God's treatment of Pharaoh in the Exodus narrative consistently puzzles readers. Just when Pharaoh has agreed to let the Israelites go, God hardens his heart and drives him to the shore of the Sea. God does this so that he can work signs of judgement against Egypt. I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, and I will … Continue reading The Cursed Fig Tree and the Prophet Isaiah →

The Songs of Mary and Zechariah are almost unintelligible when they are read with modern theological presuppositions. These texts speak of the abasement of kings, the exaltation of the lowly, the defeat of God's enemies, and the fulfillment of divine promises to Israel. They have little if anything to do with justification by faith or the Christmas story … Continue reading The Gospel according to Hannah →