In Psalm 139 in today’s Bible reading* we see a powerful statement of God’s intimate knowledge of us. David begins the Psalm acknowledging that God has already searched him and known him. The word search, “can refer to the initial phases of a search or the end result, but always connotes a diligent, difficult probing.[1]…
In today’s Bible reading* David appoints Solomon as his successor. Some of the men are chosen by family lineage and some are chosen for specific service in the Temple by casting lots. (1 Chronicles 24:7, 25:9, 26:14) So what is “casting lots”? Casting lots was similar to throwing dice. And people would make decisions based…
Today’s Bible reading* includes two Imprecatory Prayers. In light of the Israel-Hamas conflict going on as I type, I think these Psalms are timely. Unless you have been living under a rock since October 7, 2023, you’re aware of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. On that date, Palestinian terrorists broke through Israel’s national…
One might read today’s Bible reading* and ask, “Is this a Bible contradiction? How can you possibly reconcile 2 Samuel 24:1 and 1 Chronicles 21:1?” We’re told that God punished David for conducting a census of the people under his reign. What could be wrong with that? The LORD’s anger burned against Israel again, and…
A major theme in today’s Bible reading* is the created order responds to God’s majesty. The psalmist personifies creation and notes that the inanimate world recognizes the majesty of its Creator. The mountains melt like wax at the presence of the LORD— at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. The heavens proclaim…
Today’s Bible readings* highlight God as a mighty warrior. David found himself in dire straits and he knew that God had delivered him. “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my deliverer, my God, my rock where I seek refuge. My shield, the horn of my salvation, my stronghold, my refuge, and my Savior,…
