Taste & See

April 7, 2025 — Unholy Matrimony

Balaam-like, Satan can’t curse God’s people, but he can turn the blessing of marriage into a battlefield. Do you recall...

April 4, 2025 — Journey’s Rest

“O the sweet rest that’s prepared for the faithful Will be His blest and final, ‘Well done.’” —L.E. Campbell They...

April 3, 2025 — Who’s Providing Security?

Commentators differ on the dollar value of the treasure to be transported, but all agree it was a lot! The...

April 2, 2025 — We Can’t Make It Without Levites?

The Jewish Levites were servants to the priests; the Gentile Nethinim were servants to the servants! According to University Hospitals’...

April 1, 2025 — Heads Of Households

“A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” —John C. Maxwell As we...

March 31, 2025 — Of Saints & Stars

“When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers…What is man that You are mindful of him?” (Ps 8:3-4). Knowing...

March 28, 2025 — Artaxerxes’ Checklist

Be willing in your sacrifice. Be careful in your spending. Deliver fully in your service. And teach others. Artaxerxes’ letter...

March 27, 2025 — Ezra Arrives On The Scene

As they left, so they returned, in three waves: under Jeshua (538 BC), Ezra (458 BC), and Nehemiah (444 BC). ...

March 26, 2025 — No To The Leaven; Yes To The Lamb

The temple was a masterpiece. But who knew the Owner’s Manual, explaining its use? Enter Ezra! Memorializing their freedom from...

March 25, 2025 — Rededication

God will rebuild your ruins: “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” —George Eliot So the...

March 24, 2025 — Finished — So They Could Start

Don’t be like those who never start serving because they’re always getting ready to get ready. King Darius had a...

March 21, 2025 — A Sovereignty Sidenote

“Have you not two eyes, man? Must you needs put one of them out in order to see clearly?” —C.H....

March 20, 2025 — Was Trouble Or Treasure Coming?

The Israelites had faced nosy neighbors before. This time, it would cost Syria’s governor dearly. As we saw in the...

March 19, 2025 — Back To Work

Here’s a beautiful combination. The people heeded the prophets and the prophets helped the people. With local interference and faraway...

March 18, 2025 — Wolves Wearing Wool

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God” (1 Jn 4:1). Here’s the irony...

March 17, 2025 — Poison Pen Letters

“Hate” has four letters, but so does “love”; “lying” has five letters, but so does “truth.” Write wisely. Normally it’s...

March 14, 2025 — You’ve Got Mail!

It’s so 21st century! Sending propaganda through the media to ruin the reputation of others. The adversaries’ initial efforts to...

March 13, 2025 — Who Shows Up At The Worksite?

The enemy’s goal is distraction, division, despair. “But God is the strength of my heart” (Ps 73:26). Ezra 3 concludes as follows: “many...

March 12, 2025 — Mixed Feelings

“Holy Father, keep through Your name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one as We are” (Jn...

March 11, 2025 — Blessed Busyness

“When care is pressing you down a bit, Rest if you must, but don’t you quit!” —Edgar A. Guest We’re...

March 10, 2025 — Time To Alter The Altar

“By Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God,…giving thanks to His name” (Heb 13:15). “And when the...

March 7, 2025 — “Content To Let The World Go By”

“When I see the Lord Jesus Christ, I simply want to be what He wants me to be.” —Oswald Chambers ...

March 6, 2025 — Time Travelers

“When the Lord brought back the captivity of Zion, we were like those who dream” (Ps 126:1). Unlike the long recorded...

March 5, 2025 — The Register Of Returnees

Missing from earth’s honor rolls, how wonderful to have my name written above in the autograph of God. As we...

March 4, 2025 — Time To Head Home

With “an understanding heart” (1 Ki 3:9), Solomon foresaw both human failure and divine forgiveness. Solomon had prophesied it (1 Ki 8:46-50)....

March 3, 2025 — The Mystery Of The Missing Knife

Nothing but precious vessels for the Lord’s house! It’s the same now. Are you a vessel of honor? (2 Tim...

February 28, 2025 — Don’t Forget Your Offerings!

Sometimes we need those people we least expect to remind us of our obligations to the Lord. What did the...

February 27, 2025 — Cyrus The Contrarian

Armies break things and kill people. But Cyrus wants the Jews to return, rebuild, and refurbish the temple. Imagine this!...

February 26, 2025 — Cyrus Sends A Letter

Cyrus welded together the world’s first true super-power. But this one letter was more important than that! The books of...

February 25, 2025 — Ezra’s Place In The Bible

God had done everything to isolate His people from the nations. Now He had scattered them there! “Now in the...

February 24, 2025 — The Sweep Of History

“Do all the good you can, by all the means you can,…to all the people you can….” —John Wesley Ezra...

February 21, 2025 — A Final Ray Of Hope

The Chronicles finish the Hebrew Bible. Ezra’s first paragraph is put here so the book ends in hope! What did...

February 20, 2025 — Judgment Finally Falls

“The Lord is slow to anger and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked” (Nah 1:3). If...

February 19, 2025 — Three J’s & A Z

The last four kings reigned a total of 22 years, 6 months, and 10 days. Doom and gloom all the...

February 18, 2025 — “After All This…”

“Don’t trouble trouble ’til trouble troubles you; you’ll only make your trouble double-trouble when you do.” From his days as...

February 17, 2025 — Realigned By The Word

“Joyful are people of integrity, who follow the instructions of the Lord” (Ps 119:1, NLT). It’s remarkable how far Josiah, governed...

February 14, 2025 — A Timely Word From Huldah

A woman of God is invaluable. She lives by faith, walks in truth, acts in grace, and serves by love. ...

February 13, 2025 — Look What We Found!

Imagine locating an unexploded bomb in a ruined building. What they found was even more alarming! It seems the temple...

February 12, 2025 — Josiah Begins His Reign

This story in the life of Josiah is another reminder that holiness and happiness are good friends. Josiah was just...

February 11, 2025 — Too Little, Too Late

“If I could relive my life, I would devote my entire ministry to reaching children for God.” —D.L. Moody Manasseh...

February 10, 2025 — God Saved Manasseh!

The God who changes grit into pearls and coal into diamonds can change sinners into saints. It makes one nauseous...

February 7, 2025 — Manasseh’s Mess

“My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother” (Prov 1:8). With the...

February 6, 2025 — Life’s Ebb & Flow

“Like the blind man, if you can’t see Jesus in the New Testament, go and soak a while in the...

February 5, 2025 — Life-Lengthening

The Chronicler briefly mentions one of the most remarkable events in Hezekiah’s storied life. At this point, the king was...

February 4, 2025 — Breathe In, Breathe Out

“The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life” ( Job 33:4). Surely people...

February 3, 2025 — Showdown At The City Wall

Faith fortifies God’s people. But facts fortify us, too. And a face-off between God and the foe would be nice! ...

