Bible Commentaries

Genesis 39 overview — allegation that was made quite generally at the beginning of this century to the effect that, "The story has a striking parallel to the Egyptian Tale of Two Brothers."Arthur S. Peake, A Commentary on the Bible (London: T. C. and E. C. Jack, Ltd., 1924), p. 163. Skinner even made the Egyptian story, "the original"John Skinner, International Critical Commentary, Genesis (Edinburgh: T. and T. Clark, 1910), p. 459. of this account in the Bible. Such allegations are merely fantastic nonsense. That Egyptian yarn

Exodus 12 overview — upon the deliverance of Israel from Egyptian bondage. These are: The Passover Proclaimed (Exodus 12:1-14); The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Exodus 12:15-20); Specific Instructions for the First Passover (Exodus 12:21-28); The Tenth Plague (Exodus 12:29-30); The Israelites Receive Permission to Go (Exodus 12:31-36); They Take the First Step of their Journey and Depart from Egypt (Exodus 12:37-42); and Special Instructions Regarding Non-Israelites and the Covenant (Exodus 12:43-51). There are not two

Nehemiah 11 overview — millenniums of time, to be entrusted with their presumed prerogative of revising the Bible. This eleventh chapter fits in perfectly with what precedes it: (1) the physical wall was built; (2) the spiritual basis of Israel's safety was strengthened; and (3) now the population of Jerusalem needed to be increased as an additional element of their safety. Some of the critics would have proceeded differently; but this is the way Nehemiah did it. "The artificial enlargement of capital cities by transferring

Job 21 overview — speech is unusual for Job. It is the only one in which he confined his remarks to his friends and did not fall into either a soliloquy or a prayer. The time had now come for Job to demolish his friends arguments."Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries, Vol. 13, p. 197. This he proceeded to do with sledge-hammer blows of truth and logic. "He attacked their position from every side; and, in the end, he left no line of their arguments unchallenged."Layman's Bible Commentary, Vol. 8, p. 105. The theological error

Psalms 25 overview — FORGIVENESS We have entitled this psalm "A Prayer for Forgiveness," because of the triple plea to that effect in the psalm. Halley called it, "The Prayer of a Sin-oppressed Soul,"Henry H. Halley's Bible Handbook (Grand Rapids: Zondervan Publishing House), p. 237. which is also a very appropriate title. Some writers have supposed that the author of this psalm was not, in any sense, writing it as a personal prayer for himself, but as a prayer suggested for others who might need to pray such a prayer. As Taylor

Psalms 27 overview — versions, the title is simply, `To or For David.' The Syriac has, `For David on Account of an Infirmity that Befell him'; the Vulgate, the LXX, the Arabic and Ethiopic entitle it, `A Psalm of David Before He was Anointed.'"Adam Clarke, Vol. III, p. 307. The contrast between the first six verses and the last six is so pronounced that some writers have supposed that they were, perhaps, originally two separate psalms, later combined into one. Ash's analysis of the problem is as follows: "Those who

Psalms 48 overview — the reign of Jehoshaphat. They advanced as far as Tekoa, from which town Jerusalem is visible; but they quarreled among themselves, began a retreat, and then came to blows against each other, destroying themselves."The Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 8, p. 372. The mention of a plurality of `kings' in Psalms 48:4, and their turning back in `dismay' (Psalms 48:5) were factors cited by Rawlinson in support of his view. However, Sennacherib's army was made up of multiple vassal kings (Isaiah 10:8); and the

Psalms 49 overview — Fool, are doctrinally anticipated in this psalm. Scholars refer to this psalm as `didactic,' i.e., a psalm loaded with teaching or instructions. In some of the psalms, the psalmist is (1) praising God; in others he is (2) prophesying; and in some he is (3) praying; but, "In this one, he is (4) preaching."Wilson Jones, p. 239. In all discussions of the folly of trusting in riches, it should be pointed out that riches are a threatening temptation, not only to their possessors, but to the poor also. "The

Psalms 52 overview — prompted the writing of it. Oh yes, Addis wrote that, "(1) The reference to the Temple (Psalms 52:8), and (2) the silence regarding Doeg's massacre of the priests show that the superscription gives an impossible explanation of the Psalm."W. E. Addis, p. 382. Neither of these objections has any value. (1)    Psalms 52:8, which has, "I am like a green olive tree in the house of God," refers to the `tabernacle,' not to the Temple which, in David's day, had not then been constructed.

