Guard your steps when you go to the house of God. To draw near to listen is better than to offer the sacrifice of fools, for they do not know that they are doing evil. Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God; for GodContinue reading “Ecclesiastes 5:1-2”
Category Archives: Bible Commentary
Ecclesiastes 1-4
Chapter 1 sucks me into the book every time. I have read this book numerous times and something about chapter 1 connects with my spirit. I think Solomon and I share the same soul. At the end of chapter 1, he makes a profound statement: “For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he whoContinue reading “Ecclesiastes 1-4”
Ecclesiastes 1
Time for my favorite book. I’ve been wanting to get back into this for awhile. I’m curious about the meaning of a single word, and how it could change the interpretation of the whole book. The word is “hebel” in Hebrew. In English, we see it translated in Ecclesiastes as “vanity” or “meaningless.” Yet, whenContinue reading “Ecclesiastes 1”
Closing Thoughts (Isaiah)
Three things that struck me while reading this book: 1) The first 39 chapters, for the most part, are grueling to read. Judgment after judgment, with just the faintest glimmers of hope. 2) From chapter 40-66, the tone of the book is the opposite. Hope, restoration, and comfort come in waves. There are only aContinue reading “Closing Thoughts (Isaiah)”
Isaiah 63-66
The first six verses of chapter 63 are brutal. It reminds me again that the Bible is not full of child-friendly material; it is full of real life messiness. Think about it: even the most popular children stories are…well, disconcerting at best. –Joseph and the coat of many colors. As a boy, he’s thrown inContinue reading “Isaiah 63-66”
Isaiah 60-62
One theme through all three chapters: Restoration. See Isaiah 62:12 for a summary statement.
Isaiah 57-59
Ponder verses 1-2. Take it to heart. It will change the way you live. The rest of 57 is like reading rated-R material. And people say the Bible is for all ages. I just don’t think so. That is a section I will not expound on for my daughters until they are teenagers, at least.Continue reading “Isaiah 57-59”
Isaiah 54-56
I vacationed for a couple weeks. Now it’s time to get back into this habit. Isaiah 54 starts off with an encouragement to make progress, to gain ground. Our pastor recently used this as a jumping-off point for a series of sermons, in which he laid out some initiatives for our church. Big plans, goodContinue reading “Isaiah 54-56”
Isaiah 51-53
Most Christians are familiar with Isaiah 53. It’s the passage about Jesus being the suffering servant. He was wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and the chastisement for our peace was upon Him. You remember that one, don’t you? I will only comment on that passage by saying it is full of truth,Continue reading “Isaiah 51-53”
Isaiah 47-50
Isaiah 47:8-11 is scary. It’s scary because it sounds like the American mindset, and we know how God judged the Babylonians for their mindset. In chapter 48, the focus shifts off of Babylon, onto the Israelites. God tells them that all this happened because they would not listen. They had necks of iron and foreheadsContinue reading “Isaiah 47-50”
Isaiah 44-46
Starting with Isaiah 40, it’s like the whole tone of the book changes. The tone is upbeat. The verbiage is joyful and triumphant. The outlook is hopeful. Chapter 44 continues that trend. The Lord, again, emphasizes that idols aren’t even in the same class. Little “g” gods are not the same as the big “G”Continue reading “Isaiah 44-46”
Isaiah 41-43
The Lord stands up for His people in 41. He also makes sure to clarify that He is the only Lord. No idols can compare. My wife really likes 41:10. She has good taste. The Lord’s chosen servant is described in chapter 42. He is going to do some BIG things. Now listen to thisContinue reading “Isaiah 41-43”