January 31, 2025 — The Power Of Encouragement

Therefore encourage and build one another up, just as you are already doing” (1 Thess 5:11, BSB). A demoralized army with...

January 30, 2025 — Water For The People

When moving mountains, only faith in God will do; but sometimes tunnels just need hard work. I’m sure you’ve heard...

January 29, 2025 — Good People Face Grave Problems

You can’t have victories without the fight; you can’t make the summit without the climb. Did you notice the three-star...

January 28, 2025 — You Can’t Outgive God

“Christian giving is to be marked by self-sacrifice and self-forgetfulness, not by self-congratulation.” —J. Stott King Hezekiah had given generously...

January 27, 2025 — Moving Forward, Looking Upward

Spiritual progress involves growth and learning, but mostly it is fostered by happy obedience. The Passover, in spite of the...

January 24, 2025 — Passover Joy

If ever there was an example that “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” (2 Cor 3:6), this is it! There...

January 23, 2025 — The Invitation

Jesus Himself told how the elect ones on the guest list refused. The non-elect came instead (Lk 14:16-24). The decision...

January 22, 2025 — Now Is The Time

God gave you a non-renewable gift today of 86,400 seconds. I suppose that’s why we call it the present. God...

January 21, 2025 — Revive Us Again!

“Nothing with God is too good to be true; the truth is the best of everything.” —R.J. Campbell As we...

January 20, 2025 — Heaven’s Love Song

Song gives wings to the soul. We sing our sweetest to the One who put the new song in our...

January 17, 2025 — Perfecting Holiness

The temple cleansed. The priests restored. The offerings sacrificed. The nation forgiven. It was rigorous work to restore the Lord’s...

January 16, 2025 — Chosen To Be Before Him

The Lord has chosen His priests to stand before Him, to serve Him, and to sacrifice to Him. It’s helpful...

January 15, 2025 — Getting Down To Business

“If you are on the wrong road, progress means doing an about-turn.” —C.S. Lewis Hezekiah faced a terrible mess. Among...

January 14, 2025 — Here Comes Hezekiah

Our heroes are ordinary people who find supernatural help to overcome challenging circumstances. Clearly, one of the main characteristics required...

January 13, 2025 — “Increasingly Unfaithful”

Don’t assume that hard times always bring people closer to the Lord. Sometimes it’s just the opposite. Winston Churchill said,...

January 10, 2025 — A Study In Contrasts: Ahaz & Oded

When you’re heading downhill, as Ahaz was, it’s easy to pick up speed and very hard to stop. One thing...

January 9, 2025 — The Rest Of The Acts & The Act Of Rest

The lives of these kings are encapsulated in a few lines. How will the Lord summarize mine? The account of...

January 8, 2025 — Full Marks For Jotham

Jotham’s name means “Jehovah is perfect.” That’s an encouragement to look to Him, not ourselves. For the last ten years...

January 7, 2025 — “But When He Was Strong”

Why did Jesus say to pray for daily bread? It fosters humility, dependence, and a lifetime of thankfulness. King Uzziah’s...

January 6, 2025 — Uzziah, Teenage Potentate

It’s not the years in your life that count but the life in those years—and that life comes from God. ...

January 3, 2025 — Out Of Your League

I often recall my father warning me in my teens, “Without the Lord, you’re no match for the devil.” Unless...

January 2, 2025 — Going Downhill Fast

The man whose name means “the strength of God” goes it alone and arranges his own demolition. Amaziah seems to...

January 1, 2025 — “Much More Than This”

Loyal hearts are characterized by saying, “Yes, Lord,” in every circumstance, whatever the consequences. So the bad brothers (Zabad the son...

December 31, 2024 — Payday For Joash

“Do not avenge yourselves,…for it is written, ‘Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Rom 12:19). The biblical writers...

December 30, 2024 — The Sin Of Superficiality

The recent fad of decorating the skin with tattoos has turned superficiality into an art form. In His Sermon on...

December 27, 2024 — Great Beginnings

Do you recall what you were doing at age 7? Imagine being sovereign of the Lord’s own land! Joash was...

December 26, 2024 — “Treason! Treason!”

She debased her husband, corrupted her son, murdered her grandchildren. Death was too good for her. Athaliah couldn’t help but...

December 25, 2024 — Ta-Da!

“The Lord isn’t slow…as some people think” (2 Pet 3:9, GWT). The wait may be long, but He’s never late. If...

December 24, 2024 — The Wrecking Crew

“The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish pulls it down with her hands” (Prov 14:1). Her name, Athaliah, means...

December 23, 2024 — The Destruction Of Ahaziah

If ever there was a man whose life mocked his own name, it was Ahaziah, meaning “Jehovah holds.” It’s more...

December 20, 2024 — Good Riddance!

Some people seem to make it their ambition to demonstrate how evil the human heart can be. It’s a good...

December 19, 2024 — Delighted Army, Disastrous Navy

One of history’s most remarkable battles had come to a glorious close. What did it all mean? Along with glory...

December 18, 2024 — Start—And Finish—With Praise

There’s much more to the idea of singing our way to triumph than this story might first suggest. The singers...

December 17, 2024 — Whose Battle Is It?

A godly battle begins with praying, continues with praising, and ends with picking up the spoils. As Jehoshaphat concluded his...

December 16, 2024— Laying Hold Of God

Prayer puts our eyes on God, not on our circumstances, and puts our faith in God, not in our resources. ...

December 13, 2024 — Killin’ Cousins

The perfect example of asymmetrical warfare—they have the multitudes, and we have God! If we were reading the 1 Kings...

December 12, 2024 — The “Good Things” In Jehoshaphat

We need courage to do what’s right—to judge rightly, to face critics, and to leave results with God. Jehoshaphat’s dangerous...

December 11, 2024 — Is It Time To Pray Yet?

What’s better than being rescued when we cry out? When we see the danger signs, and Keep Out! Ramoth Gilead...

December 10, 2024 — Don’t Be Naive

“The waywardness of the naive will kill them, and the complacency of fools will destroy them” (Prov 1:32, ISV). This episode...

December 9, 2024 — When A Lie Exposes The Truth

Did God use deception against Ahab? Hardly. He revealed the plan—if only he would listen. At the gates of Samaria...

December 6, 2024 — Warning! Danger Ahead!

God rarely gives just one warning. Like a railroad crossing, there are lights and signs and barriers and bells. Imagine...

December 5, 2024 — The Ahab Alliance

The Arch-enemy has a long history of trying to use family loyalties to undermine loyalty to God. Imagine the scene....

December 4, 2024 — The Secret Of True Success

The wealth of a nation is not found in its bank accounts but in the souls of its citizens who...

December 3, 2024 — Good King Jehoshaphat

We may rise above the low spiritual state of those around us by finding our delight in the Lord. Apart...

December 2, 2024 — Ponder The Path Of Your Feet

The Lord may use means to heal us, but He is the Healer, the secret ingredient in every medicine. One...

