Summary of Every Old Testatment Chapter
Condensed highlights and main points from each chapter across the 39 books of the Old Testament.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 1
Summary: Original creation and the renovating of earth for habitation of man. Creation of animal and human life.
Main Characters: God, v. 1. Spirit, v. 2. Christ, v. 26 (See Col. 1:15-17; Jhn. 1:3) first man and woman.
Striking Facts: v. 1. Be sure to compare John 1:1, 2, 3, 14. Not only was Jesus Christ present in creation, but creation was bound up with Him as its secret. Col. 1:15-17. See Heb. 1:3. Gton. 1 is not a history of the original creation, but of a reconstruction following a cataclysmic Judgment which had befallen the original creation. . V. 1 Original creation, v. 2 Its destruction, v. 3 and on. Reconstruction.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 2
Summary: God's Sabbath rest. The creative act of Genesis 1:27 explained. The Edenic covenant.
Main Characters: God, Adam, Eve.
Striking Facts: Eve, a type of the Church, the Bride of Christ, was not formed of dust, but came from an opened side. The Church is a heavenly Body, born from the opened side of the Second Adam, God's Son.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 3
Summary: Temptation of Eve and entrance of sin into the race. God's covenant with fallen man and the expulsion from Eden.
Main Characters: God, Satan, Adam, Eve.
Striking Facts: Conscience, the realization of what man is, must be met by salvation, the revelation of what God is in Grace, before peace can be restored to man. Through woman sin entered and by her seed alone was salvation promised. Isa. 7:14; 9:6, 7.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 4
Summary: First sons of Adam, Cain and Abel. Murder of Abel. First civilization. Birth of Seth.
Main Characters: Adam, Eve, Cain, Abel, Seth.
Striking Facts: There has hundred more persecution on religious grounds than on any other. The fruit of Cain's false worship was to avoid the presence of God and to lose himself in the world and its pursuits.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 5
Summary: Generations from Adam to Noah.
Main Characters: Adam, Seth, Enos, Cainan,. Mahalaleel, Jared, Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, Noah.
Striking Facts: Enoch, the seventh from Adam was translated and made the trophy of God's power over death.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 6
Summary: Flood announced. Compromise of sons of God with daughters of men.
Main Characters: Noah, Shem, Ham, Japheth.
Striking Facts: The plan whereby Noah was saved was no invention of his own but one revealed by God, v. 13. Faith is governed by the pure Word of God. Heb. 11:7. The ark is a type of Christ as the refuge of His people from the judgment.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 7
Summary: The flood comes. Noah and family preserved.
Main Characters: Noah, his sons, and their wives.
Striking Facts: The hand that made Noah secure within, shut the others out. There was a window in the top of the ark whereby they could look up in communion with God, knowing that no judgment remained for them. Heb. 12:1-2.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 8
Summary: Waters receding, exit from the ark. Noah's altar.
Main Characters: Noah and family.
Striking Facts: Superstition would have worshipped the ark as the means of salvation, but Noah looked to the God back of the means.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 9
Summary: Noamic covenant. Noah's shame and Ham's sin.
Main Characters: Noah and family.
Striking Facts: The bow seen upon the storm clouds of judgment speaks of the cross where judgment never to be repeated has been visited upon the believer's sins.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 10
Summary: Establishing of the nations.
Main Characters: Noah, Shem, Ham, Japheth, Nimrod, Canaan.
Striking Facts: From the seven sons of Japheth, the Gentile nations are descended.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 11
Summary: Failure under Noamic covenant. Tower of Babel. Scattering of the people. Ancestry of Abram.
Main Characters: Shem, Terah, Abram, Lot, Sarai.
Striking Facts: To exalt man without God in Christ is to elevate him to a dizzy height from which he is sure to fall into hopelessness.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 12
Summary: Call of Abram. His worship and testing. The error in Egypt.
Main Characters: Abram, Sarai, Lot, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts: God's biddings are His enablings. Better suffer in Canaan in God's path than live in luxury in Egypt in the devil's path. The altar marks Abraham as a worshipper. The tent marks him as a pilgrim. These are distinguishing marks of the followers of Christ.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 13
Summary: Abram's return to the land and the altar. Separation from Lot. Lots backsliding and choice of the land.
Main Characters: Abram, Lot.
Striking Facts: Lot pictures a professing Christian trying to make the best of both worlds, v. 12. He who puts God and Christ first will never be bereft of that which is best for him.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 14
Summary: Abram delivers Lot. Abram's refusal to compromise with the King of Sodom.
Main Characters: King of Sodom, Lot, Abram, Melchizedek.
Striking Facts: The most effectual way to serve the world is to be separated from it. The first mention in the Bible of the kings, finds them fighting. The last of Revelation leaves them hard at it still.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 15
Summary: Abrahamic covenant confirmed and spiritual seed promised.
Main Characters: Abram, God.
Striking Facts: v. 17. A smoking furnace suggests that the inheritance would be reached by passing through furnaces of trial. The bright lamp tells of God's relief which shines brighter as the road gets darker.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 16
Summary: Birth of Ishmael.
Main Characters: Sarah, Abram, Hagar, Angel, Ishmael.
Striking Facts: God promises — faith believes — hope anticipates — patience waits. Heb. 6: 12. The heart prefers anything to the attitude of waiting.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 17
Summary: The revelation of God. Abram's name changed. Covenant confirmed. Circumcision established. Promise of Isaac.
Main Characters: God, Abram, Isaac, Sarah, Ishmael.
Striking Facts: Abram means "father of altitude." Abraham means "father of breadth." The perpendicular of justice is trans versed by the horizontal beam of embracing love. In the two names we see a picture of the cross.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 18
Summary: Abraham, the friend of God. Promise of the seed renewed. The plea of Sodom.
Main Characters: God, Sarah, Abraham.
Striking Facts: The way to know the divine purpose about the world is not to be mixed up with its schemes and speculations but walking in communion with Christ.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 19
Summary: Destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot's backsliding and escape.
Main Characters: Angels, Lot and family, Abraham, Moab, Benammi.
Striking Facts: In gaining great worldly influence, Lot had lost all influence and spiritual power, even over his own family, v. 14. Choose between the Word and the world. No heart can mature two crops.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 20
Summary: Abraham's lapse at Gerar. Lying to Abimelech about his wife.
Main Characters: Abraham, Sarah, Abimelech.
Striking Facts: One is often struck with the amazing difference between what God's people In Christ are in His view and what they are in the world's view. God sees His own through Christ, although in themselves, they are often feeble and inconsistent.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 21
Summary: Birth of Isaac. Bondwoman and her son cast out. Abraham at Beersheba.
Main Characters: Sarah, Abraham, Isaac, Hagar, Ishmael, Abimelech.
Striking Facts: It often involves a struggle to cast the bondwoman and her son out. Gal. 5:1; Col. 3:9. Human religion would keep them in the house.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 22
Summary: Offering of Isaac. Abrahamic covenant again confirmed.
Main Characters: God, Abraham, Isaac, angel.
Striking Facts: Isaac is a type of Christ "obedient unto death." Abraham illustrates the Father who "spared not His own Son." The resurrection is illustrated in the deliverance of Isaac.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 23
Summary: Death of Sarah. Burial in cave of Machpelah.
Main Characters: Sarah, Abraham, sons of Heth, Ephron.
Striking Facts: One of the most zealously guarded places in the world is a rectangular building in Palestine, beneath which the cave of Machpelah is supposed to be, and in which are the remains of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. God has never let it come into the hands of those who were disposed to disturb it.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 24
Summary: Bride of Isaac secured by Abraham's servant.
Main Characters: Abraham, servant, Bethuel, Laban, Sarah, Isaac.
Striking Facts: Abraham stands for the Father (Matt. 22:2). The servant stands for the Holy Spirit (John 16:13, 14; 1 Cor. 12:7-11). Rebekah stands for the Bride of Christ (Eph. 6:25-82). Isaac stands for the Bridegroom who is coming to receive His Bride (1 Thess. 4:14-16).
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 25
Summary: Abraham weds Keturah. Isaac becomes Abraham's heir. Death of Abraham. Generations of Ishmael and Isaac. Birth of Esau and Jacob and the sale of the birthright.
Main Characters: Abraham, Keturah, Zimram, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak, Shuah, Isaac, Ishmael, Esau, Jacob, Rebekah.
Striking Facts: Esau is a type of the man of the earth, Heb. 12:16, 17. In many respects a nobler man than Jacob, yet the fact that he was destitute of faith caused him to despise his birthright. God's choice of His children does not depend on their character, but their faith.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 26
Summary: Covenant confirmed to Isaac. Isaac's lapse at Gerar, Isaac as a well digger.
Main Characters: Isaac, Rebekah, Abimelech, Ahuzzath, Phichol, Esau, Judith.
Striking Facts: There is a great difference between God's blessing through Christ and His presence. One cannot always judge of a believer's spiritr ual condition by their circumstances, but God has a purpose in all His dealings. Before the chapter closes, we see Isaac coming into God's presence as well as His blessing, v. 24.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 27
Summary: Fraudulent methods of Jacob in getting Isaac's blessing. Remorse of Esau.
Main Characters: Isaac, Esau, Jacob, Rebekah.
Striking Facts: One only needs to read the history of Jacob to learn that it does not pay to take things into one's own hands. The more pressing the temptation to take things out of His hands, the richer will be the blessing of remaining in His hands and awaiting His time.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 28
Summary: Jacob at Bethel and the Abrahamic covenant confirmed to him in a dream.
Main Characters: Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Esau, Ishmael, Mahalath, angels.
Striking Facts: Bethel, to the Christian, stands for a realization, although often imperfect, of the presence of God through Christ, and the spiritual contents of faith.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 29
Summary: Jacob and Laban, two bargain makers, meet.
Main Characters: Jacob, Laban, Rachael, Leah, Reuben, Levi, Judah.
Striking Facts: Jacob at Haran, pictures the nation descended from him at the present time. He was away from the place of blessing, without an altar, but yet under the covenant care of Jehovah and eventually to be brought back.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 30
Summary: Jacob's posterity in Padan-aram. Another bargain between Jacob and Laban.
Main Characters: Rachael, Jacob, Larban, Leah, Joseph.
Striking Facts: The success of Jacob's policy was not sufficient to justify it, had it been unjust toward the shrewd Laban, but evidently it was not unjust, for see 81:12.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 31
Summary: Jacob's resolution to return. Laban's hot pursuit; their quarrel and final agreement.
Main Characters: Laban, Jacob, Rachael, Leah.
Striking Facts: The settlement of a quarrel is a jewel so precious, one can scarcely buy it too dearly. While the believer may resent injuries, he is not to avenge them but remember that God is the avenger.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 32
Summary: Jacob becomes Israel. Preparation for meeting Esau. Wrestling against the angel.
Main Characters: Jacob, Esau, angel.
Striking Facts: To be alone with Christ is the only way to arrive at a knowledge of ourselves and our ways. Jacob was a wrestled-with man, and until the seat of his own strength was touched, he did not reach the place of blessing.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 33
Summary: Jacob meets Esau. Settles in Canaan.
Main Characters: Jacob, Esau, Leah, Rachael, Joseph.
Striking Facts: "Acquaint now thyself with Him and be at peace." Failure in this, causes one, on every fresh occasion, to doubt and hesitate not-withstanding the evidence of God's faithfulness through Christ.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 34
Summary: Harvest of evil years comes on Jacob and family. Dinah defiled and the bloody revenge.
Main Characters: Dinah, Jacob, Hamor, sons of Jacob, Simeon, Levi.
Striking Facts: God had directed Jacob to Bethel. He settled at Shechem. Partial obedience to Christ is responsible for much trouble which befalls Christian families.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 35
Summary: Jacob's return to Bethel and renewed communion. Death of Rachael. Birth of Benjamin. Death of Isaac.
Main Characters: Jacob, Deborah, Rebekah, Rachael, Benjamin, Reuben, Bilhah, Isaac, Esau.
Striking Facts: "Arise and go to Bethel." God is ever calling the soul back to Himself. Christ says, "Remember from whence thou art fallen and repent and do thy first works."
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 36
Summary: Generations of Esau and their settlements.
Main Characters: Esau, Jacob.
Striking Facts: Edom, a name by which the foolish bargain was perpetuated, means "red pottage." If men sell their birthright in Christ for a mess of pottage, they must thank themselves when afterwards, it is remembered against them to their reproach.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 37
Summary: Generations of Joseph. Joseph hated and rejected by his brothers. Cast into pit. Carried away by Gentiles.
Main Characters: Jacob, Joseph, Reuben, Judah, Potiphar.
Striking Facts: Joseph, a marvelous type of Christ. Rejected because of his testimony to his brethren, sent by the Father on a mission of love, cast into a pit, sold to Gentiles, the Gentiles blessed through him.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 38
Summary: Shame of Judah and his sons.
Main Characters: Judah, Hirah, Er, Onen, Tamar.
Striking Facts: It is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah. Heb. 7:14. Divine grace is seen rising above man's sin to bring about His purpose. The Spirit is conducting us by this chapter, along the line through which, on the fiesh side, our Lord came. Man would never have devised such a genealogy.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 39
Summary: Joseph tested in Egypt in the house of Potiphar.
Main Characters: Joseph, Potiphar, Potiphar's wife, prison keeper.
Striking Facts: The one taken from the pit, into which he came through rejection, is coming to the place of ruler, the channel of blessing to the Gentiles, sustainer of life to the brethren. (Christ).
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 40
Summary: Joseph in prison in Egypt. Interprets dreams.
Main Characters: Butler, baker, captain of guard, Joseph, Potiphar.
Striking Facts: Bad dreams cannot be given a good interpretation. If a minister of Christ deals faithfully with God's message and it proves unpleasant, it is not his fault.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 41
Summary: Pharaoh's dream. Joseph's exaltation in Egypt and his Gentile bride.
Main Characters: Pharaoh, Joseph, butler, Asenath, Manasseh, Ephraim.
Striking Facts: As Joseph solved Pharaoh's vexing problems, so Jesus relieves the heart of its burdens. Rejected, exalted, Jesus is now taking a Gentile Bride to be with Him when the "Time of Jacob's trouble" comes upon the earth.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 42
Summary: Joseph preserves his brethren from the famine.
Main Characters: Jacob, Joseph, brothers.
Striking Facts: While Jesus is unrecognized by His brethren, the Jews, they are passing through deep troubles, but a tribulation awaits them which will bring them to the feet of Him Whom they crucified.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 43
Summary: Second visit of Joseph's brethren to Egypt in their necessity.
Main Characters: Jacob, Benjamin, Joseph, Simeon, Judah, steward.
Striking Facts: "Acquaint now thyself with Him and be at peace." Failure in this, causes one, on every fresh occasion, to doubt and hesitate not withstanding the evidence of God's faithfulness through Christ.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 44
Summary: Joseph's brethren further tested. Arrest on charge of taking a cup.
Main Characters: Joseph, Judah, Benjamin, steward.
Striking Facts: As Joseph laid a plan to bring about full confession from his brethren that they might come into fellowship with him, so Christ will deal with the Jews, culminating in a great day of confession and mourning.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 45
Summary: Joseph reveals himself to his brethren whom he blessed and sends back to Egypt.
Main Characters: Joseph, brothers, Pharaoh, Jacob.
Striking Facts: A sacred scene is coming for Israel (Ezek. 22:19) when Christ shall be revealed. As they stand selfncondemned before Him, He will pour balm into their hearts (Zech. 13:1; 12:9) and will show all to have been decreed for their blessing (Rom. 11:11-12).
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 46
Summary: Jacob's Journey to Egypt and meeting with Joseph.
Main Characters: Jacob, Joseph, brothers, their families, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts: The absolute will of God for Israel was in Canaan, not Egypt (26:1-5). His permissive will allows them to settle in Goshen and as far as possible He blesses them there. The Jews sidestepped God's absolute will by rejecting the Messiah, but a day of mingled joy and mourning awaits those living at His second advent.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 47
Summary: Jacob and descendants exalted in Goshen.
Main Characters: Pharaoh, Joseph, brothers, Jacob.
Striking Facts: Christ will, at His second advent, present His brethren, the Jews, in the court of heaven, restoring them to the place of blessing in the earth. As Jacob here blesses King Pharaoh, so Israel's portion in the millennium will be that of blessing the kings of the earth.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 48
Summary: Jacob on his death bed blesses Joseph's sons.
Main Characters: Jacob, Joseph, Ephraim, Manasseh, Reuben, Simeon, Rachael.
Striking Facts: v. 17. When the tribes were mustered in the wilderness, Ephraim was more numerous than Manasseh (Num. 1:32-35; 2:18-20) and is named first (Psa. 80:2).
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 49
Summary: Jacob's dying blessing, prophetic of the tribes of Israel.
Main Characters: Jacob, twelve sons.
Striking Facts: The cunning, shifting and often faithless Jacob, the supplanter, bargain maker, comes forth in the calm elevation of faith to bestow blessings and impart dignities. This will be Israel's part in the last great dispensation of earth, after Christ has returned.
Book: Genesis
Chapter: 50
Summary: Jacob's burial. Joseph's death.
Main Characters: Jacob, Joseph, brothers.
Striking Facts: Finding man in a beautiful Eden, Genesis 1, we leave him in chapter 50 in a coffin in Egypt.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 1
Summary: Israel in Egypt and their bondage.
Main Characters: Joseph, Pharaoh, Shiprah, Puah.
Striking Facts: It has been the policy of the persecutors of Israel throughout the centuries to represent them as a dangerous people, hurtful to provinces and untrustworthy, as a pretense for barbarous treatment. God's counsels stand and they still increase.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 2
Summary: Deliverer prepared for Israel. Moses' birth, boyhood and marriage.
Main Characters: Levi's daughter, Pharaoh's daughter, mother of Moses, sister, Moses, Pharaoh, seven daughters of priests, shepherds, Reuel, Zipporah, Gershom.
Striking Facts: Moses is a striking type of Christ. Rejected by Israel, he turns to the Gentiles. In his rejection, he takes a Gentile bride, then later appears as Israel's deliverer and is accepted.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 3
Summary: Moses called as deliverer. The burning bush.
Main Characters: Jethro, Moses, angel.
Striking Facts: The burning bush pictures Israel in the furnace, yet never consumed. God's relations with Israel are eternal, v. 15.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 4
Summary: Moses' objections. Unbelief of the people and Moses' lack of eloquence. Return to Egypt. Message delivered to elders.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Jethro, Zipporah, elders.
Striking Facts: The rod, symbol of power in Christ's hand, was not wrenched away from Moses, but cast down by Moses. It remained a serpent only while out of his hand. The rod, temporarily out of Christ's haud, will soon be taken up again and Satan's power will be over.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 5
Summary: Moses' first contest with Pharaoh.
Main Characters: Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh, taskmasters.
Striking Facts: tried, not only by the proud threats of enemies, but the unjust, unkind censures of friends who judge by outward appearances.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 6
Summary: Jehovah's answer to Moses' first prayer. Covenant renewed. Families of Israel. Moses' commission renewed.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts: v. 12. Disconsolate spirits often cause us to put from us the comforts we are entitled to in Christ and we stand in our own light. If we indulge in fretfulness, we lose the comfort of His word and must thank ourselves if we go comfortless.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 7
Summary: Contest with Pharaoh. First plague. Water turned to blood.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh, magician.
Striking Facts: Satanic resistance to God's testimony of His Son is often offered by those who have "a form of godliness without the power thereof." The magicians finally failed, proving (8:7) their tricks ''lying wonders'' (Rev. 13:15).
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 8
Summary: Plagues of frogs, lice, files. Pharaoh's compromising offer.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Pharaoh, Aaron.
Striking Facts: Pharaoh's compromises are types of those Satan makes with the Christian. ''Be a Christian but stay in Egypt, or at least, don't be so narrow as to come out entirely from the world."
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 9
Summary: Plagues of murrain, boils and hall.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Pharaoh, Aaron.
Striking Facts: v. 12. The: Lord hardened his heart. Before this, Pharaoh hardened his own heart, resisting God's grace. There is a time when God gives one up to their own reprobate mind. Wilful hardness is sooner or later punished with judicial hardness. If men persist in shutting their eyes, God will close them.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 10
Summary: Plagues of locusts and darkness.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts: v. 11. Godly men make a subtle compromise if they desire for their children, a position in the world, or (v. 24) If they fall to consecrate all their possessions along with themselves to Christ.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 11
Summary: Last plague. Death of firstborn prophesied.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts: In some way, God will always redress the injured, who in humble silence, commit their cause to Him, and in the end, they will not be losers by their adherance to Christ.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 12
Summary: Deliverance for Israel through the Passover.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts: v. 8. Secured by the blood, the believer feeds on the Person of the Lamb of God, roast with fire, not raw. If Christ is not seen as the One subjected to the fires of God's wrath against sin, one cannot feed upon Him. He cannot be an example if He is not first an atoning sacrifice.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 13
Summary: Firstborn set apart for Jehovah. Directions for feast of unleavened bread and consecration of males.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Joseph.
Striking Facts: That which by God's special mercy has in Christ been spared to us should be peculiarly dedicated to God's honor. God who is first and best should have our first and best.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 14
Summary: God's power exerted to redeem Israel. Passing the Red Sea.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Pharaoh, angel.
Striking Facts: By the blood, God comes between us and our sins. By His presence, if we will permit, He will come between us and erery overcoming circumstance. The cross separates from sin; the cloud from circumstances.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 15
Summary: The song of the redeemed.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Miriam.
Striking Facts: Bitter waters (v. 23) in the path of God's leading, remind us of the trials that come to God's people for their edification, not punishment. The tree (cross, Gal. 3:13) cast into the bitter waters, will make them all sweet.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 16
Summary: Murmuring of the people. Manna and quails given by God.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: Jesus, the Bread of Life (John 6) is the true wilderness bread for believers, ministered by the Spirit through the Word. Christ may be partaken of unreservedly but we have no more of Him than faith appropriates, v. 16.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 17
Summary: Smitten rock at Meribah.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Joshua, Aaron, Hur.
Striking Facts: Christ is the Rock (1 Cor. 10:4) He was smitten, and resulting from His finished work was the outpouring of the Holy Spirit giving power to all those who believe.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 18
Summary: Moses Joined by his wife and children. Judges selected to solve the problems of the people.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Jethro, Zipporah, Gershom, Eliezer.
Striking Facts: It will be noticed (Num. 11:14-17) that God ignored Jethro's counsel and his man-made organization, putting in its place. His own order (v. 18). We are not called to service on the ground of our ability, but Christ's ability. Phil. 4:13.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 19
Summary: Israel at Sinai and the preparation for receiving the law.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: (Cp. 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10 with Ex. 19:5). Note that what under law, was conditional, under Grace is freely given in Christ to every believer. Note also that God did not impose law until it was proposed and accepted by man.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 20
Summary: Ten commandments delivered to Moses at Sinai.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Law proposes life and righteousness as the end to be attained by keeping it, but proves at the outset that man is in a state of death (Rom. 5:20; 7:7, 13; 3:20). Life and righteousness cannot come by that which only curses, but only through the grace of God in Christ.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 21
Summary: Laws concerning servants. Injuries to the person.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: God who gives and maintains life, by His law would protect it.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 22
Summary: Judgments on rights of property; crimes against humanity.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: One is struck by the number of things we are told NOT to do. These negative commands reveal human nature to itself. All is changed in the New Testament through Christ's sacrifice.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 23
Summary: Judgments on the national feasts. Instructions concerning the conquest of Canaan.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Familiarity with idolaters is forbidden (32, 33). The believer by familiar converse with false worshippers, is often drawn into worship with them and his detestation of sin wears off.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 24
Summary: Order of worship prescribed, pending the building of the tabernacle.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, elders, Joshua, Hur.
Striking Facts: We never hear "draw near" (Heb. 10:22) from the shadows of the law. For Christ's work was not then done which entitled the dinner to draw near. Law always says "worship afar off."
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 25
Summary: Moses in the mount; first directions concerning the tabernacle.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: The tabernacle in every detail foreshadows Christ. Gold is a type of deity; silver of redemption; brass of judgment; blue of heavenly origin; purple of royalty; scarlet of atonement, etc.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 26
Summary: Further directions regarding the tabernacle.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: We as Christ's followers have here no continuing city, being strangers and pilgrims through this world to a better land, having a moveable tabernacle. The presence of God is not tied to any place.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 27
Summary: Directions about the brazen altar and the court.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: In Jesus, God comes down in grace to the sinner. In Jesus the sinner is brought up in righteousness to God. These are our only grounds of standing before God.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 28
Summary: Directions about the priesthood.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Eleazar, Ithmar.
Striking Facts: Every true believer, through identification with Christ, is an earthly priest of God's family (Rev. 1:8) properly clothed for the work, (Rev. 19:7, 8), and should be duly consecrated and sanctified for his work of testimony.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 29
Summary: Consecration of the priests and the offerings.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Aaron's sons.
Striking Facts: Consecration means "to fill the hand." It is not the believer filling God's hand. In the arms of Aaron's sons were put the parts of the sacrifice which speak of the inherent richness and power of Christ. This was their acknowledgment that the power for service was not in themselves, but in another. This is consecration.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 30
Summary: The altar of incense and the brazen laver.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: Fire under the inoense altar brought out the fragrance (Rom. 8: 26, 27). The fire was from the blood-sprinkled altar (Heb. 10: 19, 20). Their prayers were based on the intercession of a priest (Rom. 8:34).
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 31
Summary: The tabernacle and its workmen. Sabbath made a sign between God and Israel.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Bezaleel, Aholiab.
Striking Facts: When Christ sent His apostles to rear the Gospel tabernacle He poured out His Holy Spirit upon them to enable them to speak with power the wonderful works of God.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 32
Summary: The broken law; Israel worships a golden calf. Intercession of Moses.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Joshua.
Striking Facts: Moses typified Christ, who went above (Acts 1:9) telling the people to tarry. In His absence, some forget his promised return (John. 14:3; Acts 1:11) and make themselves gods (2 Tim. 3:1-4; 4:3-4; Matt. 24:12) denying His return (2 Pet. 3:3-4; Matt. 24:48, 49). Jesus will come unexpectedly (Matt. 25:13) punishing evil doers (2 Thess. 2:7, 8) who are naked (Rev. 6:16, 17) and gathering the true to Himself (1 Thess. 4:13-18).
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 33
Summary: The journey to be resumed. God's presence assured.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Joshua.
Striking Facts: Moses, as a prince who had power with God, was a type of Christ the great Intercessor whom the Father heareth always. Through His intercession, we obtain constant assurance of the blessings of salvation.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 34
Summary: Second tables of the law. The new vision and commission.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: The shining of Moses' face was a great honor to him but nothing compared to the glory which excelled. We read of Jesus, that not only His face shone, but His whole body and His raiment was glistening Luke 9:29).
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 35
Summary: People instructed as to the tabernacle. The gifts of the people for the work.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Bezaleel, Aholiab.
Striking Facts: If we cannot do what others do for God, we are not to sit still and no nothing. Though our offering gains us no reputation with men, if given according to ability, it does not fail of acceptance with Him. (2 Cor. 8:12).
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 36
Summary: The tabernacle work begun. The curtains, coverings, sockets, bars, vail.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Bezaleel, Aholiab.
Striking Facts: Precious souls redeemed by Christ are the material of the Gospel tabernacle. (1 Pet. 2:5). Those called to the building of this house are those whom God has in some measure made fit for the work. Ability and willingness are the two things to be regarded in the call of the Christian worker.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 37
Summary: Making of the ark, mercy seat, table, candlestick, altar.
Main Characters: Bezaleel.
Striking Facts: Jesus Christ, the great propitiation, has made reconcilliatlon for the believer, restoring communion with God. From the mercy seat, He accepts us and teaches us, and under the shadow of the Spirit we are safe.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 38
Summary: Altar of burnt offering, laver, court, gate.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Bezaleel, Aholiab, Ithamar.
Striking Facts: On the altar of burnt offering all the sacrifices were made. The altar is a type of Calvary's cross on which Christ, our whole burnt offering, offered Himself without spot to God (Heb. 9:14).
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 39
Summary: Garments for Aaron.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: Christ, our High Priest, in undertaking the work of ifian's restoration, wore the clothes of service — the gifts and graces of the Holy Spirit, which He had without measure.
Book: Exodus
Chapter: 40
Summary: Tabernacle set up. God's glory manifested.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: What the glory cloud was to the tabernacle, the Holy Spirit is to the Church and the temple, which is the belieyer's body. (1 Cor. 6:19).
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 1
Summary: The burnt offering laws.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron's sons.
Striking Facts: The burnt offering stands for Christ who offered Himself without spot to God in delight to do the Father's will even unto death. Fire, symbol of God's holiness, consumes the offering.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 2
Summary: Meat offering and first-fruits laws.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron's sons.
Striking Facts: Fine flour speaks of the balance of the character of Christ; Are of His testing by suffering; frankincense of the fragrance of His life to God; absence of leaven, His character as "The Truth;" absence of honey — His life was not mere natural sweetness which may exist apart from God; oil mingled, Christ as born of the Spirit; oil upon, Christ baptized with the Spirit.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 3
Summary: Peace offering laws.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron's sons.
Striking Facts: Details of the peace offering bring out the thought of fellowship, hence the peace offering is set forth as affording food for the priests, (7:31-34).
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 4
Summary: Sin offering laws.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: The sin offering to Christ seen laden with the believer's sins, absolutely in the sinner's place and stead, and not as in the sweet savor offerings, in His own perfections. Read Isa. 53.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 5
Summary: Trespass offering laws.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: The chapter teaches us that we all have need to pray with David, "Cleanse thou me from secret faults." Psa. 19:12.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 6
Summary: Further directions about offerings.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron and sons.
Striking Facts: Trespass against our neighbor is trespass against God, because it is an affront to our Saviour who has redeemed us and the injury reflects upon God who has commanded that we should love our neighbor as ourselves.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 7
Summary: Further directions concerning offerings.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron and sons.
Striking Facts: Use of leaven, v. 13, is significant. In v. 12, as the believer thanks God for his peace, he first of all presents Christ, Eph. 2:13, so leaven is excluded. In v. 13, he gives thanks for his participation in the peace and the leaven signifies, that although having peacd through Christ, the believer in himself is not perfect.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 8
Summary: Consecration of Aaron and sons for the priesthood.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron and sons.
Striking Facts: Priests did not consecrate themselves. Moses was the appointed instrument of God to do this work. The sons of Aaron simply presented themselves for the work. See Rom. 12:1, where the believer presents himself unreservedly to Christ.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 9
Summary: Priests begin their ministry before the Lord.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron and sons.
Striking Facts: God does not ordain priests to be idle. Without a days respite after their consecration, Aaron and his sons were immediately employed. God's spiritual priests have work laid out lor them by Christ.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 10
Summary: Strange fire of Nadab and Abihu.
Main Characters: God, Nadab, Abihu, Eleazer, Moses, Aaron, Ithamar, Michael, Elzaphan.
Striking Facts: Strange fire typifies any use of carnal means to kindle the fires of devotion and praise, which, if true, come only from Christ and the Holy Spirit.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 11
Summary: The proper food for God's people defined.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: God's covenant people, Israel, by having a diet peculiar to themselves would be kept from familiar conversation with idolatrous neighbors. The laws, however, were probably primarily sanitary and necessary to the good of the people.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 12
Summary: The law of motherhood.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Our Lord, though not conceived in sin — his mother accomplished the days of purification (Luke 2:22-24) and so poor were His parents that they could not bring a lamb.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 13
Summary: Laws concerning those afflicted with leprosy.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: Leprosy is a figure of the moral pollution of men's minds by sin, which is the leprosy of the soul, curable only through Christ's atoning work.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 14
Summary: Laws concerning cleansing of lepers.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: The leper did nothing toward his own cleansing. He was sought out by the priest and cleansed by him. Our cleansing is by Christ alone.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 15
Summary: Imperative personal cleanliness.
