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By Joseph S. Exell · 1887 · 1,353 illustrations
The Biblical Illustrator is a 56-volume reference work compiled by Joseph S. Exell in the late 19th century. Each passage of Scripture is illuminated with historical anecdotes, biographical sketches, analogies from nature, and homiletical observations drawn from ancient and contemporary sources. These illustrations have been carefully restored from the original public-domain text and rewritten for clarity and accessibility — preserving the historical depth while removing Victorian OCR artifacts.
The repetition *houtos* (this very one) marks a decisive moment in Israel's history.
The Second Person appeared in human flesh; the Third Person descended as a dove; the First Person testified through voice alone, honoring the principle given to Israel: "Ye saw no shape, but ye heard a voice." The dove symbolizes Christ's...
These are the stations of grace where His people seek Him, knowing where He is to be found.
Upon this eternal, self-existent fidelity we can repose with safety.
Writing approximately thirty years after the event itself, Paul enumerates five distinct appearances of the risen Christ, including His manifestation to James, which aligns with the *Gospel of the Hebrews* and demonstrates an independent historical source.
Christ was the reputed son of a village carpenter, a poor despised Nazarene—yet His fame spread abroad.
When worldly distractions fade and darkness surrounds us, the soul engages in its most consequential work—calling upon departed friends, recalling the past, foreboding the future, and wrestling with its deepest longing: communion with God.
The missionary work comprises two dimensions: first, the proclamation of Messiah as King of kings and Lord of lords throughout the universe; second, the establishment of peace among men through the blood of His Cross.
First, you must contend against yourself—the main battle rages within your own heart, where affections struggle for dominion.
We treat the present as though it shall never end, and eternity as though it shall never begin.
Not the hermit's withdrawal, nor pride's cold refusal, nor sentiment's complaint of misunderstanding.
Figuratively, it describes the literal Zion; spiritually, it sets forth the visible and mystical Church.
This transaction teaches us not to be too forward in our professions, or too confident in our own strength, lest confidence increase the guilt and shame of failure.
The circle stands as geometry's most perfect figure, and God selected it as His design for creation itself.
Speech may set forth: right views of God as revealed in Psalm 40:9 and John 17:25–26; right views of personal experience as in Psalm 66:16; right estimates of character, requiring great caution in testimonials; right statements concerning the value of...
Almighty God can and often does overrule evil actions toward His own glory and to cause bad means to conduce to a good end.
This ancient adversary possesses characteristics we must understand clearly.
Among all creation, this insignificant globe was singled out as the stage for redemption.
Exell's *Biblical Illustrator* (1887), the sin of those rejecting the apostles encompassed five grave transgressions: infidelity, disobedience, ingratitude, inhospitality, and rebellion against God—defiance contrary to both natural law and divine grace.
True Christians manifest Christ's personal *presence* among men.
The Jews employed the pipe (*aulos*) for both marriages and funerals—music for joy and mourning alike.
Life and health form the foundation of all other enjoyments.
This is no arbitrary decree, but a solemn declaration to which all holy spirits give their willing assent—an ordinance whose justice even the excluded themselves shall admit.
This desire for healing transcends centuries and cultures.