THIS IS VOL 731B COMBINATION OF (1) INTERESTING VIDEO AND TALKING SHOWING WONDERS OF ALMIGHTY GOD’S CREATION, [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND AN A VIDEO TO INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF 2 THESSALONIANS, AND A LINK TO A BIBLE STUDY: [3]  DISCOURSE ON APPARENT BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS AND DIVINE INSPIRATION,  [4]  AN ARTICLE ON, THE HUMAN BODY’S ABILITY TO REPAIR WOUNDS,  [5]  A TALKING VIDEO OF, Is TRUTH IMPORTANT ANYMORE?

(1) TO VIEW WAS IT DESIGNED OR CREATED, VIEW THE SHORT VIDEO, CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER THE FOLLOWING,   
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODBibleCreation/docid-502200134_1_VIDEO

NOW VIEW A TALKING VIDEO SHOWING, WAS IT DESIGNED OR NOT?  THE THORNY DEVIL LIZARD’S MOISTURE-EXTRACTING SKIN,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g201510/thorny-devil-lizards-skin/




[2]    SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY VOL [731B]

But when the Pharisees had heard that he had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together.  Then one of them, which was a lawyer, asked him a question, tempting him, and saying,  Master, which is the great commandment in the law?  Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  This is the first and great commandment.  Matthew 22:34 – 38, (Authorized King James Bible; AV)

Our love for Jehovah should spring from the heart.   Jesus made that clear when a Pharisee asked him which was the greatest commandment.

 What did Jesus mean when he said that we must love God with our “whole heart”? He meant that we must love Jehovah with our entire figurative heart, affecting our desires, emotions, and feelings. We must also love him with our “whole soul,” or our life and being. Moreover, we must love God with our “whole mind,” or our full intellect. In essence, we ought to love Jehovah fully, without reservation. 


TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 
http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-forum-1.html&sid=3332d8b672c83f9abee033515e6f9698


TO VIEW INTRODUCTION TO THE OF BOOK OF 2 THESSALONIANS, CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING:
https://www.jw.org/en/library/bible/study-bible/books/2-thessalonians-introduction//


TO ENJOY AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”:  CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING.
https://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb4.com/thread-3.html



[3]       DISCOURSE ON APPARENT BIBLE CONTRADICTIONS AND DIVINE INSPIRATION:


INTRODUCTION:

Some misguided ones who lack true Bible knowledge often contend that the Bible contradicts itself and/or promotes wrong doing, killing, or some other error.   But in reality this is not the case.  The Bible is NOT the product of one committee or strongman. It has over 40 individual writers who wrote under divine inspiration/guidance much as transcribing secretaries today taking transcription and then later typing it out. In other words one real author, God (YHWH), and many scribes each of whom wrote in his own style over a period of approximately 1,600 years. All of what people call or consider inconsistencies are really not such, but most often just a problem of translation and/or understanding, i.e., lack of understanding of what the original writer writing in his own language and culture meant/said in his original writing. What is remarkable, is the writers over such a period of time all wrote in harmony when even most posters on threads on this forum can not even stay on track or subject over a period of a few days and/or weeks at most with the original subject of the thread. This fact of harmony over a period so great as to almost stagger the imagination shows that it had one guiding force or author who divinely inspired its writers as humans of their own volition can not keep on track over short periods of time.

EXPLANATION OF WARS OF JUDGMENT:

There are many passages that require real study since on the surface they appear to be contradictory, but when carefully examined this has been found to NOT be the case.  One example of this they point to is God's (YHWH's) Commandment at Exodus 20:13, "Thou shalt not kill." (Authorized King James Bible; AV), and the many wars Israel engaged in at God's (YHWH's)direction in which they killed the enemy, a seeming contradiction.  But in reality it is NOT a contradiction since a loving God (YHWH) needed to execute judgment against the evil ones to protect his then chosen people.  This is shown at Deuteronomy 20:16-18, "`Only, of the cities of these peoples which Jehovah thy God is giving to thee `for' an inheritance, thou dost not keep alive any breathing; 17 for thou dost certainly devote the Hittite, and the Amorite, the Canaanite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, as Jehovah thy God hath commanded thee, 18    so that they teach you not to do according to all their abominations which they have done to their gods, and ye have sinned against Jehovah your God." (Young's Literal Translation; YLT); and at Deuteronomy 7:16, "`And thou hast consumed all the peoples whom Jehovah thy God is giving to thee; thine eye hath no pity on them, and thou dost not serve their gods, for a snare it `is' to thee." (YLT).

The fact is that God (YHWH) himself actually used his forces to fight for Israel in these wars in these wars of execution of judgment as testified to at Joshua 10:14, "And there was no day like that before it or after it, that Jehovah hearkened unto the voice of a man: for Jehovah fought for Israel." (American Standard Version; ASV); and at Joshua 10:42, "And all these kings and their land did Joshua take at one time, because Jehovah, the God of Israel, fought for Israel." (ASV).   In fact, the dread of the true God (YHWH) came to be on all of the pagans as shown at 2 Chronicles 20:29, "And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of the countries, when they heard that Jehovah fought against the enemies of Israel." (ASV).   However, early true Christians did NOT participate in the wars of men, i.e., the pagan Roman Empire as shown in a book by Professor Jesse E. Wrench, "The Christians refused to show their loyalty by burning incense to the emperor.  Being men of peace, they would not serve in the Roman armies." [source - "The March of Civilization, Ancient and Medieval World," by Jesse E. Wrench, Professor of History at the University of Missouri, 1931, page 205] showing their respect for God's (YHWH's) law in Exodus.  Another writer, Eugene A. Colligan, stated in his book, "They preferred the Kingdom of God to any kingdom that they might serve on earth....Since they believed in peace, they would not serve in Rome's imperial armies." [source - "From the Old World to the New," Eugene A. Colligan, Associate Superintendent of Schools, City of New York, and Maxwell F. Littwin, Principal, New York City Public Schools, pages 88-89].

EXPLANATION OF HIGHER CRITICISM FROM THE WRITINGS OF DR. GRIESBACH:

A Jewish scholar, ri Kuchinsky, wrote this about Dr. Griesbach:

"Eminent German rationalist theologian & father of modern literary/historical analysis of the biblical text. Born in Hesse, Griesbach studied under Johann S. Semler at Halle (Prussia). He expanded the  base of the Greek with what he discovered during extensive travels & published (1774-75) the first revised edition of the traditional Greek  complete with an extensive critical apparatus. He was appointed professor of NT studies at the U of Jena (1775). In 1776 he published A Synopsis of the Gospels of Matthew, Mark & Luke, the work that launched modern gospel studies. Since that time these three gospels have been referred to as "the synoptics."


Pointing to discrepancies between gospel narratives, Griesbach dismissed traditional attempts to harmonize these accounts & focused attention on their literary dependence instead. He accepted J. B. Koppe's observation that the text of Mark is often closer Luke. This led him to turn Augustine's theory that Luke used Matthew & Mark around and claim that Mark was an uninspired compilation from Matthew & Luke. In 1789 he published his defense of this thesis as "A Demonstration that the Whole Gospel of Mark is Excerpted from the Narratives of Matthew & Luke." In the 19th c. Griesbach's thesis was championed by his student, W. L. de Wette. After years of neglect it was revived in 1964 by the American scholar, W.R. Farmer as "the Two Gospel hypothesis."
In his Demonstration, Griesbach summed up his argument as follows:


This is a summary of the thesis we are defending:
* When writing his book, Mark had not only Matthew but also Luke positioned before his eyes;
* and from these (texts) he excerpted whatever deeds, speeches and sayings of the Savior he committed to memory;
* so that mainly & most often he followed Matthew as a guide;
yet sometimes, leaving Matthew, he allied himself with Luke;
* where he would stick to Matthew's tracks, he still would not let Luke out of his eyesight, but would compare him with Matthew and vice-versa;
* he would try to be brief, as he wanted to write a book with minimum mass; So not only did he leave out what was not pertinent to the role of teacher, which the Lord performed in public..., he also passed over several of Christ's wordier speeches.
* Furthermore, ...he kept in mind his readers: that is, people far from Palestine, among whom the maxims & customs of Palestinian Jews, especially the Pharisees, were not well known, nor were necessary to know; so, partly for this reason,
* he would cut out some things found in Matthew or Luke that were meant only for Jews, especially those in Palestine, or fit their way of thinking...,
* he would be stingier in citing OT passages...,
* he would add things that he thought necessary as illustration or useful for his readers to understand the narrative....
Thus, in Griesbach's view, Mark worked like a cross between a researcher & a Reader's Digest editor to produce for non-Jewish readers a single condensed version of two books, adding only minor details & 24 new sentences to passages quoted from his sources. Other scholars, like J. G. Herder, were not persuaded that this presented a realistic picture of how ancient scribes functioned.
[For full text & further information see J. J. Griesbach: Synoptic and text- critical studies 1776-1976 (ed. by B. Orchard & T. R. W. Longstaff) Cambridge: Cambridge U. Press, 1978. The passage translated here from Latin is found on pp. 76-77].

New Testament Textual Criticism is often seen as the most obscure of all biblical disciplines. The textual scholars are the folks whose responsibility it is actually to produce the text of the NT that the Christians are reading today. All English translations of the gospels are based on the work of these Textual Critics, who have assembled the Greek text of the gospels from many old biblical manuscripts as they saw fit.

Yes, generally, it's quite an obscure field... The disputes among the professional Textual Critics are still many and bitter. They still keep disputing about the simplest things. For example, they still cannot agree among themselves, Which of the three main NT texts-types -- Alexandrian, Byzantine, and Western -- is the earliest?

But, actually, I'm saying that the Textual Criticism isn't such a difficult area at all... In fact, the whole thing is extremely simple!
Just how simple it is? It's actually so simple that, as I see it, the biggest problem in this area had already been solved over 200 years ago! And it seems like it's been downhill ever since...

Thus, today's NT Textual Criticism seems to be mostly smoke and mirrors. Indeed, it now looks to me like these folks spend far more time obscuring some of the most obvious things in this area, rather than clarifying them. And, as a result -- sorry to say, friends -- our mainstream "eclectic" text of the gospels, as well as all the English translations based on it, appear to be all wrong...


The following is a brief review of the work of Griesbach, and of some other famous Textual Critics of the times long past -- the scholars such as Hug and Lachmann. This review is based on the information that I've assembled from other biblical historians. All this can be easily verified.



