Recent Commentaries

It appears that Nahash, king of the Ammonites, became David’s friend when he was fleeing from Saul. Whatever the reason, the text makes it clear that David considered Nahash an ally and a friend and had every intention of honoring him when he sent a delegation to morn his death ( …

With the threat of the Assyrians under Sennacherib on their doorstep. Judah sought help through an alliance with Egypt, a waning power, instead of trusting the Lord (v. 1). They are determined to go down into Egypt and seek an alliance with the Egyptians to secure themselves agai …

Paul makes a strong plea for Philemon to forgive Onesimus for running away and stealing from him and to welcome him back (vv. 8-9). Paul’s mentions that he is aged and also a prisoner was probably made to gain Philemon’s approval. Paul must have been nearly sixty years …

Coals of fire are used in various contexts throughout Scripture. In the case of Isaiah, it was for the purification of his lips from iniquity (Isa 6:5-7). When taken by the High Priest on the Day of Atonement from the altar of incense it was associated with grace in coverin …

Most of his messages from chapters 7-20 were delivered during the reign of Jehoiakim. King Josiah had led the nation in a reformation during which he restored the temple and removed idols from the land. In 609 he was wounded in battle near Megiddo and taken to Jerusalem where he …

The book opens with a statement of where God “found” Jeremiah (among the priests), and what he made of him (a prophet unto the nations). Here Jeremiah was born, son of the priest Hilkiah. Anathoth, a town about three miles northeast of Jerusalem was assigned to and in …

Discipleship involves a cost (vv. 24-26). Jesus said, “If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me” (v.24). To deny self does not necessarily mean to give up things but to give yourself wholly to Christ and identify in His shame and death …

Mark opens this gospel by explaining how John the Baptist was divinely appointed by God to prepare the way for Jesus as a fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy (Mal. 3:1 & Isa. 40:3). John was a rugged prophet from the wilderness and a fearless preacher. Large crowds were com …

In this chapter Israel’s redemption and regathering are pictured. They are reminded that it is the Lord who they should ask, and He will supply the rain in response to their prayers (v. 1). “Latter rain” refers to the necessary rain just before the time of harvest which …

There were over sixty million slaves in the Roman empire. Slavery was a way of life. Slaves served in any number of capacities including manual labor, doctors, teachers, musicians, etc. Some slaves, after accepting Jesus as their Savior, desired personal and political freedom, resulting in problems …