The cup of salvation mentioned in Psalm 116:13 refers to the cup that is part of the thanksgiving sacrifice that a person would make to God after being delivered from some calamity or trial. When we look at the context of Psalm 116, the psalmist is recounting how God delivered him from death (Ps 116:3, 116:8). As an expression of thanksgiving and fulfillment of a vow made to the Lord (Ps 116:12-14, 18-19), the psalmist would have participated in offering a thanksgiving sacrifice at the temple as described in Leviticus 7:12-15. Part of this ritual involved drinking from a cup…
Author: Kerry Baysinger
Backstabbing is sadly a common occurrence that many face in life. It occurs when someone you trust betrays you or acts against you in a deceitful or underhanded way. The Bible has much to say about backstabbing and provides wisdom and comfort for those who have been hurt by the betrayal of others. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses about backstabbing: Proverbs 25:9-10 Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another’s secret, lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end. This proverb warns against betraying…
The book of Proverbs in the Bible contains many wise sayings and observations about life. Proverbs 14:13 states: “Even in laughter the heart may ache, and the end of joy may be grief.” This proverb offers insight into the complexity of human emotions and the bittersweet nature of life. On the surface, laughter and joy seem straightforwardly positive. Laughter lightens the mood, brings people together, and provides temporary relief from cares. Joy likewise connotes happiness, celebration, and blessing. However, the book of Proverbs recognizes that beneath the exterior of laughter and joy, a person may simultaneously experience sorrow, pain, or…
The doctrine of justification is central to the Christian faith. It speaks to how sinful human beings can be made right before a holy God. The Bible has a lot to say about justification and declares it is only through faith in Jesus Christ that anyone can be justified and saved from God’s wrath against sin. Here are some key Bible verses about justification: Romans 3:23-24 – All Have Sinned and Fall Short of God’s Glory “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption…
The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs are a collection of 12 writings purported to be the final words and instructions of the 12 sons of Jacob, also known as Israel. The testaments are presented as each patriarch on their deathbeds, speaking to their children and giving them advice and prophecies for the future. The writings likely originated sometime between 2nd century BCE and 2nd century CE. The testaments are ascribed pseudepigraphically to each patriarch, meaning the actual authors wrote under the names of the biblical figures. The testaments contain ethical teachings, apocalyptic visions, and messianic prophecies that proved influential in…
Trustworthiness is an important virtue emphasized throughout the Bible. Here are some key Bible verses about being trustworthy and why it matters: Proverbs 20:6 – Faithfulness in Small Things “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” This proverb reminds us that while many people may claim to be loving and faithful, true trustworthiness in even small matters is rare. We must prove ourselves faithful in little things before we can be trusted with greater ones. Matthew 25:21 – Faithfulness Leads to Reward “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful…
Oreb and Zeeb were two leaders of the Midianite army who were killed by the Israelites during the time of the judges. Their story is recounted in Judges chapters 7 and 8. The Midianites were a nomadic people who regularly raided Israel during the time of the judges. Under the leadership of Oreb and Zeeb, the Midianites would invade the land of Israel with the Amalekites and other eastern peoples, destroying crops and livestock and generally oppressing the Israelites (Judges 6:1-6). God called Gideon to deliver Israel from the hand of Midian. Gideon gathered an army and prepared to attack…
The Bible has a lot to say about consequences and the importance of considering the outcomes of our actions and choices. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses that discuss consequences: Galatians 6:7-8 – We reap what we sow “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.” This verse teaches that our actions have consequences. If we make sinful choices, we will face negative outcomes, but if…
The phrase “unite my heart to fear Your name” comes from Psalm 86:11, where the psalmist prays to God saying “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.” This is a profound petition that contains great spiritual truth. To understand what it means to “unite my heart to fear Your name,” we must first understand the meaning of key terms and the context of the verse. Let’s break it down: Key Terms Unite The Hebrew word translated “unite” here is “yachad” which means to join together, make one,…
Stubbornness is a trait that is addressed many times throughout the Bible. Here is an overview of some key Bible verses that discuss stubbornness and what the Bible says about this challenging trait. Proverbs 29:1 “Whoever stubbornly refuses to accept criticism will suddenly be destroyed beyond recovery.” This verse in Proverbs warns that stubbornly rejecting correction or criticism can lead to one’s downfall. A stubborn person who refuses to listen to wisdom or advice from others risks facing major consequences. 1 Samuel 15:23 “Rebellion is as sinful as witchcraft, and stubbornness as bad as worshiping idols.” In this verse, stubbornness…