Prophet Pearls

Prophet Pearls with Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson: Exploring Biblical prophecy for yesterday, today, and tomorrow.

Prophet Pearls #53 – Ha’azinu (2 Samuel 22:1-51)

September 19, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Haazinu (2 Samuel 22:1-51), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson compare this portion to its parallel in Psalm 18, so we can learn more about the contexts of these living, breathing prayers and prophecies and … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #52 – Vayelech (Isaiah 55:6-56:8)

September 5, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Vayelech (Isaiah 55:6-56:8), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson rejoice in this portion that heralds good news for the wicked, the unrighteous, the outcasts of Israel, the eunuch and the foreigner. And if none of … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #51 – Nitzavim (Isaiah 61:10-63:9)

September 5, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nitzavim (Isaiah 61:10-63:9), Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson, recount their most recent visit to the Temple Mount and Nehemia gives the historical background of Muslim-control of the only holy site in Judaism. They also … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #50 – Ki Tavo (Isaiah 60:1-22)

August 29, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Ki Tavo, covering Isaiah 60:1-22. Gordon and Johnson revel in this sixth in a series of seven “Haftarot of Consolation,” as the prophet Isaiah details … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #49 – Ki Teitzei (Isaiah 54:1-54:10)

August 22, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Ki Teitzei covering Isaiah 54:1-54:10. Gordon and Johnson revel in the glorious promises to Israel, explore the various ways the Tanakh allegorizes her, and stand firmly on … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #48 – Shoftim (Isaiah 51:12-52:12)

August 15, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Shoftim covering Isaiah 51:12-52:12. Gordon and Johnson begin with the elephant in the room: Why does Shoftim (and Ki Teitzei following) decisively leapfrog over Isaiah … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #47 – Re’eh Bonus (Isaiah 66:1-24)

August 8, 2023

This bonus episode of Prophet Pearls looks at Isaiah 66:1-24, which is read in synagogues around the world whenever the weekly Sabbath coincides with Rosh Chodesh (New Moon Day). Join Nehemia Gordon and Yoel Halevy of Hebrew in Israel, for a riveting … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #46 – Eikev (Isaiah 49:14-51:3)

August 1, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Eikev covering Isaiah 49:14-51:3. The gender rules of Hebrew grammar are explored in this portion as well as Isaiah’s (and Moses’) metaphorical references to God … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #45 – Va’etchanan (Isaiah 40:1-26)

July 25, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Va’etchanan covering Isaiah 40:1-26. ”Nachamu, nachamu, / Comfort, comfort ye my people” begins this portion as well as the theme of Haftarah readings for … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #44 – Devarim (Isaiah 1:1-27)

July 18, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Devarim, covering Isaiah 1:2-27. Devarim kicks off the “Isaiah series” of haftarah readings—the preacher-prophet with a flair for the poetic. Word studies include the … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #43 – Masei (Jeremiah 2:4-28; 3:4)

July 11, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Masei covering Jeremiah 2:4-28; 3:4. Gordon gives eyewitness accounts of the springs and cisterns of Israel—springs that are sources and fountains of living water … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #42 – Matot (Jeremiah 1:1-2:3)

July 11, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Matot, covering Jeremiah 1:1-2:3. Gordon and Johnson provide copious context for the life and times of Jeremiah and the heart-wrenching message he delivered to … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #41 – Pinchas (1 Kings 18:46-19:21)

July 4, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Pinchas covering 1 Kings 18:46-19:21. Following the smack-down at Mount Carmel, Elijah flees to the desert. But was he “afraid” or did he just … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #40 – Balak (Micah 5:7[6]-6:8)

June 27, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Balak covering Micah 5:6-6:8. The portion begins with Micah drawing from the song of Moses to illustrate what the remnant of Jacob will look … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #39 – Chukat (Judges 11:1-33)

June 20, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Chukat covering Judges 11:1-33. Gordon and Johnson draw parallels between events in this portion and current diplomatic strategies over the land of Israel. For … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #38 – Korach (1 Samuel 11:14-12:22)

