Solomon’s kingdom was unified, secure, strong, and prosperous, with a large population. Solomon’s rule extended over all the kingdoms from the river Euphrates to the border of Egypt (v. 21). His kingdom was strong, secure, and prosperous with a very large population. Ver …
David reigned at Hebron for seven-and-one-half years before the men of Israel asked him to become their king, recognizing his divine appointment (vv. 1-2). David made a covenant with the elders (v. 3) pledging his loyalty to the requirements of the law of Moses (Deut. 17:14-20). Then …
Solomon’s wisdom is put to the test. Two prostitutes, living in the same house, each had a baby three days apart. During the night one of the babies died and his mother exchanged the dead child for the living child. The next morning the other woman realized that the dead son w …
We do not know for sure what inspired this psalm, however it seems to have been used in the temple after the Babylonian captivity as a special song for the Sabbath. The question: “Is it possible that a godly person can rejoice in the destruction of the wicked? Sh …
I have known pastors, missionaries, and Bible school students who argue that since they devote their whole life to serving the Lord, they are not obligated to give financially to the Lord’s work. Paul says just the opposite is true (vv. 7-8). If you are gifted from God, you ought to want to give …
The word command means a military order. Some of the Christian soldiers in the church at Thessalonica were breaking rank and disobeying orders, and Paul had to admonish them. We find disorderly conduct (v. 6) and busybodies (v. 11) in the Thessalonian Church and Paul deals with t …
In chapters 11 through 20, Jeremiah’s problems are brought to light. These challenges are a result of his faithfulness to the prophetic message. God gives two basic commands regarding His covenant. First is to hear, and second it to speak (v. 2). The word hear is used six ti …
Her second advance against the Benjamites was again fiercely checked as 18,000 of her warriors lay dead on the field of battle (vv. 24-25). Perhaps one reason the Lord permitted Israel to have these initial defeats was to bring then to a point of repentance. Now fasting and the offering of …
In the 32nd chapter of Jeremiah’s prophecy we find that what got him thrown in jail was his insistence that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, would conquer Jerusalem. Jerusalem’s king Zedekiah didn’t like that! While in prison, Jeremiah’s cousin, Hanameel o …
Jesus was led off to the high priest and all the other leaders (v. 53). Peter followed at a distance and sat down beside a fire with the guards (v. 54). Jesus knew what it was like to be falsely accused (vv 55-59). The Sanhedrin had seventy-one members which included the Sadducee …