November 29, 2024 — Seek & Find

God is a perfect Gentleman. If you don’t want Him, He’ll withdraw so as not to impose on you. I...

November 28, 2024 — A Mighty Fortress

“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; my God…in whom I will trust” (Ps 18:2). Asa, “because the...

November 27, 2024 — The Formula

“In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and confidence shall be your strength” (Isa 30:15). After “Abijah rested with...

November 26, 2024 — It’s A No-Go For Our Foe

Our Lord is stronger than the strong man (Lk 11:21-22); He can toss him with one finger (v 20)! As...

November 25, 2024 — Surrounded!

Christian, do you feel surrounded? You are of course—“the Lord surrounds His people” (Ps 125:2). It wasn’t that Abijah didn’t warn...

November 22, 2024 — The One Who Makes All The Difference

In battles, nothing helps more than faith and persistence, except seeing the Commander’s face. In spite of his failures, Rehoboam...

November 21, 2024 — Finishing Touches

Regrets are hard to die with, but a life spent pursuing God makes little room for such regrets. As the...

November 20, 2024 — How Brazen Can You Be?

The honest prayer of Amy Carmichael rings true: “Lord, make me what I seem to be.” Clearly, metals can be...

November 19, 2024 — Egypt Comes Knocking

Shishak thought this was a military expedition, but he was coming to teach a seminar for God. “The kingdom is...

November 18, 2024 — Pulling Defeat From The Jaws Of Victory

“Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become…too proud to pray to the God that made us.” —A. Lincoln It’s an...

November 15, 2024 — All In The Family

With tongue in cheek, the wit declared, “Nepotism is fine, as long as you keep it in the family.” Before...

November 14, 2024 — Godly Refugees

Rehoboam’s enemy could only strengthen him. It was Rehoboam himself who weakened Judah. Things seem to be looking up for...

November 13, 2024 — Sit Down First

If only Rehoboam sat down with the Lord first, he might have fortified God’s flock instead of fleecing them! It’s...

November 12, 2024 — Kingdom Divided

Like Rehoboam, any time our personal agendas block out the voice of God, we’ll lose ground. Care to guess what...

November 11, 2024 — Blasting The Blessing

The Lord’s restraint in expunging sins of the saints doesn’t extend to unrepentant sinners. In this chapter (1 Chron 10),...

November 8, 2024 — The Missing Chapters

It’s a poor diet to eat “the muscle that shrank” (Gen 32:32)—feeding on the failures of God’s people. Some words you may...

November 7, 2024 — Then Whose Shall These Things Be?

There’s wisdom in the adage, “Do your giving while you’re living; then you’re knowing where it’s going.” The old preachers...

November 6, 2024 — We’ll Never Say Goodbye To Our King!

One of heaven’s ‘remarkabilities’? Both the queen of Sheba and I will feel at home there! Let’s linger a little...

November 5, 2024 — The Half Has Not Been Told

“Everywhere God is present, and always He seeks to discover Himself to each one.” —A.W. Tozer The report of Sheba’s...

November 4, 2024 — In Addition

When it all crumbles around and within, hallelujah for the faithfulness of God’s faithfulness. 1The Lord is so fair. If...

November 1, 2024 — The Lord Appears Again

Here is the watershed in every life: “if you walk before Me” or “if you turn away” (2 Chron 7:17, 19). God not only...

October 31, 2024 — Dedicating The House

In worship, it’s better to have heart without words than words without heart. But why not both? The climax of...

October 30, 2024 — The Father’s House

“I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit” (Isa 57:15). At the...

October 29, 2024 — Solomon’s Prayer Of Dedication

“Prayer is not overcoming God’s reluctance, but laying hold of His willingness.” —Martin Luther Apart from the prayer of rededication in...

October 28, 2024 — Solomon’s Speech

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who has fulfilled with His hands what He spoke with His mouth” (2 Chron...

October 25, 2024 — Journey’s End

Rest isn’t the absence of upset; it’s the calm within when we know Christ is with us in the storm. ...

October 24, 2024 — Finished!

Christ is God’s A and Z, the Root and Offspring, the First and Last, the Author and Finisher. When something...

October 23, 2024 — One Timeless Piece

Throughout the changing ages, one fact remains unchanged: there is only one Savior. “So all the work that Solomon had...

October 22, 2024 — Times Ten

O to be filled “with the Spirit,” “with the fruits of righteousness…by Jesus Christ,” and “with all the fullness of God”! As noted...

October 21, 2024 — The Need To Be Clean

They say in the antique business, “If it isn’t Baroque, don’t fix it.” But God’s furnishings are unbreakable! Furniture throughout...

October 18, 2024 — Moving In

Often we’re distracted from the little things by big things, only to find that the little things were the big things. “Moreover,” begins...

October 17, 2024 — The Work How Great! The Plan How Wise!

The scaffolding isn’t pretty, but God is working out everything for your good and His glory. Imagine three men looking...

October 16, 2024 — O Mystery Of Love

The Lord living within makes our hearts a sanctuary of grace and our minds a repository of truth. As has...

October 15, 2024 — Multiplication Problems

There is inherent danger in this 3M which still brings men down today: maids, money, and might. How pleased the...

October 14, 2024 — The Big Question

The most important thing? Make sure that the most important thing remains the most important thing. First things first, they...

October 11, 2024 — 2 Chronicles

Going through trials, God’s sovereignty is the pillow upon which you lay your head. —C.H. Spurgeon This second half of...

October 10, 2024 — Finally…

Tending sheep, he killed a lion; delivering victuals, he fought a giant; serving God, he found greatness. We’re about to...

October 9, 2024 — Solomon Crowned

Our theology should always culminate in doxology, God’s revealing in our reveling in Him. In this brief passage (1 Chron...

October 8, 2024 — I Can’t Stop Singing

Praise now is rehearsing our eternal song. Grace teaches us to sing; coming glory will perfect it. Somehow we’re not...

October 7, 2024 — Getting It Right

“Success” is the key to “successors.” Success isn’t what we leave behind; it’s what we pass on. The life of...

October 4, 2024 — The Solemn Charge

Knowing God’s plan is essential. Planning brings the future into the present so we can act wisely. All these people...

October 3, 2024 — Working For The King

“Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name…will by no means lose his reward” (Mk 9:41). You...

October 2, 2024 — Tribal Chiefs & State Officials

One vital key of good leadership is knowing that every word and action has far-reaching consequences. David had seen to...

October 1, 2024 — The Military Divisions

One way of peacemaking is to leave the fire of contention alone. Let it go out by itself. —C.H. Spurgeon ...

September 30, 2024 — Looking After The Treasuries

The riches you hold in your hands are inferior to the treasures of truth you store in your heart. Don’t...

September 27, 2024 — The Gatekeepers

The gatekeepers were to the city what mothers are to the home (Titus 2:5)—Gk, oikouros, home guards. We’re impressed with the...

