hanging, shooting, or the electric chair for capital punishment, in ancient kingdoms, those guilty of severe crimes—such as murderers or traitors—were sentenced to death by being hung or nailed to a cross until they died. It was a cruel form of torture, where the victim could suffer for many hours, sometimes even up to two days, before finally dying (John 19:31-33).
In simple terms, the cross was a tool of death and shame. As the Bible says: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.'” (Galatians 3:13) NIV
However, for us who believe in Christ, the cross is no longer a symbol of shame but the greatest symbol of love, sacrifice, and redemption. Through the cross, Jesus Christ paid the price for our sins, offering us salvation and eternal life. As written in Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” NIV
The cross reminds us of the depth of God’s love. John 3:16 declares: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” NIV
And through His death on the cross, Jesus gave us victory over sin and death. As 1 Peter 2:24 says: “He himself bore our sins in his body on the cross, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by his wounds you have been healed.”
Therefore, the cross stands as the ultimate symbol of our redemption and the foundation of our faith. 1 Corinthians 1:18 reminds us: “For the message of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.”
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What Is a Curse According to the Bible?
The word “curse” carries two primary meanings:
1. Loss of God’s Favor or Divine Rejection
The first and most foundational meaning of a curse is the loss of God’s favor or approval. This spiritual curse entered humanity through the original sin of Adam’s rebellion (Genesis 3), when mankind disobeyed God’s direct command. This event introduced sin and death into the human race (Romans 5:12), and with it, separation from God the ultimate curse.
This fallen nature persists in all humanity (Romans 3:23), meaning every person is born spiritually separated from God, under His judgment and curse. Theologians refer to this as original sin, the inherited condition of spiritual death and alienation from God.
Illustration: Like a cockroach, which we instinctively reject because of its nature, humans born into the world possess a sinful nature that naturally rebels against God.
2. A Spoken Pronouncement of Harm or Judgment
The second meaning refers to a spoken word or pronouncement whether by God or human beings that intends to bring harm, judgment, or to block blessings.
This includes:
- Divine curses: Judgments God pronounces on disobedience.
- Human curses: Words spoken by righteous or wicked people that have spiritual consequences.
The First Type of Curse: Spiritual Death and Separation
This curse is fundamental and universal. It results in humanity’s separation from God, making every person subject to sin, death, and condemnation (Isaiah 59:2, Romans 6:23).
God’s justice demands that sin be punished (Deuteronomy 27:26), which means humanity’s only hope is redemption through Jesus Christ.
Redemption from the Curse
God’s plan for restoration is the second birth, or being “born again” (John 3:3-7), which removes this first curse. When a person trusts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, they receive forgiveness and are adopted into God’s family, becoming heirs of blessing rather than curse.
The atonement of Christ on the cross is central here. Jesus took upon Himself the curse we deserved, dying in our place.
Galatians 3:13–14 (NIV):
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written: ‘Cursed is everyone who is hung on a pole.’
He redeemed us in order that the blessing given to Abraham might come to the Gentiles through Christ Jesus, so that by faith we might receive the promise of the Spirit.”
The “curse of the law” refers to the condemnation brought by failure to perfectly obey the Mosaic Law. Christ’s death satisfied God’s justice, breaking the power of sin and the curse over those who believe.
The Second Type of Curse: Divine or Human Pronouncements
a) Curses Pronounced by God
God may declare curses on individuals, families, or nations as consequences of sin and rebellion. These curses can manifest as hardships, defeat, or loss in this life but do not remove salvation for true believers.
Example:
- The covenant curses on Israel for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28).
- The curse on the ground and serpent after the fall (Genesis 3:14-19).
- Cain’s punishment as a restless wanderer (Genesis 4:12).
God’s curses serve as corrective or judicial measures and can affect physical life, prosperity, or social standing.
Hebrews 6:4-8 (NIV):
This passage warns about apostasy falling away after knowing the truth which leads to judgment. It uses agricultural imagery to describe how a land that produces only thorns is near to being cursed.
b) Curses Pronounced by Humans
Humans also have spiritual authority to bless or curse (James 3:9-10). This authority is granted especially to God’s people.
i) Curses from the Righteous
God’s people can pronounce curses as a form of spiritual judgment (Genesis 9:25; 1 Timothy 2:14). Jesus taught that what is bound or loosed on earth will be bound or loosed in heaven (Matthew 18:18), showing the spiritual authority believers hold.
However, believers are called to bless rather than curse (1 Peter 3:9). Speaking curses lightly can be dangerous because words have power (Proverbs 18:21).
ii) Curses from the Wicked
Wicked people, including witches and sorcerers, also pronounce curses. Their power, however, is limited and ultimately nullified by God’s protection over believers.
Example:
Balaam was hired to curse Israel but was compelled by God’s power to bless instead (Numbers 23:8-24).
Believers who live under Christ’s protection need not fear curses from evil people because of the spiritual covering they have in Christ.
- The first curse is spiritual death due to sin, removed only by Christ’s atoning sacrifice and the new birth.
- The second curse involves spoken judgment by God or humans and can bring difficulties in this life but does not affect the believer’s eternal salvation.
- Obedience to God’s commands invites blessings, while disobedience can bring curses.
- Believers are called to be people of blessing, using their spiritual authority wisely.
May the Lord bless and keep you, shielding you from all curses and filling you with His abundant blessings in Jesus Christ!
Who Wrote the Book of Hebrews?
The author of the book of Hebrews remains anonymous because the letter itself does not explicitly name the writer (Hebrews 1:1). However, careful study of the text suggests that the Apostle Paul is a strong candidate. The author mentions Timothy, who was Paul’s close companion and co-worker (Hebrews 13:23):
“Know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.”
Also, the closing blessing, “Grace be with you all” (Hebrews 13:25), is a hallmark of Paul’s letters, reinforcing this possibility.
Some scholars suggest alternatives like Apollos, Barnabas, or Silas due to differences in writing style. Ultimately, the message, not the author’s identity, is the heart of the book.
What Is the Book of Hebrews About?
Hebrews is a pastoral letter addressed primarily to Jewish Christians familiar with Jewish customs, rituals, and the Old Testament Scriptures (Hebrews 2:1):
“Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away.”
The main theological theme is the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus Christ as the perfect revelation of God and mediator of a new covenant (Hebrews 1:3)
“Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power… sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
Key points include:
- Christ’s superiority over the prophets: God once spoke through prophets, but now speaks definitively through His Son (Hebrews 1:1-2).
- Christ’s superiority over angels: Unlike angels, Jesus has an eternal throne and authority (Hebrews 1:13-14).
- Christ’s superiority over Moses and the Levitical priesthood: Jesus is the ultimate high priest in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 3:1-6; 7:1-28 NKJV), surpassing the old covenant mediators.
- Christ’s once-for-all sacrifice: Unlike repeated animal sacrifices, Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses sin completely and eternally (Hebrews 10:11-14 ).
“But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God.” (Hebrews 10:12)
This theology confirms Jesus as the mediator of a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6), fulfilling and surpassing the old covenant’s shadows (Hebrews 10:1).
A Warning and Encouragement to Persevere
Hebrews also serves as a powerful exhortation for believers to remain faithful amid trials and persecution (Hebrews 12:1-3):
“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight… and run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith…”
This call reflects the theology of perseverance—believers are encouraged to endure hardships by focusing on Christ’s example of suffering and victory.
May the Lord richly bless you.