GRIESBACH HAD IT RIGHT!
looks to me like the Textual problem of the NT had been solved by J. J. Griesbach -- who was one of the great pioneers of biblical criticism -- already by the end of the 18th century! And so, everything that happened in biblical studies ever since was simply footnotes...
And the reason why it was so easy for Griesbach to solve this main textual problem was... because it was so easy! At least that's how it seems to me...
In modern TC textbooks, Dr. J. J. Griesbach is cited as the originator of the classification of all our NT MSS into the three basic families, Western, Alexandrian, and Byzantine (although we can also note that he relied on the work of his mentors, such as Semler). Griesbach also formulated almost all of the major rules of TC that are still in use even now.

The following account is based on an overview by Dr. A. Klijn (see the ref below), who is, himself, one of the big Textual Critics today.


According to Klijn, Griesbach started his analysis by studying the works of Origen, an early Alexandrian Church Father, and the biblical quotations as found in these writings. He observed that Origen had used two different texts of Mark; one of them close to the Alexandrian type, and the other one close to the text of Codex Bezae -- that famous very ancient NT manuscript of "Western" type. Of course, Western text was already very well known in Europe prior to Griesbach, because this was the text as represented by numerous versions of the gospels that still survive in the Old Latin.

Furthermore, Griesbach observed that these Western gospel texts, as found in Europe, had many similarities to the Syriac Peshitta -- a very important observation. So these unusual old texts of "Western type" could be found both in the West and in the East!

Griesbach could see clearly that both Western and the Alexandrian texts deviate widely from the Majority Text (which is represented for us now by the KJV). The Majority Text was the text that was most popular since the Middle Ages; thus it is found in the majority of old biblical MSS.

One of Griesbach's most noteworthy observations was that Western text represented a pre-recension text. In other words, according to him, these Western texts were current before the NT had been published as a whole. In Griesbach's view, when the canon was finally closed and settled upon, that older text came to be rejected by Church authorities.

And so, Griesbach was somewhat hesitant to describe Western text as a "recension". The only true recensions, according to him, were the Alexandrian and the Byzantine, because there's a lot more consistency within these two textual families. Thus, Western text was a pre-recension text.

So, as we can see, it was the Patristic evidence that led Griesbach to all these revolutionary discoveries. It was the quotes from the old Church Fathers that, according to him, still preserve for us the earliest pre-recension gospel text.
So this is how Klijn summarises these matters,
 
"Griesbach noticed that Marcion, Irenaeus and even Clement of Alexandria, who wrote before the recensions used a Western text." [SOURCE -(A. Klijn, A SURVEY OF THE RESEARCHES INTO THE WESTERN TEXT OF THE GOSPELS AND ACTS: Part 1, Utrecht, 1948, p. 7)]

Also, Lachmann, another great pioneer of TC, continued the work of both Griesbach and Hug. Writing in 1831, he stated that, based on the extant NT manuscripts, it was not possible to construct a text which would go any farther back than the fourth century.

So this was an extremely honest observation on the part of Lachmann. Indeed, to all intents and purposes, our canonical Greek texts -- whether Alexandrian or Byzantine -- are really nothing other than the Catholic texts as commonly accepted in the fourth century. (The former was popular in Egypt, but then abandoned; the latter was popular in Constantinople, and became the standard text in the early middle ages.)

So Griesbach was right; the earliest text was Western. (I, myself, prefer to describe it as the Peripheral text -- after all, the name "Western text" is just such an obvious misnomer, in light of the fact that it's the eastern MSS that are its key representatives. See this article #where I explain this matter some more.) And he was working at the time when the ancient Old Syriac Aramaic gospels -- our main Western/Peripheral texts today -- were still unknown to scholarship! Yet, still and all, he put this whole puzzle together quite easily, using the Syriac Peshitta as his reference.

Sure, he was a very talented biblical scholar. But, still, how could TC wander in the wilderness so long after him? Are our modern TC scholars really so incompetent?

Maybe so... But, in my view, it's mostly their political bias that's to blame. They are simply not brave enough to challenge today's academic-ecclesiastical consensus -- something that Griesbach obviously wasn't afraid to do even back in the eighteenth century! [SOURCE - Yuri].

DR. GRIESBACH TRANSLATION FROM KOINE GREEK TO ENGLISH THE GREEK ENGLISH PORTION OF THE EMPHATIC DIALOGTT CLEARS UP AN APPARENT BIBLE CONTRADICTION:

With respect the Emphatic Dialogtt, the word-for-word section was done by a very renown Koine Greek expert and Bible scholar, Dr. Griesbach.  the standard or 'flowing-language' part, this was done by a newspaper reporter, Bengemin Wilson, who was not a translator, but knew how to take from what Dr. Griesbach had done as a word-for-word translation and put it into flowing English.  Reporters would naturally be good at this.


"Now with respect to one scripture to which the poster pointed special attention, John 1:1, I had reached exactly the same conclusion as Dr. Griesbach, but from a very different analysis as follows:

"John 1:1 could in no way support the doctrine of the Trinity, as follows:

John 1:1, "When all things began, the Word already was.  The Word dwelt with God, and what God was, the Word was" (New English Translation; NEB)
John 1:1, " In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God." (American Standard Version; ASV)


Neither mention in any way more than two beings, yet a trinity of anything requires three similar things.


However, in very careful careful analysis as an independent thinker and using my knowledge of language and translation constructs, I am able to prove it can not even support a Duality.  Let's take the poor construct of this verse found in the (Authorized King James Bible; AV) which is as follows and break it down into its three sub-constructs.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Sub-construct # 1 "In the beginning was the Word."

Sub-construct # 2 "and the Word was with God"

Sub-construct # 3 "and the Word was God."

It is clear that there is a mutually exclusive condition existing between sub-construct # 2 and # 3 in that sub-construct # 2 clearly says, "the Word was with God" which clearly denotes two distinct beings, one with the other; whereas, sub-construct # 3 clearly says, "and the word was God," now obviously both can NOT be true.  No individual can be with another individual and at the same time be that other individual so obviously both can NOT be so.  When we look at how the New English Translation; NEB, renders these two sub-constructs we get two sub-constructs that no longer are mutually exclusive thus accurately reflecting the intent or thought of the original writer, see sub-construct #2 "The Word dwelt with God," and sub-construct # 3 "and what God was, the Word was."

Of course the New English Translation; NEB, would clearly be in line with the fact that a Son, Jesus (Yeshua), would be a lot like his Father (YHWH); therefore, he would be both divine like his Father (YHWH) and a god.  To use an analogy to make this even clearer, we would expect a son dog to be a lot like father dog; a dog pure and simple; so we would also expect a son of a god to be both divine and a god.

In fact some Bible translations even use a god such as "And the word was a god"  The New Testament in An Improved Version, Upon the Basis of Achbishop Newcome's New Translation: With a Corrected Text.  Both this rendering and that of the NEB say the same thing in different words with the NEB making it quite clear that both the Father (YHWH) and the Son, Jesus (Yeshua), are  of the same substance which is clearly delineated at Philippians 2:1-11, "there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, 2 make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; 3 [doing] nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; 4 not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. 5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient [even] unto death, yea, the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven and [things] on earth and [things] under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (American Standard Version; ASV).  Clearly testifying that the Son is of the same substance as the Father (YHWH), but just not as great as his Father (YHWH) as he himself testified to at John 14:28, "Ye heard how I said to you, I go away, and I come unto you. If ye loved me, ye would have rejoiced, because I go unto the Father: for the Father is greater than I." (ASV).  Of course this would have to be the case or Exodus 20:3 , "Thou shalt have no other gods before me." (ASV) would be violated.

So as can be seen the more common rendering of John 1:1 can not be correct as its sub-constructs are mutually exclusive, a physical impossibility." [by Iris the Preacher, 2004].

So this seeming contradiction is NOT that at all, but just a biased and bad translation from the original Koine Greek into English; once more giving another example where an apparent contradiction is actually NOT one at all.  It is nothing more than a failure by some translators to correctly render what the original writer stated when writing in his language.  However, many translators, not just Dr. Griesbach, have translated this passage in line with the thinking of the original writer, some of them are:


"<2>  "the nature of the Word was the same as the nature of God"   [example of Bible using,  Schonfield, 1976]"

"<3>  "The Word dwelt with God, and what God was, the word was."   [example of Bible using, The New English Bible, NEB, 1961-present standard Bible agreed to by most denominations in the United Kingdom]"

"<4> "And the word was a god"  [example of Bible using, The New Testament in An Improved Version, Upon the Basis of Achbishop Newcome's New Translation: With a Corrected Text.]"

"<5>  "and the Word was divine"  [example of Bible using, The Bible: An American Translation, by J.M.P. Smith and E.J. Goodspeed. }"

"<8>  "the Logos was divine"  [example of Bible using,  The New Testament: A New Translation, by James Moffat]"

"<9>  "r war bei Gott und in allem Gott gleich"[He was with God and in all like God] [example of Bible using, Haenchen (tr. By R. Funk), 1982]"

"<10> "Gott (von Art) war der Logos" [God (of Kind/kind) was the Logos/logos] [example of Bible using, Die Bibel in heutigem Deutsch, 1980]"

My husband favors construct # 5 ; whereas I favor constructs # 3 and # 4 ; however when you reason on any of these seven, they in essence are saying the exact same thing, but in different words.  They are all recognizing that Jesus (Yeshua) Christ is divine in their own way and that he is God's (YHWH's) only begotten son.  This fact is clearly shown in the Bible at Philippians 2:1-11, "If there is therefore any exhortation in Christ, if any consolation of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any tender mercies and compassions, 2 make full my joy, that ye be of the same mind, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind; 3 [doing] nothing through faction or through vainglory, but in lowliness of mind each counting other better than himself; 4 not looking each of you to his own things, but each of you also to the things of others. 5 Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus: 6 who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men; 8 and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient [even] unto death, yea, the death of the cross. 9 Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name; 10 that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of [things] in heaven and [things] on earth and [things] under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father" (ASV).   Obviously all thinking people should believe the Bible and not accept the opinions of man.

As can easily be seen from these two examples, apparent contradictions in the Bible are NOT that al all, but just lack of understanding. 

BIBLE SHOWN RELIABLE BY ACCURATE PROPHECY ABOUT JESUS (YESHUA):

Is there a way to prove inspiration or, at least, intelligently present evidence for its inspiration? The answer is "Yes!" One of the best ways to prove inspiration is by examining prophecy. There are many religious books in the world that have many good things to say. But only the Bible has fulfilled prophecies--with more fulfillments to come. The Bible has never been wrong in the past, and it won't be wrong in the future. It claims inspiration from God, " All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness:" (2 Timothy 3:16 AV).  Since God is the creator of all things " Thus saith the LORD, thy redeemer, and he that formed thee from the womb, I am the LORD that maketh all things; that stretcheth forth the heavens alone; that spreadeth abroad the earth by myself;" (Isaiah 44:24 ; AV), then He (YHWH) is also the creator of time. It is under His control. Only God, then, would always be right about what is in the future, our future.

