Absalom, son of David, had a beautiful sister named Tamar. Amnon, David’s son also and Absalom’s brother, fell in love with Tamar his half-sister (vv. 1-6). Frustrated because he failed to win her favor, Amnon sought the counsel of his cousin Jonadab. He advised Amnon …
The Lord told Moses to say to Aaron and his sons (vv. 1-2): I am the Lord God, and I demand that you honor my holy name by showing proper respect for the offerings brought to me by the people of Israel. If any of you are unclean when you accept an offering for me, I will no longe …
Some people try to make verse 12 say we need to “work for our salvation” instead of “work out our salvation.” Paul is writing to people who are already Christians. He is telling them to put into practice in their daily living what God has already worke …
The key to this passage is found in verse 17 – “If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.†The sequence is important, which is humbleness, holiness and then happiness. Happiness is the by- product of a life that is lived in humbleness and holiness (vv. 12-17). The world thinks that …
Isaac found himself overwhelmed by famine and decides to go to Egypt until it was over (v. 1). Abraham had done the same thing with negative results. But the Lord appeared to Isaac and promised to bless him if he stayed in the land (vv. 2-5). Isaac agreed and moved to Gerar, a town …
The people spread through the land of Egypt rather rapidly. Jeremiah calls them all together after they have been there a few months and announces to them that they are still doing the same things that brought judgment on them in Judah (vv. 1-7). Jeremiah says; the Lord told me t …
In this passage, Pilate declares Jesus innocent three times, yet subjects Him to a terrible beating (18:38-19:1). His actions speak louder than his words. He was a weak-willed man who hoped to find a happy compromise. Pilate asks the question, “What is truth†(v. …
During the Feast of Tabernacles, the women’s court in the temple was lighted by giant lamps with burning wicks made from the priests’ worn-out garments. This reminded the people of how God was with them in the wilderness, guiding them by a pillar of fire by night. In this setting we find …
Paul, writing from Macedonia, hoped that news of the generosity of these churches would encourage the Corinthian believers, motivate them to solve their problems, and unite the fellowship. He is usually thought of as being a great theologian and missionary. However, what is often not …
The Pharisees left their interaction with Jesus planning to kill Him (v. 14). Being aware of their plans, Jesus withdrew from that place (v. 15). As he left the synagogue, many followed Him and “He healed them all” (v. 15). After He healed them, Jesus asked that they not tell anyone who He …