The event in this chapter demonstrates the subtlety of Satan; for what he could not curse, he would corrupt both by idolatry and immorality (vv. 1-2). Balaam wasn’t able to curse Israel, but he knew how to defile them and seduce them into sin so great that Jehovah would judge the …
The scene switches to the events occurring in Judah. When Jehoshaphat died, his son Jehoram became king (v. 16). He was 32 years old when he became king, and he ruled eight years from Jerusalem (v. 17). At this point in the history of Judah, the foolish alliance Jehoshaphat had …
Some of the phrases in this passage describing the human king of Tyre seem to describe Satan. It is clear that at times Ezekiel describes this king in terms that could not apply to a mere man. The king had been to the Garden of Eden (v. 13), had been “the appointed c …
This passage reveals a deeper investigation into the relative values of wisdom and folly. Solomon has found out from experience that wisdom and pleasure does not have the answer. Now he reasons that maybe if I just put my nose to the grindstone and really stay on the job I …
The prophet Eusocial, having in the former part of this chapter received instructions for the awakening of those that were at ease in Zion, is in these verses furnished with words for those that mourned in Babylon and sat by the rivers weeping when they remembered Zion. T …
In this passage we find that heaven was not simply a destination for Paul; it was also a motivation. He was anxiously waiting for the day when he would fully participate in the abundant life promised in heaven. He used a tent or earthly house as a picture of our present earthly bodies (v. 1). A tent …
As we come to the last chapter of this Corinthian letter most of the church has repented and changed its attitude toward Paul. However, there is a handful of people who are still following the false teachers and living in a worldly manner and open immorality. It is with this in mind that Paul …
The Jews assumed that by virtue of their national origin and their religious works they were assured a place in the Kingdom. They thought they could manipulate the Messiah into adapting to their conception of the Kingdom. Quite the opposite was true. Entrance into the Kingdom is not …
This brief Psalm records a prayer by David, asking for a quick rescue from his present circumstances (v. 1). The psalmist was desperate, his circumstances were urgent, his enemies were gloating over his misfortunes. God did not seem to be acting fast enough, this was an SOS …
Most Bible scholars believe that the events recorded in this passage took place on Thursday of Passion week. This was the first day of the seven-day Feast of the Unleavened bread and the day Passover lambs were sacrificed (Mark 14:12). It was necessary for Jesus and His disciples to find …