Recent Commentaries

Psalm 96 quotes verses 23-33 with a few minor omissions. This includes a threefold instruction to the Lord’s people about singing: …

In this short personal letter to Philemon Paul writes from prison as a friend to a friend (v. 1). Paul is imprisoned in Rome while awaiting trial after his appeal to Caesar (Acts 28:16, 30- 31). Although several names are mentioned, the main content of the letter is addressed to Ph …

In this chapter I can’t help but be impressed with David’s brutal honesty about himself. He doesn’t attempt to project positive images about himself but is forthright and objective. Because of his spiritual poverty he’s ready for a mighty work of God in his life and he desperately needs one. He …

In celebration of the Passover meal, they were to eat bread made without leaven (v. 15). This is flatbread made with no yeast. In fact, if you ate anything made with yeast during this festival, you would be excommunicated from Israel. The only work they were allowed to do during t …

Here in this middle section of the chapter, Paul steps away from the main topic of marriage to give some general guidance to his readers. The same principles that can be applied to marriage can also be applied to other areas of life, namely your physical apearance and your social status. In the …

The Lord asked Moses to tell the Israelites when they eat food they shall set apart a portion of it for the Lord called a heave offering (vv. 17-21). If they have erred or not observed these commandments they will have to make a sin offering (vv. 22-23). The sacrifices described …

Moses warned Israel not to tolerate Canaanites in the land because their very presence would tempt them to fall into idolatry. Instead, He told them to destroy their enemies (vv. 1-2). He also told them not to inter-marry with the Canaanites (vv. 3-4) and to tear down their altars (v. 5). Israel …

In Samuel’s day the Philistines lived along the Mediterranean Sea near present day Gaza. They were constantly at war with Israel. During one particularly devastating battle the Israelites lost 4000 men (v. 2). The elders decided to bring the ark of the covenant closer …

The selection of the twelve Apostles was made after Jesus spent a night in prayer (v. 12). Jesus had a large number of disciples and from those He picked 12 who were to be Apostles (vv. 13-16). A disciple is a learner or an apprentice, while an apostle is a chosen messenger sent …

When Jesus and the three disciples returned from the mountain they found the other disciples trying to cast a demon out of a young boy but not being able to do so (vv. 37-40). They had the power and authority but apparently they had not relied on God in prayer to cast out the d …