Dr. Nehemia Gordon - Bible Scholar at NehemiasWall.com
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268 episodes
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Tzav covering Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, 9:22-23. In this portion paralleling the sacrifices in Leviticus, Gordon traipses through millennia to offer explanations for the perplexing statement, … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-tzav The post Prophet Pearls #25 – Tzav (Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22-23) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-tzav appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this week's episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36), we discuss what exactly is the JEPD theory otherwise known as the Documentary Hypothesis? What is the role of the the Aaronic priest and is it fulfilled by … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-tzav The post Torah Pearls #25 – Tzav (Leviticus 6:1-8:36) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-tzav appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Hebrew Voices #155, Meet the Samaritans!, Nehemia sits down with a real-life Samaritan scholar to discuss the origins of this ancient community, the religious significance of Mount Gerizim, and how an emergency Samaritan Torah crisis required … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/hv-155-meet-samaritans The post Hebrew Voices #155 – Meet the Samaritans! https://www.nehemiaswall.com/hv-155-meet-samaritans appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Vayikra covering Isaiah 43:21-44:23. This portion parallels the Torah’s central section on sacrifices. Gordon and Johnson delve deep into the issues of sacrifice, obedience … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-vayikra-24-isaiah-4321-4423 The post Prophet Pearls #24 – Vayikra (Isaiah 43:21-44:23) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-vayikra-24-isaiah-4321-4423 appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26), we share our recommendations of English translations and how to use them responsibly. What is really going when we see Leviticus chapter 5 ending with verse 19 in the … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-vayikra The post Torah Pearls #24 – Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-vayikra appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Vayakhel-Pekudei (1 Kings 7:40-8:21), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson examine the major concepts in this week’s double-header portion - primarily what the Tanakh calls the “House of Yehovah” and how history, tradition, and cultures … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-vayakhel-pekudei The post Prophet Pearls #22-23 – Vayakhel-Pekudei (1 Kings 7:40-8:21) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-vayakhel-pekudei appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Pekudeim (Exodus 38:21-40:38), we discuss how should we respond to the replication and/ or fabrication of Tabernacle items in places of meeting today? What on earth is “carbuncle”? The Aaronic Priesthood is the … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-pekudei The post Torah Pearls #23 – Pekudei (Exodus 38:21-40:38) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-pekudei appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20), we begin with asking what it means to "kindle a fire" on the Sabbath. Then we ask what it means for someone's heart to be stirred, and how the various … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-vayakhel The post Torah Pearls #22 – Vayakhel (Exodus 35:1-38:20) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-vayakhel appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Hebrew Voices #154, Reaping the Benefits of the Medieval Aviv Calendar: Part 1, Nehemia speaks with a scholar at University College London about why Jews transitioned from sighting the new moon to a precalculated calendar, how … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/hv-154-reaping-benefits-medieval-aviv-calendar-p-1 The post Hebrew Voices #154 – Reaping the Benefits of the Medieval Aviv Calendar: Part 1 https://www.nehemiaswall.com/hv-154-reaping-benefits-medieval-aviv-calendar-p-1 appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Ki Tisa (1 Kings 18:1-39), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson convene in Jerusalem to examine the brassiest display of prophetic prowess in the Tanakh. We are drawn into Elijah’s confrontation with Ahab as if … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-ki-tisa The post Prophet Pearls #21 – Ki Tisa (1 Kings 18:1-39) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-ki-tisa appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35), we begin with a passionate discussion on "Tradition" vs. Scripture, which leads to the golden calf of the Exodus event. Who was the calf supposed to represent? There follows … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-ki-tisa The post Torah Pearls #21 – Ki Tisa (Exodus 30:11-34:35) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-ki-tisa appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Tetzaveh (Ezekiel 43:10-27), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss Ezekiel describing the sin offering and the building plan for the Temple. Nehemia and Keith consider whether a spiritual or literal interpretation fits best with … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-tetzaveh The post Prophet Pearls #20 – Tetzaveh (Ezekiel 43:10-27) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-tetzaveh appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10), we begin with a discussion of how modern day synagogues and churches attempt to emulate the commandments for the decoration of the Biblical priests and the Temple. This leads … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-tetzaveh The post Torah Pearls #20 – Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-tetzaveh appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this special episode of Hebrew Gospel Pearls, Tricks of Translation 2, Nehemia and Keith compare translations of a verse in Hosea, discuss the tricks and difficulties of translation, and recount the struggles of 19th century Jews in America. I … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/hgp-special-tricks-translation-2 The post Hebrew Gospel Pearls Special – Tricks of Translation 2 https://www.nehemiaswall.com/hgp-special-tricks-translation-2 appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Terumah (1 Kings 5:12[26]-6:13), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson provide volumes of contextual insight into this seemingly straight-forward “How to Build a Temple” portion. We learn the importance of the “480 years” date given … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-terumah The post Prophet Pearls #19 – Terumah (1 Kings 5:12[26]-6:13) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-terumah appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
