Author Archives: Jefferson Vann
traders of the lost ark
1 Samuel 5:1-7:2 The ark of the LORD’s testimony was in the possession of 5 Philistine lords for 7 months. The people of the 5 cities suffered and became frightened. Even after it was returned to Israel, the city it … Continue reading
Ichabod
1 Samuel 4 Eli’s grandson was born on the day he and Phinehas died. His mother also died that day, after she named him: Ichabod: the glory has departed. In truth, the glory had departed from Israel the moment its … Continue reading
chicken or egg?
1 Samuel 3 Judges had described this era as one in which every man did what was right in his own eyes. This chapter describes it as one in which a word from the LORD was rare. Which comes first? … Continue reading
our choices and God’s choice
1 Samuel 2:12-3:6 Hophni and Phinehas could have had the honor of installing the first king in Israel, but they brought shame and destruction upon their house instead. The choices we make in ministry are important. We either choose to … Continue reading
responding to grace
1 Samuel 1:1-2:11 Hannah’s dedication of Samuel to the LORD shows us what prayer can do. It can bring about a double glory to the LORD. For the LORD gets glory when his servants pray to him, seeking his justice. … Continue reading
remembering an old shoe
Ruth 4 “LORD, you have blessed me beyond measure. I was a foreigner in your land and you showed me kindness and grace. You brought me to my redeemer, and he gave me a son. Who knows what you have … Continue reading
sleeping on a threshing floor
Ruth 3 “I cannot believe I have been so bold as to do this. I followed Naomi’s instructions, and went to Boaz’ threshing floor, and uncovered his feet. I was terrified. But all it took was one look into the … Continue reading
gleaning in a field
Ruth 2 “I definitely did not expect this, LORD. The master of the harvest is showing favor to me. His name is Boaz, and Naomi explained to me that he is one of our family’s redeemers – whatever that means. … Continue reading
clinging to Mara
Ruth 1 “LORD, are you there? Do you listen to the prayers of a Moabite woman? I thought you loved me. You brought a wonderful family into my life, and showed me what it is like to live within your … Continue reading
deeper to go
Judges 21 The ESV Study Bible comments: “Israel’s apostasy had reached the depths, and the stage was set for the coming of a godly king, David, a man after God’s own heart with whom God would make an everlasting covenant. … Continue reading
