Out of the Depths (Read Psalm 130) The writer of Psalm 130 was “in the depths.” Not simply a mild depression or temporary problem, but deep trouble, deep pain, deep heartache. In fact, the Hebrew word for depths in Psalm 130 is used in Isaiah 51 to describe the depths of the ocean. At times,… Give Your Burdens to the Lord Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT Exodus 20:14 The Definition Our English word adultery is from the Latin word adulterare, meaning to corrupt. The Hebrew word used in the Sixth Commandment has a similar meaning; literally, to stain with a dye, and by extension, to defile. So adultery is a staining or defiling of God’s institution… “You shall not commit adultery.” Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (Read Psalm 27) Change is a part of life. In a real sense, change defines life. Every living thing is a changing thing. But as Christians, we never face change alone. The first six verses of Psalm 27 are brimming with confidence. “The Lord is my light and my salvation;… In the Midst of Change, a God Who Doesn’t Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (Read Psalm 23) Before David was the king of Israel, he was a shepherd who tended the flocks of his father Jesse, and as such, he clearly understood the importance of leading sheep to green pastures and quiet waters, keeping them on the right paths, protecting them from enemies, and… The Lord is My Shepherd Read More

Many seek refuge in all the wrong places. But because God is our refuge and strength, we can confidently say, “We will not fear—anything.” Psalm 46:1-3 describes a scene of chaos and upheaval: the earth removed, mountains cast into the depths of the sea, waters roaring and troubled. This may be a cataclysmic event in… Refuge Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “Lord, You have been our dwelling place in all generations.” (Psalm 90:1) Moses likely wrote Psalm 90 near the end of his life. As an old man, Moses did what old men do: he reflected. He reflected on his own life. He reflected on the sad history of the Israelites.… The Dwelling Place Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “So Ahab went into his house sullen and displeased because of the word which Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him; for he had said, ‘I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.’ And he lay down on his bed, and turned away his face, and would not… The Pouting King Ahab Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT (Read Psalm 1) If you are on the right path, God’s path, happiness will come. It cannot be otherwise. The Hebrew word for “blessed” in Psalm 1 also means happy, whole, and full. Wherever it is used in the Old Testament, it always appears in the plural; literally, HAPPINESS-ES. When… “Happiness-es” Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep.” Our first reaction to these words may be, “Well, of course David slept in peace. He was the king of… How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep Read More

“I will both lie down in peace, and sleep; for You alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.” (Psalm 4:8) “I will both lie down in peace, and sleep.” Our first reaction to these words may be, “Well, of course David slept in peace. He was the king of Israel; powerful, popular, wealthy. He… How to Get a Good Night’s Sleep Read More

“And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.” Matthew 2:11 As a boy, I often puzzled over the gifts of the Magi. Gold was certainly a treasure. But what was myrrh, and who was Frank? Eventually, I realized that “Frank” was not a person but a nation;… Frankincense Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT THE HYSSOP PLANT is mentioned twelve times in Scripture1—ten times in the Old Testament and twice in the New. The most familiar reference may be Psalm 51:7, where David writes, “Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.” Of the… “Purge Me with Hyssop” Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT The Bible mentions more than one hundred plants, herbs, and trees; everything from acacia and aloe to wheat and wormwood. Knowing the appearance and properties of these plants can help us better understand their use in Scripture. For example, consider the mandrake plants referenced in Genesis 30:14-16. “Now Reuben went… “Mandrakes, Please” Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT Life is a journey. As Christian travelers, we’re simply passing through the Temporary on our way to the Eternal. During the trip, we often face dangers, difficult terrain, ups and downs. What can prepare us for the journey? Psalm 121, often called the Traveler’s Psalm, provides the answers. I will… Prepared for the Journey Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “And the Lord said to Abraham, ‘Why did Sarah laugh, saying, “Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?” Is anything too hard for the Lord?’” (Genesis 18:13-14a) Outside the tent the men were talking. Inside the tent, near the entrance, Sarah was listening. When she heard one… “Is Anything Too Hard for the Lord?” Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb? Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you. See, I have inscribed you on the palms of My hands.” (Isaiah 49:15-16a) For nearly seven centuries, from the time of Moses to… Palm Prints Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT “Then the men of Israel took some of their [the Gibeonites’] provisions; but they did not ask counsel of the Lord.” (Joshua 9:14) After forty years of wilderness wanderings, the Israelites finally entered the Promised Land to conquer and possess it. Cities fell, kings fled, nations trembled—not because of Israel’s power… The Gibeonite Deception Read More

GEMS FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT He is known to history as “Cyrus the Great”; born 590 B.C., died 529 B.C. A skilled military strategist, Cyrus united the tribes of Persia (modern-day Iran), defeated the Medes and Babylonians, extended the Persian Empire westward to Macedonia and eastward to India, and showed extraordinary compassion to the people… Behind the Scenes Read More

For most of us, the name Moses evokes powerful images. Moses standing before mighty Pharaoh. Moses leading the exodus from Egypt. Moses raising his staff over the Red Sea. Moses ascending Mount Sinai as it quaked and flamed with the presence of God. Moses smashing the tablets on which God Himself had written the Ten… Did Moses Stutter? Read More

“For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives. Therefore not even the first covenant was dedicated without blood. For when Moses had spoken every precept… A Necessary Death Read More