“For Ezra had set his heart to study the Law of the Lord, and to do it and to teach his statutes and rules in Israel” (Ezra 7:10 ESV). Ezra, a priest descended from Aaron and a skilled scribe in the Law of Moses, led the second major return of exiles to Jerusalem around 458
“Let no one deceive himself. If anyone among you thinks that he is wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise. For the wisdom of this world is folly with God.” (1 Corinthians 3:18–19 ESV). Paul warned the Corinthian believers not to be deceived by the values of the
“But I, brothers, could not address you as spiritual people, but as people of the flesh, as infants in Christ.” (1 Corinthians 3:1 ESV). After contrasting the difference between the “natural man” and the “spiritual man” in chapter two, Paul addressed a troubling third spiritual condition, the “carnal man” (“fleshly”). This person has received Christ
“I believe that I shall look upon the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living! Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord!” (Psalm 27:13–14 ESV). David concluded this psalm with a strong affirmation of faith. Even though he had previously expressed fear of
“Jeremiah also uttered a lament for Josiah; and all the singing men and singing women have spoken of Josiah in their laments to this day. They made these a rule in Israel; behold, they are written in the Laments.” (2 Chronicles 35:25 ESV). King Josiah was the last of the godly kings in Judah. His
“Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not associate with a simple babbler.” (Proverbs 20:19 ESV). Solomon warned that those who speak carelessly, especially those who slander or gossip, cannot be trusted with confidential or sensitive matters. The one who “reveals secrets” proves unfaithful. Likewise, the “simple babbler” (literally, “one who opens wide his
“He prayed to him, and God was moved by his entreaty and heard his plea and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God.” (2 Chronicles 33:13 ESV). Manasseh’s story is one of the most shocking accounts of sin and mercy in all of Scripture. He was
“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus, that together you may with one voice glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Romans 15:5–6 ESV). The apostle Paul closed this section of his letter with a prayerful appeal that
“And Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced because God had provided for the people, for the thing came about suddenly.” (2 Chronicles 29:36 ESV). When King Hezekiah began to reign in Judah, the temple had been neglected, worship had ceased, and the nation had grown spiritually cold. But in the first month of his reign,
“But when he was strong, he grew proud, to his destruction. For he was unfaithful to the Lord his God and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.” (2 Chronicles 26:16 ESV). Uzziah started out a great and godly king, but he didn’t finish well. Once humbly dependent