Compromise
Jotham’s Good Reign in Judah
Pekahiah, Menahem’s son, reigned two years before being killed in a conspiracy by Pekah. Pekah then assumed the throne of Israel. It seems that he had never accepted Menahem’s claim to the throne and prior to this had set up a rival government east of the Jordan River in Gilead …
Pilate’s Compromise
Pilate sought to compromise to please both sides. Long before His arrest in the garden, the Jewish leaders had planned to kill Jesus (John 11:47-51), but they lacked the right to execute him. Seeking Roman approval, they brought Jesus before Pilate (v. 28). Pilate wasn’t anxious to get involved in …
A Man of God Goes to Bethel
Just as Jeroboam was about to burn incense at the altar at Bethel a prophet of God from Judah appeared. He pronounced one of the most remarkable prophecies in all of Scripture as he predicted the name and actions of a king who would not appear on the scene for almost 300 years. …
The Plague of Flies
In the previous plagues, of turning water to blood and the frogs, the Egyptian magicians were able to imitate Moses. Today’s plague, however, of turning the dust into lice could not be imitated (vv.16-18). In fact, the magicians even told the king that God had done this but …
Joshua’s Farewell Address
As this chapter opens some twenty years have passed since the wars in Canaan. Joshua knew that his days on this earth were numbered. He had a deep concern, for he observed a growing complacency on the part of Israel toward the Canaanites that still dwelt in the land which should …