Fulfilled prophecy is strong evidence that God is the author of the Bible because when you look at the mathematical odds of prophecy being fulfilled, you quickly see a design, a purpose, and a guiding hand behind the Bible. If just one prophecy failed, then we would know that God is not the true God, because the creator of all things, which includes time, would not be wrong about predicting the future. " When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." (Deuteronomy 18:22; AV).  And  "Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me; 10  declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;" (Isaiah 46:9-10; American Standard Version of 1901; ASV).

One writer and mathmatician, Peter Stoner has figured out the possibilities of the fulfillment of just eight (8) prophecies happening, let alone 100 having been fulfilled, and had this to say:

The following probabilities are taken from Peter Stoner in Science Speaks (Moody Press, 1963) to show that coincidence is ruled out by the science of probability. Stoner says that by using the modern science of probability in reference to eight prophecies, 'we find that the chance that any man might have lived down to the present time and fulfilled all eight prophecies is 1 in 10 to 17." That would be 1 in 100,000,000,000,000,000. In order to help us comprehend this staggering probability, Stoner illustrates it by supposing that "we take 10 to 17 silver dollars and lay them on the face of Texas. They will cover all of the state two feet deep.
"Now mark one of these silver dollars and stir the whole mass thoroughly, all over the state. Blindfold a man and tell him that he can travel as far as he wishes, but he must pick up one silver dollar and say that this is the right one. What chance would he have of getting the right one? Just the same chance that the prophets would have had of writing these eight prophecies and having them all come true in any one man."
Stoner considers 48 prophecies and says, "we find the chance that any one man fulfilled all 48 prophecies to be 1 in 10 to 157.

The estimated number of electrons in the universe is around 10 tp 79. It should be quite evident that Jesus did not fulfill the prophecies by accident."  [ excerpt from book Evidence that Demands a Verdict by Josh McDowell.]

EXAMPLES OF A FEW OF THE PROPHECIES FULFILLED IN JESUS (YESHUA OR YHWH SAVES):

PROPHECY FULFILLED WHEN JESUS WAS CRUCIFIED

[ 1. Betrayed by a friend - Psalms 41:9 - John 13:18-27 - 460 BCE ]]

[ 2. Thirty (30) of silver thrown in Temple - Zechariah 11:13 - Matthew 27:3-5 - 518 BCE ]

[ 3. Betrayed for thirty (30) pieces of silver - Zechariah 11:12 - Matthew 26:14-15 - 518 BCE ]

[ 4. Potters field bought for thirty (30) pieces of silver, Zechariah 11:13 - Matthew 27:6-10 - 518 BCE ]

[ 5. Forsaken by His disciples - Zechariah 13:7 - Mark 14:27-50 - 518 BCE ]

[ 6. Falsely accused by false witnesses - Psalms 35:11-21 - Matthew 26:59-61 - 460 BCE ]

[ 7. Remained silent before accusers - Isaiah 53:7 - Matthew 27:12-14 - 732 BCE ]

[ 8. Was wounded and bruised - Isaiah 53:4-6 - 1 Peter 2:21-25 - 732 BCE ]

[ 9. Spit upon and beaten - Isaiah 50:6 - Matthew 26:67-68 - 732 BCE ]

[ 10. Was mocked - Psalms 22:6-  8 - Matthew 27:27-  31 - 460 BCE ]

[ 11. Fell under the cross (stauros) - Psalms 109:24-  25 - John 19:17, Luke 23:26 - 460 BCE]

[ 12. Had hands and feet pierced - Psalms 22:16 - John 20:24-28 - 460 BCE ]

[ 13. Was crucified with thieves - Isaiah 53:12 - Matthew 27:38 - 732 BCE ]

[ 14. Prayed for His enemies - Isaiah 53:12 - Luke 23:34 - 732 BCE ]

[ 15. His own people rejected him - Isaiah 53:3 - John 19:14-15 - 732 BCE]

[ 16. Was hated without cause - Psalms 69:4 - John 15:25 - 460 BCE ]

[ 17. Friends stood aloof - Psalms 38:11 -Luke 22:54; Luke 23:49 - 460 BCE ]

[ 18. People wag their heads - Psalms 22:7; Psalms 109:25 - Matthew 27:39 - 460 BCE]

[19. He was stared at by people - Psalms 22:17 - Luke 23:35 - 460 BCE]

[ 20. Gamblers divided his clothes - Psalms 22:18 - John 19:23-24 - 460 BCE ]

[ 21. He became very thirsty - Psalms 22:15 - John 19:28 - 460 BCE ]

[ 22. He was given gall & vinegar - Psalms 69:21 - Matthew 27:34 - 460 BCE ]

[ 23. He committed himself to God - Psalms 31:5 - Luke 23:46 - 460 BCE ]

[ 24. His forsaken cry - Psalms 22:1 - Matthew 27:46 - 460 BCE ]

[ 25. His bones not broken - Psalms 34:20 - John 19:32-36 - 460 BCE ]

[ 26. Was buried in tomb of a rich man - Isaiah 53:9 - Matthew 27:56-60 - 732 BCE ]

[ 27. A darkness came over the land - Amos 8:9 - Luke 23:44-45 - 804 BCE ]

[ 28. His heart was broken - Psalms 69:20;Psalms 22:14 - 460 BCE ]

[ 29. His side pierced - Zechariah 12:10 - John 19:34-37 - 648 BCE ]



PROPHECIES FULFILLED CONCERNING HIS BIRTH

[ 1. Born of the seed of women - Genesis 3:15 - Galatians 4:4 - 1513 BCE ]

[ 2. Born to a virgin Hebrew - Isaiah 7:14 - Matthew 1:18-25 - 732 BCE ]

[ 3. Children are killed by Herod - Jeremiah 31:15 - Matthew 2:16-18 - 580 BCE ]

[ 4. Born of the family line of Jesse - Isaiah 11:1 - Luke 3:32 - 732 BCE ]

[ 5. Born into the Tribe of Judah - Genesis 49:10 - Revelations 5:5 - 1513 BCE ]

[ 6. Born in Bethlehem - Micah 5:2 - Matthew 2:1-6 - 717 BCE ]

[ 7. Seed of David - Jeremiah 23:5 - Luke 3:31 - 580 BCE ]

[ 8. Seed of Jacob - Numbers 24:17 - Luke 3:34 - 1473 BCE ]

[ 9. Seed of Isaac - Genesis 21:12 - Luke 3:23-34 - 1513 BCE ]

[ 10. Seed of Abraham - Genesis 22:18 - Matthew 1:1 - 1513 BCE ]

PROPHECIES ON HIS PERSONALITY

[ 1. His zeal for this Father (YHWY) - Psalms 69:9 - John 2:15-17 - 460 BCE ]

[2. His existence before creation - Micah 5:2 - 1 Peter 1:20 - 717 BCE ]

[ 3. He shall be called Lord - Psalms 110:1 - Acts 2:36 - 460 BCE ]

[ 4. Called Immanuel (God with us) - Isaiah 7:14 - Matthew 1:22-23 - 732 BCE ]

[ 5. Anointed by the Spirit (HS) - Isaiah 11:2 - Matthew 3:16-17 - 732 BCE ]

[ 6. He is a Prophet - Deuteronomy 18:18-19 - Acts 3:18-25 - 1473 BCE ]

[ 7. He will be a Priest - Psalms 110:4 - Hebrews 5:5-6 - 460 BCE ]

[ 8. He will be a Judge - Isaiah 33:32 - John 5:22-23 - 732 BCE ]

[ 9. He will be a King - Psalms 2:6 - John 18:33-37 - 460 BCE ]

PROPHECIES CONCERNING HIS PUBLIC MINISTRY

[ 1. Will be preceded by a messenger - Isaiah 40:3 - Matthew 3:1-3 - 732 BCE ]

[ 2. He would perform miracles - Isaiah 35:5-6 - Matthew 9:35 & 11:4 - 732 BCE ]

[ 3. Ministry to begin in Galilee - Isaiah 9:1-2 - Matthew 4:12-17 - 732 BCE ]

[ 4. Would teach with parables - Psalms 78:1-4 - Matthew 13:34-35 - 460 BCE ]

[ 5. He would preach in temple - Malachi 3:1 - Matthew 21:10-12 - 443 BCE ]

[ 6. Enter Jerusalem on a donkey - Zechariah 9:9 - Matthew 21:1-7 - 518 BCE ]

[ 7. Stone of stumbling to Jews - Isaiah 28:16; Psalms 118:22 - 1 Peter 2:6-8 - 732 BCE ]

[ 8. Light to Gentiles - Isaiah 49:6 - Acts 13:46-48 - 732 BCE ]

PROPHECIES CONCERNING HIS RESURRECTION AND ASCENSION

[ 1. Raised from the dead - Psalms 16:8-11 - Acts 2:24-31 - 460 BCE ]

[ 2. Only begotten Son of God (YHWH) - Psalms 2:7 - Acts 13:32-35 - 460 BCE ]

[ 3. Ascended to God (YHWH) - Psalms 68:18 - Ephesians 2:8-10; John 6:26 - 460 BCE ]

[ 4. Seated at the Right Hand of God (YHWH) - Psalms 110.1 - Hebrews 1:3-13 - 460 BCE]

CONCLUSION:

As can easily be seen from the examples given, that when an apparent contradiction is researched and studied in depth, it proves to be NOT a contradiction, but a lack of understanding on the part of those calling it a contradiction.  The Caliph Saladin, for example, once claimed the John 1:1 was a contradiction based on his reading of the Latin Vulgate of Jerome, but as we have seen, it was NOT a Bible contradiction.  It was simply a failure on the translators part to adequately capture the understanding of what the original writer writing in his own language and culture meant/said in his original writing.

Likewise, we can see from all the prophecies about Jesus (Yeshua) that the Bible truly is inspired and the word of God (YHWH).  As brought out by one writer, it would have been mathematically impossible for them to have all been fulfilled without God (YHWH) having given them and maneuvered events to have them fulfilled.  Also, it proves the harmony of the Bible throughout, i.e., the New Testament is simply the fulfillment of the Old Testament.


