the ruminations of aaron eberline

What is happening in Nehemiah 11 and 12? You are faced with many names again which may make you want to tune out the details of the text. What is happening in the story of Israel? “And they offered great sacrifices that and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with a great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” Nehemiah 12:43 ESV Why are details given about the priests and Levites? Why was there such joy in Jerusalem? Why list the priests and Levites who returned with Zerubbabel? Read more

How do you live, breathe, and exist in a world filled with so many idols and avenues leading to idolatry? The book of 2 Kings focuses on the kingdoms of Israel and Judah from the end of Elijah’s ministry, seen in 1 Kings, to the beginning of the Babylonian captivity. The main theme relayed throughout the book is the idea of a legacy and it’s faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God. The Israelites have been living in the promised land for generations and the words spoken by Moses and Joshua about guarding themselves from the idols and idolatry of the inhabitants of the land they possessed have come to fruition with the adoption of the god’s throughout the land and a lack of respect and regard for the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Read more

In 1 Kings 17 Elijah a prophet of the Lord proclaims to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” 1 Kings 17:1  After these words Elijah follows heads away from Ahab and hides in the wilderness. Was Elijah concerned about having his needs met since he just prophesied a drought in the land? Did Elijah have the faith to trust that God was going to supply his needs. God proves Himself faithful as he sends ravens to bring Elijah bread and meat twice daily. Can God supply your needs? Do you need a road map to take a step of faith? Elijah didn’t know what was going to happen next but he trusted that God would supply for his needs as he followed Him. Read more