Deuteronomy Chapter 5 – Special Words for a Special People
We are certainly special in God’s eyes, “a special treasure above all the peoples on the face of the earth” (7:6-8; 1 Pet 2:9). Therefore, He has given us special words not given to others (4:8), especially…
Deuteronomy Chapter 4 – A Special People
When God chooses a people for Himself, He makes them special. How special are we in God’s eyes? First, it’s about differentiation – being set apart from others and dedicated to God alone, the very fundamental idea…
Deuteronomy Chapter 1
Deuteronomy 1: These are the words When I think of the Book of Deuteronomy, these words from Hymn 257 comes to mind: Obedience is thy life. All of God’s laws are certainly imperative, but Deuteronomy closes the…
2 Kings Chapter 13 – Israel & Hazael
Israel, meaning “Prince with God”, is rooted in the idea of “prevail to rule” (Heb: sarah), with God (Heb: el) on her side. When Israel prevails over her enemies, it’s God who prevails or causes her to…
2 Samuel Chapter 19 – Blood is thicker than water?
The question mark in the title is an invitation to give more thought to an age-old saying. What does it really mean? And should it be so? Expressing acceptance of bias behaviour with the saying is certainly…
1 Samuel Chapter 2 – From Personal Plight to National Glory
How many times have we prayed for something when we suddenly realised we should not just be looking at ourselves and our personal needs? When Hannah paid her vow and brought her God-bestowed male child to serve…
1 Samuel Chapter 1 – God Hears Silence and Sees Hiddenness
Silent prayers are part of our church services, and oftentimes we hear the “Amen” from the leader before we could even finish what we wish to say. Hannah’s prayer in silence reminds us that we could do…
Ruth Chapter 3: Take Me Under Your Wing
As a child, I thought that the cape Superman wore was cool, especially when the super hero was in flight. When Ruth asked Boaz to extend the border of his garment over her, she referred to it…
Ruth Chapter 2: Why have I found favour?
Two hymns ring in my ears as I read the second chapter of Ruth: “Whosoever Will” and I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous Grace. Ruth was referred to as “Moabitess” (2) and “Moabite woman” (6) before she…
Joshua Chapter 10: The LORD Fought for Israel
The LORD is a divine warrior, a “man of war” according to the Song of Moses (Ex 15:3). Confronted by the red sea with the Egyptian army in pursuit, the word to the Israelites was: “The LORD…