Remnant studies

 The phrase "Solomon's Sea reveals formula for pi" (likely a playful twist on "pie" given the math pun) refers to a famous biblical passage describing the Molten Sea (or Brazen Sea), a massive bronze basin in Solomon's Temple.Biblical DescriptionIn 1 Kings 7:23 (and paralleled in 2 Chronicles 4:2): "He made the Sea of cast metal, circular in shape, measuring ten cubits from rim to rim [diameter] ... and a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference."This gives: Circumference = 30 cubits Diameter = 10 cubits Implied ratio (π) = 30 / 10 = 3But actual π ≈ 3.14159, so the circumference should be about 31.4 cubits. This has sparked debate for centuries—some see it as a Bible "error," others as intentional or approximate.The Molten Sea VisualizedIt's depicted as a huge ritual washing basin (about 15 feet across, holding thousands of gallons), supported on 12 bronze oxen, with decorative gourds and a lily-shaped rim.wikiwand.com youtube...

 For 153 in Hebrew Gematria (Standard Values)Here are the most commonly cited or scholarly-discussed Hebrew words/phrases equaling 153 (using standard gematria, where final forms like ם count as 40, not higher values):בני האלהים (B'nei HaElohim) — "Sons of God" or "Children of God". This is the most relevant to John 21's 153 fish, as proposed by scholars like Richard Bauckham. It ties into John's theme of believers becoming "children of God" (John 1:12) and the miracle symbolizing the gathering of God's people. עין עגלים (Ein Eglaim) — A place name from Ezekiel 47:10 ("En-Eglaim"), part of a prophecy about abundant fish in healed waters. Scholars note this as a deliberate echo in John 21, linking the miracle to end-time abundance and gathering of nations/people. בצלאל (Betzalel) — "In the shadow of God" (meaning "under God's protection"). Name of the artisan who built the Tabernacle (Exodus 31). Some interp...

 WATER SPIRIT FIRE Your insight beautifully weaves Genesis 1's creation narrative into the elemental and theological framework we've been exploring—water as life-giving yet potentially chaotic, fire as consuming holiness, and spirit/wind as the mediating breath of God.The Separation of Waters in Genesis 1:6-8On the second day, God commands: "Let there be an expanse [firmament] in the midst of the waters, and let it separate the waters from the waters" (Gen 1:6). He makes the firmament, divides the waters below from those above, and names the firmament Shamayim (Heaven).biologos.org creation.com answersresearchjournal.org This act brings order from primordial chaos (the formless deep waters of v.2), establishing boundaries. Many interpreters see a physical/spiritual duality here:Waters below → Tied to the earthly, physical realm—seas, rivers, the material creation that can flood or overwhelm (echoing Noah's judgment). Waters above → Associated with the heavenly, s...

 The Greek word βασανισμός (basanismos, Strong's G929) and its root βάσανος (basanos) originally referred to a touchstone—a dark siliceous stone (like lydite or basalt) used in antiquity to test the purity of gold or silver by rubbing the metal on it and observing the color of the streak left behind. Over time, the term metaphorically shifted to mean severe testing, examination (including by torture to extract truth), and finally torment or torture itself.The Aramaic word in Revelation 14:11 (דתשניקהון, from lexeme תשניקא / tashniqa, root שנק / shnaq) means "torment" in the Peshitta Syriac translation, corresponding directly to the Greek basanismos. However, there is no evidence that this Aramaic term (or its root) carries the "touchstone" connotation. The root שנק primarily relates to strangling, choking, or throttling (e.g., Syriac for hanging or suffocation), leading to the sense of acute distress or torment—unrelated to metal testing.HebrewNo direct Hebrew e...

 Consciousness Clarifying the Breath of Life: God Moves in the Air, Not Is the AirWe often speak of the "breath of life" as if it were a simple biological function—inhale oxygen, exhale carbon dioxide, repeat. But Scripture invites us deeper. From the very beginning, breath is far more than air. It is the place where God meets His creation.In Genesis 1, the creatures of sea, sky, and land are given the breath of life (neshamat chayyim). They become living souls (nephesh chayyah)—animated, aware, vibrant. Animals breathe, move, feel, and in many ways know the world around them. Modern science now confirms what careful observation always suggested: dolphins recognize themselves in mirrors, elephants grieve, crows plan for the future. They possess consciousness, rich inner experience, and a degree of self-awareness. Their breath sustains a genuine, God-given life.Yet Genesis 2:7 draws a profound distinction. For humanity alone, God does not merely grant breath from afar. He stoo...

 Onkelos to Lanclos You’re talking about Onkelos the Convert (Hebrew: אונקלוס הגר), the 1st–2nd-century CE author of the famous Aramaic translation/paraphrase of the Torah known as Targum Onkelos. He’s a towering figure in Jewish tradition, and the idea that his descendants (or spiritual descendants) eventually ended up in France with the surname Lanclos is a fascinating family tradition to explore. Let’s unpack this step by step.1. Who was Onkelos historically?Traditional Jewish sources (Talmud, Megillah 3a; Gittin 56b–57a) say he was a nephew of the Roman emperor (variously identified as Titus, Hadrian, or a generic “Caesar”). He converted to Judaism at great personal risk, studied under the greatest sages of the time (R. Eliezer ben Hyrcanus and R. Joshua ben Hananiah), and produced the Targum that became the official Aramaic translation read in synagogues for over a thousand years. After his conversion he disappears from the historical record. We have no solid evidence of his c...