Paul has already charged that both Jews and Gentiles are guilty before God. Now he declares that all men are sinners, and he seeks to prove it with references from the Old Testament. “All are under sin” (v. 9). This sin reaches into every area of life …
The writer drew a distinction between those people who lived in Jerusalem and those who lived in Gibeon. There were Benjamites who lived in Jerusalem and others who lived in Gibeon. Gibeon was where the central sanctuary stood during most of Saul’s reign and from then until Solomon …
Pergamos was the capital of a Roman province located about 55 miles north of Smyrna and was known for its learning, science and especially medicine. Like Ephesus and Smyrna, it was a wealthy city but was stooped in idolatry and was averse to any Christian life and testimony. It …
Solomon searched for life’s meaning as you would an experiment. He first tried pursuing pleasure (vv. 1-3). He undertook great projects, bought slaves and herds and flocks (vv. 4-7). Then he amassed great wealth, acquired singers and added many women to his harem (v. 8).&nb …
In chapters 24-27 of this book Isaiah declares three ways that God will comfort His chosen people in this awesome day of judgment: The Lord will judge His enemies – Chapter 24 The Lord will preserve His people – Chapter 25 The Lord will restore the nation – Chapter 26 …
The writer in this passage stresses a determination to keep the Word (vv. 65-72). God is good all the time. The emphasis in the first two verses (vv. 65-66) is on what is good in the life of the believer. God does what is good because God is good and because what He does is according to …
Even though Israel and Judah had been held by their captures who refused to let them go (v.33) the Lord vowed to defend their cause. He said that He would give them rest in their own land while giving unrest to Babylon (v.34). This threat of unrest is pictured as a sword going th …
This passage offers the answer concerning the inadequacy of the sacrifices offered by the priests (vv. 1-4). We also see the sufficiency of the sacrifice offered by Christ. These verses refer to the daily sacrifices on the annual Day of Atonement. There simply is no animal sacrifice …
The fall of commercial Babylon is covered in this passage. The context of chapter 18 with its many references to the kings and merchants and commerce shows that, in this setting, Babylon is viewed in her political, economic, and commercial character, rather than in her religious…
The oppressive rule of a wicked leader is compared to the vicious attack of a roaring lion (v. 15). He oppresses the poor like a wild beast among the people. He bears rule with a heavy hand and fails to see that the security of his job should be related to the welfare of those under him (v. 16) …