Category Archives: The Eastern Eye

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Fish With Money In Its Mouth

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book.  It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.]

There is an interesting story in the gospel of Matthew in which Jesus sends Peter to catch a fish.  Jesus told Peter that there would be money in the fish’s mouth and that they would then use that money to pay the tribute tax.

Now some may wonder, especially if you like to go fishing, how could there be money in a fish’s mouth?  Many answer that question by saying that God, by way of a miracle, just put some money in that fish’s mouth.

Once again, understanding the eastern culture in which the Bible was written helps us to understand the story.

Musht Fish

musht_fishThere is a fish in the east called the Musht.  It is a small fish about six inches long with a large head.  It also has what you would call a bag, or a pouch under its mouth.

I have read that after new Musht hatch, the parents keep the new fish in the pouch for a short while to protect them.  Then when it is time, the parent fish will begin to pick up pebbles from the bottom of the sea and put them into the pouch.  This is done so the new fish will not be so comfortable – it’s time for them to leave home!

These Musht fish basically eat plankton, so at certain times of the year you can find them in very shallow water.  At times they do pick up shiny items.  Coins, gold or diamonds are shiny items.

How Do Coins Get In The Water?

In Bible times offerings to God were taken very seriously.  There were those who wanted to give an offering but did not want to receive any recognition for it.  Many believed that if you received praise from men then you had already received your reward now in this world.  They wanted to receive their reward in the next world.

So, in order to keep it private, many would throw their offerings into the waters.  Throwing their offerings into what were considered “holy waters” would be best.  But, depending on where one would be, any water would do.

3 Coins In A Fountaintrevifountain-2

Today there is a tradition of throwing coins into a fountain for “good luck.”  Perhaps the most famous is the Trevi Fountain in Rome.  When I saw it last year there were a lot of coins in there.  In fact, they say that approximately 3,000 Euros are thrown into that fountain each day.

Many believe this tradition of throwing coins into fountains goes way back to Biblical times when offerings were thrown into “holy waters.”  The Ganges River is considered a holy river.  Many years ago someone estimated there was more wealth, from years and years of offerings, in that river than in all India.

Peter Sent To Catch A Fish

In the Bible account that we are considering, Jesus told Peter to go to the sea, cast in a hook, and take the first fish that came up.  He went on to tell him that when he opened the fish’s mouth he would find a piece of money.

This must have been exciting for Peter.  He was a fisherman.  He knew it was possible for this type of fish to have a coin.  He also knew it was pretty rare to catch one that had a coin.  The Bible doesn’t say if he had ever caught one of these and found a coin before.

The Miracle

It was not a miracle that the fish had a coin.  The miracle was that it was the first fish that Peter caught.  Can you imagine him there all afternoon on the shore; casting in his hook, catching a fish, checking for a coin, and finding nothing?

But Peter didn’t argue. He didn’t doubt.  He believed what Jesus told him.

We too can have confidence in God’s promises.  We can accept that what God has promised us is true.  We don’t need to doubt, we just need to believe that He can and will supply all our needs.

Matthew 17:24-27
And when they were come to Capernaum, they that received tribute money came to Peter, and said, Doth not your master pay tribute?

He saith, Yes. And when he was come into the house, Jesus prevented him, saying, What thinkest thou, Simon? of whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? of their own children, or of strangers?

Peter saith unto him, Of strangers. Jesus saith unto him, Then are the children free.

Notwithstanding, lest we should offend them, go thou to the sea, and cast an hook, and take up the fish that first cometh up; and when thou hast opened his mouth, thou shalt find a piece of money: that take, and give unto them for me and thee.

Feel free to leave a comment, even if it’s a fishing story of your own. I have a few of those and maybe you do too.  We’d love to hear what you have to say.

For more “Eastern Eye” articles, Click Here, or click The Eastern Eye tab above.

Mike Verdicchio
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There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer.  Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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He Got Kicked Out Of The Wedding!

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book.  It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.]

