Author: Daniel

Categories
Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Set the captives free: The Bible’s real message on slavery & redemption (Exodus 21–22; Jeremiah 34)

A digital oil painting created by ChatGPT in a bold palette-knife style shows a diverse group of people journeying from darkness into light. On the left, figures emerge from shadow and bondage, symbolizing slavery in Exodus. They move through parted waters toward a radiant, open landscape of freedom and hope. At the center, a luminous, robed figure with outstretched arms represents Messiah Yeshua, welcoming men, women, and children of many backgrounds into redemption and unity. The right side glows with warm golds and blues, intentionally left simple and uncluttered to accommodate a text overlay. In the upper right corner is the text, “Set the captives free: The Bible’s real message on slavery & redemption (Exodus 21–22; Jeremiah 34).” A small Hallel.info watermark appears in the lower right corner.

The Bible’s laws about slavery can be troubling, but they reveal something deeper: Even within ancient realities, God’s instructions are aimed to bring dignity, protection, and a pathway to freedom for everyone — Israelites and outsiders alike. In Exodus 21-22, Jeremiah 34 and similar passages, we see that Scripture moves toward greater justice, mercy and inclusion. Ultimately, all these hopes find their fulfillment in the Messiah, Who opens the door to true freedom for every person and nation, showing God’s heart to set all captives free and welcome all into His family.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

The illusion of control: Negotiating with God (Exodus 8–9; Isaiah 34–35; Hebrews 12)

Alt-text: Digital oil painting created by ChatGPT in a heavy impasto palette knife style, depicting Pharaoh in royal purple and gold garments gripping a dissolving scepter, facing Moses in humble earth tones with his hand raised toward divine light breaking through swirling clouds. Fragmented chains and mist symbolize liberation and the loss of control. The image bears a “Hallel.info” watermark in the lower right corner and overlaid text reading: “The illusion of control: Negotiating with God (Exodus 8–9; Isaiah 34–35; Hebrews 12).”

In this study of Exodus 8–9, we explored how Pharaoh’s attempts to negotiate with God revealed the futility of seeking control over true submission. We examined the motivations behind biblical negotiations — whether for personal gain or to save lives — and why God honors one over the other. Via parallel passages Isaiah 34–35 and Hebrews 12, we also discussed the destruction of Esau/Edom, compared how pagan gods and the God of Israel love humanity, and reflected on how authentic repentance and selfless motivations matter most when relating to God and others.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

The surprising connections between the burning bush and Peter’s dream sheet (Exodus 3; Acts 10)

ChatGPT-created digital oil palette knife painting of Moses kneeling before the burning bush on Mount Horeb, glowing with bright orange and yellow flames against a blue and earthy background. To the right, bold white text on a black background reads: “The surprising connections between the burning bush & Peter’s dream sheet — Exodus 3; Acts 10.” Banner includes the hallel.info logo.

Apostle Peter’s mission to the nations parallels to Moses’ mission to Egypt, emphasizing God’s ability to overcome seemingly impossible tasks. In this study, we explore how the symbolism of the burning bush in Exodus 3, with its thorny nature and God’s decision not to consume it, points to mercy and grace. This connects with a broader biblical theme of defeating oppression and evil, as seen in the plagues against Egypt. Believers must have courage and faith in Heaven’s missions on earth.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Torah

When free will meets God’s purpose: How Heaven orchestrates salvation (Genesis 44–46; Joshua 14; Luke 24)

"When free will meets God's purpose: How Heaven orchestrates salvation (Genesis 44-46; Joshua 14; Luke 24)." A ChatGPT digital oil painting in palette knife style, showing three biblical figures in warm earthy tones. On the left, an elderly man with a long white beard and robe rests his hand gently on the shoulder of a sorrowful middle-aged man in the center, who bows his head in humility and weariness. On the right, Yeshua (Jesus), clothed in white with a red mantle, extends a hand of comfort and blessing toward the central figure. The textured background glows with golden light, symbolizing divine presence and hope.

