Missed Connection (1)

So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”  1 Kings 3:9  NIV Right and wrong – The translators of the NIV completely ignore the Hebrew connection between Solomon and Adam.  I suspect it is deliberate.  The Hebrew text…

The Foundation Stone

He will not fear evil tidings; His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:7 NASB Steadfast – Hebrew is about reality. Hebrew doesn’t encourage fiction. And what’s the difference between fiction and reality. Fiction has to make sense. Today we look at the Hebrew word kûn. There are basically two forms of this word. One is about…

Judge and Jailer?

for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but divinely powerful for the destruction of fortresses.  We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ, and we are ready to punish all disobedience, whenever your…

Nearing the End (2)

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me away from Your presence and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me.  Restore to me the joy of Your salvation and sustain me with a willing spirit. Psalm 51:10-12 NASB Renew – David cries for…

Inalienable Right

You shall not steal. Exodus 20:15 ESV Steal – Tim Hegg provides the following insight into the assumption of this commandment. “ . . . that which is owned is to be used for the glory of God, and the owner is responsible to make this a reality. Indeed, all civilized societies are based upon…

God and Politics

Thus Hezekiah did throughout all Judah; and he did what was good, right and true before the LORD his God.  2 Chronicles 31:20  NASB Good/ right/ true – Hezekiah was one of Israel’s faithful kings.  The narrative tells us that he did everything he could to seek God with all his heart. Hezekiah had but…

Paul’s Law

Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, let your mind dwell on these things.  Philippians 4:8  NASB Right – What is “right”?  You will probably ask for clarification before…

My Right to Worship

Every man’s way is right in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the hearts.  Proverbs 21:2  NASB Right – “What is truth?” asked Pilate.  He might as well have asked, “What is correct?”  In his eyes, the truth and the cultural norms were relative.  He only echoed what Solomon said centuries before.  Everyone thinks…

The Believer’s Bill of Rights

But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God  John 1:12  NASB Right – Here is the Greek word exousian.  This word means “permission” or “authority.”  The root behind this word carries the meaning of having the power to do something.  But in this verse we need…

A Slight Modification

Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; whoever is discerning, let him know them.  For the ways of the LORD are right, and the righteous will walk in them, but transgressors will stumble in them.  Hosea 14:9  NASB Are right – Hosea reveals that YHWH’s darke (paths) are yesharim (straight, upright).  We should notice…