Here the maiden speaks of herself as a Rose of Sharon and the Lily of the Valley, which were flowers that were commonly found in Israel (vv. 1-2). It seems that she is saying, “I am only one among a host of others. Why would you choose me?†No, the groom replies, you are not ordinary …
The riches of a wise person tend to shine as a testimony of his wisdom. On the contrary, no matter what possessions a fool may possess, they are filled with folly and nothing he has can bring him any ultimate profit. People who witness in a court of law have a big respo …
The Lord in His grace and mercy speaks to Jonah a second time (v. 1). Despite his previous unfaithfulness, Jonah is given a second opportunity to carry out his work for the Lord. The command given to him in (v. 2) is essentially the same as that given to him in 1:2. It reveals God’s …
This section begins with a summons to “seek the Lord†before the day of judgment arrives. “Seeking†the Lord could refer either to desiring from Him a word of revelation (1:6) or to turning to Him in repentance. It is the opposite, then, of either indifference to the Lord or abandoning Him …
As a result of all that had happened, Job was estranged from his family and friends. Even his wife and kin could no longer stand to be around him (v. 19). Physically he was just skin and bones and barely alive (v. 20). So he asked his friends to have pity on him and to stop all t …
Selfishness and disunity of God’s people was and continues to be a big problem. By nature, all of us are rebels who want to be celebrities instead of servants. The disciples were no exception; they wanted to know who was greatest in the kingdom (v.1). In this passage Jesus teaches three …
This event likely took place after the mission of the disciples (Mk. 6:7). The multiplication of Jesus influence through His disciples caused Herod to get upset. When Herod heard about Jesus and His miraculous powers, he was sure that John the Baptist had risen from the dead (vv. 1-2). This was …
Exodus records Israel’s birth as a nation. During their time in Egypt, one Hebrew family of seventy persons rapidly multiplies. This small group of people develops into an infant nation numbering between two and three million who God protects, feeds and nurtures. The key fi …
In this chapter the Lord tells how He will restore the nation. The emphasis is on righteousness and peace. Peace may be outward and inward. Isaiah pictured the day when Christ will return to establish physical peace in the world. The picture is one of the redeemed enterin …
The closing verses in this chapter expand more fully the great theme of the believer’s security. We can be sure that God works in “all things†for our good (v. 28). This promise is not for everyone. It can be claimed only by those who love God and are called according to His purpose. Believers …