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33 Life Lessons from The Book of Psalms | Psalms Bible Study

Psalms Commentary bible, Psalms Bible study, Life lesson psalms

The book of Psalms is the longest book in the Bible. Psalms are poems that can either be sung as songs or spoken as prayers by individuals or groups. There are 150 psalms in this book, and many of them list King David as their author. They were collected over a long period of time and became a very important part of the worship of the people of Israel

Some of the psalms tell the music leader what instruments should be used and what tunes should be followed, for example, look at Psalm 4 and Psalm 45.

Many of the Bible's main ideas are echoed in the Psalms: praise, thankfulness, faith, hope, sorrow for sin, God's loyalty and help. And at the heart of all the Psalms, there is a deep trust in God. The writers of the psalms always express their true feelings, whether they are praising God for his blessings or complaining in times of trouble.

In ancient Israel, the psalms were used in several different ways: (1) to praise God, as in Psalm 105; (2) to express sorrow, as in Psalm 13; (3) to teach, as in Psalm 1; (4) to honor Israel's king and pray for fairness in his rule, as in Psalm 72; (5) to tell of God's power over all creation, as in Psalm 47; (6) to show love for Jerusalem, as in Psalm 122; and (7) to celebrate festivals, as in Psalm 126. Of course, many of the Psalms could be used for more than one purpose.

Jesus used the psalms when he preached and taught, and they were often quited by the writers of the New Testament. The easliest Christians also used the psalms in worship, teaching, and telling others the good news about what God has done through Jesus Christ. A verse from Psalm 118, for example, is directly referred to six times in the New Testament:

The stone that the builders tossed aside
has now become the most important stone. (118.22)

Here are 33 Lessons from the Book of Psalms

Respect for God

1 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 2.11

The love of a friendship, a romacne, or a marriage has to contain a strong element of respect. let the respect disappear from one of these love relationships, and it will cool and disappear.

When we love god, our respect for him is different from our respect for anyone else. His power, his holiness, and his endless compassion produce a respect that has to be called reverence. We must admire God's mercy, power, glory, and holiness.

Don't let anything in your life cause you to lose your reverence for the love God has shown you. Lose the reverence, and in time you will lose your love for God.

The Cry of Suffering

2 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 6.4-10

Have you ever felt this kind of intense pain - pain so deep that it physically wears you out? Has a situation broken you physically or distressed you mentally, making you cry out for relief?

Take heart, for God, is with you. He hears your cry and he will come to your rescue. You may not be completely released from your suffering, but you will become an example to those around you of God's sustaining power.

The Lord Is a Kind Ruler

3 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 10.16-18

God is the only everlasting ruler, and his kind intentions will finally come about in the new creation that he had planned (see Revelation 21 and 22). now, human disobedience is the cause of the widespread suffering we hear about and sometimes even experience ourselves.

Often we can't see God's answer to these situations, but that does not mean that he is ignoring human suffering. God works according to his timetable, not ours. The answer will come in time, and our sad and difficult times will be gone forever. In the meantime, God does give us hope based on his past faithfulness to his people.

The Lord's Perfect Law

4 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 19.7, 8

What a wonderful world it would be if we all knew what Daivid misunderstood so well! David doesn't say that he himself is perfec, and none of us could make that claim either. Only God and his law are perfect.

If we could live by the Lord's perfect Law, imagine how happy we would be. We can begin where David begins - by delighting in the beautiful perfection of the Lord's law.

Jesus was that Law in human flesh. We should think about his perfection and the beauty of his words and works. Then we will begin loving what Jesus loved, seeling to do the things he did, and becoming more like him. We become what we admire.

Deserted by God?

5 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 22.1

No other words in the Bible capture the sense of abondonment we all feel at some point better than these. They are not an immature complaint of "Why don't I have more money," or "Why can't I be happy?" Instead, they are a cry from the very depth of our being- " Why have you deserted me?"

Jesus shouted these words at god when he hung on the cross centuries after they were written (Mathew 27.46)

So can we. God doesn' t mind honest anguish and doubt. What he wants from us when we experience great pain is for us to hand that pain to him - even if we feel like God isn't there.

Our Shepherd Friend

6 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 23.1-6

This song in Psalm 23 mends our broken hearts after reading Psalm 22, though that psalm is an important part of God's message to us.

As Christians, we can consider it an honor to be a partner with Christ in his suffering. But afterward, it is comforting to "rest in fields of green grass," and to be led to "streams of peaceful water."

our shepherd - Jesus - leads us and refreshes our lives. We are given the wonderful promise: "I will live forever in your house."

The Storms of Life

7 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 29.3-9

Through the centuries, people have responded to God in the beauties of nature. The smoldering glory of a sunset, the delicacy of a rose, and the chuckle of a crystal brook dancing over rocks leave many in awe of God's power.

But what should we think about the brutal force of hurricane winds, splintering everything in their path? Timid souls run and hide from God's power. Those with the courage of the psalmist watch the lightning split the night, and marvel that such a powerful God hears our prayers and rejoices in our praise.

I Forgive You

8 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 32.1-4

This is among the greatest phrases in any language. After a long separation caused by disagreement between friends or loves, to forgive each other is a welcome relief. To be forgiven is to begin life all over with renewed hope that life will be beautiful again.

Forgiveness is not an emotion. It is a decision. When we chose to forgive someone, God will see to it that the feelings of forgiveness follow that decision. God always stands ready to forgive us. Like David in this psalm, our sorrow for some sins may be unbearable. Only God knows our deep need of forgiveness. Like David, we will find God's "welcome home" when we come to him

Let the Sun Shine

9 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 34.4-6

What is your response to answered prayer? Some people are unsure about it because they don't know if God actually answered or if it was just coincidence that things worked out as they had prayed.

The psalmist had no such doubts. He beamed like the sun in his excitement over answered prayer. We are urged to do the same thing. Let the love of God shine on you as he responds to your prayers, and reflect his love to others.

What is True Repentance?

10 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 38.18

We cannot truly repent, and therefore be forgive until we understand what sin is and what it has become within our hearts. Do you realize how dangerous it is to be separated from God? Sin is turning away from God and disobeying his commands, which builds a wall of separation between God and humanity.

But this knowledge is useless until we see that our own lives - our actions and our thoughts - make us sinners before God. We may recognize and condemn the sins of others, but we must examine ourselves as well. now is the time to look within, express our sorrow for our sins, and receive God's forgiveness

Examine Your Soul

11 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 43.5

Three times in the last two psalms the writer has questioned the validity of the emotions that are surging through his soul. our moods and emotions tend to be influenced by our circumstances.

We should strive to examine and control our feelings by focusing on God as the All-Powerful Lord. As difficult as our emotional pain may be, it is not beyond God's power to overcome this. He is the source of strength and help in time of need. It is not wrong to have emotions; we simply need to keep them in perspective.

Our Mighty Fortress

12 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 46.1

Historically, a fortress was a place of protection for people during times of trouble. Often, during times of war, soldiers guarded these structures and gave the people inside a strong sense of security.

Psalm 46.1 tells us that God is "our mighty fortress." In our times of trouble, we can run to him - he is our mightiest protection. God is our strongest security and the safest place to be.

The Meaning of Success

13 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 49.16-18

After the funeral for an extremely wealthy man, one friend turned to another and asked, "How much money did the old man leave behind?" After a moment, the other gentleman wisely replied, "All of it."

The world had convinced many of us that the pursuit of wealth and fame is one of the highest goals we could achieve. But this is in complete opposition to the wisdom of the psalmist (v.17), for our greatest success can only be accomplished by having a personal relationship with Jesus Crist. The apostle Paul said it best in Philippians 3.8: "Nothing is as wonderful as knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. I have given up everything else and count it all as garbage. All I want is Christ."

Pure Thoughts

14 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 51.10

Do you ever struggle with impure thoughts? has a failure somewhere along the way left your heart longing to be faithful to God again? Here's hope for you: You are not alone. Even the psalmist shared your struggles of years ago.

We can pray his prayer: Create pure thoughts in me and make me faithful again. God delights in this kind of prayer and is eager to create pure thoughts in us and make us faithful to him again.

Tears in a Bottle

15 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 56.8

In the times of our greatest distress we can trust in this promise: God hears our prayers (Isiah 38.5). While we weep with frustration or agony, God captures our tears as they fall. He carefully collects our sorrows and holds them close.

With his great patience, God has noticed the times we have strayed from his path and have stumbled on the rocks. And yet, no matter how weak or pitiful our words may seem, God does not forget the cries of those in need. Remember the words of the psalmist - You protected me from death and kept me from stumbling (v. 13).

The Spirit of Worship

16 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 63.1-8

Here is a wonderful picture of someone worshiping God. The psalmist desires God above all else has experienced the power of his glory is in constant prayer, sings joyful praises, and is filled with an excitement that only God can provide.

