This week we’ve been reading further in the book of Isaiah. The author, being the prophet Isaiah himself, focuses his writings on one central theme, God himself. As we read Isaiah 25, Isaiah explains that God is the ultimate victor. He is the one who brings salvation. He will swallow…
This week, we read through the book of Amos. Amos, though only nine chapters long, packs a powerful prophetic punch. This Old Testament book delivers a sobering message to the people of Israel during a time of economic prosperity and spiritual complacency. Amos is unique among the prophets—he wasn’t a…
Written by: Jake Withrow “After Rehoboam’s position as king was established and he had become strong, he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the Lord.” 2 Chronicles 12:1 After the kingdom of Israel split into two. The southern kingdom, Judah, quickly abandoned God. They set up altars…
I perceived that there is nothing better for them than to be joyful and to do good as long as they live; Ecclesiastes 3:12 ESV When most people think of Ecclesiastes 3, they immediately go to the “a time for everything” passage. These first few verses remind us that there are seasons…
In 1 Kings 6, we step into one of the most significant building projects in history: the construction of Solomon’s temple. This chapter marks the fulfillment of a promise God made to David—that his son would build a house for the Lord. After four years on the throne, Solomon begins…
Year of the Bible: Week 23 As we begin in Proverbs, considered the book of wisdom, it is important to read the book not as God's law or prophetic speaking from God. The wisdom it teaches is an accumulation of knowledge received from God written by mainly King Solomon. King…
In 1 Kings 2, King David is near the end of his life. As he prepares to die, he gives a final charge to his son Solomon, who will take his place as king. David doesn’t give Solomon a long list of political advice—instead, he starts with a simple but…
Psalm 99: 4-5 “The King in His might loves justice. You have established equity; you have executed justice and righteousness in Jacob. Exalt the Lord our God; worship at his footstool! Holy is he!” 2 Samuel 24:24 “...I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost…
“The LORD is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in him, and he helps me. My heart leaps for joy, and with my song I praise him.” Psalm 28:7 This verse was written by King David. I imagine him proclaiming these words after he finds victory from his…
1 And David said, “Is there still anyone left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan's sake?” 2 Now there was a servant of the house of Saul whose name was Ziba, and they called him to David. And the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And…