Quotes from David J. Ridges

what the Lord says next, we understand that the perils and problems that these men had experienced during the previous day were allowed in order to humble them and help them learn to work together in harmony. In context, the last

11 There is no remembrance of former things [nobody remembers the past]; neither shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those that shall come after [neither will the future be remembered by those who come after it; in other words, nothing changes]. By the way, you can probably see that verses 9–11, above, could also be interpreted as saying, in effect, that nobody ever seems to learn from the past, which in many ways would be true of worldly societies and people.

Jeremiah was one of the few ancient prophets who prophesied destruction for the people and then saw the fulfillment of his prophecies during his own lifetime.

I am the first, and I am the last [Jesus was chosen at the first, in the premortal existence, to be our Redeemer, and He will be around at the last, to be our Judge—see John 5:22]; and beside me there is no God [there are

There are times in our lives when we must move forward with faith, and actually take some steps into the dark, before the promised blessings come.

8 Fear ye not, neither be afraid [trust in me]: have not I told thee from that time [ from the ancient times from the beginning; see verse 7], and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses [Israel's calling, stewardship]. Is there a God beside me [is there an idol that is a God like Me]? yea, there is no God; I know not any.

And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord [a respectful term used by Aaron to address his younger brother, Moses] wax hot [don't get mad at me]: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief [you know how prone these people are to do evil].

Why would the genealogy highlight only four women and then make such unusual choices? Why not choose Hannah or Sarah or Rachel or Rebecca?

1. WATER TURNS TO BLOOD. Exodus 7:14–25 2. FROGS. Exodus 8:1–15 3. LICE. Exodus 8:16–19 4. FLIES. Exodus 8:20–32

5. DEATH OF EGYPTIAN CATTLE. Exodus 9:3 and 6 6. BOILS AND BLAINS. Exodus 9:8–12 Boils and blains seem to go together. Blains were blisters, small inflammations of the skin that were filled with pus. 7. HAIL AND FIRE. Exodus 9:13–35 8. LOCUSTS. Exodus 10:1–20 9. THICK DARKNESS. Exodus 10:21–29

10. THE DEATH OF THE FIRSTBORN. Exodus 11:1–12:36

There is symbolism here. When we ignore God or cast Him out of our lives, spiritual darkness fills in where His light was. This darkness can be felt. In fact, no doubt you have literally "felt" evil, when you have approached it, considering participating in it, or while it was being practiced by others, or when approached by individuals and groups engaged in gross evil.