Recent Commentaries

I. Deals with civil violations concerning thieves (vv. 1-4). 1. If a man stole an animal and got caught he was to pay back four or five times the amount stolen. No doubt this heavy compensation effectively deterred animal theft. 2. If the t …

Jehoshaphat became care¬less in his diplomatic relations and joined in an unholy alliance with king Ahab. A sad result of this alliance was the marriage of his son Jehoram to Ahab’s daughter, Athaliah (v. 21:6). One day Jehoshaphat went to visit Ahab in Samaria (v. 2) and Ahab put on a …

In this chapter, Israel is exhorted to walk by faith. Israel was rebellious but the prophet pleaded for her to trust in the Lord and not in her own doings (vv. 1-3). God promised to fight for Israel, but Israel sold itself into sin. Israel had caused its own problems. An emphasis is made on the Lord’s …

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The conquest of Ai was very important to the Israelites. Only 11 miles from Jericho, Ai was a key stronghold for the Canaanites and a buffer fortress for Bethel (v. 12). The LORD told Joshua not to be afraid or discouraged by what happened at the town of Ai (vv. 1-2). Take the army and attack …

In this chapter Moses deals with foods, talking about those that were acceptable and those which were forbidden for Israel to eat. When it comes to animals, they are divided into three classes: land (vv. 4-8), water (vv. 9-10), and air (vv. 11-20. He lists the animals that they should not eat…

Paul shares five things that a good Christian leader needs to be disciplined in: …

This chapter opens with a new act of war being declared by the Philistines against Israel. David found himself in a compromising situation as King Achish asked David and his troops to join forces with the Philistines against Israel. If he said no, he would be in big trouble and if he said …

A seven-branched candlestick of pure gold provided the only light within the tent itself, just as Jesus is the light of the world (vv. 31-32). This golden lampstand was the most beautiful piece of furniture in the tabernacle. Its decorative flower-like cups, buds and blossoms were …

Ezekiel explains in prophetic form the last declining years of Judah. He uses an illustration of a lioness and her cubs to illustrate his message (vv. 1-9). With this picture of the lioness and her cubs he raised the curiosity of his listeners. It is suggested that the li …