Category: Bible Study

“I will be for her an encircling wall of fire, says the Lord, and I will be the glory in her midst.” –Zechariah 2:9 Zechariah prophesied that God’s people would live “as though in open country” (Zec 2:8). In other words, they would not need a wall, army, or other means of protection. The Lord Himself would be “an encircling wall of fire” to protect them (Zec 2:9). This prophecy has been fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He is our Rock, Fortress, and Deliverer (Ps 18:3). We need no longer defend or insure ourselves. Jesus is all the firepower, all the...

“[Herod] was very curious to see [Jesus].” –Luke 9:9 Many try to see famous people, such as athletes, celebrities, stars, entertainers, etc. Often this is thrill-seeking, or autograph hounding, or simply to gain bragging rights. Herod likewise kept trying to see Jesus (Lk 9:9), and was very curious to see Him. Curiosity can be helpful, but in Herod’s case, he apparently was not concerned with seeking the Lord and the truth. Herod finally did see Jesus, but the encounter did not benefit Herod (Lk 23:8ff). In fact, Herod changed for the worse, for after meeting Jesus, he became an ally...

“My God, I am too ashamed and confounded to raise my face to You, O my God, for our wicked deeds are heaped up above our heads and our guilt reaches up to heaven.” –Ezra 9:6 When Ezra heard “this thing,” he tore his cloak and mantle, plucked hair from his “head and beard, and sat there stupefied” (Ezra 9:3). Ezra fell on his knees and stretched out his hands to the Lord. Why was Ezra traumatized? It was because both Israelite laymen and priests married non-Israelite wives. Ezra knew they were doomed by entering into “mixed marriages.” If Ezra...

“Whoever, therefore, among you belongs to any part of His people, let him go up, and may his God be with him!” –Ezra 1:3 The return of the Jews from exile in Babylon is considered a work of God on par with the miracle of the Exodus of the Israelites from brutal slavery in Egypt (see Jer 16:14-15; 23:7-8). Yet this freedom from exile did not mean instant bliss. The Israelites had to learn how to live in God’s freedom. They faced hardships, labor, and suffering in their new homeland, along with much risk and ever-present danger. Yet it is...