Matthew 27:29 records that a reed was placed in Christ's hand as a mock scepter. But when He returns, He will take the scepter of the Kingdom of God.

Despite her former relationship with God, absolutely no nation could ever out-sin Judah, even though God had given her multiple warnings to repent.

A little-known character from the book of Jeremiah shares the stage with more well-known figures and teaches them a lesson we can learn from today.

Hananiah made a significant mistake: prophesying good when God had called for destruction. While God's will is for good, the timing makes all the difference.

As Lamentations opens, Jerusalem is personified as a widow who has had to endure the destruction of her family as well as the mocking scorn from the captors.

The story of Ebed-Melech goes far beyond a historical vignette. His story is an allegory of God's grace to the Gentiles.

The Lamentations show poignant before-and-after vignettes of formerly happy times contrasted with the horror of the present as God punishes Judah.

Many clues to Israel's modern identity deal with the ruling line of David. The biblical and historical evidence shows 'lost' Israel's whereabouts today.

In post-exilic times in Persia, God used concealed Jews (exampled by Mordecai and Esther) to ascend to levels of prominence on behalf of their people.

If we are in the end times, we will need to have an augmented regimen of Bible study, prayer, fasting, and meditation, reinforcing our resolve and courage.

Paradoxically, Jerusalem has not been a city of peace, but a magnet for conflict, a situation which will not end until Christ returns.

Lamentations 3 and 4 show the stark contrast of a once proud people (secure in their wealth, technology, and cleverness) suffering bitter humiliation.

We need to prepare physically and mentally for God's expected judgment—a terrible thing for those not aligned to His divine purpose for humanity.

We may have guilty consciences like Joseph's brothers and self-pity like Jacob, but we can break through if we acknowledge God as Jacob and Elisha did.