Bible Commentaries

Genesis 26 overview — Abraham. (1)    There was a famine similar to the one that prompted Abraham to go down into Egypt. However, Isaac, heeding the warning of God, remained in Canaan, in Gerar, which was under the jurisdiction of Abimelech, the Philistine king (Genesis 26:1-5). (2)    Isaac, with similar motivation to that of Abraham passed the word around that Rebekah was his sister. This time, however, Abimelech, knowing of the experience with Abraham and Sarah, looked into the relationship himself,

Job 20 overview — the fate of the wicked; but like every evil philosophy it was only partially founded in truth: (1) Zophar's description of what often happened to wicked men appeared here as a description of what always, invariably, and without exception happened! (2) Zophar's description was purely materialistic. This earthly life, to Zophar, was all there is. There was no understanding or allowance whatever for ultimate rewards or punishments. (3) To Zophar, no wicked man had any hope whatever. He had no conception

Psalms 103 overview — cannot be made a criterion for determining date, because they are found in both early and late Old Testament books. Also, the recently-discovered Ras Shamra texts reveal Aramaic elements (Aramaisms) dating back to 1500 to 1400 B.C."Paul T. Butler, p. 213. This, of course, knocks the keystone out of the arch of critical devices for late-dating Old Testament writings. Another unwarranted assumption that labels many psalms "liturgical" is also very untrustworthy. "Of course, it cannot be denied that

Psalms 62 overview — GOD, THE ONLY REFUGE FROM TREACHERY AND FALSEHOOD Superscription: For the Chief Musician; After the Manner of Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. Jeduthun. In 1 Chronicles 25:1-4, we learn that Jeduthun and five of his sons were among the honored singers of Israel, having charge of the music. A Psalm of David. As Leupold said, "There is nothing in the psalm which makes it difficult to accept the authorship of David."H.

Numbers 28 overview — These two chapters are being treated together because they actually constitute a summary of the offerings Israel was commanded to make throughout the whole year. Every one of the requirements laid down in Numbers 28 and Numbers 29 has already been discussed at length in this series of commentaries under those verses where they were first mentioned in the Pentateuch. The last syllable of the material here is Mosaic, both as to authorship and from the standpoint

2 Timothy 1:12 — committed unto him against that day. The problem of this verse regards just what Paul committed, or entrusted to God. As Hendriksen phrased it, "Is it the gospel or is it myself and my complete salvation?" William Hendriksen, op. cit., p. 235. We shall not argue this point, simply because it is true both ways and was possibly intended by Paul himself to be understood in both ways. Approaching the end of life, Paul found no nagging uncertainty, no shadow of doubt, no waning confidence in

2 Timothy 2:10 — such a disaster. The elect … Ward quite properly noted that "This text implies that it is not the bare fact of election that saves men. The gospel of Christ has to be preached even to the elect." Ronald A. Ward, Commentary on 1 and 2 Timothy and Titus (Waco, Texas: Word Books, 1974), p. 166. The faithfulness of the elect even after they were saved "from their old sins" is likewise implied here; because the message of this verse is that such necessary fidelity would be

Titus 1:1 — the new birth, Paul had been born again as a [@doulos] of God and of Christ. And an apostle of Jesus Christ … "This shows that this is not a private letter, but a public and official document," A. C. Hervey, Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 21, Titus (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1950), p. 1. binding upon the church of all ages as the word of the Lord. According to the faith of God's elect … conveys the meaning of being in harmony with the Christian

Hebrews 11:26 — reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. The reproach of Christ is variously understood by commentators, some believing that: (1) it is the same kind of reproach that Christ suffered; (2) it is the reproach suffered for one's faith in Christ; (3) it is the reproach that fell on Moses as the type of Christ; or (4) it is the reproach that Christ had to bear in his own person and also in the person of every believer in Christ. To this

Hebrews 13:5 — security and confidence that have been forfeited through lack of trust in God. The author here seeks to strike down both supports of the love of money: (1) the discontent of people, their passionate and burning desire always for more and more, and (2) their lack of reliance upon the promises of God. And, concerning the promise of the Father, the author here quotes Deuteronomy 31:16; Joshua 1:5; and Psalms 118:6. "He will not leave thee nor forsake thee." The utter folly of making money,