[4]  AN ARTICLE ON, THE HUMAN BODY’S ABILITY TO REPAIR WOUNDS,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g201512/human-body-healing-wounds/


[5]  A TALKING VIDEO OF Is TRUTH IMPORTANT ANYMORE?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/is-truth-important/



LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT   WWW.JW.ORG

THIS IS VOL 733B COMBINATION OF (1) INTERESTING VIDEO AND TALKING SHOWING WONDERS OF ALMIGHTY GOD’S CREATION, [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND AN A VIDEO TO INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF 2 TIMOTHY, AND A LINK TO A BIBLE STUDY: [3] THE BEAUTIFUL GUAVA TREE,  [4]  AN ARTICLE ON, WHAT LIFE TELLS US ABOUT A CREATOR,  [5]  A TALKING VIDEO OF, Is TRUTH IMPORTANT ANYMORE?

(1) TO VIEW WAS IT DESIGNED OR CREATED, VIEW THE SHORT VIDEO, CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER THE FOLLOWING,   
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODBibleCreation/docid-502200134_1_VIDEO

NOW VIEW A TALKING VIDEO SHOWING, WAS IT DESIGNED OR NOT?  THE COLOR-CHANGING ABILITY OF THE CUTTLEFISH,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no1-2016-february/cuttlefish-camouflage/


COMBINATION OF [2] THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY,  AND [3] THE RARE FRUIT TREES AND VEGETABLES. Psidium Guajava   With the Scripture of the Day first.

[2]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [733B]

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:  13  (For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed when there is no law.  Romans 5:12  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

This scripture highlights the need for removal of sin from us.  Almighty God (YHWH) provided for this need by providing his Son, Jesus (Yeshua) as a ransom to relieve this from all of obedient mankind as testified to at 1 Timothy 2:5-6, [AV], “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;  6  Who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time.”  And as Philippians 2:5-6,[American Standard Version: AVS], says, “Have this mind in you, which was also in Christ Jesus:  6  who, existing in the form of God, counted not the being on an equality with God a thing to be grasped,  7  but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in the likeness of men;  8  and being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, becoming obedient even unto death, yea, the death of the cross.  9  Wherefore also God highly exalted him, and gave unto him the name which is above every name;  10  that in the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things on earth and things under the earth, 11  and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”  Clearly showing our heavenly Father, Almighty God (YHWH) loves all obedient mankind and only wants the best for us in keeping with his principle attribute per 1 John 4:10, [AV], “Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.” 


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[3]     THE BEAUTIFUL GUAVA TREE


Here is a Commentary on Bountiful Trees and Vegetables God (YHWH) has provided for mankind, specifically the GUAVA, Psidium Guajava:

In Genesis 1:11-13, "And God said, Let the earth put forth grass, herbs yielding seed, and fruit-trees bearing fruit after their kind, wherein is the seed thereof, upon the earth: and it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass, herbs yielding seed after their kind, and trees bearing fruit, wherein is the seed thereof, after their kind: and God saw that it was good. 13 And there was evening and there was morning, a third day. (American Standard Version, ASV)

One of my favorite fruits that God (YHWH) has so lovingly provided for the enjoyment of mankind is the tropical GUAVA, (Psidium Guajava). It produces a very sweet fruit of fine flavor and full of vitamin C. In many Spanish speaking countries they make a delightful paste out of it somewhat of the consistency of butter that can be put on sandwiches, crackers, etc. to impart a wonderful flavor.

The common guave, Psidium Guajava, is a native to the American tropics, and has become widely distributed throughout all the warm areas of the world. In fact, its seedlings now grow wild in many areas of the tropics including south Florida and Hawaii. The common guave is often called lemon guava, pear guava, apple guava, etc. There are a great number of varieties all with different flavors some of which are more agreeable to the taste than others. Some of the varieties have round fruit, and others have oblong, pear shaped, and other shapes of fruit.

Their flesh which you eat varies in shade from white to red, but in my opinion the red colored flesh taste the best and is the sweetest.

Many food products are made from the common guava besides the paste previously mentioned. Some of these products are nectars, juices, pies, cakes, soda pop, pastries, etc. All are quite tasteful and enjoyable.

There are several important named varieties such as the Strawberry Guava, P. Catteianum, or Cattley Guava which is one of my favorites. Of this species there are many varieties ranging in size from berry size to the size of an orange.

Some Guavas are more cold hardy than others, but the berry size variety of the Strawberry Guava makes a very nice house plant in the north in a 5 to 10 gallon pot. Of course during the cold whether it must be kept in a warm area of the house. It will grown well in most well-drained loams, much, or sandy soils which are supplied with enough moisture. They require more water for their growth than do citrus trees. They are quite tolerant of acidity and alkalinity, doing well in all the circumneutral soils and even tolerating a pH down to 4.5 or up to 8.2. At either of these extremes they need more nitrogen than usual.

Some of the recognized commercial cultivators in south Florida are: Red Indian, Ruby, Supreme, Miami Red, and Miami White. Much of the work on producing other desirable clones is being conducted by members of the Cuban community in Miami, and in Dade County.

[4]  AN ARTICLE ON, WHAT LIFE TELLS US ABOUT A CREATOR,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no3-2021-nov-dec/life-tells-us-about-creation/


[5]  A TALKING VIDEO OF Is TRUTH IMPORTANT ANYMORE?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/is-truth-important/



LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND  FALSE – AT   WWW.JW.ORG

THIS IS VOL 735B COMBINATION OF (1) INTERESTING VIDEO AND TALKING SHOWING WONDERS OF ALMIGHTY GOD’S CREATION, [2]  THE  SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND AN A VIDEO TO INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF PHILEMON
AND A LINK TO A BIBLE STUDY: [3] REVEALING REALITY IS UPBUILDING AND POSITIVE  [4]    AN ARTICLE ON , WHAT MOVES MANY PEOPLE TO CONSIDER THE EXISTENCE OF A CREATOR?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/wp20150101/life/
[5]  A TALKING VIDEO OF, Is TRUTH IMPORTANT ANYMORE?


(1) TO VIEW WAS IT DESIGNED OR CREATED, VIEW THE SHORT VIDEO, CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER THE FOLLOWING,   
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODBibleCreation/docid-502200134_1_VIDEO

NOW VIEW A TALKING VIDEO SHOWING, WAS IT DESIGNED OR NOT?  THE SEA CUCUMBER’S SMART SKIN
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/science/was-it-designed/sea-cucumber-smart-skin/


COMBINATION OF [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3]    WHAT IS THE TET·RA·GRAM·MA·TON


[2]     SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [735B]

Ye are they which have continued with me in my temptations.   And I appoint unto you a kingdom, as my Father hath appointed unto me;    That ye may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.   Luke 22:28 – 30   (Authorized King James Bible; AV)

Unlike other covenants, in which Almighty God (YHWH) is one of the parties to the covenant, this is a personal covenant between Jesus and his anointed followers. When saying, “So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.   As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” (5:5 – 6,  (AV)

The 11 faithful apostles had ‘stuck with Jesus in his trials.’   The Kingdom covenant assured them that they would be with him in heaven and sit on thrones to rule as kings and serve as priests. However, those 11 would not be the only ones to have that privilege. The glorified Jesus appeared to the apostle John in a vision and said: “To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne.” (Rev. 3:21,   [AV])    Thus, the Kingdom covenant is made with the 144,000  anointed Christians. (Rev. 5:9, 10; 7:4) This is the covenant that forms a legal basis for them to rule with Jesus in heaven. This is similar to a bride from a noble family who might marry a ruling king and come into position to share in his ruling power. In fact, the Scriptures refer to anointed Christians as “the bride” of Christ, “a chaste virgin” promised in marriage to the Christ.—Rev. 19:7, 8; 21:9; 2 Cor. 11:2.


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http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-forum-1.html&sid=3332d8b672c83f9abee033515e6f9698


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[3]       WHAT IS THE TET·RA·GRAM·MA·TON ,

Pronunciation Key - (Tet`ra*gram"ma*ton), and What is its Significance?

[Middle English Tetragramaton, from Greek tetragrammaton, four-letter word, from neuter of tetragrammatos, four-lettered : tetra-, tetra- + gramma, grammat-, letter; see gerbh- in Indo-European Roots.] [The American Heritage(r) Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition ]

It is a noun, that, "four Hebrew letters (usually transliterated as YHWH (Yahweh) or JHVH (Jehovah)) signifying the Hebrew name for God (which the Jews regarded as too holy to pronounce)
[WordNet (r) 1.6, (c) 1997 Princeton University]

Let's examine what various writers had to say about the Tetragrammation, the proper name for Almighty God, usually shown as YHWH or JHVH in English:

"Jehovah (Yahweh): The proper name of God in the Old Testament; hence the Jews called it the name by excellence, the great name, the only name,.... Finally, the word is found even in the "Pugio fidei" of Raymund Martin, a work written about 1270 (ed. Paris, 1651, pt. III, dist. ii, cap. iii, p. 448, and Note, p. 745). PROBABLY THE INTRODUCTION OF THE NAME JEHOVAH ANTEDATES EVEN R. MARTIN. No wonder then that this form has been regarded as the true pronunciation of the Divine name by such scholars as Michaelis  [("Supplementa ad lexica hebraica", I, 1792, p. 524), Drach (loc. cit., I, 469-98), Stier (Lehrgebäude der hebr. Sprache, 327), and others."]

What of Michaelis? Johann David Michaelis in his German translation of the Old Testament of the eighteenth century...said in part: "On the other hand, the name Jehovah [ Jehova in German] is used. . . . so I considered it to be a matter of integrity in translation to identify it, even though it might not always be pleasing to the German ear." ....Several of my friends insisted that I not at all insert this foreign word. . . . Jehovah is a Nomen Proprium, and, just as properly as I retain other nomina propria [such as] Abraham, Isaac, Jacob... In the translation of a classical author one would not have the slightest hesitance toward the use of the names Jupiter, Apollo [and] Diana; and why then should the name of the Only True God sound more offensive? I do not therefore see why I should not use the name Jehovah in the German Bible."   "How God's Name Was Pronounced?  The following from [Biblical Archaeology Review, Mar./Apr. 1995 Volume 21 Number 2; page 30:]

"1) Among the magical papyri the name appears as IAWOUHE (Ya-oh-oo-ay-eh), but it is difficult to know how much this pronunciation had to do with the Tetragrammaton...so it is not certain how many of these syllables were thought to belong to the name. At least, however, it has more syllables than two, and the central vowel is not omitted, as is done in Yah-weh.

"2) Clement of Alexandria spelled the Tetragrammaton IAOAI (Ya-oo-ai), IAOE (Ya-oo-eh), and IAO (Ya-oh). In none of these is the central oo or oh vowel omitted.