In this study, we explore how Joseph, Caleb and Yeshua (Jesus) each faced suffering and testing, yet chose to trust God’s plan over their own desires. Judah’s heartfelt plea for Benjamin shows true repentance and growth, while Caleb’s wholehearted faith is rewarded after years of waiting. Yeshua’s suffering brings ultimate glory to Heaven and salvation available to all. Together, these accounts reveal how God orchestrates even our free will choices for His redemptive purposes, calling us to maturity, unity, and wholehearted devotion to Him.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

When God speaks the language of the nations: Decoding Pharaoh’s mysterious dreams via Egypt’s pantheon (Genesis 41; Isaiah 29; Revelation 7)

A ChatGPT-generated image in oil palette knife style featuring a vibrant, abstract painting of an Egyptian pharaoh in profile, wearing a blue and gold headdress. The background includes cattle and a large ear of corn against a colorful, textured backdrop. Text overlays include "When God speaks the language of the nations" at the top and "Decoding Pharaoh's mysterious dreams via Egypt's pantheon Genesis 41; Isaiah 29; Revelation 7" at the bottom, with a "hallel.info" logo in the corner.

The Creator of the heavens and earth speaks through unexpected channels — including using pagan Egyptian mythology — to reveal His plan. In this study, we see how Joseph’s unwavering faith transforms him from a forgotten slave to Egypt’s savior, demonstrating that trusting Adonai (the LORD) transcends circumstances. The dreams of Pharaoh in Genesis 41 reveal more than just agricultural prophecy. They showcase God’s ability to communicate across cultural boundaries, preparing the way for His redemptive purpose, fulfilled through Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus). Joseph’s journey reminds us that faithfulness opens doors no human can close.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

You won’t believe how similar Joseph’s and Jesus’ stories are — and why (Genesis 37; Jeremiah 38; Matthew 3)

Adobe Firefly digital painting titled "You Won’t Believe How Similar Yosef’s & Yeshua’s Stories Are — and Why," featuring two figures in biblical robes standing back-to-back on a desert path, facing a radiant golden sunrise with swirling clouds. The figure on the left (Yosef/Joseph) wears a beige robe, while the figure on the right (Jesus/Yeshua) is draped in an orange cloak. The text overlays include the title in large white letters and scripture references (Genesis 37, Jeremiah 38, Matthew 3) in the bottom right corner, set against a warm, painterly landscape with distant mountains.

God’s love isn’t about favoritism, but character. Looking at Joseph, Jeremiah and Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) in this study, we saw how telling truth and maintaining integrity matters to Heaven more than comfort. Biblical heroes weren’t perfect, but they were faithful — willing to walk through difficult paths with self-discipline. Their stories aren’t just historical; they’re spiritual blueprints showing how God works through people who are committed to righteousness, even when it costs everything.

Categories
Apostolic Writings Discussions Passover Torah Unleavened Bread

God’s grace: It’s more than forgiveness (Exodus 33–34; 1Corinthians 5–6, 10)

A vivid, impressionist-style digital painting bby Adobe Firefly depicts a multitude of people walking along a parted path through the sea, symbolizing the Exodus. The scene is filled with rich colors—blues, greens, oranges, and purples—conveying a sense of movement and divine presence. Bright light shines at the end of the path, suggesting hope and deliverance. Overlaid text reads: “God’s grace – It’s more than forgiveness. Exodus 33–34; 1 Corinthians 5–6, 10.” In the bottom right corner is the logo and website “hallel.info.”

This study explores spiritual maturity through ancient Israel’s journey from Egyptian slavery to freedom. Examining Exodus 13-15 and 33-34, alongside 1Corinthians 5, 6 and 10 reveals how God’s grace requires active participation, not passive acceptance. The Red Sea crossing symbolizes spiritual baptism, while the journey demonstrates the ongoing process of purging spiritual leaven and maintaining God’s presence through obedience, ultimately pointing to Messiah’s redemptive work and the believer’s transformative path.