The month of June is traditionally a month when there are a lot of weddings.  So, let’s get some insight into what to wear to a wedding in Bible times.

Jesus spoke a parable about a guest at a wedding who did not have on a proper wedding garment.  This parable about a guest who was improperly dressed has caused confusion to many readers. Understanding the customs of the lands and times in which the Bible was written gives great insight to this parable.

In the parable, recorded in the Gospel of Matthew, we learn is that this particular wedding was the marriage of a king’s son.  This is the key to the parable.

What Did They Wear?

In Bible times affluent people owned what is referred to as wedding garments, or, wedding robes.  This attire for weddings indicated a person’s social standing. The more affluent people wore elaborate decorations on their wedding garments. Many times this clothing was passed down in the family.

Many weddings in our culture today do not specify a dress code. I have officiated at weddings where some male guests did not wear a coat or a tie.  I have even seen this at what we would call a “formal” wedding.  Never have I seen anyone escorted out of a wedding for improper attire.

But in Bible times, they attended weddings wearing their wedding robe. In the parable, there was a man who was attending without the proper wedding garment.

Maybe He Was Too Poor

Now there are those who might argue that perhaps this man could not afford the proper attire for the wedding.  They might argue, “Well at least he showed up for the wedding.  Why was he escorted out?”

I mentioned that the key to this parable was that it was the marriage of a king’s son.  In Bible times if you were invited to a wedding given by a king for the marriage of one of his children, you did not wear your own wedding robe.  Attending that marriage with your own wedding robe would be a great insult, because the king would provide a wedding robe for all the guests.

The king would make careful arrangements to see that all the guests were given a wedding robe for the occasion.  The garments would be delivered to each guest.  Everyone who attended would then be wearing the attire provided for them by the king.

So when you attended a wedding given by a king, you didn’t come showing your own social standing, wealth, or prestige, but rather you were showing the king’s power and prestige.

Those Listening Understood

Those hearing Jesus speak this parable understood what he was saying. They lived in this culture and practiced these customs. They understood that this man was not too poor to acquire a proper garment.  They understood that this was not a mistake, but a deliberate act by the man in refusing what the king provided.  They understood why the king ordered him to be thrown out of the wedding.

The last verse of the parable is often misunderstood.  It reads, “For many are called, but few are chosen.”

If you are “called” to a wedding, then you have been invited.  It would be better understood as, “Many are invited…”   Many are invited, but few have chosen to accept the invitation and put on the robe that was provided them.

Jesus was teaching about the kingdom of God.  Because God so loved the world, He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him should not perish but have everlasting life.  Those that accept Christ are made righteous.  You could say that they are clothed in God’s righteousness.  You can’t earn your own righteousness; it is freely given to you because of the work of Christ.

The invitation by the King is to all of mankind.  Some will choose to accept Christ; others will not.

The king was not unfair or cruel.  He had extended the man the invitation and provided the robe for him.  The man refused to wear the robe which was an insult to the king.

Are You One Of The Chosen Few?

Many wonder if they are one of the “few chosen.”   The choosing was whether the man would wear the robe that the king provided.  It was a free will decision by that man to accept the invitation and to wear the robe.

The “chosen” are those who choose to accept what God has to offer. Otherwise, many would be called or invited, and then God would pick and choose who gets to stay and who has to leave.  There are some who think that’s the way God operates!  If that were true, then we would have no free will to decide. But God never takes away your free will.

This parable is about the kingdom of heaven.  The choosing is by the individual, whether he is going to accept what God has extended in Christ or not accept it. Will you accept the righteousness that God has extended to you?

The choice is up to the individual.  Will you accept the invitation that He extended in Christ and put on what has been given you free of charge? Or will you reject the invitation?

It is not of our own abilities, but rather the King’s abilities. Doing your own works to make yourself righteous before God is to refuse the righteousness that He has already freely made available to you through the completed work of Christ.  Few have chosen to accept both the invitation and all that God has freely extended in Christ.

