Today's readings are Est 6-10.The rest of Esther's story is a case study on how God intervenes in the lives of His own, protecting them, even when they're unaware.King Xerxes (Ahasuerus), unable to sleep, reads about Mordecai and how he secretly... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
Today's readings are Esther 1-5.While Ezra, Nehemiah, and Zechariah tell the story of how the Jews return to Jerusalem, Esther describes what happens to those who stayed behind. It depicts the reign of Xerxes (Greek for the Hebrew name Ahasuerus)... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
Today’s readings are Neh 12-13.The genealogies of the priests, Levites, and the High Priest are verified in Neh 12, affirming their qualifications to fill those offices. The Jews are very careful to observe services in the temple according to the law [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
Today’s readings are Neh 10-11.The people of Judah, starting with the spiritual and administrative leaders, sign an oath (Neh 10:1-27). They commit to four over-arching tenants; (1) obedience to the law (2) no intermarriage with foreigners (3)... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
Today's readings are Neh 8-9.It is interesting that the primary reason God makes the city safe and secure is so that the people may begin to worship Him and resume the practice of their faith in the temple.They start by reading the Law (Neh 8:1-8)... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
Today's reading is Neh 7.Neh 7 depicts the city secure with Hanani in charge of keeping it safe. Aware that there have been those who have opposed the rebuilding, Nehemiah advises caution about when the gates are opened and who should man them ( [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
Today’s readings are Neh 4-6.Sanballat, a Samaritan, the Ammonites and some people from Ashdod (The Philistines) go into Jerusalem and plant seeds of discontent among the people working on the walls. The work temporarily halts (Neh 4:1-12). The... [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
Today’s readings are Neh 1-3. Nehemiah followed Ezra in returning to Jerusalem. He led a third wave of returning Jewish exiles who were sent by Artaxerxes in 445 B.C. This era of Jewish history is commonly known as the post-exilic period. It begins w [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
Today's readings are Ezr 8-10.Ezr 8:1-20 establishes Ezra and his party as having the genealogical heritage to work in the Temple. These historical records ensure the priesthood will continue in proper order. We get a glimpse of Ezra’s faith and pray [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
Today’s readings are Ezr 4-7. As work on the temple continues, some neighbors in Samaria, enemies of Judah, try to join the effort, most likely to sabotage the work. Judah does not trust them nor are they true followers of God (Ezr 4:1-3). [ ... ][ abbreviated | read original blog ]