"3) Rabbis often deduced the meaning of a word by taking the word apart and interpreting each part...By this logic Clement argued that the Tetragrammaton had the same consonants as the verb "to be," so it meant the one who caused things to be, but he did not pronounce the word according to any form of that verb. His conjecture was homiletic ally thought provoking, but not scientifically or historically correct...Reams of paper and gallons of ink have been expended over the years justifying a pronunciation Westerners deduced on the basis of Clement's conjecture. It may all be irrelevant to the subject....The word spelled Ya-hoo or Ya-hoh may have been pronounced Yahowah or Yahoowah, but in no case is the vowel oo or oh omitted. The word was sometimes abbreviated as "Ya," but never as "Ya-weh." This can be illustrated further by studying the proper names of the Bible that were based on the Tetragrammaton....Yah-ho-na-than..."Yaho-cha-nan"...Eli-yahoo ...Anyone who cares to check the concordances will find that there is no name in the entire Scriptures that includes the Tetragrammaton and also omits the vowel that is left out in the two-syllable pronunciation Rainey upholds.

"There is still one other clue to the pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton- Hebrew poetry. For example, from the poem of Exodus 15, read aloud verses 1, 3, 6, 11, 17 and 18, first pronouncing the Tetragrammaton as "Yahweh" and then read it again, pronouncing the same word as "Yahowah." Notice the rhyme and poetic beat of the two. In this way the reader can judge which one is the more likely pronunciation used in antiquity.

"The name "Yahowah" is not a ghost word, as Rainey declared. Clement of Alexandria's conjecture that the Tetragrammaton was based on the verb "to be" overlooks the pronunciation of the proper names in the Scripture that include some portion of the Tetragrammaton. Clement did not have access to the scrolls and may never have seen the Aramaic Papyri.   Nevertheless, he spelled the Tetragrammaton in Greek employing the central vowel that Rainey omitted in his determination that the proper name was Yahweh....

The way Rudolf Kittle translates YHWH is more accurate than "Yahweh", he translates it "Yehowah. Why? Became YHWH is a 3 syllable word, not a two syllable word like "Yahweh" is. George Buchanan of Wesley Theological Seminary favors the use of "Yahowah" or "Yahoowah."   He explains how he came up with those: "In ancient times, parents often named their children after their deities. That means that they would have pronounced their children's names the way the deity's name was pronounced. The Tetragrammaton was used in people's names, and they always used the middle vowel." A few examples of proper names found in the Bible that include the shortened form of God's name are Jonathan, which appears as Yohnathan or Yehohnathan in Hebrew. It means "Yaho or Yahowah has given." Elijah's name is Eliyah or Eliyahu in Hebrew, which means: "My God is Yahoo or Yahoo-wah." Also, Jehoshaphat is Yehohshaphat meaning "Yaho has judged."

The two syllable pronunciation of YHWH as "Yahweh" would not allow for the "o" vowel sound to exist as part of God's name. But in dozens of Biblical names that incorporate the divine name, this middle vowel sound appears in both the original and the shortened forms, as in Jehonathan and Jonathan. Professor Buchanan says about God's name: "In no case is the vowel oo or oh omitted. The word was sometimes abbreviated as 'Ya,' but never as 'Ya-weh.'... When the Tetragrammaton was pronounced in one syllable it was 'Yah' or 'Yo.' When it was pronounced in three syllables it would have been 'Yahowah' or 'Yahoowa.' If it was ever abbreviated to two syllables it would have been 'Yaho.' " [(Biblical Archaeology Review)]

Gesenius in his Hebrew and Chaldee Lexicon of the Old Testament Scriptures agrees saying: "Those who consider that YHWH [Yehowah] was the actual pronunciation are not altogether without ground on which to defend their opinion. In this way can the abbreviated syllables YHW [Yeho] and YH [Yo], with which many proper names begin, be more satisfactorily explained." -[George Wesley Buchanan Professor Emeritus, Wesley Theological Seminary Washington, DC]

However, if the word were spelled with four letters in Moses' day, we would expect it to have had more than two syllables, for at that period there were no vowel letters. All the letters were sounded. At the end of the OT period the
Elephantine papyri write the word YHW to be read either yahu (as in names like Shemayahu) or yaho (as in names like Jehozadek). The pronunciation yaho would be favored by the later Greek from iao found in Qumran Greek fragments (2d or 1st centuries B.C.) and in Gnostic materials of the first Christian centuries.  [Theological Wordbook of the Old Testament]

"In the history of the English language however, the letter J has a written counterpart in the German J, although the latter J in German is pronounced like an English Y. The bulk of theological studies having come from the German sources, there has been an intermixed usage in English of the J and the Y. Our English translations of the bible reflect this, so we have chosen to use J, thus Jehovah, rather than Yahweh, because this is established English usage for Biblical names beginning with this Hebrew letters. No one suggests that we ought to change Jacob, Joseph, Jehoshaphat, Joshua etc. to begin with a Y, and neither should we at this late date change Jehovah to Yahweh." -[Bible Translator Jay P. Green, Sr. ]

Girdlestones says: "It is generally agreed that Jehovah [unlike Elohim] is not a generic or class name, but a personal or proper name.  Maimonides says this is called the Plain name. [Another] says: It is every where a proper name, denoting the person of God, and Him only; whence Elohim partakes more of the character of a common noun.
"The Hebrew may say the Elohim, the true God, in opposition to all false Gods; but he never says the Jehovah, for Jehovah is the name of the true God only! He says my God, but never my Jehovah; the God of Israel, but never the Jehovah of Israel, for there is no other Jehovah, the living God but never of the living Jehovah.   "God's personal existence, the continuity of His dealings with man, the unchange-ableness of his promises, and the whole revelation of his redeeming mercy gather round the name Jehovah.  "In the 3rd chapt. of Genesis it may be noted that THE SERPENT AVOIDS THE USE OF THE NAME."  [Girdlestones Synonyms of the Old Testament; 36-38:]

"THE NAME "Our help is in the name of YHWH, maker of heaven and earth". Psalm 124,8 "And Moses said to Elohim: behold when I come to the children of Israel and say to them: the Elohim (Almighty One) of your fathers has sent me to you; and they say to me; 'What is His Name?' What shall I say to them? And Elohim said to Moses: EHYEH ASHER EHYEH! (I shall be what I shall be!). And he said: say thus to the children of Israel: EHYEH (I shall be) has sent me to you. And Elohim again said to Moses: Thus shall you say to the children of Israel: YHWH, the Elohim of you fathers, "Elohey Abraham", "Elohey Yishaq" we "Elohey Yaaqob" has sent me to you. This is my Name forever, and this is My Mention to all generations!" Exodus 3:13-15. In these passages, the Creator revealed His Name to Moses and through him to Israel and all mankind. It is important to understand that the Creator's Name is neither a noun nor an adjective. It is a verb! Please note that in verse 14 the Creator refers to Himself as "EHYEH", "I shall be". EHYEH is the first person singular, simple future tense of the Hebrew verb HAYOH or HAWOH, to be. Since ONLY the Creator Himself can say "I shall be", Moses, in verse 15, is finally instructed to refer to Him as YHWH, HE will be; This is the third person singular, simple future of the same verb. As such, its correct pronunciation must be YIHWEH. The popular pronunciation YAHWEH is based on a 5th Century Samaritan usage, YABE or YABHE, which is entirely unintelligible, and without any grammatical or linguistic foundation. The form "YAHWEH" is not the simple future used by the Creator Himself in Exodus 3:14 but the so-called CAUSATIVE and would mean "He who causes to be". The Creator certainly "causes to be", but He gives His Name as the simple future in Exodus 3:14 so we can safely assume that the same Name, in the third person, must also be the simple future and not the causative. (In Hebrew the simple future tense is called "ATID" and the causative "HIF'IL"). Some see in the form YAH (as in Halleluyah) proof for the pronunciation "YAHWEH". Anyone who knows Hebrew knows that the vocalization of the syllable, in both verbs and nouns, changes at times with its position in the word. Thus, the root YHW may be pronounced YAHU at the end of the word (as in ELIYAHU - ELIJAH, GEDALYAHU, YISH'AYAHU etc.) and YEHU at the beginning of a word (as in YEHOSHAFAT, YEHOYADA). Thus the syllable YAH at the END of a word, could be pronounced YEH or YIH at the beginning of a word. These observations are based on Hebrew grammar! If the so-called "YAHWISTS" or Sacred Name groups have a source of information above or beyond this one, let them show it! We are specifically commanded by Scripture to use the true Name of the Creator (see Deuteronomy 6:13; 10:21, Psalms 105:1, First Chronicles 23:12 for only a very few examples.)! According to Joel 3:5 (Hebrew Text) deliverance is to be had ONLY by calling upon this name! Some claim that it is a desecration of the Name to have it used so familiarly. No! It is a desecration to substitute a lesser title (as ADONAY, My Supreme Lord, applied to YHWH 134 times in the Hebrew text, but never to be substituted for YHWH) for the Creator's Name. We would not have been commanded by YHWH Himself to bless and swear by His name if this implied desecration of disrespect. Therefore, walking in the light of this truth, we must realize that there is NO room for the use or mention of any of the names of pagan gods in conjunction with the Name YHWH. Calling upon Jesus - alias YAHSHUA, YESHUA, YAHVAHSHUA, - the master, the "messiah", the unknown god, the trinity, the "son" of god, god the son, etc. is idolatry and incompatible with calling upon YHWH. It is NOT enough to pronounce, those who have taken to themselves ANOTHER (beside YHWH). I shall NOT offer their blood-drink offerings (the lord's supper) nor mention their name with my lips!" Psalms 16:4. "And make no mention of the name of other gods, nor let it be heard out of your mouth!" Exodus 23:13. "The gods that have NOT made the heavens and the earth, these shall perish from the earth and from under the heavens." Jeremiah 10:11."

"Knowing another's name was a special privilege that offered access to that persons thought and life...God favored His people by revealing [his name] which offered special insight into his love and righteousness."  [-Illustrated Bi. Dictionary]

It might be added here that the meaning of Jesus, is, according to Weymouth: "Jehovah is Salvation." So every time anyone uses this name, Jesus, (which is not the original pronunciation of it in the 1st century) he is using and supporting the form of The Divine Name JEHOVAH in the N.T.

