Recent Commentaries

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 …

The wilderness of Sin was the perfect place for God to test and shape the character of His people. One month after their departure from Egypt Israel lacked sufficient food, but instead of trusting the Lord they complained (vv. 1-2). The lack of bread caused the people to fo …

With Israel divided there was constant tension between the north and the south. From the beginning of David’s reign his real rival in the north was not Ishbosheth but Abner. In order to settle the question of royal succession Abner, the general in the north and David’s military l …

In this passage James reminds Christians who are going through trials that God rewards those who remain steadfast. The reward is twofold: The possession of an inner blessedness (v. 12a). Happiness is not affected by outward circumstances. It is for those who are poor, …

Hezekiah was 25 years old when he became king. He ruled in Jerusalem for 29 years (v. 1). He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as king David had done (vv. 2-3). Through him revival came to the land. King Hezekiah was a man who cried for national revival. This passage …

Wise leadership always seeks advice but many of us hate to admit that we need to be taught. Have you ever thought about the “why of many counselors?” God seems to do his best work through a group of men rather than by a “lone wolf” (v. 22). Seldom does the &qu …

Don’t pass judgment until you are fully informed (v. 13). Jumping to conclusions before hearing the facts are unwise and will bring a person to shame. Give yourself the three-way test before speaking about someone: Is it kind? Is it necessary? Is it true? Being cheerful helps when we are …

Moses had left his family with his father-in-law Jethro, who was the priest of Midian when he returned to Egypt. Now they all joined Moses in the wilderness (vv. 1-5). Jethro apparently had followed the happenings of his son-in-law, with great interest and when the Israelites ca …

As this chapter begins, Elisha was still accompanying Elijah whose home base was in Gilgal (v. 1). They leave this site and go down to Bethel (v. 2). Elijah went to visit two schools of prophets for the last time. Three times Elijah, as a test, asked Elisha not to follow him, b …

The prophet declares that Nineveh’s fate is as certain at that of the Egyptian city of Thebes, which Assyria had conquered in 663 B.C. Both cities depended on their rivers: Thebes had the Nile, and Nineveh had the Tigris. Unlike Nineveh, Thebes had many allies: (1) Cush refers to Southern …