While Ezra was down on his knees in front of God’s temple, praying with tears in his eyes, and confessing the sins of the people of Israel, a large number of men, women, and children gathered around him and cried bitterly (v. 1). Shecaniah son of Jehiel from the family of Elam sa …
A third wake-up call is addressed to Jerusalem and is a command not only to wake up, but to dress up (vv. 1-6). She must put on her beautiful garments (v. 1). She shall no longer be a servant girl trodden under foot by the gentile nations, but she shall once again be the holy city (v. 2). God sold …
Lazarus probably died about the same time the messenger arrived to tell Jesus about his sickness (v. 17). Since Palestine is a warm climate and decomposition sets in quickly, a person was usually buried the same day he died. Therefore, Lazarus had been placed in a tomb. Since Bethany was …
The author of Hebrews wants to talk about many others who were great men and women of faith, but time will not permit it. He lists several people in Biblical history who did mighty deeds of faith. From this variety of personalities, we can see how faith can operate in the life of any person who …
Isaiah’s sixth and final pronouncement of “woe” upon the kingdoms of Israel and Judah dealt with the devastation that would come upon the land (v. 1). It was directed against Sennacherib because of his treachery against Judah. When Jerusalem was surrounded by the Assyrians, there was a …
1. The descendants of Issachar (vv. 1-5). Issachar was the father of four sons, who were all brave soldiers and family leaders in their clans. According to records the tribe of Issachar had a total of 87,000 warriors …
God promised to restore Israel not only physically, but spiritually. To accomplish this, God would give them a new heart for following Him and put his spirit within them to transform them and empower them to do His will (vv. 25-30). Again the new covenant was promised, ulti …
Due to Rehoboam’s dictatorial threat, he alienated the 12 tribes and only the closest countrymen from Judah did not abandon him. Rehoboam’s insensitivity to the Israelites’ hardships extinguished any hope they may have entertained of economic recovery. His dictator …
The keyword in this passage is “Watch†(v. 37). Jesus compares His going away as to a man who takes a long journey and leaves his servants to watch over things while he is gone (vv. 33-34). Jesus has left the earth to go to His Father and left His disciples with the …
Again we find in this passage that something is lost, the lost is found and because of it there is great rejoicing. This is the parable of: The lost son (vv. 11-24) – The son is willfully lost. He wanted to have his own way so he rebelled against his own father and brok …