1 John 2:15 — regards the material and temporary character of it. It is "visible" and therefore must be classified among those things which "are seen," contrasting with the things which "are unseen" and designated by Paul as eternal (2 Corinthians 4:18). Bruce noted the difference thus: "It is the world-system organized in rebellion against God which is in view — the current climate of opinion, as we might say."F. F. Bruce, Answers to Questions (Grand Rapids, Michigan:

1 John 2:27 — as his anointing teacheth you concerning all things, and is true, and is no lie, and even as it taught you, ye abide in him. The anointing which ye received of him abideth in you … Although this is speaking of the Holy Spirit (see under 1 John 2:20), it is clear from the last clause where the neuter pronoun and past tense are used that he is referring to the written records of the gospel. It was that which they had been taught; and it was that which was abiding in them, there being no difference

Jude 1:1 — understanding the authorship and date of the epistle, see in the introduction. James … One of the brothers of Jesus Christ (Matthew 13:55), and therefore, at first, not a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ whom he here acknowledges as his Lord (John 7:2-5). Servant … The word for "servant" here is (Greek: [@doulos]),<note> Delbert R. Rose, Beacon Bible Commentary, Vol. 10 (Kansas City, Missouri: Beacon Hill Press, 1967), p. 428.</note> meaning one "born into slavery,"

Revelation 13:6 — opposition is evident in its being against both. Note that the blasphemous use of God's name is the same as speaking against God. And his tabernacle … "Christians are themselves God's tabernacle, because he is in the midst of them (Revelation 21:9)." J. R. Dummelow, Commentary on the Holy Bible (New York: Macmillan Company, 1937), p. 1083. Speaking against Christians is a primary activity of the "beast." The guilt of his doing so is no less than that of speaking against God

Revelation 2:13 — Repeatedly, this affirmation of the omniscience of the Master emphasizes the truth that all things are open and naked to the eyes of the Lord. Where Satan's throne is … See under preceding verse. Holdest fast my name … See under Revelation 2:3. And didst not deny my faith … The usage of "faith" in this verse is significant, standing, as it so frequently does in the New Testament, for the Christian religion. Even in the days of Antipas … who was killed … Nothing

Revelation 2:17 — saith to the churches. To him that overcometh, to him will I give of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and upon the stone a new name written, which no one knoweth but he that receiveth it. On the first sentence, see under Revelation 2:7, and also regarding "him that overcometh." I will give of the hidden manna … The great feasts in the idol-temples were nothing to be compared to the feast of one who eats of "the bread of life" (John 6:35). John remembered

Revelation 2:9 — studies have been strongly in the direction of showing that the evidence for a widespread persecution under Domitian is late and probably exaggerated" John A. T. Robinson, Redating the New Testament (Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, 1976), p. 233. Sir William Ramsay's extravagant elaboration of the Domitian persecution is followed by many writers; but, as Robinson said, "However, (it is) largely drawn from his own imagination, playing on evidence in Revelation already interpreted as Domitianic

Revelation 20:6 — Therefore, the priesthood and the reigning of these saints is exactly the same as that of the Christians of all ages, showing that no special period of any kind whatever is meant by this "thousand years" in this passage. See my comment on 1 Peter 2:5, and also in my Commentary on James, pp. 191-199. "All the evidence we have is against the theory of the first resurrection being understood otherwise than as a spiritual resurrection that takes place when any sinner is converted to Christ."

Revelation 7:2 — servants. Having the seal of the living God … "Here we have an instance of words used both figuratively and literally in one passage." John T. Hinds, op. cit., p. 111. Seal is figurative, and living God is literal. For what the seal is, see under (2) in the chapter heading, above. Of course, the angel did not carry the Holy Spirit, but the imagery is aided by the picture of his carrying God's seal. Cried with a loud voice to the four angels … This mighty angel clearly had more authority

2 Samuel 12 overview — which the text says, "David wrote a letter." Any action commanded by one in authority is properly ascribed to him; and this does not mean that David himself necessarily penned that communication which Uriah carried to Joab. "Seraiah was secretary" (2 Samuel 8:17), and he must actually have written the letter for David's signature. David might have felt that he had effectively covered up his shameful deeds; but this writer cannot resist the opinion that David was profoundly wrong in such a conceit.