Main Characters: God, Moses. Aaron.
Striking Facts: The chapter speaks to us of the contagion of sin and the danger of being polluted by conversing with those who are polluted. Save yourselves from this untoward generation.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 16
Summary: Day of atonement laws.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: As the priest entered the holiest with the blood, so Christ entered heaven itself with His own blood for us (Heb. 9:11, 12). His blood makes the throne of God a mercy seat which otherwise must have been a throne of Judgment.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 17
Summary: The place of sacrifice and the sanctity of the blood.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: The worship of Christians is not now confined to one place (John 4:21; 1 Tim. 2:8) yet Christ is our altar and through Him, God dwells among us by His Spirit. It is in Him that our sacrifices are acceptable to God. 1 Pet. 2:5.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 18
Summary: Relationship and walk of God's people.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: There are many sins which level men with the beasts but these here mentioned sink men lower than beasts.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 19
Summary: Further laws concerning proper relationships.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Notice the caution against having anything to do with spiritism. Seek not to them for discovery or advice and regard not their offers. It is an abomination to God.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 20
Summary: Further laws on relationship and walk of God's people.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Observe again the plain warning against spiritism. What greater madness than to go to ah enemy for advice. Spiritualism is spiritual adultery, giving honor to the devil which is due to God.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 21
Summary: Relationship and walk of the priests.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron and sons.
Striking Facts: We must honor those whom God has called as His ministers and every Christian should consider himself as concerned to be the guardians of their honor.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 22
Summary: Separation of the priests; perfection of the sacrifices.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron and sons.
Striking Facts: v. 19 a law to make sacrifices fitter to be types of Christ, the great Sacrifice from which all these derive their virtue. He is called a "lamb without spot and without blemish'' (1 Pet. 1:19).
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 23
Summary: The feasts of Jehovah.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: As given to Israel, there were seven great religious festivals. Passover, feast of unleavened bread, feast of first-fruits, feast of Pentecost, feast of Trumpets, Day of Atonement, feast of Tabernacles, — all typical of Christ.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 24
Summary: Penalty of blasphemy.
Main Characters: God, Moses, son of Israelitish woman.
Striking Facts: v. 12. Those who sit in judgment should sincerely desire, and by prayer to Christ for wisdom, should endeavor to know, the mind of the Lord.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 25
Summary: Laws of the land. Sabbatic year and year of Jubilee.
Main Characters: God. Moses.
Striking Facts: v. 25, the kinsman redeemer is an illustration of Christ who assumed our nature that He might be our kinsman, redeeming our inheritance which we by sin had forfeited. He made a settlement for all who become allied with Him by faith.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 26
Summary: Conditions of blessing and warnings of chastisement.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: If God's people faithfully observe His statutes they are assured that His hand (vv. 7, 8) will so signally appear with them that no disproportion of numbers could make against them.
Book: Leviticus
Chapter: 27
Summary: Laws concerning dedicated persons and things.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Let us not think because we are not tied to ceremonial laws that we are free of religious obligations. "Having boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith" saying "Blessed be God for the gift of His Son."
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 1
Summary: Moses commanded to take census.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: None under 20 years old were listed for military service. In compassion for their tender years God would not have them to bear arms. Nor were any to be numbered who were through any bodily infirmity, rendered unfit for war.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 2
Summary: Order of the host and arrangement of the camp.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: The chapter furnishes an illustration of the movable state of Christ's people in the world, "strangers and pilgrims." At the same time it is a military state — our life is a warfare, as "good soldiers of Jesus Christ."
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 3
Summary: Order of the host; placing of the Levites.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: The Church is called "the church of the firstborn" which is redeemed not as the firstborn of the Israelites, with silver and gold, but ransomed with the precious blood of Christ.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 4
Summary: The service of the Kohathrites, Gershonited and Merarites.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: v. 3. They were not employed until 30 years old. This is not obligatory on Gospel ministers, but gives us a suggestion that ministers should not be novices but should be men of steadiness, and ripeness of Judgment, knowing Christ well.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 5
Summary: Defilement of the camp.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: All wives should learn from the "jealousy offering'' to guard against giving any occasion for suspicions of their chastity — to abstain from all appearance of evil. Husbands should learn not to entertain causeless or unjust suspicions of their wives.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 6
Summary: The Nazarite laws.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: The Nazarite type found a perfect fulfillment in Jesus who was "holy, harmless, undefiled and separate from sinners'' (Heb. 7:26) and allowed no mere natural claims to divert Him.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 7
Summary: The gifts of the princes.
Main Characters: God, Moses, princes.
Striking Facts: Observe that the offerings of the princes were identical yet each is separately recorded by the pen of inspiration, showing how God takes notice of every whole-hearted gift. Mark 12:41-44.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 8
Summary: Cleansing of the Levites for the ministry of the tabernacle.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: It is a great kindness to the Church that God has appointed overseers to go before the people in the things of God and religious worship. When Christ ascended. He supplied the gifts for His work (Eph. 4:8-12).
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 9
Summary: Law of the Passover; the guiding cloud.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: As it was safe and pleasant going for Israel when led by the cloud, token of God's presence, so there is peace for the Christian who has set Christ, the Great Shepherd, before him.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 10
Summary: The first march of the camp.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron's sons.
Striking Facts: Those who through Christ, are bound for the heavenly Canaan should invite and encourage their friends to go along with them.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 11
Summary: Complaints about the manna and the consequences.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Eldad, Medad, Joshua.
Striking Facts: Unconverted church members with no healthy appetite for the Bread of God, the things of Christ, will clamor for things pleasing to the flesh in the work and way of the church.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 12
Summary: Murmuring of Miriam and Aaron and the consequences.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Miriam.
Striking Facts: There are seasons when it is decidedly out of place to criticize the leaders of the people. This affront was ill-natured and ill-timed, when the people were disposed to mutiny and had given Moses much vexation with their murmurings.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 13
Summary: Spies sent into Kadesh-barnea, and their report.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Caleb, Joshua.
Striking Facts: Many Christians are forever getting frightened at these tremendous giants in the land who make them feel like grasshoppers. Giants cannot stand in the way of Christ's work if His people will be valiant in His strength.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 14
Summary: Murmuring over the spies' reports and the consequences.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Caleb, Joshua.
Striking Facts: vv. 13-19. The best pleas in prayer are those taken from Christ's honor. The more danger there is of others reproaching Christ's power, the more desirous we should be to see it glorified.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 15
Summary: Burnt and free will offerings.
Main Characters: God, Moses, man who broke Sabbath.
Striking Facts: v. 35. God is jealous for the honor of His Sabbaths and will not hold men guiltless who profane them. God gave this exemplary punishment as a standing warning against presumptuous disregard of His holy day.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 16
Summary: The gainsaying of Korah.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Korah, Dathan, Abiram.
Striking Facts: Men who have been true to Christ need not fear being slurred by others. Men who are most serviceable are often abused most shamefully.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 17
Summary: Aaron's rod that budded.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: The budding rod is a type of Christ, who in His resurrection was owned of God as High Priest. All other authors of religion have died. Christ alone is exalted as High Priest.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 18
Summary: Regulations concerning maintenance of the priests.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: God orders that Christ's ministers should be well recompensed that they might be the more entirely addicted to their ministry and not be disturbed in it by worldly care.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 19
Summary: The ordinance of the red heifer.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Eleazer.
Striking Facts: Water typifies the Spirit and the Word. The Spirit uses the Word to convict the believer of some sin allowed, Thus convicted, he remembers that the guilt of his sin has been met by the sacrifice of Christ, therefore instead of dispairing, he judges and confesses the sin and is forgiven and cleansed. (1 John 1).
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 20
Summary: Water from the rock and Moses' sin.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Miriam, Eleazar, King of Edom.
Striking Facts: cf. vv, 8 and 10. Moses and Aaron varied from their commission and assumed too much glory themselves. The nearer one is to God, the more offensive are their sins. God judges not as man judges.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 21
Summary: Victories of Israel; the serpent of brass.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Arad, Sihon, Og.
Striking Facts: Serpent here, a symbol of sin judged; brass speaks of divine judgment. The brass serpent becomes a type of Christ "made sin for us" (2 Cor. 5:21; John 3:14-15) in bearing our judgment.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 22
Summary: Balaam's visit to Balak and the strange warning on the way.
Main Characters: God, Balak, Balaam, Angel of Jehovah.
Striking Facts: When Satan tempted our first parents to sin he employed a subtle serpent, but when God would convince a hireling prophet, He employed a silly ass.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 23
Summary: Balaam blesses instead of curses Israel.
Main Characters: God, Balaam, Balak.
Striking Facts: He who made man's mouth knows how to manage it. God can extort a confession of his overruling power from wicked men to the confusion of many, if He chooses.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 24
Summary: Balaam foretells prosperity for Israel.
Main Characters: God, Balaam, Balak.
Striking Facts: v. 17 is an illustrious prophecy of Christ who is coming to reign in great glory, not only over Israel but over all men.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 25
Summary: Sin of Israel with daughters of Moab.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Zimri, Phinehas, Cozbi.
Striking Facts: Phinehas, v. 11, is pronounced his country's patriot and best friend. To be zealous for Jesus Christ is the best service we can do for the people.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 26
Summary: The new generation of Israel numbered.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Eleazar, Caleb, Joshua.
Striking Facts: v. 65. (Save Caleb and Joshua). The arrows of death, though they fly in the dark, do not fly at random but are directed to the mark intended, and no other.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 27
Summary: The law of inheritance. Joshua appointed Moses' successor.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Eleazar, daughters of Zelophehad, Joshua.
Striking Facts: Moses' attitude to his successor conflrms his character as the meekest man on earth. He thought not for the advancement of his own family but yielded gladly to God's will in the matter.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 28
Summary: The order of offerings.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts:
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 29
Summary: Commands concerning the feast of Trumpets, Feast of Tabernacles, and Day of Atonement.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts:
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 30
Summary: The laws of vows.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts:
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 31
Summary: The judgment of Midian.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Balaam.
Striking Facts: v. 2. Useful men are often removed when we think they can, ill be spared from Christ's service, but it is clear that no one is removed until they have had full opportunity to do that which was appointed them.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 32
Summary: The choice of the world-borderers.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Caleb, Joshua.
Striking Facts: v. 23. It concerns us to find our sins out that we may forsake them before they find us out to our confusion and ruin.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 33
Summary: Summary of the journey from Egypt to Jordan.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron.
Striking Facts: vv. 51, 56. If we do not drive out sin, sin will drive us out. That which we are willing should tempt us will eventually vex us.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 34
Summary: Preparations to enter the land.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Eleazar, Joshua, prince of each tribe.
Striking Facts: God gives to Christ's people but a small share of this world. Those who have a portion in heaven have reason to be content with a small pittance of earth.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 35
Summary: The cities of refuge.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Christ is the believer's refuge. In Him we are protected from the wrath of God and the curse of the law. Heb. 6:18; Phil. 3:9. Wilful murder is to be punished with death and no commutation of the punishment was to be accepted.
Book: Numbers
Chapter: 36
Summary: Regulations concerning inheritance.
Main Characters: God, Moses, heads of families, Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, Noah.
Striking Facts: Daughters can but marry well and to their satisfaction when they have looked to Christ to direct their choice of a husband.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 1
Summary: Review of the failure at Kadesh-barnea.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Caleb, Joshua.
Striking Facts: Deuteronomy signifies "second law'' or second edition, not with amendments, for there need be none, but with additions for further directions in divers cases not mentioned before.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 2
Summary: The wanderings and conflicts in the wilderness.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Sihon.
Striking Facts: vv. 25, 36. Those who meddle with the people of Christ do it to their own hurt for God often ruins the enemies of His people by their own resolves.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 3
Summary: Further review of journeyings.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Og, Joshua.
Striking Facts: vv. 25, 27. If God does not by His providence give us what we desire. He can, by His grace in Jesus Christ, make us content with it. Be satisfied with this — Christ is all-suflicient.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 4
Summary: The new generations taught the lessons of Sinai. Cities of refuge designated.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: vv. 25, 31. Moses forsees the Jewish apostasy and consequent scattering. Those nations that cast off the duties of religion in their prosperity cannot expect the comforts of it when they come to be in distress.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 5
Summary: New generations taught the Mosaic covenant.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: v. 5. Moses stood between. Herein he is a type of Christ who stands between God and man, as the true mediator, so that we both hear from God and speak to Him without trembling.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 6
Summary: Israel exhorted to observe all God's commandments.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts: Those who love the Lord Jesus Christ themselves should do all they can to engage the affections of their children to Him, to prevent the religion of the family from being cut off.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 7
Summary: Command to be separate people and to destroy opposing nations.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: The destruction of enemies furnishes an illustration of the Christian conflict. We are commanded not to let sin reign, nor to countenance it, but to hate it and strive against it. God has promised it shall not have dominion over us. Rom. 6:12, 14.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 8
Summary: Israel reminded of God's gracious past dealings and warned to walk in His Way.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: v. 4. Those who follow the Lord Jesus have the promise of not only being safe, but easy (Matt. 11:30). If we walk "in his steps” our feet will not swell. It is the "way of the transgressor" that is "hard" (Prov. 13:15).
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 9
Summary: Israel reminded of their unworthiness to possess the land in themselves.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob.
Striking Facts: It is good often to review the records conscience keeps of our past life of sin that we may see how much we are endebted to God's marvelous grace in Jesus Christ, and may humbly own that we never merited anything at God’s hand but wrath and the curse.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 10
Summary: Further warnings and exhortation and reminders of God's dealings.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Aaron, Eleazar.
Striking Facts: vv. 10, 11. Moses, Israel's intercessor, had the conduct and command of Israel. Herein he was a type of Christ, who ever lives to make intercession and who has all power in heaven and earth.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 11
Summary: Warnings and exhortations to obedience.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: v. 12. The Bible magnifies the land of Canaan above all others. God's eyes are. still upon it for it is the center of much unfulfilled prophecy.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 12
Summary: Statements of conditions of blessing in the land.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: The one precept pressed harder than any other by Moses is in regard to the necessity of bringing the sacrifice to one altar at the court of the tabernacle and there to perform all rituals. We are to offer ur all spiritual sacrifices to God in the name of Jesus Christ, hoping for acceptance only on the ground of His mediation. 1 Pet. 2:5.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 13
Summary: The test of false prophets.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Observe in v. 3 etc., that they were warned not even to patiently listen to false teachers and dreamers, but to instantly reject it with disdain as unscriptural. See Rom. 16:17, 18; 2 Tim. 3:5; 2 John 10.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 14
Summary: Dietary laws.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: It is plain that the precepts concerning food belonged only to the Jews and were not moral or of perpetual use because of not universal obligation. What they might not eat themselves they might give to a stranger or a proselyte who had renounced idolatry or they might sell to an alien. It was evidently intended to keep them from mingling with and conforming themselves to idolatrous neighbors.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 15
Summary: Laws concerning Sabbatic year and bondservants.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: The year of release typifies the grace of the Gospel in which is proclaimed the acceptable year of the Lord, by which we obtain the release of our debts, the pardon of our sins, teaching us to forgive others as we have been forgiven.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 16
Summary: Laws concerning annual feasts.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: See 1 Cor. 5:7. We are to keep this feast in holy conversation, free from the leaven of malice and hyprocisy and with the unleavened bread of sincerity and love.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 17
Summary: Laws concerning idolaters and obedience to authority and kings.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: v. 1. Old testaments sacrifices were required to be perfect because types of Christ, 1 Pet. 1:19, who was perfectly pure from all sin and all appearances of it.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 18
Summary: Laws concerning Levites, idolatrous practices and prophets.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Christ.
Striking Facts: vv. 9-14. Let those who give heed to fortune tellers or run to wizards for the discovery of things secret, that use spells for cures, are in league with familiar spirits or fellowship with those who are — know that they have no fellowship with God, but with demons.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 19
Summary: Cities of refuge; landmarks, witnesses.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Cities of refuge were located in the center of districts so every corner of the land might have one in reach. Thus Christ is not a refuge at a distance (Rom. 10:3) but brings salvation through the Gospel, to our door.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 20
Summary: Laws of warfare.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: v. 14. A justlflable property is acquired In that which 16 won in lawful war. "The Lord thy God gives it thee." Therefore He must be owned in it.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 21
Summary: Inquest for the slain. Domestic regulations.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: vv. 18-23. Those who are bad members of families never make good members of the commonwealth. V. 23. Of. Gal. 3:13; John 19:31. Christ underwent the curse of the law for us and was exposed to shame for us. In the evening, He was taken down, in token that now the law was satisfied.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 22
Summary: Law of brotherhood, separation, unchaste wives and husbands.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: v. 25. We shall suffer for the wickedness we do, not for that which is done to us. That is not sin which has not more or less of the will in it.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 23
Summary: Divers regulations.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Outward cleanliness is a reverence of the divine Majesty. Filthiness is offensive to the senses God has endued us with, is a wrong to human life and an evidence of slothful temper of mind.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 24
Summary: Law concerning divorce; miscellaneous regulations.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: The creditor who cares not though his debtor and his family starve, nor is at all concerned what becomes of them so he gets his money, goes contrary to both the law of Moses and of Christ.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 25
Summary: Divers regulations.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: v. 3. See 2 Cor. 11:24. They always gave Paul as many stripes as ever they gave to any malefactor whatsoever.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 26
Summary: Law of the offering of the firstfruits.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: It is fitting that God who gives us all we have should by His Word direct the using of it and though we are not now bound by the tithing laws, we are commanded to give of such things as we have and to lay by in store as we are prospered, for the furtherance of Christ's work.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 27
Summary: The blessing and cursing from Mt. Ebal and Gerizim.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: v. 5. Christ, our altar, is a stone cut out without hands (Dan. 2:34, 35) refused by the builders but accepted of God and made the headstone of the corner.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 28
Summary: Conditions of blessing in the land and causes of chastisement.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: vv. 64, 65. Remarkably fulfilled in the present dispersion of the Jews. They have, through the centuries been continually on the move, either in hope of gain or in fear of persecution and so will continue until the King comes and they are restored by Him to the promised land.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 29
Summary: Introductory words to the Palestinian covenant.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Moses concludes the prophecy of the Jews rejection, v. 29, as Paul concludes his discourse on the same subject. Rom. 11:33. God has kept back no truth that it is profitable for us to know about His counsels, but only that which it is good for us to be ignorant of.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 30
Summary: The Palestinian covenant declared.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Israel has never yet taken the land under the unconditional Abrahamic covenant, nor ever possessed the whole land promised. Gen. 16:18; Num. 34:1-12. The covenant awaits the coming of the King for its fulfillment.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 31
Summary: Moses last counsel to the priests and instruction to the Levites. Warning of Israelitish apostasy.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Joshua.
Striking Facts: v. 16. God has infallible foresight of all the wickedness of the wicked. How often He has conferred His favors upon those whom He knew would deal treacherously and ungratefully. "How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out.''
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 32
Summary: The song and exhortation of Moses.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Joshua.
Striking Facts: vv. 49, 52. Those may die happily whenever God calls them, who have had a believing prospect through Christ and a foregleam of the heavenly Canaan as a well grounded hope of life beyond death.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 33
Summary: Moses' blessing upon the tribes.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: Thrice happy is the people whose God is the Lord. They are in His hand, v. 3; at His feet, v. 3; at His side, v. 12; between His shoulders, v. 12; in His arms, v. 27; behind His shield, v. 29, and fitted with His sword, v. 29.
Book: Deuteronomy
Chapter: 34
Summary: Vision and death of Moses.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Joshua.
Striking Facts: It was reserved for Joshua (the Lord Jesus of whom Joshua was a striking type) to do for us that which the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh. Through Him we are led into the land of rest — the rest of conscience and the rest of heaven.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 1
Summary: Joshua's commission and command.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Joshua.
Striking Facts: Joshua, type of Christ as Captain of our Salvation. Heb. 2:10, 11. He comes after Moses, John 1:17. Leads to victory, Rom. 8:37. Our Advocate when we have met defeat, 1 John 2:1. Allots our portions, Eph. 1:11, 14.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 2
Summary: Rahab and the Jericho spies.
Main Characters: Joshua, two spies, Rahab, king of Jericho.
Striking Facts: v. 21. Rahab's scarlet line speaks, by its color, of the safety that comes to our households through the sacrifice of Christ if it be exhibited by faith in the believer. Heb. 9:19, 22.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 3
Summary: The passing of Jordan.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, priests.
Striking Facts: The passing of the Jordan is a type of the believer's death with Christ (Rom. 6:6-11; Eph. 2:5, 6; Col. 3:1-3) in which we pass from an old world into a newness of life.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 4
Summary: The memorial stone.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, priests, 12 men.
Striking Facts: The Lord Jesus, our Joshua, passed through the Jordan of death, opening the Kingdom to all believers. He appointed his twelve apostles according to the tribes of Israel by the memorial of the Gospel to transmit the knowledge of this to the remote places and to the future ages.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 5
Summary: Reproach of Egypt rolled away. New food for the new place. The unseen captain.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, Christ.
Striking Facts: The N. T. uncircumcision is world conformity, the failure openly to take a believer's place with Christ in death and resurrection. Gal. 6:14-16; Rom. 6:2-11.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 6
Summary: Conquest of Jericho.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, priests, Rahab, 2 spies.
Striking Facts: By the foolishness of preaching, fitly compared to the sounding of the ram's horns, the devil's kingdom is thrown down and the weapons of our warfare, though not carnal, nor seeming to a carnal eye able to accomplish anything, are yet mighty, through God, to the pulling down of strongholds. 2 Cor. 10:4, 5.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 7
Summary: Sin of Achan and the defeat at Ai.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, Achan.
Striking Facts: The story illustrates the truth of the oneness of the church in Christ. 1 Cor. 5:1-7; 12:12, 14, 26. The whole cause of Christ is injured by the unspirituality of one believer.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 8
Summary: Conquest of Ai. The blessings and cursing of Ebal.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, king of Ai.
Striking Facts: Achan, caught with forbidden spoil, lost it, his life and all. The people who had conscientiously refrained from the accursed thing were given the spoil of Ai. The way to have the comfort of what God allows us through Christ is to forbear what He forbids us.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 9
Summary: The league with the Gibeonites.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, ambassadors of the Gibeonites.
Striking Facts: vv. 4, 5, 19, 13. God's people have often been deceived and imposed upon with a show of antiquity. Those who will be caught with the Gibeonitish strategem prove that they have not consulted God.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 10
Summary: Victory at Gibeon, Makkedah, etc. Sun's action halted.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, Adonizedek, king of Makkedah.
Striking Facts: v. 25. A figure of Christ's victories over the powers of darkness and the believer's victories through Him. All enemies shall be made His footstool. Psa. 110:1. All things will be put under Him Heb. 2:8, and principalities and powers made a show of. Col. 2:15. v. 12. Astronomy demands this day and histories of several countries declare it took place. Astronomical calculations have shown a period of 23 1/3 hours to be accounted for somewhere in this period of time. v. 13. (About a whole day). See 2 Kings 20:11 — ten degrees, 40 minutes, the exact balance wanted to make up another 24 hours.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 11
Summary: Final conquest of Canaan.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, Jabin, Jobab.
Striking Facts: As Israel, at first forwarded by miracles, and now left to make their own way, so the war carried on against Satan's kingdom was at first advanced by special miracles, but being sufficiently proved by them to be of God, we are now left to the ordinary assistance of divine Grace in Christ in the use of the Sword of the Spirit and need not look for hailstones nor the standing still of the sun.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 12
Summary: The roster of the kings of Canaan.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Joshua.
Striking Facts: vv. 6, 7. The triumphs and grants of the law were glorious but those of the Gospel far exceed in glory Jesus, the true Joshua, has provided for all the children of promise, spiritual blessings the privilege of His presence and heaven hereafter.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 13
Summary: Joshua instructed concerning the division of the land.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Joshua.
Striking Facts: Joshua had the honor of dividing the land as Christ, the true Joshua, who has conquered for us the gates of hell and opened to us the gates of heaven, purchasing an eternal inheritance tor. all believers, will in due time, have the honor of putting, them in possession.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 14
Summary: Land divided, the portion of Caleb.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, Caleb, Eleazar.
Striking Facts: v. 12. Because it was formerly in God's promise, Caleb shows how he values the promise and insists on the mountain the Lord had spoken of. The man of faith values that which is given by promise far above that given by providence only.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 15
Summary: Land divisions; the portion of Judah.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, Caleb, Othniel, Achsah.
Striking Facts: v. 10. The blessings of the upper springs illustrate those which relate to our souls, and those of the nether springs speaks of those which relate to the body and the life that now is.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 16
Summary: Land divisions; portions of Manasseh and Ephraim.
Main Characters: None mentioned.
Striking Facts:
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 17
Summary: Land divisions; portion for Manasseh.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, Eleazar, Moses, Zoplehad's daughter.
Striking Facts: v. 13. Many Christians try to serve their own ends by conniving with the Canaanites, whom Christ has distinctly commanded must be driven out. To thus court compromise with the world is to court failure.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 18
Summary: Tabernacle set up; apportionment of land to seven tribes.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, three surveyors.
Striking Facts: The setting up of the tabernacle (v. 1) in Shiloh, gives a hint that in the coming Shiloh (Christ) of whom Jacob had spoken, all the ordinances of the worldly sanctuary would have their accomplishment in a greater and more perfect tabernacle. Heb. 9:1, 11.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 19
Summary: Land divisions for six more tribes.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, Eleazar.
Striking Facts: v. 10. Within the lot of Zebulun were places made illustrious in the N. T. Within it was Nazareth where the Saviour spent so much of His time and mount Tabor on which He was transfigured and the coast of the Sea of Galilee on which He preached so many sermons and wrought so many miracles.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 20
Summary: Cities of refuge.
Main Characters: God, Joshua.
Striking Facts: Cities of refuge typify the relief which the Gospel provides for poor, penitent sinners and their protection from the curse of the law and the wrath of God, in our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom believers flee for refuge. Heb. 6:18.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 21
Summary: Land divisions; portions for Levites.
Main Characters: God, Joshua.
Striking Facts: There is an Inheritance provided for all the saints, God's royal, priesthood (Levites) for which they must petition through the true Joshua, Christ who has said, "Ask, and it shall be given you.'
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 22
Summary: Two and a half tribes dismissed to their homes. Altar of Reuben and Gad.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, Phinehas.
Striking Facts: v. 28. Those who have found the benefits of God's ordinances cannot but desire to perpetuate them upon their children and use all precaution lest their children cease from following the Lord Jesus. To this end the believer should set up a constant witness of Christ in the home.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 23
Summary: Last counsels of Joshua.
Main Characters: God, Joshua.
Striking Facts: v. 16. The goodness of the heavenly Canaan and the thought of the possession they might have had, will aggravate the misery of those who shall be shut out from that which they might haye enjoyed through God's free grace in Christ.
Book: Joshua
Chapter: 24
Summary: Last charge of Joshua and his death. Eleazar's death.
Main Characters: God, Joshua, Eleazar.
Striking Facts: The book which began with triumphs here ends With funerals by which all the glory of man is stained.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 1
Summary: The incomplete victories of Judah, Benjamin and Manasseh.
Main Characters: God, Judah, Simeon, Adoni-bezek, Caleb, Achsah, Othniel.
Striking Facts: v. 2. Judah was the tribe out of which the Saviour sprang. Christ, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, engaged the powers of darkness and in Him we are more than conquerors.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 2
Summary: Review of Israelitish invasion of Canaan up to Joshua's death. Results of incomplete obedience. Judges instituted.
Main Characters: God, angel of Jehovah (Jesus) Joshua.
Striking Facts: The Angel of Jehovah, v. 1, was none other than Christ Himself. He seemed to come up from Gilgal, the place where their covenant had been renewed, of which they would be reminded. The remembrance of what we have received and heard from God, prepares us for special messages from Christ to hold fast. (Rev. 3:2, 3).
Book: Judges
Chapter: 3
Summary: Apostasies of Israel. Deliverances through Othniel, Ehud and Shamgar.
Main Characters: God, Othniel, Chushan-Rishathian, Eglou, Ehud, Shamgar.
Striking Facts: vv. 1, 2. War is sometimes God's will. When a country is exceedingly rich and fruitful, abounding with dainties of all sorts. If the people are not sometimes brought to know hardship, they are in danger of sinking into the utmost degree of luxury and effeminacy.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 4
Summary: Victories of Deborah and Barak.
Main Characters: God, Jabin, Deborah, Barak, Sisera, Jael.
Striking Facts: It is a sure mark of apostasy in a nation when a woman is found in the place of leadership.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 5
Summary: Song of Deborah and Barak.
Main Characters: God, Deborah, Barak, Jael, Sisera, Shamgar.
Striking Facts: v. 20. "Stars fought" — the elements were against Sisera. Those to whom God is an enemy because of rejection of His Son and His Gospel are at war with the whole creation.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 6
Summary: More apostasy in Israel. Call of Gideon.
Main Characters: God, Angel of Jehovah (Jesus), Holy Spirit, Gideon, prophet, Joash.
Striking Facts: v. 24. Jehovah-shalom (God our peace). See Eph. 6:15. The peace of God, found alone in Christ who ''is our peace," is the only preparation for intense conflict. In the midst of strife, one who has Christ for his peace, may be possessed of perfect tranquility within. If the Christian is called to battle, let him set up the altar of Jehovah-Shalom.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 7
Summary: Gideon's three hundred and the victory over Midian and Amalek.
Main Characters: God, Gideon, Phurah, Oreb, Zeeb.
Striking Facts: Empty pitchers (v. 16) type of earthly body, emptied of self (2 Cor. 4:7) but filled with God's Word, the lamp (Psa. 119:105). The pitcher was not to be spared in the advance, and the lamp was to be held forth (v. 20 Phil. 2:16). With the trumpet, the tidings of victory were sounded (Mark 16:15).
Book: Judges
Chapter: 8
Summary: Jealousy of Ephraim. Events to the death of Gideon. Apostasy.
Main Characters: God, Gideon, Zebah, Zalmunna, Abimelech, Jerubbaal, Jether.
Striking Facts: v. 22. The Lord Jesus has delivered us out of the hands of our dangerous spiritual enemies, and it is fitting that He should rule over us. See Luke 1:24, 25.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 9
Summary: Conspiracy of Abimelech.
Main Characters: God, Abimelech, Jerubbaal, Jocham, Gaal, Zebul.
Striking Facts:
Book: Judges
Chapter: 10
Summary: Further apostasy; servitude to Philistines and Amorites.
Main Characters: God, Tola, Jair.
Striking Facts:
Book: Judges
Chapter: 11
Summary: Jephtha's awful vow and the victory over the Ammorites.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Jephtha, his daughter.
Striking Facts: v. 30. One should be cautious and well advised in the making of vows, lest by indulging a present emotion even of pious zeal, they involve themselves in a great mistake. Jephtha's sacrifice is a figure of the great sacrifice of Christ. The daughter was a chaste sacrifice, devoted to death by the father and so made a curse. She submitted after a period of agony, to her father's will.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 12
Summary: Second Jealousy of Ephraim.
Main Characters: God, Jephtha, Ibzan, Elon, Abdon.
Striking Facts:
Book: Judges
Chapter: 13
Summary: Parents of Samson and Samson's birth.
Main Characters: God, Angel (Jesus), Holy Spirit, Manoah.
Striking Facts: v. 18. "Secret" is lit. "Wonderful," the name applied to Christ in Isa. 9:6. v. 22 declares they were face to face with God who is manifested only in His Son. As the flame ascended from the altar He ascended. We owe the acceptance of all our praises and prayers to His mediation. It is Christ in our hearts by faith that makes our offering a sweet smelling savour.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 14
Summary: Samson as Judge. His victory over a lion; his riddles; his wife.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Samson, parents, woman of Timnah.
