Recent Commentaries

Four crimes are stated that required the death penalty (vv. 12-17):1. Premeditated Murder (vv. 12-14) – It is clearly stated here that to take the life of a murder is not the violation of “Thou shalt no kill” but was clearly commanded by God.2. Physical viole …

At about the same time David was arranging for the arrival of the ark he was also undertaking several building projects (v. l). The primary project was the construction of his own royal palace, which was considered essential in establishing the reign of a new king in that part of the world at …

This chapter opens with a historic reminder of the fall of Ar, the capital of Moab and their chief fortress (v. 1). For centuries, Moab, located east of the Dead Sea, had been an enemy of Israel. The Moabites were the product of Lot’s incestuous union with his daughter (G …

As the vision continues, the prophet sees a stream of water which flows from beneath the south side of the threshold or platform on which the temple is built. The stream of water flows in an easterly direction, south of the altar, and passes under the outside wall of the in …

In the closing verses of chapter one Solomon, as the new King, forgave his brother Adonijah for his attempted takeover of the kingdom and told him to go his way and behave himself. Now in this passage we have a new and strange turn of events. Adonijah comes to Bathsheba (the Quee …

It is far better to be poor and walk before the Lord in righteousness than to be wealthy and dishonest (v. 1). Integrity is far more valuable than wealth, but many people don’t act as if they …

God’s people are never more vulnerable than right after they have experienced a great victory. Yesterday’s victory does not make us immune from defeat today. There must be a continuing depen¬dence on the Lord. In the victory at Jericho Joshua had made it clear that no Israelite soldier …

There were over 60 million slaves in the Roman empire at the time Peter was writing this letter. A slave could purchase his freedom if he had the money and if his master was willing to set him free. Also, someone else could pay the price, thus redeeming them, so he could go free. Redemption …

After approximately two decades of apostasy in Judah, a dedicated worshiper of God took the Throne. Asa, son of Abijah, occupied the Davidic throne for 41 years. He led the first of five great reformations in Judah. He was assessed as a generally good ruler who destroyed pagan objects of …

The key word in this chapter is “if” (v. 1). If this great nation (Israel) which God had miraculously brought out of Egypt obeyed the Lord, every aspect of her life would be blessed. If, as a nation, she failed she would be scattered throughout the earth to endure suffering and great tribulation…