Manoah and his wife did not have any children because she was barren. So, the birth of Samson was miraculous as was the birth of Isaac, or Joseph or Benjamin. Manoah accepted that the visitor was a “man of God” (v.8), prayed for a second visit and that he and his wife would be prepared for
Many people seem honest. They say the right words, but a closer look reveals their unfaithfulness (v. 6). Our children are like mirrors, reflecting our attitudes in life (v. 7). We need to be careful …
After the temple was described, its daily operation was explained to Ezekiel. A new way of life and worship will be practiced by the people during the Millennium. Yet in describing the holy standards in Israel’s future worship, Ezekiel asked the people of his day to reevalu …
The famine was so great in Canaan that Jacob decided to send his sons (except Benjamin) down to Egypt to buy food (vv. 1-3). Benjamin was the only son by Rachel that he still had, and Jacob did not want something to happen to him (v. 4). Many other people from Canaan went to Egypt to buy …
After a strong warning against idolatry (v.v. 15-20), Moses for the third time refers to the Lord’s refusal to let him cross the Jordan and enter Canaan (v. 21; Deut. 1:37; Deut. 3:26-27). Certainly, his repetition of the Lord’s prohibition points out his deep disappointment. Since the people were …
The Most Holy Place in the temple was sealed from view by the veil (v. 20). Only the high priest could enter this holy room, and he did so only once a year on the Day of Atonement when he offered the sacrifice for sins. This passage encourages us to boldly enter God’s presence …
Even though Samson had already gotten into trouble with two women he now gets involved with a third woman in the valley of Sorek which was not far from his home (v. 4). It was here that Delilah came into his life and led him to his doom. Three times Delilah enticed Samson, and t …
In this chapter, Paul has been analyzing the civilization of the first century Roman Empire. He describes the moral life of great cities like Ephesus, Corinth, and Rome. However, the letter describes exactly what happened last night in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago …
Between the events of chapter 6 and the return of Ezra in this chapter is a period of fifty-seven years. Although the people had re-established temple worship under Zerubbabel and Joshua they were obviously living in a backslidden and despondent condition. No further refere …
In Proverbs being wise in God’s view means being godly or righteous (vv. 24-25). Wise, godly living, in obedience to the parents’ discipline, not only benefits the child; it also benefits the parents. Again, the son was exhorted to follow his father’s teaching (vv. 26- 28). The words “give me your …