September 26, 2024 — Ministering Musicians

I play the notes as they are written, but it is God who makes the music. —J. S. Bach As...

September 25, 2024 — Plenty Of Priests

Our priesthood, like Christ’s, is different from the Aaronic priesthood, not based on law but on grace. Sandwiched between two...

September 24, 2024 — Lots Of Levites

The Levites remind me of the words, “It takes more grace than tongue can tell to play the second fiddle...

September 23, 2024 — David’s Investments

Faithful hearts seek wise investments in time that will only come to full fruition in eternity. Shortly after Abram entered...

September 20, 2024 — Falling Down & Going Up

Moriah combines râ’â + yâh, meaning “seen, approved, considered, or enjoyed by Jehovah.” In 1 Chronicles 21, we read, “David and the elders, clothed...

September 19, 2024 — “Mercy Triumphs Over Judgment”

God in Christ has devised a way by which justice can be satisfied and yet mercy can triumph. For our...

September 18, 2024 — Three Choices

In this math, it’s the answer that makes the problem: 1,570,000 – 70,000 = so much heartache! Numbering Israel’s warriors...

September 17, 2024 — When Counting Doesn’t Add Up

Why do you need to count the soldiers when our Commander can win with many or with few? Here we...

September 16, 2024 — Those Four Other Smooth Stones

The present is preparation time. Ben Franklin wrote, “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Do you recall...

September 13, 2024 — Mopping Up Operations

He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight. — Sun Tzu in The Art of War ...

September 12, 2024 — The Battle Against Ammon

All seems infected that th’ infected spy, As all looks yellow to the jaundiced eye. —Alexander Pope David was able...

September 11, 2024 — I’ll Take My Blessings Extra Large

Remember that every blessing is a burden, every skill a stewardship, every opportunity an obligation. With David’s ever-expanding kingdom, the...

September 10, 2024 — Back To The Battle

Encourage means “to put courage in.” But what good is courage if there are no battles to fight? “After this,” begins 1...

September 9, 2024 — David’s Response

It would be hard to complain if we found that God was going to build US a house! Wait! He...

September 6, 2024 — The Lord’s Better Idea

God’s plans are far greater than our present disappointments and far richer than our personal desires. The plan was a...

September 5, 2024 — David’s Big Idea

A good thing is not always God’s will for you, but God’s will for you will always be a good...

September 4, 2024 — Praise As A Lifestyle

In many places, it’s rare to hear a whole congregation saying, “Amen!” But imagine a whole nation! As we come...

September 3, 2024 — From Jerusalem To Timbuktu — And Beyond!

Everyone has a psalm. One may be entirely for little Israel, but the next embraces the whole world! As noticed...

September 2, 2024 — Tell It Again

Repeat the psalms? Of course! “Sing them over again to me, wonderful words of life” (P.P. Bliss). For the occasion...

August 30, 2024 — The Ark Makes It Home

Remember God’s light in dark days, His warmth in life’s chills, His smile when the world frowns. “So they brought...

August 29, 2024 — “Resounding Joy”

“Christ possessed by faith here is young heaven and glory in the bud” (Samuel Rutherford). We need to linger longer...

August 28, 2024 — The Ark Arrives At Jerusalem

The daily enjoyment of the Lord makes every moment a celebration of His goodness and glory. “David built houses for...

August 27, 2024 — David Honored — & Hunted

Jesus said, “I do not receive honor from men” ( Jn 5:41). Seek the Father’s approval, not a fickle world’s. People in...

August 26, 2024 — The Ark’s Journey Inter rupted

God’s ark “in the midst”? See Lk 2:46; Mt 18:20; Jn 19:18; 20:26; Heb 2:12; Rev 1:13; 5:6; 7:17. The placing...

August 23, 2024 — “We Are Yours”

“All these men of war…came…with a loyal heart, to make David king” (1 Chron 12:38). We are introduced first to...

August 22, 2024 — David Unites Israel

Gathering simply around the Lord is still the prime basis of unity among the people of God. The first nine...

August 21, 2024 — Saul’s Ignominious End

God couldn’t have a king who went from seeking divine wisdom to seeking dinner with a witch! Although it may...

August 20, 2024 — Jerusalem Dwellers

A questioner asked a street preacher, “If God is our Father, who is our mother?” Jerusalem (Gal 4:26)! In the...

August 19, 2024 — Saul’s Dead End Genealogy

We don’t choose our families, but we do choose if they are focused on God and founded on love. Just...

August 16, 2024 — Manasseh West, Ephraim, & Asher

We are now visiting the land of Samaria, Joseph’s territory, and the coastal region near modern Haifa. There are just...

August 15, 2024 — Issachar, Benjamin, & Naphtali

Imagine going into battle with a donkey, a wolf, and a deer (Gen 49). Sounds like an Aesop’s fable! The...

August 14, 2024 — Levitical Cities

“What agreement has the temple of God with idols? For you are the temple of the living God” (2 Cor 6:16). ...

August 13, 2024 — The Levites, Singers, & Priests

Our Lord Jesus is the High Priest and Chief Singer, but He calls on us to join Him in this...

August 12, 2024 — Gad & Manasseh East

Our battles aren’t fought against flesh and blood, but they won’t be won by our flesh, either. We are now introduced to Reuben’s neighbors...

August 9, 2024 — The Tribes Of Simeon & Reuben

“The genealogy is not listed according to the birthright.” Joseph got the blessing, but Judah got the scepter. Why would the...

August 8, 2024 — Judah Revisited

This section ends with those who “dwelt with the king for his work” (1 Chron 4:13). Able and available! We have the...

August 7, 2024 — The Royals

Jews have lived in almost every country on the planet. Yet only in Israel have they been self-governed. Turning the...

August 6, 2024 — Spotlight On Caleb

Today people rarely think about the meaning of their child’s name. But Caleb? A “dog”? Really? When we come to...

August 5, 2024 — The Lion’s Whelp

A whelp is a lion’s cub, remaining with its mother for two years until it learns to hunt. Then watch...

August 2, 2024 — Parting Of The Ways

The narrowing of the world down to one Man was to be inclusive, not exclusive—a Savior for all! The lineage...

August 1, 2024 — Twists And Turns On The Main Road

Sovereignty masterfully plays the world’s greatest love song on the broken strings of countless human hearts. The growing world population...

July 31, 2024 — Start With A Skeleton?

There doesn’t seem to be much meat on the bones in chapters 1-9. But bones can teach us, too. As...

July 30, 2024 — Four Benefits Of Studying Chronicles

Bible blessings don’t come to the most observant, but the most obedient—but observing helps! 1 Chronicles covers roughly the same...

July 29, 2024 — Introduction To 1 Chronicles

Paul spoke of “endless genealogies.” Christ was their end point. Reject Him and they’re endless. Reading the Hebrew Bible, when...

July 26, 2024 — Grace Even For Jehoiachin

“’Tis grace has brought me safe thus far And grace will lead me home.” —John Newton Imagine the view from...

