Psalm 004

Introduction The title of Psalm 4, like the title of Psalm 3, tells us that this is a psalm of David. Unlike Psalm 3, though, the title does not give any clues to what the historical background or the setting of this psalm might be. However, it's a lament in which David cries out to … Continue reading Psalm 004 →

Psalm 003

Introduction We've already studied Psalms 1 and 2 which together form the introduction to the psalter. In Psalm 1, the psalmist contrasted the righteous and the wicked. The truly righteous person is, of course, the Lord Jesus Christ; but we are declared righteous in God's sight through faith in Christ. And therefore we are blessed … Continue reading Psalm 003 →

Zechariah 04

Introduction We come today to the fifth of the eight night visions which Zechariah the prophet received from the Lord. Zechariah was ministering in Jerusalem at the same time as Haggai which was after the Lord's people had returned to Jerusalem from their exile in Babylon. And Zechariah received these eight night visions in order … Continue reading Zechariah 04 →

Zechariah 03

Introduction This is now our third week studying the book of Zechariah, who was a prophet of the Lord who was ministering in Jerusalem alongside Haggai after the Lord's people had returned from the exile in Babylon. When the people returned at first they began to rebuild the temple. But their enemies opposed them and … Continue reading Zechariah 03 →

Zechariah 01(18)–02(13)

Introduction Zechariah was a prophet of the Lord who was ministering in Jerusalem at the same time as Haggai, which was when some of the Lord's people had returned from the exile in Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple. In the first chapter of Zechariah's book, the Lord summoned the people living in Jerusalem … Continue reading Zechariah 01(18)–02(13) →

Zechariah 01(01–17)

Introduction We finished our studies in Haggai last week. And do you remember in chapter 2, God spoke to his people about the future glory of the temple and of future blessings for his people and about a future kingdom. By speaking of a future kingdom, he was anticipating how Christ is the King who … Continue reading Zechariah 01(01–17) →

2 Samuel 24

Introduction So, here we are at the last chapter of 2 Samuel and this story about the plague which the Lord sent on his people and the offerings David brought to the Lord to pay for their sins and to make peace with him. Verses 1 to 10 But there are a few things which … Continue reading 2 Samuel 24 →

2 Samuel 23

Introduction Famous last words. 'Kiss me, Hardy' is one I remember from school, which Nelson supposedly said to his ship's captain at the Battle of Trafalgar. 'You too, Brutus'. Julius Caesar probably didn't say those words, but those are the last words of Caesar in Shakespeare's play. Johnny Cash apparently said, 'It's time'. And Barry … Continue reading 2 Samuel 23 →

2 Samuel 22

Introduction Our narrator is wrapping up the story of David, who became king of God's people in place of Saul and who faced many challenges and troubles and trials during his lifetime. But the Lord preserved him and kept him. And some time during his reign, David wrote this song of thanksgiving to the Lord … Continue reading 2 Samuel 22 →

2 Samuel 21

Introduction We're coming near to the end of 2 Samuel and the story of David. But our narrator still has a few more things to tell us about David and his reign. And today's chapter can be divided into two main parts. Firstly, in verses 1 to 14, we have this story involving the Gibeonites. … Continue reading 2 Samuel 21 →