But King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will surely buy it for the full price; for I will not take what is yours for YHWH, or offer a burnt offering which costs me nothing.” 1 Chronicles 21:24 Costs Me Nothing – Nancy Pearcey makes an astounding application of David’s principle. She says, “The…
“Some remove the landmarks, . . .” Job 24:2 Landmarks – There is a great economic battle raging in the world. It is not the battle between capitalism and socialism, although the media would like you to believe it is. It is not the battle between personal liberty and state control. That is simply another…
“O house of Israel, am I not able to do to you as did this potter?” declares YHWH.” Jeremiah 18:6 Potter – God sends Jeremiah to the potter’s house. Jeremiah witnesses the potter making a vessel from clay. But something happens. The vessel is ruined. What does the potter do? He starts again with the…
And now, Lord, look upon their threats, and give Your slaves to speak Your word with all boldness Acts 4:29 Boldness – “It that a threat?” Of course it is. The disciples could hardly have mistaken the potential harm promised them. But notice they do not ask to have the threat removed. They don’t back…
But when the multitudes saw this, they were filled with awe, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men. Matthew 9:8 Filled With Awe – Matthew is fond of expressions of amazement, but his fondness is not simply a literary device. Long before Abraham Heschel mentioned it, Matthew recognized that the first step…
The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense; he who would destroy himself does it. Proverbs 6:32 Lacking Sense – The perennial excuse for adultery is an appeal to the heart. “I was carried away by my heart.” “I had this great need for a heart companion.” “I just followed my heart.” …
A couple more
The one who commits adultery with a woman is lacking sense; he who would destroy himself does it. Proverbs 6:32 Destroy – Hebrew poetry rhymes ideas. The first thought is elaborated in the second thought. In this verse, both phrases are about the same action – adultery. The proverb teaches us that adultery is stupid…
Bring us back, our Father, to Your Torah, and bring us near, our King, to Your service, and influence us to return in perfect repentance before You. Shemoneh Esrei hashivanu Influence – You aren’t going to find this verse in the Bible. It’s from the Amidah, the Shemoneh Esrei, the morning prayer of the Jews. …
