Biblical Foundations Academy International Podcast with Keith Johnson

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Amos 2:6–3:8. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayeishev (Genesis 37:1–40:23). This passage addresses some of the sins of the kingdom of Israel, where social, moral, and religious perversions were rife. Through His prophet the Almighty reminds Israel that she was specially chosen from among all the families of the earth, and for that...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Hosea 12:12-14:9 [12:13–14:10]. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayetzei (Genesis 28:10–32:3). In this passage God describes His displeasure with those who are unfaithful to Him and warns that punishment will come for turning away from the only one who can save them. Nevertheless, to those who return to Yehovah their God, forsake th...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 1:1-31. It accompanies the Torah portion Chayei Sarah (Genesis 23:1–25:18). With Israel’s King David on his deathbed, the king’s eldest living son Adonijah devised an elaborate coup to wrest the kingdom from his half-brother Solomon, whom David had designated as his successor. Although the plot was foiled, it was the culminat...

This is the second Prophet section of what is traditionally called the Haftorah reading that accompanies the Torah portion of Noach (Genesis 6:1–6:8). This weeks reading is Isaiah 54:1-55:5 . In this passage God draws on the imagery of the waters of Noah to assure His people that His love and compassion will never be removed from them. And to those who heed His admonition and turn to Him He promis...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 2 Samuel 22:1–51. It accompanies the Torah portion Ha’azinu (Deuteronomy 32:1–52). This passage is King David’s lengthy song or psalm of praise to God for saving him from all his enemies. Among the many expressions of praise and thanks for His protection and providence is the rhetorical question: “For who is God besides the LORD? And...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 55:6–56:8. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayeilech (Deuteronomy 31:1–30). This week’s passage begins with a remarkable affirmation of God’s readiness to forgive repentant sinners—personally, directly, and completely. He goes on to speak of His coming salvation for those who keep the Sabbath, who serve Him, and who hold fast...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 61:10–63:9. It accompanies the Torah portion Nitzavim (Deuteronomy 29:9–30:20). In this passage Isaiah proclaims that God will make righteousness spring up in the presence of all the nations, as plants spring up in a garden. Never again will Jerusalem be called Forsaken or Desolate, but will be God’s delight. In great love and...

This week’s Prophets portion is a repeat of an earlier portion. The portion for Noach covering Isaiah 54:1-55:5 is read a second time on two subsequent Sabbaths: Isaiah 54:11-55:5 for the portion of Re’eh and Isaiah 54:1-10 for the portion of Ki Teitzei. Rather than record three separate programs on the same section of the Prophets, we decided to re-post the discussion from earlier in the year cov...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 51:12–52:12. It accompanies the Torah portion Shoftim (Deuteronomy 16:18–21:9). In this passage God encourages His people not to fear, despite the threats of their enemies. Although He has punished His people for their disobedience, He will liberate and restore them. The prophet announces peace and salvation, which will come w...

