Dalton Williams – Glorifying God… Enjoying Creation… Understanding the Word

1 Samuel 5: God Punishes the Philistines

Sep 27, 2022daltonwilliams114Bible Commentary, Samuel1 Samuel, Bible, Samuel

And they got up early in the morning the next day, and behold, Dagon had fallen with his face to the ground before the Ark of Adonai, and the head of Dagon and the two palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold. 1 Samuel 5:4 1 And the Philistines took the Ark…

1 Samuel 4: Disaster – The Ark is Taken

Sep 25, 2022daltonwilliams114Bible Commentary, Samuel1 Samuel, Bible, Samuel

And the Messenger answered and said, “Israel fled before the Philistines, and also the was a great defeat with the people, and also your two sons, Hophni and Phinechas, died, and the Ark of God was taken. 1 Samuel 4:17 1 And the words of Samuel were to all Israel. And Israel went out to…

1 Samuel 3: The Calling

Sep 19, 2022daltonwilliams114Bible Commentary, Samuel, Uncategorized1 Samuel, Bible, Samuel

And Adonai came in and stood and called over and over, “Samuel! Samuel!” And Samuel said, “Speak for your servant is listening.” 1 Samuel 3:10 1 And the boy Samuel served Adonai before Eli, and the Word of Adonai was rare in those days, there was no vision breaking through. This chapter opens by calling…

1 Samuel 2: The Wicked Sons of Eli

Sep 13, 2022daltonwilliams114Bible Commentary, Samuel1 Samuel 2, Bible, Channah, Samuel

And the sons of Eli were sons of wickedness, they did not know Adonai. 1 Samuel 2:12 1 And Channah prayed and said, “My heart exults in Adonai, my horn is exalted in Adonai, my mouth is open wide against my enemies, for I rejoice in your salvation. The second chapter of Samuel begins with…

1 Samuel 1: The Prayer of Channah

Sep 7, 2022daltonwilliams114Bible Commentary, Samuel1 Samuel, Bible, Hannah, Samuel

I am the woman that stood with you in this place to pray to Adonai. This is the boy that I prayed for, and Adonai gave to me my request that I requested from him. 1 Samuel 1:26-27 1 There was a certain man from the Ramataim of Tzophim from the hills of Ephraim, and…

Introduction to the Books of Samuel Commentary Series

Sep 7, 2022daltonwilliams1142 CommentsBible Commentary, Samuel1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, Bible, Commentary, Hebrew, Introduction, Samuel, Samuel Commentary

As I begin this project, I am in my third year of my double Master of Arts program at Jerusalem University College. These final two semesters are going to be devoted more to reading the Bible in Hebrew, and less about exploring the land of the Bible (although I hope to continue to do that…

A Warning of Two Ports: Dor and Caesarea

Mar 11, 2022daltonwilliams114Israel, Jerusalem University College, Travels, UncategorizedCaesarea, Caesarea Maritima, Dor, Herod, Israel

I had a chance this weekend to visit two of the most important port cities in the History of Israel, the first is Dor, and the second is Caesarea. Dor was one of the only natural seaside harbors in the ancient land of Israel. The Philistine cities of Gaza, Ashdod, and Ashkelon were tucked a…

The Blind and the Lame

Feb 16, 2022daltonwilliams1143 CommentsIsrael, Jerusalem University College, TravelsBible, David, Healing, Jerusalem, Jesus

I was standing amongst the ruins and remains of the Davidson Archeological Park, on the southern side of the Temple Mount, reading the teachings of Jesus that, according to the Gospels, he gave while in Jerusalem, on and around the Temple. As I sat on the southern steps, perhaps on the very steps Jesus once…

Enemies Under Your Feet: The Northern Reaches

Nov 17, 2021daltonwilliams1142 CommentsIsrael, Jerusalem University College, TravelsBible, Caesarea Philippi, Dan, Golan Heights, Jesus, Mount Hermon

The northern area of Israel contains some of the most interesting historical and biblical sites, from the ancient gates of Dan, to the mountain springs of Caesarea Philippi, to the volcanic remains of the Bashan. These sites stand out not only for the places where the Biblical account intersects with history, but also for the…

Wars, Saviors, and the End of the World?

Nov 14, 2021daltonwilliams1141 CommentIsrael, Jerusalem University College, TravelsBeth Sean, Bible, Jesus, Megiddo, Nazareth

In a land full of mountains and deserts, the Jezreel valley sits almost defiantly. This massive valley is, in contrast to much of the rest of Israel, flat and fertile. It is a natural place for agriculture, travel, and trade. In other words, all the major kingdoms wanted to control it, which leads it to…