This is the hope of all who believe - to have this type of relationship with God. We all have a tendency to wander away from God, so there is the encouragement to "stay close" to the Lord. Cling to him, not as a frightened child, but one filled with a strong hunger for God.

Drowning in Misery

17 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 69.1-3, 13-17

You've lost your job, the car needs to be rapaired, the kids have been fighting again, and your "friends" have deserted you. Your feet feel like they are planted in thick mud and the river is quickluy rising to your chin. Your voice is hoarse and your eyes are swollen from your tears. Where is God when you need him?

Don't be afraid, for despite your overwhelming circumstances, God can be trusted (vv. 30-36), The day will soon come when you can "tell the heavens and earth to start singing! Tel the mountains and every tree in the forest to join in the song! The Lord has rescued his people; now they will worship him" (Isiah 44.23)

A Prayer for the King

18 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 72.1

The psalmist asked God to "please help the king to be honest and fair just like you, our God." We would do well to follow his example in praying for the leaders of our world today.

Though many of us are not subject to earthly kings, we all have leaders. But God is the only true king. All human leaders need our support and God's guidance. Remember to pray for those people whoa re leaders in your community, church, country, and the world.

The Delights of His Temple

19 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 84.3

The temple of ancient Israel was the center of the life of the Israelites. People worshiped at the altar with sacrifices every day of the week, but they also went to the open courtyards and covered colonnades for all kinds of social reasons.

The psalmist looked at the birds who nested in the eaves of the temple and imgined building his life so that it centered on worshiping God. God does't live in a temple, but he will love in our hearts. This means he really can the center of our lives.

Time Is tiching Away

20 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 90.12

There are only 8,760 hours in each year. Nearly half of that time is spent sleeping, eating, and commuting to and from work. The average job consumed another 2,080 hours, leaving only a quarter of the year for everything else.

How are you using your time? When you life is coming to an end how will you see your life in light of moral and spiritual issues? "What  good did you receive from the things you did? All you have to show for them is your shame, and they lead to death. Sin pays off with death. But God's gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord" (romans 6.21,23). Time is ticking away; don't waste it.

The Lord Our Shepherd

21 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 95.7

Do you ever feel like a sheep? sheep are known as being dumb and rather dirty farm animals. Because they are not able to properly take care of themselves, they need a shepherd. The shepherd doesn't blame the sheep for being dumb, not is he offended by their dirtness.

We all feel dumb at some point in our lives. we probably all have felt "dirty," too. Our shepherd is the Lord himself. He has placed us in the safe pasture of his care. He loves us perfectly in spite of our imperfections. God forgives the dumb things we do and cleanses our dirtness.

The Light of the World

22 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 97.11

From a scientific viewpoint, night is merely the turning of the earth on its axis from the sun. But spiritual darkness is the turning od the human heart away from God. Repentance (or turning away from sin) is the movement of the soul toward the eternal light of God.

The brilliant light of chris's righteousness extinguishes the darkness of our hearts. Jesus promised, :I am the light for the world! Follow me, and you won't be walking in the dark. You will have the light that gives life" (John 8.12). Do you need to have the shadows removed from your life?

Unfinished Business

23 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 102.23-27

He was a brilliant musician and had written six symphonies by age 21, but Franz schubert is most famour for his symphony No.8 in B Minor, or the "Unified" Symphony. His life cut short at the age of 21, he never had the opportunity to complete this masterpiece. The world calls it a tragedy. But what is God's view?

In this psalm, the psalmist cries to God to extend his life. He is afraid of a premature end, perhaps because he feels there is so much unfinished business. We echo this fear with our frantic busyness, trying to cram as much as possible into the day. Take a moment right now to contemplate the eternity and the sureness of God (v. 27) Think about how the eternal, almighty God cares for you and wants to call you one of his own!

A Life of Praise

24 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 108.1

To praise the lord with your whole heart is the most selfless act you can expeience in your life. Sometimes our prayers contain a bit of selishness, even if the asking is on behalf of others.

On the other hand, praise is a gift that is freely given in adoration of the awesome God. It demands a reverant attitude of the body, a focused mind, and energetic emotion from the heart, and a submissive spirit. Our songs and words are sent out with no expectation of getting something in returrn. Praise is an expression of uncondition love.

Focus on the Creator

25 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 115.3-8

Saving our earth and protecting the nvironment receive a lot of attention these days. while this is an admirable pursit, there is a danger of worshiping the creaion, rather than the creator. The psalmist warns against such folly (v.8). He describes the idols of his day as being senseless (v. 5-7).

Shouldn't we concentrate on the one who placed the stars in the heavens and the water in the sea? Look at the beauty of the earth in wonder and do what you can to protect our planet, but also remember to look beyond and seek God whose face is brighter than a thousand stars. Shout praises to the Lord!

Our Kind and Merciful God

26 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 118.1-3

Kindness and mercy are part of the character of God. The God of the old Testament sometimes gets a bad reputation as a vengeful, angry God who sends plagues on people.

Certainly God is capable of doing such things when provoked, but God's response to his people is kindness and mercy first. It thrills him to hear us thank him for the goodness of his heart. Telling God how thankful we are not only makes God happy; it is a blessing to us to speak forth words of thanks and praise.

The Word Is a Lantern for My Feet

27 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 119.105

The soft glow of a lamp on a dark night is a friendly companion. It breaks up the shadows that bring fear to our journey. The lamp is also a protection against danger.

The Word of God is like this, encouraging us with its steady light. The light of truth exposes the spiritual hazards and temptations that litter our path. But the ultimate value of the lamp is that it shows us the proper way through life. The Word of truth shows us the correct road and ultimately the journey's end.

We Need God's Help

28 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 127.1, 2

God is the one who established homes and families on the earth. In these days of increasing divorce and domestic violence, it is easy to see that homes and families desperately need God's help and blessing. Whther you are parent or child, husband or wife, or a person on your own, God wants to help you build your home. Ask his blessing on the place where you live.

Wait for the Lord

29 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 130.1-6

All of us know what is is like to restlessly wait for the morning. Sleepless, restless, and exhausted, our minds race through the dark hours of night. Some experience nightmares where cruel possibilities of the future and the real worries of the present come crashing together. But finally the morning comes. Equipped with the freshness of dawn, we set out to meet our foes.

The psalmist is in the midst of deep distress (v.1), but is willing to wait on the Lord to rescue him. This is not a passive waiting, but the fierce anticipation of someone desperate for the light of dawn to arrive. We need not despair for God said, "At the time I have decided, my words will come true. You can trust what I say about the future. It may take a long time, but keep on waiting - it will happen!" (Habakkuk 2.3).

His Love Endures Forever

30 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 136

No matter what confronts us, God's love never fails! We may try to create substitutes for God, but none can really compare. Throughout history God has always brought his people out of the most difficult situations (vv. 10-22)

You will notice that four words rpeat throughout this psalm - "God's love never fails." There may be times in our loves when it seems that things don't go exactly as we'd like. We may even feel that God has failed us. But once we have had some time and distance from those situations, we see that God knew what we did not know. We see that his love did not fail us after all. God's Word is true and we can be certain that he does not fail us.

A Divine Examination

31 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 139.23, 24

When we look into our hearts, we often find many conflicting emotions and motications. We want to have God's presence woven into the fabric of our lives, but we are still full of selfishness. It is one thing to take a close loo at ourselves, but is another to surrender to God's investigation.

Can you stand strong under the severity of the Lord's gaze? We must pray that God will deliver us from that which is unhly and unworthy, as a threshing machine separates the corn from the chaff. Our own way of life is marked by emptiness. May God, with his infinite wisdom, show us the true path of righteousness.

His Gentle Spirit

32 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 143.10

Sometimes people have a hard time figuring out what to do in certain situations. Answers aren't always clear. Psalm 143.10 says, "You are my God, Show me what you want me to do, and let your gentle Spirit lead me in the right path."

This tells us that God does have plans for us and that he will show us what to do. It is his gentle spirit who will lead us. When you seek God's direction for your life, be prepared for his gentle Spirit. That Spirit will not compete with the noise and bustle that comes when we try to chart our own course. When you ask God for his direction, stop your own frenzy and quiet yourself so that you may heart his gentle Spirit.

Praise the Lord With Music

33 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Psalm 150.6

Martin Lther wrote, "Music is one of the fairest and most glorious gifts of God, to which Satan is a bitter enemy, for it removes from the heart the weight of sorrow, and the fascination of evil thoughts."

Music is the language of emotions in the same way that speech is the language of the intellect. It can express the inexpressible. When words alone or musical notes alone are insufficient, the simple song can bled the two together in an eloquent statement of glorious praise.

In heavenm the occupation of the angels is eternal praise (Revelation 5.11-13). Music is a symbol of our sacred responsibility to glorify God and enjoy him forever. Shout praises to the Lord!

