Category Archives: Old Testament

Job is one of the all time heavy books of the Bible. It deals with the prickly question of suffering, and after all is said and done, gives us an absolutely legitimate answer to the question of suffering, but one … Continue reading →

The book of Esther is one of those books, like Ruth that is best read at one sitting. It’s a great story of a meteoric, providential rise to a place of honor and power at just the right time; with … Continue reading →

We left the story yesterday just as Haman had implemented his wicked scheme to avenge his wounded pride by doing more than merely punishing Mordecai for his imagined slight; he was going to annihilate Mordecai’s entire ethnic community across the … Continue reading →

Today’s reading starts the excellent story of Esther. If you’ve never read the story, hold on to your hat; it will have drama, intrigue, a few twists and turns, and a great victory. Before we dive into the text, however, … Continue reading →

Sadly, just like in the days of the kings of Judah, restoration was a constant process. Things would be properly restored, but ‘ere long a new generation would neglect the Temple and the Law or engage in the corruptions all … Continue reading →

Nehemiah is an impressive leader among his fellow Jews during very, very challenging times. What he led them to achieve in such a short time was truly masterly and accomplished, but he wasn’t done yet. A more complete restoration — … Continue reading →

The book of Nehemiah is a great book full of leadership wisdom and godly example, and is certainly worthy of far more reading and study than is generally given to it. Today’s reading is focused around the actual completion of … Continue reading →

The book of Nehemiah tells the story of the rebuilding of the walls of Jerusalem destroyed by the Babylonian army in 586 BC. When Persia’s king decreed that all the exiles could return to their homelands and build their temples, … Continue reading →

Today’s reading of Scripture concludes the book of Ezra, giving a very brief look into Ezra’s actual work among the returned exiles, the Remnant. Ezra takes on the task of rooting out the practice of intermarriage with pagans. It was … Continue reading →