Appendix on the Tetragrammaton:

No doubt everyone whom you know has a name. God also has a personal name to set him apart from all other gods. "Is not God his name"? some may ask. No, for "God" is merely a title, just as "President, King, or Judge", are titles. We can learn God's name from the Bible, where it appears about 7,000 times in the orininal Bible texts. For example in the KING JAMES Version; Psalm 83:18; Exodus 6:3; Isaiah 12:2
Some persons are surprised to see God's name in their Bibles. This often is because their Bibles are one that seldom uses God's name. The KJV, for example uses God's name by the title "Lord" and "God", it always puts this title in capital letters, as "LORD", which sets it apart from the common words.
But why? you may ask, "is God's name not used in every place that it occurs in the original Bible text? Why are the titles Lord and God generally used in its place? "The American Revisers", after a careful consideration were brought to the unanimous conviction that a "Jewish Superstition", which regarded the Divine Name, as too "sacred" to be uttered, ought no longer to dominate in the English Bibles or any other versions......This personal name with its wealth of sacred associations has been removed from our Bibles.
Yet, think of this, should we use God's name, even though we may not be saying it exactly the way it was originally pronounced? Well, we use the names of other persons in the Bible, even though we do not say them in the way the names were pronounced in the original Hebrew. For example, "Jesus" name is pronounced "Yesh'ua" in Hebrew. Likewise, it is proper to use God's name, which is revealed in the Bible, whether we pronounce it "Yahweh" in Hebrew or "Jehovah" in english, or in some other way common in our language. What is wrong is to "fail" to use these names. Why? Because those who do not use the names of "Jesus" or "Yahweh" could not be identified with the ones whom God takes out to be "a people for his name", Acts 15:14 We should not only know the name of God and his Son, but praise it before others, as Jesus did when on earth. Matthew 6:9; John 17:6,25 Revelation 14:1
[http://anyboard.net/soc/religion/christian/chapel/posts/277.html ]



[4]  AN ARTICLE ON ,WHAT MOVES MANY PEOPLE TO CONSIDER THE EXISTENCE OF A CREATOR?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/wp20150101/life/


[5]  A TALKING VIDEO OF Is TRUTH IMPORTANT ANYMORE?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/is-truth-important/



LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION – BOTH TRUE AND FALSE – AT   
WWW.JW.ORG

THIS IS VOL 736B COMBINATION OF (1) INTERESTING VIDEO AND TALKING SHOWING WONDERS OF ALMIGHTY GOD’S CREATION, [2]  THE  SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND AN A VIDEO TO INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF COLOSSIANS, AND A LINK TO A BIBLE STUDY: [3]   HYPOCRISY OF RELIGIONS THAT CLAIMS TO BE PEACEFUL BUT PERMIT THEIR MEMBERS TO PROMOTE WAR,  [4]  AN ARTICLE ON, DOES THE BIBLE COMMENT ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGES?
[5]  A TALKING VIDEO OF, Is TRUTH IMPORTANT ANYMORE?


(1) TO VIEW WAS IT DESIGNED OR CREATED, VIEW THE SHORT VIDEO, CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER THE FOLLOWING,   
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODBibleCreation/docid-502200134_1_VIDEO

NOW VIEW A TALKING VIDEO SHOWING, WAS IT DESIGNED OR NOT? THE UPTURNED WING TIP OF SOARING BIRDS
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g201502/birds-upturned-wing-tip/


COMBINATION OF [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3] HYPOCRISY OF RELIGIONS THAT CLAIMS TO BE PEACEFUL BUT PERMIT THEIR MEMBERS TO PROMOTE WAR:

[2]     SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [736B]

For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands:
6  Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement.  1 Peter 3:5 – 6, [authorized King James Bible; AV]

Yes, wives should be in subjection to their husbands, but their husbands should love them as much as themselves as brought out by Ephesians 5:33, [AV] “Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself; and the wife see that she reverence her husband.”  And be not afraid of your advisories per Philippians 1:28, [AV] “And in nothing terrified by your adversaries: which is to them an evident token of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that of God.”


TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 
http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-forum-1.html&sid=3332d8b672c83f9abee033515e6f9698


TO VIEW INTRODUCTION TO THE OF BOOK OF  COLOSSIANs, CLICK OR ENTER IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING:
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TO ENJOY AN ONLINE BIBLE STUDY CALLED “FOLLOW THE CHRIST”:  CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER, THE FOLLOWING.
https://religioustruthsbyiris.createmybb4.com/thread-3.html
   


 
   

[3]     HYPOCRISY OF RELIGIONS THAT CLAIMS TO BE PEACEFUL BUT PERMIT THEIR MEMBERS TO PROMOTE WAR:

INTRODUCTION:

Both major religions, apostate (counterfeit) Christians that claim to be footstep followers of Christ but are NOT, and Islam both claim to be religions of peace.   However, history tells a very different story.    The apostate (counterfeit) Christians have promoted Crusades [actually on provocation by Islam.]; genocides such as of the Cathers; burnings at the stake by those they did not like and/or believed differently; 30 year war of religion; enslavement of others such as in Goa, India, and the new world; promotion of wars; etc.

The other, Islam, has done just as bad such as attacking and enslaving most of Spain for six centuries; attacking the Byzantine Empire and stealing all of its lands; an attack on France with a view of taking Paris, the sacking/distruction by Fatimid caliph al-Hakim bi-Amr Allah of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and preventing pilgrimages to Jerusalem; the moving on and wrongly occupying the tribal lands of their brother tribe, the Hebrews, of land given to them for perpetuity by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham; the kidnapping of soldiers of their brother tribe with the sole intent of fomenting strive and destroying world tranquility; the bombing of trains/subways in India, Spain, and London for the same purpose; the 9/11 destruction of the World Trade Center; etc.

Now it should be obvious to all that none of these acts these religions have permitted their members to carry out are in any way in line with their claim to be peaceful religions.    Now these acts were/are NOT isolated acts, but part of a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) from the top religious leaders.    To wit, Popes, bishops, priest, Caliphs, Sultans, Ayatollahs, Kings, Emirs, dictators, presidents, prime ministers, generals, etc.

Let's look at the wrong in a summarized form.

SUMMARIZED WRONG - SIMPLIEST FORM:

Both of these groups by failing to be peaceful religions as they WRONGLY claim have permitted distress to be caused to others [fill in the name].   When the expected resistance/counter offense/defense occurs from the ones being caused distress by their action and/or inaction they either caused directly and/or permitted by them to their members proves distressful to them, they want it lifted.   Yet, they make no move or suggestion with respect to lifting the distress their victim is experiencing; what outright hypocrisy.   

Peace and tranquility can never exist while groups claiming FALSELY to be peaceful religions, but are NOT, are permitted to exist.   This earth can only have peace and tranquility when these groups are finally eliminated, as promised, by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael.    Why is this?    Well the Bible clearly shows that Satan the Devil is the ruler of this present wicked system per 1 John 5:19, "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." (Authorized King James Bible; AV).   

This will of course occur at the conclusion of this system of things per John 12:31, "Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out." (AV).

Some may view this as taking too long given the current warlike condition of the earth, but Matthew 24:14 says, "And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." (AV).   And Matthew 24:37-39 clearly shows this end will come suddenly, "But as the days of Noe were, so shall also the coming of the Son of man be.  38  For as in the days that were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noe entered into the ark,  39  And knew not until the flood came, and took them all away; so shall also the coming of the Son of man be." (AV).

Now the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael is NOT slow as some count slowness, but is merciful wanting all to be given a chance as shown at 2 Peter 3:9, "The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (AV); and Isaiah 30:18, "And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him." (AV).

SOLUTION TO WORLD DISTRESS NOT FROM MEN:

Many look to men to solve world problems, but this can NOT happen as mankind has never learned to value right over wrong, and to peacefully sit together and resolve problems.   In fact, with all their world organizations designed to do this, they only make them into one ups-man forms.   

We can see this at the moment with respect to the unconscionable affair between Lebanon and Israel.   An attack on Israel occurs from Lebanon by an armed Islamic army that Lebanon permits in their country.   In this unprovoked attack, eight Israel soldiers are killed and two are kidnapped.   Lebanon clearly abdicates its responsibility to bring to justice the wrong doers or to have the kidnapped victims returned.

Israel does the expected and counter attacks, what else would you expect, when Lebanon does NOT ACCEPT its responsibility to make amends, punish the wrong doers it has permitted to use its country to stage attacks on Israel, nor to have the kidnapped victim returned as any right thinking government would do.   In effect, they permit the fuse to be and are totally responsible for all that results.

Instead of assuming their responsibility, they go to the United Nations and ask to have a truce called, and try to put the responsibility on Israel.   Their filing with the United Nations makes no reference to righting the original wrong or returning the kidnapped victims back to Israel.   To wit, they do NOT want to do justice.   Why?   Because they care NOT about the distress the original aggression they permitted caused to Israel, nor to the continuing distress it is causing.

Clearly Lebanon is  the WRONG, not only for not relieving the distress caused Israel, their neighbor, but for proposing a cease fire that solves NOTHING.   If they were responsible and caring, they would have done two things, (1) immediately seek to right the wrong and make sure it NEVER occurred again, (2) started negotiating for the right venue, a treaty of peace and friendship with Israel.

Of course, the Bible covered this long ago when it showed that the kingdom of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, not men, would succeed in bring peace at Daniel 2:44, "And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever." (AV); and Matthew 6:10 in Jesus' (Yeshua's) prayer to his father, the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael.

So what should men be doing now?   Well to find out, look at Psalms 2:10-12, "Be wise now therefore, O ye kings: be instructed, ye judges of the earth.  11  Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.  12  Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way, when his wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all they that put their trust in him." (AV).

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Face Reality - Hezbollah Started It And Bears Total Responsibility:

INTRODUCTION:

The Middle East is in turmoil today, 07/15/2006.   Why?  Because Hezbollah does NOT want peace, but wants atrocities and war.  Hezbollah  is is an organization made up of members of Islam, a religion that claims to be a religion of peace.  Yet Hezbollah only promotes hate and continues to promote strive and destroy world tranquility and clearly seeks to impede world peace.

It uses Lebanon as a base of operations to make unprovoked attacks on Israel and to kidnap her citizens.  Unfortunately, Lebanon has permitted this wrong doing, and therefore must share in the unpleasant results - too bad as Beirut was once the 'jewel' of the Middle East, a wonderful city.

Now one may ask why does Lebanon want to be an accessory-after-the-fact in Hezbollah's crimes against humanity, and reap the justified whirlwind from Israel for doing so.  Maybe they enjoy having punishment brought on themselves and get some other weird perverted enjoyment from it or something.  But is this the way affairs should be conducted by individuals that claim to belong to a peaceful religion?  All need to think about this and come up with an answer.

THE BIBLE'S VIEW:

Jesus (Yeshua), the Isa, said at Matthew 22:37-40, "Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  38  This is the first and great commandment.  39  And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  40  On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets." (Authorized King James Bible; AV); and the Apostle Peter wrote at 1 Peter 3:8-15, "Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:  9  Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.  10  For he that will love life, and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they speak no guile:  11  Let him eschew evil, and do good; let him seek peace, and ensue it.  12  For the eyes of the Lord are over the righteous, and his ears are open unto their prayers: but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil.  13  And who is he that will harm you, if ye be followers of that which is good?  14  But and if ye suffer for righteousness' sake, happy are ye: and be not afraid of their terror, neither be troubled;  15  But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:" (AV).

