Biblical Studies / Bible Figures

  • The Timing of Providence

    Genesis 41

    In the midst of trouble and suffering, it can be difficult to believe that the Lord knows exactly what He is doing. So often it is easier to despair, believing that God has abandoned us and that He will not ...Read More

  • Seduction Resisted

    Genesis 39

    Sin can destroy relationships, lead to illness, and make our lives this side of eternity miserable. For many, a deterrent to sin is fear — fear that God will zap them when they sin. Instead of law, however, the gospel provides ...Read More

  • The Dreamer

    Genesis 37

    The jealousy of Joseph’s brothers — exacerbated by Jacob’s favoritism — led to their selling him into slavery and subsequent lies that a wild animal had killed him. Though we cannot blame their sin on Jacob, the story does illustrate ...Read More

  • The Lord’s Wayward Wife

    Hosea 1

    In likening idolatry to adultery, the Lord actually gives us a powerful motivation to remain faithful to His covenant. We would never want to go through the pain that would be inflicted upon us if our spouses were to betray ...Read More

  • Unworthy at the Table

    2 Samuel 9

    God truly loves His people, but there is nothing in us that makes us worthy of such love. He saves us on account of His promises to Christ and His love for Him. What a marvelous blessing! Because He loves ...Read More

  • David Hood

    1 Samuel 22

    Christian theologians have always recognized that sins of omission, the failure to do what we know is right, incur the judgment of God (James 4:17). Our negligence and failure to think things through can cause many problems for other ...Read More

  • David’s Great Friendship

    1 Samuel 20

    As the people of God, we must be especially careful never to show loyalty to the wrong people and we must be worthy of the trust of our friends and family. This can be easier said than done at times ...Read More

  • David and Goliath

    1 Samuel 17

    In this world of causes great and small, it can be tempting to jump on every bandwagon that comes along. We are not, however, called to megalomania, nor are we called to be equally zealous for all campaigns that present ...Read More

  • David’s Anointing

    1 Samuel 16

    Dr. Sproul notes that we commonly find it easy to serve God when there is no real risk. It is harder when there is a real chance trouble will come for obeying Him. Like Samuel, however, we should be willing ...Read More

  • Hezekiah’s Foolsih Decision

    2 Kings 20:12–21

    Hezekiah’s rather selfish response to Isaiah’s prophecy about the fall of his sons shows how even those who follow God still fall into sin (2 Kings 20:19). One of the sins with which we commonly struggle is ...Read More

  • Dividing the Land

    Joshua 20

    Theonomists want to establish the penalties of the Mosaic law in society today, but this position is ultimately not tenable because unlike the old covenant, the new covenant community is not a geopolitical entity. That does not mean, however, that ...Read More

  • Facing the Alliance

    Joshua 10

    When we call people to faith in Christ we are not offering them a choice that can be made with impunity. God commands all people everywhere to bow to His Son, and those who will not bow today will most ...Read More

  • The Seriousness of Sin

    Joshua 7

    By our obedience to God’s commands we can by no means earn our place in His kingdom. Nevertheless, that does not mean that our faithfulness to His law is unimportant. As those converted by His Spirit through the preaching ...Read More

  • The Fall of Jericho

    Joshua 6

    Joshua and the Israelites were commanded to destroy the inhabitants of Canaan because of the spiritual threat they presented to God’s people (Ex. 34:11–16). Since this holy war was limited in scope and duration, the church is ...Read More

  • Be Strong and Courageous

    Joshua 1

    Our feelings are often unreliable and in any case they cannot determine the truthfulness of God’s promised presence. Whether we sense that He is present or not, the Lord is with us to accomplish His will, and we must ...Read More