“For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow.” (Ecclesiastes 1:18). I was given this note by a parishioner, Ann Dawson (now gone to glory), some years ago. It is entitled: ‘Sorrow comes to Every…
Psmith is a character in some PG Wodehouse novels. Even as I type the name, my computer’s autocorrect seeks to eliminate the P and make it ‘Smith’. Wodehouse would no doubt be delighted as he often played upon the ‘silent…
“And he [Joab] took three javelins in his hand and thrust them into the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the oak. …Then Joab blew the trumpet, and the troops came back from pursuing Israel, for Joab restrained them.” (2 Samuel…
“So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city, just as Absalom was entering Jerusalem.” (2 Samuel 15:37). 2 Samuel 15 describes the enormous grief for David when the news of the Absalom rebellion reaches the ear of the king. David…
A curious feature about Daniel 4 is the way it begins in the 3rd person and then is told in the 1st person. King Nebuchadnezzar to all peoples, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you! 2 It has…
“Some controversy is crucial for the sake of life-giving truth. Running from it is a sign of cowardice. But enjoying it is usually a sign of pride. Some necessary tasks are sad, and even victory is not without tears –…
Over the last few years while travelling in the car, I have listened to a number of the ‘Help me Teach the Bible’ podcasts which Nancy Guthrie has produced (sponsored by Crossway). The podcast involves an interview with a biblical…
I find that 2 Samuel 13 raises quite a few interpretation questions for me as I read it. In some ways the broad themes are very clear but there are all these small details and words and phrases which connect…
“But Absalom spoke to Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had violated his sister Tamar.” (2 Samuel 13:22 ESV). I was a little surprised to come across a reference to a Cotterell and Turner’s book…
CH Spurgeon is often noted as not only an extraordinary preacher but a pastor who had to deal with melancholy and depression. Some years ago I came across this wonderful ‘God-give remedy for melancholy’. (It was quoted by John Piper…
