Category Archives: Old Testament

Historical Background of Hosea—Baal and Idolatry

Posted on June 2, 2011 by stevepvc

The second major background factor that we need to grasp somewhat to read Hosea well is the worship of the Canaanite god Baal(s). (The first is the Assyrian crisis, discussed here.) The name “Baal” shows up seven times in Hosea … Continue reading →

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Historical Background of Hosea—Assyria

Posted on May 30, 2011 by stevepvc

Over the next month I’ll be working through Hosea in sermons and some blog posts. The short book of powerful prophetic poetry (accompanied by two brief narrative sections), cannot be read in strict isolation. It contains virtually no historical context, … Continue reading →

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Hosea’s Coming!

Posted on May 29, 2011 by stevepvc

Now that this stretch of ad hoc sermons is over, it’s time to dig down deep into a series again. I’ve been stewing in Hosea for the last couple of months to get ready.  It’s an incredible book about love … Continue reading →

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Brueggemann Interview Streaming

Posted on May 18, 2011 by stevepvc

Here is a stream for an interview Walter Brueggemann is doing this afternoon. My understanding is the interview is going to revolve around how ancient texts inform our experience of being human. Brueggemann is a wonderful Old Testament theologian—one of … Continue reading →

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Psalm 4

Posted on August 20, 2010 by stevepvc

To the director, with strings. A David psalm. Answer me in my call, O God of my glory! When I’m in a tight spot, you make space for me. Show me grace, and hear my prayer. Sons of man, how … Continue reading →

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Psalm 3

Posted on August 11, 2010 by stevepvc

Here’s my translation of Psalm 3. It’s a simple, beautiful psalm of rescue or salvation. I’m using rescue in my translation, partly because the word “salvation” has been dulled and avoids this connotation.  I think “rescue” feels more immediate as … Continue reading →

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Psalm 2

Posted on August 4, 2010 by stevepvc

Why are the nations stirred up, and why do the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth take their stand, and the rulers scheme together against the Lord and against his chosen one. Let us tear apart their … Continue reading →

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The Shunammite Saga

Posted on August 2, 2010 by stevepvc

I’ve really enjoyed reading and preaching through the Elisha stories over the past month, and there’s one saga that deserves more attention than the brief mention I gave it in yesterday’s sermon.  It begins in 2 Kings 4, and then … Continue reading →

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Psalm 1

Posted on July 27, 2010 by stevepvc

Blessed is the man who does not walk in the advice of the wicked, or stand in the road of sinners, or sit in the seat of cynics. Because, his joy is in the Torah of Yahweh, and he meditates … Continue reading →

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The Call – A Sermon from Exodus 3

Posted on June 20, 2010 by stevepvc

(This is part two of the Exodus Sermon Series.  The Sermon audio for the series is here.) Today, we move in our series on Exodus to a well known section, the appearance of God to Moses in a burning bush. … Continue reading →

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