This episode of The Original Torah Pearls is on the Torah portion of Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19). The episode opens with a lively discussion on the difference between tithes and offerings. There follows a brilliant discussion of the "Mercy Seat" of … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-terumah The post Torah Pearls #19 – Terumah (Exodus 25:1-27:19) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-terumah appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Mishpatim Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26, ever obedient servants of context, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson begin at the beginning—with two verses moved to the end of this Portion by the Rabbis. In these two verses … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-mishpatim The post Prophet Pearls #18 – Mishpatim (Jeremiah 34:8-22; 33:25-26) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-mishpatim appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18), we tackle the Biblical issue of slavery and then move on to issues of debt, abortion, and end with a discussion about the process of the revelation of Scripture. … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-mishpatim The post Torah Pearls #18 – Mishpatim (Exodus 21:1-24:18) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-mishpatim appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Hebrew Voices #153, Sighting the New Moon in the Middle Ages, Nehemia speaks with a scholar at Cambridge University about why Jews transitioned from sighting the new moon to a precalculated calendar, how Karaites remained faithful … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/sighting-new-moon-middle-ages The post Hebrew Voices #153 – Sighting the New Moon in the Middle Ages https://www.nehemiaswall.com/sighting-new-moon-middle-ages appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Yitro (Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-60), Nehemia Gordon compares Isaiah’s succinct vision of heaven to accounts in Kings, Ezekiel and Daniel. We see a “real” Adonai in this Portion and learn about the importance of the … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-yitro The post Prophet Pearls #17 – Yitro (Isaiah 6:1-7:6; 9:5-6) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-yitro appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
This episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23), is dedicated to Nehemia’s faithful canine companion, Georgia the Rhodesian Ridgeback, who sadly passed away the day of this recording. In her honor, the trio has a fascinating discussion on the … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-yitro The post Torah Pearls #17 – Yitro (Exodus 18:1-20:23) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-yitro appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Judges 4:4-5:31, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss how although not a “military commander” like the other judges, Deborah coolly commands the military in this portion’s reading and then writes a lovely song about … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-beshalach The post Prophet Pearls #16 – Beshalach (Judges 4:4-5:31) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-beshalach appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16), we get some fascinating insights from the Hebrew in the story of the Exodus from Egypt and dig up a pearl regarding the poetic form of the Name of Yehovah. … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-beshalach The post Torah Pearls #16 – Beshalach (Exodus 13:17-17:16) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-beshalach appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this special episode of Hebrew Gospel Pearls, Tricks of Translation 1, Nehemia and Keith introduce the oldest English translation of the Hebrew Bible by Jews and for Jews in America and how a famous medieval rabbi altered the text … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/hgp-tricks-of-translation-special-p1 The post Hebrew Gospel Pearls Special – Tricks of Translation 1 https://www.nehemiaswall.com/hgp-tricks-of-translation-special-p1 appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Bo (Jeremiah 46:13-28) Jeremiah, the prophet to the nations, foretells another “smiting” for Egypt—providing the connection to the Torah portion where the Lord, with a strong hand, brought his people out of Egypt. This time … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-bo The post Prophet Pearls #15 – Bo (Jeremiah 46:13-28) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-bo appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
This episode of The Original Torah Pearls, Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16), begins with the plague of locusts in Egypt. From the stories of Moses stretching his hands toward Egypt we gain some fascinating insights on the power of prayer. The discussion then moves … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-bo The post Torah Pearls #15 – Bo (Exodus 10:1-13:16) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-bo appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
This episode of Prophet Pearls, (Ezekiel 28:25-29:21), reveals Yehovah as maestro—orchestrating kings, nations and events to further the day when the house of Israel, and all mankind, will know who he is. Ezekiel’s prophecy that a revelation of God would … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-vaeira The post Prophet Pearls #14 – Vaeira (Ezekiel 28:25-29:21) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-vaeira appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
This episode of The Original Torah Pearls is on the Torah portion of Vaeira (Exodus 6:2-9:35). At face value, the first sentence of Vaeira appears to contradict other Scripture but several common-sense explanations clear things up. We learn why Moses’ lineage … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-vaeira The post Torah Pearls #14 – Vaeira (Exodus 6:2-9:35) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/torah-pearls-vaeira appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Hebrew Voices #152, The Mount Ebal Curse Tablet: Part 1, Nehemia speaks with archeologist Dr. Scott Stripling about the most important discovery of 2022, the unearthing of Joshua’s altar, and the debate about ancient Israelite literacy. … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/mount-ebal-course-tabet-part-1 The post Hebrew Voices #152 – The Mount Ebal Curse Tablet: Part 1 https://www.nehemiaswall.com/mount-ebal-course-tabet-part-1 appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Shemot (Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the theme of exile and restoration as this Prophet’s portion corresponds to the turning point in the Egyptian exile when the midwives were told to … Continue reading → https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-shemot The post Prophet Pearls #13 – Shemot (Isaiah 27:6-28:13; 29:22-23) https://www.nehemiaswall.com/prophet-pearls-shemot appeared first on Nehemias Wall https://www.nehemiaswall.com.
