Category: Prophets and Writings

These studies cover the ancient grouping of Hebrew Bible writings called Nevi’im (Prophets) and Ketuvim (Writings). These books include from Joshua through Malachi in the conventional Christian canon.

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Appointments With God Discussions Prophets and Writings The Eighth Day

A bigger tent: God’s heart for the nations (Isaiah 54–56; John 4, 7)

A vibrant, oil-painting-style image featuring on the right side a Messiah figure in white robes with a radiant halo and a group of diverse people in a lush green landscape at His feet, extending His right hand across a flowing river toward a woman on the left side in a desert landscape with a large tent in the background. The woman raises her hands in response. The text overlay reads, "A bigger tent, God's heart for the nations," with biblical references "Isaiah 54-56; John 4, 7." The image includes a "hallel.Info" watermark. This image was created by ChatGPT.

This study during Heaven’s new-beginnings festival of Shemini Atzeret (Eighth Day) explores Isaiah 54–56. We see God’s promises of restoration and hope not only for Israel but for outsiders — foreigners and those not able to have children — teaches us about belonging in His big family. Spiritual hunger and thirst are satiated and slaked by the “living water” of Heaven’s tag-team Comforters: the Messiah (Word) and the Spirit. God invites us to pursue justice, compassion and renewal via an invitation that is for all who long for home, true belonging and the ways of the Creator.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Standing strong or standing stubborn: What’s the difference? (Exodus 6–7)

What does it really means to have a “hardened heart,” like what cause the pharaoh of Egypt at the time of Israel’s Exodus? Three Hebrew words translated “harden” help us see the spiritual condition at work at that time and with us today. This study reflects on the balance between God’s actions and our choices, and how we can pray for softer hearts and “lips” to become more open, compassionate and effective in our internal and external lives.

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Apostolic Writings Appointments With God Discussions Prophets and Writings The Eighth Day Torah readings

Yom Teruah (Festival of Trumpets, Rosh Hashanah) readings

Renowned blower Robert Weinger of Shofar So Good blows two horn trumpets in Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock mosque on the site of the Holy of Holies of the Temple behind him. (ShofarSoGood.com)

The first day the seventh month on Israel’s calendar is a biblical triple-header memorial festival: Rosh Chodesh (New Moon), Yom Teruah (Day of Blowing Trumpets) and Rosh Hashanah (New Year). There are also a number of connections between and lessons in the mentions of trumpets in the Apostolic Writings (New Testament) and the themes of this festival. Here are Bible readings related to the festival and other details to get you ready to celebrate.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings

Turning pain into purpose: A biblical response to martyrdom (Psalm 4; Ephesians 4)

A black background on the left side features white text that reads: "Turning pain into purpose, A biblical response when the righteous are brought down, Psalm 4; Ephesians 4." On the right side, there is an Adobe Stock image showing a grayscale silhouette of a person leaning against a wall with his head bowed and hands raised, suggesting grief. The image includes a subtle logo for "hallel.info" in the top right corner.

This study is a heartfelt biblical reflection on the righteous anger many feel after the martyrdom of Charlie Kirk. Drawing from Psalm 4 and Ephesians 4, we explore how believers can mourn and experience anger without falling into sin, trusting God’s justice and seeking unity. Heaven encourages us to process grief and anger in a way that leads to spiritual growth, peace and hope, reminding us that God’s presence brings comfort even in the hardest times.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Beyond the grudge: Choosing compassion over vengeance (Genesis 50; Luke 23; Zechariah 14)

A textured oil palette knife painting in warm earth tones. On the left, Joseph embraces and forgives one of his brothers, who weeps against his chest. On the right, Yeshua hangs on the execution stake, wearing a crown of thorns, with His head bowed in compassion. The two scenes are divided yet unified by swirling strokes of gold and ochre, symbolizing forgiveness across time. Text overlay reads: “Beyond the grudge: Choosing compassion over vengeance (Genesis 50; Luke 23; Zechariah 14).”

This study explores forgiveness, restoration and reconciliation through the stories of Joseph and Yeshua (Jesus). Drawing from Genesis, Zechariah and Luke, we examine how Heaven models humility, letting go of grudges and embracing mercy. Messiah embodies the Yobel — the Jubilee release from debts (and related enslavement). Messiah also fleshes out the scriptural importance of community transformation and the need to welcome back those who have changed. Ultimately, we’re called to forgive as Heaven has forgiven us, modeling divine desire for compassion on the world.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings

‘You are Mine’: Finding belonging in God’s family (Isaiah 43; John 16)

A ChatGPT-generated oil palette knife–style digital painting in 16:9 landscape format. The scene shows a dark, crowded space filled with indistinct figures. Three people in the foreground are illuminated by golden spotlights from above, their faces lifted upward in joy and awe. The man on the left smiles broadly, the woman in the center looks serene, and the bearded man on the right gazes upward with quiet reverence. The rest of the crowd fades into shadow, emphasizing the contrast between darkness and light. The text overlay says, "'You are Mine': Finding belonging in God's family (Isaiah 43; John 16)." A Hallel.info logo is in the lower left corner.

Isaiah 43 and John 16 focus on how God calls us by name and shapes us through life’s challenges, just as He did with Israel in exile. This study explores the importance of trusting the Master’s plan (fulfilled in Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus), the meaning of true belonging and how prayer transforms us. No matter where we are, God’s redemption and love are personal, purposeful, and ongoing — inviting us to connect with Him and each other.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

Finishing well: How to run life’s race with purpose (Genesis 46–47; 1Kings 2; John 19)

ChatGPT-generated digital painting in oil palette knife style shows a triumphant runner in an orange jersey breaking the white finish-line tape with arms raised in victory, his face full of joy. Behind him, in the background and partially blurred, another exhausted runner in blue bends forward in defeat, emphasizing the contrast between finishing well and giving up. The textured brushstrokes use warm yellows, oranges, and cool blues to create energy and movement. Text says, "Finishing well: How to run life's race with purpose (Genesis 46:28–47:31; 1Kings 2:1–4; John 19:28–30).

What does it means to “finish well” in life and faith? Drawing from the Bible’s accounts of Jacob, Joseph, Judah, David, Solomon and others, in this study we discover that starting strong isn’t enough. It’s about persevering, repenting when we stray and renewing our minds with God’s word. Like running a race, we need encouragement, wisdom and a willingness to adjust course. Finishing well is a journey of growth, trust and continual action.