Month: June 2019

(35) Abortion, Jewish Law, and the State of Israel

One of the most sensitive issues on the political landscape today is the issue of abortion. But what does Jewish law have to say about the topic? It’s complicated, and David and Scott disagree about how the broad and complex Jewish approach to abortion should be manifest in U.S. and Israeli law. Listen to today’s Morning Drive Bible for the beginnings of our discussion about this crucial topic.

(34) Illigitimate Sources of Prophetic Information

Using the Holy Spirit in order to uncover classified information – as is done with the Urim v’Tumim – is a wonderful thing. But when that information is not forthcoming, using illigitimate means to discover it is a terrible sin… as King Saul tragically discovered for himself.

(33) Wonder Woman, Simon Says, and the Urim V’Tumim

Maybe the producers of 1970s TV knew something about the Holy Spirit. What can David and Scott discover from the iconic show Wonder Woman about the nature of the High Priest’s breastplate? (Yes, we’re serious.)

(32) Why Isn’t This Forbidden Magic???

We already learned the the Urim v’Tumim and the Sotah Waters offered secret information by way of the Holy Spirit. David presents another example of the Holy Spirit providing classified information, this time regarding the scapegoat on the Day of Atonement. But this all leads to a bigger question: isn’t this a form of divination, and isn’t that explicitly forbidden by the Torah?

(31) Sotah-Water and Sexual Infidelity

Last time we learned that the Urim v’Tumim – which provides hidden and prophetic information – is the name of G-d written on parchment, and inserted into the High Priest’s breastplate. Today, David and Scott look at another Biblical instance of G-d’s name on parchment used to discover secrets. But this time, it’s secret adultery. Puzzled? Listen and learn.

(30) The Name of G-d on a Piece of Parchment

David reveals the secret of the Urim v’Tumim’s prophetic power: the name of G-d was written on a piece of parchment, and placed inside the High Priest’s breastplate. But which name of G-d? And how does this all work? You better listen up to start getting some answers.

(29) Versace’s Dream

The book of Exodus offers elaborate descriptions of the eight garments of the High Priest in the Temple… but is shockingly ambiguous about the “Urim VTummin” that is placed inside the Breastplate. What is it? What does it do? And how is it associated with the Holy Spirit? Join David and Scott for an episode of Morning Drive Bible that every fashionista will love.

(28) The Holy Spirit via the High Priest’s Breastplate

David is wearing a shirt with the Yale University logo, and he thinks it might help him become #MisterHolySpirit. Is he off his rocker or does it actually make a little bit of sense? (Only a little bit, of course. It’s still crazy.) Join David and Scott for an opening discussion of the clothes of the High Priest in the Temple, and their connection with the Holy Spirit.

(27) First: Stop Being Selfish; Second: Become Holy

Well, it’s finally starting to make some sense. Canaanite idolatry is more than a theological error; it’s serving the divine for selfish reasons. Sexual immorality is much the same, as it inserts selfish motives into otherwise pure relationships. Join David and Scott as they determine why these are prerequisites for the laws of holiness in Leviticus 19.

(26) The Selfishness of Canaanite Idolatry

What on earth is David talking about?! The 18th chapter of Leviticus begins with the admonition to avoid the practices of the Canaanites and Egyptians, then explains that Israel must be a paragon of sexual morality. But David says that the first verses are talking about idolatry, not sexual misconduct! (Scott got so frustrated at one point that he recommended changing the channel.) Can David redeem himself? And what does this have to do with selfishness in divine worship?