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In his classic novel, Robinson Crusoe (1719), author Daniel Defoe has his leading character, Crusoe, cast upon a deserted island off the coast of South America following a violent shipwreck. For more than 28 years he languished under conditions that most would consider unbearable. On a certain occasion, however, the isolated Englishman reflected upon his circumstances — perhaps more deeply than he ever had. Defoe has Crusoe say: “I sat down to my meal with thankfulness, and admired the hand…

In a recent study, we considered the account of Isaac’s dwelling among the Philistines. During this time he concealed the truth of his relationship with Rebekah (Gen. 26:1-16). From the patriarch’s dishonesty, we noted that truth concealed is a friend of fear, robs men of freedom, and puts men in jeopardy. From the same text, we also learn valuable lessons about the truth when it is revealed. First, the truth revealed is restrictive. After learning that Isaac and Rebekah were…

Of the Old Testament patriarchs, Isaac is the most obscure. Outside the writings of Moses, Isaac’s name is found only 21 times in Scripture. Ten of these reference family lineage, five God’s covenant with Abraham and his sons, and two are figurative uses of his name for the nation. Apart from Abraham offering Isaac as a sacrifice, few know anything about his life. From a rarely read chapter about an obscure event in the life of the least discussed patriarch,…

Of all the minor prophets Obadiah might be the most minor of them all. Keep in mind that this designation is neither about rank nor importance. The term “minor prophet” is simply a nickname earned by the sheer volume and length of these books. Of the 12, Obadiah is the shortest. This one chapter, 21-verse book is not only shorter than the other 11 Minor Prophet books, it’s the shortest book in all the Old Testament. There are a few…