Latest Commentaries

The preceding poem (verses 3-11) is the result of an exhaustive search by Solomon to use his reason and capacity for exploration in an attempt to discover the meaning of life. God created mankind with a longing to study, explore, and see—but even an exhaustive search by a capable person ends with futility if we only rely upon reason and experience.

The Preacher (Solomon) asserts that determining our purpose in life from observation, reason, or invention is futile. He looks into how events in Time are cyclical and therefore are insufficient avenues for completing his search for meaning; nothing circumstantial is truly new or truly resolved.

Solomon describes God’s creation as productive, reliable, and cyclical. He contrasts this with the limited and confused life of a man, questioning the value of man’s effort when patterns are destined to repeat themselves.

Solomon uses an enigmatic metaphor to introduce the intention of the book: attempting to reconcile man’s search for meaning with the practical limitations around him.

Solomon introduces himself as the author of Ecclesiastes. He describes himself using three titles that uniquely qualify him to wrestle with the content of the book.

God assures Hagar that Ishmael will live and make a great nation. Miraculously, God leads them to a well to drink. Ishmael grows up, becomes an archer, and marries an Egyptian woman.

Abraham names the place where he made an oath with Abimelech, “Beersheba.” After the covenant is made, Abraham plants a tree at Beersheba and prays to God.

Abraham complains that Abimelech’s men have taken over his well. Abimelech claims he had not heard of this well until today. Abraham sets apart seven lambs for Abimelech to give the well rights back to him.

King Abimelech knows that God favors Abraham, so he makes a covenant with him, asking for fair and honest dealing. Abraham agrees.

Abraham sends Hagar and Ishmael away. They wander in the wilderness and run out of water. Hagar thinks they will die, but God hears Ishmael’s cries and rescues them.

Sarah wants Abraham’s son, Ishmael, sent away from their house. She wants her own son, Isaac, to be the sole heir of Abraham. Abraham worries what will become of Ishmael, but God promises that a nation will be born from Ishmael.

Abraham was 100 years old when Isaac was born. Sarah was very happy at Isaac’s birth. Isaac grew, and a feast was given when he was weaned.

God kept His promise; Abraham and Sarah conceive and have a son at the appointed time. Abraham names the boy Isaac and circumcises him at eight days old in obedience to God.

Matthew completes his first major section of the genealogy with King David.

Matthew continues the genealogy and includes mention of a third Gentile woman.

Matthew continues the genealogy of Jesus and includes another Gentile woman.

Matthew cites the generations between Perez, who lived in Canaan prior to moving to Egypt, and Nahshon who was numbered in those coming out of Egypt, naming some but omitting most.

Matthew begins his Gospel account by sharing the genealogy of Jesus, the Messiah. By beginning with Abraham, Matthew is showing how Jesus is the fulfillment of key provisions of God’s covenant with Abraham.

Moses asks Israel to set apart their heart before God and not rebel. They are to love and execute justice without partiality, including to aliens dwelling among them, for they were alien enough in Egypt. This reflects how God judges. It shows His love for all peoples. Israel should glory in God’s love and care for them.

After recounting the story of the molten calf incident, Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s love for them, and strongly commands the Israelites not to repeat the sins of the past, but to walk in complete obedience to their Suzerain God, Yahweh, because it is for their good.