My son, who just turned seven, gave us a list of gifts he hoped to receive for his birthday. Are you ready? A Tanach (Hebrew Bible), cowboy boots, and soccer shoes. I’m thrilled to share that he’s already received two of the three! Can you guess which ones?
As a proud parent, I can’t help but gush over the purity and adorableness of his request. While the boots might be a bit of a mystery, It’s clear to me why he wants his own copy of a Bible. You see, living in Israel, the Bible is woven into the very fabric of our lives.
Our neighborhood streets are named after priestly garments and biblical figures, the city buses will change their electric banners to announce the upcoming holidays, and you can buy Bible toys in any local toy store. It’s no wonder that my son’s favorite book is none other than the Bible itself. God’s holy book has a fantastic marketing team over here!
Did you know that having your own Bible is actually a Biblical commandment? I’m glad my son was able to fulfill this one by the age of seven! But what’s the significance of having a Bible?
In Deuteronomy, the kings of Israel are instructed to write a personal copy of the Hebrew Bible upon ascending to the throne.
Deuteronomy 17:18-20
To counterbalance their riches, horses, and personal authority, carrying a bible symbolizes their commitment to the Bible’s laws and values, ensuring they lead with humility, wisdom, and a deep connection to God’s word.
The book of Joshua takes it a step further, urging us to keep the Bible on our lips and meditate on it day and night – like a divine chapstick.
By integrating its teachings into our daily lives, we allow the Bible’s wisdom to guide our actions and decisions.
But the Bible isn’t just meant for personal reflection; it’s also a source of strength and unity in times of adversity. Consider the Israeli soldiers who carry a real Torah into battle in Gaza. Just a few months ago, a special Torah was scribed for these brave men and women, with each soldier in a unit scribing a letter amidst the sounds of war. This collective effort turned the sacred text into a symbol of faith and moral clarity during their most challenging moments.
While not everyone can write their own Torah scroll, owning a personal Bible is still a powerful way to connect with God’s word. Deuteronomy tells us to write this “song” (interpreted as the Bible) and teach it to our children.
The Bible is meant to be a constant companion, shaping our lives and communities. From the battlefield to the palace to your home.
My son’s birthday wish for a Bible beautifully reflects the Bible’s pervasive influence in our own lives. It’s a testament to the enduring significance of God’s word, not just as a historical text but as a living guide that shapes our character and community. To take a great example, this picture book Bible for grown-ups highlights the intrinsic link between the scriptures and the Land of Israel, bringing the ancient words to life with insightful commentary, beautiful illustrations, and maps that connect biblical events to modern-day Israel.
When my son asked for a Bible, I wondered if he had caught a glimpse of my Israel Bible and been inspired by its engaging format and meaningful content. It’s a tribute to the power of this resource that it can capture the imagination of both young and old, making the study of God’s word an extraordinary experience.
If you, too, are seeking a way to bring the Bible, the Torah, into your home and heart, I highly recommend exploring the Israel Bible. As a special gift to you, in honor of Memorial Day, it’s currently available at a 20% discount. This is an opportunity to invest in a tool that can help you and your loved ones connect more deeply with the timeless wisdom of the scriptures.
As we strive to study and cherish the Bible, let us remember its eternal significance. Whether we are kings, soldiers, seven-year-olds, or parents or grandparents raising children with strong values, the Hebrew Bible remains a wellspring of wisdom, strength, and inspiration.
May we keep its words close to our hearts and live by its teachings daily.
There are so many meaningful ways you can show your support for Israel.
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