Striking Facts: When God, by His providences, brings good out of evil to the followers of Christ — when that which has threatened their ruin turns to their advantage and the wrath of men turns to His praise— then comes meat out of the eater and sweetness out of the strong.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 15
Summary: Samson takes vengeance on the Philistines.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Samson, his family and friends.
Striking Facts: In the bursting of Samson's bands, we find an illustration of the way the Lord Jesus was loosed from the cords of death and came forth from the tomb and graveclothes. Thus, He triumphed oyer the powers of darkness that shouted against Him.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 16
Summary: Samson and Delilah; his fatal error and his death.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Samson, Delilah.
Striking Facts: Samson's strength was not in his hair but in his Nazarite consecration, of which his long hair was but a badge. By losing the badge, he forfeited the strength. What was real in Samson was his great faith in times of awful apostasy and God honored this faith. Heb. 11:32.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 17
Summary: Micah's worship in self will.
Main Characters: Micah, his mother, a Levite.
Striking Facts: v. 13. Apostates who please themselves with their own delusions infer, if providence brings anything to their hands that helps them in their way, that God is pleased with them. With all false worship there is usually an exaltation of false priesthood, usurping the place of Christ.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 18
Summary: The Danite invasion. Civil and religious confusion.
Main Characters: Micah, Jonathan, priests.
Striking Facts: v. 24. . An excellent definition of idolatry. Anything put in place of God, which man is concerned about as if life and comfort, hope and happiness were bound up in it, is an Idol.
Book: Judges
Chapter: 19
Summary: The Levite and his concubine. Wickedness of Gibeonites.
Main Characters: Levite, concubine, her father.
Striking Facts:
Book: Judges
Chapter: 20
Summary: Civil war in which the Benjamites are punished.
Main Characters: God, a Levite, Phinehas.
Striking Facts:
Book: Judges
Chapter: 21
Summary: Mourning for the lost tribe of Benjamin.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 25. Men should learn to be thankful for magistrates, botlf supreme and subordinate for they are ministers for God unto us for good. Any government is better than no government or anarchy.
Book: Ruth
Chapter: 1
Summary: Naomi departs from Moab and returns with Ruth to Bethlehem.
Main Characters: God, Naomi, Ruth, Orpah, Elimelech, Mahlon, Chilion.
Striking Facts: Many have a value and affection for Christ, yet come short of salvation by Him because they cannot find it in their hearts to forsake other things and attach themselves to Him. If we resolve that nothing shall separate us from our duty to Christ, we may be sure that nothing can ever separate us from happiness in Him.
Book: Ruth
Chapter: 2
Summary: Ruth serves Boaz who exercises a great kindness toward her.
Main Characters: God, Ruth, Naomi, Boaz.
Striking Facts: vv. 22, 23. If we would benefit through Christ, we must adhere closely to Him, His fields and His servants. Has the Lord dealt bountifully with us? Let us not be found in any other field seeking happiness and satisfaction in the world.
Book: Ruth
Chapter: 3
Summary: Ruth rests at the feet of Boaz.
Main Characters: God, Ruth, Boaz, Naomi.
Striking Facts: The Lord Jesus is our Kinsman Redeemer. Through His incarnation He became kin to us as human beings that we, through the Spirit, might become betrothed to Him.
Book: Ruth
Chapter: 4
Summary: Ruth finds reward in her marriage to Boaz.
Main Characters: God, Boaz, Ruth, Naomi, kinsman, Obed.
Striking Facts: At vast expense, our Lord Jesus, the Bethlehemite Redeemer purchased the heavenly inheritance for us which by our sin was mortgaged and forfeited, and which of ourselves we could never have redeemed.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 1
Summary: The vow of Hannah and the birth of Samuel.
Main Characters: God, Eli, Elkhanah, Hannah, Samuel, Peninnah.
Striking Facts: True prayer may only be offered on the grounds of the sacrifice (v. 3). By Christ's offering, not only is atonement made for sin, but the audience and acceptance of our prayers is obtained for us. In all our supplications, we must have an eye to the Great Sacrifice.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 2
Summary: Hannah's prophetic prayer. Evil sons of Eli. Samuel in the tabernacle. The warning to Eli.
Main Characters: God, Hannah, Eli, Samuel, Hophni, Phinehas, Elkanah, a prophet.
Striking Facts: v. 35. This had its full accomplishment in the priesthood of Christ, that faithful High Priest raised up of God when the Levitical priesthood was cast aside, who in all things did His Father's mind, and for whom God builds a sure house, built on a rock so that the gates of hell cannot prevail against it.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 3
Summary: Samuel becomes Jehovah's prophet-priest.
Main Characters: God, Samuel, Eli.
Striking Facts: God's ministers must nourish a holy sensitiveness to sacred things, or callousness will lead them to some sin for which God will be compelled to lay them aside, (v. 13).
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 4
Summary: Ark taken by Philistines.
Main Characters: God, Eli, Hophni, Phinehas, his wife, Ichabod.
Striking Facts: Farewell, all in this world, if the ark, the token of Christ's presence with us, be lost.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 5
Summary: Ark of God a curse to Philistines.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts: Those who contend with God, His ark and the followers of His beloved Son will invariably be ruined at last.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 6
Summary: Ark brought to Joshua.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts: v. 13. The return of the ark (token of God's presence) and the revival of holy ordinances after days of restraint and trouble must be a matter of great joy to Christians. We must reverently use the tokens of God's grace through Christ or we will be made to sink under the tokens of His displeasure (v. 19).
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 7
Summary: Ark brought to house of Abinadab. Revival of Mizpah. Victory at Eben-ezer.
Main Characters: God, Samuel, Eleazar, Abinadab.
Striking Facts: v. 12. The Christian should, as he passes along, set up his Ebenezers by which he will be reminded that ''hitherto the Lord hath helped him" and by which he will give all the glory of his victories to God and His Son Jesus Christ.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 8
Summary: Israel demands a king; theocracy rejected.
Main Characters: God, Samuel, his sons, Joel, Abiajah.
Striking Facts: v. 20. For a professed Christian to want to live like the world means not only that he is displeasing Christ, but will at last find himself a dupe. It was God's will that Israel should have a king but in His own time. He must come of the tribe of Judah (Gen. 49:10). Because of Judah's sin (Gen. 38, Deut. 23:2) his line was prohibited from office for ten generations. David is found to be the first one to satisfy these conditions. (Matt. 1).
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 9
Summary: Saul chosen king.
Main Characters: God, Samuel, Saul, his servant, Kish.
Striking Facts: v. 24. Note the suggestiveness of the dish set before Saul. The shoulder denotes strength; the breast which went with it denotes affection. Let all who are called to minister to Christ's people be reminded that a great responsibility is upon their shoulders and that the people should be dear to their bosom.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 10
Summary: Saul anointed king.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Samuel, Saul, his uncle.
Striking Facts: The sacred unctions point to the Great Messiah, the anointed One who was anointed with the oil of the Spirit without measure, above all priests or princes of earth. v. 19. Their obstinacy was a pressage of their rejecting Christ, in the rejecting of whom they cast off God that He should not reign over them.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 11
Summary: Saul's victories at Jabesh-gilead. Kingdom renewed at Gilgal.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Saul, Samuel, Nahash.
Striking Facts: The right eye is the eye of faith. The left eye was covered with the shield. By the compromise they would be unfitted to fight. Thus Satan seeks to cripple the follower of Christ in service. A compromising saint is always blind in one eye.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 12
Summary: Samuel's proclamation of the kingdom. Deliverances of God rehearsed. The sign of thunder and rain.
Main Characters: God, Samuel.
Striking Facts: v. 22. Had God chosen us on our good merits, we might fear He would cast us off for our bad merits, but choosing us in Christ before the foundation of the world, for His name's sake. He cannot lose us.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 13
Summary: The self-will of Saul. He intrudes into the priests office. His divine rejection announced.
Main Characters: God, Samuel, Saul, Jonathan.
Striking Facts: v. 11. Scoffers of the latter days think the promise of Christ's return is broken because He does not come in their time, though it is certain that He will come ''in such an hour as we think not."
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 14
Summary: Jonathan's great victory over the Philistines.
Main Characters: God, Jonathan, armor-bearer, Saul, Ahlah, Abner.
Striking Facts: To fail to feed upon the honey (Christ in the Word) vv. 25-30, is not time gained but strength lost, unfitting one for the conflicts.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 15
Summary: Saul's incomplete obedience and his rejection as king.
Main Characters: God, Samuel, Saul, Agag.
Striking Facts: v. 20. We see how hard it is to convict the children of disobedience of their sin and strip them of their fig leaves, for they ever seek to justify themselves on the ground of their good intentions. Ceremonial observances cannot take the place of humble, sincere obedience to the will of God which requires full yieldedness to Jesus Christ.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 16
Summary: Choice of David as king. His anointing and visit to Saul.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Samuel, David, Jesse, Saul, Ellab, Abinadab, Shammah.
Striking Facts: David means "beloved'' for he was a type of the Beloved Son. As David was called from the place of obscurity and contempt, so Christ came from a humble walk of life. David was first anointed by God and later by the people. (2 Sam. 2:4, 5:3). Christ was anointed at His baptism, and at His coming again, it will be ratified by His brethren, the Jews and all nations.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 17
Summary: Defiance of Israel by Goliath and David's victory over him.
Main Characters: God, David, Saul, Goliath, Eliab, Abinadab, Shammah.
Striking Facts: David's victory over (Goliath is a type of the triumph of the Son of God over Satan. Goliath is also a remarkable type of the anti- Christ (note 6 pieces of armor, vv. 5-7). David anointed for the kingship but not yet in power is defied by the boastful champion whom he overcomes in the name of the Lord of Hosts. When Jesus comes as Lord of Hosts, anti-Christ will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 18
Summary: Love covenant of Jonathan and David. Saul's Jealousy and attempts on David's life. Saul's daughter given to David.
Main Characters: God, Davids Saul, Jonathan, Merab, Michal, Adriel.
Striking Facts: vv. 3, 4. Jonathan's love is an illustration of the love the Lord Jesus has shown to us. He stripped Himself to clothe us; He even clothed Himself with our rags that we might be clothed upon with His glory. Phil. 2:5-7. V. 23. We should magnify the honor of being sons to the King of Kings. ''Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed upon us."
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 19
Summary: Saul's murderous hate pursues David.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, David, Saul, Jonathan, Michal, Samuel.
Striking Facts: The murderous attempts on the life of the anointed king by the usurping king, remind us of the repeated attempts of the usurper, Satan, against the life of God's Anointed One, Christ, when He was upon earth.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 20
Summary: Jonathan protects David. Their parting.
Main Characters: God, David, Jonathan, Saul.
Striking Facts: v. 15. The covenant of Jonathan and David is an illustration of that between God and the Son on behalf of believers. John 10:28; Rom. 8:32-39.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 21
Summary: David flees to Ahimelech and Achish.
Main Characters: David, Ahimelech, Doeg, Achish.
Striking Facts: v. 6. Jesus showed from this in Matt. 12:3 that ritual observances must at times give way to moral duties in case of urgent necessity, thus He justified His disciples in plucking corn on the Sabbath day.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 22
Summary: David in rejection gathers mighty men. His wanderings and dangers.
Main Characters: David, Saul, Gad, Ahimelech, Doeg, Abiathar.
Striking Facts: v. 23. Those who honor Christ, the true David, must expect to share in His rejection and suffering. As He has been promised that the Father will hide Him in the shadow of His hand (Isa. 49:2) so we, with Him, may be confident of being safeguarded.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 23
Summary: Wanderings and adventures of David.
Main Characters: God, David, Saul, Jonathan, Abiathar.
Striking Facts: As David might justly claim that his enemies rewarded him evil for good and that for his love they were his adversaries, so Christ was basely used. John 10:32.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 24
Summary: David's mercy to Saul in En-gedi.
Main Characters: God, David, Saul.
Striking Facts: As David rendered good for evil to him from whom he had received evil for good, he was a type of Christ who saved His persecutors.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 25
Summary: Samuel's death; David and Nabal. Abigail becomes David's wife, and also Ahinoam.
Main Characters: God, David, Samuel, Nabal, Abigail.
Striking Facts: v. 44. Saul's defrauding David of his only rightful wife led him into the irregularity of having several wives. When the marriage knot is once loosed, it is seldom ever tied fast again. See Matt. 19:4, 5.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 26
Summary: Saul spared by David a second time.
Main Characters: God, David, Saul, Abishai, Abner, Ahimelech.
Striking Facts: v. 24. As David's way to the throne lay through multiplied sorrows and difficulties, so does Christ's, who, though the anointed King with undisputed title, yet remains "meek and lowly" awaiting the set time.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 27
Summary: David down in the dumps.
Main Characters: David, Schish, Ahmoan, Abigail.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 28
Summary: David among Israel's enemies. Saul consults the witch.
Main Characters: God, David, Saul, Samuel, Achish, witch.
Striking Facts: v. 8. Never did Saul look so mean as when he went sneaking to a spiritist at night. Such works are of the darkness and cannot bear the light. Either Satan had Samuel impersonated, or else God on this occasion, actually sent back the spirit of Samuel, that Saul might get an answer to his design and should be given up to strong delusions.
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 29
Summary: David saved from fighting against Israel.
Main Characters: David, Achish.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 30
Summary: David avenges the destruction of Ziklag.
Main Characters: God, David, Abiathar, an Egyptian.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Samuel
Chapter: 31
Summary: Death of Saul and Jonathan.
Main Characters: Saul, Jonathan, Abinadab, Melchi-shua.
Striking Facts: The book which began with the birth of a godly man ends with the burial of a wicked man. Let the two lives teach ue to prefer the honor that comes from God rather than that whtioh Satan pretends to bestow.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 1
Summary: David mourns the death of Saul and Jonathan.
Main Characters: God, David, Saul, Jonathan, an Amalekite.
Striking Facts: v. 13. The killing of the Amalekite who brought the message was just. David made him own a second time that he was an Amalekite and in slaying him, David did what his predecessor should have done and was rejected for not doing.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 2
Summary: David received as King of Judah. Abner makes Ish-bosheth king over eleven tribes. Civil war.
Main Characters: God, David, Abner, Ish-bosheth, Joab, Abishai, Asahel.
Striking Facts: v. 4. Jesus first presented Himself to Judah. Thus, like David, His kingdom is set up by degrees. He is Lord of all by divine designation but we see not yet all things put under His feet.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 3
Summary: Abner deserts to David. Joab's murder of Abner.
Main Characters: God, David, Joab, Abner, Ish-bosheth, Michal, Phaltiel, Rizpah, Abishai, Asahel.
Striking Facts: v. 37. The servants of the King of Kings do many things thinking to further His Kingdom, that have not His sanction and will bring trouble upon the heads of those who do them in His name without His leading.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 4
Summary: Murder of Ish-bosheth.
Main Characters: David, Ish-bosheth, Mephibosheth, Baanahm, Rechab.
Striking Facts: v. 9. God had hitherto helped him in his difficulties and in coming to the throne, David would therefore depend upon Him and not the devices of men to complete His purpose. Let this teach us that Jesus Christ is coming to the throne, not by man dragging in the millennium but by the hand of God Himself.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 5
Summary: David becomes king over Israel. War with Philistines.
Main Characters: God, David, Hiram.
Striking Facts: David was recognized as king on three counts. (1) Of their flesh, V. 1. Christ, Matt. 25:40. (2) Their leader in battle, v. 2. Christ, Josh. 5:13-15. (3) Designated by God, v. 2. So also Christ, Rom. 3:25. As David had three anointings; one by God, one by Judah and one by all tribes, so Christ was anointed at His baptism, will be received of the Jews and later of all nations.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 6
Summary: David seeks to bring the ark to Jerusalem.
Main Characters: God, David, Michal, Uzzah, Obed-Edom, Abinadab.
Striking Facts: Careful directions had been given how the ark must be borne. Num. 4:1-16. David adopted a Philistine method. 1 Sam. 6:7, 8. We cannot expect God's blessing if we employ heathen methods in doing the work of Christ’s church.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 7
Summary: David's desire to build the Lord's house. The Davidic covenant.
Main Characters: God, David, Nathan.
Striking Facts: The covenant confirmed to David by the oath of Jehovah and renewed to Mary by the angel Gabriel, is immutable, and God will yet give to the thorn-crowned King the throne of His Father David forever. Luke 1:31-33; Acts 2:29-33, 15:1-17.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 8
Summary: Full establishment of David's kingdom.
Main Characters: God, David, Hadadezer, Joram, Toi.
Striking Facts: The Son of David shall at length put down all principality and power and take the throne. He has, as David had, a line to kill and a line to save. The Gospel is to some a savor of life unto life and to others a savor of death unto death.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 9
Summary: David's kindness to Mephibosheth.
Main Characters: God, David, Mephibosheth, Ziba, Machir, Micha.
Striking Facts: The story gives as a picture of salvation by God's grace in Christ. Grace comes to the helpless, those "sold under sin;" invites us to the place of peace and satisfaction; feasts us at God's table; keeps our lame feet out of sight.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 10
Summary: The Ammonite-Syrian war.
Main Characters: David, Joab, Abishai, Hanun, Hadarezer, Shobach.
Striking Facts: v. 5. The Christian may learn not to lay too much to heart the reproaches he receives for Christ's sake, for they will soon wear off and turn eventually to the shame of their authors. "God will bring forth thy righteousness as the light — wait patiently for Him."
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 11
Summary: David's great sin.
Main Characters: David, Uriah, Bathsheba, Joab.
Striking Facts: We need to bear in mind that as the chosen seed through which Messiah was to come, David and others of the direct line had thre combined forces of evil against them to accomplish, if possible their downfall. Of all men, they should have walked in hourly dependence on God.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 12
Summary: David's rebuke and repentance. Birth of Solomon. Ammonite victory.
Main Characters: God, David, Nathan, Bathsheba, Joab.
Striking Facts: God always has His man for His work and while it may cost the man nights of pain and prayer to deliver the message of Christ he may be sure that if God sent him, his message will accomplish its purpose. A dogmatic message is truer and more tender than soft speeches that do not arouse conscience.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 13
Summary: Ammon's crime. Absalom's vengeance for Tamar's wrong.
Main Characters: David, Absalom, Ammon, Tamar, Jonadab.
Striking Facts: v. 1. Those who are peculiarly beautiful have no reason, on that account to be proud, but great reason to stand upon their guard.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 14
Summary: The recall of Absalom and David's forgiveness.
Main Characters: God, David, Joab, Absalom, woman of Tekoah, Tanrar.
Striking Facts: v. 83. If the compassion of a father prevails to reconcile him to an impenitent son, shall penitent sinners doubt the compassion of God, in His Son, when they truly come to Him?
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 15
Summary: Absalom steals the love of ten tribes. David's fight.
Main Characters: God, David, Absalom, Ittai, Zadok, Abiathar, Hushai, Ahimaaz, Jonathan, Ahitophel.
Striking Facts: The mother of this rebellious son was the daughter of a heathen king. David, in this unhappy issue of the marriage, has to smart for being unequally yoked with an unbeliever.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 16
Summary: False servant of Mephibosheth. Shimea curses David. Alwalem takes Jerusalem.
Main Characters: God, David, Abishai, Ziba, Shimei, Abidalom, Huslial, Ahithophel.
Striking Facts: v. 9. David is herein a type of Christ who rebuked his disciples, who in zeal for His honor, would have used their miraculous powers on the heads of those who affronted Him. (Luke 9:55).
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 17
Summary: Conflicting counsel of Ahitophel and Hushai.
Main Characters: God, David, Absalom, Ahitophel, Hushai, Shobi, Machir, Barzillai, Ahimaaz, Jonathan, Amasa, Joab.
Striking Facts: Absalom is a type of the false Messiah, who will gather an army against Christ the Greater David (Rev. 19:19), meeting his defeat in the brightness of Christ's coming.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 18
Summary: Battle of Mount Ephraim. Slaying of Absalom.
Main Characters: God, David, Absalom, Joab, Abishai, Ittai, Ahimaaz, a Cushite.
Striking Facts: As the false king was cast into a pit, so anti-Christ will be thrown into the bottomless pit at the coming of Christ, and then every tongue shall confess that Christ is King of Kings.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 19
Summary: Joab reproaches David's return to the throne.
Main Characters: David, Joab, Zadok, Abiathar, Shimei, Ziba, Abishai, Mephibosheth, Barzillai, Chimham, Amasa.
Striking Facts: vv. 14, 15. Our Lord Jesus will rule in those who invite Him to the throne of their hearts, and not until He is invited.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 20
Summary: Joab murders Amasa. Suppression of Sheba's revolt.
Main Characters: David, Joab, Amasa, Sheba, Abishai.
Striking Facts: vv. 12, 13. Wicked men think themselves safe if they can just conceal it from the eye of the world. The covering of blood with a cloth cannot stop its cry for vengeance in God's ears.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 21
Summary: Three years famine. Saul's sons slain. War with Philistines.
Main Characters: God, David, Rizpah, Ishbi-Benob, Abishai, Sebechai, Saph, Elhanan, Jonathan.
Striking Facts: vv. 9, 13, 14. Through Christ who was hanged and made a curse for us to expiate our guilt, though He was Himself guiltless, God is entreated for us. In token of the completeness of the sacrifice they took Him down from the cross and laid Him in the sepulchre.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 22
Summary: David's song of deliverance.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 23
Summary: Last words of David. Deeds of his mighty men.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, David, Joshebbasheth, Adino, Eleazar, Shammah, Abishai, Benaiah, other great men.
Striking Facts: vv. 3, 5. The verses have a prophetic application to Christ who is to be the just ruler, ordering all things according to His Father's will, and who will be as the light of the morning.
Book: 2 Samuel
Chapter: 24
Summary: David's sin in numbering the people. His choice of punishment.
Main Characters: God, angel (Jesus), Joab, David, Gad, Araunah.
Striking Facts: v. 25. Christ is our altar and sacrifice. Through Him alone may we expect to get favor with God and to escape His wrath for our sins.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 1
Summary: David's declining strength. Adonijah plots to seize kingdom. Counter plot of Nathan and Bath-sheba. Solomon anointed.
Main Characters: God, David, Solomon, (Adonijah), Joab, Nathan, Bath-sheba, Zadok, Benaiah, Abiathar, Jonathan, Abishag, Shimei, Rei.
Striking Facts: v. 39. Solomon is a type of Christ as Prince of Peace, (Isa. 9: 6; 1 Chron, 22:9) Jesus will not fulfill the Solomon type until He has fulfilled the David type. Chosen before born (Isa. 42:1) Rode into Jerusalem on a mule (Jn. 12:14-16) anointed (Acts 10:38) Peace filled the earth when His reign was finally set up (Zech. 14:9).
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 2
Summary: David's charge to Solomon, David's death. Execution of Adonijah. Abiathar removed. Execution of Shimei.
Main Characters: God, David, Solomon, Bath-sheba, Adonijah, Abishag, Joab, Abiathar, Benaiah, Shimei.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 3
Summary: Alliance of Solomon and Pharaoh. Marriage with Pharaoh's daughter. Loses at Gibeon. Solomon's prayer. His wisdom.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, two women.
Striking Facts: David's victory over (Goliath is a type of the triumph of the Son of God over Satan. Goliath is also a remarkable type of the anti-Christ (note 6 pieces of armor, vv. 5-7). David anointed for the kingship but not yet in power is defied by the boastful champion whom he overcomes in the name of the Lord of Hosts. When Jesus comes as Lord of Hosts, anti-Christ will be destroyed by the brightness of His coming.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 4
Summary: Princes and commissaries of Israel. Solomon's reign and wisdom.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: Solomon was type of Christ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge — hidden for a use — for "He” is made unto us wisdom."
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 5
Summary: Preparation for building the temple.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, Hiram.
Striking Facts: v. 17. The costly stones speak of Christ who was laid for the foundation of the spiritual temple, an elect and precious stone.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 6
Summary: Work on the temple begun. Dimensions and materials.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: Christ is the true Temple (Jn. 2:21). God Himself prepaired Him (Eph. 1:4; Heb. 10:5). In Him all God's spiritual children meet and through Him have access to God.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 7
Summary: Work on the temple and Solomon's house.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, Hiram.
Striking Facts: The temple is not only a type of Christ but of the believer who is also spoken of as a temple, or habitation of God. (1 Cor. 3:16-17; 6:19). It should be as beautiful as the Holy Spirit can make it, therefore we should be yielded to His master strokes.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 8
Summary: Ark brought in; Shekinah glory fills the temple. Solomon's sermon.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: It is a great thing when a nation's ruler can be Ied of the Spirit in prayer and when he realizes that all answer to prdyer is only on the ground of the shed blood of Christ, vv. 22, 62. (Heb: 9:22; 10:19-20).
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 9
Summary: Jehovah appears to Solomon. Covenant made. Solomon's fate.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, Hiram.
Striking Facts: v. 7. (Israel shall be a byword) lit. a "sheninah."' Some have thought that the epithet "sheeney" used' in speaking disgustingly of Jews throughout the centuries, came from this prophecy.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 10
Summary: Solomon and the queen of Sheba. His revenue and splendor.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, queen of Sheba.
Striking Facts: Mt. 12:42. Christ mentions this queen's inquiry after God through Solomon as showing the stupidity of those who would not enquire after God through Jesus Christ who was God manifest in the flesh and therefore better able to instruct them than anyone else.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 11
Summary: Solomon's heart turned. Chastened of God. Rise of Jeroboam. Death of Solomon.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, Hadad, Pharaoh, Rezon, Jeroboam, Adoram, Ahijah.
Striking Facts: v. 32. The house of David must, in spite of everything be kept intact, because out of it was to come the Messiah. As it was spared on account of the promise to David, so all God's favors shown to us are for Christ's sake and the covenant made with Him.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 12
Summary: Accession and folly of Rehoboam. Kingdom divided.
Main Characters: God, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, Adoram, Shemiah.
Striking Facts: — The golden calf was set up where the first altar to God had been placed (v. 29 Gen. 12:8). All isms originate in man's heart (v. 26), have a selfish purpose back of them (v. 27-29) and are launched on a pretense that it is for the people's good; yet always tend to sin and idolatry.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 13
Summary: Warning of punishment for idolatry. Disobedience and death of the prophet.
Main Characters: God, Jeroboam, disobedient prophet, lying prophet.
Striking Facts: v. 9. God would teach His servants not to have fellowship with the works of darkness, lest they fall under their contagion and give them encouragement. The devil always has his snares ready to entrap one who bears Christ's message.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 14
Summary: Satan does all he can to hinder the work of God's temple; but when he is withheld for a time, we should be extra zealous in that which is good that we might carry it forward to completion. (Act. 9:31).
Main Characters: God, Ahijah, Jeroboam, Rehoboam, Shishak, wife and son of Jeroboam.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 15
Summary: Accession of Ahijam and Asa over Judah. War with Baasha. League with Syria. Accession of Nadab over Israel and Baasha over Israel.
Main Characters: God, Abijam, Asa, Nadab, Baasha, Ben-hadad.
Striking Facts: v. 14 (Cp. v. 18) A heart perfect with the Lord is not sinless perfection, nor flawless obedience, but sincerity of intent and desire to do Christ's will.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 16
Summary: Evil reigns of Baasha, Elah, Zlmri, Omri, Ahab — kings of Israel.
Main Characters: God, Baasha, Jehu, Elah, Zlmri, Omri, Ahab, Jezebel, Tibni, Hiel, Segub.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 17
Summary: Elijah's ministry and prediction of drought. Elijah fed. Raising of the widow's son.
Main Characters: God, Elijah, Ahab, Zarephath woman, her son.
Striking Facts: God marvelously provides for His true servants in times of sore testing. He may be called upon at times to live from hand to mouth, but if it be from God's hand, each day's need will be supplied. V. 13. "Bring it to me." Cp. Mt. 14:18. Herein Elijah is a type of Christ as our provider.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 18
Summary: Elijah goes to meet Ahab and gives challenge. Contests with the priests of Baal.
Main Characters: God, Elijah, Jezebel, Obadiah, Baal, — priests.
Striking Facts: Those who are given great power for public service for God, need to constantly humble themselves before God and give Him all tht, glory. He who bows lowest in the presence of God will be able to stand straightest in the presence of sin.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 19
Summary: God's care of His overwrought prophet. Call of Elisha.
Main Characters: God, Elijah, Jezebel, Elisha.
Striking Facts: v. 12. Under law God spoke to His people with terror, but in the Gospel of Christ, which was introduced in the spirit and power of Elias, He speaks by a still small voice which makes none afraid. Heb. 12:18.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 20
Summary: Ahab's Syrian campaigns and victories. His sin in sparing Ben-hadad.
Main Characters: God, Ahab, Ben-hadad, two prophets.
Striking Facts: v. 42. There are times when keeping back the sword from blood is doing the work of God deceitfully. Foolish pity spoils many a victory.
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 21
Summary: Ahab covets Nafooth's vineyard. Elijah announces Ahab's doom.
Main Characters: God, Elijah, Ahab, Naboth, Jezebel.
Striking Facts: Coveteousness was the first sin in Eden (Gen. 3:6) first on entering the promised land (Josh. 7:21) first in the early church (Acts 5:1-3).
Book: 1 Kings
Chapter: 22
Summary: Alliance of Ahab and Jehoshaphat. Ahafo's ultimate defeat.
Main Characters: God, Jehoshaphat, Ahab, Micaiah, Zedekiah, Syrian king, false prophets, Ahaziah.
Striking Facts: v. 14. The greatest kindness possible to a person going on a dangerous path is to tell them God's truth, as it is in Christ. Through self-styled prophets multitudes are led on their way to destruction.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 1
Summary: Elijah's message to Ahaziah. Elijah's deliverance.
Main Characters: God, angel (Jesus), Elijah, Ahaziah.
Striking Facts: v. 15. All heaven is interested in Christ's true servants. Who can harm those whom God will shelter?
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 2
Summary: Translation of Elijah. Faith of Elisha. Theological students and their unbelief. Elisha's miracle.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Elisha, Elijah.
Striking Facts: Those who ask for the mantle of and walk in the steps of their godly and faithful predecessors will certainly experience the same grace. Jordan means "judgment" Christ and the believer gp together (v. 8) through the judgment of the cross. Gal. 2:20; Rom. 6:3.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 3
Summary: Accession of Jehoram over Israel. Moab rebels against Israel. Elisha's reproof of alliance between Jehoshaphat and Jehoram. Defeat of Moabites.
Main Characters: God, Jehoram, Jehoshaphat, Mesha, king of Moab, king of Edom, Elisha.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 4
Summary: Increase of the widow's oil. Woman of Shunem and her son restored to life. Noxious pottage healed. A hundred men fed.
Main Characters: God, Elisha, widow, Shunammite woman, Gehazi, sons of prophets, man of Baalshalishah.
Striking Facts: v. 41. When the theological student feeds on the wild gourds of the world, he will find himself in the grip of spiritual death. The meal, made of bruised corn, speaks of Christ in the Gospel. If the results of the cross are put in the pot, it will take away its poison.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 5
Summary: Naaman the Syrian healed by obeying Elisha's word.
Main Characters: God, Elisha, Naaman, maid, Syrian king, king of Israel, Gehazi.
Striking Facts: Leprosy is an intense symbol of sin. 1. Circulates in the blood, hereditary. 2. Contagious. 3. Subtle, at first concealing its presence. 4. Unclean, a state of living death. 1 Tim. 5:6. 5. Banishing, Rev. 21:27. 6. Incurable by human power, Jer. 13:23. 7. Its only cure, the power of Christ.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 6
Summary: Elishia recovers the lost axe. Siege of Samaria by Syrians.
