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Greetings, dear friends! I’m thrilled that you’ve been following my blog, where I explore a wide range of topics related to the Bible in its original ancient—often Jewish and Hebraic—context.
I don’t believe the Bible needs to be rewritten, but I’m convinced it desperately needs to be reread with fresh eyes.
In the Think & Interact section of my blog (accessible via the menu), I cover topics grouped into categories like Torah, Hebrew, Gospels, Paul, Mary, Prayer, and Hot Topics. However, I’ve noticed that some of you have questions that don’t neatly fit into these categories. To address this, I’m creating a dedicated space for those off-topic questions.
If you’ve been pondering something, this is your perfect opportunity to ask! Many of you appreciate my honest approach to theology—I’ll always admit when I don’t know something. Transparency is important to me, so you’ll know when I’m certain and when I’m not.
I invite you to submit your questions here. Are you ready to dive in? Simply leave your question in the comments section below.
Let’s explore and learn together!
Comments (22)
Would you please repeat your dissertation on the "manger" and its status in relation to the temple services.
Hi, Doug! I am not sure which one you are referring to. So sorry.
HalleluYah,
Kalpesh here, I'm from India.
My question is acts 4:12 says - And there is salvation in no other man, for neither is there any other name under Heaven having been given among men by which we must be saved1.
(1) 1 Clearly if there is only one name where people can be saved it is the name “YAHSHUA” which means Yahwah's salvation. (Ex 23:21, Phil 2:9, Joh 17:11, Math 1:21, 1Joh 2:12
So why we use the name jesus? Because Savior come from hebrew generation
Shalom to you in India, my friend! My answer could be found here - https://drelisblog.com/what-was-the-real-name-of-jesus/ May Yah bless you and make you walk with Yeshua all the days of your life!
I lead adult Bible studies in my church and attempt to teach exegetically. I want to teach the Genesis creation story as the original hearers understood it, not as it is usually presented as to be understood as literal. I am familiar with John Walton and have his NIV Commentary and several of his books in the "lost" series. Can you shed some light on this dilemma of literal vs. something else?
Yes.
Well, in this case, it's too complex of a question. Perhaps you could specify something concrete in Genesis that you are wondering about.
Do you mean should Genesis events be taken literally or metaphorically?
Can you please reshare your blog on God hardening pharaohs heart? I can't find it anywhere
Ty
Blessings
It is in the Torah section - https://drelisblog.com/category/torah/
Hello Dr. Eli,
I have a question about Isaiah 4:1. Has this scripture being fulfilled? Or is it a prophecy that will come to pass soon... where one man at some point in time will experience what the Bible says?
Thank you for all you do.
Thank you for your perspective, Dr Eli. I appreciate the professional lens you’ve provided regarding the psychological aspects of pattern recognition.
However, I believe there is a layer beyond the clinical that we haven't touched upon. My worldview is anchored in the belief that the Creator of numbers uses them as a deliberate language... a 'divine cypher,' if you will... to communicate with those seeking His counsel. Just as the Book of Numbers serves a specific purpose in scripture, I view these recurring sequences as tactical markers for a prophetic journey.
I respect that our frameworks for interpreting these events differ, but for me, this is about spiritual alignment rather than simple apophenia. I have much to learn, as you do, and I remain open to the Father’s teaching through all means.
I wish you the very best in your work. Take care.
Thank you, David. Disagreement is perfectly normal and good. Blessings!
That was so fast. Thank you, Sir! Can I ask more questions here?
This is about numbers I have been seeing recently, again and again:
4; 14; 24; 30; 70; 99
1:11; 1:43; 1:44; 2:22; 3:33; 4:04; 4:44; 5:55; 6:24; 6:32; 6:33 [Matthew 6:33 comes to mind]
11:11; 12:32;
11:11:11
Etc. Sometimes it is the number 111, other times it is the time/clock: 1:11. Both variations are the same.
I do have a prophetic destiny, but as I say to the Father, I act like I get it, but I don't completely yet. And I am "overwhelmed" in a good way.
Seeing recurring numbers is a widespread experience, often tied to pattern-seeking in our brains—a phenomenon called apophenia. For many, it's a source of curiosity or personal meaning without causing disruption.
The balance lies in your relationship to the patterns. If they bring a sense of comfort or inspiration, they can be integrated thoughtfully. However, if they begin to fuel obsessive thinking, create anxiety, or lead you to substitute spiritual signs for practical action, it may be wise to step back.
There’s no conflict between faith and well-being. Seeking clarity through prayer or reflection is natural. If these experiences ever feel overwhelming or confusing, speaking with a counselor or spiritual advisor can provide grounding—not as a dismissal of your journey, but as a way to navigate it with wisdom and care. Your path deserves both openness and discernment.
Isaiah 4:1 is widely regarded as a prophecy already fulfilled in the specific historical context of the Babylonian exile. The verse depicts seven women desperately petitioning one man for marriage to "take away our reproach," directly resulting from a catastrophic shortage of men.
This scenario materialized after Jerusalem's fall in 586 BC. The conquest led to the widespread death and deportation of Judah's male population, creating a severe demographic imbalance. In that ancient culture, unmarried women faced destitution and social shame, lacking economic and societal protection. The described crisis thus became a literal reality, serving as a stark, immediate illustration of the covenant curses for national disobedience.