July 25, 2024 — Governor Gedaliah

Some battles we lose because the enemy is strong; some are lost because we simply run away. The siege of...

July 24, 2024 — The Final Blow

The last ruling priest (Eli), the last judge (Samson), the last king—all blind. And the last church? (Rev 3:17). The...

July 23, 2024 — End Of The Line

Events are happening quickly as the foundations crumble under Judah. It’s kingdoom time! Jehoiachin, Judah’s penultimate king, also called Jeconiah...

July 22, 2024 — Bankruptcy

Strange how the people must be taken far away to discover what He had given them back at home. “Jehoiakim...

July 19, 2024 — The Beginning Of The End

We’re now beginning to see the dominos fall in Judah. But this isn’t random. It’s God’s hand of judgment. With...

July 18, 2024 — Good Judgment, Bad Judgment

Beware the mid-life crisis, thinking you can handle yourself by now. That’s when the devil gets you! Young Josiah was...

July 17, 2024 — Nothing Like It

Josiah’s purging went all the way back to Solomon; his Passover the best since before the judges! There was nothing...

July 16, 2024 — Making A Clean Sweep

Ruskin said that God graciously bears with many things in our hearts, but not second place. Hearing the two-pronged news,...

July 15, 2024 — Finding The Book

Imagine if astronauts had found a manuscript on the moon, or on Mars. But a book from heaven? It had...

July 12, 2024 — A Bad King Begets A Good Son

Josiah’s name means “whom Jehovah heals.” Was this to be a life-long reminder of his godly great-grandfather? After the 55-year...

July 11, 2024 — Forgetting His Father’s House

The human heart is so mercurial, the nation can go from best to worst in one generation! If we’re going...

July 10, 2024 — Hezekiah & The Lengthening Shadow

Some think the 15 Songs of Degrees (with 10 anonymous) were compiled to commemorate this event. The Lord’s poetry was...

July 9, 2024 — God Composes A Poem

Anyone who has read the Bible knows that God inspires the poets, in fact, the best poets in history! Heaven...

July 8, 2024 — Isaiah Proclaims, Hezekiah Prays

When believers are falsely accused by the enemy, our Advocate steps forward to speak for us. When Hezekiah heard the...

July 5, 2024 — War Of The Words

Words are free, but how you arrange them and then use them can prove to be very expensive. The Assyrians...

July 4, 2024 — Good King Hezekiah

Here is high praise: “after him was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor…before him” (2 Ki...

July 3, 2024 — Make Up Your Mind!

The imports found a ready spot for their idols: “the high places which the Samaritans had made” (2 Ki 17:29)!...

July 2, 2024 — Israel Taken Captive

Israel “secretly did against the Lord their God things that were not right” (2 Ki 17:9). Really? Can we act...

July 1, 2024 — A Study In Contrasts

Was the coming king more influenced by the prayers of his grandfather than the deeds of his father? We now...

June 28, 2024 — Pekahiah & Pekah

The verse, “Thou God seest me” (Gen 16:13, KJV) is the bane of the sinner and the boon of the...

June 27, 2024 — Shallum & Menahem

Live and let live. Kill and be killed. Is it really that hard to make a choice? For some, apparently...

June 26, 2024 — From A To Z

Those judged by leprosy—Miriam, Gehazi, Uzziah—all acted against God in selfish unrestraint. The names of many of these kings flash...

June 25, 2024 — Jeroboam II

Israel’s 13th ruler, Jeroboam II, reigned longer (41 years) and over more land than any other king of Israel. Evidently...

June 24, 2024 — Pick Your Fights Carefully

Never pick a fight with the devil. Never battle in your own strength. And never yield to his wiles. I...

June 21, 2024 — Good King Amaziah

History is piled on top of history in this fabled land, and also “grace upon grace” ( Jn 1:16 NASB)....

June 20, 2024 — Elisha Was No Quitter

Have you prayed without an answer? Pray again! Have you sown without fruit? Sow again! There were ten kings between...

June 19, 2024 — Delivered — Or Not?

It’s one thing to defeat the big, bad foe on the battlefield, quite another to vanquish the idol inside. We’re...

June 18, 2024 — Jehoash: Selling Out

Jehoash warns us that we can carefully invest our whole lives, but lose it all at the last. Watch out!...

June 17, 2024 — Jehoash: Building Up

There’s a Jehoash (or Joash) in both Judah and Israel. We’ll use Jehoash for Judah and Joash for Israel. The...

June 14, 2024 — Jehoash, The Boy King

The world still awaits its Athaliah moment. Instead of crying “Treason!” it will be “Alas! Alas!” (Rev 18:10). The reign...

June 13, 2024 — Jehu & Athaliah

King-killing has a long history. If you can’t vote them out, you carry them out. But this is different! Regicide...

June 12, 2024 — Zeal For The Lord?

Men and nations who execute God’s judgment are nonetheless also judged for their actions. Leaving the Jezreel Valley behind, Jehu...

June 11, 2024 — Jezebel & Ahab’s 70 Sons

All families impact society for good or ill. Ahab’s family were so vile that their house must be razed. The...

June 10, 2024 — On A Collision Course With Judgment

God has a long memory. The prophecies concerning the house of Ahab were about to come true. Remember that Joram...

June 7, 2024 — A Surprising Anointing

Vessels of wrath like Jehu fit themselves for destruction, but God uses them for His purposes. Just two episodes ago,...

June 6, 2024 — Jehoram & Ahaziah

You may have a time keeping the kings’ names straight. They certainly didn’t keep their paths straight! Like Pete for...

June 5, 2024 — The Assassination Of Ben-Hadad

Middle knowledge? God’s awareness of what would happen in any possible set of circumstances. “Then Elisha went to Damascus” (2...

June 4, 2024 — Restored

Can God affect our past as well as our present and future? If we don’t “redeem the time,” will He?...

June 3, 2024 — The Leper’s Convention

Just outside the walls of Samaria sat four lepers having a conference. The topic was death—theirs. In the strange fellowship...

May 31, 2024 — The Siege Of Samaria

The doubter proved his ignorance of heaven’s architecture. Make windows? See Malachi 3:10. How fickle is the world! The Syrian...

May 30, 2024 — The Hit Squad

The Syrians were at it again, Israel’s constant aggressor, moving in from the northeast to plunder. The Syrians had a...

May 29, 2024 — Flying Off The Handle

“Does iron float?” might seem to be in the same category as “Do pigs fly?” But don’t be too sure!...

May 28, 2024 — Bringing Home The Point

Silver, Gehazi’s plunder, pictures redemption in the Bible. Do we charge for God’s gracious gifts? We ended our last episode...

May 27, 2024 — A Leper At The Door

Not a king; a prophet. Not a prophet; a servant. Not Abana, but Jordan—seven times! Down, down, down. Elisha had...

