Keep in mind that when Moses composes this song, Israel is not yet in the promised land. It is prophetic as it is intended to challenge them to godliness. It shows how prosperity is more dangerous than adversity (v. 15). In adverse circumstances a believer is reminded of ho …
In this chapter, David is compelled to leave his homeland because of the slander of Cush and the betrayal of the people of Ziph. At Engedi there seemed to be a complete and harmonious reconciliation between David and Saul. Yet, in just a brief time, Saul was again hunting David. …
Those who are evildoers will sooner or later, be cut down as the scythe cuts down the grass of the field (v. 9). There is a shortness of time to do things (v. 10). The meek may never have an abundance of things, but why should they care? An abundance of peace is theirs, an …
Jeremiah wanted to know why a holy God would allow the false prophets and unfaithful priests to prosper if God was angry with their sins (vv. 1-4). His question, “Why does the way of the wicked prosper?†was also asked by Job, the psalmist, and other prophets besides J …
Boaz is described as a kinsman of Elimelech’s (Naomi’s husband who died) al¬though the exact relationship is not told. Ruth and Naomi were very poor and so it was fortunate that they arrived at their new home in the beginning of harvest. There were not many ways of earning a living open …
This passage gives a complete genealogy of the Israelites and the list begins by mentioning Reuben and Simeon, the two oldest of the twelve sons of Jacob (vv. 14-15). The next name to appear is Levi, the third son of Jacob and Leah and the prominence given to him becomes apparent …
All this time Joab has not forgotten that Abner had slain his brother. Joab took things into his own hands by having Abner return to Hebron (v. 26). Pretending to whisper something of importance to Abner, Joab took him aside and stabbed him to death. Hebron was one of the c …
In the evening following the feeding of the 5000, the disciples got into a boat and left Jesus behind while they began to row toward Capernaum (vv. 16-17). As it became dark, a strong wind was blowing them off course (v. 18). Suddenly, to their amazement, they saw Jesus not far from the …
In this passage Isaiah describes how people make their own god’s. This exposure of idolatry is the most powerful in the Bible. How absurd to make a god from the same tree that gives firewood. It shows how those who make idols are just like them: blind and ignorant and not …
The words of an ungodly man who gets involved in gossip are like burning fire that pass from his lips and have the scorching malice of hell (v. 27). Gossip is no good! It causes hard feelings and division comes between friends (v 28).The things in this passage can happen to anyon …