Obedience
The Disciple’s Question
Jesus spoke these things while He was with the disciples, but His time with them was running out. The Holy Spirit would soon come to teach and to remind them of everything Jesus had taught them (vv. 25-26). This Helper is defined by holiness and truth (v. 17). Jesus was the Father’s …
God Condemns Israel’s Idolatry
God brings a charge of disobedience against Israel (v. l). The religious leader had replaced true worship with ritual prostitution. The nation had gone downhill spiritually and morally, breaking God’s laws. The people were quick to condemn Hosea’s wife for her adultery but slow to see their …
God Sends Israel “to school”
This chapter begins with an emphasis on the mighty acts of God on behalf of His people Israel (vv. 1-2). When they became slaves in Egypt, He cared for them and multiplied them greatly. When Jacob and his family journeyed to Egypt to join Joseph (Gen. 46) there were 70 people and they …
God Tests Abraham
The word tempt (v. 1) could better be translated test. God does not temp anyone with evil (James 1:13) but He does test. The Lord wanted to see if Abraham truly trusted Him to provide descendants as he had promised. Abraham gave instant unquestionable obedience. Would he try …
Saul And His Sons Die
Unknown to David and his men, while the events of Chapter 30 were taking place, Saul and his sons were involved in a battle with the Philistines that resulted in their death. These events took place on the slopes of Mount Gilboa overlooking the valley of Jezreel. Just as Samuel h …
The Plague of Frogs
Soon after the seven days when the water was turned to blood, God told Moses, for the first time, to go to Pharoah and demand that he let the children of Israel go so they may serve the true God (v. 1). This command showed that Israel was in bondage; God wanted them t …
David Attempts to Move The Ark
After David had captured Jerusalem from the Jebusites and made it the capital of Israel and Judah, he was eager to make it the religious center as well. This could not be done, however, till the Ark of the Covenant was returned to a permanent resting place in Jerusalem. The Philistines had …
The Demonstration of Faith
Noah obeyed even when he experienced rejection from others around him (v. 7). Although it seemed foolish to the people, God commanded Noah to build a huge boat in the middle of dry land. Since no one at that time had ever seen a flood, Noah’s actions must have generated a great …
Instructions For Ordaining Priests
Just as Moses received the directions for building the tabernacle the directions for consecrating the priests are given in this chapter. The ones chose to begin the priesthood could not enter into the office without Moses conducting a solemn, seven day time of initiation (vv. 1-18). …