Main Characters: God, Elisha, Ben-hadad, Jehoram, nameless woman.
Striking Facts: v. 6. The God of nature is not tied up to its laws. As He raised the iron against the natural laws, so His grace can raise the iron heart which has sunk into the mud of this world and raise up affections naturally earthly to things above.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 7
Summary: Jehovah's terror upon the Syrians.
Main Characters: God, Elisha, Jehoram, captain of Israel, four lepers.
Striking Facts: vv. 6,7. The wicked flee when no man pursues. God can, if He wills, dispirit the boldest and most brave enemy of Christ's cause, and make the stoutest heart to tremble at the shaking of a leaf.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 8
Summary: Famine predicted. Jehoram restores the Shunammite land. Reigns of Jehoram and Ahaziah of Judah and Joram of Israel.
Main Characters: God, Elisha, Gehazi, Jehoram, Ben-hadad, Hazael, Ahaziah, Shunammite woman.
Striking Facts: v. 13. Men often think themselves sufilciently armed against those sins by which they are afterward entirely overcome.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 9
Summary: Jehu anointed king of Israel. Slays Jehoram, Ahaziah and Jezebel.
Main Characters: God. Elisha, a prophet, Jehu. Jezebel, Jehoram, Ahaziah, Ahab.
Striking Facts: v. 11. Men who have no religion commonly look upon followers of Christ as mad. Of the Savior they said, "He is beside himself." Of John, “He has a devil." Of Paul, "Much learning hath made thee mad."
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 10
Summary: Judgment on house of Ahab. Princes of Judah slain. Baal worship put out. Jehu's reign and death.
Main Characters: God, Jehu, Jehonadab, Hazael.
Striking Facts: v. 16. If we aim at the applause of men and make their praise our highest aim, instead of the honor of Christ, we are upon a false bottom. An upright heart approves itself to God and covets no more than His acceptance.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 11
Summary: Royal seed of Judah destroyed. Joash becomes king. Execution of Athaliah. Revival through Jehoida.
Main Characters: God, Joash, Jehoida, Athaliah, Jehosheba.
Striking Facts: Three times the royal line was all extinct except for one babe. Moses, Heb. 11:23; Joash, v. 3. Christ, Mt. 2:12-16.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 12
Summary: Reign of Joash over Judah and his death. Repair of the temple.
Main Characters: God, Joash, Jehoida, Hazael.
Striking Facts: v. 9. This is the first mite box mentioned in the Bible. The last one is in Mk. 12:4.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 13
Summary: Reign of Jehoahaz over Israel and his death. Accession of Jehoash and his death. Elisha's death and the miracle at his tomb.
Main Characters: God, Elisha, Jehoahaz, Jehoash, Hazael.
Striking Facts: v. 14. It is much to our spiritual advantage to attend the death beds of Christlike men that we might hear their last counsels.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 14
Summary: Reign of Amaziah over Judah. War between Israel and Judah. Reign of Jeroboam in Jerusalem.
Main Characters: God, Amaziah, Jehoash, Jeroboam, Jonah, Azariah.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 15
Summary: Reign of Azariah and Jotham over Judah and Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pekahiah, Pekah over Israel.
Main Characters: God, Azariah, Jotham, Zechariah, Shallum, Menahem, Pul, Pekahiah, Pekah, Rezin, Ahaz.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 16
Summary: Reign of Ahaz over Judah. Assyrians take Damascus.
Main Characters: God, Ahaz, Tiglath-pileser, Urijah, Rezin, Pekah.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 17
Summary: Reign of Hoshea in Israel. Israel becomes tributary to Assyrians. The sins of Israel.
Main Characters: God, Hoshea, Shalmaneser, So.
Striking Facts: V. 7. From this captivity, Israel has never been restored to Palestine. See Deut. 28:15-68. A remnant of Judah returned but the national restoration is yet to be fulfilled.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 18
Summary: Reign and revival of Hezekiah over Judah. Victory over Philistines. Invasion of Sennacherib. Insolence of Rabshakeh.
Main Characters: God, Hezekiah, Hoshea, Shalmaneser, Sennacherib, Eliakim, Shebna, Tartan, Rabsaris, Rab-shakeh, Joah.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 19
Summary: Hezekiah's message to Isaiah and the answer. Sennacherib defies God. Hezekiah's prayer and the answer through Isaiah.
Main Characters: God, angel (Jesus), Hezekiah, Isaiah, Sennacherib, Eliakim, Shebna, Rab-shakeh.
Striking Facts: v. 30. The remnant shall yet again be planted in their own habitations and shall take root there and grow rich. That soul is indeed prosperous who takes root downward by faith in Christy and then becomes fruitful upward in righteousness.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 20
Summary: Hezekiah's illness and recovery.
Main Characters: God, Hezekiah, Isaiah, Berodach-baladan.
Striking Facts: v. 7. It is duty to make use of legitimate means to assist nature when we are sick, unless God has by a special revelation made it clear that He intends to heal entirely by miraculous power. Medicines are God-given and He has graciously made them serviceable to man in consideration of the poor.
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 21
Summary: Evil reigns of Manasseh and Amon in Judah.
Main Characters: God, Manasseh, Amon.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 22
Summary: Reign of Josiah. Repairing temple and finding of the book of the law.
Main Characters: God, Josiah, Hilkiah, Shaphan, Huldah, Ahikam, Achbor, Asaiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 23
Summary: Law read to the people. The king's covenant and reformations.
Main Characters: God, Josiah, Hilkiah, Pharaoh Neco, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Eliakim.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 24
Summary: Jehoiakim tributary to Nebuchadnezzar. Reigns of Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah. Deportation to Babylon.
Main Characters: God, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Kings
Chapter: 25
Summary: Siege of Jerusalem and final deportation.
Main Characters: God, Zedekiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Gedaliah, Ishmael, Evil-merodach, Jehoiachin.
Striking Facts: v. 30. Let none say they shall never see good again because. they have so long seen nothing but evil, for we know not what good turn providence may yet give to our affairs according to the days wherein we have been afflicted. Psa. 90:15.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 1
Summary: Contents: Genealogy: Adam to dukes of Edom. The patriarchal line.
Main Characters: Adam, Noah, Shem, Abraham, Isaac, Ishmael, Esau, Israel.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 2
Summary: Genealogy, sons of Judah.
Main Characters: Jacob, Judah, Boaz, Jesse, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 3
Summary: Genealogy of David's line.
Main Characters: David, Solomon, Rehoboam, Jehoshaphat, Hezekiah, Manasseh, Josiah, Zerubbabel.
Striking Facts: From David's line our Lord came, as regards the flesh, as appears from Lk. 3:31.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 4
Summary: Posterity of Judah and Simeon.
Main Characters: God, Jabez, Caleb.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 5
Summary: Line of Reuben, Gad, half of Msmasseh. Captivity for their sins.
Main Characters: Reuben, Judah.
Striking Facts: v. 22. If we depend upon a commission from God to wage war upon another country we may depend upon His providence to give success.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 6
Summary: Sons of Levi. Cities of the priests and Levites.
Main Characters: Gershom, Kohath, Merari, Aaron, Moses and Miriam.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 7
Summary: Sons of Issachar, Benjamin, Naphtali, Manasseh, Ephraim, Asher.
Main Characters: As above, Joshua.
Striking Facts: v. 21. Ephraim had been promised a seed that should become a multitude (Gen. 48:19) and here the promise seems defeated. God's providences many times seem to contradict His promises, but eventually God makes the promise more illustrious by wonderfully fulfilling it.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 8
Summary: Sons of Benjamin. The stock of Saul and Jonathan.
Main Characters: Ehud, Saul, Jonathan.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 9
Summary: Record of the Israelites. The charge of certain Levites.
Main Characters: God, Eleazar, Saul, Jonathan.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 10
Summary: Saul's overthrow and death. Triumph of the Philistines. Saul's sin.
Main Characters: God, Saul, Jonathan, David.
Striking Facts: v. 6. Those who love their children will avoid sin lest they bring ruin on their children with themselves or entail a curse upon them in later years.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 11
Summary: David becomes King of Israel. Catalog of his mighty men.
Main Characters: God, David, Joab, Jashobeam, Eleazar, Abishai, Benalah.
Striking Facts: v. 10. The honors of Christ's kingdom are prepared for those who fight the good fight of faith and are willing to venture even life itself for Christ's sake.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 12
Summary: David's army at Ziklag. The leaders who made David king.
Main Characters: Holy Spirit, David, Amasai, Jehoiada.
Striking Facts: vv. 38-39. When Christ is enthroned in a soul, there is bound to be great joy, and a great feast begins, to last not merely for a few days but throughout eternity.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 13
Summary: David's attempt to bring the ark to Jerusalem. The ark left at the house of Obed-Edom.
Main Characters: God, David, Uzzah, Obed-Edom, Abinadab, Ahio.
Striking Facts: There are preachers who lay hands on the doctrines of God's Word thinking to save Christianity from overthrow. It is dangerous to put unsanctifled hands on the person of Christ, His virgin birth, atonement, resurrection, etc.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 14
Summary: The prosperity of King David. Double defeat of the Philistines.
Main Characters: God, David, Hiram.
Striking Facts: v. 17. God has highly exalted our Redeemer, David's greater Son and given Him a name above every name.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 15
Summary: Ark brought to Jerusalem in the appointed way.
Main Characters: God, David, Zadok, Abiathar, Michael, Uriel, Asaiah, Joel, Shemaiah, Eliel.
Striking Facts: v. 26. Those who bear the vessels of the Lord have great need of divine help in their ministrations, that Christ may be glorified in them and the churches edified through them.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 16
Summary: David's festival and psalm of thanksgiving. The ark established in Jerusalem.
Main Characters: God, David, Zadok, Asaph, Obed-Edom, Heman, Jeduthun.
Striking Facts: v. 10. Ceremonial worship was a divine institution containing the types of the mediation of Christ and could not therefore be omitted. So the church should keep up the appointed ordinances in which Christ is remembered, until He comes.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 17
Summary: David's desire to build the temple. The Davidie covenant and David's prayer.
Main Characters: God, David, Nathan.
Striking Facts: v. 7. David is here a type of Christ in the flesh, the Shepherd King. At His first coming He took the Shepherd's place. At His return He will take the place of ruler over Israel.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 18
Summary: David's kingdom fully established.
Main Characters: God, David, Hadarezer, Tou, Hadoram, Abishai, Joah, Jehoshaphat, Benaiah.
Striking Facts: All opposing rule will eventually be put down by the Son of David and the most inveterate enemies shall fall before Him, acknowledging that He is Lord to the glory of the Father.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 19
Summary: Ammonite-Syrian war.
Main Characters: God, David, Joab, Abishai, Hanun, Bhophach, Hadarezer.
Striking Facts: v. 19. Let those who in vain have stood out against Christ be wise for themselves and agree with Him quickly while they are in the way.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 20
Summary: Joab and David take Rabbah. War with Philistines.
Main Characters: David, Joab, Sibbechai, Sippai, Jonathan, Elhanan.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 21
Summary: David's sin in numbering the people. Joab's faithful protest. David's choice of punishment.
Main Characters: God, Satan, David, Joab, Gad, Ornan, angel (Jesus).
Striking Facts: v. 19. If we have sinned, the safest thing to do is to flee to Christ, who is an altar and sacrifice, for through Him alone there is hope of winning back the joy of salvation and getting favor with God.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 22
Summary: Material prepared for the temple. David instructs Solomon in God's promises. Princes charged to assist Solomon.
Main Characters: God, David, Solomon.
Striking Facts: Everything about the temple was to be stately and magniflcent, being a type of Christ in whom all fullness dwells and in whom are hid all treasures.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 23
Summary: Number and distribution of the Levites.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 24
Summary: The divisions of the priests and Levites for the temple service.
Main Characters: God, David, Zadok, Ahimelech, Eleazer, Ithamar.
Striking Facts: In the mystical body of Christ every member has its use for the good of the whole. Rom. 12:4-5; 1 Cor. 12:12.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 25
Summary: The offices of the temple singers.
Main Characters: God, David, Asaph, Jeduthun, Heman.
Striking Facts:
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 26
Summary: The division of the temple porters. Levites as treasurers. Officers and judges
Main Characters: God, Shelemiah, Zechariah, Shuppin, Hozah, Obed-Edom.
Striking Facts: The temple treasuries illustrate the plenty there is in our Father's house, enough and to spare. In Christ, the true Temple, are hid all treasures of wisdom and knowledge and riches to supply all the believer's needs.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 27
Summary: The captains for each month. Princes of the twelve tribes. David's several officers.
Main Characters: God, David, Joab, Jonathan, Jeluel, Ahitophel, Hushai, Jehoiada, Abiathar.
Striking Facts: v. 24. A good man cannot, if he stops to reflect, be pleased with that which he knows displeases Christ nor take comfort in that which is obtained through unbelief in God's promises.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 28
Summary: David counsels Israel and Solomon concerning the temple.
Main Characters: God, David, Holy Spirit (v. 12), Solomon.
Striking Facts: The Gospel temple of Christ, being builded of living stones, is all being framed according to the divine counsels, ordained before the foundation of the world for God's glory. In bringing it to completion we should cling to the plans given in the New Testament.
Book: 1 Chronicles
Chapter: 29
Summary: David exhorts the people. The princes and people willingly offer. David's thanksgiving and prayer. Solomon made king. David's death.
Main Characters: God, David, Solomon, Zadok.
Striking Facts: v. 25. Solomon's glorious and peaceful kingdom is a type of the coming kingdom of the Messiah on earth. His will be indeed "the throne of the Lord" (v. 23) for the Father will commit all Judgment to Him.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 1
Summary: Solomon's sacrifices at Gibeon. His vision and prayer and God's answer.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: The Christian's real character appears in his choices and desires. ''What wouldst thou have?" tries a man as much as "What wouldst thou DO?" v. 7.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 2
Summary: Preparation to build the temple.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, Hiram, King of Tyre.
Striking Facts: The artificer was a Gentile, a good omen of uniting Jew and Gentile in the Gospel temple, which is Christ, v. 14.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 3
Summary: Temple begun. The materials and dimensions.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: The temple was built at Jerusalem (v. 1). As it typified Christ it was fitly built there; since it was there He raised up the temple of His body.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 4
Summary: Further details about the temple.
Main Characters: God, Hiram the artificer.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 5
Summary: The ark brought in. The glory fills the house.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: The ark was a type of Christ, and as such a token of the presence of God. The temple would be a desolate plaee indeed if Christ was not in it to glorify it.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 6
Summary: Solomon's sermon and prayer.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: v. 20. We may with confidence pray to God to be well pleased with us because we are in Jesus Christ in whom God is well pleased. He says not now of any house ''this is my beloved place," so there is but one safe shelter — Christ.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 7
Summary: Divine acceptance. Sacrifice and rejoicing. God appears to Solomon.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: v. 1. Christ, our sacrifice, was made sin and a curse for us and the sacrifice was consumed by the fire of God's wrath against sin that we might escape, and inherit His perfect righteousness.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 8
Summary: The energy and fame of Solomon.
Main Characters: God, Pharaoh's daughter, Solomon, King of Tyre.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 9
Summary: Solomon and the queen of Sheba. His revenue and splendor.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, queen of Sheba.
Striking Facts: The lustre of Solomon's kingdom was typical of the glory of the coming kingdom of Christ and a faint representation of His throne to be set up when He returns.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 10
Summary: Accession and folly of Rehoboam. Division of the kingdom. Accession of Jeroboam over Israel.
Main Characters: God, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, Ahijah, Hadoram
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 11
Summary: Rehoboam returns to Jerusalem. Jeroboam rejects the worship of God.
Main Characters: God, Rehoboam, Jeroboam, Ahijah, Shamaiah.
Striking Facts: v. 14. Christ's representatives should never allow a secular advantage to keep them among worshippers of the devil or in any place where they are in danger of making shipwreck of faith and conscience.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 12
Summary: Rehoboam defeated by Shishak. Death of Rehoboam.
Main Characters: God, Rehoboam, Shishak, Shemaiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 13
Summary: War between Abijah and Jeroboam. Death of Jeroboam.
Main Characters: God, Abijah, Jeroboam.
Striking Facts: v. 18. The prayer of faith is the prevailing prayer and it is by faith in Christ's mediation that we overcome the world. 1 John 5:4.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 14
Summary: Death of Abijah. Accession of Asa. Asa's victory over Zerah.
Main Characters: God, Asa, Zerah.
Striking Facts: v. 7. Those have rest indeed who have the peace of Christ, for He gives not as the world gives. John 14:27.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 15
Summary: Warnings of Azariah. Reform under Asa.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Azariah, Asa, Oded, Maachah.
Striking Facts: v. 8. Attachment to Christ means detachment from idols. 1 Thes. 1:9.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 16
Summary: War between Asa and Baasha. Asa's rebuke and death.
Main Characters: God, Asa, Hanani, Baasha, Ben-hadad.
Striking Facts: v. 12. (Physicians) Egyptian healers whose methods were demonical, answering to spiritualism. Christian Science, New Thought, clairvoyancy, etc., of our own time. The help of physicians is good if we trust not to the physician but to Christ the Great Physician.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 17
Summary: Accession of Jehoshaphat and his growing power.
Main Characters: God, Jehoshaphat.
Striking Facts: v. 3 (ways of David) Note that Jehoshaphat followed David as far as David followed God. Paul exhorts us to be followers of him, but only as far as he followed Christ. 1 Cor. 11:1.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 18
Summary: Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab. Ahab's lying prophets. Micaiah's true prophecy. Defeat and death of Ahab.
Main Characters: God, Jehoshaphat, Ahab, Micaiah, Zedekiah, king of Syria, lying spirits.
Striking Facts: v. 21. One evil spirit can make use of 400 prophets to deceive those who will not receive the love of the truth. Beware of the false prophets who speak in Satanic energy.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 19
Summary: Jehu rebukes Jehoshaphat's alliance with Ahab.
Main Characters: God, Jehoshaphat, Jehu, Amariah, Zebadiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 20
Summary: Jehoshaphat's prayer for deliverance and its answer. Invading armies stricken.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Jehoshaphat, Jahaziel, Ahaziah.
Striking Facts: v. 26 The valley of Berachah, lit. "blessing" (modern Bible class name — Baraca) was perpetuated for the encouragement of succeeding generations to trust in God and to remind us that our praises should be as oft repeated as our prayers.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 21
Summary: Jehoram's wicked reign over Judah and its accompanying disasters.
Main Characters: God, Jehoram, Elijah, Libnah.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 22
Summary: Accession of Ahaziah over Judah. Athaliah's wicked plot.
Main Characters: God, Ahaziah, Athaliah, Joram, Jehu, Jehoshaphat, Joash, Jehoshabeath.
Striking Facts: Three times the royal seed was extinct except for a single babe whom God preserved. 1. Moses, Heb. 11:23. 2. Joash. 3. Jesus, Matt. 2:12, 16.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 23
Summary: Joash becomes king of Judah. Execution of Athaliah. Revival through Jehoiada.
Main Characters: God, Jehoiada, Athaliah, Joash.
Striking Facts: v. 21. When the Lord Jesus is enthroned upon the heart and the usurper of the life put down, all is quiet and springs of joy are opened.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 24
Summary: Reign of Joash. Temple repaired. Zechariah stoned. Judah defeated by Syrians.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Joash, Jehoiada, Zechariah, Zabad, Jehozabad, Amaziah.
Striking Facts: vv. 24-26. If vengeance pursues men, the end of one trouble will be but the beginning of another.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 25
Summary: Reign of Amaziah over Judah. War between Judah and Israel.
Main Characters: God, Amaziah, Joash, man of God, Obed-Edom.
Striking Facts: v. 2. Amaziah is an illustration of many today, who live moral lives, yet not enemies to Christ. He that is not with Christ is counted against Him.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 26
Summary: Accession of Uzziah. His successes and fame.
Main Characters: God, Uzziah, Zechariah, Jotham, Isaiah.
Striking Facts: Humility is always the safest plan for it brings Christ's successes into our lives. Psa. 105:4.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 27
Summary: Reign of Jotham in Judah and his death.
Main Characters: God, Jotham.
Striking Facts:
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 28
Summary: Reign of Ahaz. War with Rekah. Intercession of Oded. Edomite and Philistine invasion.
Main Characters: God, Ahaz, Syrian king, Tiglath-pileser, Zichri, Pekah, Oded.
Striking Facts: v. 16. Estrangement from Christ is generally followed by seeking protection from the enemies of Christ, v. 20, but no enemy of Christ can strengthen the people of God.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 29
Summary: Hezekiah's reign in Judah and the revival. Temple restored.
Main Characters: God, Hezekiah.
Striking Facts: v. 22. Even repentance and reformation will not obtain pardon but through Christ who was made our sin offering we may find peace. With our offering, our praises should ascend, because Christ has been made unto us righteousness.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 30
Summary: Preparations for the passover and its observance.
Main Characters: God, Hezekiah.
Striking Facts: v. 15. Christ our passover was sacrificed for us. 1 Cor. 5:7. When He is trusted as the Lamb of God who beareth away sin, God is in a position to heal us and to give us the joy of salvation.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 31
Summary: Idols destroyed and other reforms of Hezekiah.
Main Characters: God, Hezekiah, Azariah, Conaniah, Kore.
Striking Facts: v. 10. If one has tasted the sweetness of the pushover lamb, which is Christ, he will never grudge the expenses of carrying on His work, but will freely give as he has freely received.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 32
Summary: Invasion of Sennacherib. His army defeated in answer to prayer.
Main Characters: God, Hezekiah, Isaiah, angel.
Striking Facts: Satan is ever determined to destroy the believer's faith in Christ's all-sufficiency, knowing that if he can but scare him, his point is won. When thus tempted, we should betake ourselves immediatelv to Christ who will instantly give the victory.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 33
Summary: Manasseh's accession and evil ways. Reign and death of Amon. Accession of Josiah.
Main Characters: God, Manasseh, Assyrian king, Amon, Josiah.
Striking Facts: v. 16. God is ever ready to accept and welcome returning sinners who entreat Him on the grounds of Christ's atoning sacriflce.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 34
Summary: Reign of Josiah. Book of the law found and read.
Main Characters: God, Josiah, Hilkiah, Shaphan, Huldah, Maaseiah, Joah, Ahikam, Abdon, Asaiah.
Striking Facts: A Bible may be lost through disregard, disobedience or distortion. It may be found again by recognizing it, receiving it and ransacking it.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 35
Summary: The passover kept. Death of Josiah.
Main Characters: God, Josiah, Pharaoh-Necho, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts: v. 13. The Lamb roast with fire, suggests Christ who was subjected to the fires of God's wrath against sin. He cannot be feasted upon except in view of the substitutionary character of His atoning death.
Book: 2 Chronicles
Chapter: 36
Summary: Reign and dethronement of Jehoahaz. Final deportation. Captivity of Judah in Babylon.
Main Characters: God, Jehoahaz, Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah, Cyrus, Eliakim, Necho.
Striking Facts: y, 16. God's methods to reclaim sinners by His Word, by faithful ministers, by providences, by conscience, show His great compassion through Christ and unwillingness that any should perish.
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 1
Summary: Decree of Cyrus for restoration of the temple and preparations for the return of the remnant.
Main Characters: God, Cyrus, Sheshbazzar, Mithredath.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 2
Summary: The returning remnant.
Main Characters: God, Zerubbabel.
Striking Facts: Persons from all tribes returned under Zerrubabel, but in the broad sense, the dispersion of Israel still continues and the tribes cannot be Identified. Only God knows who they are. At the revelation of Jesus Christ they will be made known.
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 3
Summary: Altar set up and temple foundations relaid. Worship established.
Main Characters: God, Zerubbabel, Jeshua.
Striking Facts: v. 3. If we have enemies, the safest course is to keep on intimate terms with God through His Son Jesus Christ who is typified in the daily Lamb and whose righteousness must be our confidence in all our supplications.
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 4
Summary: Work hindered by adversaries.
Main Characters: Zerubbabel, Ahasuerus, Jeshua, Artaxerxes, Rehum, Shimshai.
Striking Facts: v. 14. A secret enemy to Christ and His Gospel is often guilded over with a pretended affection to Caesar and his power. The worst enemy is one who claims to be a Christian but is not.
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 5
Summary: Encouragement of the prophets and the work resumed.
Main Characters: Zerubbabel, Haggai, Zechariah, Jeshua, Tattenai, Darius, Shethar-bozenai.
Striking Facts: v. 2. It is the busineiss of Christian ministers to stir up God's people to that which is good, especially to the work of completing the temple of Christ which is being erected out of "living stones."
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 6
Summary: Darius confirms the decree of Cyrus. Temple furnished and worship restored.
Main Characters: God, Darius, Haggai, Zechariah, Tattenai, Shethar-bozenai, Cyrus.
Striking Facts: v. 10. Let men in authority despise not the prayers of the meanest saints who know how to approach God on the ground of Christ's sacrifice. Let God's people pray for those in authority.
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 7
Summary: Ezra's expedition to Jerusalem and his thanksgiving.
Main Characters: God, Ezra, Artaxerxes.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 8
Summary: List of Ezra's companions and his visit to Jerusalem. Treasure placed in the temple.
Main Characters: God, Ezra, Sherebiah, Hashabiah, Meremoth, Eleazar, Jozabad, Noadiah.
Striking Facts: v. 23. Even the common dangers of our everyday journeys are such as to oblige us to sanctify our going out with prayer and our return in peace with thanksgiving through Jesus Christ.
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 9
Summary: The remnant loses its separated position. Ezra's prayer and confession.
Main Characters: God, Ezra.
Striking Facts: v. 5. The evening sacrifice was a type of the propitiation of the Lamb of God, who, in the evening of the world, took away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. With the eye of faith fixed upon that sacrifice we may confess our sins and hope. for full cleansing.
Book: Ezra
Chapter: 10
Summary: Separation restored. Strange wives surrendered.
Main Characters: God, Ezra, Shecaniah, Jonathan.
Striking Facts: v. 19. The only way of obtaining pardon for sin is to seek it on the ground of Christ's sacrifice, who was our trespass offering, so owning our guilt and His blood as that which washes away the stain and guilt of sin.
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 1
Summary: Nehemiah learns of distress in Jerusalem. His prayer.
Main Characters: God, Nehemiah, Hanani.
Striking Facts: v. 8. Our best pleas in prayer are those taken from the Word of God on which He has caused us to hope through Jesus Christ. If God were not more mindful of His promises than we are of His precepts, we would be undone.
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 2
Summary: Nehemiah's visit to Jerusalem by permission of Artaxerxes.
Main Characters: God, Artaxerxes, Nehemiah, Sanballat, Tobiah, Asaph, Geshem.
Striking Facts: v. 4. We are not limited to certain moments in our addresses to the King of Kings but have access to the throne of Grace in every time of need, being emboldened by His invitation, who has, by His blood, made possible our approach into God's holy presence.
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 3
Summary: Wall of Jerusalem built.
Main Characters: God, Artaxerxes, Nehemiah, Sanballat, Tobiah.
Striking Facts: v. 10. If everyone would sweep before his own door, the street would be clean. Do your part.
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 4
Summary: Opposition by ridicule, anger and discouragement.
Main Characters: God, Nehemiah, Sanballat, Tobiah.
Striking Facts: v. 13. Harlng prayed, they set a watch. We cannot secure ourselves by prayer, without watchfulness. Matt. 26:41. Prayer without watchfulness is presumption. Watchfulness without prayer is hyprocrisy.
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 5
Summary: Opposition by greed and heartlessness. Nehemiah's example of unselfishness.
Main Characters: God, Nehemiah.
Striking Facts: v. 15. Let us remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, it is more blessed to give than to receive. Acts. 20:35.
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 6
Summary: Opposition by craft. Nehemiah's manly firmness. The wall done.
Main Characters: God, Nehemiah, Sanballat, Tobiah, Geshem, Shemaiah.
Striking Facts: v. 3. Let those who are tempted to waste time from Christ's service by attending idle affairs with vain companions, make use of this answer — "We have work to do and cannot come down."
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 7
Summary: Jerusalem put in charge of Hanani and Hananiah. Genealogy of the first remnant.
Main Characters: God, Nehemiah, Hanani, Hananiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 8
Summary: The law read and explained. Feast of tabernacles restored.
Main Characters: God, Ezra, Nehemiah.
Striking Facts: v. 14. The feast of tabernacles was a memorial of their dwelling in tents in the wilderness, a representation of our tabernacle state in this world as followers of Christ, and a type of the Gospel church.
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 9
Summary: The people feast and repent. Confession of the priests and Levites.
Main Characters: God, Jeshua, Bani, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Shebmah, Bunni, Chenani, Hashabneiah, Hodijah, Pethahiah.
Striking Facts: v. 33. It becomes the Christian when he is under the rebukes of God's providence, no matter how sharp and long they be, to justify God, being assured there is no mistake on God's part.
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 10
Summary: The covenant and the signers.
Main Characters: God, Nehemiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 11
Summary: The dwellers at Jerusalem and the cities.
Main Characters: Joel, Judah, Zabdiel, Shabbethai, Jozabad, Mathaniah, Uzzi, Pethahiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 12
Summary: Priests and Levites who went to Jerusalem with Zerubbabel. Dedication of the walls.
Main Characters: God, Nehemiah, Ezra, Zerubbabel, Jeshua, Seraiah, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts: v. 30. The purifying was a type of the blood of Christ (Num. 19:9) by which our consciences are purged from dead works, making us fit to serve the living God. (Heb. 9:14.)
Book: Nehemiah
Chapter: 13
Summary: Cleansing the temple. Nehemiah's second visit to Jerusalem and his further reforms.
Main Characters: God, Nehemiah, Eliashib, Tobiah.
Striking Facts: v. 8. Those who would expel sin out of their hearts, the living temples, must throw out its household stuff and all the provision made for it, taking away those things which are fuel for lust. Let the blood of Christ be then applied by faith, that it be furnished anew with the grace of God's Spirit.
Book: Esther
Chapter: 1
Summary: Ahasuerus' great feast and the story of Yashti.
Main Characters: Ahasuerus, Yashti, Memucan, Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena.
Striking Facts: v. 12. Whether or not it was the part of wisdom for Yashti to deny obedience to the king, or that the king was ruled by passion, the incident served God's providence making way for Esther to the crown.
Book: Esther
Chapter: 2
Summary: Esther made queen.
Main Characters: Ahasuerus, Mordecai, Esther, Hegai, Bigthan, Teresh, Shaashgaz.
Striking Facts: v. 3. To what absurd practices do those come who are destitute of the Word of God and given up to their vile affections. It is the Gospel of Christ alone that can purify men from such lusts of the flesh.
Book: Esther
Chapter: 3
Summary: Conspiracy of Haman. The king's decree to destroy the Jews.
Main Characters: Ahasuerus, Haman, Mordecai.
Striking Facts: v. 8. The enemies of the followers of Christ could not give them such bad treatment as they do if they did not first give them a bad name by malicious representations.
Book: Esther
Chapter: 4
Summary: Fasting among the Jews. Esther's resolution to defeat the decree.
Main Characters: Ahasuerus, Esther, Mordecai, Haman, Hatach.
Striking Facts: v. 11. We should be thankful that nothing need bar us from the court of our King in time of need, for we are welcome in the very holiest through faith in the blood of Jesus.
Book: Esther
Chapter: 5
Summary: Esther's courage in proceeding to obtain favor.
Main Characters: Ahasuerus, Esther, Haman, Mordecai, Zeresh.
Striking Facts: v. 9. Those who walk in holy sincerity with Christ may walk in holy security and go on in their work not fearing what man can do to them.
Book: Esther
Chapter: 6
Summary: Haman compelled to exalt Mordecai.