May 24, 2024 — Divine Leftovers

You can see how Elisha’s care for the hurting and hungry reflects the gracious ministry of Christ. Elisha’s home was...

May 23, 2024 — Death For Dinner

This wasn’t just bad cooking! It was a case of bad practice—tossing in some mystery food! At Elisha’s base of...

May 22, 2024 — Achoo!

There isn’t a boring page in the Bible. And surely miracles like this are nothing to sneeze at! Great women...

May 21, 2024 — “You Shall Embrace A Son”

We don’t think of it at birth, but each baby comes pre-scheduled for a funeral. Thank God for eternal hope!...

May 20, 2024 — Emptied To Be Filled

It defies common sense but conforms to heaven’s logic. If you need more, pour what you have on others. Chapter...

May 17, 2024 — Getting Off Your High Horse

Victory came when the grain offering was given (v 20), a picture of our being living sacrifices to God. Here’s...

May 16, 2024 — Dry As Dust

If only such times would make us cry, “My soul thirsts for You…in a dry and thirsty land” (Ps 63:1)....

May 15, 2024 — Two Introductory Signs

Over these two events we may write, “Consider the goodness and severity of God” (Rom 11:22). The concluding section of...

May 14, 2024 — Passing The Mantle

“Passing the mantle,” used now as a common idiom, has its origin in this chapter of the Bible. “My father,...

May 13, 2024 — The Spirit & Power Of Elijah

Was John the Baptizer Elijah? John said No; Jesus said Yes. How could they both be right? The influence of...

May 10, 2024 — Caught Up!

Jesus was “carried up” (Lk 24:51), “taken up” (Acts 1:9), “received up” (1 Tim 3:16). It makes me want to...

May 9, 2024 — The Man In The Glory

God loves boldness in faith. Have you “asked a hard thing” of Him lately? He specializes in the impossible. Having...

May 8, 2024 — A Whirlwind Tour

The towns that Elijah and Elisha visited were rich with memories and with life lessons as well. “So Ahaziah died...

May 7, 2024 — The Fire Falls Again

Don’t trifle with a God who “makes His messengers winds and His servants flames of fire” (Ps 104:4, WEB). Back...

May 6, 2024 — Welcome To 2 Kings!

The world’s governments have experts on everything. But who seeks the Wonderful Counselor? As we transition between the books of...

May 3, 2024 — D.O.A. & Other Realities

The highlights of a life can be expressed in a few lines—not what I say but whether I walk with...

May 2, 2024 — Running All The Red Lights

The believer’s greatest danger is not found in times of persecution but in times of popularity. Rarely does a believer...

May 1, 2024 — Brave Micaiah

Three years passed after Ahab got a glimpse into his future—years of God’s longsuffering grace. Over the next three years,...

April 30, 2024 — Ahab Sees The Future

It’s usually good we don’t know our future on earth, but very good to know our future in heaven. The...

April 29, 2024 — Naboth & His Vineyard

“God does not always pay at the end of the week, but at the end, He pays” (Anne of Austria)....

April 26, 2024 — The Wounded Prophet

Saul, like Ahab, had an ill-timed showing of mercy. In Saul’s case, it almost led to the end of the...

April 25, 2024 — God Of The Valleys

The mountaintop is the place of vision; the valley turns that vision into hard-fought reality. In our previous segment, we...

April 24, 2024 — What God & The Enemy Both Want

The retreat with God at Horeb was over. Elijah had work to do; it was now time to advance. Elijah...

April 23, 2023 — The Quiet Voice Of God

If we’re listening, the gentle voice of God will drown out the rantings of our wicked enemies. There’s little doubt...

April 22, 2024 — A Detour Through Discouragement

The fact that God shows up when we have given up is proof that He hasn’t given up on us!...

April 19, 2024 — Showdown At Carmel

The one prominence you notice on the Israeli coast is the Carmel range pushing into the sea. From Carmel’s heights...

April 18, 2024 — Who Troubled Israel?

One year. Two years. Three years had passed with cloudless skies, barren fields, and empty tables. After three arid years,...

April 17, 2024 — Life From The Dead

Meet the first one immortalized in the words, “Women received their dead raised to life again” (Heb 11:35). Each morning...

April 16, 2024 — From Hand To Mouth

Learning to accept groceries from unclean birds prepared Elijah for his next stop—a Gentile’s home. Yes, it’s more blessed to...

April 15, 2024 — Dry Up, Ahab!

Those who lead others into unbelief “are wells without water, clouds carried by a tempest” (2 Pet 2:17). Seemingly out...

April 12, 2024 — God Means What He Says

People advertise themselves as a “Bible-believing church,” but we need to be “Bible-obeying.” In recounting the sins of Ahab, a...

April 11, 2024 — Degeneration Nation

Wicked king, wicked king, wicked king—could anything be worse? Oh yes, a wicked king with a wicked wife! In our...

April 10, 2024 — Division Divided

Loyalty to the Lord will unite the people of God; loyalty to a man will always divide. You may recall...

April 9, 2024 — Seven Days Without God Makes One Weak

Anytime people get the chance to choose between tyranny and freedom, they choose freedom. It seems there were always two...

April 8, 2024 — The End Of The House Of Jeroboam

Israel didn’t like Samuel appointing his sons, so they compounded the problem with kings and their sons! After a God-honoring...

April 5, 2024 — Keep The Way Clear

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: ‘May they prosper who love you’” (Ps 122:6). Stalwart king Asa stood against his...

April 4, 2024 — Bad King, Good King

The only metric for determining a good king was whether he was “loyal to the Lord” or not. Abijam, the...

April 3, 2024 — Egypt On The Return Address

“The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusted in Him, and I am helped” (Ps 28:7). “Rehoboam...

April 2, 2024 — Deluded Judah

Europe became as full of idols as any pagan land. Only loyal love to Christ can save us from idolatry....

April 1, 2024 — The Ignominious End Of A Dynasty

Every blessing is a burden. When God gives you something, you are responsible to use it for His glory. How...

March 29, 2024 — Jeroboam Makes Himself Disposable

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you” (Jas 4:8). But of course the opposite is also...

March 28, 2024 — A Fatal Mistake

God wants us to think for ourselves, but He wants us to think about what He has revealed. As the...

March 27, 2024 — Man On A Mission

This unnamed “man of God” joins an illustrious company of those thus honored in Scripture. What vital lessons can be...

March 26, 2024 — The Iron Curtain

Man-made religions are created by man, making everything lower than he is, not higher! Rehoboam, whose name ironically means “a...

March 25, 2024 — A Kingdom Divided

Meeting these challenges, it’s wise to take Solomon’s advice: “In the day of adversity consider” (Eccl 7:14). At his death,...

March 22, 2024 — The Encircling Wolves

Watch out! It’s not the world that’s forbidden—it’s loving it. “Love not the world,” says John (1 Jn 2:15). The...

