Paul's advice to the Thessalonians was given to them in the light of the belief that Jesus was coming back very soon indeed. That being so, it's fascinating to see how measured and balanced it is. From time to time, 'prophets' pre...

This story proceeds at a breakneck speed, like Jehu's driving (verse 20). Evidently the Israelite army officers have grown tired of King Joram, perhaps because of his unsuccessful alliance with Judah's King Ahaziah against Syria (8.28–29).

King Jehu was determined to purge Israel of every trace of Ahab's family and the Baal-worship they had promoted. The list of his murders is deeply depressing, especially because it was done in the name of the LORD.

Judah's King Amaziah takes over from his father, the murdered King Joash (12.20–21). Like his father, he is commended for doing 'what was pleasing to the LORD', though like him he didn't purge the kingdom of Baal-worship.

Hallowe'en has become big business over the last few years. Commercially it's taken over from Guy Fawkes Night, which is a scary thought.

There's a sharp change in tone between chapters 11 and 12. From technical arguments about Jews and Gentiles, Paul soars into a meditation on what God's mercy means for our conduct. In a society where status was everything, he asks his reade...

Absalom's rebellion comes to its dramatic conclusion. He is out-fought by David's army and defeated. Joab, David's commander, perhaps fearful that the king's affection for his son would compromise his effectiveness, persuades him ...

Chapters 12–19 are a series of prophecies about the fate of Jerusalem, which include the flight of the prince from Jerusalem and the continued misery of those in the city. First, there is another prophetic action. God ordered Ezekiel to prepare an ...

David was an Israelite hero. Here, though, we see how someone who had risen very high could fall into terrible sin. The 'man after God's own heart' was guilty of adultery, deceit and murder. Given that Bathsheba probably had very littl...

Having the Bible available on our phones or laptops is normal for most of us, and it's incredibly useful – it's always available, we can cut and paste text, compare translations and find verses easily.

This chapter is a psalm of praise to God for keeping David safe in his troubles. It's also in the book of Psalms (Psalm 18). It uses vivid imagery drawn from storms and floods to depict the trials of David's life – and our own – and por...

This well-known psalm beautifully describes the psalmist's longing to be in God’s house, the temple in Jerusalem. The pilgrim even sounds jealous of the sparrows and swallows that nest there.

Sometimes we face a rebuilding moment in our lives and communities – a rebuilding and repairing of our relationship with God and other people. It sometimes comes at a time of crisis or change and it can be hard to face or see beyond. Today’s psal...

At first glance, it looks as though Paul is accusing the entire Roman church of being wicked sinners. That isn't quite what he means. He is warning these Jewish believers against relying on their Jewishness to be right with God, and thinking tha...

Paul explains more here about the position of the Jews within God's plans. Most, he says, have historically not responded to his grace, and it's the same in his own time. However, God's covenant with them remains. They are the original...

Othniel was the first of the judges, and his rule sets up the pattern that's to follow: oppression, rescue, apostasy, in a continuing circuit. The people 'forgot the LORD their God' (verse 7) and worshipped idols; consequently they...

Paul has just been rescued from great danger: a mob has nearly lynched him and he's been saved by a Roman commander, who – at the risk of starting up the riot again – gives him permission to address the hostile crowd.

Reading of Paul's adventures in Jerusalem we're struck by his courage and resourcefulness. He survives an attempted lynching, and faces the mob down. He uses Roman law to escape a potentially lethal flogging (22.25).

Romans 9–11 is a separate section in Paul's letter; some have even suggested that he might have included here something he'd already written. In these chapters, he's exploring what it means to be a Jew in the light of God's reve...

Paul's letters to the Corinthians reflect the situation in a church that's strong and growing, but still learning how to be Christian. In this first chapter he compliments them on their faith, tells them off for quarrelling, and bases every...