So, how do you know if you are one of the few?  Make the choice!  Accept God’s invitation which is to all of mankind. And, accept His righteousness which is freely yours thorough the completed work of Christ.

Matthew 22:1-14
And Jesus answered and spoke unto them again by parables, and said,

The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,

And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.

Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.

But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:

And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.

But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.

Then said he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.

Go ye therefore into the highways, and as many as ye shall find, bid to the marriage.

So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.

And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:

And he said unto him, Friend, how came you in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.

Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

For many are called, but few are chosen.

Please leave a comment about wedding customs you know about, or any comment about this article.  We’d love to hear what you have to say.

For more “Eastern Eye” articles, Click Here, or click The Eastern Eye tab above.

Mike Verdicchio
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There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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Ten Pieces Of Silver

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book.  It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.]

Often there are things in the Scriptures that don’t seem to make sense to our Western minds. The reason is that we don’t understand the Eastern culture.  This is why so many have misunderstood the record of the “ten pieces of silver.”

In the Gospel of Luke, Jesus talked about a woman who had ten pieces of silver and lost one.  She then looked every where, diligently, until she found it.  And then she did something remarkable.

She called all her friends and neighbors together so they could all celebrate with her because she found the lost piece of silver.  Honestly, if my wife lost a quarter, and searched all over the house, and then after finding it, called every over for a big party, I’d be wondering what in the world was going on.

Why Did She Search So Diligently?

In the Eastern culture the ten pieces of silver was a gift from her husband.  It was not expensive, but, it carried a very deep sentimental value. It was not the only gift given to her by her husband, but it was certainly the most precious.

Some say that each piece was about the size of a quarter.  In most cases, each coin would have the coat of arms of the husband’s family on one side.  Usually the year the coin was made was on the other side.

On very special occasions the woman would hang these in her hair.  Because it had such sentimental value, the woman was very careful when wearing the ten pieces of silver.  The consequences of losing one were very harsh.

The Consequences Of Losing One Piece

None of the ten pieces could be replaced.  If the wife were to lose one, her husband would banish her from the house until she found it.  They believed that if you lost even one piece of the ten, then you would have lost God’s blessings as well.

By the way, if the husband died before his wife, the ten pieces of silver were to be returned to her husband’s family so that they could be given to another bride.  She could keep all the other jewelry, but the ten pieces of silver went back to his family.

The Point Of The Parable

In the Gospel of Luke, after telling this parable of the woman losing and then rejoicing over the found piece of silver, Jesus makes a fantastic point. Understanding the deep significance of the ten pieces of silver, his point is so very clear.

Just like a woman rejoicing over finding one of her lost pieces of silver, there is great joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.  That means that God has put a very high value on each and every person.  And when even one person accepts Christ, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God.

Luke 15:8-10:
Either what woman having ten pieces of silver, if she lose one piece, doth not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek diligently till she find it?

And when she hath found it, she calleth her friends and her neighbours together, saying, Rejoice with me; for I have found the piece which I had lost.

Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.

It reminds me of the line from the song, Amazing Grace:  “I once was lost, but now am found.”  And, since we have been “found,” we have been saved from the consequences of sin by the completed work of Jesus Christ.

This parable is the second of three back to back parables in the Gospel of Luke.  Take some time to read all three.

Does this help to give you more understanding of just how important and valuable you are to God?   Feel free to leave a comment below.

For more “Eastern Eye” articles, click here, or click the Eastern Eye tab above.

Mike Verdicchio

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There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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The Eastern Eye – Jesus Gave Judas The Sop

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book.  It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.]

The event referred to as “The Last Supper,” took place shortly before Jesus Christ was arrested.  There were many significant things that happened that evening.  In a previous post I talked about Jesus washing their feet.

Another item of great significance which is often overlooked is Jesus giving Judas “the sop.”

A Traitor Among Them!

By the time of the meal, Judas had already arranged to betray Jesus Christ for thirty pieces of silver.  It was a very dastardly act to say the least.  But also by the time of the meal, Jesus already knew who the traitor was.

