Monthly Archives: November 2010

That whole “Nazirite” thing

Posted on November 30, 2010 by Neal Walters

A quick word search on “Nazirite[s]” show only the following: Num 6:2-21 – used at least 10 times Judges 13:5,7 and 16:17 (Samson) Amos 2:11-12 This made me wonder if Numbers 6 was created primarily to explain Judges 13.  I … Continue reading →

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“The spirit of the LORD” motiff in the Tanach

Posted on November 30, 2010 by Neal Walters

Yes, I like word counts. In the Tanach, the phrase “the spirit of the LORD” occurs 23 times, 7 of those being in Judges, and 4 of those being just on Samson. Wikipedia lists 12 judges in the book of … Continue reading →

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Was Rahab really a prostitute?

Posted on November 21, 2010 by Neal Walters

“RACHAV” is the Hebrew name for Rahab, in Joshua Chapter 2. Targum [referring to the Aramaic translation] renders “ZONAH” as PUNDIQTA which literally means seller of foods. Rashi understands the Targum literally, but Radak argues that Targum translated euphemistically; just … Continue reading →

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