The first return is a trip into the fog. They do not know exactly what will greet them. They do not fully know the condition of the land. The journey of hundreds of miles will take them weeks to complete. Yet they go because they have a higher purpose in mind. They go to rebuild God’s holy temple and to reestablish the true worship of God in God’s chosen city of Jerusalem. They go also to replant the land given to their father Abraham.
The story follows Israel as a nation. However, the nation can be used as a type of an individual. As in the case with Israel, an individual can receive the word of God, become a child of God, and then rebel against His commandments. An individual can reject God’s judgment against their sin and make things even worse. Hebrews 12:5-11 can help you make this comparison. Follow the story of the rebellion and punishment of the nation of Israel as if they represented one person.
This chapter deals with the dangerous consequences of pride and the need for humility concerning self and praise and admiration toward the greatness of God. Nebuchadnezzar tells the story as a personal testimony. He tells how the most powerful man in the world (himself) was brought low in a moment by God, and how he was restored to his former position—though as a wiser man than before.
This chapter is one of the greatest chapters on Christ in the Bible. Of this chapter, the Baptist preacher J. Frank Norris said: “The greatest chapter, the highest mountain peak of the whole Bible. This chapter should be memorized by all.”
The law speaks swiftly, and with great force. Nadab and Abihu thought that the details were unimportant—as long as they got the general idea. They were wrong. God expects obedience in His children. We can be thankful that we live in the age of grace. However, God still expects obedience. Now, we serve because of love, and not because of fear. Yet, we should still serve Him with all our heart.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
