One of the most powerful biblical pictures of Jesus Christ is as our Shepherd. Here in Psalm 23, we see Him as the Good Shepherd who cares for the sheep.
The temple was indeed completed by Zerubbabel. But that was almost sixty years ago and the people have again come to a place of spiritual deadness. They need a revival and God has prepared a special man. Ezra had dedicated his life to learning, doing, and teaching the law of the Lord (Ezra 7:10). God gives him favor with the king of Persia and he organizes a successful return to the land of promise.
This chapter is a living illustration of James 1:14-15. Amnon is tempted with his own lust. He falls into sin and it leads to his death. This lesson is a warning to us all.
Ab is the Jewish name for the fifth month in the religious calendar and the eleventh month of the civil calendar. This non-biblical name began to be used during the Babylonian captivity. The Bible simply calls this month the “fifth month.” This designation is found ten times in the Bible. The month of Ab begins with the new moon of August and always has thirty days. Agriculturally, the month of Ab is known in Israel as the time for the ripening of grapes, figs, and olives.
A time of rejoicing and blessing to come. The wife hath made herself ready. Part of a series preached from Revelation 19.
