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Inventing Goddesses and Demons (Part Two)

CGG Weekly by David C. Grabbe

The Hebrew word underlying the night creature in Isaiah 34:14 is *lilith*, derived from the root *laylah*, meaning night. This is the only occurrence of *lilith* in Scripture, rendering its meaning somewhat obscure beyond the implication of nocturnality. Strong's Concordance suggests it means screech owl, a definition that fits naturally within the context of wild animals in abandoned places. The Bible uses *lilith* as a common word, with no connection to the Babylonian myth of a demon goddess, nor any indication that it represents an individual's name. Isaiah 34 prophesies God's judgment on Edom, describing the future desolation of its land, where only wild animals, including the nocturnal creature referenced in verse 14, will inhabit the wilderness.

Inventing Goddesses and Demons

Sermonette by David C. Grabbe

The Jews turned a Babylonian myth of Lilith into a fabrication about a woman before Eve. Some translations suggest Israel sacrificed to a demon named Azazel.

Passover (Part Four)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Hebrew word *lailah* (H3915), translated as "night," refers to the period of time that begins at the end of *ben ha arbayim* (twilight) and extends until dawn or the break of day. In the context of the Passover and other biblical events, *lailah* distinctly follows the twilight period after sunset, marking the dark hours of the night. It is clearly distinguished from *boqer*, which signifies morning or the light period after dawn. The scriptures emphasize this separation, showing that *lailah* and *boqer* are not the same, with one following the other in the daily cycle. During the first Passover, the Israelites remained in their houses throughout *lailah* on the 14th, adhering to the command to stay indoors until morning, reflecting the importance of observing the designated times as established by God.

Passover (Part Five)

Sermon by John W. Ritenbaugh

The Hebrew term *layil* (H3915), meaning night or darkness, is distinctly defined in Scripture as separate from light or day. In Genesis 1:5, God called the darkness *lailah*, contrasting it with *boqer*, which refers to morning or the light portion of the day. This establishes that *lailah* and *boqer* are not the same; they are opposing parts of a full day, with *lailah* representing the dark period. Within the context of the Passover events in Exodus 10:13, the distinction between *lailah* and *boqer* is further clarified, showing that *boqer* follows *lailah*. It is evident that *lailah* continues well after midnight, as seen in the account of the Death Angel passing through at midnight during the Passover. Even after this event, when Pharaoh summoned Moses, it was still *lailah*, indicating that the night persisted beyond midnight and preceded the arrival of *boqer*. This timing is significant, as it underscores that *lailah* does not end immediately after midnight, contrary to claims that morning begins shortly thereafter. Additionally, in the narrative of Ruth and Boaz, an event occurring at midnight is described as taking place during *lailah*, reinforcing that this term encompasses the dark of night. These examples collectively affirm that *lailah* denotes the period of darkness, extending past midnight and clearly distinct from the morning light of *boqer*.