Leadership
The law concerning inheritance.
The ideal life for an Old Testament Jew was to own his own land and be able to sit under his own fig tree and enjoy it with his family (I Kings 4:25). Hebrew law gave sons alone the right to inherit. The eldest son received two-thirds of the inheritance and the other sons divided …
Evil Rulers and Lying Prophets
In this chapter Micah denounces the leaders of Israel for their sins. First, it is the princes; second, the prophets, who were the spiritual leaders; and last, all the leaders of Jerusalem, including the princes, the prophets, and the priests. “Hear, I pray you, O heads of …
Mordecai Promoted by Xerxes
The book closes by speaking of the king’s power; but more importantly extols the leadership abilities of Mordecai who was once a hated Jew in the Persian Empire (vv. 1-3). He was promoted by Ahasuerus and loved by the Jews (v. 3). Mordecai did not only act frequently on his own b …
God’s Restored House
God’s blessing of Judah with leadership over the Israelites was contrary to natural order. It was pure grace for those tribes. These tribes of Judah settled east of the Jordan: …
Omri And Ahab Reigns in Israel
The death of Zimri did not automatically place the throne of the Northern Kingdom in Omri’s hands. Half the population, including the army, followed Omri but the other half sided with Tibni (v. 21). For over three years civil war ravaged Israel and threatened to split it …
King Hiram Sent a Letter to Solomn
Solomon sends the blueprint for the temple to Hiram, the king of Tyre. Hiram readily received Solomon’s request and “answered in writing†(v. 1). This country recognized and accepted the new leadership of Solomon as King over Israel. Hiram wrote “Because the Lord …
Leaders Are Not to Lord Over God’s Heritage
Peter says he is writing to encourage Church leaders (v. 1). Just as shepherds are to watch over their sheep Church leaders must watch over everyone God has placed in their care (v. 2). They are to do it willingly in order to please the Lord and not because they feel like they have to. Also, they …
Gabriel Interprets The Vision
Even though Daniel was able to interpret Nebuchadnez?zar’s dreams he could not interpret this dream so he earnestly sought for its meanings. Gabriel was sent to give the meaning of the vision to Daniel (vv. 15-16). He was a heavenly messenger God used to explain Daniel’ …
Jehoshaphat Encourages People to Turn Back to God
We find Jehoshaphat initiating new reforms within the judicial system. He traveled throughout Judea to encourage people to turn back to the Lord God of their fathers. Throughout the land he appointed godly judges to judge not for man but for the Lord. They were to have no respect of …
Effective Leadership Is Sensitive to Others
It is possible to hate the sin but love the sinner. Effective rebuke is the kind that is given with the arm of love around the other person. Rebuke given in the spirit of anger may hurt and even terrify; but the rebuke given in a loving spirit can break the heart. When Paul rebuked, the last thing he …