Promises For Us

Songs! They do so many things in life. They celebrate happy events like birthdays and weddings. Songs motivate athletes, soldiers, and ordinary people. Songs summarize the character and aspirations of nations. They tell stories that keep heroes and villains alive. Songs help people mourn; songs help them dance. They help us worship.

Songs touch our emotions before they touch our thoughts. Perhaps that's why so many songs sing of romance. The music of youth is filled with finding, keeping, and losing love. " Oldies but goodies" remind the middle-aged of the wonders of young love. Songs spring from the heart and touch the heart.

The Psalms are songs of believing hearts in every imaginable situation. Here is a collection of lyrics that can help as deal with anger and depression, joy and hope, fear and doubt, life and death, hatred and love. A common chorus to many of the psalms is, "I asked the Lord for help, and he saved me from all my fears" (Psalm 34.4)

For Consideration
  • In each psalm, what is the writer concerned about in his life?
  • In what ways is your life situation similar or dissimilar to the psalmist's?
  • How can you honestly express to God the positive and negative emotions of your heart in a way that deepens your faith?

16 Life Lessons and Commentary from The Book of Job | Job Bible Study

Commentary on Job Bible, Life Lessons Job Bible, Job Bible Study

Job was a very rich man, and although he did not belong to the people of Israel, he worshiped the Lord and was a truly good person. But Satan talked to God and accused Job of serving God only because God was blessing him. God agreed to let Satan take away Job's wealth, his children, and finally, his health, to see whether Job would stay faithful to God. Job did remain faithful.

Then three of Job's friends came to comfort him. they believed that health and prosperity were signs of God's blessing. And because Job had lost both his health and his prosperity, the three friends insisted that God must be punishing Job for some sin. Job answered that he was innocent, and this meant that they were wrong. Job and the friends argued back and forth, with neither side really proving the other wrong, although, at the end of the argument, the friends gave up.

Job was suffering deeply, and several times during the argument he asked God to appear and explain the reason for his suffering. Then, after the friends stopped speaking, Job decided that human beings cannot find the kind of wisdom that gives answers to the deep questions of life. Only God has that wisdom. Job ended his speeches by swearing that was innocent of doing wrong.

At this point, a young bystander named Elihu began talking. He repeated some of what had already been said, but he also criticized both sides of the argument. Elihu finished with a poem praising God's care for nature.

God finally did appear to Job, but he did not explain Job's suffering. Instead, God showed that the many things he does cannot be understood by humans; humans cannot do what God does. God criticized Job for talking so much when he knew so little, but he also said that Job had remained his faithful servant. And so, at the very end, the book tells how God blessed Job and made him twice as wealthy as he had been before.

Job never did understand why he suffered; he felt bitter, but he never rejected God or turned away from him. Job was convinced that someday, God would rescue him:

I know that my Savior lives,
and at the end he will stand on this earth.
My flesh may be destroyed, 
yet from this body I will see God.
Yes, I will see him for myself,
and I long for that moment! (19.25-27)

Here are 16 Lessons from the Book of Job

Overcoming Adversity

1 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 1.20-22

Job's life was in ruins, His financial security had come crashing down four times in a row. His family had been destroyed in a natural disaster. Everything that had made his life happy had been wiped out.

Job's response was twofold. He grieved heavily (v.20) like any normal person would. Then he worshiped God. It is only when we acknowledge the power of God that we can put life in perspective. God never promised us an easy life, but he does promise to be with us always (Mather 28.20)

Comfort for Those Who Hurt

2 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 2.11-13

When a friend is suffering or a family is grieving, we rarely know what to say. The sincere words of compassion we use can sound hollow and meaningless. Job's three friends heard of his suffering and came to visit, and they did a remarkable thing. Rather than filling the air with small talk and idle chatter, they sat with Job in silence. For an entire week, they remained by his side in support of their friend.

We can learn an important lesson from this. Job's friends brought comfort... until they opened their mouths (Job 4)

Many Miracles

3 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 5.9, 10

God's miracles are "more than we can count." there are real miracles all around for those who can see them - the movements of the heavens, the beauty of the earth, the gift of life, the wonder of friendship. These are all miracles.

We are surrounded every day with marvelous gifts from God, yet we often call them "ordinary." look for his gifts in your world today.

I Give Up

4 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 6.8-10

Job was filled with anguish. He knew that he was blameless and full of integrity. And yet his suffering was unyielding. God seemed to be against him and he didn't know why. He had been betrayed by his fair-weather friends who turned against him when the heat was on (vv.15-17), In his pain, Job wanted to give up, be released from his circumstances, and die.

When the stress of life overwhelms despite your efforts to live the kind of life that pleases God, you must not think that he is no longer on your side. We may not comprehend the ways of God (Ecclesiastes (11.5) or figure out why he allows certain things to happen. However, we can be confident that in the end God himself will bring us out of despair and make us complete, steady, strong, and firm (1 Peter 5.10).

Despair in the Midst of Suffering

5 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 7.1-21

Life is hard. There's no getting around that fact. When the circumstances of suffering build to a crescendo, despair comes crashing in. It seems there is nowhere to turn. The family is powerless, and God seems absent.

Job cried out his distress in a way that echoes our own. His pain was unbearable, he couldn't sleep, he felt hemmed in, and he had come to the end of his rope. But wait - this is not the end of the story. While Job raged, God listened quietly waiting for his opportunity to answer Job's cries. It is okay to express our anguish to God as long as we remember to give him time to respond.

Everyone Needs a Mediator

6 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 9.33

One of the big differences between games played in the backyard and those played on a professional field is the presence of the referee. This person acts as a mediator between players and enforces the rules of the game. In his despair, Job cried out for someone to stand between God and himself. He wished for someone who could plead his case before the Almighty - a referee.

But there was no one who could represent Job, and he certainly could not think of anyone who could represent God. however, we are blessed to know that Jesus Christ, God's Son, is our Mediator (1 Timothy 2.5; Hebrews 12.24). His death on the cross stands between the judgment of God and the sins of humanity. It is because of his death and resurrection that we can make our lives right with God. Job's hope of a mediator had become our reality.

God Watches Over Us

7 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 10.9-12

Often Job is characterized as a complainer who was merely venting his anger and frustration at his friends and at god. Hidden within Job's complaints are faint glimmers of hope that shine brightly through the background of his despair.

Here Job recognized that God did care for him. He has been a vital part of our lives since our conception. We may not understand the why of our circumstances, but it is a good idea to stop for a moment and reflect on the kindness and care that God has shown to us to this point. It is only because of his compassion for us that we have all we need.

Secret Sins

8 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 11.13-15

We all have secret sins - those things in our lives that we don't want anyone, especially God, to know about. The good news is that we don't have to struggle to hide those sins anymore. God already knows them. He knows exactly what our secret sins are.

When we surrender our hearts to God and "turn to him in prayer," he will be quick to forgive all our sins - even those we wish he didn't know about! He will graciously replace our shame with confidence so we might live with strength and fearlessness.

Unwavering Trust

9 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 13.15

The saying goes that "those who are strong are only strong in God, and those who are strong in God rise above all the circumstances of human life." The daily disciplines of the Christian life develop our character and strengthen our capacity for enduring the trials of life.

Was Job less spiritual because his property was gone; less genuine because he had lost his social standing, or prayerless because he was no longer wealthy? No! his ability to withstand the suffering that Satan had thrown at him arose not through a single act or one effort. Rather, Job's character had matured over many years of faithful service to God through a lifestyle of prayer and obedience to him (Job 1.1, 5)

Job's amazing declaration of unwavering trust in God is a powerful inspiration to anyone ready to give up on God. The true believer walks by faith, and not by sight. Job's trust was not based on the seen, but on the unseen. His possessions, children, and friends were gone, yet he still says, "The Lord alone gives and takes. Praise the name of the Lord!" (Job 1.21). This is faith, not sight.

How We Die

10 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 14.1-14

There is a lot of talk today about "dying with dignity." It runs rampant among the courts, the talk shows, and the best-seller lists. Unless our death is sudden and unexpected, we will all face the moment when we realize that our life on earth is over. And most of us have a concern about "dying well."

Is there a secret to dying well? It truly is no secret because it was revealed long ago - for our dying hand to be in the grasp of the living Christ is the secret to dying well. Not the lack of pain, not the presence of family and friends, and not the compassion of a kind doctor. It is love of God that puts the fear of death in its place.

A Bed of Darkness

11 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 17.11-15

These words were spoken in a moment of deep depression. Job's emotions went back and forth from faith to bleak despair.

We can think of our lives as slender candles. Once the wick has been consumed there is no more time remaining. Those who have spent their lives with no regard for God and eternity are making a bed of darkness for themselves. This is also true for those who are obsessed with making money and spending it on themselves.

