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 …
In these few verses the writer encourages his readers to depend on the Lord as he urges them to look by faith in two directions: Look back – Here we see the bad example of Esau (vv. 16-17). Esau was a person who lived for the world and not for God. He came in from the field h …
God used Egypt’s animosity to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. God sent his servant Moses and Aaron to His people in Egypt, and they worked miracles and wonders there (vv. 26-27). The psalmist does not list all the miracles, nor does he place them in the order they occurred, but he …
This portion of scripture is often referred to as “the law of the harvestâ€, “the law of cause and effect†or “the sowing and reaping principle.†If certain things are done, other things will occur.He starts off by saying that just as the teacher shar …
The word conscience is used 32 times in the New Testament, and it plays a big part in what we do or what we do not do in life. It is that part of us that either approves or condemns our actions. It is not necessarily governed by law but depends on knowledge. Therefore, the more spiritual …
Mark indicates that the crucifixion began around nine o’clock in the morning (Mark 15:25 “third hourâ€). From then until noon Jesus repeatedly prayed “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do†(Lk. 24:34). He spoke to the repentant thief …
Samson was the laughingstock of the Philistines (vv. 23- 25). The Philistines celebrated Samson’s imprisonment by assembling to worship Dagon their fish god. Dagon was given all the glory, not the God of Israel. There was a temple to Dagon, and he appears to have been the chief deity of the …
Ephesus was known for its magic, and apparently the Christians had not yet put away all such evil practices (vv. 11-12). However, we need to take note that these were special miracles (v. 11) and not to be duplicated by others. There was no New Testament in existence in those days, so God …
In this chapter Ezekiel predicts the complete destruction of Judah. The wicked and proud will finally get what they deserve. If it seems as though God ignores the evil and proud people in our day, we can be assured that a day of judgment will come, just as it came for the …