Recent Commentaries

The events of this chapter took place a few years before Isaac’s death, while Jacob and his family were living near Hebron (v. 1). The story begins with Joseph, the 17-year-old son of Jacob, bringing a bad report to his father about his half-brothers (v. 2). Naturally his brothers Envy him …

In this passage the key thought is to get wisdom and to get understanding (vv. 5,7). It starts out by saying listen to your father’s instruction (v. 1), that he is giving you good teaching (v. 2), just as his father and mother had given him (vv. 3-4). If you prize wisdom, it will embrace you and honor …

Some time after the events just related, Ben-Hadad tried again to defeat Israel. This time he mobilized his entire army and besieged Samaria (v. 24). This kept up until there was nothing to eat in the city (v. 25) It was so severe that one donkey’s head, unclean to the Is …

These verses contain what is commonly called the “Lord’s Prayer,” also found in Matthew 6:9-13. It should really be called the “disciples prayer,” because Jesus could not pray it Himself since it says: “Forgive us our sins,” and Jesus cou …

Yesterday’s passage (Ps. 31:1-13) ended on a low note. David felt forsaken, forgotten, and fearful, but in the face of those real feelings he chose to express faith (vv. 14-15). “But as for me, I trust in You O LORD; I say, “You are my God.” My times are in Your hand; Deliver me from the hand …

God speaks once more (v. 1). Judah has received her just deserts but God is also merciful. He still has a passionate love for Judah (v. 2). Twice he says in this passage “I was jealous for Zion.” the thought being that God’s heart desire is to pour out abundant blessing …

This Psalm reads almost like a passage from the book of Proverbs with its bold contrast between the destinies of the wicked and the righteous. It addresses the age-old problem concerning the prosperity of the wicked. It is about poor rich people who have money, but that is all they have …

Psalm 127 exhorts us to continually recognize God’s influence in every area of our life. God has intended that man should work by day and sleep peacefully by night. It is folly for us to rise early and stay up late, thus deny ourselves bodily refreshments in the eager pursuit of worldly wealth …

God spoke from heaven directly to Joshua to reassure him of his appoint¬ment Moses’ successor (vv. 1-3). Joshua was commanded by God to lead the Israelites and claim the land. Although the land was God’s gift to Israel, it would only become theirs by hard fighting. John Wesley once said …

Some have referred to this portion of Scripture as the origin of today’s communism. It is nothing of the kind. It didn’t involve all private property, but only as much as was needed and there was no membership requirement. The spiritual unity and generosity of these e …