Introduction: I guess it wasn’t in English because there was no such language as English at that time! But why poetry? In this case poetry is leaving people to guess, or more accurately, to ponder and hassle the hidden thoughts which need to be arrived at. Sennacherib, the blood thirsty, tyrannical leader of Assyria wouldContinue reading “Isaiah 37: 21-29….Why use obscure poetry instead of plain English?”
Category Archives: Judgement
Psalm 73: 18-28….Some can write powerfully!
Introduction: This is the third day looking at Psalm 73. Yesterday’s section ended with ‘Until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end.’ The psalm is about the Psalmist feeling envious and being tempted to give up the struggle, which it often is, to do the right thing all the timeContinue reading “Psalm 73: 18-28….Some can write powerfully!”
Psalm 72: 11-20….The prayer for Solomon continues.
Introduction: A couple of weeks ago, amid the prayer prayed over Solomon at his induction, because of the Church Calendar and the Ascension of Jesus, I took a break from Psalms. On that occasion I wrote in the introduction “Solomon isn’t one of my favourite Bible heroes. He started well but ended up badly…..On theContinue reading “Psalm 72: 11-20….The prayer for Solomon continues.”
Isaiah 34: 8-17….The future told in graphic pictures!
Introduction: Jacob, whose name was changed to Israel, after whom the Israelis are named, had a brother Esau. Esau, and later his descendants, occupied the land of Edom. Edom was mentioned in yesterday’s tale of woes and here again at the very centre of today’s opening Edom, Israel’s neighbour, holds centre stage! 8 For theContinue reading “Isaiah 34: 8-17….The future told in graphic pictures!”
Isaiah 34: 1-8….If you are squeamish Beware!
Introduction: If there is a real story on the TV involving visible trauma there is often a warning that something is coming up which might be upsetting! In movies they just pile trauma, upon blood and guts. If you have an imagination this passage deserves a warning! I remember the scenes and smells from theContinue reading “Isaiah 34: 1-8….If you are squeamish Beware!”
Isaiah 33: 1-12….Prepare for a reversal!
Introduction: Initially God speaks to Sennacherib the enemy who had conquered and destroyed Israel! (v1): This is followed by. a prayer by the people of Israel, the prayer results presumably because they have realized that they have made wrong decisions in not following Jehovah and so they plead with God for help. (v2): ‘The tumultuousContinue reading “Isaiah 33: 1-12….Prepare for a reversal!”
Psalm 68: 19-27….Victory Assured!
19 Blessed be the Lord,who daily bears us up;God is our salvation. Selah – Think about that! Never forget it!20 Our God is a God of salvation,and to GOD, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.21 But God will strike the heads of his enemies,the hairy crown of him who walks in his guilty ways. –Continue reading “Psalm 68: 19-27….Victory Assured!”
Isaiah 29: 1-10….The prophet – a Master of Imagery!
Introduction: As you probably know -el at the end of Jewish words ‘means God’. Thus Daniel means God judges, Gabriel means God’s Strong Man. Here we have Ariel tying together the two words for lion and God. Used as a name for Jerusalem in this prophecy it refers to Jerusalem because of the Power ofContinue reading “Isaiah 29: 1-10….The prophet – a Master of Imagery!”
Isaiah 28: 23-29….Do city kids know where milk comes from?
23 Give ear, and hear my voice;give attention, and hear my speech.24 Does he who plows for sowing plow continually?Does he continually open and harrow his ground?25 When he has leveled its surface,does he not scatter dill, sow cumin,and put in wheat in rowsand barley in its proper place,and emmer as the border? – EmmerContinue reading “Isaiah 28: 23-29….Do city kids know where milk comes from?”
Isaiah 28: 16-23….Better Listen when God Speaks!
16 “Behold, I am the one who has laid as a foundation in Zion,a stone, a tested stone,a precious cornerstone, of a sure foundation:‘Whoever believes will not be in haste.’ – What does ‘not be in haste’ mean? Other translations translate this as meaning ‘to make the wrong decision ie be confused; or be ashamedContinue reading “Isaiah 28: 16-23….Better Listen when God Speaks!”