Scripture reading: Ezekiel 9 If you have been reading the first two articles in this series, you will remember that we began with a discussion about the names of God. We were reminded that God has many different names given to him in the Scriptures, all of which are appropriate and useful for worship. On […]
Did you ever ask yourself that question? Did anyone ever accuse you of being jealous? Was there the implication that jealousy is a sin to be avoided and for which repentance is required? Recently I put that question into my computer. What kind of answers could I expect? Would this usually unreliable source tell me […]
Scripture: Esther 7:7–8:17 Background Reading: I Samuel 15:1–9, 32–33 At the conclusion of our last lesson we saw Haman terrified before the king and queen. He has just been identified by Esther as the villain, the enemy, and the foe. As we reflect on this scene, two factors become obvious: there has again been much […]
The Persian palace at Susa is quiet. Queen Esther had graciously hosted a feast for the two most important men in the empire. Attendance was tightly controlled. No great issues had been explored, but wine was in abundance. Tomorrow is another day. Tomorrow is another feast. Again, the attendees are limited to the king and […]
Scripture: Esther 4 Background Reading: Matthew 16:21–23; 17:22–23; 20:17–19 The opening line of Esther 4 is revealing. It is the key to understanding this chapter. The text tells us that “Mordecai learned all that had been done.” Mordecai is apparently an official in the Persian government. He has insider information. He knows exactly how much […]
Scripture: Esther 5 Background Reading: Daniel 10:1–9; Ezra 8:21–32 Whenever we attempt to understand historical events, timing of those events is often important. Queen Esther had commanded Mordecai to gather all the Jews in the capital city of Susa and to hold a fast on her behalf for three days. Traditionally, a fast would last […]
Scripture: Esther 2:1–18 Background Reading: Genesis 38:1–30; Matthew 1:1–3 The Lapse of Time As we begin to look at Esther 2, we quickly notice a lapse of time. The events recorded for us in this chapter do not follow immediately after those in Esther 1. We are reminded that royal decrees from King Xerxes went […]
Scripture: Esther 2:19–3:15 Background reading: Exodus 17:8–16; Deuteronomy 25:17–19; 1 Samuel 15:1–9, 32–33 As we continue our reading in the book of Esther, we might conclude that the events presented are nice, neat demonstrations of coincidence. It just so happens, by chance, that Mordecai happened to be in the right place at the right time […]
Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 13 Background Reading: Joshua 23:4–13 As we begin our study of Nehemiah 13, we are immediately confronted with a controversy. Our English Standard Version opens with the phrase, “On that day they read from the book of Moses.” What day was that? When did that reading from the Law occur? Commentaries are […]
Scripture Reading: Nehemiah 12 Background Reading: 1 Chronicles 23:1–6; 24:1–5; 25:1 Another chapter full of names. Almost impossible to pronounce. Almost impossible to inspire. As we noted with the previous chapter, the meanings do not lie exposed on the surface. To the contrary, we will need to dig deeply again. Near the surface, there is […]