Artza Answers
Answering questions about Jesus and the Holy Land of the Bible, and how we can deliver the Christian presence into your home with our subscription box.
Recent Answers
Who Poured Perfume on Jesus?
To be anointed in a biblical sense means to have the favor of God. More literally, it means that an aromatic oil—or perfume or holy water—is poured or rubbed on you. Two days before Passover, we see the anointment of Jesus occur in the town of Bethany. There are multiple accounts of this in the bible, but not many mention the name of the woman who did so. It is only in the Gospel of John do we see that the woman was Mary of Bethany. It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick." —John 11:12, NKJV Why Mary Poured Perfume on Jesus Mary entered the home of Simon the leper and anointed Jesus in front of his disciples with what all accounts in the Bible described as an expensive bottle of alabaster perfume. She then wiped his feet with her hair. Judas complained that the expensive perfume could have been sold and the money given to the poor. While the disciples complained about how distasteful it was, Jesus reminded them that it was an act of love and praise. We see here that she is anointing him in preparation for his burial, thus foreshadowing the crucifixion. “The perfume was meant for the day I am buried. 8 You will always have the poor among you. But you won’t always have me.” —John 12:7, NKJV This short moment in the bible shows us how Jesus has the favor of God, as that is what anointment signified at the time. It also teaches us to give our all to Christ, just as Mary of Bethany did with the perfume.
Asked a year ago
Was Jesus Crucified on Mount Moriah?
Mount Moriah—or "Moriyya," as per the Bible—is a mountain found in Jerusalem. It is comparatively small compared to other mountains in the world, standing at only 2,520 feet tall, but it is greatly significant within the Bible. Mount Moriah was the place where Abraham was told to sacrifice his son, as well as the site where Soloman built the Temple of the Lord. But there may be an even more profound significance to Mount Moriah. Read on to learn more. What Mountain Was Jesus Crucified On? One of the many significant periods in Christ's life—his crucifixion—occurred on Golgotha (Mount of Skull). This hill is skull-shaped and can be found just outside of Jerusalem, near the Jordan River. Are Golgotha Hill and Mount Moriah the Same? There is discourse surrounding whether Golgotha Hill and Mount Moriah are the same, but some firmly believe that they are. The overwhelming consensus is that they are the same, while at the very least most people agree that they are nearby one another. What Happened at Mount Moriah? Abraham was told to make a sacrifice on Mount Moriah, and famously that sacrifice was to be his son. Mount Moriah is mentioned by name. Then He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you.” —Genesis 22:2, NKJV Mount Moriah is also mentioned by name when we see Solomon build the House of the Lord. Now Solomon began to build the house of the Lord at Jerusalem on Mount Moriah... —2 Chronicles 3:1, NKJV Mountains play an essential role in the Bible, both as sites of important events and metaphors for important messages. Take a look at our summary of the mountains in the Bible!
Asked a year ago
How Mount Moriah Became Mount Zion
Mount Moriah (or Moriyya in Hebrew) is situated between Kidron Valley and Hagai Valley in Jerusalem, just west of the Mount of Olives. This is where the amazing Temple Mount is located. Is Moriah and Zion the Same? Zion is the highest point in Jerusalem. In biblical times, the two peaks were separated by the Tyropean Valley (also known as the Valley of the Cheesemakers), but over time the valley has been mostly filled and the peaks look as if they are one landmass. Things are further confused by the fact that often the word "Zion" in the Bible referred to a wider area (i.e., the city, not only the peak of Zion). Zion was interchangeable with the "City of David". Mount Moriah was the place where Abraham almost sacrificed his son. A famous Bible quote is, "On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided". And this is what happened. While Abraham held a knife to Isaac's throat and was about to kill him, an angel called out and stopped him, and provided a ram instead. Why Is It Called Mount Zion? The name is a pre-Israelite Canaanite name referring to the hill upon which Jerusalem was built (and then later used to reference the city). However, these days, Mount Zion refers to the area of both "peaks". What Does Zion Symbolize? Mount Zion, if we look at it as a separate hill, is the place where God always welcomed His followers with open arms. Numerous important events in the Bible took place there (including the Last Supper) that signify a movement closer to God, even in the literal sense. These are just two of the important holy mountains in Israel.
Asked 2 years ago
Things to Know About the Jaffa Port
The oldest section of Tel Aviv, located in the southern part of the city, is the ancient (and ongoing) port of Israel. Yafo Israel, Namal Yafo, or Jaffa Port is the oldest seaport in the world, and as such, the biblical significance of Jaffa is strong. It is associated with the stories of Jonah, Solomon, and Saint Peter. Famous for its stunning sunsets, thriving art scene, and sweet oranges, the port beautifully combines old and new into one atmospheric destination. The Jaffa Port is characterized by old brick buildings fringing pretty, winding cobbled lanes. According to legends, Noah's son Japheth founded the city as it provided a wonderful bay overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Food at the Jaffa Port The Jaffa Port Market is an absolute must-see for food lovers, offering sublime seafood, oysters, and traditional Israeli dishes such as falafal, hummus, and shakshuka. Several meat, fish, and vegetarian specialty stores mean there is something for everyone. Numerous wonderful restaurants, bakeries, cafés, and bars dot the seafront and the historic alleyways. Other Highlights at the Jaffa Port Top places to see in Jaffa include the gorgeous HaPisgah Garden, the captivating Jaffa Clock Tower (which also provides some amazing views), and the fascinating Rokach House Museum, as well as top notch galleries, bookstores, and theaters. Art centers such as Dvir offer different exhibitions every few months; in fact, Jaffa Port is a hub for many artists, and you'll find numerous studios and collectives here.
Asked 2 years ago
Was the Wine From the Bible the Same as Today?
At the time that Jesus walked the earth, wine was made using a much simpler process than that of today. In our modern world, extensive and rigorous procedures create one of our favorite drinks using sugar, chemicals, and other additives. But how different is it from the Bible's wine? Was There Alcohol in Biblical Wine? Using sulfur dioxide, Saccharomyces (a cultured GMO yeast), and late-harvest grapes that hold a higher sugar level, we are able to produce an alcohol level of 12–20%. The main ingredient making the difference is modernized yeast. In ancient times, more natural yeast could only create levels of around 4– 11%. Because there were no fridges in Biblical times, the focus was more on preventing fermentation. The various processes used to keep food and drink fresh resulted in lower alcohol levels too. Some of the methods included turning the juice to syrup to be diluted later, boiling and then immediately sealing with beeswax in airtight containers, and drying and then reconstituting the fruit. What Was Wine Like in Biblical Times? Wine made in biblical times underwent a much simpler process: grown and produced naturally without additives, chemical processing, or anything being added or removed. It would have tasted quite different from the wine we enjoy today – perhaps more like grape juice. At the time of writing this article, there are only a handful of wineries that produce anything similar to what Jesus would have drank, as numerous careful conditions and standards would need to be upheld that mimic those of thousands of years ago. Our findings can help to explain why Jesus refused to drink wine during his crucifixion. Looking for a wonderful wine experience in the Holy Land? Have a look at our round-up of top Israeli wineries.
Asked 2 years ago
Recent Posts
Follow in the Footsteps of Jesus.
Sharing the experience of Jesus and the Holy Land.
By entering your email, you agree to receive marketing emails from Artzabox. Unsubscribe any time.