Recent Commentaries

The famine continued and Jacob’s family needed more grain. Jacob said to his sons “You must go to Egypt again and buy us some more food” (v. 2). His sons replied, “We cannot go unless you will let Benjamin go with us.” Jacob then scolded them (v. 6) for telling the man they had a brother …

Paul and Silas traveled by land to Derbe and then on to Lystra where Timothy was enlisted as an assistant for Paul (v. 1). Timothy’s mother was Jewish, but his father was Greek. Due to his mixed heritage, Timothy had not been circumcised. To avoid offending the Jews, Paul decided to …

David was the General MacArthur of his day, a conquering hero. He begins this stirring psalm by remembering past victories and enemies who have been subdued under him (v. 2). He had a personal relationship with God who is strong, solid, and immovable, yet warm, loving, and …

Near the beginning of Ezekiel’s ministry he was unable to speak except to give specific messages from God (3:26-27). After Ezekiel’s prophecies came true and the false prophets were exposed, he was again able to talk freely (vv. 21-22). No longer needing to prove himself, h …

The first ten chapters have been an exciting adventure story of God calling Joshua to lead the Israelites in military conquest of the land of Canaan, which God had given them. The conquest of much of the land of Canaan seems to have happened quickly but it actually took seven years. The …

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 ( …

The fourth “woe” was pronounced on Judah for their rebellion against the Lord. Even after all that God has done for His people, they had turned away from Him and sought help from Egypt (vv. 1-3). The Jews had sent a delegation to Egypt to talk about an alliance (vv. 4-5). Isaiah told them …

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 …