First Reading

hands clasped in mutuality
Commentary on 1 Kings 19:4-8

Wilderness, rest, nourishment. These are the restoring practices that gave Elijah strength for the journey.   [...]

Silhouetted figures on hill at sunset
Commentary on Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15

The large narrative arc of Exodus through Judges describes the [...]

hooded figure alone on boardwalk
Commentary on Jeremiah 23:1-6

With Jeremiah it is difficult, perhaps impossible, to detect an intentional literary order (see also [...]

Man and boy smile at each other
Commentary on Amos 7:7-15

Our text is part of what in scholarly discussion is called the “Book of Visions.” [...]

friends on a beach at sunset
Commentary on Ezekiel 2:1-5

Ezekiel seldom appears in lectionary readings and sermons. This prophetic voice sometimes seems to come [...]

statue of person hugging knees
Commentary on Lamentations 3:22-33

Lamentations is rarely read or sung in any American churches, [...]

waves crashing on rock
Commentary on Job 38:1-11

God’s two responses to Job don’t answer the questions Job asked in his long and [...]

man under tree
Commentary on Ezekiel 17:22-24

The exile looms large in the Old Testament, and for [...]

Three friends
Commentary on Genesis 3:8-15

In an intriguing vignette that forms part of the creation narratives in Genesis 1-3, one [...]

Celtic cross surrounded by evergreens
Commentary on Isaiah 6:1-8

It is telling that the prophetic call narrative in Isaiah 6:1-8 starts with a death.  [...]