Latest Commentaries

Jeremiah 39:1-10 portray the catastrophic fall of Jerusalem, the end of Zedekiah’s reign, and the beginning of the Babylonian Exile, reminding readers that defiance against God’s warnings leads to judgment, yet a remnant always remains to carry on God’s overarching redemptive plan revealed in subsequent scriptures.

Even in the harshest wilderness, authentic intimacy with God satisfies more deeply than anything the world can offer.

Acts 26:24-32 shows that Festus is baffled by Paul’s testimony. He interrupts Paul, concerned that Paul has gone insane because he has studied too many prophecies for too long. Paul replies politely that he is perfectly sane and speaks the rational, real truth. He then puts the question to Agrippa II. Agrippa II knows about Jesus and His followers; none of this happened in secret. Paul knows the king believes in God’s promises found in the scriptures. Does Agrippa II believe in the Christ? Agrippa II replies to Paul with ambivalence toward becoming a Christian. Paul says he wishes all who heard his message would believe.

Acts 26:19-23 shows that Paul obeyed Jesus’s voice. No longer did he persecute believers. He preached the gospel of Christ wherever he went—Damascus, Jerusalem, Judea, and to the Gentiles all over the Roman empire. This is why some of the Jews attacked him, why he has been imprisoned and prosecuted. God has helped Paul, so that he is able to continue preaching to all people, whether high—ranking or lowly, that God’s promises from the scriptures have been fulfilled in Jesus. It was God’s plan that Jesus would die, then be raised back to life, to make a way for everyone, Jews and Gentiles, to be forgiven and receive eternal life.

God stands as the ultimate King who combines absolute power with gracious love.

David’s passionate plea is for us to recognize that all human endeavors—whether elevated or modest—are fleeting compared to God’s enduring power and grace.

Acts 26:9-18 continues Paul’s defense, and says he convinced himself he was right to attack the followers of Jesus. With the support and authorization of the Jewish leadership, Paul hunted the Christians in Jerusalem. He imprisoned believers and voted for their executions. He raided synagogues and tried to make the believers recant their faith. Then, when traveling to Damascus, Syria to track down refugee believers, Paul saw a light from heaven. Jesus spoke to him from that light, asking Paul why he was at enmity with the Son of God and resisting God’s calling. Jesus appointed Paul to be His servant, to preach the gospel and bring Gentiles out of darkness into light, away from sin and into God’s forgiveness, that they might share in Christ’s inheritance.

Acts 26:1-8 relates how, while imprisoned in Caesarea, Paul begins to tell King Agrippa II and Governor Festus about his background. He pays respect to Agrippa for having extensive knowledge of Judaism, and requests that he give Paul ample time to tell his testimony. Paul began as an upstart Pharisee in Jerusalem, living in strict obedience to Pharisaical customs. Paul knows the Hebrew scriptures as well as any expert. He explains that he has been put on trial simply for believing what God has promised. Paul believes God raised Jesus from the dead, and he challenges his audience to consider why they find this unbelievable.

This passage invites us to surrender our worries, find refuge in the steadfast character of the Lord, and discover the immeasurable security that only He provides.

The private encounter in Jeremiah 38:24-28 highlights the uneasy alliance between a prophet who faithfully proclaims God’s word and a troubled king who is torn by political pressures but unable to embrace true obedience.

David underlines how fragile human schemes are when confronted with unwavering trust in God’s ultimate authority.

God alone is the unshakable and reliable source of hope, refuge, and salvation.

David knows that God has heard him, and confidently envisions an enduring life and ministry safeguarded by God’s unfailing love and truth.

Jeremiah exhorted Zedekiah to surrender to Babylon for the city’s survival, warning that disobedience would lead to ruin, captivity, and the downfall of Jerusalem.

David’s plea across these four verses underscores the power of crying out to God with confidence, trusting in His protection, and cherishing ongoing communion with Him.

Zedekiah privately seeks God’s truth through Jeremiah but remains hesitant and fearful, demonstrating the tension between wanting divine counsel and fearing its cost.

God is the only sure source of victory against any obstacle, and dependence on Him remains the surest path to peace and success.

David’s declaration in these verses reaffirms that the Lord reigns over Israel’s land and also over the nations routinely at odds with Israel, underscoring that their pride, might, or enmity cannot withstand the sovereignty of God.

This psalm reminds us that even in times of conflict and divine discipline, God’s character never changes, and He graciously provides restoration and stability for those who call on Him.