The character of the sheep is seen in their conduct (vv. 17-22). The wicked sheep are those that follow the conduct of the shepherds, oppressing the weaker sheep. God will not permit these wicked practices to continue. Instead He will rescue the oppressed and will judge the …
A good name is far more important in life than to accumulate a lot of wealth (v. 1). A person may acquire wealth (v. 2) but that does not separate him from the poor, for both are creatures whose maker is the Lord. God therefore is concerned about everyone, regardless of their economic status …
As the children of Israel leave Egypt they go south from Rames to Succoth (v. 37) which is along the western side of the Red Sea. It states that there were 600,000 Israelite men plus women and children. Therefore it is estimated that the entire group must have surpassed…
David meets Ziba, the servant of Methibosheth, as he starts down the backside of the Mount of Olives (v. 1). Ziba had two donkeys that were carrying 200 loaves of bread, 100 clusters of raisins, 100 figs, and some wine. David asked him who all of this was for and he replied that …
“Whoredom and wine and new wine†(v. 11) are the sins that commonly accompany idolatry. These sins dull the sensitivity and understanding so that the people no longer wish to even retain God in their thoughts. Instead of consulting the God who made the trees and t …
At this point in his letter Paul switches from prophecy to practical Christian living. He turns from Satan’s lies to God’s truth and from warning to thanksgiving and prayer. He explains how every believer has the following responsibilities to God’s truth:Believe …
The verses in the closing part of this chapter contain some of the most comforting promises in all of Scripture. Believers have always had to face hardships in many forms. These could cause us to fear that we have been abandoned by Christ. However, Paul explains that it is imposs …
Some Bible scholars think this psalm was written in the days of King Jehoshaphat (II Chron. 20) when the surrounding nations mobilized against that godly King of Judah. These surrounding people were all idolaters and Judah itself had been infected by their influence. However, …
Following his return across the Jordan, Elisha was faced with three situations that confirmed his call. The first situation established his authority. The 50 prophets from Jordan did not realize that Elijah had permanently been ushered into the presence of God. Therefore …
At the beginning of this chapter, we find Festus, the new governor, coming into power (v. 1). Felix had been recalled to Rome in disgrace. Festus was a much stronger leader, but he only served two years before dying in office. Ananias took the opportunity to get rid of Paul (vv. 2-3). When Festus …