This page contains the index to the ASK year 2016 Commentaries. Stories are listed in most recent first order. Click on a title to read the commentary.

Our recent as well as future commentaries will be in Adobe PDF format. Click the Get Adobe Reader graphic  to download the free reader if you don't already have it installed on your PC.

The Script Is Not Yet Written - December 15, 2016

On December 1, 2016 President-Elect Donald Trump gave a "thank you speech" to supporters in Cincinnati, Ohio. In that speech he said, "The script is not yet written. We do not know what the next page will read." I found that statement very interesting. Trump was referring to the future prosperity and well-being of the United States. He says his administration will work to "make America great again." Time will tell if that can be done.
 

When Evil Leaders Die - December 1, 2016

How should we react when evil leaders die? How should we react when evil regimes, like the Soviet Union or the incredibly brutal Assyrian Empire falls after hundreds of years of domination? Few were saddened by the destruction of the evil Assyrian empire, kings, and armies.
 

Transitions and Dynasties - November 15, 2016

Almost every political professional and newsperson thought Hillary Clinton would defeat Donald Trump in the election for President of the United States on November 8, 2016. As I wrote in my October 2008 Commentary, "Voting and God's Leaders: Man Proposes, God Disposes," God's vote is the one that really matters. He is able to subtly arrange circumstances to put in power the person He wishes to rule or govern. This fact is true not just for Israel's leaders in ancient times, but for all nations throughout history.
 

Illuminati in the Bible - November 1, 2016

The Illuminati is supposed to be the overarching conspiracy in control of politics, nations, and world affairs. That assessment is untrue, although such groups strive for that control. Examination of this group fits with this month's article, "Conspiracy In Scripture." Read the "November 2016 Newsletter" first for background. Hardly secret anymore, a Google search for "Illuminati" yields 47+ million hits. I will identify the true "Illuminati in the Bible."
 

Henry Dye, 1942-2016 - October 15, 2016

ASK lost a good friend and supporter this past September. Henry Dye volunteered his time in many ways, never asking for or expecting any recognition. I will give that recognition now. Read Henry's obituary from his local paper, and my comments.
 

Shechem In the Bible - October 1, 2016

The city of Shechem figures prominently in this month's article, "Israel and Judah: 20. Civil War and Division." In the Bible, Shechem is known by several names in the King James Version: Sichem, Sychem, and Sychar (Joshua 20:7; Judges 9:9; 1 Kings 12:25, and John 4:5). To understand the history of Shechem, all of the information must be considered.
 

Tiles from the Temple? - September 15, 2016

Read an interesting World Net Daily article about tile pieces discovered by the Temple Sifting Project, but the tiles are not from the true Temple site. ASK is noted in the discussion.
 

Phariseeism within Judaism - September 1, 2016

Before the destruction of Jerusalem and the Temple in 70 AD, Judaism had a wide diversity of sects and doctrines. Three sects were the best known and had the most influence: the Sadducees, the Essenes, and the Pharisees. The Sadducees and Essenes ceased to exist. Read the "September 2016 Newsletter," then enjoy this month's article, "The Strange Ending to Sotah," which presents Dr. Martin's understanding of the Sotah portion of the Mishnah. The Mishnah is the written version of the "oral law" of the Pharisees.
 

The god who Wasn't There - August 15, 2016

The lack of capitalization for the words "god who" in the title and "trinity" in the subtitle are intentional. I recently attended the "Forgotten Gospel Conference" in Denver, Colorado. People across America (and some from overseas) who believe in universal salvation attended. About 200 people took part. I give a brief review of the conference.
 

Review of Solomon's Rise and Decline - August 1, 2016

This month's article, "Israel and Judah: 19. Solomon's Glory and Death," presents the biblical narratives surveying the glory of Solomon's kingdom, his sins and his death. The "August 1, 2016 Newsletter" should be read first. According to human understanding, Solomon's reign was glorious. Perhaps he got a bit odd and sinful at the end of his life and reign (1 Kings 11:4), made enemies, imposed oppressive taxes, but this was no different from most kings. Great glory was his, glory given by YHWH Himself
 

You Shall Inherit All Nations - July 18, 2016

This Commentary will discuss a point made in the last verse of Psalm 82. The psalm was one of 12 by Asaph, a "seer" who wrote in the time of King David of Israel (2 Chronicles 29:30, 35:15). A seer is a prophet who sees the future in a vision. In Psalm 82 Asaph "saw" a meeting of what scholars call the "Divine Council." Read all eight verses of Psalm 82 so you will understand the context of what I propose.
 

Prosperity Before the End Times - July 1, 2016

I believe great prosperity ? even unbelievable prosperity ? will occur for most of the world in the years to come. Prosperity will come before the End Times begin, before the Tribulation against Israel begins, and before Christ returns. Let's see why this may happen.
 

