Today we read the short little book of Haggai and the first few verses of Zechariah. These two prophets were contemporaries, having returned to Jerusalem with the exiles. While we don’t know for sure, Haggai may have been in his 80’s, and one of the original exiles, while Zechariah may have been born in captivity …
Read-Through-The-Bible [09.25.19]
Ezra 4:6-6:13 tells of the challenges the Jewish people face as they attempt to rebuild the temple and their lives in Jerusalem. Letters are sent back and forth between their enemies and the Persian leaders to frustrate and stop the work. Years pass and progress is slow until a king named Darius comes to power. …
Read-Through-The-Bible [09.24.19]
Today we finish reading Daniel (10-12), concluding with a final vision that is difficult to interpret without a lot more time and space than we would give to a Facebook post! I studied through Daniel using Beth Moore’s Bible study (probably 10 years ago). She agreed with most Bible scholars that the chapters contain both …
Read-Through-The-Bible [09.23.19]
Today we’re reading Ezra 1:1-4:5, an exciting new beginning in the history of Israel. The 70 years of captivity are ending, and God begins to carry out His plan to bring the people back into the land. Cyrus, King of Persia, is moved by God to decree that a temple will be rebuilt in Jerusalem, …
Read-Through-The-Bible [09.22.19]
Today’s scripture contains one of the Bible stories every child loves to hear in Sunday School and read in their Bible storybooks: Daniel in the lions’ den. (Daniel 6). This is not just a story for children. There is much wisdom and inspiration for adults as well. Daniel has done well as a Jewish exile. …