Now as can readily be seen Hezbollah and its supporters [also members of Islam] are NOT desirous of peace although belonging to a religion that claims to be a religion of peace.   Obviously, if they were considered as doing wrong by Islam, then Islam should excommunicate or interdict them from Islam; they have NOT done so.

Of course many members of Islam reject what the Bible says, but is this reasonable considering that their Quran like the Book of Mormon is nothing but a knockoff of the Bible?   Now the well known rule of precedence is that the earlier document shall have precedence over the later that used information from it just as the earlier granting of land title takes precedence in any title search or action at law over the later.   Many overlook the fact that the Bible is NOT the product of one committee or strongman as was the Quran and the Book of Mormon. It has over 40 individual writers who wrote under divine inspiration/guidance putting the thoughts of God (YHWH) into the words of men much as transcribing secretaries today taking transcription and then later typing it out. In other words one real author, God (YHWH), and many scribes each of whom wrote in his own style over a period of approximately 1,600 years. All of what people call or consider inconsistencies are really not such, but most often just a problem of translation and/or understanding, i.e., lack of understanding of what the original writer writing in his own language and culture meant/said in his original writing. What is remarkable, is the writers over such a period of time all wrote in harmony when even most individal writers can not even stay on track or subject over a period of a few days and/or weeks at most with the original subject of the thread. This fact of harmony over a period so great as to almost stagger the imagination shows that it had one guiding force or author who divinely inspired its writers as humans of their own volition can not keep on track over short periods of time.

So as can readily be seen, if one is open minded and honest with himself, what is written in the Bible takes precedence over any other guide book that mankind may have.

ALL SHOULD SEEK PEACE AND BE PEACEMAKERS:

Just at the Bible says at Matthew 5:9, "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (AV), clearly showing that all should seek to be peacemakers and NOT war makers such as is Hezbollah and their evil backers.   But as we all well know, many in the middle east can not stand tranquility and peace and when ever things have been relatively peaceful for awhile, they commit some type of atrocity that will bring on a confrontation since their objective is to destroy peace and tranquility.  This clearly shows per 1 John 5:19 that their unseen leader is Satan the Devil, "And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness." (AV); and also by 2 Corinthians 4:4, "In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them." (AV).

Actions by evil men and the groups perplexes most of mankind and this is shown clearly in the Bible at Luke 21:10, "Then said he unto them, Nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom:" (AV) by the prophecy about our time by none other than Jesus (Yeshua), the Isa; and at 2 Timothy 3:1-5, "This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come.  2  For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy,  3  Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good,  4  Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God;  5  Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away." (AV).   2 Timothy 3:1-5 clearly is speaking about groups like Hezbollah that claim to belong to a religion of peace along with their backers, but do nothing but ferment war, not peace.

Now let''s look at the truth by means of the world news:

THE FACTS FROM THE WORLD NEWS BY ASSOCIATED PRESS:

The Circumstances:

In an article by Kevin Frayer, AP [07/15/2006]the following salient items appeared.
<<" Neither side showed signs of backing down from the conflict, which erupted Wednesday when Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers in a cross-border raid. As civilian deaths mounted, diplomatic efforts to end the crisis had yet to get off the ground.>>"

Correct Venue Needed:

In an emotional televised speech, Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad Saniora called on the United Nations to broker an immediate cease-fire to end Israel's land, sea and air offensive against Lebanon.">>

Of course a cease-fire is NOT the proper venue because it implies resumption at a future date of violence which is uncalled for.  The proper venue would be a treaty of peace in which both nations agree to respect the others right to peace and tranquility and to not permit military groups to remain on their territory, such as Hezbollah that are dedicated to fermenting violence and promoting war.  Also, it would call for the return of the kidnapped individuals, turning over the war criminals that committed the kidnapping and killed at least eight individuals during commission of this war crime designed to disturb world peace and tranquility; to wit, the perpetrators should be tried by the international war crimes court.

Even Saudi Arabia Recognizes Who Started The Mess:

<<" President Bush, on a trip to Russia, said it was up to Hezbollah "to lay down its arms and to stop attacking." Arab foreign ministers gathered in Cairo but fell into squabbling after moderate states, led by Saudi Arabia, denounced Hezbollah for starting the fight.">>

And,

<<" Saudi Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal called the group's actions "unexpected, inappropriate and irresponsible," telling his counterparts: "These acts will pull the whole region back to years ago, and we cannot simply accept them."

Supporting his stance were representatives of Egypt, Jordan, Kuwait, Iraq, the Palestinian Authority, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, delegates said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the talks.">>

Now why does the Arab world not unite and punish Hezbollah and turn over the war criminals who started the mess and bare total responsibility for all the death and destruction to the international war crimes court and give back Israel its citizens who were kidnapped?

World Leaders On The Subject:

<<""In my judgment, the best way to stop the violence is to understand why the violence occurred in the first place," Bush said. "And that's because Hezbollah has been launching rocket attacks out of Lebanon into Israel and because Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers."

Putin said it was unacceptable to try to reach political goals through abductions and strikes against an independent state. "In this context we consider Israel's concerns to be justified," he said. At the same time, he said, "the use of force should be balanced."">>

Clearly they recognize that Hezbollah and their backers are sole responsible for all that is occurring.  In fact, the Russian leader Putin clearly said, <<" it was unacceptable to try to reach political goals through abductions and strikes against an independent state.">>

Two Little too Late by Government of Lebanon?:

<<" In an emotional televised speech, Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad ...
He also pledged to reassert government authority all over Lebanese territory - suggesting the possibility of deploying the Lebanese army in the south, which Hezbollah effectively controls. That would meet a repeated U.N. and U.S. demand.">>

He has known of this dysfunctional situation for a long time and failed to take action even though he has been asked repeatedly by the U.N. and others.  So he can NOT claim lack of responsibility for the present mess.  Its like the authorities continually warning a property owner about a dangerous uncovered well on his property, and then one day a child falling in it and his wondering why he is being held responsible.  But what does the Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad do?  Basically he cries crocodile tears to the U.N. to do something because of his own failure to heed repeated warnings - how absurd.

Even now, Lebanese Prime Minister Fuad, has NOT attempted to arrest the criminals and return their kidnapped victims and find their organization financially responsibility for all damages done in Israel and his own country.  Something must be wrong with him, what I do NOT know.

CONCLUSION:

Level heads among those belonging to a religion that claims to be a religion of peace need to prevail.  They need to arrange an objective meeting of all directly involved with the view to getting wrongs undone and coming to agreement on a treaty of peace that goes much further than a mere cessation of belligerent acts.  Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and the Palestine squatters need to start working together on the regions problems such as developing the regions economy, the setting up of a regional electrical grid along with Jordan, peaceful commerce between them, joint task force to eliminate terrorist, none permitting of militias and other irregular military groups, and setting up joint fact finding groups.  Lebanon is a beautiful country that if they joined with Israel in setting up a joint economic region could soon become a regional economic powerhouse and create many jobs, not just for their respective citizens, but for the Palestine squatters and the Jordanians and the Syrians.  The region needs economic development and jobs, not war and infrastructure destroying activity.


[4]  AN ARTICLE ON ,DOES THE BIBLE COMMENT ON SAME-SEX MARRIAGES?
https://www.jw.org/en/bible-teachings/questions/same-sex-marriage-bible-view/


[5]  A TALKING VIDEO OF Is TRUTH IMPORTANT ANYMORE?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/is-truth-important/


LEARN MORE ABOUT THE BIBLE AND RELIGION - BOTH TRUE AND FALSE - AT    WWW.JW.ORG

THIS IS VOL 738B COMBINATION OF (1) INTERESTING VIDEO AND TALKING SHOWING WONDERS OF ALMIGHTY GOD’S CREATION, [2]  THE  SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND AN A VIDEO TO INTRODUCTION TO THE BOOK OF JAMES, AND A LINK TO A BIBLE STUDY: [3]   A CHECK ON THE WORD HELL,  [4]  AN ARTICLE ON, GOD PROMISES THAT OUR PLANET WILL SURVIVE
[5]  A TALKING VIDEO OF, Is TRUTH IMPORTANT ANYMORE?


(1) TO VIEW WAS IT DESIGNED OR CREATED, VIEW THE SHORT VIDEO, CLICK OR POST IN BROWSER THE FOLLOWING,   
https://www.jw.org/en/library/videos/#en/mediaitems/VODBibleCreation/docid-502200134_1_VIDEO

NOW VIEW A TALKING VIDEO SHOWING, WAS IT DESIGNED OR NOT? THE ENERGY-EFFICIENT FLIGHT OF THE WANDERING ALBATROSS
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/g201308/wandering-albatross/



COMBINATION OF [2]  THE SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY AND [3]    A Check on the Word Hell

[2]       SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY [738B]

Teach me thy way, O LORD, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.   Psalms 27:11,  [authorized King James Bible; AV]

The Prophet Jeremiah mentioned how conditions would be, and the need for qualified teachers at 1 Kings 8:36, [AV] “Then hear thou in heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, that thou teach them the good way wherein they should walk, and give rain upon thy land, which thou hast given to thy people for an inheritance.”   And,  Psalms 25:4, [AV] “Shew me thy ways, O LORD; teach me thy paths.” Highlighted the need to be shown the ways of the Lord.  But the Prophet Isaiah showed that all the obedient followers of Almighty God (YHWH) would be per Isaiah 54:13, [AV] “And all thy children shall be taught of the LORD; and great shall be the peace of thy children.”   


TO LEARN MORE ABOUT RELIGION AND THE BIBLE, GO TO, 
http://religioustruths.forumsland.com/religioustruths-forum-1.html&sid=3332d8b672c83f9abee033515e6f9698


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[3]    A CHECK ON THE WORD HELL

INTRODUCTION:

Many have different concepts of what hell is, but let's consider what the original words commonly translated 'hell' meant in the specific ancient languages.

MEANINGS OF THE WORD 'HELL' IN ORIGINAL LANGUAGES:

First, <<"A word used in the King James Version (as well as in the Catholic Douay Version and most older translations) to translate the Hebrew she´ohl' and the Greek hai'des. In the King James Version the word "hell" is rendered from she´ohl' 31 times and from hai'des 10 times. This version is not consistent, however, since she´ohl' is also translated 31 times "grave" and 3 times "pit." In the Douay Version she´ohl' is rendered "hell" 64 times, "pit" once, and "death" once.
In 1885, with the publication of the complete English Revised Version, the original word she´ohl' was in many places transliterated into the English text of the Hebrew Scriptures, though, in most occurrences, "grave" and "pit" were used, and "hell" is found some 14 times. This was a point on which the American committee disagreed with the British revisers, and so, when producing the American Standard Version (1901) (ASV)  they transliterated she´ohl' in all 65 of its appearances. Both versions transliterated hai'des in the Christian Greek Scriptures in all ten of its occurrences, though the Greek word Ge'en·na (English, "Gehenna") is rendered "hell" throughout, as is true of many other modern translations.