Preparing a Place - June 15, 2016

In this political season, with candidates projecting false "personas" and making personal attacks on each other, here are some thoughts by author Fritz Winnail on the many ways our "personas" are seen by ourselves, by others, and by God and Christ in our lives. Enjoy. DWS
 

Solomon's Temple Dedication - June 1, 2016

"Israel and Judah: 18. Temple Interior and Dedication" is this month's article and presents descriptions of the artifacts inside various areas of God's Temple built by King Solomon. The article is introduced in the "June 2016 Newsletter," so please read that first. The newsletter explains why this information is important to us as believers in Christ because in fact they directly relate to activities that occurred after Christ's resurrection. These acts are described and explained in the Book of Hebrews.
 

Bible Prophecy, Time, and Chronology - May 15, 2016

We continue to be gratified by positive responses to the "ELM Timeline Project" produced for ASK by Henry Dye and Tim Parrott. It is a different and useful way of presenting biblical information for many people to view and learn from its visual information. People around the world have responded with comments, suggestions, and corrections, that will be discussed, argued, rejected, and some will be incorporated into the timeline.
 

Bible Genealogies 2 - May 1, 2016

Genealogy also plays a role in the article for May 2016, "Saudi Arabia, a Failing Kingdom." Many citizens of Saudi Arabia still trace their lineage to Ishmael, firstborn son of Abraham, and a smaller number trace their lineage to Esau, twin brother of Jacob. As the title of the article implies, there are great problems with the country of Saudi Arabia. (Read first the "May 1, 2016 Newsletter" for additional information about the article.)
 

Bible Genealogies - April 16, 2016

I have published several articles that include lists of people and their genealogies. So why should we care about genealogies and lists? They are tedious to read and have no apparent connection with our concerns today. Yet such lists and genealogies in ancient times (knowing the parentage of a child) were important, particularly in times of transition, such as the kingly line of Judah, promised by God to be descended from King David (2 Samuel 7:12).
 

King Tut and King David - April 1, 2016

First, about this month's article "Israel and Judah: 17. Solomon's Early Reign." Details of King Solomon's sole reign after King David's death are discussed in the article. All his advantages at the beginning of his rule are given, as are details of gathering material for God's Temple, beyond what David was allowed or able to do. The construction of the Temple is described. Read first the "April 2016 Newsletter."
 

Middle East on Fire - March 17, 2016

Sovereign Nations Are Failing. The Middle East always seems to be "on fire." At this moment the problems of the region, and the problems of the great powers outside the region, have increased to a great intensity and danger. Several nations in that region have become "failed states." A failed state is a country where the rule of law has collapsed and the government has little control over its population or borders.
 

A New Temple Fountain Quote - March 1, 2016

Besides the numerous biblical passages that tell of running water flowing from the Temple, five historical sources tell us there was a fountain within the sanctuary of the Temple in different periods. I recently noted a sixth ancient historical source that also talks about a fountain within the Temple. The quote discusses the construction of the Temple by Solomon. It occurs in 1 Kings 2:35 in the Septuagint (LXX), the Greek translation of the Old Testament.
 

Enoch and Revelation - February 16, 2016

I was recently challenged about the scriptural validity of the books of First Enoch (an apocryphal book, hereafter cited as 1 Enoch) and Revelation. George, as I shall call him, questions whether the Book of Revelation should be considered Scripture. On the other hand, he believes the Book of 1 Enoch should be considered Scripture and placed where Revelation is (and should be canonically), the last book of the New Testament.
 

Washington D.C. Event - February 1, 2016

First, let me introduce this month's article. It is titled "Sudden Mass Murder" and it tells about a horrific devastating massacre of Romans in 88 BC. The Washington D.C. Event: A few days ago, January 28?29, six speakers came together for an invitation-only meeting in Washington D.C. The topic was the location of the Temples in Jeru?salem.
 

Eurasian Chaos - January 16, 2016

I want to present what I believe is a very useful understanding of how the world system works, and the cause of many of the world's problems. Geopolitical scholar Dr. George Friedman has written an interesting January 11, 2016 article titled "The Eurasian Storm" for the publication Mauldin Economics. Friedman begins by discussing China's stock market downturn, the "spending" of China's foreign reserve to maintain growth in its economy (and failing to do so as its economy declines), and a possible "crack" in the Chinese Communist planned economy and even its political structure.
 

CANCELLED - Buchanan Book Event - January 1, 2016

I AM SORRY TO ANNOUNCE THAT THIS EVENT HAS BEEN POSTPONED UNTIL Spring 2016. I will notify you when a new date and time are scheduled for this Washington D.C. event.
 

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