Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
true confessions
Nehemiah 9 This long confession gives readers insight into what God wants of us when we come to him. Often our confessions seem empty and selfish. We know more about our failures and needs than God’s desires. After hearing God’s … Continue reading
the gods are mortal
Psalm 82. Most commentators are quick to put quotation marks around the word gods in this psalm. They take this as a prophecy against unjust human rulers. They claim that Jesus implied this in John 10:34-35. But Jesus only claimed … Continue reading
joy through understanding
Nehemiah 8 Restoration is not possible without being confronted by the revelation – God’s word, his law. Yet the LORD never intends those who will be involved in restoration to stop at the mourning phase. When God intercedes by his … Continue reading
honey from the rock
Psalm 81 One does not normally get honey from a rock. That is why this image speaks of the extent to which the LORD will go to take care of those he loves. All he asks of us is single-hearted … Continue reading
transition time
Nehemiah 7 This chapter is mostly made up of a list that already appeared in Ezra. It fits in Nehemiah’s story because it records the people who came back from exile. After the construction of the wall for defense, it … Continue reading
a shining face
Psalm 80 Israel is described as a vine which had grown out as far as the Euphrates River. Then God had allowed the protective wall of the vineyard to be broken down, so that passers-by could take of the vine’s … Continue reading
non-stop
Nehemiah 6 Nehemiah speaks here of numerous attempts to make him afraid. The non-Israelite leaders of the land were themselves afraid that God would empower Nehemiah to lead a rebellion. They also feared the policy against intermarriage which had been … Continue reading
where God is
Psalm 79 No more temple – no more sacrifice, yet the psalmist asks God to atone for the sins of his people. The blood that the psalmist says has been poured out all around Jerusalem is the blood of God’s … Continue reading
ending exploitation
Nehemiah 5 Everyone knew that the commitment to rebuild Jerusalem’s walls would involve hardship. What they did not count on, however, was the exploitation of the Jewish nobles and officials. They were taking advantage of the situation to exact interest … Continue reading
commanded to teach
Psalm 78 This psalm serves as a teaching song, which could be used by fathers to teach their children. The LORD commanded that each generation instruct the next, so that no one is ignorant of who God is, and what … Continue reading