What kind of hope is that? Rather than trivialize our lives, let's concern ourselves with eternal matters. Begin today to prepare for yourself a bed of hope.

Finding God

12 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 23.3

Life only has meaning when we focus on God. He is not always easily found because he does not reveal himself on billboards along the road of life. Sometimes his presence is a mystery that surrounds us, causing us to peer this way and that, looking for evidence of him (v.8).

When our eyes are looking for God, our attention is pulled away from ourselves. Our petty concerns fade into the background and the glimpse of God scatter the shadows from the corners of our souls.

The Silence of God

13 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 26.14

"Why doesn't God speak to us anymore?" is a question that had plagued many of us. What we need to realize is that his words are written upon the pages of his creation, and his syllables are spoken by ten thousand voices. it is our ears that are deaf and do not listen to his sweet voice. It is our eyes that are blind to the words written in the sky. It is the heart of humanity that is dull and sluggish in the presence of the living God.

We must stop to peel the scales from our eyes and remove the plugs from our ears in order to train our hearts to hear the whisper of God's voice. Then we can truly begin to seek the face of God and hear his voice.

Fool's Gold

14 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 28.12-24

Money has become an idol for many people today, but such idolization is meaningless in the eyes of God (Ecclesiastes 6.2) There are seven different Hebrew words for gold, and at least four of them appear in this chapter. The gold discussed in these verses is a refined gold gathered as a treasure.

Money can buy many things, but it can't buy the jewels of peace, love, joy, or happiness. With god, our wealth is of no concern. Everyone is treated equally before his throne. The foolish person does not mind being trapped in the world of financial gain, whereas the wise person abides in the freedom of God's wisdom.

The Light of God

15 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 37.19-24

The great German teacher Neander once said, "I see before us a deep abyss, but above it shines a bright light. It is the dawn, or is it the evening twilight?" Today we stand before the godless abyss of our society. The clouds of unbelief are rolled back and we begin to see a glimpse of the light of God.

Does the light grow dimmer with each passing day because of our sins? Or does it become brighter, exposing our hidden sins? May our eyes be opened to the brilliance of God's glory and his compassion on us.

Job Meets God

16 # Short Commentary and Lesson from Job 38.39-42.6

Until this time, Job's knowledge of god was based on what he had heard from others. Now God unveils as much of himself as Job's senses can bear - the beauty of nature and the wonders of the animal kingdom. The animals listed by God all have a love for freedom. Although some are predators, others can be domesticated. Such is the depth and breadth of God's creation.

From the stars in the heavens to the insects crawling beneath our feet, God puts all this in place. How can we complain about trivial problems before such a mighty God? He doesn't want our worry; He doesn't want our worry; he wants our worship.

As Job realizes that he has "talked about things . . . beyond my understanding" (42.3) he is ashamed of his former pride. This kind of humility is the first way we are affected when we come to know God as he is. Humility and rising above personal suffering is the key to a greater understanding of the power of God.

Promises for Us

Job's life had become a battlefield on which God and Satan did combat. The outcome depended on Job, who didn't know anything depended on his response to a series of personal tragedies. Satan proposed the wager our of total confidence in his experience with human nature. God accepted the wager because he knew Job's enormous trust in him was something Satan could not understand.

Faith and doubt waged war for Job's soul. They war in us, too. Every temptation to sin, every opportunity to help someone else, every ethical choice, every conversation is a skirmish that claims some of the terrain of our souls for light or darkness.

Job never knew why his well-ordered life ripped to shreds. He raged at God because he couldn't find out why, but he didn't turn against God. Job shows us how to keep the faith, no matter how grim the circumstances of life may be. Sometimes the stakes are enormous, In the unseen world, Satan and the armies of darkness will be defeated because of our faith.

For Consideration
  • How can a person maintain faith in God in the face of apparently meaningless suffering?
  • How could you relate to people who are suffering in order to comfort and encourage them?
  • What do you think happened within the heart and mind of Job because of his suffering?

3 Life Lessons from The Book of Esther | Esther Bible Study

Commentary Esther bible, life lessons Esther bible, Bible Study Esther,

The story of Esther takes place in the city of Susa, in the winter palace of the Persian king. After King Xerxes divorced his queen he chose a young Jewish woman named Esther as his new queen. She was an orphan but had been adopted and cared for by her cousin, Mordecai, who was given a job as a palace official. Mordecai warned her not to tell anyone that she was a Jew, and she obeyed.

The king's highest official was a man named Haman. He hated the Jews, and he tricked the king into giving permission to have them all killed. The rest of the book tells how Esther risked her own life to save the lives of her people.

Afterward, Mordecai and Esther wrote a letter telling all Jews to celebrate the festival of Purim every year to remember how the nation was saved.

The Hebrew text of the book of Esther doesn't mention God, but the whole plot shows that God was protecting his people by making Esther queen, and as Mordecai put it:

It could be that you were made queen for a time like this! (4.14b)

Here are 3 Lessons and Commentary from the Book of Esther

A Silent Witness

1 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Esther 2.19, 20

For years, Esther had hidden the fact that she was a Jew. To do this she probably had to eat, drink, and act according to the customs of the unbelievers around her. Yet, as we will see later in the book of Esther, she managed to keep her faith in God alive.

Is it ever right to keep our faith in God a secret? At work, school, and even around certain family members, it is not always possible to talk freely about our faith. But that doesn't mean we should be ashamed of our faith or back down when there is an opportunity to stand up for what we believe.

We Will Not Bow Down!

2 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Esther 4.8-17

When Mordecai asked for Esther's help, he assured her that God was going to bring his people through the difficulties they faced. If Esther refused, then she would receive punishment along with the people who wanted to kill the Jews. But Mordecai also challenged Esther, Perhaps this was the reason the Lord had placed her in the position of being a favored queen.

It took courage and boldness for Esther to approach the king without being invited. She was literally risking her life. We, too, may have to risk all that is dear to us when we speak up for what is right. But, like Esther, we can be sure that the results of our efforts are in God's hands - even if it costs us our lives to do what is right. When we trust God, things in our lives don't happen by accident. You may be in the place where you are "for a time like this" (v. 14).

Hang On, Haman!

3 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Esther 5.9-14

Hama had great pride in his position and power, which is why he became angry at Mordecai's "lack of respect." Consequently, Haman made plans to have Mordecai hanged.

Pride often gives us an inflated opinion of our own importance. When someone else does not accept our ideas, anger may cause us to say or do foolish and destructive things. Many of our angry thoughts are the result of a bruised ego - of shattered pride. Instead of turning angry thoughts into destructive actions, let's work on developing a new attitude.

Promises For Us

In 1949 a little-known evangelist from North Carolina pitched a tent in Los Angeles and preached a series of revival meetings that launched the career of Billy Graham. Who could have known how many people he would ultimately reach? Imagine how many sophisticated west coasters looked down their tanned noses at this bumpkin with his tent and expected him to be laughed out of town. Billy took an incredible chance tackling a citadel of self-confident, materialistic post-war Americans. He felt it had to be done.

Esther was just one girl in a huge Persian harem. She was drafted into a charm and beauty contest for a chance to be named queen of Persia, and she won. King Xerxes didn't choose her to be queen because was outspoken; he had dumped Esther's predecessor for saying no to him. Esther's job was to be compliant and available.

When Esther dared to ask Xerxes to reverse a major law, she put her neck on the block for her people, the Jews. When you face really hard choices, angels don't hum in the background while God gives you directions in a crystal-clear voice. You act in the physical world and God acts in the spiritual world. You will know he's there - like Billy Graham and Esther did - by the outcome.

For Consideration
  • What are some of the most difficult social and occupational positions to be obedient to God in?
  • What do you think it takes to be true to God in high-profile, high-pressure positions?

5 Life Lessons and Commentary from The Book of Nehemiah | Nehemiah Bible Study

Life Lessons and Commentary from The Book of Nehemiah, Nehemiah Bible Study

Twelve years after the last events of the book of Ezra, a Jew named Nehemiah received bad news about Jerusalem: The walls of the city were still broken down, and the burned gates had never been replaced.

Nehemiah lived in the Persian city of Susa and was a personal servant to King Artaxerxes, So Nehemiah prayed and asked God to have Artaxerxes send him to Jerusalem to rebuild the city. Artaxerxes did send Nehemiah, and he even provided the materials for the repairs.

After Nehemiah had arrived in Jerusalem and the repair work had begun, the officials from neighboring areas insulted the Jews and accused them of wanting to rebel against Persia. These enemies even planned attacks against Jerusalem and tried to have Nehemiah killed. Finally, the walls and gates were finished and dedicated to God, and they became a sign that God had blessed his people.

