Tag: Ichabod – glory has departed

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Appointments With God Discussions Prophets and Writings Purim Torah

From captivity to new covenant: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther and the how of return (Exodus 33; Ezekiel 36)

Alt-text: Digital painting created by ChatGPT in a bold, textured oil palette knife style, formatted in a 16:9 landscape composition. The image is split evenly into two epic biblical scenes. On the left, Queen Esther, dressed in flowing white and blue garments with gold accents, reverently reaches out to touch the tip of King Ahasuerus’s golden scepter as he sits on an ornate throne in a richly decorated Persian palace. The king wears royal red and gold robes and a crown, and the scene glows with warm gold and amber tones. On the right, men in ancient dress rebuild Jerusalem’s stone wall. Some workers lay large blocks while gripping swords at their sides, and armed guards stand watch on the wall, scanning the distant hills under a dramatic sky streaked with blue and gold. Thick impasto brushstrokes give the entire composition a dynamic, sculpted texture. In the lower left corner, text overlay reads: “From captivity to new covenant: Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther and the how of return (Exodus 33; Ezekiel 36).” A Hallel.info watermark appears in the lower right corner.

As we celebrate Purim, we explore how God’s presence — more than ritual — was at the heart of the restoration of Israel recorded in Esther, Ezra and Nehemiah. Rebuilding walls parallels the restoring of homes and hearts via practical boundaries, discernment and daily “filters” of the mind. True restoration begins inward (New Covenant), sealed with the blood of Messiah Yeshua (Christ Jesus) and empowered by the Ruach haQodesh (Holy Spirit). Esther’s courage and Nehemiah’s rebuilding inspire action amid exile and imperfection. Walk toward Zion by cultivating the Spirit’s work in you.

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Apostolic Writings Discussions Prophets and Writings Torah

From barrenness to blessing: The miraculous births that changed history (Genesis 21; 1Samuel 1; Matthew 1)

Adobe Firefly AI oil palette knift style image of an elderly ancient near east woman (Sarah) holding an infant boy (Isaac). Text says, "From barrenness to blessing: The miraculous births that changed history. (Genesis 21; 1Samuel 1; Matthew 1)."

The promised Seed of Eve was destined from the beginning of the world to crush the head of the one who brought misery to Earth. That Seed is traced through the miraculous births of Isaac, Samuel and ultimately Immanuel — the Messiah, God with us. Amidst human failings and spiritual decline, God’s sovereign plan unfolds, revealing a trajectory from Eden to eternity, where the glory of His presence is restored. This study of Genesis 21, 1Samuel 1–2 and Matthew 1 invites us to trust the Creator’s promises, discern His ways, and anticipate the coming of the King who will establish His eternal kingdom.