Main Characters: Ahasuerus, Esther, Haman, Mordecai, Zeresh.
Striking Facts:
Book: Esther
Chapter: 7
Summary: Esther's banquet and the hanging of Haman.
Main Characters: Ahasuerus, Esther, Haman, Harbonah.
Striking Facts: v. 7. The day is coming when those who have persecuted and hated the followers of Christ would gladly be beholden to them, like the rejected virgins (Matt. 25) who cry "give us oil."
Book: Esther
Chapter: 8
Summary: The vengeance order of Ahasuerus.
Main Characters: Ahasuerus, Esther, Mordecai.
Striking Facts: v. 6. Those who are true followers of Christ had rather die in the last ditch than live to see the desolations of the church of God.
Book: Esther
Chapter: 9
Summary: Vengeance executed; the Jews victorious. Feast of Purim instituted.
Main Characters: Ahasuerus, Esther, Mordecai.
Striking Facts: v. 19. Thanksgiving and almsgiving go together. If we have received mercy, the only way to express our gratitude is to show mercy.
Book: Esther
Chapter: 10
Summary: Mordecai made prime minister.
Main Characters: Ahasuerus, Mordecai.
Striking Facts: The book of Esther testifies to the secret watch-care of Jehovah over His dispersed people, Israel. The name of God nowhere occurs in the book, but in no other book of the Bible is His providence more evident.
Book: Job
Chapter: 1
Summary: Job's family and their piety. Satan's challenge and the calamities that befell Job.
Main Characters: God, Satan, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 12. The power Satan has over the Christian is bounded by the prayer of the Lord Jesus who "ever liveth to make intercession." No affliction can ever fall upon the believer except by God's permission and when it comes, God has some great purpose in it, which it is our part to ascertain.
Book: Job
Chapter: 2
Summary: Job in Satan's sieve. Family, property and health gone. His three friends.
Main Characters: God, Job, Satan, Eliphaz, Bildad, Zophar.
Striking Facts: v. 4. This verse gives the foundation stone of so-called Christian Science. Body healing is the substitute for soul healing. Men will embrace anything that will relieve pain and distemper of body and hence Satan uses physical ailments to try and draw men from God.
Book: Job
Chapter: 3
Summary: Job tells his misery and despair.
Main Characters: God, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 3. Though many, because of distrust, have cursed the day of their birth, yet no one ever curses the day of their "new birth" nor wishes they had never found Christ as their Saviour.
Book: Job
Chapter: 4
Summary: Eliphaz's theory in regard to Job's suffering.
Main Characters: God, Eliphaz, Job.
Striking Facts: vv. 14, 15. There are certain dogmatists who have to be listened to because they have had some ONE remarkable experience, and everyone else's case is similar to their own. The best and truest comfort is from God's Word. Rom. 15:4.
Book: Job
Chapter: 5
Summary: Eliphaz's discourse continued.
Main Characters: God, Eliphaz, Job.
Striking Facts: Fellowship in Christ's sufferings is the qualification for shaing His dignity.
Book: Job
Chapter: 6
Summary: Job's answer to Eliphaz. His appeal for pity.
Main Characters: God, Eliphaz, Job.
Striking Facts: See 1 Pet. 2:20-23.
Book: Job
Chapter: 7
Summary: Job's answer to Eliphaz continued.
Main Characters: God, Eliphaz, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 11. It is better to die praising Jesus and praying than complaining and fretting. The only time our Lord ever asked "why" was when He bore the world's sin and the Father's face was turned away.
Book: Job
Chapter: 8
Summary: Bildad's theory of Job's affliction.
Main Characters: God, Bildad, Job.
Striking Facts: Let the afflicted one include the Lord Jesus in his faith and he will eventually be vindicated in the sight of men.
Book: Job
Chapter: 9
Summary: Job answers Bildad, denying he is a hypocrite.
Main Characters: God, Job, Bildad.
Striking Facts: 2, 3, 33. While it may be possible for us to vindicate our own integrity to friends, we can never plead our integrity for our Justification before God. Were it not that the believer stands in Christ's righteousness, he would have no ground whatever before God.
Book: Job
Chapter: 10
Summary: Job's answer to Bildad continued.
Main Characters: God, Job, Bildad.
Striking Facts: v. 2. The Christian's comfort is that he is "in Christ" and that although he is afflicted, there is no condemnation. (Rom. 8:1). He is chastised that he might not be condemned with the world. (1. Cor. 11:32).
Book: Job
Chapter: 11
Summary: Zophar's theory of Job's condition. He thinks Job a hypocrite and liar.
Main Characters: God, Zophar, Job.
Striking Facts: Zophar is a type of the religious dogmatist who thinks he knows all about God's ways and exactly what God will do in each individual case.
Book: Job
Chapter: 12
Summary: Job answers his three friends, extolling God's wisdom.
Main Characters: God, Job, three friends.
Striking Facts: v. 3. Nothing is more grievous to one who has fallen from prosperity into adversity than to be insulted when he is down. Our Lord Jesus is the wisest and kindest of comforters. To Him let us go in all our troubles.
Book: Job
Chapter: 13
Summary: Job's answer to three friends continued.
Main Characters: God, Job, three friends.
Striking Facts: v. 15. Those who walk in unbroken fellowship with Christ, having assurance there is no unconfessed sin in their lives, may cheerfully welcome every event, being in readiness for it.
Book: Job
Chapter: 14
Summary: Job's answer to his friends continued.
Main Characters: God, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 14. Though our friends prove miserable comforters, the believer may rejoice in all circumstances in the comfort that there is a life beyond, victory over even the grave through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Book: Job
Chapter: 15
Summary: Eliphaz's theory about Job, charging him with foolishly justifying himself.
Main Characters: God, Job, Eliphaz.
Striking Facts: v. 15. Although God uses His saints. He places no confidence in them apart from the ability of the Holy Spirit which He imparts to them for service, and the standing they have in Jesus Christ.
Book: Job
Chapter: 16
Summary: Job charges that Eliphaz is but heaping up words.
Main Characters: God, Job, three friends.
Striking Facts: v. 2. The best friend to plead for us is the Lord Jesus and it is the Holy Spirit through the Word, who comforts effectually.
Book: Job
Chapter: 17
Summary: Job's answer continued. He longs for death.
Main Characters: Job.
Striking Facts: v. 3. The believer has a surety with God, namely Christ, the heavenly intercessor. He will plead our cause if we look to Him and no one else can lay anything to our charge. (Rom. 8:32, 33).
Book: Job
Chapter: 18
Summary: Bildad's second discourse on Job's case.
Main Characters: God, Bildad, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 4. It is not true that all who suffer great distresses in this world should, on that account, be judged wicked when no other proof appears against them. Christ's people are usually a suffering, cross-bearing people.
Book: Job
Chapter: 19
Summary: Job's answer to Bildad. His sublime faith.
Main Characters: God, Job, friends.
Striking Facts: Job had very clear beliefs. The brief statement here takes in redemption, assurance, second coming and resurrection.
Book: Job
Chapter: 20
Summary: Zophar's second discourse on Job's case.
Main Characters: God, Zophar, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 2. Men often mistake the dictates of passion for the dictates of reason and therefore think they are wise for expressing themselves.
Book: Job
Chapter: 21
Summary: Job's answer to Zophar in which he denies any secret sin.
Main Characters: God, Job, three friends.
Striking Facts: v. 25. If we have eternal life through Jesus Christ, and spiritual blessings, we have no reason to complain of the little suffering we may be called upon to bear for Christ's sake in this world.
Book: Job
Chapter: 22
Summary: Eliphaz's third discourse, accusing Job again of hypocrisy.
Main Characters: God, Eliphaz, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 5. Think it not strange, if like the Master, you are misunderstood and blackened, but learn to pass by accusations and commit your cause to Him who judgeth righteously.
Book: Job
Chapter: 23
Summary: Job again answers. He longs for God.
Main Characters: God, Job, three friends.
Striking Facts: v. 10. Though men do not, can not, or will not understand us, it is a comfort to know that our Lord Jesus, who was tried in all points as we are, does perfectly understand our hearts.
Book: Job
Chapter: 24
Summary: Job's answer continued. The prosperity of the wicked.
Main Characters: God, Job, friends.
Striking Facts:
Book: Job
Chapter: 25
Summary: Bildad's third discourse on Job's case.
Main Characters: God, Bildad, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 4. Since man, by reason of his fallen state and corrupt nature is odious to God's holiness, even in his best righteousness, we have need to be born again, that being justified by faith in Christ, we may have peace with God. Rom. 5:1.
Book: Job
Chapter: 26
Summary: Job's answer to Bildad. His faith in God.
Main Characters: God, Job, friends.
Striking Facts: v. 3. We are often disappointed in the counseling of our friends for they demand what we cannot produce and we need what they cannot give. Our Comforter, the Holy Spirit, never mistakes in His operations or misses in His ends.
Book: Job
Chapter: 27
Summary: Job's answer to Bildad continued.
Main Characters: God, Job, friends.
Striking Facts: It is often the lot of upright men to be censured and condemned as hypocrites, but it well becomes them to bear up boldly under such censures, holding fast to Jesus Christ, who will keep from discouragement and eventually vindicate them.
Book: Job
Chapter: 28
Summary: Job's answer continued. The value of divine wisdom.
Main Characters: God, Job, friends.
Striking Facts: v. 12. There is truer satisfaction in the wisdom which God, through Christ, communicates to the Christian, showing the way to the joys of heaven, than in all the natural philosophies and sciences which only help men to find a way into the earth. (1-11).
Book: Job
Chapter: 29
Summary: Job's answer continued. He rehearses the story of his life.
Main Characters: God, Job, friends.
Striking Facts: We can see in this chapter a familiar type of Christ in His power and goodness. Our Lord Jesus is the poor man's Lord, loving righteousness and hating iniquity. Upon Him the hlessing of a world ready to perish comes.
Book: Job
Chapter: 30
Summary: Job's answer continued. He reviews his present condition.
Main Characters: God, Job, friends.
Striking Facts: Those who today cry "Hosannah" may tomorrow cry "Crucify." Job is here a type of Christ who was made the reproach of men and who hid not His face from shame and spitting.
Book: Job
Chapter: 31
Summary: Job's answer continued. He insists on his integrity.
Main Characters: God, Job, friends.
Striking Facts: v. 4. The Lord Jesus keeps account of all and will bring every work into judgment. "If our hearts condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God."
Book: Job
Chapter: 32
Summary: Elihu's discourse, stating his reasons for interfering.
Main Characters: God, Job, Elihu, friends.
Striking Facts: Elihu shows a deeper spiritual conception than any of Job's three friends, because he has a higher conception of God. Externalists and moralizers, while they see God in His power through His works, know nothing of His grace toward man in Christ Jesus, but look upon Him as being very exacting in all His relations. He who has seen God in the cross of Calvary will have the highest conception of God.
Book: Job
Chapter: 33
Summary: Elihu's discourse continued. Affliction is shown to be discipline.
Main Characters: God, Elihu, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 14. "Ransom." Jesus Christ is our Ransom, the ransom of God's finding. So great was the injury done by sin, that nothing less could atone for it than the blood of the Son of God.
Book: Job
Chapter: 34
Summary: Elihu's discourse continued. He magnifies God's holiness.
Main Characters: God, Elihu, Job, friends.
Striking Facts:
Book: Job
Chapter: 35
Summary: Elihu's discourse continued. Job's rash talk reproved.
Main Characters: God, Elihu, Job.
Striking Facts:
Book: Job
Chapter: 36
Summary: Elihu's discourse continued. God's justice defended.
Main Characters: God, Elihu, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 22. Trial is the school of trust. Sore distress is a blessing in disguise if it drives one to Christ and teaches the power of faith and prayer.
Book: Job
Chapter: 37
Summary: Elihu's discourse continued. God's majesty.
Main Characters: God, Elihu, Job.
Striking Facts:
Book: Job
Chapter: 38
Summary: God's challenge to Job.
Main Characters: God, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 4. Man knows nothing about the making of this world other than what God has revealed in His Word. It is the honor of Jesus Christ that He was present when this was done. (Prov. 8:22; Jno.1:1, 2).
Book: Job
Chapter: 39
Summary: God's challenge to Job continued.
Main Characters: God, Job.
Striking Facts: vv. 28-30. The Lord Jesus referred to this instinct of the eagle in Matt. 24:28. See Rev. 19:17-18. Every creature will make toward that which is its proper food.
Book: Job
Chapter: 40
Summary: God's challenge to Job continued. Job's answer.
Main Characters: God, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 4. God demands a quality no human being is able to present (not even perfect Job) but by His grace, through Jesus Christ, He bestows upon the yielded believer all that He asks.
Book: Job
Chapter: 41
Summary: God's challenge to Job concluded.
Main Characters: God, Job.
Striking Facts: v. 1. "Leviathan." There is a difference of opinion whether a crocodile or whale is meant here. In either case the great power of the Creator is illustrated.
Book: Job
Chapter: 42
Summary: Job's self-judgment, followed by new prosperity.
Main Characters: God, Job, Eliphaz, three friends.
Striking Facts: There can be no personal acquaintance with God until we have the sentence of death written upon self, realizing that in ourselves there is no good thing. All we are, we have by God's grace in our Lord Jesus Christ. The godly suffer that they might come to self-knowledge, 42:3; and self-judgment, 42:6; that they might repent, 42:6; and have greater fruitfulness, 42:7-17; and escape condemnation with the world. 1 Cor. 11:32.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 1
Summary: The two ways of man.
Main Characters: God, righteous man, ungodly man.
Striking Facts: Our Lord Jesus was the typical "blessed man" who delighted to do the Father's will.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 2
Summary: The psalm of the king; rejected, established and finally reigning.
Main Characters: God, Christ, kings of earth.
Striking Facts: v. 12. The yoke of Christ is intolerable to a graceless neck but to the sinner, saved by His precious blood, it is easy and light. Matt. 11:29.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 3
Summary: A prayer of David (when he fled from Absalom).
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: In many of the psalms of David, we can see more of David's Lord than of David himself. The agonies of Christ are wonderfully portrayed in this chapter.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 4
Summary: David's exhortation to others to serve God.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 5. Let the sinner flee to the sacrifice of Calvary and there put his whole trust, for He who died was none other than the Lord Jehovah.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 5
Summary: David's prayer in which he extols God's holiness and asks judgment upon the wicked.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 7. (Worship toward the temple.) The temple shadowed forth the body of Christ, our Mediator, in whom alone our prayers are accepted with the Father. In our praying the soul should ever look toward Him.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 6
Summary: David in weakness seeks God's help.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 2. In this psalm of sorrow, David is seen as a type of Christ who wept and cried out "My soul is exceeding sorrowful even unto death," but found strength to sustain in the Father above.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 7
Summary: David prays for deliverance from persecutors.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 8
Summary: Meditation on the majesty of God's works and the insignificance of man.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: The psalm wonderfully foreshadows Christ. He was the revelation of the Father's excellent name; His glory is set above the heavens; He has sovereign dominion and it is He whom God has clothed with glory and honor. For a little time He was made lower than angels, when He took upon Himself the form of a servant. All creatures are under His feet and will eventually own Him to be Lord of all.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 9
Summary: Praise for victory over enemies.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 18 is one of the sweet promises of the Bible. When pleaded before the throne in the name of the Lord Jesus, who’s indeed Himself the great Promise of the Bible, it will be found exceedingly precious.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 10
Summary: The psalmist meditates on the wicked and desires to see them humbled under God's hand.
Main Characters: Psalmist, God.
Striking Facts: v. 16. We shall speed well if we carry our complaints to the King of Kings, for at the throne of the Lord Jesus, all wrongs will be redressed. ''Come quickly Lord Jesus."
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 11
Summary: The doom of the wicked.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 4. There is One who pleads His precious blood in our behalf in the temple above and an Intercessor at the right hand of the throne who is never deaf to the cries of His trusting people.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 12
Summary: A prayer for help against oppressors.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 6. Some see in the seven-fold trying of God's Word, an allusion to the seven dispensations of man or to the seven periods of the church, or to that perfection signified in the number seven to which the scriptures will have been brought at the Revelation of Jesus Christ.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 13
Summary: Prayer for deliverance from enemies.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: If, after all our pains, we find Jesus Christ in a new way, it will make full amends for all our long patience.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 14
Summary: The corruption and foolishness of man.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: The only perfect goodness is to be found in Jesus Christ. All have sinned and come short of God's standard; all are therefore concluded under sin, in the same state of damnation, until by God's grace and faith in Christ, they are regenerated.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 15
Summary: Those who shall dwell with God.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 1. When we are taught of God, we will see that only our spotless Lord can find acceptance before the Majesty on High. Until we are “in Christ," conformed to His image, there is no abiding place for us in His tabernacle.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 16
Summary: Meditation on the goodness of God.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: It was the Lord Jesus, who in the fullest sense made the Father His portion, the Father's glory His highest end and the Father's will His delight. He who in soul and body was preeminently God's Holy One was loosed from the pains of death because it was not possible that He should be holden of it. (vv. 8-10.)
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 17
Summary: David prays for relief from the pressure of enemies.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 15. It is in Christ alone, the first born from the dead, the express image of Jehovah's glory, that the saints will rise immortal, incorruptible, to be eternally satisfied in heaven. We shall see Him as He is and be made like Him.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 18
Summary: Praise for God's marvelous deliverances.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: David is here a type of Christ who was brought safely through all conflicts with the forces of evil and given to be head over all. Though He sees not yet all things put under Him, yet He knows that He shall reign until all opposing rule is put down and all men acknowledge Him to be both Lord and Christ.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 19
Summary: God's revelation of Himself in the book of nature, book of the law and the book of human life.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: Christ, the Sun of Righteousness, is the Bridegroom who rejoices to reveal Himself to men and like the champion, wins glory to Himself in His union with His Bride, the true church.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 20
Summary: A prayer for God's anointed people.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: vv. 3, 5. In all our conflicts, we are to have an eye to the sacrifice of Jesus, pausing ever at His cross before we march on to battle. Come what may, having trusted in His finished work, we may then rejoice in His saving arm.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 21
Summary: Praise for blessing and confidence for further victory.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: vv. 2, 5, 6. The psalm looks forward to Jesus, who is God over all blessed forever; once crowned with thorns but now wearing the glory crown. He is the Pleader whose requests are never withheld. Let us make use of this all-prevailing intercessor.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 22
Summary: David in great perplexity cries for help.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: The psalm gives a graphic picture of the death of the Lord Jesus and is called “the psalm of the cross." We see both the sufferings of Christ and the glory to follow. Oh for grace to draw near and see this great sight. (Read Matt. 27.)
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 23
Summary: David sees Jehovah as his good shepherd.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: The shepherd paalin follows the psalm of the cross. We must by experience know the value of the blood shed on Calvary's cross and see the sword awakened against the Shepherd before we can truly know the sweetness of the Good Shepherd's care. Psa. 22 is the Good Shepherd dying for His sheep. (Jno. 10:11.) Psa. 23 is the Great Shepherd caring, for His sheep. (Heb. 13:20.) Psa. 24 is the Chief Shepherd coming again for His sheep. (1 Pet. 5:4.)
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 24
Summary: The one who shall stand before Jehovah.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts: Christ, the ascended Savior, is here seen as Head and Crown of the universe, the King of Glory. He it was who could ascend the hill of the Lord, meeting perfectly all requirements. He has entered there as the forerunner of all who trust Him and shortly is coming out again to be acknowledged King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 25
Summary: Prayer for guidance, forgiveness, mercy and deliverance.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 8. Good and upright. God's goodness and uprightness are in perfect union. They were perfectly blended in the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus on Calvary. Because God Himself has paid the price of the cross. He can be Just and yet Justify the ungodly; His goodness and righteousness are harmonized. Faith in this sacrifice is the sinner's only hope of being delivered.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 26
Summary: David prays for vindication and deliverance and pledges faithfulness.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: In this chapter is seen a type of Christ who was made a reproach of men and who forewarned His followers that it would also be their portion to have all manner of evil spoken against them falsely for His sake.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 27
Summary: David glories in Jehovah's name and expresses triumphant faith.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 12. We get here a picture of Christ against whom false witnesses arose, breathing out cruelty, but though He was delivered into their wicked hands. He was not delivered to their wills, for God exalted Him far above all principality and power.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 28
Summary: Prayer for deliverance from enemies and testimony as to answered prayer.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 2. The holy place within the veil was the place where the ark and mercy seat were which foreshadowed the Lord. Jesus. If we gain acceptance in prayer, we must ever turn ourselves to the blood-springled mercy seat of His atonement.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 29
Summary: Adoration of God's mighty power.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 11, Peace. Jesus, the mighty God, is our peace. Having purchased the peace of pardon on the cross. He bequeathed it in His promise to His followers, ''Peace I leave with you; my peace I give unto you."
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 30
Summary: Thanksgiving for answer to prayer.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 7. The Lord Jesus is able to bring substantial consolation to the believer. He Himself was for a time deserted of the Father that those who believe on Him might not be deserted eternally.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 31
Summary: David implores God's help against enemies and extols God for his preservation.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 5. These living words of David were our Lord's dying words from the cross when He made His soul an offering for sin.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 32
Summary: The blessedness of those whose sin is forgiven.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 2. The righteousness of Christ being imputed to the believer, and the believer being made the righteousness of God "in Him" his iniquity is not set to his account. Christ took upon Himself the iniquity of us all and was made sin for us.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 33
Summary: Praise of God's wisdom and power.
Main Characters: Psalmist, God.
Striking Facts: v. 6. The three persons of the Godhead united in the creation of all things. Christ is the Word, (Jno. 1:1) without whom nothing was made. The Holy Spirit is the breath. God made the world, as He rules it and redeems it, by His Son and Spirit.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 34
Summary: David thankfully records God's goodness and invites the praise of others.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 20. Although it is strange that we meet with anything of Christ here, this Scripture is said to have been fulfilled in Christ. Jno. 19:36. The passover lamb of which not a bone was broken prefigured Jesus and at the same time the complete keeping of His Body, the Church.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 35
Summary: An appeal to heaven for the confusion of enemies.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: Herein David was a type of Christ to whom the wicked world was most ungrateful (Jno. 10:32) and who was slandered as no one else ever was (Matt. 26:60). If we are falsely charged, let us remember that so persecuted they the prophets and our Lord Himself.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 36
Summary: The wicked contrasted with the righteous and the Lord of devout men extolled.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 9. From the Lord Jesus as the self-sufficient spring (Jno. 4:14), proceeds our life and by Him it is sustained. In His light we see light. We cannot see Jesus by the light of self, but we see self in the light of Jesus.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 37
Summary: The riddle of the prosperity of the wicked and the affliction of the righteous.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: Come what may, the saints are safe in Christ Jesus and because He lives, they shall live also. As heirs with Him, heaven and eternity shall be theirs. Who would not be a Christian on such terms, in spite of all the oppression of the godless?
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 38
Summary: David's grief, complaints and confession.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 3. This is the condition of every awakened conscience until given relief through the Lord Jesus. When man sees himself in the light of God's Word applied by the Spirit, he must acknowledge his depravity and helplessness to get deliverance apart from Jesus Christ.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 39
Summary: The psalmist, bowed down with sorrow and sickness, is burdened with unbelieving thoughts and prays for help.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 40
Summary: God's salvation extolled and prayer for deliverance.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: vv. 6-8. The offerings had their worth only as types of the sacrifice of Christ, but when He came, as it was foretold in the volume of the Book, they ceased to be of worth. He alone completely did the will of God. Our expiation from sin is due not to us, but our Substitute's obedience to the will of Jehovah.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 41
Summary: Prayer for relief from sickness and confession of sins.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 9. Betrayal was one of the bitterest drops our Lord Jesus had to take. He applied this passage to Himself (Jno. 18:18, 26) as He gave Judas the sop. The believer need not think it strange if he receives abuses from trusted friends.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 42
Summary: The experiences of a much afflicted saint and his confidence in God.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 7. Our Lord Jesus, for our sakes, was overwhelmed with a deluge of grief, like that of the old world, when the fountains of the deep were broken up. He endured all the billows of God's wrath against sin.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 43
Summary: Prayer for God's help and leading.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 3. No common light can show us the road to heaven, but only that light sent from heaven, the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of Light and the truth as it is in Jesus, the Light of the world.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 44
Summary: Complaint of the Lord's apparent forgetfulness and entreaty for His help.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 22. There is a reference here to those who suffer, even unto death, for the testimony of Christ and to whom it is applied in Rom. 8:36.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 45
Summary: A psalm of the King, looking to His advent in glory.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: In Jesus, the anointed King, we behold every feature of a perfect character in harmonious proportion. He will never be so beautiful as when He is seen in union with His Bride, the Church.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 46
Summary: A psalm of holy confidence in God.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 4. God the Father is a river (Jer. 2:13). God the Son is a river, the fountain of salvation (Zech. 13:1, 3). God the Spirit is a river (Jno. 7:38; 4:14). The perfections of the Father, the fullness of Christ, the operations of the Holy Spirit — these make up the great river that makes glad the city of God.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 47
Summary: The people exhorted to shout over God's triumphs.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: The prospect of the coming universal reign of Christ as Prince of Peace is enough to make the tongue of the dumb sing.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 48
Summary: Praise of the beauty and strength of Mount Zion, the city of God.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: There is a spiritual Zion equally glorious and which shall never be overthrown, the Church, against which the gates of hell shall not prevail. She is putting on her garments to welcome the King when He comes to reestablish the literal Zion and to rule over the whole earth.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 49
Summary: The despicable character of those who trust in their wealth.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 7. Christ has done that for us which all the wealth of the world cannot do, redeeming us with His precious blood (1 Pet. 1:18-19). The redemption of the soul is precious because of its tremendous cost. Having been once wrought, it ceases forever, never needing to be repeated. (Heb. 9:25-26; 10:12.)
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 50
Summary: The arraignment of the ungodly and the greatness of Jehovah.
Main Characters: God, Asaph.
Striking Facts: v. 5. It is only by the sacrifice of Christ that sinners can be accepted of God. Those who have so covenanted will be gathered unto Christ at His coming (2 Thes. 2:1) to be assessors with Him in the later judgment of the world (1 Cor. 6:2).
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 51
Summary: The penitential prayer of David.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 7. The sinner is purged by blood upon acceptance of Christ (Heb. 1:3; 9:12; 10:14) which takes away the guilt of sin. The washing (v. 2) takes away the defilement of siu in the Christian, being accomplished by the application of the Word by the Spirit. (Eph. 5:25-26.)
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 52
Summary: The triumph of God's people over all oppressors.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 8. Those whose confidence is in God are compared to green olive trees, which are fat as well as flourishing (92:14). The wicked are compared (37:35) to a green bay tree, which has an abundance of large leaves but no useful fruit.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 53
Summary: The foolishness and iniquity of atheism.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 6. Those who meet the atheism and sinfulness of men cannot but long for the hastening of the glorious return of the Lord Jesus to earth to bring joy to the Church, His Bride, and restoration to His people Israel.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 54
Summary: Prayer for rescue from oppressors.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 6. In all our perplexities, if we have an eye to the Great Sacrifice of Calvary, we can look up and praise God. Apart from our Substitute, we have no ground for prayer.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 55
Summary: Complaint concerning false friends.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: David's suffering at the hands of false friends is here a type of Christ's sufferings. Ahitiphel, who is undoubtedly referred to, is a type of Judas, for they both hanged themselves.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 56
Summary: David pours out complaint about enemies.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 57
Summary: David in faith pleads God's mercy in his calamities.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: The Psalm may be construed of Christ, who in the days of His flesh was assaulted by the tyranny of enemies. Herod and Pilate, with the Gentiles and Jews furiously raged and took counsel together against Him. The chief priests and princes were like lions in readiness to devour Him. In it all. He taught us that if we seek the Father's glory our interests are safe in His hands.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 58
Summary: Prayer for the defeat of ungodly men.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 59
Summary: Complaint of the malice of enemies and comfort and confidence in God.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 6. The persecutors of our Lord Jesus are compared to dogs (22:16). They ran Him down with barking, for otherwise they could have found no way to take Him. What they lacked in reason and justice, they made up in noise.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 60
Summary: Prayer for the deliverance of God's people from enemies.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 4. Christ, the Son of David, is given for an ensign of the people (Isa. 11:10), a banner to those who fear God. His love is the banner over them. In His name and power they war against the powers of darkness. Let us unfurl our banners to the breeze in confident joy.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 61
Summary: Encouraged by experiences and expectation, David calls on God for further deliverance.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 2. The rock is Christ. Those are safe who are in Him, but none can mount this rock except God, by His Spirit, help them to it. The Spirit is able to effect such a leading even in the case of one who is on the border of despair.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 62
Summary: David professes his confidence in God and encourages himself to wait on God.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 63
Summary: David's desire toward God and Joyful dependence upon Him.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 11. Those who heartily espouse the cause of Christ who is to be manifested as King of Kings, shall glory in His victory at last.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 64
Summary: David prays for deliverance from the malicious designs of enemies.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 65
Summary: David gives to God the glory of His power and goodness.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 66
Summary: A call to praise God for His sovereign dominion and power in the whole creation.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 13. Even the thankful heart dares not come to God apart from the Great Sacrifice. Never attempt to pray without Jesus.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 67
Summary: Prayer for the prosperity of God's cause in the world.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 7. Christ is coming to set up His Kingdom on the earth when all the ends of the earth shall end their idolatry and adore Him. Not until the Lord Himself is made King of Kings will God's love, light, life and liberty reach to all peoples.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 68
Summary: Prayer against enemies and for God's people. All called upon to praise God for His greatness and goodness.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 18. This may refer to the triumph of bringing the ark into the hill of Zion, but mystically certainly was penned with foresight of Christ who arose from the dead, with triumph ascended into heaven, taking with Him the captive spirits of the Just in Paradise and thence sending the Holy Spirit unto His disciples.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 69
Summary: David complains of great distress and begs God to succor him.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: This Psalm has been called the psalm of Christ's humiliation and rejection, vv. 14-20 describe His Gethsemane experience (Matt. 26:36-45). v. 21 describes the cross (Matt. 27:34-4S). The present blindness of Israel is pictured in vv. 22-28 (Rom. 11:9-10). v. 25 pictures Judas (Acts 1:20) a type of his generation.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 70
Summary: Prayer for help for the godly and shame for enemies.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 3. These exclamations of exulting insolence were hurled at our Lord Jesus as He was accompanied to the cross. Our Savior caught in His ears the distant mutter of all the violent exclamations and felt the keen poisoning edge of every insult in His omniscience, as they cried "aha, aha."
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 71
Summary: Prayer that enemies might be put to shame. Joyful praise of God's goodness.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 72
Summary: The glories of the reign of the coming King.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 11. Jesus Christ is coming to be acknowledged Imperial Lord and King by all men, no matter how high their state. Every knee shall bow to Him and every tongue confess that He is Lord to the glory of the Father. "Come quickly. Lord Jesus."
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 73
Summary: The temptation to envy the prosperity of wicked people and how to fortify ones self against it. The awful fate of the ungodly.
Main Characters: God , Asaph .
Striking Facts: v. 25. The truly pious soul longs for the Lord Jesus in all places, objects and events. Heaven would be no heaven at all if He were not there. He is better than all on earth — more excellent than all in heaven.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 74
Summary: The deplorable condition of God's people spread before Him with petition for deliverance.
Main Characters: God , Asaph .
Striking Facts: v. 12. The Christian may now plead the ancient work of the Lord Jesus, that which was finished on Calvary, which was the overthrow of Satan, sin, death and hell. He who wrought such a wonderful salvation for us cannot desert the Christian now.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 75
Summary: A rebuke for those who fail to reckon with God.
Main Characters: God , Asaph .
