‘The Bible’ miniseries on History Channel remains one of the most talked about shows of 2013. On Sunday, March 17, the biblical stories continued, and the high ratings remained. The first part of episode 3 was entitled “Survival,” and it focused on Zedekiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, and the Jews return to Jerusalem. Part 2’s “Hope” educated viewers on the Roman occupation, the Birth of Christ, John the Baptist, and Jesus and Peter.
As this particular episode of ‘The Bible’ began the prophet Jeremiah was warning Israel’s King Zedekiah about the forthcoming blockade of Jerusalem by Babylonians. Zedekiah was disregarding his message. Jeremiah then gives one last warning, “Surrender to Nebuchadnezzar or die. God is bringing disaster.” Nebuchadnezzar took the Jews captive into Babylon. Viewers were also shown the miracle of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who were the three men that wouldn’t bow down to Nebuchadnezzar’s idol, and as a result, were thrown into a pit of fire. However, the Lord saved them from harm.
After Nebuchadnezzar’s death, Daniel was the next subject. Daniel had a unique ability to interpret dreams. As a result, he offers his gift to Cyrus, King of Persia so that the Jews be protected from captivity. Cyrus orders for the Jews to stop praying, but Daniel refuses to abide by his command. Subsequently, he has Daniel thrown into a den of lions. He is amazed by God's constant protection over Daniel. He then frees the Jews from entrapment, and they are able to return to Jerusalem.
Viewers later were able to see the Roman Empire conquering Jerusalem. King Herod comes into the picture, as well as Mary and Joseph. The birth of Jesus has been played out on television many times before, but viewers were of course curious how ‘The Bible’ would present the timeless moment that would forever change everything. The Angel Gabriel came to Mary letting her know that she would be giving birth to the Son of the Most High. As the scripture goes, Joseph doubted Mary’s faithfulness as the virgin had become pregnant. However, Gabriel appeared to Joseph as well to confirm what Mary had informed him of. Then was the birth of Jesus. Mary and Joseph traveled to Bethlehem, and she birth to our Lord and Savior in a manger. As we’ve always read, the three wise men come bringing gifts. Joseph experiences a dream of danger being on the way.
Jesus’ ministry was also covered. Christ’s 40 days in the wilderness, and when he crossed paths with Satan.
John the Baptist was also covered towards the end of this episode, along with Peter. While Peter is fishing, Jesus tells him to stop catching fish, and that he will make him a fisher of men. He shares what will change the world. John the Baptist’s beheaded and imprisonment was highlighted, showing his faith in the Lord.
The web buzz this morning has been that the character that had the role of ‘Satan’ on last night’s episode bears a resemblance to Barack Obama. Actor Mohamen Mehdi Ouazanni’s appearance caused a serious stir on Twitter and across the internet. Ouazanni has appeared in other productions with a biblical message, but Sunday night's appearance caused him to be a trending topic.
Glenn Beck was among those pointing out the facial similarities. “Anyone else think the Devil in #TheBible Sunday on History Channel looks exactly like That Guy?”
However, a joint statement released by executive producers Burnett and Downey that in short, says the comparison is “utter nonsense.”
Viewers are already greatly anticipating the episode that will air on Palm Sunday.
Comments