The books of Samuel focus on the lives of three men: Samuel, Saul, and David. They are first seen as individuals rising in their respective careers. As time passes, their lives more frequently interact and become interwined with each other. J. Carl Laney covers these two books section by section, often pausing to clear up a difficult passage that would mean trouble to the reader. This volume is complete with many maps that prove to be an invaluable aid to the reader in helping him to plot out where the action of a particular chapter is taking place. Dr. Laney helps the reader to understand the anguish and agony David experienced as a result of the division of his household and the rebellion of his son Absalom. We can see how Saul met his ultimate downfall as king because of his reliance upon outside sources for guidance instead of implicitly trusting in the Lord. One also sees the godly Samuel who, nevertheless, was unable to keep his own household in order. Contemporary lessons are plentiful in these two Bible books and available to those who take the time to study their truths.

By the waters of Babylon, in the sixth century B.C., the Jewish people felt like permanent refugees in a foreign land. Israel had undergone captivity once before, in Egypt. This time the people were in exile because of disobedience. The books of 1 and 2 Kings were meant as an antidote for the sorrow of heart that afflicted their souls. Robert L. Hubbard, Jr. guides you through the maze of kings and empires, prophets and priests, that are the subjects of those two Old Testament historical books. In those books, Hubbard says, are "peaks of unbelievable glory and valleys of unforgettable despair." His study of 1 and 2 Kings and of the chaotic time chronicled in those books is written in a comfortable style but with scholarly care. Hubbard applies to our lives today the lessons learned through years of pain. Scholar and layman alike will appreciate the combination of readability and scholarly investigation that marks this book.

To its own generation the book of Chronicles was a vivid reminder of hope in the faithfulness of God, a reminder of the promise--made both to the world and to the house of David--of peace and prosperity, to be fulfilled through the covenant people of God. Structurally, the book may be considered an exegetical summary of Old Testament history. Not only does it recount the important events of God's dealing with Israel, but it also explains the significance of those events to Israel's history.

Make Bible study a part of your daily life with the thorough yet easy-to-read commentary that turns complicated theology into practical understanding. The second edition of Believer's Bible Commentary is a one-volume guide that helps the average reader develop basic knowledge of the Bible. This commentary, written by the late William MacDonald, explores the deeper meanings of every biblical book and tackles controversial issues from a theologically conservative standpoint while also presenting alternative views. Serving as a friendly introduction to Bible study, Believer's Bible Commentary gives clarity and context to scripture in easy-to-understand language. Features: Introductions, notes, and bibliographies for each book of the Bible A balanced approach to linguistic studies and useful application Comments on the text are augmented by practical applications of spiritual truths and by a study of typology, where appropriate Colorful maps of the Holy Land and other useful study helps Can be used with any Bible translation but is best used with the New King James version

A Rich Exposition of the History of God’s Chosen People Covering Joshua through Esther, this verse-by-verse commentary tells the early history of the Jews from their first years in the Promised Land to the next five centuries of Israel’s history to their captivity in Babylon and the restoration of Jerusalem. Through story, history, and prophecy, these biblical books remind us of God’s promises to His people even when they turned away from Him. You will understand more fully God’s redemptive work throughout history in this detailed look at Israel’s story of redemption.

The New Testament Scriptures will never be properly understood by a person if the Old Testament Scriptures essentially remain a mystery to him,' says Paul Benware.Most Christians do not have a clear understanding of the pattern, unity, or progression of the Old Testament. They can tell stories of Moses, Noah, and David but aren't sure how all these events fit together. And they don't fully appreciate the doctrines found in the thirty-nine books between Genesis and Malachi.But the Old Testament does not have to be mysterious or confusing. Newly revised, Dr. Benware offers a chronological approach to give you a bird's-eye view of the historic value of the Old Testament, while his book-by-book analysis reveals important details and emphases.If you want a better understanding of the whole Bible, Survey of the Old Testament is the place to start.

Zechariah, written to encourage the remnant of Israel struggling to follow the Lord, looks ahead to the eventual triumph of God's people and the coming of the Messiah. It contains many prophecies about Messiah, His life on earth, His millennial reign, and the salvation He would bring--so many in fact that it has been called the "Revelation of the Old Testament." In this easy-to-read, easy-to-use commentary, J. Carl Laney takes you through these prophecies carefully, giving you guidelines for interpreting apocalyptic literature and enriching your understanding of the times in which Zechariah lived. With this Everyman's Bible Commentary as your guide, you can discover rich truths about the Lord Jesus Christ found in the minor prophets. Use it in your personal study or as the basis of group or Sunday school study.