But Nehemiah realized that God would continue to bless his people only if they obeyed him. As Nehemiah said in one of his prayers:

Lord God of heaven, you are great and fearsome. And you faithfully keep your promises to everyone who loves you and obeys your commands. (1.5)

Here Are 5 Lessons From the Book of Nehemiah

A Bold Request

1 # Short Commentary & Lesson From Nehemiah 2.1-10

Any Unusual action or appearance on Nehemiah's part (the one who served the king his wine) may have caused the king to suspect Nehemiah was afraid when he realized his outward appearance had revealed his inner sadness! When the king offered to help, Nehemiah quickly prayed for the Lord's guidance and then asked the king for help.

We can't help but admire Nehemiah's boldness. A few minutes before, he was fearing for his life. Now he boldly asked the king to give him letters insuring his safe travel, as well as timber to rebuild Jerusalem's gate and the city wall! Not only did the king give Nehemiah everything he wanted, but the king made him governor of Judah.

Sometimes we are afraid to ask other people to support God's work for fear of being turned down. But if God is leading us, we can ask boldly and leave the results up to God.

Making Past Wrongs Right

2 # Short Commentary & Lesson From Nehemiah 5.1-13

Although the famine and the heavy taxes did contribute to the Jew's situation, their problem was caused by the selfishness of some of God's own people. Their own Jewish countrymen were charging high-interest rates and forcing the people into financial bondage. Selling fellow Jews was clearly forbidden.

When we see any of our past sins still causing trouble, we should do as Nehemiah did. He faced the problem head-on, making specific plans to correct the problem immediately. Nehemiah also encouraged those involved to go on public record stating that they had decided to change their ways. This promise was made before the people and before God, with serious consequences for those who did not follow through on their words.

If you are struggling with making past wrongs right, it's helpful to make your new commitment known to someone you trust. Encourage this person to check up on you to see how well you are keeping your promises.

Keep Up Your Gaurd

3 # Short Commentary & Lesson From Nehemiah 7.1-3

After experiencing a great accomplishment, it is tempting to let down our guard. That is the one thing, though, we dare not do. Nehemiah realized that the strong wall they had just completed was useless if the city gates were left open to attackers. He set guards in place with clear instructions designed to prevent any enemies from having an easy opportunity to get in.

Similarly, if we allow the gates to our lives - our eyes, ears, and thoughts - to remain unguarded then we are inviting the enemy (Satan) to come in. We must keep up our guard, especially after a time of victory.

Food for Starving Spirits

4 # Short Commentary & Lesson From Nehemiah 8.1-12

When Ezra and the Levites read and explained God's Law; it was like a free banquet for starving people. Most of these people had been born and raised as captives in a foreign land, and many of them may never have heard the Word of God read and explained.

It is not surprising that their first response to hearing the truths of God was to weep. for the first time, perhaps, they recognized the sins of their fathers, as well as their own. But Ezra and Nehemiah let the people know that this was a day of celebration. God had given them a new start. Their sadness was turned to gladness because the Lord would be their happiness and strength.

When we allow God's Word to speak to our hearts. often our first response is to be aware of our sins. When we realize that God has forgiven us of our sins, we can experience true freedom and joy.

Telling It Like It Is

5 # Short Commentary & Lesson From Nehemiah 9.1-37

Religion at its worst is to stand in the presence of a holy God and tell him what good people we have been. This is a very dangerous place for anyone to stand because only God is holy and good. The Israelites realized this only after they had suffered many humiliations.

The theme of the prayer in this chapter is God's faithfulness to his word and to his people, even when his people have not been faithful to him. In our lives, confession of our sins often follows a time of difficulty - a time when we realize the seriousness of our sins. We should keep a hold on the reality that we are sinners, but God loves us enough to send his beloved Son to die for our sins.

Promises For Us

Several years ago Chicago Mayor Jane Byrne moved into an infamous housing project, Cabrini Green. At times Cabrini Green resembled a war zone, and the mayor thought she could have a positive influence on the violence-plagued apartment complex by residing there. A number of residents were inspired by Byrne's willingness to share their living conditions, but it took commitment.

The book of Nehemiah reports Nehemiah's efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem and to reform the spiritual commitments of the Jews. He tackled the wall first and then used the success of that project as a motivator for spiritual reform. The walls stayed built, but the spiritual reforms were more difficult to establish.

Sometimes it is difficult to love God and establish habits of prayer and Bible study. Nehemiah, however, illustrates the importance of a life committed to God and spiritual excellence.

For Consideration

  • What opposition would you face if you decided to become a more disciplined Christian?
  • What attitudes and practices would you need to develop to become a more committed believer?

5 Life Lessons from The Book of Ezra | Ezra Bible Study

Ezra Bible Study, Life Lessons from The Book of Ezra

This book is named after the main character of its second part. The book of 2 Chronicles ended with an official message that King Cyrus of Persia sent in 538 B.C., which allowed the Jews to return to their land and to rebuild the Lord's temple. The first part of the book of Ezra (1-6) begins with that same message and then tells how many of the Jews returned to Jerusalem and began work on the temple. But the people in nearby areas caused a lot of trouble for them and so the work went slowly and even stopped for several years. But the temple was finally finished in 515 B.C.

The first part of the book also tells about problems at a later time, when the jews had to stop rebuilding the city walls during the rule of Artaxerxes (4.6-23)

The second part of the (7-10) begins with Ezra arriving in Jerusalem to teach God's laws to the people of Judah. Ezra was horrified to learn that the people of Israel were committing the same sins as other nations. Israel was in serious danger of being punished or even destroyed by the Lord. So Ezra prayed and confessed Israel's sins, and the people agreed to begin obeying God's laws. The book of Nehemiah reports other things that Ezra did.

God's people were no longer an independent nation. but Ezra realized that God was in control, no matter what empire ruled over them. And so Ezra said:

Praise the Lord God our ancestors! He made sure that the king honored the Lord's temple in Jerusalem. God has told the king, his advisors and his powerful officials to treat me with kindness. The Lord God has helped me I have been able to bring many Jewish leaders back to Jerusalem. (7.27b,28)

Here Are 5 Lessons From The Book of Ezra

A Kept Promise

1 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Ezra 1.1-4

Many years before this time, the prophet Jeremiah had predicted that God's people would be in captivity for seventy years. Now, King Cyrus was beginning to complete that prophecy. Cyrus was not a Jew, yet God caused this ruler to be a special part of God's plan for his people. God kept his promise to return his people to their homeland.

God often uses people and events that we would not suspect of being able to help us. A teacher, boss, coach, commanding officer, judge, or government official may be God's means of speaking directly to us. Often, the person involved may not even know that God is using them in this way. But when we are open to hearing the Lord and seeing him at work, we see how vast God's reach is.

The Enemy Doesn't Fight Fairly

2 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Ezra 4.7-24

In this passage, Ezra gives us a summary of the opposition to the Jews' rebuilding the temple. Israel's enemies wrote letters to king Artaxerxes, making it sound as though they the king's best interests at heart. As a result, the king ordered the Jews to halt their work on the temple.

Although the information given to the king was true, it was not fair to assume that this group of Israelites would rebel as their ancestors had done. But the enemy does not fight fairly. We should not be discouraged when those who oppose our work try to dig up something from our past in an attempt to stop what God wants to do. When the enemy wins a temporary victory, remember that this is only a delay - not defeat.

God's People Find Favor

3 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Ezra 6.1-15

Not only did King Darius command Governor Tatternai to stop hindering the work on the temple, but he actually told the governor to use public taxes to pay for the work! With the help of King Darius, the temple was completed in four years.

In our day, we are often tempted to think that the government and religion should be completely separate. But God can use the state to help complete his work when and where he wants to do so.

Help from the World

4 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Ezra 7.1-28

What a happy time for God's people! They who had been slaves recently were now treated like royalty by the secular government. How can we account for this unusual kindness king Artaxerxes showed the Israelites? did this Persian king worship God?

We see the immense generosity of Artaxerxes and his concern that God's laws must be obeyed by everyone. In his own way, "God controls rulers" (Proverbs 21.1). What a comforting fact to keep in mind as we live in today's world.

A Prayer for Forgiveness

5 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Ezra 9.5-15

Ezra's prayer is one of the best examples in the Bible of how to pray when we have sinned, Even though Ezra himself had not married a foreign woman, he included himself in the Israelites' failure to obey God. By tearing his clothes, he was outwardly expressing the sorrow he felt because of the people's sins.

Ezra recognized that if God gave them what they deserved, he would have to destroy them all. Similarly, we may not have committed all the awful sins of which our society is guilty. We can, however, confess our own sins as well as the sins of society to God. We can proclaim God's loving fairness, and trust that he will be compassionate toward us.

Promises For Us

When Cyrus the Persian emperor offered the Israelites in Babylon the chance to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their shattered culture, most of them stayed put in their comfortable Babylonian homes. Instead of cities and villages, those who returned found weed-choked piles of rubble and neighbors who opposed their every move.

