Monthly Archives: March 2013
such a thing as this
Ezra 7 Ezra finally shows up in the book with his name on it. He thanks God for putting “such a thing as this” in the heart of king Artaxerxes. Was it simply benevolence that God put on the king’s … Continue reading
do not delay
Psalm 70 Perhaps the enemies have just discovered a weakness they think might just be the undoing of the faithful servant. It seems like they have just discovered the angle that will lead them to finally bring God’s man down. … Continue reading
surprise!
Ezra 6 King Darius of the Medo-Persian empire now issues an even stronger edict to ensure that the remnant of Israel is helped and the temple is reconstructed. They celebrated because “the LORD had made them joyful and had turned … Continue reading
deep water
Psalm 69 The psalmist is being overwhelmed, and asks God to save him for that feeling of being out in deep water, and near drowning. He anticipates that God will act, not just setting him on dry land, but restoring … Continue reading
authorization
Ezra 5 After a long delay, rebuilding begins and another challenge to it. The elders were authorized, so they had no problem with asking for the king’s decree to be made known. The prophets urged that the rebuilding proceed as … Continue reading
lying among the sheepfolds
Psalm 68 This psalm celebrates God’s protection and provision for his people, including the great battles he won for them. The point is that it was God’s greatness, not the overwhelming might of Israel’s armies that won the battles. Mention … Continue reading
allies or adversaries?
Ezra 4 The returning exiles were offered the “help” of a group of “people of the land” in their God-given and king approved task of rebuilding the temple. They chose to turn that offer down. These were actually adversaries seeking … Continue reading
the great harvest
Psalm 67 The beginning words of this psalm sound like the Aaronic blessing (Numbers 6:24-26). Every Israelite would be familiar with these words. They stand as a kind of national motto. Yet, the psalm is not about national identity as … Continue reading
they knew
Ezra 3 The sound of loud rejoicing filled the city when the foundations of the new temple were laid. Those who were there could also hear another sound, mixed in with the cries of joy. The old timers who had … Continue reading
come and see, come and hear
Psalm 66 Sacrifices and offerings at the temple were an occasion for people to “come and see what God has done.” Each such event was an opportunity for people to tell how God allowed them to be tested and then … Continue reading
Posted in atonement, deliverance, Jesus Christ, redemption, the cross
Tagged Psalm 66
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