Advice

People Confessed Their Sin to God

While Ezra was down on his knees in front of God’s temple, praying with tears in his eyes, and confessing the sins of the people of Israel, a large number of men, women, and children gathered around him and cried bitterly (v. 1). Shecaniah son of Jehiel from the family of Elam sa …

Rehoboam Listens to The Bad Advice of The Younger Men

The kingdom which David had consolidated and Solomon had brought to the pinnacle of prosperity was soon to be divided into two rival parts, the ten northern and two southern tribes. Though Solomon must have had many sons, none are mentioned except Rehoboam, whom he …

Paul’s Advice is Initially Rejected

As Paul embarked upon his last journey, at least three things must have encouraged him (vv. 1-3). Luke, who dropped out of sight after leaving Paul in the hands of James and the elders of the Jerusalem church, (21:18) is with him. Julius, a hardened Roman centurion who was assigned to …

Rehoboam’s Folly

Rehoboam was installed as king in Shechem after his father died (v. 1). Shechem was a very fitting spot for the coronation of a king of Israel as it was the first place God appeared to Abraham (Gen. 12:6-7), Jacob settled there and (Gen. 33:18-20) and Joseph was buried there (J …

Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream

It seems that several years (some say 30) have transpired between the experience of Daniel’s three friends in chapter 3 and Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and period of insanity in chapter 4. King Nebuchadadnezzar tells all people to prosper (v. 1). Although Nebuchadnezzar pr …