Striking Facts: v. 3. This verse may well be applied to Christ. The world's inhabitants were being dissolved by sin and destruction was threatened to the whole creation. Christ bore up the pillars and saved the world from utter ruin by saving His people from their sins. "He upholds all things by the word of His power."
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 76
Summary: The glory of God's power celebrated.
Main Characters: God , Asaph .
Striking Facts: This psalm expresses the advantages the Christian enjoys in Jesus Christ through whom God is known, in whom God's name is made great. He has spoiled principalities and powers and will make a show of them openly.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 77
Summary: Sorrowful complaints followed by encouragement by remembrance of God's former mighty deliverances.
Main Characters: God , Asaph .
Striking Facts: v. 11. Whatever else may be forgotten, the marvelous works of the Lord Jesus in the days of old must not be suffered to be forgotten, for the memory of the cross is always the handmaid for faith and the foundation of all true prayer.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 78
Summary: Israel's sins wherewith they had provoked God. The tokens of God's displeasure as the result.
Main Characters: God , Asaph .
Striking Facts: v. 72. The psalm describing the varying conditions of the people, ends in peace with the reign of the Lord's anointed, David, When the Lord Jesus, the Chief Shepherd, comes, these desert roamings will be ended and we shall enter into the rest of a peaceful Kingdom.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 79
Summary: The deplorable condition of God's people and prayer for relief.
Main Characters: God , Asaph .
Striking Facts: v. 10. The day is coming when God will make bare His everlasting arm on behalf of His people, taking glory to His own name by sending back the Lord Jesus, the King of Kings, by the brightness of whose coming the wicked shall be destroyed and God's name glorified.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 80
Summary: The tokens of God's favor besought and the former blessings cited as a basis for present deliverance.
Main Characters: God , Asaph .
Striking Facts: v. 17. Their king is called the man of God's right hand, as he was also under-shepherd under Him who was the Great Shepherd of Israel (v. 1) Christ is the Great Shepherd to whom we may commit His sheep in faith.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 81
Summary: God chides His people for their ingratitude and pictures their happy state had they but obeyed Him.
Main Characters: God, Asaph, Joseph, Jacob.
Striking Facts: v. 16. The honey out of the rock speaks to us of Christ, the Rock of our Salvation (1 Cor. 10:4) and the fullness of grace in Him and the blessings of the Gospel. Those who hearken to Christ are filled and satisfied with all that is good.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 82
Summary: Instructions for the judges of the earth.
Main Characters: God, Asaph.
Striking Facts: v. 8. This may be taken as a prayer for the hastening of the coming of Christ who is the Judge of the earth, the King by right divine who is to inherit all nations. When He comes, all unrighteous potentates will be broken like potter's vessels.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 83
Summary: An appeal to God's jealousy for His cause and prayer for defeat of enemies.
Main Characters: God, Asaph, Sisera, Zeeb, Jabin, Oreb.
Striking Facts: The prophecy reaches to all the enemies of Christ's church. Those who have persistently opposed Christ and His Kingdom, may here read their doom.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 84
Summary: Testimony to God's goodness and the happiness of those who put their confidence in Him.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist, Jacob.
Striking Facts: v. 11. God has given both grace and glory, for the Lord Jesus is the fullness of both. In Him we shall find comfort and protection and in Him no good thing may be withheld, for His grace secures every covenant blessing to the believer.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 85
Summary: Prayer for an afflicted people. Remembrance of former mercies and faith for future good.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 10. In Christ the attributes of God meet in perfect unity in the salvation of guilty men by a holy and righteous God. By the gift of Calvary, God is as true as if He had fulfllled every letter of His threatenings and as righteous as if He had never spoken peace to a guilty sinner. Christ, our perfect Substitute, has taken the full penalty of our sins.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 86
Summary: The malice of enemies deplored. God's goodness pleaded in prayer for mercy.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: In this Psalm we may hear the voice of Christ, who was both Son of God and Son of man, one God with the Father and one man with men. He prays for us as our Priest. He prays in us as our Head through His Spirit. He is prayed to by us, as our God.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 87
Summary: God's favor to Zion and His great love for it.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 3. Zion may be taken as a type of the Gospel church of which even more glorious things are spoken than of Jerusalem. It is the Bride of Christ, a peculiar people, a royal priesthood, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. We need never be ashamed of the church, even in its meanest condition.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 88
Summary: Lamentation over trouble and pleading with God for mercy.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 89
Summary: Joy over and praise of God's greatness. Complaint of the seeming failure of the covenant and prayer for redress.
Main Characters: God, David, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 27. The covenant looks beyond David and Solomon. Isa. 7:13-15; 9:6-7; Mic. 5:2. Jesus has preeminence in all things, having a more glorious name than any other. When He comes it will be seen what the covenant stores up for the once despised Son of David, but who it to be exalted as King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 90
Summary: The frailty of man and his consequent need of being submitted to God's sentences.
Main Characters: God, Moses.
Striking Facts: v. 17. The beauty of the Lord is the beauty of holiness and it shall suffice, if in our lives His holiness is reflected by the Spirit and we are transformed into the image of Christ from one stage of glory to another. That beauty of holiness shone with resplendent lustre in the Lord Jesus, and as He lives in us, it may be reflected in every disciple.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 91
Summary: The preservation of those whose confidence is in God.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist, Moses.
Striking Facts: v. 1. Into the secret place those only come who know the love of God in Christ Jesus and those only dwell there to whom "to live is Christ."
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 92
Summary: The ruin of sinners and the joy of saints.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 93
Summary: The honor of God's kingdom.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: The King Immortal and Almighty will stand upon His glorious throne in the person of the Son of Man. That the Lord Jesus already does reign in the hearts of His own should be our praise. That He may come and set up His Kingdom on earth should be our prayer.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 94
Summary: An appeal to God to appear for His people against His and their enemies.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 14. God's people in Christ may be cast down but they can never be cast off. They cannot be utterly forsaken because they are God's inheritance in Christ. Eph. 1:18.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 95
Summary: A call to praise God as our gracious benefactor.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 1. Christ is the Rock of our Salvation, therefore we must sing our songs of praise to Him who sits upon the throne, and to the Lamb. We are His under all possible obligations, being the people of His pasture, the sheep of His hand (v. 7). By His hand we are led into green pastures, protected and provided for.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 96
Summary: Call to all people to praise God in view of His glory and greatness.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: vv. 10-13. Let it be told everywhere that Christ's government will be the happy settlement of all things and that it will be incontestably just and righteous. He is coming to judge and to rule and even now is at the threshhold. ''Come quickly. Lord Jesus."
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 97
Summary: The comfort of God's people, arising from His sovereign dominion.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: Those who rejoice in Jesus Christ and His exaltation have fountains of joy treasured up for them. While they may expect tribulation in this world, the day is coming when they shall see all powers recognize the chief power and Christ's Kingdom victorious among the heathen.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 98
Summary: Exhortation to praise. The joy of the redeemed because of the setting up of God's Kingdom.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: Jesus, our King has lived a marvelous life, died a marvelous death, risen by a divine power, by the energy of the Spirit has wrought marvelous things and is yet to be openly proclaimed the conquering King, monarch over all the nations at His second coming.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 99
Summary: Call to praise God because of the glories of His Kingdom among men.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Samuel, Aaron, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 5. Jehovah has revealed Himself in Jesus Christ as our reconciled God who allows us to approach to His Throne. Jesus is the King, the Mercy Seat is the throne, and the sceptre which He sways is holy like Himself. As we exalt Him, let us draw near in all humility and adoration.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 100
Summary: Call to praise God in consideration of His being and His relation to us.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 3. It is the Christian's honor to have been chosen out of the world by the Good Shepherd, to be His own special property, and it is his privilege to be guided by His wisdom, tended by His care and fed by His bounty.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 101
Summary: David's vow to God when he took upon him the charge of the kingdom.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: David is here a type of Christ who has His eyes upon the faithful in the land and will ultimately banish the wicked from His presence, v. 8 will have its larger fulfillment when He comes in judgment.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 102
Summary: Sorrowful complaint of great afflictions and a believing prospect of deliverance.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: vv. 25, 26. The application of these verses to Christ (Heb. 1:10-12) shows that the Psalm has a reference to the days of the Messiah. The Son of God made the worlds (John 1:1-3; Col. 1:16) yet for our sakes He became a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 103
Summary: The psalmist, affected with the goodness of God stirs himself up to praise God.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 4. Redemption will ever constitute one of the sweetest notes in the believer's grateful song. Glory be to our Great Substitute who has delivered us from going down into the pit by giving Himself to be our ransom.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 104
Summary: God's greatness, majesty and sovereign dominion celebrated.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist, David.
Striking Facts: v. 4. This is quoted by the Apostle (Heb. 1:7) to prove the preeminence of Christ above the angels. Heb. 1 : 3 shows us that it is Christ who upholds all things by the word of His power.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 105
Summary: Jehovah extolled for His deliverances of Israel. The coming forth from Egypt described.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist, Moses, Aaron, Jacob, Joseph, Abraham.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 106
Summary: The badness of Israel made heinous by the great goodness of God.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist, Moses, Aaron, Dathan, Abiram, Phinehas.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 107
Summary: God's wisdom, power and goodness celebrated. Man's deplorable forgetfulness of His mercies.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 2. Those who have an interest in the Great Redeemer, being saved by Him from sin and hell, of all people have reason to say that God is good and His mercy everlasting.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 108
Summary: Thanks to God for His mercies and His promises pleaded.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 7. With such assurance, we may speak of the performance of God's promise to the Son of David, who is certainly to have the utter most parts of the earth for His inheritance. He waits at God's right hand for the hour when He shall come forth to be proclaimed both Lord and King.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 109
Summary: Complaint of the malice, of enemies and appeal to the righteous God for Judgment.
Main Characters: God, David, Satan.
Striking Facts: David is here a type of Christ who was compassed about with hateful enemies, who persecuted Him, not only without cause, but for His love and His good works. (John 10:32). Yet He gave Himself to prayer to pray for them. However the imprecations here are not appropriate in the mouth of the Saviour. It is not the spirit of the Gospel, but of Sinai which here speaks out of the mouth of David.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 110
Summary: The Messiah promised to the fathers and expected by them.
Main Characters: God, David, Christ.
Striking Facts: This psalm affirms the deity of Jesus, (v. 1) announces His eternal priesthood, (v. 4) and looks to the time when He will appear as the Hod of Jehovah's strength (Rom. 11:25-27) and as the Judge over all powers (vv. 5, 6).
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 111
Summary: Exhortation to praise God for the greatness and glory of His works.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 9. The Christian can indeed sing of redemption, for it is an accomplished act, wrought out for us by Jesus on Calvary. All who have received Him are indeed the Lord's redeemed.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 112
Summary: The eternal happiness of the saints.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: Fixedness of heart, the sovereign remedy against all disquieting news is one of the believer's inheritances in Christ, who has proved Himself the victor over Satan. Looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith is the sure way of establishing the heart.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 113
Summary: A call to praise God.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 114
Summary: The deliverance of Israel out of Egypt.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 115
Summary: Indignation against the makers and worshippers of idols and exhortation to trust in God.
Main Characters: God, house of Aaron, Psalmist.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 116
Summary: Thanksgiving for the many gracious deliverances God had wrought.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: A psalm of thanksgiving in the person of Christ. He proclaims the mercies He experiences from His Father in the days of His incarnation and the glories He has received in the Kingdom above.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 117
Summary: A solemn call to the nations to praise God.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: In Jesus Christ God has shown to the world mercy mixed with kindness to the very highest degree. The tidings of His gospel to all nations should cause them to glorify God.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 118
Summary: Cheerful acknowledgement of God's goodness and dependence upon that goodness for the future.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 22. Jesus Christ is the tried stone, elect, precious, which God Himself appointed. While the Jews could not see the excellence in Him that they should build upon Him, in raising Him from the dead God made Him the headstone of the corner, the foundation of the church. To the rejector He is now a stumbling stone. At His second coming He is the stone cut out without hands which is to fall upon and crush the unbelieving nations.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 119
Summary: The excellency and usefulness of the divine revelation set forth and exhortation to all to make it their meditation and to be governed by it.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 99. The disciples of Christ who sit at His feet and let Him Interpret the Word to them are often better skilled in divine things than the doctors of divinity. The best way to find "the wondrous things" is to saturate the study of the Word in prayer (v. 18) which makes it possible for Christ to speak to us out of the Word, through the Holy Spirit. John 16:13, 14.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 120
Summary: Prayer for deliverance from the mischief designed by false and malicious tongues.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: David is herein a type of Christ who was greatly distressed by lying lips and deceitful tongues, and found sufficient grace to bear in silence by waiting upon His heavenly Father.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 121
Summary: The guardian care of the Lord and the peace of His house.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: v. 2. Help cometh (lit) ''from before the Lord." This suggests Christ incarnate through whom God has made Himself our help and who helps us constantly by His intercession at God's right hand.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 122
Summary: Prayer for the welfare of Jerusalem.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 5. The thought of God reigning in the Son of David, avenging the just cause, is cheering for disconsolate hearts. Christ's throne is set and truth and righteousness shall be manifested on the throne with the King when He comes.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 123
Summary: Expectation of mercy from God in the day of contempt.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 124
Summary: David gives to God the glory of the deliverances of His people.
Main Characters: God, Israel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 125
Summary: The security of God's people because of His promises, and the Jeopardy of the wicked.
Main Characters: God, Israel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 126
Summary: Thankfulness for deliverance from captivity.
Main Characters: God, Zion.
Striking Facts: The return out of captivity may be taken as typical of the sinner's redemption by Christ. Surely He has done great things for us, whereof we should be glad and should give Him glory continually.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 127
Summary: The vanity of worldly care and the wisdom of dependence on God for all things in the home.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 128
Summary: The prosperity of those who live in the fear of God and in obedience to Him.
Main Characters: God, Israel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 129
Summary: Prayer for destruction of all the enemies of Zion.
Main Characters: God, Israel.
Striking Facts: v. 3. The sufferings of Christ were a prophecy of what His church would be called upon to endure for His sake. The true church has ever had fellowship with Him under His cruel flagellations.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 130
Summary: The Psalmist's desire toward God and his repentance before God.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: There is but one solution to the sin question since all our transgressions are recorded. God has provided a sacrifice — Christ, through whom there is redemption for all. Our transgressions will not be acted upon if we are in Christ, since He has borne the penalty for us.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 131
Summary: The lowliness and humility of a sanctified heart.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 2. The Lord Jesus teaches us humility by this same comparison. Matt. 18:3. We must become, not childish, but as little children, childlike in our confidence toward God.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 132
Summary: A pleading of the divine covenant and its promises.
Main Characters: God, David, Christ.
Striking Facts: v. 11. Peter applies this to Christ and tells us that David himself so understood it. Acts 2:30. Christ fulfilled all the conditions and the Father has given Him the throne of his father David. Luke 1:32. He is now at the right hand of His Father's throne and when the fullness of the Gentiles is gathered in, the promise of the Davidic throne will be made good, and He will come to reign over all the saints shall sit with Him upon this eternal throne. Rev. 3:21.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 133
Summary: The happiness of brotherly love.
Main Characters: God, Aaron.
Striking Facts: The finest unity is that which the saints have in Christ. John 17:21. If we are in tune with Christ, we will be in tune with all His. While there may not always be oneness of view, there can always be oneness of spirit and object in Christ.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 134
Summary: Exhortation to, and prayer for, those who are constantly ministering before the Lord.
Main Characters: God, night watchers.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 135
Summary: A call to the servants of God to praise Him for His mighty works.
Main Characters: God, Pharaoh, Sihon, Og, house of Aaron, house of Levi.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 136
Summary: Call to praise God as the great Benefactor of the whole creation.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: vv. 23-24. In our lost estate, God has extended His great mercy toward us in the gift of His Son to redeem us from sin, death and hell and save us from all spiritual enemies.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 137
Summary: Lamentation over the sad condition of God's people in captivity.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 138
Summary: Thankfulness for the experience of God's goodness.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 2. Christ is the essential Word, John 1:1. He and His gospel are magnified above all the discoveries God had made of Himself to the fathers.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 139
Summary: Meditation upon the doctrines of God's omniscience and omnipresence.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 7. No one can escape the all-pervading being and observation of the Holy Spirit. We are, whether we will it or not, as near to God as our soul is to our body, for the Holy Spirit dwells within the Christian (1 Cor. 6:19). This makes it dreadful work to sin, for it is insulting God to His face.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 140
Summary: The malice of enemies and prayer for preservation.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: David is here a type of Christ in that he suffered before his reign and was humbled before he was exalted. As there were many who valued Him, so there were many who hated Him, and those who could not agree in anything else joined themselves faithfully together to persecute Christ.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 141
Summary: Prayer for God's favorable acceptance and powerful assistance.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 2. Christ in the evening of the world, offered up Himself a sacrifice that a way of approach might be made for the believer into the Holy of Holies. It was the fire under the incense that brought out its sweetness — it is the Holy Spirit who offers fragrant prayer to God. Rom. 8:26-27. The fire, however, was from the blood-sprinkled altar, and apart from Christ's atonement, no acceptable prayer can be offered. Heb. 10:19-20.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 142
Summary: The malice of enemies and expectation of God's deliverance.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: v. 4. David is here a type of Christ, who in His suffering for us was forsaken of all men and trod the winepress alone.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 143
Summary: Complaint of great distresses and dangers and prayer that persecutors might be reckoned with.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 144
Summary: Acknowledgment of the great goodness of God and prayer for the prosperity of the kingdom.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts: vv. 12-14. David as king is here a type of Christ who provides effectually for the good of His chosen and who will remove every hurtful thing from earth when He comes to reign.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 145
Summary: David engages himself and others to praise God.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 146
Summary: The psalmist engages himself to praise God and exhorts others to trust and praise Him.
Main Characters: God, Psalmist.
Striking Facts: The psalm is very applicable to Christ, by whom God made the world; who caused the blind to receive their sight and the lame to walk; He will subvert all the counsels of hell and earth that militate against His church and will exercise full judgment at His coming again.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 147
Summary: A call to praise God. The greatness and condescending goodness of the Lord celebrated.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 148
Summary: A call to all living things to praise God.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 14. The blessing of nearness to God has now, through Christ, come upon the Gentiles. Those who were afar off are now made high by His blood. Eph. 2:13.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 149
Summary: Triumph in the God of Israel.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: vv. 7-10. Our Lord Jesus is coming as King to overthrow all evil, to display His justice against evil-doers, and with Him, the saints shall judge the world.
Book: Psalms
Chapter: 150
Summary: The psalmist would fill all the world with God's praises.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: The first psalm began with "blessed" and ended with "blessed." The fruit of the blessedness of meditating on God's Word, is now shown in the last psalm which begins and ends (lit.) with "Hallelujah."
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 1
Summary: Wisdom's reasoning with the children of men and the certain ruin of those who turn a deaf ear to Wisdom's call.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, his son, Wisdom, (Christ).
Striking Facts: v. 20. It is Christ who pleads with sinners and passes sentence on them. He calls Himself Wisdom, Luke 7:35. In Him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. He is the center of all divine revelation — the eternal Word by whom God speaks to men.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 2
Summary: How wisdom is to be obtained and used. The unspeakable advantage of true wisdom.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, his son.
Striking Facts: v. 7. Wisdom is laid up for the righteous, in Christ, who is made unto the believer, wisdom and knowledge.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 3
Summary: The power of true wisdom to make men both blessed and a blessing.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, his son.
Striking Facts: vv. 13-14. In all the wealth of the world is not to be found a taste of that transcendant happiness which is gained in Christ, in whom are stored the treasures of wisdom, which consist in the knowledge and love of God.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 4
Summary: Earnest exhortation to the study of true wisdom.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, his son.
Striking Facts: v. 18. The Christian walks in a way of light Christ is their way and Christ is the light. They are guided by the Bible which is a light to their feet.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 5
Summary: Caution against the sin of whoredom.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, his son.
Striking Facts: v. 21. Those who practice adultery promise themselves secrecy (Job 24:15). All the workings of the heart and all the outgoings of the life are wide open to God, Christ and the Holy Spirit. Every action will be brought into judgment when Jesus comes.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 6
Summary: Caution against rash suretyship, slothfulness, forwardness, and whoredom.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, his son, Wisdom, (Christ).
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 7
Summary: Warning against all approaches to the sin of adultery.
Main Characters: Solomon, his son.
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 8
Summary: Praise of divine wisdom. Christ, the Wisdom of God, speaks to men.
Main Characters: God, Wisdom (Christ).
Striking Facts: v. 22. Wisdom here is certainly more than the personification of an attribute of God, or the will of God, but is a distinct representation of Christ. John 1:1-3; Col. 1:17.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 9
Summary: Wisdom (Christ) and sin, as rivals for the soul of man.
Main Characters: God, Wisdom.
Striking Facts: vv. 1-5. Heaven is the place where Wisdom (Christ) has prepared many mansions. Christ Himself is the sacrifice which has been killed and it is His flesh that is meat indeed. His disciples have gone forth with the invitation to the Gospel feast, even the simple being freely invited.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 10
Summary: The blessedness of the ways of righteousness and the folly of the ways of wickedness.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 11
Summary: Proverbs contrasting good and evil.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 12
Summary: Proverbs contrasting good and evil.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 13
Summary: Proverbs contrasting good and evil.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 14
Summary: Proverbs contrasting good and evil.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 15
Summary: Proverbs contrasting good and evil.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 16
Summary: Proverbs contrasting good and evil.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts: v. 4. God makes no man wicked, out He made those whom He foreknew would be wicked of their own choice, because He knew how to get glory to Himself and honor upon them (Rom. 9:22) by the display of His grace in Christ Jesus.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 17
Summary: Proverbs contrasting good and evil.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 18
Summary: Proverbs contrasting good and evil.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts: v. 24. Christ is the true friend to all believers, who sticks closer than a brother. To Him therefore let us show ourselves friends.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 19
Summary: Proverbs contrasting good and evil.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts: v. 17. What is given to the poor out of love for Christ, God places to our account as lent to Him. Jesus said "In as much as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me."
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 20
Summary: Warnings and instructions regarding the ways of folly.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts: v. 9. This is a challenge to any man in the world to prove himself sinless. Only saints in heaven, who ''have seen Him as He is" and been made like Him, can say it. Though the believer, through the work, of the Spirit, is pure from the sins of many others, yet each one still has sins that easily beset, him — sins of omission and sins of commission which they have to continually confess in order to maintain unbroken fellowship with Christ.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 21
Summary: Warnings and Instructions.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts: v. 3. The sacrifice which typified the great sacrifice of Christ, was a divine institution. Religious ceremonies liased upon Christ's sacrifice are pleasing to God when offered in faith and repentance, but when not backed by true devotion, are an abomination.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 22
Summary: Warnings and Instructions.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 23
Summary: Warnings and Instructions.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, his son.
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 24
Summary: Warnings and Instructions.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, his son.
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 25
Summary: Warnings and Instructions.
Main Characters: God, Solomon, Hezekiah.
Striking Facts: v. 1. Herein Christ is greater than Solomon for John 21:25 tells us that if we had on record all the good things that Christ said the world could not contain the books.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 26
Summary: Warnings and Instructions.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 27
Summary: Warnings and Instructions.
Main Characters: Solomon, his son.
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 28
Summary: Warnings and Instructions.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 29
Summary: Warnings and Instructions.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 30
Summary: The words of Agur.
Main Characters: God, Agur, Ithiel, Ucal.
Striking Facts: v. 4. It is God who has gathered the winds in His fists and His name is "I am that I am" (Ex. S:14), a name to be adored, not to be understood. He has a Son, Jesus Christ, whose name was to be called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Mighty God, Prince of Peace." By Him, God made all that was made, and by Him He controls all things.
Book: Proverbs
Chapter: 31
Summary: Words of King Lemuel on the dangers of intemperance and the worth of a godly woman.
Main Characters: God, Lemuel, his mother.
Striking Facts: The scope of all the various proverbs of this book is one and the same — to direct our manner of life aright and to point us to the Lord Jesus Christ, who is "made unto us Wisdom and Righteousness.”
Book: Ecclesiastes
Chapter: 1
Summary: The doctrine of the vanity of the creature, and the impossibility of finding satisfaction without God.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: All is indeed vanity if Christ is not in the heart and if there be no hope of eternal life through acceptance of Him. The things of earth are passing away and hence are vanity if they be trusted in. There is a kingdom coming in which believers shall inherit substance and where there is no vanity. Matt. 11:28-29; 1 Cor. 15:19.
Book: Ecclesiastes
Chapter: 2
Summary: Solomon shows that there is no true happiness and satisfaction to be had in mirth, pleasure and the delights of sense.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ecclesiastes
Chapter: 3
Summary: The mutability of all human affairs and the unchangeableness and unsearchableness of the divine counsels.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: v. 17. In the midst of all the inequalities of human affairs it is a great comfort to know that the eye of faith can see that Jesus Christ, the Judge, stands before the door and that when He comes, He will reward the righteous and punish the pride and cruelty of oppressors. Though the day of affliction may seem long, we may patiently wait His coming, when there will be an examination into every purpose and every work done under the sun.
Book: Ecclesiastes
Chapter: 4
Summary: Discontent and impatience because of the oppressions and iniquities of life.
Main Characters: Solomon.
Striking Facts: v. 4. For every right work, the Christian is remembered by the Lord Jesus, and at His coming will be rewarded. Though he be hated by a neighbor for a right work, the Christian will always be abounding in the work of the Lord knowing his labor will not be in vain in the Lord.
Book: Ecclesiastes
Chapter: 5
Summary: Warnings against a vain religion. The vanity and vexation attending the possession of wealth.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: Those who labor only for the world, to fill their hands with that which they cannot take away, will not only die an uncomfortable death, but will miss the only satisfaction of life. (v. 12.) The sleep of the diligent Christian is sweet, for having spent his strength and time in Christ's service, he can cheerfully return to Him and repose in Him who gives rest. Matt. 11:28-29.
Book: Ecclesiastes
Chapter: 6
Summary: The vanity of worldly wealth as pertaining only to the body.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: v. 7. Those who have ever so much, yet do not know Christ, are ever craving. Wealth to a worldling is like drink to one who has dropsy, which only increases the thirst. Christ is the true Bread which satisfies; the Water of life which quenches all thirst of the soul.
Book: Ecclesiastes
Chapter: 7
Summary: Prudence recommended as a means of avoiding much of the vanity and vexation of the world.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ecclesiastes
Chapter: 8
Summary: Wisdom recommended as an antidote against the temptations and vexations arising from the vanity of the world.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ecclesiastes
Chapter: 9
Summary: The universality of death and the need of minding the foulness of life and using wisdom.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: v. 1. Regardless of how the outward condition of men may seem to us, let it be remembered that all men's affairs are in God's hand and that prosperity is not necessarily a sign of God's love or affliction of His hatred. If a man has Christ as His Savior, he may be happy though the world frowns upon him, and if he is without Christ he may be miserable, though the world smiles upon him.
Book: Ecclesiastes
Chapter: 10
Summary: Proverbs recommending wisdom as of great use for the right ordering of our lives.
Main Characters: Solomon.
Striking Facts: v. 1. Those who profess to be followers of Christ, who is said to be "made unto us wisdom," have need to walk very circumspectly lest they be guilty of any instance of folly, for many eyes are upon them.
Book: Ecclesiastes
Chapter: 11
Summary: Exhortation to works of charity and right living.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ecclesiastes
Chapter: 12
Summary: Exhortation to the young to be religious. The vanity of the world.
Main Characters: God, Solomon.
Striking Facts: v. 13. This is on the ground of law, not grace. To fear God and keep the commandments is the best that man, apart from redemption, can do. The Christian, under the Gospel, has Christ living in Him (Gal. 2:20) and his body is a shrine of the Holy Ghost (1 Cor. 6:19).
Book: Song of Songs
Chapter: 1
Summary: The Bride and Bridegroom in joyful communion.
Main Characters: Solomon, Bride (Christ, Church).
Striking Facts: The spiritual and larger interpretation of this book is of Christ, the Son and His heavenly Bride, the Church (2 Cor. 11:1-4). The Church is beautiful to Christ as Christ is beautiful to the Church.
Book: Song of Songs
Chapter: 2
Summary: The Bridegroom speaks concerning himself and his Bride. The Bride speaks remembering her satisfaction in her beloved.
Main Characters: Solomon, Bride (Christ, Church).
Striking Facts: Those whose hearts are filled with love to Christ and the hope of heaven, know best the meaning of this chapter— the rejoicing in Him and the longing to see Him.
Book: Song of Songs
Chapter: 3
Summary: The Bride seeking the favor of the Bridegroom. She calls upon all to admire Him.
Main Characters: Solomon, Bride (Christ, Church).
Striking Facts: Under the figure of Solomon, his bed and his guards about it the Church here admires Christ, the true Bridegroom. Solomon is used as an illustrious type of Christ because of his wisdom and wealth and the fact that he built the temple.
Book: Song of Songs
Chapter: 4
Summary: The Bridegroom commends the beauty of the Bride and delights in her affection.
Main Characters: Solomon, Bride (Christ, Church).
Striking Facts: The representations here made of the beauty of the Church, do not represent external beauty but the beauty of holiness, the hidden man of the heart as seen by heaven through the blood of Christ.
Book: Song of Songs
Chapter: 5
Summary: The distress of the Bride because of the temporary withdrawal of the groom, due to the Bride's neglect.
Main Characters: Solomon, Bride (Christ, Church).
Striking Facts: v. 6. Rev. 3:20 describes the state of the Church in coldness toward Christ. He has knocked for entrance, but in their drowsiness and coldness, they have not responded. They find themselves at last deserted by Him.
Book: Song of Songs
Chapter: 6
Summary: The Bridegroom applauds the beauty of the Bride, preferring her before all others.
Main Characters: Solomon, Bride (Christ, Church).
Striking Facts: v. 3. Though Christ may have justly hid His face from His Bride for a time, yet His covenant continues firm, and true believers may always say, ''I am His and He is mine.
Book: Song of Songs
Chapter: 7
Summary: Further description of the beauties of the Bride.
Main Characters: Solomon, Bride (Christ, Church).
Striking Facts: v. 11. Those who love Christ will go forth from the amusements of the world, contriving to attend upon Him without distraction. If we keep our eyes upon Christ, we may have the realization of His presence with us wherever we go (I walk with the King, hallelujah!).
Book: Song of Songs
Chapter: 8
Summary: The affections between the Bridegroom and His Bride.
Main Characters: Solomon, Bride (Christ, Church).
Striking Facts: v. 14. "Even so come, Lord Jesus: come quickly." Only those who can in sincerity call Christ their beloved, can desire Him to hasten His second coming. Let believers long for it, pray for It and work for it.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 1
Summary: Charge against Israel for their ingratitude and degeneration. Call to repentance and reformation.
Main Characters: God, Isaiah.
Striking Facts: v. 11. The costly devotions of those who have not apprehended Christ, He of whom the sacrifices were but a faint shadowing, are an abomination to God. The ceremonial observances were all done away by the death of Christ.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 2
Summary: The coming glory of Jerusalem and Israel. The humbling of the haughty and the shame of sinners in that day.
Main Characters: God, Isaiah.
Striking Facts: vv. 19-21. Rev. 6:12-17 shows that the reference here is to the time of Christ's return to judge in terrible majesty. Those who do not flee to Christ before that day will flee from Him then. The prophecy of this chapter relates entirely to Christ's kingdom, still future, when once more the laws of God shall go forth out of Zion.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 3
Summary: The coming desolations of Jerusalem because of sin and the judgment of sinners.
Main Characters: God, Isaiah.
Striking Facts: v. 10. Whatever becomes of an unrighteous nation, those who are "in Christ” will be "safe by the blood of the Crucified One."
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 4
Summary: The coming restoration of Jerusalem's peace and purity.