The Israelites who went home soon grew discouraged and wanted to give up. God wouldn't let them. He sent reinforcements in the persons of Haggai and Zechariah, two prophets, and Ezra who emphasized the laws of God. The big winners in life are those who dare to keep starting over. Ezra is a straightforward record of people who seized an opportunity to make a difference for God in an indifferent world. Notice how God continually provides resources for people who dare, but he doesn't do the work for them.

For Consideration
  • How did God help the returning exiles?
  • Why does it get harder to keep trying to reach your goals after failing a few times?
  • What can you do to keep your spiritual courage up as you learn to depend on God?

11 Life Lessons from The Book of Second Chronicles | Second Chronicles Bible Study

Second Chronicles Bible Study, Life Lessons from The Book of Second Chronicles,

Second Chronicles continues the history of Israel that was begun in 1 Chronicles. This book repeats information and many stories that are in 1 and 2 Kings but from a slightly different viewpoint.

The book of 2 Chronicles begins with the rule of King Solomon, then tells the history of the two separate kingdoms of Judah and Israel down to the fall of Jerusalem in 586 B.C.

King Solomon is honored as the ideal king of Israel. The first part of 2 Chronicles  (1-9) includes events from his rule, especially the building and dedication of the temple in Jerusalem and the beginning of worshiping there.

The second part of the book (10-36) begins with the rebellion of the northern tribes of Israel and the division of the country into two separate kingdoms, Judah in the south and Israel in the north. This part of 2 Chronicles is the history of Judah down to the time of Jerusalem's fall and destruction. Unlike 2 Kings, the book of 2 Chronicles includes very little information about the northern kingdom. According to 2 Chronicles, the people of Israel were sinful and turned their backs on the Lord, and so their history did not deserve to be told.

Second Chronicles, like 1 Chronicles, is very concerned that the Lord be worshiped in the proper way. Hezekiah and Josiah are two of the most respected kings of Judah because they were always faithful to the Lord and did many things to see that he was properly worshiped and that his Law was obeyed.

This book tells how Jerusalem was destroyed and the people of Judah were led away as prisoners to Babylonia. But the book concludes with hope for the Jews. King Cyrus of Persia lets them return to Judah, and he promises:

The Lord God will watch over any of his people who want to go back to Judah (36.23b)

Here are 11 Lessons From The Book of Second Chronicles

We Can't Put God in a Box

1 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 2 Chronicles 2.5, 6

Even though Solomon was building a temple for God, the king understood that no house on earth would be large enough to contain the Lord. All Solomon was doing was building a place where God would be worshiped.

God is greater than our biggest church. He is larger than our grandest ideas about him. Our churches, music, sermons, and other spiritual helps are meant to make it easier for us to learn about God and to praise and worship him.

Fire From Heaven

2 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 2 Chronicles 7.1-10

Solomon had just finished his urgent prayer: "From your home in heaven, listen to their sincere prayers and forgive your people who have sinned against you." This was a prayer the Lord would answer in a dramatic way. his "dazzling glory" (v.1) filled the temple. This fire in God's house - a sign of God's presence - was to be kept burning at all times.

The people's response to the fire and the Lord's glory is interesting. They did not stand around discussing the meaning of the events. They quickly got down on their knees and worshiped the Lord.

God fills our lives with his presence. The "fire of God" in our hearts is intended to be kept burning at all times. When we are alone with no one watching or listening, this is when we are our true selves. At times like this, pray the kind of prayer Solomon prayed. The Lord will fill you with himself and you will know it.

If You Will Obey

3 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 2 Chronicles 7.12-22

Every agreement has conditions. Here the Lord lays down a few simple ones. He reminded Solomon that the only way his kingdom would continue was if Solomon would do as David had done and obey the Lord. If Solomon or his people began to worship foreign gods, they could be sure that God would punish them.

God's promises to us are similar. He promises that if obey him, he will take good care of us. But if we chase after the "gods" of money, power, sex, pride, houses, cars, or anything else instead of him, the good gifts from God will be pulled out of our hands.

These are not harsh conditions. We can't expect to double-cross our friends and expect to keep them. God proves himself to be our best possible friend. Let's not put anything in his place.

Seeking Wise Counsel

4 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 2 Chronicles 10.1-19

Solomon's son, Rehoboam, did not have the great wisdom his father had. That did not mean, though, that he had to make poor decisions. Unfortunately, he took the advice of his peers rather than drawing on the wisdom of the older, wiser senior officials who had served his father so well.

Most of us tend to listen more to our friends than we do to our elders. Be careful! Our friends may not be the best source of wisdom since they probably see things just as we do. Usually, the best guidance comes from someone who had been around longer than we have. Experience is a good teacher.

Action, Not Just Words

5 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 2 Chronicles 15.1-19

King Asa backed up his words with actions. Encouraged by the message from God's prophet. Asa was not afraid to confront the idol worshipers in the nation. He ordered the idols destroyed, and that there should be no more worship of any god but the true God. Asa also repaired the Lord's altar at the temple in Jerusalem.

It is one thing to say we want to live our lives in a way that pleases God. It is quite another to get rid of the idols in our lives and begin restoring the things of God to their rightful place in our lives. Fresh commitments are fine, but we need to prove our words with our changed lives.

The bad News Prophet

6 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 2 Chronicles 18.2-27

King Ahab had a group of paid prophets who told him only what he wanted to hear. Jehoshaphat, however, hoped to hear from at least one prophet who truly spoke for God before he went into battle with Ahab's army. Micaiah was such a man, but Ahab hated to hear his messages because Micaiah always had bad news for this king.

Micaiah's response in verse 13 should be our motto when we are under pressure to back away from the truth: "I'll say whatever the living Lord my God tells me to say.: Just because we speak the truth, though, doesn't mean it will be accepted or we will be applauded. Micaiah was put in prison for telling the truth. We may have to suffer for speaking the truth, but it is better to suffer by being honest than to sin by lying.

A Parent's Worst Nightmare

7 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 2 Chronicles 21.1-20

The marriage King Jehoshaphat had arranged between his son, Jehoram and the daughter of Ahab and Jezebel now came back to haunt God's people. Instead of following in his father's footsteps, Jehoram was more influenced by his idol worshiping wife, Athaliah. Together this couple led the country of Judah downhill. One of the most telling comments about this king's life was that when he dies in terrible pain, no one was sad.

What will people say about you when your life is over? What kind of legacy will you leave behind? Will your life be one that draws people closer to the Lord or a life that makes it harder for people to find the true God?

You Can't Force Change

8 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 2 Chronicles 27.2-6

Jotham was a good king who obeyed the Lord. It is not surprising that his rule was one of peace, power, and prosperity. Despite Jotham's good example, though, the people of the nation did not change their ways.

You may be doing your best to obey God, but someone else you know chooses not to follow your example. You can lead them in the right direction, but you cannot force them to change. Don't be discouraged, though. Something you say or do may strike them in a way that leads them to God.

Where Do You Put Your Trust?

9 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 2 Chronicles 32.7, 8

King Hezekiah was a practical man. He made all possible preparations against King Sennacherib's coming attack on Jerusalem. Notice that even against the powerful Assyrian army, Hezekiah's trust was not in his own preparations, but in the fact that "the Lord our God fights on our side" (v.8),

No one's trust in this God had ever been unrewarded. The answer is often better than we had hoped.

Look What I Found!

10 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 2 Chronicles 34.8-33

When Hilkiah found part of God's Word during the temple repairs, his comment was one of delight and amazement. Josiah heard God's Word being read, and his heart was excited. The king realized that he and the people had failed to live the way God had commanded.

God's Word is powerful. Besides giving us information and encouragement, it also points out those places in our lives where we have not quite lived up to God's standards. It also shows us how we can overcome these weak points and find peace with God. our Bibles should never gather dust due to lack of use.

Light in the Darkness

11 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 2 Chronicles 36.22, 23

Even when God punishes his people, he does not leave them without hope. Granted, many of those who had disobeyed God had lost their homes and land. Many were killed. But even while the people were captives in Babylonia, God gave them his Word through prophets such as Daniel and Ezekiel.

Eventually, Babylonia was defeated by Persia. Forty-eight years after the temple in Jerusalem had been destroyed, Cyrus (the ruler of Persia) announced that the remaining Israelites could return to their land.

Twenty-two years later, the temple was rebuilt and God's people were home again. In the darkest moments of our lives - when everything we have treasured is gone - God will still give us a sense of his presence in his word. He promises to bring us into a bright future if we will trust him.

Promises For Us

Prisoners of war survive by thinking about their families. Soldiers under extended combat conditions crave out moments to escape into pleasant memories of home and peace. Terminal patients linger over photographs that recreate for a moment days of joy and health. Severely depressed people find moments of hope in beautiful music.