March 21, 2024 — Entrapped By Success

In embracing all of God’s lavish gifts, as he aged Solomon spurned the Giver and so lost it all. It...

March 20, 2024 — Promises Fulfilled

The remarkable visit of Sheba’s queen concludes with an inventory list of her gifts to Solomon. The Queen of Sheba...

March 19, 2024 — A Queen Visits A King

We have before us one of the most fascinating incidents in the life of Solomon—a regal visit. The Queen of...

March 18, 2024 — Three Warnings

This section might be seen as a recounting of Solomon’s achievements, but it’s full of warnings as well. Chapter 9...

March 15, 2024 — Blessings Come Down & Offerings Go Up

The temple of old was like heaven’s hot spot on earth, but now we may enter “the holiest” itself. Having...

March 14, 2024 — Solomon Prays

Solomon wisely knew that, when God’s people fail, He is the go-to Friend every time. It’s good when people commune...

March 13, 2024 — Solomon Speaks

Our Scripture passage today shows the two vital exercises of the soul to be engaged in daily. Much is made...

March 12, 2024 — The Ark Brought Home

The pot of manna and Aaron’s budding rod were missing, but those wilderness needs were past now. There is no...

March 11, 2024 — Overwhelmingness

“The house that is to be builded for the Lord must be exceeding magnifical,” said David (1 Chron 22:5, KJV)....

March 8, 2024 — Meet The Builder

Build for time and self, It only turns to dust; But build along with God, It will forever last! Solomon...

March 7, 2024 — Beautiful In Holiness

The temple, with its carvings of trees and flowers, pictured Paradise. And don’t miss the angels! The beauty of Solomon’s...

March 6, 2024 — Not Fastened, Not Heard, Not Seen

We saw three additions to the temple that were not in the tabernacle. Now for three positive negatives! In this...

March 5, 2024 — Blessed New Details

Here are three more meaningful differences between the tabernacle’s design and the temple’s. There was a “vestibule in front of...

March 4, 2024 — Left In The Dark

Sometimes the Word chips away at people for many years before they are actually set free. Almost across from Gordon’s...

March 1, 2024 — Steadfast & Immovable

The tabernacle pictures the incarnate Son walking with us; the temple invites us into God’s throne room. The next difference...

February 29, 2024 — Why A Temple?

The tabernacle is explained in the New Testament; the temple is not. So we’ll have to be careful! Chapter 6...

February 28, 2024 — Preparing For The Temple

With the kingdom established and at peace, it was time for Solomon to begin Project No. 1. It was David’s...

February 27, 2024 — Blessings Abundant

Ungodly wisdom is, well, ungodly; it’s the wisdom “from above” ( Jas 3:15) that we need for living. The first...

February 26, 2024 — Blessed Order

Chaos is a consequence of the Fall; order is the reinsertion of the divine will into the world. Solomon’s wisdom...

February 23, 2024 — The Whole Truth From The Half Story

When moral compromise is involved, often winning half actually means losing it all. Among the Jews, prostitutes were often foreigners;...

February 22, 2024 — Instant Success?

If the Lord offered you anything, what would you ask? In fact, He’s already given us everything! You would think,...

February 21, 2024 — Judgment Dispensed

Remember that our Lord will also take vengeance on His enemies in establishing His kingdom. The section before us, 1...

February 20, 2024 — This Is A Test

Saul, rejecting God’s headship, ended a decapitated corpse; David used his last days to set things right. In a typical...

February 19, 2024 — Love God, Hate Evil

Life’s equation is simple: All we need to do is love what God loves and hate what He hates. In...

February 16, 2024 – Preparing The Next Generation

Even if we’ve made mistakes, by this point we should have figured out what’s important in life. The “last words...

February 15, 2024 — Starting At The Bottom

“Before destruction the heart of a man is haughty, and before honor is humility” (Prov 18:12). Although “old, advanced in...

February 14, 2024 — The Hand That Rocked The Cradle

Bathsheba means “daughter of the oath.” Her first recorded words? “My lord, you swore by the Lord...” Adonijah, the fourth...

February 13, 2024 — Out Of Circulation

David’s old body-temple was being taken down, but another temple was to be raised up in the Holy City. We...

February 12, 2024 — Introduction To The Books Of Kings

Thankfully, there weren’t only kings and priests, but prophets, too, who kept on speaking for God. The volumes we call...

February 9, 2024 — Numbered & Found Wanting

“Your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,…and…you were bought at a price” (1 Cor...

February 8, 2024 — Numbered & Found Wanting

We’re usually very poor at counting what really matters. Wise people let God keep the score. Thank the Lord for...

February 7, 2024 — David’s Mighty Men

Why is this chapter vital? Real people are involved! Real challenges are faced! Real victories are won! There are four...

February 6, 2024 — David’s Last Words

Last words should be intensely meaningful, a distillation of the lessons that life has taught us. “These are the last...

February 5, 2024 — David’s Song Of Deliverance

We might not expect a soldier to also be a songwriter, to lay down his lance and pick up his...

February 2, 2024 — Goodbye Giants

Someday, beloved, the last of those monsters that bedevil us will be laid low. Count on it! Did you think...

February 1, 2024 — Overdue!

Today’s episode provides a great opportunity to audit our own spiritual records for unpaid bills. Here are some unresolved accounts...

January 31, 2024 — Barzillai & Sheba

Don’t give up living before it’s time to die. Don’t give up cooperating because you can’t be in charge. Today...

January 30, 2024 — Mephibosheth Gets It Right

Are we truly “content to let the world go by” just as long as the King has His rightful place?...

January 29, 2024 – David’s Return

Fiction’s “I’ll be back” and history’s “I shall return” are nothing compared to prophecy’s “I will come again.” Awkward! What...

January 26, 2024 — O Absalom!

The same old city heard “O Absalom” from David and “O Jerusalem” from his greater Son. Tragically, not all prodigals...

January 25, 2024 — Absalom’s True Memorial

Taking the rebel’s place, God’s Son went “about a stone’s throw” (Lk 22:41) to pray, “Not My will…” It was...

January 24, 2024 — David’s Escape

How precious it must be to the Lord Jesus when His people stand with Him in the time of His...

January 23, 2024 — Ahithophel vs Hushai

Serving our King behind enemy lines, we need to be “wise as serpents and harmless as doves” (Mt 10:16). “Meanwhile”...

January 22, 2024 — Fleeing Jerusalem

The story of David and his Great Son overlap so seamlessly, often we can barely tell the difference! We read...

January 19, 2024 — Telltale Kisses

There’s an old Russian proverb: “It’s better to be slapped with the truth than kissed with a lie.” Kisses carry...

January 18, 2024 — The Wise Woman Of Tekoa

Was David too harsh or too soft in bringing Absalom back? Either way, it didn’t work out well. For three...

January 17, 2024 — Absalom’s Revenge

It’s always better to be the one wronged than the one doing wrong; God will side with you! I suppose...

