John Mark Hicks

Translated by Wilson Silva Garcia; the English version is available here: 1. On Reading Philemon; 2. Opening and Closing (1-3, 23-25); 3. I Give Thanks: Paul on Philemon (4-7); 4. How Can I Ask for this Favor Without Wrenching it from You (Philemon 8-11)?; 5. More Than (Just) A Slave (Philemon 12-16); 6. Three Requests […]

 Introduction (7:1) Daniel’s Vision: The Animals Winged-Lion Its wings were plucked off Became like a human being Was given a human mind   Bear Raised up on one side (to pounce?) Three ribs in its mouth “Arise, devour many bodies.”   Leopard With four wings Four heads Was given dominion   Unidentified animal Iron teeth […]

Bobby Valentine and John Mark Hicks discuss one of the seven traditional Penitential Psalms, which are used annually at Lent. We question whether this a penitential prayer. Rather, it is a lament and cry for mercy from one who is suffering terribly and mistreated by others (much like in Job 16, for example). The Psalm […]

Bobby Valentine and John Mark Hicks describe the significance of Psalm 50. it is a prophetic song, the voice of the “preacher” (priest/prophet) in the assembly of Israel. God speaks through the Psalmist to address two groups of people assembled: (1) those who misunderstand the significance of worship, and (2) hypocrites who confess the covenant […]

Who is Darius the Mede? Daniel Prospers (6:1-3) It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred twenty satraps, stationed throughout the whole kingdom, and over them three presidents, including Daniel; to these the satraps gave account, so that the king might suffer no loss. Soon Daniel distinguished himself above all the other presidents […]

Bobby Valentine and John Mark discuss the meaning and significance of Psalm 7. A righteous sufferer seeks justice and deliverance. What do you pray when you have been falsely accused? Do you protest your innocence? Do ask God to probe your heart? Do ask God to wake up and do something? Can we maintain our […]

This is one of the church’s penitential Psalms, and it is one of the songs of Ascent in the Psalter. It is Israel’s confession of sin as the community approaches the temple to receive the priestly blessing based on God’s forgiveness and mercy/grace/love (hesed). Out of the depths, Israel cries for mercy and waits for […]

Bobby Valentine and John Mark Hicks discuss the opening prayer of the Psalter. Surrounded by many who claim God no longer listens to him, the Psalmist expresses confidence in Yahweh’s presence. God will answer him when he cries out and deliver him. Salvation comes from the Lord alone. Consequently, the Psalmist has no fear of […]

Belshazzar is doing all he can to retain power and reverse the prospect of a Persian takeover: drinking to the gods, seeking to enlist the God of Israel on his side, and offering Daniel third place in his kingdom. But Israel’s God cannot be manipulated. God will choose the ruler, and God expects humility from […]

Nebuchadnezzar’s Second Dream (4:1-18) Royal Epistle/Pride (4:1-3) “His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, And his sovereignty is from generation to generation.” The Dream (4:4-18) Nebuchadnezzar Disturbed (4:4-5) “I saw a dream that frightened me; my fantasies in bed and the visions of my head terrified me.” Seeking an Interpreter (4:6-9) “O Belteshazzar, chief of the […]