They Feared the Lord, But…

Several times in today’s Bible reading* we read that the people “feared the Lord, but …” (2 Kings 17:32-33, 41) The people appointed their own priests, worshiped their own gods, and served their own idols. How is it possible to say that someone “feared the Lord” and follow that statement with “, but”? Wouldn’t that…

More of the Love Song

We complete our readings in the Song of Solomon with today’s Bible reading*. The lovers continue their love song. Solomon and his wife exchange compliments and express their desires for each other. As I said the day before yesterday, we should celebrate this gift that God has given us! And celebrating this gift — singing…

Redemption for Ruth

Although the book of Ruth contains cultural issues which are very different from our own, the book is about redemption. God makes so many things new. We read the entire book in today’s Bible reading* and learn of Naomi, Ruth, and Boaz. Naomi loses her husband and two sons. She is left with two daughters-in-law….

A Portrait of a Biblical Woman

One of the most common mental images of a Biblical woman is that of Proverbs 31. Proverbs 31 describes a woman who takes care of her husband and family while also earning a living in the marketplace. In today’s Bible reading* we see another picture of a Biblical woman. Deborah and Jael are mentioned in…