Mark 14:18-20:
And as they sat and did eat, Jesus said, Verily I say unto you, One of you which eateth with me shall betray me.

And they began to be sorrowful, and to say unto him one by one, Is it I? and another said, Is it I?

And he answered and said unto them, It is one of the twelve, that dippeth with me in the dish.

Matthew 26:25
Then Judas, which betrayed him, answered and said, Master, is it I? He said unto him, Thou hast said.

So at this point, Jesus knew that Judas was going to betray him and Judas knew that Jesus knew he was the traitor.  And yet, Jesus gave Judas “the sop.”  Understanding the biblical custom of giving someone, “the sop,” I don’t think I could have ever given it to Judas.

The Seating Arrangement

The two most honored seats at a meal were those to the right and left of the host or the master.  That means that the disciple whom Jesus loved, who rested his head on Jesus’ bosom, an act of deep concern, love, and intimate friendship, was sitting in a position of honor at that meal.

Likewise, for Jesus to be able to give Judas the sop, he too was sitting very close to Jesus,  possibly in the other honored position.

The Sop

The word “sop” simply means a small portion, a morsel, or a fragment.  That is still common today whether in a serving bowl or on your plate, although we don’t really use the word “sop.”  We use words like, “a little dab,” a little piece,” “a small bite,” etc.  So, “sop” is just a word for a small piece of food.

In Bible times there would have been a common dish at the meal.  Their bread was flat, thin and round.  It was very common to dip a piece of bread into the common dish and wrap the bread around a small piece of food, a sop.  Perhaps this was a forerunner of fajitas, I don’t know!

But when the host would dip his piece of bread into the dish, and then give the sop to someone, that was very, very significant. The host or master of the house would give the sop to the person to whom he wanted to show his greatest love and esteem.

He did that by dipping into the common dish and then placing the sop in the person’s mouth.  In doing that, he would show to all those present, and to the person receiving the sop, the love and honor he had for him.

Incredible Love

Jesus knew that Judas was about to betray him.  Yet, there he sat, quite possibly in a position of honor at the meal, and Jesus gave him the sop.  By extending so much honor and love to Judas, Jesus gave him a chance to change his plans.

But God gives all us free will to choose.  Even an act of love and honor directly and personally from the Lord Jesus Christ himself does not guarantee that someone will do what is right.

John 13:21 – 30
When Jesus had thus said, he was troubled in spirit, and testified, and said, Verily, verily, I say unto you, that one of you shall betray me.

Then the disciples looked one on another, doubting of whom he spake.

Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.

Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake.

He then lying on Jesus’ breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

Jesus answered, He it is, to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon.

And after the sop Satan entered into him. Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.

Now no man at the table knew for what intent he spake this unto him.

For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus had said unto him, Buy those things that we have need of against the feast; or, that he should give something to the poor.

He then having received the sop went immediately out: and it was night.

I think that was a remarkable and extraordinary example of love by Jesus Christ?  What do you think?  Any comments?

Mike Verdicchio

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For other posts just click “The Eastern Eye” tab above.

There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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The Eastern Eye – He Washed Their Feet

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book.  It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.]

If you went to your friend’s house and you were greeted at the door by something like, “Hi!  I’m glad you’re here.  Come on in, take off your shoes, and I’ll wash your feet,” you would probably wonder what in the world was going on!

I went to a friend’s house once, right after they got new carpet, and for awhile, they insisted that all guests take their shoes off before walking on their new carpet.  However, they never once offered to wash my feet.

The Last Supper

A lot of people are familiar with a foot washing incident that occurred during what is commonly called, “the last supper.”  This event took place shortly before Jesus was arrested.  And, while some understand the lesson regarding service, many fail to see an even greater impact that the lesson can have.

In the lands and times of the Bible, people wore sandals and walked on dusty roads.  It was, therefore, very common to have your feet washed upon entering a friend’s house.

Who’s Job Was It?

