This chapter contains the blessing of Moses on the tribes of Israel before his death. As Jacob did before he died, so Moses gave a poetic and often prophetic blessing on each of the tribes. The present passage gives an introduction to the blessing and the specific pronouncements upon Reuben, Judah, and Levi.

In this psalm, Israel has suffered affliction and destruction and now seeks the help of God her Shepherd. Israel is as a vine which once filled the land in prosperity but has been burned and cut down. The psalmist pleas with God to visit this vine and cause His face to shine on them once again.

In this chapter, one of the great men of God in the Bible falls deeply into sin. How could David do such a thing?

There are several practical lessons here including doing good to those who have done good to you, avoiding shaming people publicly, and fighting the battle of this life with courage and complete trust in the work that the Lord will do for us.

David is at the height of his reign with multiple victories on the field, and a great spiritual victory when he lifts the grandson of his enemy to a place of blessing and prominence.

Solomon began to build the temple for which he is famous. Here we learn of the general dimensions, the coverings, the cherubim, and the pillars. Most people tend to see portions of scripture like this as difficult and boring. However, many hidden treasures are reserved to those who take the time to look for them.

Abram came up out of Egypt and returned to Bethel. He came to the place where he had previously built an altar and there he called on the name of the Lord. Strife between his herdsmen and the herdsmen of Lot brought a division between the two men. Lot chose the well-watered plains of Sodom. After Lot departed, God renewed His promise of land to Abram and told him to walk up and down in it.

This chapter provides a beautiful picture of Jerusalem in the future kingdom age. The glory of the Lord will shine upon it and the Gentiles will come unto it. Jerusalem will be a place of prosperity and praise. It will be blessed with the glory of God and will be a joy of many generations.

The six-day creation story as found in Genesis (along with the seventh day of rest) provides a perfect picture of the seven dispensations as generally taught by dispensationalists. Match each day of creation with the corresponding dispensation and you see some very interesting parallels.

Samuel, the gift of God to a praying mother, ministered in his early years. God worked in his life and used him mightily.