Therefore, while the principle of societal reversal as divine judgment remains timeless, the primary and specific fulfillment of Isaiah 4:1 occurred in the aftermath of the exile, fulfilling its role as a prophetic warning of Jerusalem's imminent judgment.
Can you do a teaching on Ezer Kenegdo
https://drelisblog.com/did-god-create-a-woman-from-a-rib/ Here you go! Enjoy!
Is it ok to take the Word in John 1v1 and the Word of Life in 1 John v1 to be the Jewish Torah? I found a verse in Zechariah 9v13 which says there will a conflict between the Hebrews and the Greeks which may relate to this question. Could you explain the difference between the Torah and the Greek Logos?
I can answer the first question easily. It depends on what people mean by Torah; if by Torah they mean the Eternal Word of God, then of course Torah and Logos are one and the same thing. However, if by Torah we mean the more conventional Torah of Moses (also known as the Law of Moses), then of course that cannot possibly be true, since the Torah of Moses is not eternal in the sense that it did not exist from all eternity. With the exception of 10 words/commandments, everything was written through fallible human beings (mostly Moses) in space and time. I trust this helps.
What are your comments on before the world and people created God “elected” those to be saved
Did God know who would accept Salvation and this is where the elect come in. KJV Bible
Thank you. Sandra
Sorry, Dr. Eli, English is not my mother language, so I was obviously not clear enough: With the famous bible teacher I was joking a bit, because precisely YOU are this teacher! And I wanted to encourage you that according to your phrase you could (should) maybe be a bit more critical with the famous western Westminster Confession of Faith. This confession stands for (radical) Calvinistic ('Augustinistic') theological interpretation. I believe that especially the doctrine of eternal predestination to salvation (and to the opposite of it) is in the light of Jesus the Messiah both a flawed and misleading theology and a flawed anthropology. This topic would take a longer dialog… My observations during decades, for example during 24 years in Peru, of problematic Calvinistic influence in the church have led me to investigate more seriously on that topic… Shalom!
Oh oh that's funny!!!! Thanks! Hans, I don't think the Westminster Confession of Faith is nearly as dangerous as you make it sound. Sounds like you guys got caught up in Armenian-Calvinist wars. John Calvin said, "If Christians are fighting one another, they are not at war with the world." I am long past ding this. I stick to the Scripture and seek to interpret it as faithfully as I possibly can. Jesus never promised to give his LIGHT to Calvinists or Armenians, to Catholics or to Protestants, but to the entire Church. We must not lose sight of that.
This is a comment to Dr. Elis answer:
Dear Dr. Eli, I heard a famous bible teacher repeatedly say: "The Bible does not need to be rewritten, but to be reread". You may know him… – I suggest to apply that to the occidental (and maybe some Jewish) theological interpretation reflected by the Westminster Confession of Faith! I can't find such interpretation in the Spirit of Jesus the Messiah nor of the Apostles. Be richly blessed!
Hans, shalom! Do you mean the Westminster Confession of Faith should get the same application? Hm... With all the respect that I have for it, I can't say that. Because what shouldn't be rewritten is the Bible alone. Everything else (even great confessions like this one) should be elevated to high. What do you think? I am curious to find out what famous Bible teacher uses my phrase. Do you know his name?
I think the best treatment on this matter is found in the Westminster Confession of Faith (look it up).
Thank you for reading your very helpful book on the Jewish Gospel of John. I found your idea that John was addressed perhaps primarily to the Samaritans to be very interesting. Do you know any of the Samaritans living in Israel or the West Bank today? I had a good friend from Eritrea who has now passed on, who told me that it is their tradition that the apostle John came to their land and left with them a copy of his Gospel. My friend, Ghebriel Meron, told me that the tradition was that they put the manuscript in the ark of the covenant, (which the claim to have), and that is in Aksum.
Enjoy! For others Max refers to this - https://drelisblog.com/free-materials/
Shalom shalom to you sir, I've just recently watched the seminar about Soul and Mind (Sept. 13th) and reviewed other courses on IBC on the same topic. I seek some clarification if possible. The spirit of a person, upon the death of the body separates from the body. Does the kind of life the flesh lives depends on the final location? Does the spirit of a person have no influence on the behavior of the flesh? Is the flesh and the spirit one in a manner of speaking. If so, does the flesh and the spirt become one at conception?
Hello Dr. Eli,
I am curious if you have done any study of the Passion Translation of the Bible? I have noticed some family members reading it and I had also seen a popular YouTuber condemn it. Any thoughts?
Thank you and many rich blessings in Jesus!
Wendy, no I am so far unfamiliar.
Clinton, shalom!The spirit, upon bodily death, separates from the flesh, as the body is mortal while the spirit is eternal. The life led by the flesh—its actions, choices, and alignment with spiritual principles—can influence the soul’s ultimate destination, often understood as a reflection of one’s moral and spiritual conduct. The spirit doesn’t directly control the flesh’s behavior but provides a divine spark, guiding conscience and moral discernment. Flesh and spirit are distinct yet interconnected; the spirit animates the body, and they unite at conception, forming a holistic being. The flesh, driven by free will, can align with or resist the spirit’s guidance. Thus, a life led in harmony with spiritual values shapes both earthly existence and the soul’s journey post-death.