Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | October 25, 2014
“Help!” Ever pray that concisely and clearly? A good friend said many of his prayers are just that – a one word exclamation begging for divine intervention. Most likely Nehemiah has been praying for 4 months before being questioned by the king (1.1; 2.1). Most likely part of his praying is pleading for an opportune […]
PHall | October 23, 2014
Inundated by emails and cell phones, it is nigh impossible to experience the isolation distance brings. Nehemiah is in Persia, the remnant in Jerusalem. When his brother returns he eagerly asks concerning their welfare. Unwanted news (Nehemiah 1.1-3). Being distraught should lead to prayer; prayer is often more than mere words. Nehemiah weeps and mourns […]
PHall | October 22, 2014
Big sins often begin with small steps. Returning from exile, never again do the Jews commit idolatry. But they easily could have, had it not been for Ezra. The leaders report, “the Israelite men have taken some of their daughters as wives for themselves and their sons;” and “the leaders and officials have taken the […]
PHall | October 20, 2014
On Genesis 16:2, “Though God is often the last place to look in times of success, He is the first place to look when casting blame” (Nathan Ward, The Growth of the Seed, Notes on the Book of Genesis, p. 178). Let me add to this that Christians would rather blame God and question his […]
PHall | October 17, 2014
The phrase is not written in Scripture, but the idea is: Traveling Grace. The idea is spiritual and simple, asking God for safe travels. Most times, most of us probably are too harried by preparation – and kids – and exhausted from the trip upon return, to immediately ask or thank God for “traveling grace.” […]
PHall | October 16, 2014
“God does not call the qualified, He qualifies the called.” Ever hear that? Along those lines, good hearted people encourage others by showing the shortcomings of God’s greatest servants: Abraham was a liar; Sarah a mocker; Jacob a cheater; Moses an excuse maker; Miriam a racist; David a sex maniac; Jonah was prejudiced; Gideon was […]
PHall | October 14, 2014
Imagine what it had to be like. No, I don’t think it possible. It’s good to try, sometimes. Sometimes we just need to accept instead of explaining and failing. Hoping to help by empathizing, compassion ignorantly says, “I know how you feel.” Thankfully most don’t know the tragedy personally. “If I were you,” some boldly […]
PHall | October 13, 2014
Anyone familiar with the Newhart shows remembers this: “Hi. I’m Larry. This is my brother Darryl and this is my other brother Darryl.” Got reminded of that while reading a Biblical genealogy of Judah’s return to their homeland. Included in the list is “the other Elam’s people.” So there was Elam (Ezra 2:7) and the […]
PHall | October 13, 2014
OK, it bothers me. It’s not there and should be. Have you ever felt that way about a Bible story; that something essential is missing? It is recorded about lesser kings; even mostly evil ones. It is recorded about equally great kings; even emphasized. So why is it missing in Josiah’s story? Maybe it isn’t. […]
PHall | October 13, 2014
When Abram and Lot separate, the part of Canaan Lot chooses is compared to the Garden/gaan of Eden (Genesis 13:10). This is an inspired clue that this story is a repeat. So is this the only narrative comparison? Or are we supposed to see history repeating itself? As I have said again and again, the […]