The Israelite survivors of the Babylonian captivity found courage and hope in the stories of the heroic kings of 2 Chronicles. The eight good kings of Judah's history dominate the pages of this book. At the end, the story leaps over the 70 years of captivity to highlight the Persian decree to send the Israelites home at the government's expense. Good things do come out of bad situations.

You, too, can pick yourself up after the disasters of life if you can look back and remember the times in your past that God has helped you and cared for you. Second Chronicles is selevtive. the story skips over many of the bad things that happened through the years to highlight the good ones. When you are recovering from a bad time, follow the same principle. Remember what God has done and accentuate the positive.

For Consideration
  • Why was the temple so important to the Israelites? How do you experience the presence of God today?
  • What kind of people were the good kings of Judah? What can you learn from them?
  • How can you strengthen your life both to prevent personal disasters and to recover from those that do occur?

10 Life Lessons from The Book of First Chronicles | First Chronicles Bible Study

First Chronicles Bible Study, Life Lessons from The Book of First Chronicles, commentary First Chronicles

First Chronicles is the first half a single book that was divided into two parts, 1 and 2 Chronicles because together they were too long to fit on one scroll. These two books retell the history of Israel from a slightly different viewpoint than that of Samuel and Kings, although many of the same stories are repeated.

King David is the most important person in the book of 1 Chronicles. He is the one who made Jerusalem the center for the worship of the Lord God, and who made sure the Lord was worshiped in the proper way. David is also honored as the founder of the temple, even though it was his son Solomon who actually built it.

Much of 1 Chronicles is made of up of lists that trace the descendants of Adam to the time of King Saul (1-9). After reporting how Saul dies (10), the rest of the book (11-29) focuses on King David, and these chapters can be divided into four parts. The first part (11-12) tells how David became king and made Jerusalem his capital city. This part also includes information about David's warriors and military officers. The second part (13-16) describes how David moved sacred chest to its new home in Jerusalem. the third part (17-20) includes events during his rule, and the final part (21-29) describes his preparations for building the Lord's temple and his instructions to his son Solomon about the proper worship of the Lord.

In 1 Chronicles, David is used as an example of someone who faithfully worships and obeys the Lord. At the end of David's rule, he praises the Lord in front of everyone in Israel and says:

I praise you forever Lord! You are the God our ancestor Jacob worshiped. Your power is great, and your glory is seen everywhere in heaven and on earth. You are king of the entire world, and you rule with strength and power. (29.10b-12a)

Here are 10 Lessons From the Book of First Chronicles

Why All These Names?

1 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 1 Chronicles 1.1-54

A "family tree" was important to the Israelites. This was the only way a person could prove that he or she belonged to the family of Abraham. besides that, only members of Levi's family were allowed to be priests or other temple workers. Only members of David's family were allowed to be kings.

As we read through the many names in these sections, it is good to remember that God knows each of us by name. We are not merely statistics or numbers on a computer printout. God knows the smallest details of our lives, and he is intimately interested in us. We are his children; we belong to his family.

Singing and Serving

2 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 1 Chronicles 6.31-53

The descendants of Levi took care of all the details concerning the temple, but not all Levites had the same responsibilities. King David appointed many Levites as musicians to lead in praise and worship. These "staff musicians" were constantly on call at the temple. A song could always be heard in the house of the Lord.

Many Levites did less public chores. They cleaned the temple area, took care of the building and grounds, washed the priest's clothes, and helped any other way they could. Other Levites were priests who appointed to offer the daily sacrifices to the Lord.

Regardless of whether we are in a highly visible or a less visible role, each of us has a part to play in doing Gods work. God has given us many different kinds of gifts, talents, and abilities. Let's use what we have for God's glory!

Big Things in Small Packages

3 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 1 Chronicles 8.1-40

The tribe of Benjamin, the youngest son of Jacob, had nearly been wiped out at one time. It was the smallest of the tribes, but it bounced back and became very important in the history of God's people. From the tribe of Benjamin came Israel's first king, Saul.

We see here that even though the tribe of Benjamin was small, it had a special place in God's plan. Today we tend to live by the rule, "Bigger is better." But even if you come from an unknown family or a small part of the country, you still have an important role in God's eyes. The Lord is not looking for people of great status; he wants people who are great in their trust and obedience to him.

High Priced Water

4 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 1 Chronicles 11.15-19

Why would David pour out the water that three of his bravest warriors had risked their lives to get for him? Because David was overwhelmed by their devotion to him. the men thought so much of David that when they heart his desire, they wanted to please him. They were willing to risk anything to make him happy.

Who in your life would you be willing to do anything for, just to serve them and make them happy? God? Your spouse? Your parents or children? a fellow believer? Consider ways you can be more sensitive to that person's needs, desires, and dreams and help fulfill them.

Fighting for the Right Cause

5 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 1 Chronicles 12.22-40

People were attracted to David, not simply because of his personality and bravery, but because they knew his cause was just. Even some members of the tribe of Benjamin, King Saul's family members, joined with David because they knew that God was on his side.

We do not have to be exciting personalities or the people with the most money, nicest facilities, or most comfortable conditions. If what we are attempting to do has God's approval, good people will want to become involved.

Excitement, Joy, and Praise

6 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 1 Chronicles 15.25-29

David was not ashamed to express his feelings about the return of the sacred chest to Jerusalem. he was so excited and filled with joy, he jumped and danced in God's honor. The people of Israel celebrated right along with their king. Some of the people played musical instruments, some sand songs of praise, and some simply shouted for joy.

We can praise God in many different ways - sometimes loudly, sometimes softly; sometimes with musical instruments, and sometimes simply with our voices. No matter how we choose to praise God, we should never be ashamed to do it.

A Special Promise

7 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 1 Chronicles 17.7-14

God made a special promise to David, part of which was to be fulfilled in the near future, part after David died, and part in the distant future. First, God promised that he would protect David from his enemies and help him bring peace to the land.

Second, the Lord said that the temple would be built, but it would be built by one of David's sons, not David. As long as David's descendants obeyed God, the Lord would keep one of them as king.

Third, God promised that one of David's descendants would rule Israel forever. This part of the promise looked far ahead, to the day when Jesus (the Messiah) would rule forever. this promise to David and his descendants is still intact today.

The Victory Is the Lord's

8 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 1 Chronicles 18.1-13

The Lord helped David win his battles in wars. Yes, David's troops had to do the physical fighting, but it was God who gave the victory.

When we are successful in our work, or even in our spiritual efforts for the Lord, we should be careful to give credit to whom credit is due - to God! He uses our skills and the material, mental, and physical resources he has given us.

Fighting Unnecessary Battles

9 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 1 Chronicles 19.1-19

This battle was brought on because of the fear, insecurity, and mistrust of Hanun and his advisors. They couldn't believe that David was merely doing an act of kindness toward them. They insulted King David by treating his officials badly, and as a result, had to prepare for war.

Many of our battles are similar. We misjudge the motives of other people and then have to pay a high price for jumping to conclusions. When we make a mistake, or unwisely say or do something that offends our neighbor, we should admit our error and seek to make things right. The words, "I'm sorry; I was wrong. Would you please forgive me?" may be hard to say, but they can help us avoid many unnecessary battles.

No Free Gifts Will Do

10 # Short Commentary & Lesson from 1 Chronicles 21.16-30

Araunah's threshing place was used to separate the wheat or corn from its husks, it was located in Moriah, the same place where Abraham had taken Isaac to be offered as a sacrifice to the Lord many years before. When David explained why he wanted Araunah's threshing place, Araunah quite willingly offered to give the property to David. But David would not hear of it.  He knew he could not take something that had no value to him and turn around and offer it to God.

When we present something to God, we should be careful hat we are not giving him the "leftovers" of our lives, or those things that hold no value or meaning to us. If what we offer God is meaningful to us, it will be to God as well.

Promises For Us

Most families contain at least one member who loves to trace the family tree. These people keep precise genealogical records and take delight in poking around obscure libraries, dusty courthouse records, and old cemeteries. Other family members may not appreciate all this work until that person finds something really interesting. Then all the family members get excited. They're proud of the ancestor who came over on the Mayflower. They want to meet the long-lost cousin who's a multi-millionaire.

First Chronicles was written to the Israelites who survived the Babylonian captivity. It reads like a family history prepared by the genealogy enthusiast. This record emphasizes how people are connected and who the old-times heroes were. Israelites raised in Babylon could read this book and come away with restored national pride.

In a sense, everyone stands on the shoulders of generations of ancestors who worked to create better lives for their descendants. Who are you most proud of in your family tree? What should you learn from them? how can you celebrate their memories?

For Consideration
  • What do all these genealogies suggest about the importance of ordinary people to God?
  • How did David unite all of Israel to achieve great things? How can you be a uniter of people trying to please God?
  • Why did David want to build a temple for the Lord? how can your life be a monument to honor God?

