Plagues have always been part of our human story. In fact, medical disorders that inflict large parts of a population have been known since ancient times, and even enter into the biblical narrative. Is there any significance to these periodic occurrences? Does God ever use them to get our attention?
Rabbi Chaim Eisen of Zion Biblical Studies has some thoughts on that subject in connection with the current pandemic. In this video teaching, he weaves together some fascinating data points from the accounts of 1 and 2 Samuel, Lamentations, and the present day. Is it possible that God is trying to get our attention, saying that His Temple in Jerusalem is much more important than we thought?
Rabbi Eisen is one of our Jewish partners with Nations’ 9th of Av. He presented this teaching as part of our Virtual Tour of Israel, which began with our observance of Tisha b’Av (the 9th of Av), the fast of the fifth month, which in 2020 coincides with July 29-30. Why are Christians observing this Jewish fast? It’s part of making things right between two parts of God’s covenant people who have been at enmity for far too long. To find out more, please visit www.9-av.com.