June 13, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Korach covering 1 Samuel 11:14-12:22. Gordon and Johnson’s insight into the language, history, and context surrounding Samuel’s trip to Gilgal not only inform the … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #37 – Shlach (Joshua 2:1-24)

June 6, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Shlach covering Joshua 2:1-24. In the story of the prostitute Rahab hiding the spies, Gordon and Johnson agree to disagree on their interpretations for … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #36 – Beha’alotecha (Zechariah 2:10[2:14]-4:7)

May 30, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Beha’alotecha covering Zechariah 2:10[2:14]-4:7. Gordon and Johnson bring their best scholarship along with their best guesses to decipher Joshua’s emotive vision of the angel of … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #35 – Naso (Judges 13:2-25)

May 23, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Naso covering Judges 13:2-25. This portion concerns the birth of Samson and corresponds to the Torah portion which includes the vow of the Nazarite … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #34 – Bamidbar (Hosea 1:10-2:20[2:1-22])

May 16, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Bamidbar covering Hosea 1:10-2:20 [2:1-22]. Gordon and Johnson begin by establishing a place and time: The Northern Kingdom, its capital Jezreel and the days of … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #33 – Bechukotai (Jeremiah 16:19-17:14)

May 9, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Bechukotai covering Jeremiah 16:19-17:14. Gordon and Johnson discuss the lies that Jeremiah refers to and who inherited them—including the biggest lie of all—the deception … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #32 – Behar (Jeremiah 32:6-27)

May 9, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Behar covering Jeremiah 32:6-27. To shed light on Jeremiah’s purchase of a field in this portion, Gordon provides information about archaeological discoveries and how … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #31 – Emor (Ezekiel 44:15-31)

May 2, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Emor covering Ezekiel 44:15-31. Apparent contradictions about linen garments, wild hair and blue dye are overshadowed by a more challenging textual variance concerning marriage. … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #30 – Kedoshim (Amos 9:7-15)

April 25, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Kedoshim covering Amos 9:7-15. The nine verses of Kedoshim yield riveting questions for Gordon and Johnson to explore: Why were the Philistines brought from Caphtor? … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #29 – Acharei Mot (Ezekiel 22:1-19)

April 25, 2023

This episode of Prophet Pearls, is on the Prophets portion of Acharei-Mot covering Ezekiel 22:1-19. Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the root of the God’s Holy Name, and how the Hebrew word for inheritance provides the finale to the crucible … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #28 – Metzora (2 Kings 7:3-20)

April 18, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Metzora covering 2 Kings 7:3-20. The duo strongly connects aspects of this ancient prophecy and its unimaginable fulfillment to 21st century headlines. The names of … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #27 – Tazria (2 Kings 4:42-5:19)

April 18, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls on the prophet portion of Tazria covering 2 Kings 4:42-5:19, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson unpack the Biblical nuances behind ‘baptism” and “mikvah,” and find out what a pita bread and a leper have … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #26 – Shemini (2 Samuel 6:1-7:17)

April 11, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, on the Prophets portion of Shemini, covering 2 Samuel 6:1-7:17, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson provide background and insight into this portion focusing on the Ark of the Covenant. Gordon tracks the movements and uses … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #25 – Tzav (Jeremiah 7:21-8:3; 9:22-23)

March 28, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion of Tzav covering Jeremiah 7:21-8:3, 9:22-23. In this portion paralleling the sacrifices in Leviticus, Gordon traipses through millennia to offer explanations for the perplexing statement, … Continue reading →

Prophet Pearls #24 – Vayikra (Isaiah 43:21-44:23)

March 21, 2023

In this episode of Prophet Pearls, Nehemia Gordon and Keith Johnson discuss the Prophets portion for Vayikra covering Isaiah 43:21-44:23. This portion parallels the Torah’s central section on sacrifices. Gordon and Johnson delve deep into the issues of sacrifice, obedience … Continue reading →

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