11 Life Lessons from The Book of Second Kings | 2 Kings Bible Study

2 Kings Bible Study, Life Lessons from The Book of Second Kings

Second Kings is the second half of a single book that was divided into two parts, 1 and 2 Kings because together they were too long to fit on one scroll. The book of 2 Kings continues the history of the two separate kingdoms of Judah and Israel.

The book of 2 Kings has two main parts. The first part (1-7) is the history of the two kingdoms until 722 B.C., when the northern kingdom was conquered by the Assyrians. Samaria, the capital city of Israel, was destroyed and the people of that kingdom were taken as prisoners to Assyria. Only Judah, the southern kingdom, was left.

The second part of the book (18-25) is the history of Judah until 586 B.C., when it was conquered by King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylonia. Jerusalem, the capital city, was completely destroyed, and many of the people of Judah and Jerusalem were led away as prisoners to Babylonia. King Nebuchadnezzar then made Gedaliah ruler of those left in Judah. The book concludes with some hope for Judah's future: King Jehoiachin is released from prison in Babylon and is invited to eat with the Babylonian king every day.

According to the book of 2 Kings, Israel and Judah were destroyed because the people refused to be faithful to the Lord. He had sent prophets over and over to warn the people and their kings to stop worshiping other gods and to turn back to him. Finally, the people were punished. The two kingdoms were destroyed, and the people were forced to live in foreign nations, far from their own land. The fall of Jerusalem is one of the most important events in Israel's history. the book itself explains why this disaster took place:

The people of Judah and Jerusalem had made the Lord so angry that he finally turned his back on them. That's why these horrible things were happening (24.20b)

Here are 11 Lessons From the Book of Second Kings

More Power to You

1 # SShort Commentary & Lesson from second Kings 2.9-15

When Elisha asked for twice as much of Elijah's power, he was asking to be the one who would continue Elijah's work as leader of the prophets. This request was similar to the custom in which the first-born son received a double portion of the father's inheritance.

Elisha did not want to outdo Elijah for his own pride; Elisha wanted to do great things for God. And God granted Elisha's request. During his lifetime, Elisha did nearly twice as many miracles as Elijah.

When we ask God for success, fame, power, or ability, we should look closely at our motives. When our motive is to glorify and serve God, he often answers in ways beyond our imagination

Your Part and God's Part

2 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Second Kings 4.1-7

The widow's family had a serious problem. In biblical times, when poor people and debtors could not pay their bills, they not only "lost their shirts," they lost themselves. They were often forced to sell themselves or their children as slaves.

Elisha did not instruct the indebted woman to sit back and do nothing. he told her to gather as many jars as she could. We see in this story how God miraculously provided for the widow as she obeyed Elisha's instructions. Not only did he provide for her debs to be paid, God also gave her an abundance so that she and her sons could live without worrying. Certainly, God is not limited by our faith or our resources. But he often asks us to do our part before he does his.

A Divine Joke

3 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Second Kings 6.8-23

The Syrian king was frustrated because of Elisha's military tactics, so he sent his best troops to arrest Elisha. When they found him, Elisha led them, blinded, into the worst possible trap. Instead of killing the Syrians, Elisha calls for a good meal for them, and afterward, they are let go.

No wonder the Syrians gave up attacking Israel for time! God would prefer that we see our own foolishness rather than punish us. He promises to be "quick to forgive" (See Nehemiah 9.17)

The only True Way to Peace

4 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Second Kings 9.21-28

When Joram asked Jehu if he came in peace, Jehu's answer revealed more than he knew, It is impossible to have true peace when our hearts are divided between worshiping the Lord and worshiping false gods and things. When we allow evil to go on in our lives, any peace we have will be incomplete and short-lived.

Real peace comes from God. Peace is the natural by-product of a loving relationship with him. When we turn from evil ways and things and live according to God's Word, we have peace in our hearts and in our minds.

Almost Doesn't Count

5 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Second Kings 10.18-31

Jehu partially obeyed the lord. He was the man God used to bring judgment upon Ahab's family. He also cleared the country of Baal worship.

But Jehu did not obey God completely. As a king, he continued to allow the worship of the golden calves that Jeroboam had made. This caused the people of the country to continue their downhill slide. God gave Jehu credit for what he had done well, but he also condemned Jehu's unwillingness to totally break away from the sins of the past. We should not condone beliefs or practices that lead people away from God's Word. to almost obey God is to disobey him.

Break the Mold!

6 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Second Kings 15.1-38

In this chapter, we see a series of kings who followed the patterns set by their parents. In Judah, Azriah ruled for a long time and did many things well. But, like his father and grandfather, he did not destroy the pagan shrines in Judah.

Azariah's son, Jotham, followed in his father's footsteps. And, in the northern kingdom of Israel, the kings kept encouraging the people to worship idols, just as their forefathers had done.

We all grow up with habits we have picked up from our parents. We have a legacy, some of which is good and some that is bad. If we continue to make the mistakes of the past, however, we will reap the negative results. When habits go against God's Word, they must be broken.

Just in Time

7 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Second Kings 18.1-12

Hezekiah may have done more to bring the people of Judah back to God than any other king in the Old Testament, except possibly Josiah. No doubt, when Hezekiah saw what had happened to Israel, he took it as a warning from God. The king realized that God was under no obligation to save his people if they refused to obey him.

As such, Hezekiah began destroying Judah's false gods. Later, he not only led the people away from the idols, but he also led them to worship the true God. When we see people's lives destroyed because they have worshiped the "gods" of this world - money, fame, power, and so on - we should take their sad fate as a warning. We should make sure we are not worshiping any false gods as we set our focus on worshiping the Lord.

Living on Borrowed Time

8 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Second Kings 20.1-11

God healed Hezekiah and granted fifteen more years to his life. What would you do if God told you that you only had fifteen more years to live? Would you continue to do the same things you're doing now and have the same attitudes? Or would you feel the need to change some things about your life?

The truth is, we are all living on borrowed time. We are all going to die. We don't know when our time will be up, but we should live each day with a sense of purpose.

A Sudden Departure

9 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Second Kings 21.1-18

Manasseh was the king in Judah longer than any other king. In many ways, he did more evil in Judah than any king before or after him. His father, Hezekiah, had helped turned the people's hearts back to God and away from idols. But Manasseh turned around and opened the door to all sorts of occult practices.

Because of the nations' disgusting deeds under the rule of Manasseh, God revealed that he would destroy Judah, just as Israel had been destroyed. Manasseh's quick departure from his father's good ways reminds us that it takes only one generation to lose a nation. We cannot survive by living on the good done by our ancestors. We must stand against evil and for what is right.

Look What I Found!

10 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Second Kings 22.8

Hilkiah's statement to Shaphan would be like our saying, "Look what I found - a Bible, in church of all places!" Where has The book of God's Law been for so long? Perhaps it had been right there, covered with dust and clutter. While God's people had been busy worshiping false gods, they had totally neglected the powerful Word of God.

We often fall into a similar trap. Most of us have ready access to a Bible, but many of us fail to explore the great riches in its pages. When we read the Bible with a desire to know God better, he will speak to our hearts and minds. The Bible will come alive for us, and we will discover that the god of the Bible is the one true God.

Judgment Will Come

11 # Short Commentary & Lesson from Second Kings 24.1-17

The Lord had been patient with his people for many years. He was often merciful and kind to any group that truly turned from their evil ways. Yet he was not going to go back on his word.

god had said that the nation of Israel would one day be destroyed because of their sins. Now, the judgment of God was coming to pass. Although a historian who does not understand the Bible may offer other reasons for the fall of Israel and Judah, God's Word clearly shows that the reason for their destruction was disobedience to God. This is a warning for us. If we choose to disobey God, we seal
our own tombs; but if we obey God, we will be blessed.

Promises For Us

Children think of  "grown-ups" as people who are done growing and changing. They expect the big people in their lives to hum along day after day on an even keel, like well-oiled machines that don't have problems. Biy, do they have a lot to learn!

Adult life is not a smooth interaction of totally mature individuals with easily manageable responsibilities. Adult life is an unending rat race. Experience teaches us that every adult will face at least two major crises, such as loss of employment, death of a loved one, divorce, or natural disaster. Each of those crisis defines the next stage of life.

In 2 Kings, Israel faced two calamities that helped define its identity. Separated by about 150 years, two invasions of Palestine by world powers wiped Israel and Judah from the map and scattered the Israelites among the conquerors. What did this mean for the future of this nation? how would the Israelites respond?

The book of 2 kings calls its readers to decide how they will handle their own difficulties of life. Those who will consistently trust God can expect divine assistance in their lives. Those who consistently ignore God can expect to face disaster alone.

For Consideration
  • What were the causes of the crises Israel and Judah faced in 2 Kings?
  • How should Israel and Judah have responded to their crises?
  • How can you express confidence in God even in the face of a terrible situation?