Main Characters: God, Isaiah.
Striking Facts: v. 2. "Branch'' is a name used of Christ, because He was planted by God's power and flourishes to His praise.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 5
Summary: Parable of Jehovah's vineyard and the six woes upon Israel.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 4. Some believe Christ thought these words when He beheld Jerusalem and wept over it (Luke 19:41), and had reference to it in the parable of the vineyard. Matt. 21:33.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 6
Summary: Isaiah's transforming vision and his new commission.
Main Characters: God, Isaiah.
Striking Facts: vv. 9-10. These verses are referred to six times in the N. T. It pictures the attitude of the Jews especially toward Christ, a condition which still remains with them, and with all who wilfully reject Him.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 7
Summary: Evil confederacy of Rezin and Jekah. The sign of the Virgin's Son. Prediction of impending invasion of Judah.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Ahaz, Rezin, Pekah, Isaiah, Shearjashub.
Striking Facts: v. 14. The Virgin's Son, Immanuel, God with us, was fulfilled in Jesus. Matt. 1:21-25. If He had not been Immanuel, God with us. He could not have been Jesus (A Savior).
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 8
Summary: Predictions of the Syrian invasion and of the desolations of Judah and Israel.
Main Characters: God, Israel, Uriah, Zechariah, Maher, Shalal-hash-baz, Rezin, sons of Remaliah.
Striking Facts: v. 14. When Israel rejected Christ. He became to them a stone of stumbling. This passage is quoted in application to all those who persist in their unbelief of the Gospel (1 Pet. 2:8). Being disobedient to God's Word, men stumble at it.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 9
Summary: A divine child, the only hope of Israel. Vision of the outstretched hand. The unavailing chastisement.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Isaiah, Rezin.
Striking Facts: vv. 6-7. Christ was Wonderful in His earthly ministry (Luke 24:19); is Counsellor in His priestly service (1 John 2:1); will be Mighty God in His coming manifestation (Psa. 45:36); Everlasting Father in His ultimate relation (Pro v. 8:23); Prince of Peace in His kingdom (Acts 10:36).
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 10
Summary: The commission to invade Judah and its execution. Threatening of the invaders ruin after serving God's purpose. New encouragement given to God's people.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 11
Summary: Prophecy of the Davidic Kingdom and restoration of Israel.
Main Characters: Christ, Holy Spirit.
Striking Facts: Nothing of this chapter occurred at Christ's first coming. Israel was then dispersed and Christ was killed. The Messiah-King was then rejected, but His earth-kingdom will be set up when He returns in glory. Luke 1:31-32; Acts 13:15-16.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 12
Summary: The worship of the coming Kingdom.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: The Christian does not have to wait until the Kingdom is set up to joy in His praises, for by Jesus Christ, the root of Jesse, God's anger has been turned away, and the believer can say "He is my peace."
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 13
Summary: Prophecy concerning last days, when punishment will be visited upon the nations, and Israel shall pass through the Great Tribulation.
Main Characters: God, Isaiah.
Striking Facts: The chapter looks forward to the apocalyptic judgments. (Rev. 6 to 13) Babylon has never yet been destroyed in the way here foretold, and many believe Babylon will in the last day be rebuilt, and the everlasting destruction here predicted will then fall upon it.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 14
Summary: Christ's Kingdom set up on earth with Israel restored, the Beast of hell. Satan's fall and doom. Babylon's final Judgment.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: vv. 12-14. This is a reference to Satan, the real, though unseen ruler of successive world powers. This tells the story of the beginning of sin in the universe. The universal catastrophe here predicted has never occurred and has to do with the close of the times of the Gentiles and the setting up of Christ's Kingdom.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 15
Summary: The burden of Moab. Prophecy of great desolations upon the earth.
Main Characters: God, Isaiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 16
Summary: Women of Moab anticipate the Davidic Kingdom and lament the pride of Moab.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 5. Though the thrones of earth be overturned, the throne of David will surely be established in mercy and Christ will sit upon it and will be a protector to all who have been a shelter to the people of God. (Especially Israel.)
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 17
Summary: The burden of Damascus, foretelling destruction of cities of Syria and Israel.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 18
Summary: Woe of the land beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, in the day of Israel's regathering.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 19
Summary: Burden of Egypt, looking forward, through desolations, to Kingdom blessing with Israel.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 20. Jesus Christ is the Savior and the Great One here spoken of, who will eventually bring about the conversion of such perverse nations as Egypt. At His coming, they will receive the light and submit themselves to His rule.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 20
Summary: Prophecy of the wasting of Egypt and Ethiopia by Assyria.
Main Characters: God, Isaiah, Tartan, Sargon.
Striking Facts: v. 2. This would be a great hardship upon God's servant, exposing him to ridicule and endangering his health. When we are doing as God commands, however foolish it may seem, we may trust Him with our credit and safety.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 21
Summary: Four burdens anticipating Sennacherib's invasion.
Main Characters: God, Isaiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 22
Summary: The burden of the valley of vision, telling of coming grievous distress.
Main Characters: God, Isaiah, Elam, Kir, Shebna, Eliakim.
Striking Facts: vv. 22-23. Jesus Christ describes His own power as Mediator by allusion to this. (Rev. 3:7) He has the key of David. He opens and no man shuts. He shuts and no man opens. He is also a nail in a sure place. His Kingdom cannot be shaken, and He Himself is "the same yesterday, today and forever.”
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 23
Summary: Burden of Tyre. Desolations preceding the final deliverance of Israel.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 24
Summary: Looking through national troubles to the Kingdom age. The coming tribulation for the Jews, destruction of Gentile powers and opening of the Kingdom.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 23. The Lord Jesus Christ will appear as King and Judge in that day and the earth shall shine forth in His glory. Rev. 21:2, 3.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 25
Summary: Triumphs of the coming Kingdom age.
Main Characters: God, Isaiah.
Striking Facts: This chapter looks forward to the coming glorious Kingdom of Christ when all evil shall be put down, death shall be swallowed up in victory and all tears wiped away. Then indeed, His saints will exalt Him for His wonderful works and for fulfilling all His counsels.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 26
Summary: Worship and testimony of restored and converted Israel in the Kingdom age.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 21. The Father has given to Jesus Christ authority to execute judgment because He is the Son of Man. John 5:27. At His coming, at the close of the Great Tribulation, the blood of thousands of martyrs will be brought to light and to account.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 27
Summary: Punishment of the proud enemy of God's people. Israel restored and fruitful.
Main Characters: God, serpent, dragon.
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 28
Summary: Woe of Ephraim due to drunkenness. Prediction of Assyrian captivity of Ephraim. Ephraim's fate a warning to Judah.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 16. This is expressly applied to Christ in the N.T., 1 Pet. 2:6-8. He is that stone which has become the head of the corner.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 29
Summary: Warnings to Judah and Jerusalem of impending discipline. The blessing after the final deliverance.
Main Characters: God, David, Abraham.
Striking Facts: vv. 18, 19. This portion of the chapter looks forward to the happy settlement of the affairs of Jerusalem and Judah after the second coming of Christ. Then those who understood not the prophecies shall see God's hand in all events, and will rejoice in Him.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 30
Summary: Warnings against alliance with Egypt against Sennacherib and exhortation to turn to the Lord for help.
Main Characters: God, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 31
Summary: Judah again warned against the Egyptian alliance. Jehovah's defense of Jerusalem.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 32
Summary: Promise of coming Kingdom. Warning of great tribulation. The King Deliverer.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 1. This Scripture certainly looks forward to the Day of the Lord (2:10-22; Rev. 19:11-21) and the Kingdom blessing to follow when Christ shall return to reign.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 33
Summary: The distress of Judah and Jerusalem because of coming woes.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 17. Those who walk uprightly shall not only be preserved through the judgments that visit mankind upon the earth, but shall with the eye of faith, ever see the King in His beauty, and shall at last stand in His presence, when His beauty shall be upon them. 1 John 3:2.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 34
Summary: Prophecy of the Day of the Lord and Armageddon.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 5. It is Christ who will come in the clouds of heaven to execute judgment, and out of whose mouth goes a sharp sword, as He judges and makes war upon the nations. Rev. 19:11, 15.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 35
Summary: The coming Kingdom blessing and regathering of Israel.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: It is Christ who is coming in the fullness of time in flaming fire, to spoil and make an open show of all evil powers and to set up the millennial Kingdom, to which all the prophets bear witness.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 36
Summary: Sennacherib's invasion and Jehovah's deliverance. The threats of Rabshakeh.
Main Characters: God, Sennacherib, Rabskakeh, Hezekiah, Eliakim, Shebna, Joab, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 37
Summary: Jehovah's message to the people by Isaiah. Sennacherib's message to Hezekiah. Hezekiah's prayer and Jehovah's answer. Destruction of Assyrians.
Main Characters: God, Hezekiah, Eliakim, Shebna, Isaiah, Rabshakeh, Tirhakah, Adrammelech, Sharezer.
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 38
Summary: Hezekiah's sickness and recovery in answer to prayer.
Main Characters: God, Isaiah, Hezekiah.
Striking Facts: Some think that in turning his face toward the wall, he was turning, as was customary, toward the temple, which was a type of Christ. To Him we must look, by faith, in every prayer.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 39
Summary: Hezeklah's folly. Babylonian captivity of Judah foretold.
Main Characters: Isaiah, Merodach-baladan, Hezekiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 40
Summary: Joyful prospect given to the people of God of the happiness of coming redemption. Reproof for their despondencies.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Isaiah.
Striking Facts: v. 11. Christ is the Good Shepherd. John 10:11. He has a special care for the lambs that are weak and cannot help themselves, gathering them into the arms of His power and carrying them in the bosom of His love.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 41
Summary: Greatness of God and weakness of man. Admonition to shun idols and encouragement to trust in God.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Jacob.
Striking Facts: v. 14. Christ is the Redeemer and the Holy One of Israel, engaged by promise of God's people. In Him is help found, therefore let Him be worshiped in the beauty of holiness.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 42
Summary: Christ, servant of Jehovah. Chastening of Israel and the final restoration.
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: vv. 1-7. Fulfilled in Christ (Matt. 12:17-21). Note the two-fold account of the coming aeryant. 1. As weak, despised, rejected and slain. 2. As mighty conqueror taking vengeance. The former class of passages were fulfilled in the first advent. The second await His return for fulfillment.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 43
Summary: The chosen nation redeemed and restored.
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: Christ, the Great Redeemer, will appear for Israel (Rom. 11:25). At His coming, the spiritual seed of Israel (through the Gospel of grace) will be gathered to heaven as their home and given glorified bodies. Believers under the Gospel are the Bride of Christ who will reign with Him in His coming Kingdom on earth.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 44
Summary: The promise of the Spirit and the coming restoration. The folly of idolatry.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Cyrus.
Striking Facts: vv. 23-27. When Christ returns and is received by Israel, their idolatry and sin will be remembered no more, and recognizing Him whom they pierced, they will be restored to a place of great fruitfulness. (Rom. 11:25.)
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 45
Summary: Promises to Cyrus for Israel's sake. Proof of God's eternal power and sovereignty. Encouragement to believing Jews. Doom of idol worshippers.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Cyrus.
Striking Facts: v. 22. This verse has a further reference to the conversion of the Gentiles that live in the ends of the earth through the lifting up of Christ on Calvary's Cross. As the stung Israelites looked to the brazen serpent, so all were invited to look to Christ and be saved.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 46
Summary: Israel exhorted to remember the power of God and powerlessness of idols.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: vv. 12-13. This may be applied to the Jews ia their rejection of Christ, for they thought to establish their own righteousness, and would not accept the righteousness of God in Christ, by faith.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 47
Summary: Judgment pronounced upon Babylon.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 4. Christ is the Great Redeemer, who as the Holy One of Israel saves His people, and as Lord of Hosts will take vengeance upon the wicked.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 48
Summary: The dullness of Israel. Restoration under the Servant of Jehovah. Israel reminded of the promises.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Holy Spirit.
Striking Facts: vv. 16-17. The Spirit of God is here spoken of asai person distinct from Father and Son, as that which is said to the same purpose with this (61:1) is applied to Christ (Luke 4:21), so may this be. Christ the Redeemer was sent by the Father and He had the Spirit without measure.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 49
Summary: Israel's coming Redeemer. Preservation and restoration of Israel and judgment on oppressors.
Main Characters: God, Christ
Striking Facts: v. 7. Christ was the Redeemer.who was despised and rejected of men, and abhorred by nations, who cried "crucify Him." But God promised Him exaltation in the depths of His humiliation, and at His return He will be acknowledged King of Kings and Lord of Lords
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 50
Summary: The humiliation of the Holy One of Israel.
Main Characters: God, Christ
Striking Facts: v. 3. Here we see Jesus in Creative power; v. 4 as the devendent teacher; v. 5 as the faithful servant; v. 6 as the patient sufferer; v. 8 as the justified Redeemer
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 51
Summary: Final redemption of Israel and punishment of oppressors.
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: v. 5. Christ brought an everlasting righteousness and salvation. Those whose happiness is bound up in His righteousness, will have the comfort of it eternally.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 52
Summary: Vision of Jerusalem in the Kingdom age. Jehovah's servant marred and afterward exalted.
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: vv. 7, 14. v. 7 has an application to the preaching of the Gospel, a message indeed of good news and victory over spiritual enemies (Rom. 10:15). v. 14 points plainly at Jesus (Acts 8:34-35). Never wasman so barbarously treated as was the Son of God. When He returns in glory the kings of the earth shall shut their mouths at Him, and the Jews
will look with mourning upon Him whom they pierced.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 53
Summary: The vicarious sacrifice of Christ, the servant of Jehovah
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: Christ rose in the world as a tender plant. The greater part of those among whom He lived saw none of His beauty. Because He announced Himself as the Savior of the world, He was abandoned and abhorred. Nevertheless God highly exalted Him, and He appears in heaven to make intercession for all who accept His sacrifice
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 54
Summary: Israel as the restored wife of Jehovah in the Kingdom age.
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: As Israel is spoken of as the wife of Jehovah, so the church of the present dispensation is called "the bride of Christ" (the Lamb). However this chapter has wholly to do with the fulfillment of God's covenant with Israel
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 55
Summary: Jehovah's everlasting salvation
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: vvw. 4, 5. Christ was given to the world for a witness of God's love and mercy (John 3:16). He is the true leader and commander to show man what to do and enable him to do it. Through Him the door was opened to the Gentile nations to enter into God's eternal salvation
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 56
Summary: Solemn instruction given to all to make conscience of duty. Charge against the careless and unfaithful
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts: v. 1. The great salvation announced and wrought out by Christ was preceded by the call to repentance and faith. In Christ, the righteousness of God was revealed (Rom. 1:17) and he is "made rightousness" unto all who receive Him.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 57
Summary: Further ethical instructions. Sins of the people denounced
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 58
Summary: Hypocritical professions of religion. Instructions how to keep fasts aright
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts:
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 59
Summary: Sins which prevented the bestowal of God's blessing and caused chastisements to fall upon Israel.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Holy Spirit.
Striking Facts: v. 20. Christ was the kinsman Redeemer who came to His own and was rejected. (John 1:11-12.) He is coming a second time to receive His own and to give full deliverance to Israel. (Rom. 11:25-26.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 60
Summary: The Deliverer out of Zion and the peace and joy of His coming
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: v. 1. This had a near fulfillment in the first advent of Christ, who came as the Light of the world. However, He was rejected and the Church came in as a parenthesis. Christ is coming again, first for His Church as "the bright and morning star," and then to Israel and all the world, as the "sun of righteousness.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 61
Summary: Two advents of Christ in one view. Kingdom blessing after the day of vengeance. Israel's restoration.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Holy Spirit.
Striking Facts: v. 2. See Luke 4:16-21 and note that Jesus suspended the reading of this passage at the comma, after the word "Lord." The first advent opened the day of grace "the acceptable year of Jehovah," but does not fulfill the day of vengeance. When He returns this will be fulfilled being followed by the Kingdom of righteousness (4, 11).
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 62
Summary: Restoration of Israel to God's favor, and honor with the nations.
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: This prophecy was not fulfilled in the first advent and the preaching of the Gospel of grace. God has made definite promises to Israel, before whom Christ will yet appear again, to be recognized. We have no right to put the church in Israel's place in the promises.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 63
Summary: Day of vengeance, and the fear and hope of the remnant of Israel.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Moses, Abraham.
Striking Facts: v. 1. Rev. 19:11-21 describes this same day of vengeance, when Christ shall come forth in power, wearing vesture dipped in blood, crowned with many crowns and revealing Himself as King of Kings.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 64
Summary: Fear and hope of remnant of Israel in day of vengeance.
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: v. 4. This is likewise . true of those saved under the Gospel of grace (1 Cor. 2:9) to whom is revealed by the Spirit the deep things of God as the result of their acceptance of the crucified and risen Savior.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 65
Summary: Answer of Jehovah to remnant of Israel. Eternal blessing in the renovated earth.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: Chap. 21 and 22 of Rev. look also to this same time of restoration of all things. The church appears then with Christ, as His Bride, to rule with Him, not as subjects of the earthly kingdom. Israel's glory in the prophecies is always an earthly glory.
Book: Isaiah
Chapter: 66
Summary: Blessings of the coming universal Kingdom.
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: The Christian watches with great interest the providences of God towards the Jews, knowing that their return to their land is a preparation for the fulfillment of much prophecy, a sign of the approach of the close of the age and Christ's coming. "Come, Lord Jesus."
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 1
Summary: Jeremiah's call and enduement. The sign of the almond rod and seething pot.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Jeremiah, Josiah, Jehoiakim.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 2
Summary: First message to backslidden Judah concerning their ingratitude to God and wickedness against Him.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 3
Summary: Jeremiah's message concerning the impenitence of Judah. Encouragement to backsliders to return and repent.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 4
Summary: Jeremiah's second message, continued. Warning of the consequences of sin and exhortation to return to God.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 5
Summary: Jeremiah's second message, continued. God's charges against them and the Judgments threatened.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 6
Summary: Jeremiah's second message, continued. The terrors that should come because of sin.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 7
Summary: The message in the gate of the Lord's house. Coming desolations because of sin.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 8
Summary: Message in the temple gate, continued. Terrible judgments impending.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts: v. 22. The blood of Christ is a balm from Gilead for the healing of the sin-sick heart, and He is the great Physician who is all-sufficient for any case however difficult.
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 9
Summary: Message in the temple gate, continued. Detestation of the sins of the people. The vanity of trusting in anything but God.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 10
Summary: Message in the temple gate, concluded. Greatness of the true God. Coming distresses in the land because of sin.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 11
Summary: Jeremiah's message on the broken covenant.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 12
Summary: Message on the broken covenant, concluded. Jeremiah's complaint to God and God's rebuke.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 13
Summary: Sign of the linen girdle and sign of the bottles filled with wine.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 14
Summary: Message on the drought.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 15
Summary: Message on the drought, concluded. The people abandoned to ruin. Jeremiah complains of his hardships.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, Moses, Samuel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 16
Summary: Sign of the unmarried prophet, forecasting coming calamities.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 17
Summary: Sign of the unmarried prophet, concluded. Message in the gates concerning the Sabbath.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts: v. 5. Those who trust to their own righteousness and strength, thinking to get salvation without the merit and grace of Christ, thus make flesh their arm and fail of God's salvation.
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 18
Summary: Sign of the potter's house. Declaration of God's ways of dealing with nations. Jeremiah's complaint.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 19
Summary: Sign of potter's house, concluded. Coming calamities
Main Characters: Jeremiah, Kings of Judah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 20
Summary: Jeremiah's first persecution. His complaint to God and encouragement in God.
Main Characters: God, Pashur, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar.
Striking Facts: vv. 7, 8. Thus our Lord Jesus on the cross was reviled by priests and people for nothing but His faithful witness to God's Word.
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 21
Summary: Message to King Zedekiah. Babylonian captivity foretold.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, Zedekiah, Pashur, Zephaniah, Nebuchadnezzar.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 22
Summary: Message to Zedekiah, concluded. The King exhorted to execute judgment.
Main Characters: God, Zedekiah, Shallum, Jeremiah, Jehoiakim, Coniah, Nebuchadnezzar.
Striking Facts: vv. 28, 30. Coniah was of David's line through Solomon, and the throne rights were cut off with Coniah. Joseph, the husband of Mary, was of this line. Had Jesus been horn in the natural way, He would have had no title to the Davidic throne. However, Mary was of David's line through Nathan, the first born of David, and Jesus being conceived of the Holy Ghost, holds the royal title to the throne, which He will possess at His return.
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 23
Summary: Future restoration and conversion of Israel. Message against the faithless shepherds.
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: vv. 5, 6. Jesus Christ is spoken of as the branch from David, small in His beginnings, but growing to be great and loaded with divine fruits. He is the Lord our righteousness (especially to be manifested before the Jews at His coming again). He is the Lord (Jehovah), denoting eternity and self-existence. As Mediator, He is our righteousness.
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 24
Summary: Sign of the figs. Judah's restoration, but not those of the second deportation.
Main Characters: Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Jeconiah, Zedekiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 25
Summary: Prophecy of seventy years' captivity. Sign of the wine cup of fury.
Main Characters: Jeremiah, Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts: vv. 29, 33. This prophecy leaps to the end of the age, the day of the Lord when Christ will return to execute God's wrath. Rev. 19:11-21; 14:14.
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 26
Summary: Message in the temple court. Spiteful treatment of Jeremiah and his brave stand. Martyrdom of Urijah.
Main Characters: Jehoiakim, Jeremiah, Micah, Hezekiah, Urijah, Elnathan, Ahikam.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 27
Summary: Sign of the yokes, to surrounding Gentile kings. Warning of great calamity.
Main Characters: God, Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah, Jeconiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 28
Summary: Sign of the yokes, continued. False prophecy and death of Hananiah.
Main Characters: Zedeklah, Hananiah, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Jeconiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 29
Summary: Message to the Jews of the first captivity. Action against false prophets. Destruction foretold.
Main Characters: Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Jeconiah, Elasah, Gemariah, Ahab, Zedekiah, Shemaiah, Zephaniah, Jehoiada.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 30
Summary: Jeremiah's first writing. Summary of Israel in the coming great tribulation.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts: The time of Jacob's trouble is a period of seven years coming at the close of the present dispensation, followed immediately by the return of Christ in glory to set up His kingdom. See Christ's own Word: Matt. 24:15-31.
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 31
Summary: Israel in the last days.
Main Characters: God
Striking Facts: vv. 33, 34. This can be applied In the Gospel dispensation to those who have accepted Jesus Christ, those who are yielded to the Holy Spirit to have God's will revealed to them, and have the assurance that their sins through Christ are remembered no more.
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 32
Summary: Sign of the field of Hanameel. Jeremiah's second persecution, his prayer and Jehovah's answer.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, Zedekiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Hanameel, Baruch.
Striking Facts: v. 2. God, who has been faithful to His threatenings against Israel throughout the centuries, will just as certainly fulfill His promise to the remnant of them in His own good time when Christ returns. They will surely be re-gathered as a nation and made fruitful unto God (v. 42).
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 33
Summary: Prophecy concerning the Davidic kingdom.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts: v. 15. Christ is the Branch of righteousness, born of David's line and holding legal title to the promised throne. While under the gospel He is made "righteousness unto all true believers," at His return He will be acknowledged by Israel who rejected Him as their righteousness.
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 34
Summary: Message to Zedekiah concerning the coming captivity. Zedekiah's ineffectual decree.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 35
Summary: Obedience of the Rechabites in the reign of Jehoiakim.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, Jehoiakim, Jaazaniah, sons of Hanan, Jonadab, Nebuchadnezzar.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 36
Summary: Jeremiah's writing in the days of Jehoiakim. Reading on the fast day. Burning of the roll and orders to persecute Jeremiah.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, Jehoiakim, Josiah, Baruch, Gemariah, Michalah, Elishama, Delaiah, Elnathan, Zedekiah, Jehudi, Jerahmeel, Seraiah, Shelemiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 37
Summary: Jeremiah's imprisonment in the days of Zedekiah.
Main Characters: Zedekiah, Coniah, Nebuchadnezzar, Jeremiah, Jehucal, Zephaniah, Jonathan, Irijah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 38
Summary: Jeremiah's imprisonment, continued. His private conference with the king.
Main Characters: Shephatiah, Gedaliah, Jucal, Pashur, Jeremiah, Zedekiah, Malchiah, Ebed-melech, Jonathan.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 39
Summary: Final captivity of Judah in accordance with the prophets.
Main Characters: Zedekiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Nergal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sar-sechim, Rab-saris, Rab-mag, Nebuzaradan, Jeremiah, Nebushasban, Ge-daliah, Ebed-melech.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 40
Summary: Jeremiah discharged. The Jews under Gedaliah as Governor, Ishmael's design against Gedaliah.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, Nebuzaradan, Gedaliah, Ishmael, Johanan, Seraiah, Jezaniah, Baalis.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 41
Summary: Gedaliah slain, and many Jewish captives released by Johanan.
Main Characters: Ishmael, Gedaliah, Asa, Nebuzaradan, Johanan.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 42
Summary: God's answer to the inquiry of the people and Jeremiah concerning the calamities recently befallen. God's charge to the people in the land.
Main Characters: God, Johanan, Jezaniah, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 43
Summary: Jeremiah carried to Tahpanhes in Egypt. Sign of the hidden stones.
Main Characters: God, Azariah, Johanan, Baruch, Nebuzaradan, Gedaliah, Nebuchadnezzar.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 44
Summary: Message to the Jews in Egypt. Further judgments threatened. Contempt of the people for the admonitions.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, Pharaoh-hophra, Zedekiah, Nebuchadnezzar.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 45
Summary: Message of Baruch in the days of Jehoiakim.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, Baruch.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 46
Summary: Prophecies against Egypt.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, Pharaoh-Necho, Nebuchadnezzar.
Striking Facts: vv. 27, 28, certainly look forward to the judgments of the nations at the coming of Christ (Matt. 25:42) after Armageddon, (Rev. 16:14), and the deliverance of Israel.
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 47
Summary: Prophecies against Philistia and Tyre and Sidon.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 48
Summary: Prophecy against Moab.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 49
Summary: Prophecies against the Ammonites, Edom, Damascus, Kedar, kingdoms of Hazor, Elam.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Zedekiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 50
Summary: Prophecies against Babylon and Chaldea.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, King of Assyria, Nebuchadnezzar.
Striking Facts: v. 34. It is the comfort of Christians in distress that they have a Redeemer, Jesus Christ, who is strong, and will thoroughly plead their cause and give them rest.
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 51
Summary: Prophecies against Babylon, continued.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah, Nebuchadnezzar, Seraiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Jeremiah
Chapter: 52
Summary: A retrospect: overthrow and capture of Judah. The latter days of Jehoiachin.
Main Characters: Zedekiah, Jeremiah, Jehoiachin, Jehoiakim, Nebuchadnezzar, Seraiah, Zephaniah, Evil-merodach.
Striking Facts:
Book: Lamentations
Chapter: 1
Summary: Jeremiah's first complaint of the calamities of Judah. Appeal to God for deliverance.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Lamentations
Chapter: 2
Summary: Lamentation on the effect of the calamities of Judah. God's passionate consideration appealed to.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Lamentations
Chapter: 3
Summary: Complaint of God's displeasure and comfort to God's people. Appeal to God's justice against persecutors.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Lamentations
Chapter: 4
Summary: Lamentation on the direful effects of calamities of Judah. Sins of the leaders acknowledged.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Lamentations
Chapter: 5
Summary: Lamentation of the state of Judah in captivity. Supplications for the return of mercy.
Main Characters: God, Jeremiah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 1
Summary: Vision of the glory.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Christ, Ezekiel, Jehoiachin, (v. 26).
Striking Facts: v. 26. We have here a glimpse of the glory and dignity of Christ at His incarnation, a hint of what His condescension was in taking upon Himself the form of a servant and giving Himself to the death of the cross.
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 2
Summary: Ezekiel filled with the Spirit, and his divine command.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts: v. 1. It is Christ's prerogative to call ministers, enjoin them in their work, and fill them with the Spirit for it (John 15:16).
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 3
Summary: Ezekiel's commission, continued. Again filled with the Spirit. His dumbness.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 4
Summary: The sign of the tile. Typical representations.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 5
Summary: Sign of the sharp knife. Famine, pestilence and the sword impending.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 6
Summary: Message against the mountains of Israel. Remnant to be spared. Desolations upon the land.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 7
Summary: Miserable end of Judah because of sin.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 8
Summary: Third vision of the glory. The former profanation of the temple and God's anger because of sin.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, Jaazaniah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 9
Summary: Visions of the slaying in Jerusalem.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, Christ.
Striking Facts: v. 2. The man clothed in fine linen certainly represents Christ as Mediator, saving those who are His from the fiaming sword of vengeance coming upon the earth. This He will do at the end of the age.
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 10
Summary: Visions of the altar fire scattered over Jerusalem. Description of the cherubim.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, Christ.
Striking Facts: v. 2. The man in fine linen (same as Chap. 9). The same Jesus who is the Saviour and Protector of those who believe, as all judgment is committed to Him, will come in flaming fire to take vengeance upon sinners.
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 11
Summary: Vision of wrath against lying princes. Promise to spare the remnant. Israel's coming restoration and conversion. Departure of the glory from Jerusalem.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Ezekiel, Jaazaniah, Pelatiah.
Striking Facts: vv. 17, 21. At the Second Coming of Christ, the Jews will be given a new heart, not divided as it has been through the ages among many gods, a new spirit agreeable to Christ, whom they hated. They will look upon Him whom they pierced and will mourn.
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 12
Summary: Vision of the prophet as a sign. Full captivity near at hand.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 13
Summary: Message against lying prophets.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts: Matt. 7:22-23. It is Christ who will say to the false preachers in that day, "I never knew you."
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 14
Summary: Vision of the elders of Israel. Jerusalem on no account to be spared.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, Noah, Job, Daniel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 15
Summary: Vision of the burning vine.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 16
Summary: The harlotry of Jerusalem, and threatening of destroying judgments. Promises of future blessing under the new covenant.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 17
Summary: Parable of the great eagle. Rebellion of Zedekiah and its results.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, Zedekiah, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 18
Summary: Ethical instructions for Israel in captivity.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 19
Summary: Lamentation for princes of Israel.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 20
Summary: Jehovah vindicated in the chastising of Israel. Israel's future judgment. Parable of the forest of the south field.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts: vv. 33-44. This prophecy has to do with the future judgment of Israel at Christ's Coming. The issue determines who of Israel in that day shall enter the land for kingdom blessing. (Ezekiel 20:38; Psaim 50:1-7; Malachi 3:2-5; 4:1, 2.)
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 21
Summary: Parable of the sighing prophet, and of the sword of God. No king for Israel until Messiah comes to reign.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Ezekiel, King of Babylon.
Striking Facts: v. 27. Jesus Christ has incontestable title to the kingship, not only of Israel, but the whole world, and in due time He will have the possession. Until that time, there will be a general and continual overturning of kingdoms.
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 22
Summary: Sins of Israel enumerated. Parable of the dross in the furnace. Sins of priests, prophets and people.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 23
Summary: Parable of Aholah and Aholibah. Sentence passed upon Judah.
Main Characters: Ezekiel, Aholah, Aholibah.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 24
Summary: Parable of the boiling pot. Ezekiel again made a sign to Israel.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, King of Babylon.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 25
Summary: Prophecy against the Ammonites, Moabites, Edomites and Philistines.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 26
Summary: Coming judgment upon Tyre.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, Nebuchadnezzar.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 27
Summary: Lamentation for Tyre,
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 28
Summary: Rebuke of the King of Tyre, and the fate of Satan who inspired him. Sidon's judgment and Israel's re-gathering.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, Daniel, King of Tyre, Satan.
