First Reading

Hannah Praying
Commentary on Daniel 12:1-3

Daniel 7–12 comprises an apocalyptic vision account, and these chapters are the only example of [...]

The Poor Widow's Offering, Frederick Goodall, before 1904
Commentary on 1 Kings 17:8-16

The passage immediately preceding 1 Kings 17:8–16 provides important context for this encounter between a [...]

spray-painted hearts
Commentary on Deuteronomy 6:1-9

In Deuteronomy 6, we encounter Moses as the great teacher, [...]

Raising of Lazarus by Peter Paul Morandell on the facade of the cemetery chapel in Rum, Tyrol (1956)
Commentary on Isaiah 25:6-9

The art of preaching biblical poems might helpfully involve being captivated by an image that [...]

Millstone in a garden
Commentary on Numbers 11:4-6, 10-16, 24-29

Numbers 11 invites the reader to reflect on leadership during [...]

a mighty fortress
Commentary on Jeremiah 31:31-34

If you are somewhat taken aback by the announcement of [...]

Detail from
Commentary on Jeremiah 31:7-9

Are we in the right book? “Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob …” (Jeremiah 31:7)?!1 [...]

Lucas van Leyden: Detail from Inner left wing of a diptych with Christ as the Man of Sorrows
Commentary on Isaiah 53:4-12

Today’s reading, Isaiah 53:4–12, moves from humiliation to celebration. It ends the fourth of the [...]

threading a needle
Commentary on Amos 5:6-7, 10-15

In a course on the prophets, a professor of mine [...]

judge's gavel
Commentary on Genesis 2:18-24

In a passage that differs from the first description of the creation of humankind in [...]