January 16, 2024 — Tamar & Amnon

Lust is like hugging a live grenade to your breast. When it explodes, it wreaks havoc everywhere. Remember why these...

January 15, 2024 — Joab, The King-maker

As they say, good friends are like a tea bag; their real strength shows up when we’re in hot water....

January 12, 2024 — One Baby Dies; One Baby Lives

About 78 million children worldwide (including abortions) died before their fifth birthday last year. It’s a truth often forgotten: we...

January 11, 2024 — You Are The Man

David saw her, sent for her, sinned with her. “Let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall”...

January 10, 2024 — Uriah Faithful Unto Death

At Calvary, the cost of every sin must be calculated by all the damage it did, often for generations. How...

January 9, 2024 — When Lust Has A Baby

“Tell it not in Gath,” said David, but who jokes about Saul’s death? Bathsheba and David, however… By their actions,...

January 8, 2024 — Trouble In Amman

From Jerusalem to Amman is about 60 mi (100 km) east, with the Jordan River at the halfway point. Amman,...

January 5, 2024 — Mephibosheth Moves In

Love and loyalty are the hallmarks of David’s covenant with Jonathan, and of God’s with us. Recall the three things...

January 4, 2023 — David’s Exploits

David wasn’t selfish in gathering wealth; as we should, he “dedicated these to the Lord” (2 Sam 8:11). During the...

January 3, 2024 — David’s Heartfelt Response

Along with God’s covenants with Abram and with Israel at Sinai, this was a high-water mark in history. You see...

January 2, 2024 — God Has A GREAT Idea

This is the Land of the Dying ; but wait till you get to the Land of the Living. Forever...

January 1, 2024 — David Has A Good Idea

At one time, they all lived in tents. Now there’s only one Person still camping after all these years. After...

December 29, 2023 — Headstrong Or Humble?

Michal could help David get away from Saul, but she couldn’t help him get closer to God. It would be...

December 28, 2023 — The Blessing Of Obed-Edom

Obed means “servant.” Edom is linked with red, and man, and blush, and blood. Ah, the mercy seat! Often like...

December 27, 2023 — Warning! Do Not Touch!

David was filled with unwarranted anger when Uzzah died, but God’s anger was well deserved. The ark of God had...

December 26, 2023 — Lift Him High

It’s great to do things for the Lord, but we should also do them the way He wants them done....

December 25, 2023 — The Successful King’s Checklist

Have you ever seen a To-Do List for a king on his way to the top? Read on, and you’ll...

December 22, 2023 — The Impossible Made Possible

Jerusalem means “city of peace,” yet none has suffered more assaults. But wait till the King of Peace arrives. The...

December 21, 2023 — The Place Of The Name

There is no other city—not London or Rome, Beijing or Delhi—where God put His name. We now come to a...

December 20, 2023 — Anointing Number Three

Prophets (1 Ki 19:16), priests (Ex 28:41), and kings (1 Sam 9:16) were anointed to serve. “Then all the tribes...

December 19, 2023 — Justice Or Mercy To One’s Enemies?

Mercy without justice can lead to lawlessness; justice without mercy results in inhumanity. Ishbosheth has been unceremoniously dispatched in his...

December 18, 2023 — What’s Left Of Saul’s House?

“The integrity of the upright will guide them, but the perversity of the unfaithful will destroy them” (Prov 11:3). In...

December 15, 2023 — David Mourns For Abner

The distance between our sin and God’s holiness is infinite, but between a sinner and Jesus is just one step....

December 14, 2023 — A Step To Safety

David was no weakling, but he confessed “the sons of Zeruiah are too harsh for me” (2 Sam 3:39). Abner...

December 13, 2023 — The Turning Of The Tide

It’s one thing to just choose the winning side; it’s quite another to bring both sides together. “Now there was...

December 12, 2023 — Competition Leads To Decimation

A boy asked his folks how WWII started. They were soon arguing. “OK. I see how wars start,” he said....

December 11, 2023 — Showdown At The Pool

Unlike this pool, our church gatherings should be a place of consolation, not confrontation. “Now Abner the son of Ner,...

December 8, 2023 — Retreating To Mahanaim

When defying God’s will, Ishbosheth would discover he couldn’t get far enough away to be safe. You may recall that...

December 7, 2023 — More Trouble Ahead

Just when life seems to be settling down, another conflict begins, another foe rears his head. For some time, David...

December 6, 2023 — Fellowship Country

A new king for Israel, a man after God’s heart. And a new capital, too, the city of fellowship. Over...

December 5, 2023 — The Lament

How rare it is to find a warrior with a poet’s heart: resolute in battle and chivalrous afterward. David’s lament...

December 4, 2023 — The Song Of The Bow

David, the veteran of many pitched battles, seeks first to prepare his people for wars to come. The two chief...

December 1, 2023 — Grim News From The Battlefield

David was far from the battle when he got the news, but his heart wasn’t far from Jonathan. Obviously, 1...

November 30, 2023 — Still Some Valiant Men

My father used to say, “Failure doesn’t have to be final.” It certainly wasn’t for Jabesh Gilead. “Saul, his three...

November 29, 2023 — Off With Their Heads!

Ever heard the phrase, “He’s caput”? Caput is Latin for “head” and refers to capital beheading. Losing one’s head is...

November 28, 2023 — Saul & Sons: A Tragic End

Jezreel means “God sows.” But man also sows, and here he finds that whatever he sows he reaps. Israel’s first...

November 27, 2023 — Sharing The Spoils

Look who’s leading David’s army now—the same One ministering to those too tired to fight. As we noted in our...

November 24, 2023 — Hitting Bottom At Ziklag

David’s temporary hometown of Ziklag is about 50 miles south of Aphek, a three-day walk. Rejected from the Philistine vanguard,...

November 23, 2023 — A Philistine Reject

Who would ever imagine that David, the giant-slayer, would try to fit in with the Philistines? Turning to 1 Samuel...

November 22, 2023 — Supper With A Witch

Saul’s chickens have come home to roost—in Armageddon! Napoleon called it the cockpit of the world. “It happened in those...

November 21, 2023 — Living On The Edge

Me, myself, and I—three desperados that were David’s companions on his trip to Gath. Where was God? This chapter opens...

November 20, 2023 — Hope Deferred

How long must David be on the run? Will it ever end? “Hope deferred makes the heart sick” (Prov 13:12)....

November 17, 2023 — A Bride For The King

Whew! I can recall when another’s wise words kept me from something I would later have regretted. David and 400...

November 16, 2023 — Nabal & Abigail

With Saul (chs 24 & 26), David acknowledged “vengeance belongs to the Lord.” With Nabal, not so much! Saul asked...

November 15, 2023 — David Spares Saul

There’s a hair’s breadth between obsession and madness. Saul was like a kitten chasing a laser light. All anyone had...

November 14, 2023 — Examples & Types

How poignant that the first use of the word “type” in the New Testament refers to the print of the...

A Devotional Commentary