Fear

Jesus Calms Their Fears - John 6:16 – 6:29 (commentary)

In the evening following the feeding of the 5000, the disciples got into a boat and left Jesus behind while they began to row toward Capernaum (vv 16-17). As it became dark a strong wind was blowing them off course (v. 18). Suddenly to their amazement, they saw Jesus not far from …

Hardened Hearts and the Fear of Man - John 12:37 – 12:50 (commentary)

In this passage, there were those who would not believe and there were those who would not openly confess Christ even though they had believed. The first group in spite of all Jesus’ miraculous signs, still would not believe in Him (vv. 37-38). This rejection had been prophesied …

Nehemiah was fearful of what others may think - Nehemiah 2:1 – 2:8 (commentary)

As Nehemiah was going about his usual duties the king noticed that he was sad and asked, “Why is thy countenance sad, seeing thou art not sick.” (vv. 1-2) At first Nehemiah was frightened because it was dangerous to show sorrow before the king who could execute anyone w …

The Fear of the Lord - Psalms 112:1 – 112:10 (commentary)

This psalm enumerates some of the blessings enjoyed by a person who fears (reverences) the Lord. Then it anticipates the exaltation of the righteous and grievous destruction of the wicked. However we must not conclude on the basis of this psalm that all believers today can claim …

The Lord Delights Those Who Fear Him - Psalms 147:1 – 147:11 (commentary)

It sounds like this Psalm may have been written after the return of the Jews from Babylon (v. 2). There seems to be two themes running throughout the Psalm. One is a praise of God for His goodness to his creatures and the other a praise of God for his goodness to His people. He u …

Israel’s Woman Liberator - Judges 4:1 – 4:24 (commentary)

We are introduced to Deborah, the prophetess, the fourth judge,  and the only woman judge, who lived in central Palestine. For 20 years the Canaanites oppressed Israel and God raised up this prophetess to lead the way to victory (vv. 1-7). Associated with her was Barak, a …

David’s Last Words - II Samuel 23:1 – 23:7 (commentary)

The list of David’s mighty men is preceded by a short poem (vv. 1-7) titled the last words of David. In the first stanza (v. 1) he identified himself as “the son of Jesse,” a peasant farmer in Bethlehem. David was never ashamed of that, as God lifted him “up on hig …

We Must Fear The Lord - Jeremiah 5:14 – 5:31 (commentary)

God told Jeremiah that his words would be like a fire (v. 14) that would consume the people. He would bring (Babylon) against Judah. This was a nation whose language they did not know (v. 15). The difference of language would make it more difficult to achieve peace. These …

Is it Information or Truth That You Want? - Jeremiah 38:14 – 38:28 (commentary)

Zedekiah sent for Jeremiah again and met him in secret at the entrance to the temple (vv. 14-16). Zedekiah wanted to ask Jeremiah something, and he told the prophet not to hide anything from him. Jeremiah said, if he did answer with a message the king did not want to hear …