17 But he, knowing their thoughts, said unto them, Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation; and a house divided against a house falleth.
18 If Satan also be divided against himself, how shall his kingdom stand? because ye say that I cast out devils through Beelzebub.
Continue reading SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY (LUKE 11:17-24)
Term used by the KJV to translate two closely related Hebrew words (tannim and tannin). At times the terms appear to be interchangeable. Context indicates that the first term refers to a mammal inhabiting the desert (Isa 13:22; 35:7; 43:20; Lam 4:3). Most modern speech translation equate the animal with the jackal, though perhaps the wolf (REB) is intended. The second term has four possible uses: (1) “great sea monster” (KJV, “great whales”) in the sense of a large sea
Continue reading DEFINITION OF THE DAY (DRAGON)
The story of Judas Iscariot may be the most unsettling cautionary talk in all of Scripture. For three years Judas spent practically every day in the presence of the Son of God-experiencing his miracles, listening to his teachings, and watching him change lives and give hope to multitudes.
Continue reading MEN OF THE BIBLE (JUDAS, ISCARIOT)
Even with self-defense as a perfect alibi, David refused to eliminate his chief adversary at the time. David’s restraint indicates that there is more than one kind of Goliath in life and that duty to God requires different responses.
Continue reading WHY DIDN’T DAVID KILL SAUL WHEN THE OPPORTUNITY AROSE?
In the ancient Middle East, the originator of a custom was frequently referred to as the “father” of that custom. Thus, Jubal was called” the father of all such as handle the harp and organ” because he invented those instruments.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (THE TERM FATHER)
It’s one thing to speak the truth to people in power when you have nothing to lose. It’s quite another to speak the truth when you have everything to lose. The Old Testament prophet Nathan faced the prospect of losing everything, including his life, if he spoke the truth to the most powerful man in Israel. Yet that was exactly what God called him to do.
Continue reading MEN OF THE BIBLE (NATHAN)
6 The voice said, Cry. And he said, What shall I cry? All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field:
7 The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.
Continue reading SCRIPTURE OF THE DAY (ISAIAH 40:6-11 “COMFORT FOR GOD’S PEOPLE”)
Their predictions about Jesus can be found in many books of the Old Testament. The prophet Micah, for instance, said the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Mic 5:2). Other Bible
Continue reading DID YOU KNOW THAT GOD TOLD MANY OLD TESTAMENT PEOPLE ABOUT JESUS BEFORE HE WAS EVEN BORN?
In the ancient world, ensuring a family line was absolutely necessary for security and survival. What else could a person leave behind? Books and writings? Probably not. Money? Yes, the family property might insure prosperity for a generation or two. Sons and daughters? Definitely. Without heirs, why accumulate an estate?
Continue reading WHY WAS CHILDBEARING AND FATHERING SO IMPORANT IN OLD TESTAMENT DAYS?
The Jewish religious leaders wanted arrest Jesus and have Him tried for blasphemy and treason. But they needed to take him into custody in a secluded place because of his popularity with the common people. They paid Judas to let them know when He could be arrested discreetly and under the cover of darkness.
Continue reading BIBLE CUSTOMS AND CURIOSITIES (THIRTY PIECES OF SILVER)