The servant that would perform this lowly task was usually the lowest servant in the household.  However, an exception to that was if the guest was someone of great importance, someone with a very high rank in society.  On those occasions, it was the master of the house who would wash the feet.

In the Bible culture, if the master of the house washed your feet, it was his way of recognizing that you were a very important person. It was an extremely high compliment.

What A Lesson!

When Jesus washed the feet of his disciples that night, he was not only teaching them humility and service, but he was also teaching them about love.  They knew that their own social status did not deserve that kind of treatment. That is why Peter objected and refused to have Jesus wash his feet.

When you look at the Scriptures through an “eastern eye,” many details and truths become apparent.  And isn’t it just something that right before he was about to suffer and die for the whole world, Jesus Christ treated his disciples like they were royalty?

John 13:4-17
He riseth from supper, and laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself.

After that he poureth water into a basin, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.

Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?

Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.

Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.

Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

Jesus saith to him, He that is washed needeth not save to wash his feet, but is clean every whit: and ye are clean, but not all.

For he knew who should betray him; therefore said he, Ye are not all clean.

So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you?

Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am.

If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet.

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.

Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him.

If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.

It really is quite a lesson, isn’t it?

Mike Verdicchio

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For other posts just click “The Eastern Eye” tab above.

There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

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The Eastern Eye – Leaving Egypt With Silver, Gold And Rainment

[The Bible is an “Eastern” book.  It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.]

When the Children of Israel left Egypt, they did not leave empty handed.  The Bible says, in the book of Exodus, Chapter 12, verses 35 and 36,

And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:

And the LORD gave the people favour in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they lent unto them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians.

To the western mind this seems kind of ludicrous.  Why in the world would the Egyptians give these people their silver and gold and raiment?   Again, to our minds it seems odd because we are not familiar with the eastern culture in which the Bible was written.

In the Bible times it was very common to “borrow” jewels or raiment for a pilgrimage because a pilgrimage was understood to have God involved in it.  In that culture it was thought that if you helped someone who was going to a pilgrimage it was assisting or taking part in the things of God.

And here is something that is very interesting.  Even though they used the words “borrow” and “lent,” if you gave and never received it back, you didn’t worry about it because you knew you were giving to a good cause.

The Children of Israel were leaving to go and worship their God; that made it a pilgrimage.  God instructed Moses to tell the Children of Israel to “borrow” from the Egyptians for this pilgrimage.

Keep in mind that many, many years before, all the wealth of the world came into Egypt during the famine because a man named Joseph walked with God.  Now, that wealth is given back to God’s people as they leave Egypt.

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There are a number of books that you can read to get insight on customs, manners, idioms and meanings from the eastern culture in which the Bible was written.  The best I know of were written by by Bishop K. C. Pillai.  I have had the pleasure of listening to recorded teaching by him.

He wrote three books, and they are hard to find, and are usually over priced.  But, if you want to you can check this link to see what Amazon has to offer. Light Through an Eastern Window

Another great resource that I have used for years is a book called, “Manners and Customs of the Bible,” by James Freeman. Mine was printed in 1972 and I know they have newer additions. For the newest edition, just click the link and it will take you to Amazon. The New Manners and Customs of the Bible (Pure Gold Classics)

Posted on

The Eastern Eye

Why Is This Called, “The Eastern Eye?”

The Bible is an “Eastern” book.  It was written many years ago in the “East” which today we refer to as “The Middle East.”  As such, there are many customs and idioms that are not familiar to the “Western” mind.

The same would be true in reverse.  Perhaps there are parts of the world that would not understand it if they read something in a book that said, “He threw some hot dogs on the grill.”  We would understand it, but they may be a bit puzzled and wonder what kind of “dogs” were thrown, what is a “grill,” and exactly what does it mean?

So, once you see and understand the meaning from the life and times of the Bible, and that culture, it opens up many passages to their rich meaning.  I will be posting interesting, exciting, and very informative articles on understanding certain passages of Scripture.