When Esau returned home and discovered his expected blessing had been given to Jacob, he was furious. Jacob had twice deceived Esau, by taking his birthright (Gen. 25:27-34) and now by taking his blessing. It meant that Esau’s descendants (the Edomites) would occupy a land less fertile than …
In the last part of this chapter Isaiah turns his attention to an internal matter in the affairs of Jerusalem. Shebna, referred to as the treasurer, was apparently second to King Hezekiah in authority (v. 15). He used his authority (and possibly the King’s money) to build h …
Solomon had both internal and external adversaries. We have already heard about Hadad, the Edomite, who had taken refuge in Egypt and lived for the day he could take revenge of David’s slaughter of the Edomites. Apparently he caused trouble for Solomon militarily (v. 25). Now we …
Paul now turns his attention to those about to be married: the betrothed. Jesus never gave instruction for those about to be married (v. 25a). Paul was confident, however, that his counsel, through the Holy Spirit, would be accurate and helpful (v. 25b). The question was, “Must a …
God had told Samuel all about Saul (vv. 15-16). As soon as Samuel sees Saul the Lord tells him this is the man who shall reign over my people (v. 17). He was a man who impressed even Samuel. When Saul asks to see the seer, Samuel identifies himself and instructs Saul to precede h …
As we read this, we must remember that the Christians have been raptured out of the world before this time. These are the things that will happen during the great tribulation period. The last three trumpet judgments are generally associated with the last three and one-half years of the seventieth …
After seeing Jesus cast out a demon, He was accused by some of doing it in Satan’s power. They even said that He was possessed by Satan himself (vv. 14-16). Jesus answered their charges with two basic arguments: Their accusation was illogical – It would be ridiculous for …
Elihu was polite in his waiting, and kind in his speaking, but he was an angry young man (vv. 1-5). He was angry with the three friends for failing to convince Job of his sins, and for Job justifying himself rather than God. He agreed with the friends that Job was a sinner, but h …
Not long after David had become king, he mentioned to Nathan that he was bothered because he was living in a palace while the Ark of the Covenant was in a tent (v. 1). Nathan replied now that he was king, he could have whatever he wanted (v. 2). However, the Lord told Nathan that he …
The feeding of the five thousand is the only miracle that is recorded in all four gospels. It takes place right after the disciples return from a successful preaching tour and Jesus had decided they could do with some needed rest (vv. 30-31). He had gotten into a boat with …