In this chapter Job talks to God about the seeming futility of his life. He questions as to why God should keep him alive. What is all this suffering accomplishing? Job says, “If I am a great sinner, either pardon my sins or take my life. Either way I will find some pe …
This takes us back to the year 605 B.C., when Nebuchadnezzar first came up against Judah. He was met by the armies of Egypt at the city of Carchemish on the Euphrates River, and there one of the great strategic battles of all history was fought (vv. 1-2). Here Jeremiah is describ …
When the king’s messenger arrived, Elisha announced a prophecy. He said that within 24 hours the siege would be over and there would be plenty to eat (vv. 1-2). This officer sent by Joram found this prophecy to be incredible and expressed his utter disbelief that God could or …
The sorrow and remorse of Ezra made a great impact on the people. So much so that a large group of people joined Ezra at the temple who were really sorry for the sin of those who had intermarried with the heathen. Ezra, the priest, stood up before the people and told them they ha …
Jesus chose Capernaum as the headquarters of His Galilean ministry. This was a commercial city on the main road of traffic between Egypt and Damascus. We find Jesus back in this city in a crowded house preaching the Word. Four men came carrying their paralyzed friend on a stretch …
As in the previous Psalm, David explained his situation of being trapped in a cave in Engedi where he had fled to escape from Saul. There seemed to be no way of escape from his enemies. David’s …
The Lord told Moses (v. 22) to say to the people: Don’t eat the fat of cattle, sheep, or goats (v. 23). If one of your animals dies or is killed by some wild animal, you may do anything with its fat except eat it (v. 24). If you eat the fat of an animal that can be used as a sac …
The Christian life will include times of hardship and trials. We must not live with only our own survival in mind. Others will follow our example and we have a responsibility to them. Every boy knows that his father does not discipline the neighbor children. He disciplines him, a …
It seems that the nations around Israel have many myths about sea monsters. “Leviathan†was a seven-headed monster and enemy of God’s created order (vv. 1-2). To slay “leviathan†was a great achievement and the Lord promised to do it (Ps 74:14). When t …
Paul speaks in his own defense, stating that he has not broken the Law of his people and that he has not done anything against either the temple or the Emperor (v. 8). Festus, wanting to please the Jews, proposed to Paul that he go up to Jerusalem to stand trial (v. 9). At …