Striking Facts: vv. 12-18 go beyond the King of Tyre to Satan, the real but unseen ruler of Tyre. His unfallen state is here described. For his fall see Isa. 14:12-14.
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 29
Summary: Prophecy against Egypt.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 30
Summary: Egypt in the day of Jehovah. God against Pharaoh in the war with Babylon.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, Nebuchadnezzar, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 31
Summary: Prophecy against Pharaoh.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, Pharaoh.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 32
Summary: Lamentation for Pharaoh and Egypt.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 33
Summary: Ethical instructions for the captivity. Rebuke to those who are not sincere in their professions.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, Abraham.
Striking Facts: vv. 12-13. Many have been ruined by trusting to the merit of their own righteousness, and thinking that God is so much their debtor that they may therefore venture to commit a little sin. "The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him." (Rom. 4:5-8; 10:1). Happy is the man who is clothed with the righteousness of Jesus Christ and in whom Christ lives. (Gal. 2:20.)
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 34
Summary: Message to the faithless shepherds of Israel. Promise of restoration of Israel, and setting up of the kingdom.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts: vv. 23, 29. Jesus is coming as the Great Shepherd (Heb. 13:20) to gather His people and make a final covenant of peace with Israel. He is the "plant of renown," far above all principalities and might and power and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but that which is to come.
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 35
Summary: Prophecy against Mount Seir.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 36
Summary: Message to the mountains of Israel. Restoration of Israel predicted. Israel's past sins.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts: The restoration of Israel is yet future. The remnant which returned after the seventy years and their posterity were continually under Gentile yoke. In A.D. 70 they were driven into dispersion, which still continues.
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 37
Summary: Vision of the valley of dry bones. Sign of the two sticks.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Ezekiel, Joseph, Ephraim, Judah.
Striking Facts: v. 22. As bone came to bone, so the Israelites scattered over the earth will come to their respective families and tribes in the last day. Then Christ will come to be recognized as King, in allegiance to whom all will cheerfully unite. (Many believe David will sit upon the literal throne of Jerusalem as representative of Christ, the great Ruler in the air above.)
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 38
Summary: Prophecy against Gog.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts: This prophecy should be read in connection with Zech. 12:1-4; 14:1-9; Matt. 24:14-30; Rev. 14:14-20; 19:17-21. Many see a reference to the northern European powers headed by Russia in the last days to wage a great war. The reference to Mesheck (Moscow) and Tubal (Zobolsk) is thought to be clear identification. The prophecy belongs to the future battle of Armageddon.
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 39
Summary: Prophecy against Gog, continued. Vision of restored and converted Israel.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Ezekiel, Gog.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 40
Summary: Vision of the man with the measuring reed. The future temple and its service.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, sons of Zadok.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 41
Summary: Further description of the temple.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 42
Summary: Further description of the temple.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 43
Summary: Vision of God's glory filling the temple. Place of the throne of the future kingdom. The altar and offerings.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 44
Summary: Gate for the prince. God's glory filling the temple. The priests.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, sons of Zadok, prince.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 45
Summary: Jehovah's portion of the land and the prince's portion.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, prince.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 46
Summary: Worship of the prince and people, and the offerings.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, prince.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 47
Summary: River of the new sanctuary. Borders of the land.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Ezekiel
Chapter: 48
Summary: Division of the land. The city and its gates.
Main Characters: God, Ezekiel, prince.
Striking Facts:
Book: Daniel
Chapter: 1
Summary: Personal history of Daniel. Reason for appearance of Daniel and his friends before Nebuchadnezzar.
Main Characters: Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, Hananiah, Judah, Mishael, Azariah, Ashpenaz, Cyrus, Jehoiakim, Melzar.
Striking Facts: This book is written by a man "greatly beloved" (9:23), and deals with much the same prophecies as those of Revelation written by "the beloved disciple," (John). Note similarity between the two: 1. In captivity. Dan. 1:6; 8:2; Rev. 1:9. 2. Beloved. 10:11; John 13:23. 3. Heard the Lord's voice. 8:16; 10:9; Rev. 1:10. 4. Saw the Lord's face. Dan. 10:6; Rev. 1:14. 5. Prostrated. 10:8-9; Rev. 1:17. 6. Quickened. 10:10, 18; Rev. 1:17. 7 Angel taught. 10:11, 12; Rev. 1:1.
Book: Daniel
Chapter: 2
Summary: Visions of Nebuchadnezzar and their results. The forgotten dream and the failure of the astrologers. Daniel's interpretation after prayer for wisdom.
Main Characters: Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego, Arioch, Astrologers.
Striking Facts: The vision has to do with the course of the times of the Gentiles, during which four great world kingdoms would succeed each other. The last of the four (Rome) would divide into legs and then into ten toes (7:27). (Gentile world powers of the last days.) The smiting stone (7:34-35) is to destroy this systemi of kingdoms in its final form by a sudden blow from heaven (not by gradual process). (See Dan. 7:1-28; Rev. 13-19.) When this destruction comes it will be immediately followed by the kingdom of Christ, which will fill the whole earth at once. Christ is the stone cut out without hands, who will smite the nations, and then become a great mountain, filling the earth with His glory.
Book: Daniel
Chapter: 3
Summary: Pride of Nebuchadnezzar and his punishment. The image of gold. The three Jews refuse to worship the image. Fiery furnace proven harmless. The king convinced.
Main Characters: God, Nebuchadnezzar, Shadrach, Meshach, Abednego.
Striking Facts: v. 25. Many think this was the eternal Son of God, not a created angel. Hereby Christ shows that what is done against His people He takes as done against Himself. Whoever throws them into the furnace do in effect throw Him in (Isa. 63:9). Those who suffer for Him are therefore assured of His precious presence with them.
Book: Daniel
Chapter: 4
Summary: Nebuchadnezzar's proclamation. The true vision and its interpretation. Vision fulfilled; the restoration of Nebuchadnezzar.
Main Characters: God, Daniel, Nebuchadnezzar, Astrologers.
Striking Facts:
Book: Daniel
Chapter: 5
Summary: Daniel's personal history under Belshazzar and Darius. The pride of Belshazzar and his downfall. The writing on the wall. Its interpretation and fulfillment.
Main Characters: God, Belshazzar, Queen, Daniel, Darius, Nebuchadnezzar, Astrologers.
Striking Facts:
Book: Daniel
Chapter: 6
Summary: Daniel's history to the accession of Cyrus. Decree of Darius. Daniel's steadfastness. Daniel in the lion's den and his deliverance. Darius' new decree.
Main Characters: God, Daniel, Darius, Princes.
Striking Facts:
Book: Daniel
Chapter: 7
Summary: The beast vision of Daniel, forecasting the four world empires and the final heading up under anti-Christ. Vision of Christ coming in glory. Interpretation of the beast vision.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Daniel, Belshazzar, anti-Christ.
Striking Facts: vv. 13, 14; identical with Rev. 5:6-10. The order of events will be: 1. Investure of Christ’s earthly kingdom (13, 14: Rev. 5:6-10). 2. The vexing of Psa. 2:5. See also Matt. 24:21, 22; Rev. 6:18. 3. Return of Christ in glory to deliver the smiting blow of 2:45; 7-9:11; Rev. 19:11-21. 4. Judgment of nations and setting up of kingdom (7:10, 26, 27; Matt. 25:31-46; Rev. 20:1-6).
Book: Daniel
Chapter: 8
Summary: The ram and rough goat vision, and its interpretation.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Gabriel, Daniel, Belshazzar, anti-Christ.
Striking Facts: Two ends are in view in this chapter—historically the end of the Grecian empire of Alexander; prophetically, the end of the times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24; Rev. 16:14), when the ''little horn" of 7:8, 24-26, the beast, will arise, followed by the return of Christ.
Book: Daniel
Chapter: 9
Summary: Vision of the seventy weeks. Daniel’s prayer and confession.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Daniel, Jeremiah, Darius, Gabriel.
Striking Facts: vv. 24-27. Reduced to calendar years, this 69 weeks of years (v. 25) is 476 years. The edict to restore Jerusalem was issued 446 B. C. Applying 476 to this point brings us to Christ's birth and 30 years over, the very time of the cutting off of Messiah by His crucifixion (v. 26). Luke 3:23 says that Jesus began His ministry at 30 years and an error is imagined by some, but Scripture is accurate, for when in the sixth century, the time A. D. and B. C. was divided, an error of four years was made in the calendar so that really 30 A. D. is 34. Christ's ministry extended nearly four years; thus 30 A. D. in our chronology was the time of Christ's death. At the close of the age, the other week of years will be fulfilled in awful tribulation, after which Christ will appear suddenly in the clouds to set up His eternal kingdom.
Book: Daniel
Chapter: 10
Summary: Visions of the glory of God. The heavenly messenger detained, but comes at last to show Daniel things to come, in answer to prayer.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Daniel, Michael, Cyrus, Princes of Persia and Greece.
Striking Facts: vv. 6, 16, 17. Christ here appears in the same resemblance wherein He appeared to John in Rev. 1:13-15, viz., in His priestly dress, girded ready to His work on behalf of His people.
Book: Daniel
Chapter: 11
Summary: Prophecy covering the period from Darius to anti-Christ, showing the conflicts of nations, and final heading up for destruction.
Main Characters: God, Daniel, Kings of Persia and Greece, anti-Christ.
Striking Facts: v. 45. This was not fulfilled in Antiochus, for he died in Tabal, Persia. This man, the anti-Christ, will come to his end in Judea between Jerusalem and the Mediterranean, and it is the brightness of Christ's coming only that will bring him to his doom (2 Thess. 2:8; Rev. 19:20).
Book: Daniel
Chapter: 12
Summary: The great tribulation of the last days, and the resurrection foretold. The last message to Daniel.
Main Characters: God, Daniel, Michael.
Striking Facts: The time of the end or day of Jacob's trouble (Jeremiah 30:7), will be a time of tribulation such as was not from the beginning of the world, nor ever shall be (Matt. 24:21). The New Testament adds many details concerning it. But for the appearing of Christ in glory no flesh would be spared through it. Those who know Christ as their Saviour will not be called upon to pass through it (Rev. 3:10), but will be caught up before it begins (1 Thess. 4:16-18).
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 1
Summary: Israel, Jehovah's dishonored wife, repudiated, but to be restored.
Main Characters: God, Hosea, Uzziah, Hezekiah, Jeroboam, Gomer, Jezreel, Jehu, Lo-ruhamah, Lo-ammi.
Striking Facts: v. 11. The day will come (Rom. 11:25) when Israel will come forth out of the lands, acknowledging Jesus Christ whom they crucified, as their head (Zech. 12:10).
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 2
Summary: The chastisement of adulterous Israel. Yet to be restored.
Main Characters: God, Hosea, Ammi, Ruhamah, Baalim.
Striking Facts: vv. 14-23. In the final day of Israel's despair, God has promised to revive her with comforts — the sight of their coming Messiah. In that day they will be betrothed to Him anew forever, and the earth shall be filled with His eternal peace and righteousness.
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 3
Summary: Jehovah's undying love to Israel. The future kingdom on earth.
Main Characters: God, Hosea.
Striking Facts: vv. 4-5. The reference may be to the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of David, to whom God gave the throne of His father David — Luke 1:32. The Chaldee translates it, "they shall seek the service of the Lord their God, ahd shall obey Messiah, the Son of David, their King."
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 4
Summary: Charges against Israel tor their sinfulness, idolatry and ignorance.
Main Characters: God, Hosea.
Striking Facts:
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 5
Summary: Jehovah's face withdrawn from Israel.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 6
Summary: The voice of the remnant of Israel in the last days. Jehovah's response.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: vv. 1-3. This will be Israel's resolve in the last days, as the result of the "time of Jacob's trouble." The Lord Jesus will be to them as a refreshing rain after a long drought, and Israel shall be revived.
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 7
Summary: Jehovah's response to Israel's cry, continued. Israel's sad state.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 8
Summary: Jehovah's response, continued. Sins denounced and captivity foretold.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 9
Summary: Jehovah's response, continued. Israel's coming distress because of sin.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 10
Summary: Jehovah's response, continued. Further reproof for Israel's impiety.
Main Characters: God, Jareb, King of Israel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 11
Summary: Jehovah's response, continued. His tender love for Israel.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 1. These words have a double aspect, being applied to Christ (Matt. 2:15). They speak historically of the calling of Israel out of Egypt, and prophetically of the bringing of Christ from Egypt, the former being a type of the latter. Christ's calling out of Egypt is likewise a figure of the calling of all who are His out of spiritual slavery.
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 12
Summary: Jehovah's response, continued. Further reproof of Israel's sins.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: vv. 9-10. As great an offense as Israel has been to God throughout the centuries, God's Word assures us that the prophecies regarding their restoration to glory in the earth will be certainly fulfilled in His own time. That time is connected with the time of Christ's Second Coming.
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 13
Summary: Jehovah's response, continued. Israel's ruin. Ultimate blessing in the kingdom age.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: vv. 9-11. God will yet give Israel a King, whom they will receive as God-appointed, a Saviour to their nation. Israel, becoming weary of the theocracy, or divine government, rejected Samuel, crying, "Give us a king." God gave them a king and plenty of trouble with him. Christ is the true heavenly King, and He will at His Second Coming take the throne of His father David.
Book: Hosea
Chapter: 14
Summary: Entreaty and promise to Israel. Restoration foretold.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: vv. 6-7. God will yet be as the dew unto Israel, refreshing them with His comforts, but not until they see it descending upon them in the person of Jesus Christ, their rejected King, when He comes in the clouds of heaven with great glory. Then their branches ndeed shall spread, and they shall grow as the vine
Book: Joel
Chapter: 1
Summary: Joel's warnings of desolation upon Israel, and call to repentance. The plague of insects.
Main Characters: God, Joel.
Striking Facts: This prophecy looks for its complete fulfillment to the endtime of the present age (Rev. 14, 16, 19). Joel gives the fullest view of the consummation of all written prophecy concerning Israel's woes and final glory under Christ.
Book: Joel
Chapter: 2
Summary: Day of vengeance upon Israel. Invading hosts and awful scourges. Repentance of the Jewish remnant and Jehovah's response and deliverance.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Joel.
Striking Facts: v. 28. This has a partial and continuous fulfillment during "the last days" (Heb. 1:2), which began with the first advent of Christ (Acts 2:17), but the greater fulfillment awaits the "last days" as applied to Israel, when Christ shall come to be recognized as Lord of Lords and King of Kings.
Book: Joel
Chapter: 3
Summary: Restoration of Israel, and judgment of all nations in regard to Israel. Full kingdom blessings under Christ.
Main Characters: God, Joel.
Striking Facts: v. 2. All nations that wrong the Jews lay themselves open to God's vengeance, especially those in the last days who persecute the Jews. The coming of Christ will be the day of decision for them. The remnant of Israel will then be cleansed and restored, Jerusalem once more being made a praise in the earth.
Book: Amos
Chapter: 1
Summary: Judgments pronounced upon surrounding peoples — Syria, Tyre, Edom, Ammon.
Main Characters: God, Amos, Uzziah, Jeroboam, Hazael, Benhadad.
Striking Facts:
Book: Amos
Chapter: 2
Summary: Judgments pronounced upon Judah, Moab and Israel.
Main Characters: God, Amos.
Striking Facts:
Book: Amos
Chapter: 3
Summary: Jehovah's controversy with Israel.
Main Characters: God, Amos.
Striking Facts:
Book: Amos
Chapter: 4
Summary: Threatening against the oppressors in Israel. Israel reminded of God's chastening in the past.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Amos
Chapter: 5
Summary: God's lamentation over Israel and captivity foretold. The day of the Lord.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: vv. 22-23. Religious ceremonies are of no account with God, except as they express from the heart that for which they stand. "No man cometh to the Father but by Christ." Those ceremonies designed to set forth Christ are an abomination to God if the offerer does not from the heart recognize Christ in them and yield himself to Him. Though ritual sacrifices may be dispensed with, spiritual sacrifices in Christ cannot.
Book: Amos
Chapter: 6
Summary: Woe pronounced upon those at ease in sin — abandoned by God.
Main Characters: God, David.
Striking Facts:
Book: Amos
Chapter: 7
Summary: Threatening judgments. The prophet's intercession no longer to prevail. Amos charged before the king and his answer.
Main Characters: God, Amos, Amaziah, Jeroboam.
Striking Facts:
Book: Amos
Chapter: 8
Summary: The basket of summer fruit foretelling Israel's near ruin. Summary of the case against Israel.
Main Characters: God, Amos.
Striking Facts:
Book: Amos
Chapter: 9
Summary: Final prophecy of dispersion of Israel and their ultimate restoration and blessing in the kingdom age.
Main Characters: God, Amos.
Striking Facts: vv. 11-15. The bringing again of dispersed Israel to their own land is the sure promise of God's Word. In the coming Kingdom of Christ, the Messiah, Israel shall take deep root in the world, never to be rooted out of it. They shall find in Him the happiness and rest they have so long sought, and God's favor shall again be with them to give abundance of all good things.
Book: Obadiah
Chapter: 1
Summary: Edom's humiliation because of sin against God's people.
Main Characters: God, Obadiah.
Striking Facts: v. 17. Following the day of recompense, for which Christ is coming to the earth, the promise of deliverance and holiness for the people shall be fulfilled. The kingdoms of the world shall then become the kingdoms of the Lord and His Christ, who will take to Himself great power, and reign.
Book: Jonah
Chapter: 1
Summary: Jonah's commission and effort to avoid God's will. Swallowed by a great fish.
Main Characters: God, Jonah, seamen.
Striking Facts: Typically Jonah fooeshador own land, a trouble to the Gentiles, cast out but miraculously preserved. In the future, in their hour of deep distress, they will cry out to God, will be delivered and will go forth to the Gentiles as originally commanded, announcing the kingdom of Christ at hand and His Second Coming.
Book: Jonah
Chapter: 2
Summary: Jonah's prayer out of the depths and its answer.
Main Characters: God, Jonah.
Striking Facts: v. 10. Israel swallowed up by the Gentiles in the sea of the nations must go down to the "bottom" before they will cry out to God and look to the one they pierced as their Saviour. When that hour comes, the nations will vomit them out upon their own land, where they will come face to face with Christ.
Book: Jonah
Chapter: 3
Summary: Jonah's second commission. Nineveh's repentance because of his obedience.
Main Characters: God, Jonah, King of Nineveh.
Striking Facts: v. 10. God is unchangeable in character, but He may change His conduct toward men as they change their attitude toward Him. Repentance in man is a change of will. Repentance in God is God willing a change.
Book: Jonah
Chapter: 4
Summary: Jonah's displeasure over God's action toward Nineveh. The sheltering gourd.
Main Characters: God, Jonah.
Striking Facts: Jonah (Matt. 12:40) is used as an illustrious type of Christ who was buried and arose (1 Cor. 15:4) after three days. As God prepared Jonah’s grave, so He prepared Christ's. Both were buried in order to their rising again for the bringing of the doctrine of repentance to the Gentile world.
Book: Micah
Chapter: 1
Summary: Jehovah's case against Israel. Impending judgment.
Main Characters: God, Micah, Jotham, Ahaz, Hezekiah.
Striking Facts: vv. 6-16. d escribes the Syrian invasion. This gives rise to theprophecy of the greater invasion in the last days (4:9-13), and of Christ's deliverance at Armageddon (Rev. 16:14; 19:17).
Book: Micah
Chapter: 2
Summary: Jehovah's case against Israel, continued. Future deliverance of a remnant.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit.
Striking Facts: v. 13. Christ is the King who will, after the great Armageddon, pass before Israel to bring them into the land of their rest. While there is in this age an election out of Israel, the promises of restoration to the land here given will only have their accomplishment at Christ's Second Coming.
Book: Micah
Chapter: 3
Summary: Coming judgments of the captivities. The priests and prophets rebuked.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, princes, prophets.
Striking Facts:
Book: Micah
Chapter: 4
Summary: The future kingdom of Christ on earth and Israel's happy regathering. Battle of Armageddon.
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: vv. 1, 2. A mountain in Scripture is a symbol of great earth power (Dan. 2:35). The ultimate establishment of Christ's earthly kingdom is here foretold. Christ will be the King (v. 7) to protect and govern it and to order its affairs for the best to the end of time.
Book: Micah
Chapter: 5
Summary: The birth and rejection of Christ foretold. His ultimate eternal kingdom after His rejection.
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: v. 2. See Isa. 7:13, 14; 9:6, 7. Note that the "child" was born in Bethlehem, but the "Son" was "from everlasting." Christ was pre-existent, else He could not have by His atonement made propitiation for the sin of the world.
Book: Micah
Chapter: 6
Summary: Jehovah's controversy with Israel's past and present.
Main Characters: God, Omri, Ahab, Balak, Balaam.
Striking Facts: v. 7. Sacrifices and ceremonies have their value from the reference they have to Christ, the great propitiation, but if the believer disregards their meaning, they are an abomination. Thousands of rams and rivers of oil cannot take the place of one little stream of the blood of Christ, the power of which is truly appropriated to the heart.
Book: Micah
Chapter: 7
Summary: Israel's sad present condition. The voice of the remnant in the last days.
Main Characters: God, Micah.
Striking Facts: v. 19. The gracious God is ready, because of the sacrifice of His Son, to pardon and pass over the iniquity of His people upon their repentance and turning to Him. Let the pardoned sinner remember that if he has not been dealt with according to his deserts. It is because Jesus Christ bore his sins on the cross, and made it possible for God to put His sins in the depths of the sea.
Book: Nahum
Chapter: 1
Summary: Jehovah's holiness and power. Nineveh's destruction forecasted.
Main Characters: God, Nahum.
Striking Facts: v. 15. These words are quoted by the apostle both from Isaiah and Nahum, and applied to the great redemption wrought by the Lord Jesus and the publishing of His gospal to the world (Romans 10:15).
Book: Nahum
Chapter: 2
Summary: The battle in the streets at Nineveh.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts:
Book: Nahum
Chapter: 3
Summary: Nineveh reaps what it has sown — destruction and violence.
Main Characters: God, King of Assyria.
Striking Facts: The great lesson of Nahum is that the character of God makes Him not only a stronghold to all who trust Him, but One who “will not at all acquit the wicked." He can be "Just and yet the justifler of him which believeth in Jesus" (Romans 3:36), but only because His law has been fully vindicated in the cross.
Book: Habakkuk
Chapter: 1
Summary: Habakkuk's prayer concerning evil in dispersed Israel. God's voice to Israel and Habakkuk's testimony to God.
Main Characters: God, Habakkuk.
Striking Facts: v. 5. Acts 13:37-41 interprets this preditction of the redemptive work of Christ with Israel in dispersion. God did "work a work” which Israel did not believe. Paul quoted this to the Jews of the dispersion in the synagogue at Antioch.
Book: Habakkuk
Chapter: 2
Summary: Jehovah's response to Habakkuk's testimony. Vision of coming woes.
Main Characters: God, Habakkuk.
Striking Facts: v. 14. Isa. 11 :9 fixes the time when the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord — when the Righteous Branch of David, Christ, has come and set up His kingdom. The knowledge of the “glory" of the Lord cannot be until He is manifested in glory (Matt. 24:30; 25:31; Luke 9:26; 2 Thess. 1:7; 2:8; Jude 14).
Book: Habakkuk
Chapter: 3
Summary: Habakkuk's answer of faith to Jehovah. The terror of God's wrath against sinners.
Main Characters: God, Habakkuk.
Striking Facts:
Book: Zephaniah
Chapter: 1
Summary: Coming judgment on Judah prefiguring the coming day of the Lord.
Main Characters: God, Zephaniah, Josiah.
Striking Facts: vv. 7, 14. The day of the Lord here is a small specimen of the great "day" that is to come, in which all culminate Judgments will ilnate, to be followed by Isra l's restoration and blessing under Christ.
Book: Zephaniah
Chapter: 2
Summary: Call to remnant of Israel in the day of the Lord. Judgment threatened upon Assyria, Philistia and other nations.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 3. The only safe hiding place from the wrath of God against sin is the righteousness of Christ (1 Cor. 1:30; Rom. 10:1-3). To be "hid with Christ in God" (Col. 3:2) is to be in the chambers of safety.
Book: Zephaniah
Chapter: 3
Summary: Jerusalem's moral state in time of Zephaniah. The coming Judgment of nations and kingdom blessing for restored Israel.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 15. It is the Lord Jesus, the rejected and glorified King, who will be in the midst forever, to receive the homage of His subjects and to give out His favors.
Book: Haggai
Chapter: 1
Summary: Jehovah's chastening because of the interrupted work on His house. The work on the temple recommenced.
Main Characters: God, Darius, Haggai, Zerubbabel, Joshua.
Striking Facts:
Book: Haggai
Chapter: 2
Summary: The various temples. Chastening because of priest's impurity and the peoples' delay. Future destruction of Gentile power.
Main Characters: God, Haggai, Zerubbabel, Joshua.
Striking Facts: v. 7. Christ is the desire of all nations, for in Him shall allthe families of the earth be blessed with the best of blessings. The shaking of nations will take place in the great Tribulation, which will be followed by Christ's coming in glory.
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 1
Summary: Zechariah's symbolic visions, warning of Jehovah's displeasure with the nations.
Main Characters: God, Darius, Zechariah.
Striking Facts: v. 17. The visions reveal Judah in dispersion, Jerusalem under adverse possession, and the Gentile nations at rest about it, the conditions that have prevailed throughout the present age. God's answer to the angels intercession sweeps on to the end time, when the Lord shall yet comfort by the return of Christ in glory.
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 2
Summary: Visions of Zechariah. Jerusalem in the kingdom age.
Main Characters: God, Zechariah.
Striking Facts: v. 11. He whom the Lord of Hosts will send in the latter days to dwell among men can be no other than the Lord Jesus. All nations will at that time own Him as the one sent of Jehovah, which was not fulfilled in His first coming.
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 3
Summary: Visions of Zechariah. Joshua and Satan before the angel of the Lord. Jehovah's servant. The Branch.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Joshua, Satan, Zechariah.
Striking Facts: v. 8. Christ is the "Servant, the Branch," who was long hid, but in the fulness of time was brought forth into the world. His beginning was as a tender branch, but He will yet become a great tree filling the earth.
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 4
Summary: Vision of the golden candlestick and two olive trees. Zerubbabel designated to finish the temple.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Zechariah, Zerubbabel, Joshua, the angel.
Striking Facts: v. 14. Some think Christ and the Holy Spirit are here meant. From Christ, the olive tree, by the Spirit, the olive branch, all the golden oil of grace is communicated to believers.
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 5
Summary: Vision of the flying roll and the ephah.
Main Characters: God, Zechariah, angel.
Striking Facts:
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 6
Summary: Vision of the four chariots. The symbolic crowning of Joshua.
Main Characters: God, Jesus, Zechariah, angel, Joshua, Heldai, Tobijah, Jedaiah, Josiah.
Striking Facts: v. 13. Christ is new a Priest, but still in the holiest within the veil (Lev. 16:15; Heb. 9:11-14, 24), seated on the Father's throne (Rev. 3:21). He will yet sit upon His own throne (Heb. 9:28), a Priest — upon His throne.
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 7
Summary: The mission from Babylon, and Jehovah's answer to the question of fasts. Why prayer was not answered.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Darius, Zechariah, Sherezer, Regem-melech.
Striking Facts:
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 8
Summary: Jehovah's unchanging purpose to restore Jerusalem and bless Israel in the Kingdom
Main Characters: God, Zechariah.
Striking Facts: In the days after the coming of Christ in glory, Jerusalem will be made the center of earth's worship, and the Jew will be the missionary to all nations, bearing the messages of Christ.
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 9
Summary: Burden upon the cities surrounding Palestine. Christ presented as King-Savior in His first advent.
Main Characters: God, Christ.
Striking Facts: v. 9. Having introduced the King, which was Christ in vv. 9-10, the verses which follow look to the end time and the kingdom when He will come in glory. Except in v. 9, the present age is not seen in Zechariah.
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 10
Summary: The future strengthening of Judah and Ephraim. Israel's dispersion and regathering in one view.
Main Characters: God.
Striking Facts: v. 12. It is Christ whom Israel will recognize as the crucified King, who will strengthen them, and cause them to bestir themselves to go up and down the land in His name.
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 11
Summary: First advent of Christ foretold and His rejection. God's wrath against Israel as the result. The rise of anti-Christ and his judgment.
Main Characters: God, Zechariah.
Striking Facts: v. 7. Beauty and Bands — literally "graciousness and union" — signifying God's attitude toward Israel in sending His Son (Matt. 21:37), and His purpose to reunite Israel (Ezek. 37:15-22). Christ in His first advent came with grace (John 1:17) to offer union (Matt. 4:17), but was sold for 30 pieces of silver (vv. 12, 13). Beauty (gracioushess) was thereby "cut in sunder." Bands (union) was broken, God's purpose to reunite Israel being for this age abandoned.
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 12
Summary: Jerusalem's coming siege by the Beast and his armies. Deliverance of Judah by the Lord Himself. The Spirit poured out and the pierced One recognized.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Holy Spirit, Zechariah.
Striking Facts: v. 10. The pouring out of the Spirit upon all who receive the Crucified One as Lord and Saviour in the present age is an earnest of what Israel shall receive when Christ's Kingdom comes.
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 13
Summary: Repentant remnant of Israel in the last days. Refined by great tribulation. Israel again restored to God's favor.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Zechariah.
Striking Facts: v. 1. The fountain opened is the pierced side of Jesus Christ,. for thence came there out blood and water — precious blood, the price of our redemption. Those who now look to Christ pierced are saved — but this Israel does not see and will not until His Second Coming (v. 6).
Book: Zechariah
Chapter: 14
Summary: The return of Christ. Armageddon. The changes in Palestine. The kingdom established on earth.
Main Characters: God, Zechariah, Christ.
Striking Facts: v. 9. The prayer (Matt. 6:10) ''Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven” will have its final answer in the coming of the King in the power of His might. It will not be a spiritual and gradual coming, the effects of preaching, but a personal, literal coming in the clouds of heaven (v. 4).
Book: Malachi
Chapter: 1
Summary: Jehovah's love for Israel. The sins of the priests and hypocrisy of the people.
Main Characters: God, Malachi, Jacob, Esan.
Striking Facts:
Book: Malachi
Chapter: 2
Summary: The message to the priests concerning their sins. The evils among the people.
Main Characters: God, Holy Spirit, Malachi.
Striking Facts: v. 10. Cp. Acts 17:24-29. The reference in both instances is to God as "Father of our spirits" — or creation. It has no reference to salvation. "We are children of God by faith in Christ Jesus."
Book: Malachi
Chapter: 3
Summary: Mission of John the Baptist, and Christ's first advent foretold. Israel exhorted to return to God.
Main Characters: God, Christ, Malachi, John the Baptist.
Striking Facts: v. 1. The first "messenger" is a prophecy of the appearing of the forerunner, John the Baptist (Matt. 11:10; Mark 1:2), which Isaiah had foretold (40:3). "The messenger of the covenant" is Christ Himself, but for its final fulfillment looks to the second coming of Christ, the messenger having been rejected at His first advent. His sudden coming to the temple, connected with judgment, awaits fulfillment (Heb. 2:20). Malachi, like other O. T. prophets, saw both advents of Messiah blended in one horizon, but not the separating interval.
Book: Malachi
Chapter: 4
Summary: The day of the Lord and coming of Christ as "sun of righteousness." Elijah to be forerunner of the day of the Lord.
Main Characters: God, Moses, Elijah, Christ, Malachi.
Striking Facts: Great day of the Lord is impending, a time of terror and n all whose hearts have been stout against God, but forming of Christ as the sun of righteousness with healing lor all who have looked to Him. "Come quickly, Lord Jesus.”