Concerning this use of "hell" to translate these original words from the Hebrew and Greek, Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words (1981, Vol. 2, p. 187) says: "HADES . . . It corresponds to 'Sheol' in the O.T. [Old Testament]. In the A.V. of the O.T. [Old Testament] and N.T. [New Testament], it has been unhappily rendered 'Hell.'"[source - , Vine's Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words ]>>.

Second, <<"Collier's Encyclopedia (1986, Vol. 12, p. 28) says concerning "Hell": "First it stands for the Hebrew Sheol of the Old Testament and the Greek Hades of the Septuagint and New Testament. Since Sheol in Old Testament times referred simply to the abode of the dead and suggested no moral distinctions, the word 'hell,' as understood today, is not a happy translation."  It is, in fact, because of the way that the word "hell" is understood today that it is such an unsatisfactory translation of these original Bible words." [source - Collier's Encyclopedia (1986, Vol. 12, p. 28)>>.

Third, <<"Webster's Third New International Dictionary, unabridged, under "Hell" says: "fr[om] . . . helan to conceal." The word "hell" thus originally conveyed no thought of heat or torment but simply of a 'covered over or concealed place.' In the old English dialect the expression "helling potatoes" meant, NOT to roast them, but simply to place the potatoes in the ground or in a cellar." [source - Webster's Third New International Dictionary]>>.

Fourth, <<"The meaning given today to the word "hell" is that portrayed in Dante's Divine Comedy and Milton's Paradise Lost, which meaning is completely foreign to the original definition of the word. The idea of a "hell" of fiery torment, however, dates back long before Dante or Milton." [references - Dante's Divine Comedy and Milton's Paradise Lost]>>.

Fifth, <<"The Grolier Universal Encyclopedia (1971, Vol. 9, p. 205) under "Hell" says: "Hindus and Buddhists regard hell as a place of spiritual cleansing and final restoration." [source - The Grolier Universal Encyclopedia}>>.

Sixth, <<"Islamic tradition considers it as a place of everlasting punishment." The idea of suffering after death is found among the pagan religious teachings of ancient peoples in Babylon and Egypt. Babylonian and Assyrian beliefs depicted the "nether world . . . as a place full of horrors, . . . presided over by gods and demons of great strength and fierceness." Although ancient Egyptian religious texts do not teach that the burning of any individual victim would go on forever, they do portray the "Other World" as featuring "pits of fire" for "the damned." [source references -The Religion of Babylonia and Assyria, by Morris Jastrow, Jr., 1898, p. 581; The Book of the Dead, with introduction by E. Wallis Budge, 1960, pp. 135, 144, 149, 151, 153, 161, 200]>>.

Seventh, <<""Hellfire" has been a basic teaching in Christendom for many centuries. It is understandable why The Encyclopedia Americana (1956, Vol. XIV, p. 81) said: "Much confusion and misunderstanding has been caused through the early translators of the Bible persistently rendering the Hebrew Sheol and the Greek Hades and Gehenna by the word hell. The simple transliteration of these words by the translators of the revised editions of the Bible has not sufficed to appreciably clear up this confusion and misconception." Nevertheless, such transliteration and consistent rendering does enable the Bible student to make an accurate comparison of the texts in which these original words appear and, with open mind, thereby to arrive at a correct understanding of their true significance." [source - The Encyclopedia Americana (1956, Vol. XIV, p. 81)]>>.

NOW LET'S LOOK AT THE WORD 'GEHENNA' OFTEN TRANSLATED AS 'HELL':

<<"(Ge·hen'na) [Gr. form of the Heb. Geh Hin·nom', "Valley of Hinnom"].
This name appears 12 times in the Christian Greek Scriptures, and whereas many translators take the liberty to render it by the word "hell," a number of modern translations transliterate the word from the Greek ge'en·na.-Mt 5:22, Ro, Mo, ED, NW, BC (Spanish), NC (Spanish), also the footnotes of Da and RS.
The deep, narrow Valley of Hinnom, later known by this Greek name, lay to the S and SW of ancient Jerusalem and is the modern-day Wadi er-Rababi (Ge Ben Hinnom). (Jos 15:8; 18:16; Jer 19:2, 6; see HINNOM, VALLEY OF.) Judean Kings Ahaz and Manasseh engaged in idolatrous worship there, which included the making of human sacrifices by fire to Baal. (2Ch 28:1, 3; 33:1, 6; Jer 7:31, 32; 32:35) Later, to prevent such activities there in the future, faithful King Josiah had the place of idolatrous worship polluted, particularly the section called Topheth.-2Ki 23:10.

No Symbol of Everlasting Torment. Jesus Christ associated fire with Gehenna (Mt 5:22; 18:9; Mr 9:47, 48), as did the disciple James, the only Biblical writer besides Matthew, Mark, and Luke to use the word. (Jas 3:6) Some commentators endeavor to link such fiery characteristic of Gehenna with the burning of human sacrifices that was carried on prior to Josiah's reign and, on this basis, hold that Gehenna was used by Jesus as a symbol of everlasting torment. However, since Jehovah God expressed repugnance for such practice, saying that it was "a thing that I had not commanded and that had not come up into my heart" (Jer 7:31; 32:35), it seems most unlikely that God's Son, in discussing divine judgment, would make such idolatrous practice the basis for the symbolic meaning of Gehenna. It may be noted that God prophetically decreed that the Valley of Hinnom would serve as a place for mass disposal of dead bodies rather than for the torture of live victims. (Jer 7:32, 33; 19:2, 6, 7, 10, 11) Thus, at Jeremiah 31:40 the reference to "the low plain of the carcasses and of the fatty ashes" is generally accepted as designating the Valley of Hinnom, and a gate known as "the Gate of the Ash-heaps" evidently opened out onto the eastern extremity of the valley at its juncture with the ravine of the Kidron. (Ne 3:13, 14) It seems obvious that such "carcasses" and "fatty ashes" are not related to the human sacrifices made there under Ahaz and Manasseh, since any bodies so offered would doubtless be viewed by the idolaters as "sacred" and would not be left lying in the valley.

Therefore, the Biblical evidence concerning Gehenna generally parallels the traditional view presented by rabbinic and other sources. That view is that the Valley of Hinnom was used as a place for the disposal of waste matter from the city of  Jerusalem. (At Mt 5:30 Ph renders ge'en·na as "rubbish heap.") Concerning "Gehinnom," the Jewish commentator David Kimhi (1160-1235?), in his comment on Psalm 27:13, gives the following historical information: "And it is a place in the land adjoining Jerusalem, and it is a loathsome place, and they throw there unclean things and carcasses. Also there was a continual fire there to burn the unclean things and the bones of the carcasses. Hence, the judgment of the wicked ones is called parabolically Gehinnom."

Symbolic of Complete Destruction. It is evident that Jesus used Gehenna as representative of utter destruction resulting from adverse judgment by God, hence with no resurrection to life as a soul being possible. (Mt 10:28; Lu 12:4, 5) The scribes and Pharisees as a wicked class were denounced as 'subjects for Gehenna.' (Mt 23:13-15, 33) To avoid such destruction, Jesus' followers were to get rid of anything causing spiritual stumbling, the 'cutting off of a hand or foot' and the 'tearing out of an eye' figuratively representing their deadening of these body members with reference to sin.-Mt 18:9; Mr 9:43-47; Col 3:5; compare Mt 5:27-30.
Jesus also apparently alluded to Isaiah 66:24 in describing Gehenna as a place "where their maggot does not die and the fire is not put out." (Mr 9:47, 48) That the symbolic picture here is not one of torture but, rather, of complete destruction is evident from the fact that the Isaiah text dealt, not with persons who were alive, but with "the carcasses of the men that were transgressing" against God. If, as the available evidence indicates, the Valley of Hinnom was a place for the disposal of garbage and carcasses, fire, perhaps increased in intensity by the addition of sulfur (compare Isa 30:33), would be the only suitable means to eliminate such refuse. Where the fire did not reach, worms, or maggots, would breed, consuming anything not destroyed by the fire. On this basis, Jesus' words would mean that the destructive effect of God's adverse judgment would not cease until complete destruction was attained.

Figurative Use. The disciple James' use of the word "Gehenna" shows that an unruly tongue is itself a world of unrighteousness and that one's whole round of living can be affected by fiery words that defile the speaker's body. The tongue of such a one, "full of death-dealing poison" and so giving evidence of a bad heart condition, can cause the user to be sentenced by God to go to the symbolic Gehenna.-Jas 3:6, 8; compare Mt 12:37; Ps 5:9; 140:3; Ro 3:13.
The Biblical use of Gehenna as a symbol corresponds to that of "the lake of fire" in the book of Revelation.-Re 20:14, 15; " [source - Insight on the Scriptures, Vol. 1]>>.

CONCLUSION:

We must consider what the original writer, scribe used by the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, to put the thoughts of the true God (YHWH) of Abraham, Isaac, and Ishmael, creator of all there is, into the words of man intended when considering words found in the Bible.  Why?  Because they, not translations and/or mistranslation, are inspired.  The fact that the Bible is NOT the product of one committee or strongman. It has over 40 individual writers who wrote under divine inspiration/guidance putting the thoughts of God (YHWH) into the words of men much as transcribing secretaries today taking transcription and then later typing it out. In other words one real author, God (YHWH), and many scribes each of whom wrote in his own style over a period of approximately 1,600 years. All of what people call or consider inconsistencies are really not such, but most often just a problem of translation and/or understanding, i.e., lack of understanding of what the original writer writing in his own language and culture meant/said in his original writing. What is remarkable, is the writers over such a period of time all wrote in harmony when even most posters on threads on this forum can not even stay on track or subject over a period of a few days and/or weeks at most with the original subject of the thread. This fact of harmony over a period so great as to almost stagger the imagination shows that it had one guiding force or author who divinely inspired its writers as humans of their own volition can not keep on track over short periods of time.


[4]  AN ARTICLE ON,  GOD PROMISES THAT OUR PLANET WILL SURVIVE,
https://www.jw.org/en/library/magazines/awake-no1-2023/planet-survive-god-promises/


[5]  A TALKING VIDEO OF Is TRUTH IMPORTANT ANYMORE?
https://www.jw.org/en/library/series/more-topics/is-truth-important/



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