Hesekiah | David Solomon

September 3, 2020September 2, 2020

#53 The Prophets: Jeremiah

A Podcast on the Prophets of Israel in Tanach (Hebrew Bible)

It is impossible to understand the impact of the prophets of Israel without placing them in their historical and cultural contexts. In this podcast episode, David sets the fascinating historical background to the emergence of the second of the ‘major prophets’, Jeremiah (Yeremiyahu). He expands on the powerful and challenging messages that Jeremiah delivers to his contemporaries – many of which still strongly resonate today. David also examines the life and character of this remarkable but reluctant prophet, including his struggle with the demanding responsibilities placed upon him by G-d and the consequences that this enormous role in Jewish History would have for him.

Rembrandt: Jeremiah Lamenting the Destruction of Jerusalem. Pubic Domain.

Continue reading “#53 The Prophets: Jeremiah”

August 27, 2020September 1, 2020

#52 The Prophets: Isaiah

A Podcast on the Prophet Isaiah in Tanach (Hebrew Bible)

The Prophets of Israel were a unique and revolutionary spiritual phenomenon with profound impact across the ages. In this podcast episode, the first of a four-part series on the prophets scheduled for Elul, David examines the context, character, and inspirational message of the Prophet Isaiah (Yeshayahu), the first of the ‘major prophets’. In doing so, David discusses how relevant the words and influence of this remarkable biblical figure – and particularly, his insight into the concept of teshuva – remain for us today.

Isaiah; illustration from a Bible card published by the Providence Lithograph Company. 1904. Public Domain.

Continue reading “#52 The Prophets: Isaiah”

July 9, 2020September 1, 2020

#45 Two Temples (part 1)

A Podcast on Tanach (Hebrew Bible) and Jewish History

This episode is the first instalment of David’s next four-part series, Two Temples, launched to coincide with the beginning of the Three Weeks—a period of mourning in the Jewish calendar that marks the destruction of the first and second temples in Jerusalem. In this podcast episode, David examines the construction of the First Temple during the reign of King Solomon. He then explores the major events, personalities, and challenges of the earlier years of the First Temple period, including brutal dynastic struggles, the rise of the institution of the prophet, and the ever-present threats from other nations.

Salomon de Bray: The Queen of Sheba before the temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. Public Domain.

Continue reading “#45 Two Temples (part 1)”

November 28, 2019December 12, 2019

#18 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 3)

Israel’s true destiny is not about nationalism or religion

The third instalment of David Solomon’s podcast series on the rise of the prophets of Israel focuses on Jeremiah whose extraordinary life and powerful messages have inspired and resonated with audiences until today. David examines the geo-political reality of the region during Jeremiah’s life and its reflection in the Jewish people’s relationship to Gd, to power and justice, and to the Land of Israel.

Horace Vernet, Jeremiah on the ruins of Jerusalem (1844). Public Domain.

Continue reading “#18 Visionaries, Reformers and Agitators – the Rise of the Prophets of Israel (part 3)”