This week's Prophets portion is a repeat of an earlier portion. The portion for Noach covering Isaiah 54:1-55:5 is read a second time on two subsequent Sabbaths: Isaiah 54:11-55:5 for the portion of Re'eh and Isaiah 54:1-10 for the portion of Ki Teitzei. Rather than record three separate programs on the same section of the Prophets, we decided to re-post the discussion from earlier in th...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 40:1–26. It accompanies the Torah portion Vaetchanan (Deuteronomy 3:23–7:11). In this Haftorah Isaiah conveys powerful promises of God’s restored blessings and presence among His people. He will come in might and care for His people as a shepherd cares for his flock. The passage concludes with a declaration of the incomparable...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 1:1–27. It accompanies the Torah portion Devarim (Deuteronomy 1:1–3:22). This opening passage from the book of Isaiah catalogs many of God’s complaints against Judah and Jerusalem for their betrayal of His covenant. Despite the persistent sins of the national leaders and the general populace, God admonishes them to “cease to d...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 18:46–19:21. It accompanies the Torah portion Pinchas (Numbers 25:10–30:1). This week’s Haftorah deals with the aftermath of the prophet Elijah’s epic defeat of the prophets of Baal. Upon hearing Queen Jezebel’s death threat, Elijah flees to Horeb, the mountain of God, where he encounters the Almighty and receives instruction...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Micah 5:6–6:8 (5:7–6:8 in English versions). It accompanies the Torah portion Balak (Numbers 22:2–25:9). This passage begins with a prophecy about Israel’s restoration and the punishment of her enemies. Then follows God’s indictment of His people for their infidelity. The Haftorah concludes with a well-known summary of what God requi...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Zechariah 2:14–4:7. It accompanies the Torah portion Beha’alotcha (Numbers 8:1–12:16). This Haftorah speaks of a time when God will again dwell among His people in Jerusalem. The passage includes a reference to the function of an “adversary” and also predicts the arrival of one called the Branch. It concludes with the assurance that...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Hosea 2:1–22 (1:10–2:20 in English). It accompanies the Torah portion Bemidbar (Numbers 1:1–4:20). The reading for this week is a blend of warnings of severe punishment and profound promises of the ultimate restoration of a beautiful and harmonious relationship between God and His people. Employing the metaphor of a rejected wife, Go...

Have you ever wondered what the Gospel of Matthew was like before translators and theologians got hold of it? We now have documents that answer this question! And by the way, they are written in Hebrew—the language in which Matthew wrote his gospel! For hundreds of years, 28 ancient Hebrew manuscripts of Matthew have been locked away in libraries around the world. Now, like prying open oysters and...

Have you ever wondered what the Gospel of Matthew was like before translators and theologians got hold of it? We now have documents that answer this question! And by the way, they are written in Hebrew—the language in which Matthew wrote his gospel! For hundreds of years, 28 ancient Hebrew manuscripts of Matthew have been locked away in libraries around the world. Now, like prying open oysters and...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Jeremiah 46:13-28. It accompanies the Torah portion Bo (Exodus 10:1–13:16). This Haftorah continues the theme of the punishment of the nation, the Pharaoh, and the gods of Egypt at the hands of the Babylonians. The passage concludes with God’s promise to Israel that, even though her adversaries will be destroyed and she will be punis...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Isaiah 27:6–28:13; 29:22–23. It accompanies the Torah portion Shemot (Exodus 1:1–6:1). This week’s passage contains some sharp contrasts between God’s stern chastisement of his people Israel, and his undying love for them. In order to have her sins removed, Israel must wholeheartedly turn from her idolatry. Ultimately, Israel will ac...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 1 Kings 2:1–12. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayechi (Genesis 47:28–50:26). This passage relates some of the final words of King David. Shortly before his death he admonished his son and successor Solomon to faithfully walk in the ways of God, keeping all His instructions as written in the Torah of Moses. This, he assured Solomon...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Obadiah 1:1-21. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayishlach (Genesis 32:4–36:43). The book of Obadiah is a prophecy against Edom, the people descended from Esau, twin brother of Jacob. God’s anger stems from Edom’s violence against the people of Israel and Judah in their days of calamity and punishment. The prophecy foretells the ult...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is Malachi 1:1–2:7. It accompanies the Torah portion Toldot (Genesis 25:19–28:9). Through the prophet Malachi God admonishes those who are in positions of leading and teaching His people. He indicts them for turning the worship of God into hollow rituals and disrespecting Him in ways that even human rulers would not tolerate. He then de...

This week’s Prophet reading—traditionally called the Haftorah—is 2 Kings 4:1-37. It accompanies the Torah portion Vayeria (Genesis 18:1–22:24). This passage relates the moving accounts of two women in great personal distress whose needs are met through divine miracles. Lessons about the powerful effects humility, perseverance, and obedience offer encouragement for God’s faithful children of all ag...

I invite you to listen to Day Twenty-Nine of the Proverb Pearls devotional series. We will take a look at all 31 chapters of the Book of Proverbs over 31 days!  Support the show