Consequences
David’s Terrifying Oppression - Psalms 55:1 – 55:14 (commentary)
If we are ever tempted to give up or to run away from our problems, then this is the Psalm for us. It seems that David wrote this Psalm when Absalom’s rebellion was coming to a head in Jerusalem. He felt what so many of us have felt when things have piled up on …
Wicked Words Are The Product of An Evil Heart - Proverbs 12:11 – 12:16 (commentary)
A farmer who tilleth his land and works hard day after day will have plenty of good. On the other hand a man who lives in a dream world either physically or mentally and does not get his work done shows a lack of judgment (v. 11).Things that wicked people accumulate by devious me …
The Renegade Who Lusted for Power - Judges 9:1 – 9:15 (commentary)
It is interesting to note that after Judges 8 Gideon’s name per se is never mentioned again. In Judges 9 he is always called Jerubbaal! He took many wives and raised a family of seventy sons for which his family would suffer bitterly. God had warned future leaders through the law about taking many ...
Nathan Rebukes David - II Samuel 12:1 – 12:14 (commentary)
The critics who say that God allowed David to get by with his great sin apparently haven’t read the whole story. God’s man can get in sin, but he will not stay in sin. That is what distinguishes God’s man from the man of the world. God left David in his guilty state for almost a …
Ezekiel Reinforces the Law - Ezekiel 20:17 – 20:32 (commentary)
At the very beginning of Israel’s history, God clearly warned the people about the consequences of disobedience (Duet. 28:15). When the people disobeyed, God let them experience many devastating consequences, to remind them of the seriousness of their sins. The second gen …
Living With The Consequences - Deuteronomy 3:12 – 3:29 (commentary)
In the last half of this chapter Moses reviews the distribution of this conquered land (vv. 12-29). The kingdom of Og was given to the tribes of Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh which chose to stay on the east side of the Jordan River (vv. 12-13). Jair, a descendant of Manasseh, took ...
Nadab’s Evil Reign in Israel - I Kings 15:25 – 15:34 (commentary)
This passage of scripture now returns to the history of Israel. The heir apparent to Israel’s throne, Abijah, had died in childhood. Therefore, his brother Nadab ascended to the throne. His reign lasted for less than two years (vv. 25-32). He continued the policies begun by his …
God Orders 3000 People Killed - Exodus 32:25 – 32:35 (commentary)
Moses knew that the Israelites were out of control and it was Aaron’s fault (v. 25). The people had cast off all restraints (Prov. 29:18). Moses realized that decisive action was required, so he challenged the people by standing at the gate and shouting, “Everyone who is on …