This chapter includes the insulting of David’s ambassadors by the Ammonites (vv. 1-5), Israel’s victory over the Ammonites under Joab’s leadership (vv. 6-15) and Israel’s campaign against the Syrians (vv. 16-19). The King of Ammon had died, and David had sent a delegation to comfort …
Realizing their uncleanness (vv. 5-7), they ask God to smite their enemies (vv. 1–4). They prayed that the Lord tear the heavens like a piece of cloth, come down (vv. 1-2) and execute judgment on the nations. Fire and boiling water picture judgment (Jer. 1:13–14). The …
Paul traveled from Athens to Corinth (v. 1) where he quickly found friends, Aquila and his wife Priscilla, a Jewish couple (v. 2). They were fellow tentmakers who invited Paul to come and stay with them (v. 3). They became steadfast ministry partners for Paul, serving faithfully and even …
In a single night Zechariah saw a series of eight visions which were interpreted by an angel and described the future of the nation Israel. All eight visions occurred on one night and constitutes a unit of revelation. The source of Zechariah’s visions is clearly given in the phra …
Few people were more religious than young Paul of Tarsus. He knew all about religious orthodoxy and how it can make a sincere and zealous person the very enemy of Christ. Orthodoxy in religion requires both access to the truth and accountability to the truth. Paul was speaking to Jews who …
As we read this passage, we must remember that the Jews believed that other nations were outside the mercy of God. The strict Jew would have no contact with a Gentile, or even with a Jew, who did not observe the Law. In particular, he would never have a guest nor ever be the guest of a man …
Today we see the closing remarks of Solomon’s prayer with his people to God. His prayers and concern reach out to those beyond his own surroundings to foreign missions. He looked around as he called on God to hear the prayer of believing foreigners (vv. 32- 35). By hearing them, …
Man is constantly striving to get ahead in this life and often leaves God out in the process. It may seem good at the time but in the end it will be death and eternal separation from God forever (v. 12). By his laughter a person may give the impression that he is enjoyi …
Jesus traveled to the region of Caesarea Philippi (v. 13) where Baal and Augustus Caesar were worshipped as gods. Jesus used questions to teach His disciples. On this occasion, He asked, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” Jesus has no interest in dispassionate, hypothetical views …
This psalm was written by a man who was conscious of the pressures surrounding Israel (vv. 1- 18). Probably the events in the days of Jehoshaphat most closely approximate the situation envisioned here. All the enemies of Jehovah; the Edomites, Ishmaelites, Gebalites, Ammonites, Am …