How does the quote from Zechariah 9.9 found in Matthew 21.5 relate to Palm Sunday? — Jonathan Hobbs, by e-mail Matthew realizes that Jesus’ action of riding into Jerusalem on a donkey suggests the prophecy of Zechariah 9.9 and introduces the passage in Matthew 21.5, “Your King is coming to… Read More

What can you tell me about the people of Moab in Genesis? — Mickey Formato, by e-mail Genesis 19.30-38 tells the unusual story of the births of Lot’s sons Moab and Ben-Ammi. Moab is said to have become the father of the Moabites, and his brother the father of the… Read More

Other than Jesus, who in the Bible was given a name by God? —J. MacMichael Jr., via e-mail God named a number of people. – Jacob’s name was changed to Israel (Genesis 35.9-11). – Sarai’s name (Abraham’s wife) was changed to Sarah (Genesis 17.15, 16). –… Read More

An obituary for Kurt Vonnegut said that he preferred the French “blessed are the débonnaires” to the English “blessed are the meek.” That sounds odd. Are these words equivalent?—Jane M., via e-mail In a discussion of the French use of débonnaires, The Interpreter's Bible says… Read More

What is the full meaning of the transfiguration? Is it related to John 17, when Jesus asks the Father to glorify him?—Frank Rogers, via e-mail Transfiguration is a change in appearance: a glorifying, spiritual change. This event in Jesus' life appears in three of the Gospels: Matthew 17.1-13,… Read More

I seem to remember reading when God wanted to judge Israel, he would give them leaders who were either young and inexperienced or female. Is this true?— Ms. C. Joy Hulting, Aurora, Ill.Although I am unable to locate the specific Scripture, I can give you passages where God… Read More

I came across a 1962 article about a finger-powered phonograph that played Scriptures in 40 languages. Does anyone still make this kind of device?– John, via e-mail In the late 1950s, the American Bible Society devised the finger-fono, powered by the turn of one finger. The finger-fono produced… Read More

I’m reading Exodus 33.11 and Exodus 33.20, and there is a seeming contradiction. Can you spot it?—Boyd Kiel, via e-mail The first of these verses reads, “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend,” and the second, “Thou canst not… Read More

In some translations, the Lord’s Prayer ends with the verse, “For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.” Why is this phrase not in all translations?—Patrick Bannerman, via e-mail You are a close reader of Scripture! The phrase is a doxology. It was… Read More

In Luke 4.16, 17, Jesus reads the words of Isaiah in the synagogue: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me.” What were the rules governing readings in those days?—Will K., Clinton Township, Mich. The reading of the Parascha, or section from the Law, by another person would… Read More