The Kings II 18 – Assyria vs Judah Part 1: The Challenge

Assyria were on a roll. Their successes had seen them defeat a string of nations including the northern kingdom of Israel. Meanwhile Judah had a new king. The previous king Ahaz had been a wicked king disobeying God and worshipping foreign gods even sacrificing one of his sons. His successor, Hezekiah was a complete contrast. […]

The Kings II 15 – Unrest and Upheaval in Israel

In the time of Pekah king of Israel, Tiglath-Pileser king of Assyria came and took Ijon, Abel Beth Maakah, Janoah, Kedesh and Hazor. He took Gilead and Galilee, including all the land of Naphtali, and deported the people to Assyria. (2 Kings 15:29 NIV) The writer of the account in Kings rattles through a number […]

The Kings II 11 – Judah Returns to God

Jehoiada then made a covenant between the Lord and the king and people that they would be the Lord ’s people. He also made a covenant between the king and the people. (2 Kings 11:17 NIV) Jehu’s actions in killing the kings of Israel and Judah led to significant change in both countries. Where he […]

The Kings II 09 – Justice for Jezebel

When Joram saw Jehu he asked, “Have you come in peace, Jehu?” “How can there be peace,” Jehu replied, “as long as all the idolatry and witchcraft of your mother Jezebel abound?” (2 Kings 9:22 NIV) Her influence had determined the religious outlook of the northern kingdom of Israel over the reigns of three kings. […]

Reading Ruth 03 – Blessing and Responsibility

“The Lord bless you, my daughter,” he replied. “This kindness is greater than that which you showed earlier: You have not run after the younger men, whether rich or poor. And now, my daughter, don’t be afraid. I will do for you all you ask. All the people of my town know that you are […]

The Kings 02 – King Solomon Established

So Solomon sat on the throne of his father David, and his rule was firmly established. (1 Kings 2:12 NIV) Before David left this mortal coil, he saw the need to give his successor some important words. Here was the man after God’s heart telling his son how to have a good reign. Yet some […]

Sam’s 2nd Epic 21 – David’s Fascinating Famine and Warfare Relief

But Abishai son of Zeruiah came to David’s rescue; he struck the Philistine down and killed him. Then David’s men swore to him, saying, “Never again will you go out with us to battle, so that the lamp of Israel will not be extinguished.” (2 Samuel 21:17 NIV) Having affirmed his rule over Israel after […]

16MTP 13 – Measure of Wealth

The righteous has enough to satisfy his appetite, but the belly of the wicked suffers want. (Proverbs 13:25 ESV) There are a number of references to the poor and rich in the 13th chapter of Proverbs. (See verses 7, 8, 11, 18, 22, 23 and 25) What I appreciate about these references is how there […]

16MTP 11 – Set Ups and Knock Downs

The righteousness of the blameless makes their paths straight, but the wicked are brought down by their own wickedness. The righteousness of the upright delivers them, but the unfaithful are trapped by evil desires. (Proverbs 11:5, 6 NIV) A game I came across when I was a lot younger was Snakes and Ladders. I believe […]

16MTP 10 – Say What? Speak Right!

The tongue of the righteous is choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of sense. (Proverbs 10:20, 21 ESV) If the preliminary nine chapters of Proverbs has been about the writer laying out a narrative of the choice between […]