Psalms 58 overview — David who wrote one of them wrote all three."F. Delitzsch, Vol. V-B, p. 179. 180. The paragraphing suggested by Kidner is adequate. I.    Tyrants Addressed (Psalms 58:1-2). II.    Tyrants Described (Psalms 58:3-5). III.    Tyrants Prayed Against (Psalms 58:6-9). IV.    Tyrants Rejoiced Over (Psalms 58:10-11). TYRANTS ADDRESSED

Psalms 60 overview — Shushan Eduth.Michtam of David, to Teach, When He Strove with Aram-Naharaim, and Joab Returned, and Smote of Edom in the Valley of Salt Twelve Thousand. Shushan Eduth. This is usually translated, "The Lily of the Testimony,"J. R. Dummelow's Commentary, p. 352. which was the name of the tune or melody to which the singers fitted the words of this psalm. Psalms 45; Psalms 69; and Psalms 80 were also set to this tune. Michtam of David. "Michtam" is thought to mean that this was a "Golden Psalm"; but some

Psalms 67 overview — we have consulted seem totally unaware of this. Just note what is here stated: God will cause his way to be known upon earth, his salvation among all nations (Psalms 67:2).Let the peoples praise thee, O God; let all the peoples praise thee (Psalms 67:3). (peoples = Gentiles) (also Psalms 67:5).Oh let the nations (Gentiles) be glad and sing for joy (Psalms 67:4).Thou wilt judge the peoples (Gentiles) with equity (Psalms 67:4).Thou wilt govern (or lead) the nations (Gentiles) upon earth (Psalms 67:4).Let

Leviticus 19 overview — Bible Commentary, Old Testament, Leviticus (Chicago: Moody Press, 1972), p. 99. The appearance of "I am the Lord your God" no less than sixteen times in this single chapterJ. R. Dummelow, Commentary on the Holy Bible (New York: The Macmillan Company, 1937), p. 96. shows the relationship of the material in it to the Decalogue and other covenant portions of the Pentateuch, and precepts here are in several instances extensions of Commandments I, II, III, IV, V, VII, VIII, IX, and X. In fact, if "Love thy

Jeremiah 16 overview — suggested by Henderson:E. Henderson, The Book of the Prophet Jeremiah (London: Hamilton, Adams, and Company, 1851), p. 99. (1) Jeremiah forbidden to marry and have a family (Jeremiah 16:1-2); (2) God's explanation for this prohibition (Jeremiah 16:2-4); (3) funeral celebrations also forbidden (Jeremiah 16:5-7); (4) festival celebrations likewise prohibited (Jeremiah 16:8-9); (5) God's further elaboration of the reasons for such penalties (Jeremiah 16:10-13); (6) a prophecy of Israel's restoration (Jeremiah

Jeremiah 31 overview — part of the chapter is a promise to the Northern Kingdom (Ephraim) that, due to their repentance and reformation they shall again be restored to their land and to their former favor in the eyes of God. These promises to Ephraim are recorded in Jeremiah 30:2-22; and the next large portion of the chapter applies the same marvelous prophecies of return, prosperity and favor to the Southern Kingdom. Some scholars seem to become almost ecstatic, reveling in the unification of the two ancient Israels, and

Revelation 13:1 — and waiting to be summoned as an ally of the devil whenever times and circumstances permit it. The sea … "Both the sea and the earth here (in this chapter) are expressions equivalent to the whole world." R. C. H. Lenski, op. cit., p. 390. Earle pointed out the diverse explanations of the beasts in this chapter thus: Preterists say they are the Roman power (the empire), and the pagan priesthood supporting emperor worship, particularly in the province of Asia. Historicists find here

Revelation 14:20 — any earthly place such as Jerusalem, Rome, or Babylon. "It is the heavenly city of Hebrews 11:10; Hebrews 12:2; Revelation 21:10, etc." Ibid. Plummet also agreed that this means "without the Church of God." A. Plummer, op. cit., p. 351. The wicked will be punished far from the presence of the saints, and no unclean thing may enter into the place where the saints are. Blood … unto the bridles of the horses … a thousand and six hundred furlongs … What does this

Revelation 15:7 — This is a very interesting word. "It meant (1) a shallow vessel used for drinking purposes," Ibid. as in the case of Old King Cole who called for his pipe and his bowl; (2) a broad shallow vessel used for libations as in Revelation 5:8; and (3) it signified a funerary urn for the ashes of the dead." Ibid. "This word is found only in Revelation 5:8; Revelation 15:7; Revelation 16:1-17; Revelation 17:1; Revelation 21:9." Ralph Earle, op. cit., p. 586. Full of the wrath of God

Revelation 19:7 — the relationship between the Lord and his people is often used in the New Testament, but in various analogies. In Matthew 22:1-4, the Christians are guests at the wedding. In Matthew 15:1 ff, they are certain of the bridesmaids. In 2 Corinthians 11:1-3, they are chaste virgins betrothed unto the Lord. In Ephesians 5:22-32 and in Romans 7:4, the analogy is that Christians are now married to the Lord. "When passages like this (Revelation 19:7) are pressed as proof that the church is not now married

Revelation 22:2 — the first sentence, but as the beginning of the second." William Barclay, The Revelation of John (Philadelphia: Westminster Press, 1976), p. 221. As a matter of fact, the phrase may be applied: (1) to the river of life; (2) the throne of God; or (3) the tree of life. It does not make the slightest difference which view is taken. No literal description of heaven is here intended. These are symbols, not literal thrones, rivers, streets, and trees. Note too that "street" is not a reference