Jurnal Ilmiah Tafsir Alkitab

Reformasi Hukum Israel Kuno: Kajian Semantik dan Teologis Bilangan 27:1-11

Bonnarty Steven Silalahi — 2025-04-29

This study analyzes the change in inheritance law in Numbers 27:1-11 concerning the inheritance rights of the daughters of Zelophehad before the prophet of God. The background of this research is the historical limitation of inheritance rights for women in ancient Israel's legal tradition, which was later questioned through the petition of Zelophehad’s daughters. The aim of this research is to explore the legal change from both linguistic and theological perspectives. The methods employed include a semantic approach to the Hebrew text to identify changes in terminology and grammatical structure, as well as a theological approach to understand the spiritual meaning of this legal reform. The findings show that this legal change is not merely administrative, but also reflects a progressive revelation about justice, allowing women to have inheritance rights under certain conditions. The practical implications of this study are a deeper understanding of justice in the context of inheritance law and its role in maintaining social-economic stability and land ownership in ancient Israelite society.

Pola Pendidikan Orangtua dan Perkembangan Sosio Emosional Anak Berdasarkan Amsal 4:1-27

Sulistyowati Sulistyowati — 2025-04-29

This study examines parenting patterns and their relationship to children's socio-emotional development through an expository analysis of Proverbs 4:1–27. The Book of Proverbs offers wisdom principles relevant to shaping a child's character, morality, and emotional stability, emphasizing the role of parents as primary educators. The research method used is biblical exposition with a qualitative approach through literature study and textual analysis. The findings reveal that parental education includes loving discipline, consistent life example, constructive communication, and the instillation of moral and spiritual values. Balanced discipline supports healthy emotional regulation in children, while parental example provides a tangible model of wise behavior. Effective communication fosters a sense of security and openness. This study affirms that wisdom-based education, as taught in Proverbs 4:1–27, serves as a practical guide for Christian parents in holistic child-rearing and contributes to the development of practical theology and Christian education.

The Urgency of Using El-Saddai and El-Elyon in the Major Prophets

Ragil Kristiawan — 2025-04-29

The Old Testament prophets had the primary task of returning the people to His Covenant. Throughout their ministry, these prophets often used the name Yahweh as God's covenant name to Israel. Interestingly, the books of the Major Prophets present the fact that the prophets also used the combined names of God El-Saddai and El-Elyon in their writings. What message is being conveyed in the use of these combined names of God? Using the study of Biblical Exegesis, it was concluded that the use of El-Shaddai taught Israel that God is still the greatest Person above all even though His human dwelling place, the Temple, has collapsed. The collapse of this building did not necessarily cause God to collapse as well. The use of El-Elyon in the major prophets provides important news that God is still the highest Person even though His people are being held captive in Babylon. The greatness of the Babylonian king is not comparable to the greatness of God who will later bring Israel out of Babylonian captivity. The use of these two combined names of God provides an important message for the people who are being held captive: God is still the great and high Person and is invincible by anything. For this reason, God's people must still place their trust only in God. The exile they experience is only temporary if they respond with faith. Belief in God must continue to grow when they experience oppression during exile.

Keywords: El-Shaddai, El-Elyon, The Major Prophets

Warning Against Greed in Proverbs 21:25-26 and Failing Ponzi Schemes in Nigeria

Favour Chukwuemeka Uroko — 2025-04-29

This study explores the warning against greed in Proverbs 21:25–26 and examines its relevance to the rise and collapse of Ponzi schemes in Nigeria. The aim is to draw moral, financial, and social lessons from the biblical text and apply them to modern-day economic behavior, with the goal of promoting ethical financial practices and protecting vulnerable individuals from fraud. Nigeria has witnessed a surge in Ponzi schemes, such as MMM, Ultimate Cycler, and others, which have led to widespread financial losses. Many individuals, driven by greed and the desire for quick wealth, ignore warnings and invest in fraudulent schemes. This issue reflects a deeper moral and societal challenge rooted in the pursuit of unearned riches, as warned against in Proverbs 21:25–26. There is a need to address both the spiritual and socio-economic factors fueling this trend. The research adopts a qualitative and interpretive approach, combining biblical exegesis of Proverbs 21:25–26 with a case study analysis of major Ponzi schemes in Nigeria. Data was collected from secondary sources including academic journals, financial reports, news articles, and religious literature. The study also applies ethical and theological frameworks to understand the influence of greed on financial decision-making. The study finds that Proverbs 21:25–26 offers a timeless warning against laziness and the craving for quick gain, both of which are prominent motivations behind participation in Ponzi schemes. The findings reveal that financial greed, combined with low financial literacy and economic desperation, makes individuals more susceptible to fraudulent investment opportunities. The study also highlights the failure of regulatory agencies and the lack of faith-based financial education as contributing factors.

Harga Menjadi Murid Kristus: Eksposisi Historis-Kontekstual Berdasarkan Lukas 14:25-27

Frans Aliadi — 2025-04-29

This article discusses the demands of Jesus in Luke 14:25-27 regarding the cost of discipleship, which is often misinterpreted. Using an exegesis approach and Greek language analysis, this study explores the meanings of key terms such as misei (to hate) and pherei ton stauron (to carry the cross), as well as their theological implications. The study also compares various interpretive approaches, revealing that true discipleship is not just about faith acknowledgment, but also about sacrifice and total loyalty, involving a profound life commitment. By exploring linguistic, historical, and theological aspects, this article provides new insights into understanding this text. The research not only enriches the understanding of discipleship in biblical context but also its relevance to the lives of contemporary believers, emphasizing the importance of sacrifice and full commitment to Christ's calling in daily life for the sake of God's Kingdom.

Key to Translation of Phaestos Disk: Genesis 49

Paul T. E. Cusack — 2025-04-29

The Philistine’s, who are thought now to be Minoans of the Island of Crete in the model of the Mediterranean Sea, were constantly at war with Israel, and are even are until this day. The Minoans have disappeared as a civilization but they left behind the Minoan Tablets (which this author has shown to be Moses’ Ten Commandments tablets received by him on Mt Sinai ) and this Phaestos Disk. It hasn’t successfully been deciphered until now. The key is Genesis chapter 49. That is where Israel (Jacob) blesses each of his sons and compares them to various animals etc. This paper shows that the disc is Hebrew in origin who of course spent 400 years in Egypt. Whoever made the disk was aware of the AT Math solution as shown by this author in previous papers.

Secular Versus Biblical Leadership Models: Hermeneutical Implication of Mark 10:41-45 for Contemporary Christian Ministers

Job Oluremi Okunoye — 2025-04-29

The passage of Mark 10:41-45 is a major discourse on leadership by Jesus Christ, contrasting secular notions of authority with the principles of servant leadership within Christian ministry. Scholars have worked on leadership and church governance related issues examining pastoral authority, leadership styles and propounded theories on leadership. But these scholars have not looked into the hermeneutical implications of this passage for contemporary Christian ministers who navigate dual roles in both secular and church settings. Through an exegetical analysis of Mark 10:41-45, this study examines Jesus' teachings on the nature of leadership, emphasizing humility, service, and sacrificial love as foundational to Christian leadership. Delineating between secular leadership models and biblical principles, this research offers insights into how Christian ministers can integrate these principles into their roles, fostering ethical leadership and enhancing the witness of the church in society. Quintessentially, this research underscores the enduring relevance of Jesus' teachings on servant leadership, advocating for a holistic approach that aligns biblical wisdom with contemporary leadership practices.