Recent Commentaries

Divisions and contentions have always been a problem for believers. Almost every local church mentioned in the New Testament had divisions. The Galatian Christians were “biting and devouring” one another (Galatians 5:15). The Corinthians had members who were suing one …

When Judah came, they saw all the enemy dead (v. 24). The slaughter was so great that the men of Judah couldn’t carry away all the spoil and they were three days gathering it up (v. 25). With thanksgiving to God, they offered praise for His love (vv. 26-28). That is why this place is still …

I. Four kinds of undesirable behavior (vv. 11-14). a. Disrespectful Children ?“ a curse and a non- blessing to their parents (v. 11). b. Hypocritical People ?“ Clean in no one’s eyes but their own (v. 12). …

As these various laws for the Israelites continue to be given we will continue with our outline: V. Things concerning the Sabbaths 1. Concerning the sabbatical year (vv. 10-11). The Sabbath year provided rest for the land and free food for the poor. This was made possible …

Unfortunately, in the beginning chapters of this book gross immorality had taken place and had set tribe against tribe and class against class. It led to political anarchy. First there was religious apostasy in the temple, then moral awfulness in the home, and finally political anarchy in the state …

In this passage James reminds Christians who are going through trials that God rewards those who remain steadfast. The reward is twofold: The possession of an inner blessedness (v. 12a). Happiness is not affected by outward circumstances. It is for those who are poor, …

The removal of four men was imperative if Solomon’s throne was to remain secure. Already Adonijah has been lain. Now the second conspirator, Abiathar, has to be dealt with. He was the priest who though faithful to David, had supported Adonijah as his successor. He could have bee …

In the past a walled city was a protected city, and a city without walls was vulnerable. A walled city could be taken only with great difficulty. A military leader seeking to take a walled stronghold would require (1) a large army and a willingness to take many casualties, (2) superior tactics, …

One prevailing theme of this chapter is not finishing the work. Israel was ready to divide up the land among the tribes, but we find there were enemies yet to be conquered in the land (13:1). It appears that some of the Israelites wanted to spare the Canaanites because of a false sense of mercy …

“The word of the Lord that came” indicates that this prophecy is not Hosea’s (v. l). It is a prophecy that originated with God Himself. In dealing with the words of this prophecy a person is not dealing with the words of man, but rather with the very words of God. Hosea was a spokesman for the …