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101 illustrations
This is not merely future eschatology but the present reality of Christ's kingdom inaugurated at Pentecost.
To ransom (*lutroo*) means to redeem or free from captivity by paying an equivalent—to rescue from danger and death, to deliver from an enemy's possession through warfare or purchase by gold.
Exell (1887) observed that no classic equals the Word of God in influence.
Exell observed that the present world presents a paradox: philosophers from Ray Lankester to John Stuart Mill cannot agree on nature's character.
In our present state, night brings necessary rest to weary bodies and overburdened minds.
Under Nebuchadnezzar, who followed his illustrious father Nabopolassar, the empire extended from the frozen northern zones to the equatorial belt, subjugating Egypt, Assyria, and even maritime Tyre.
Rather, we are cautioned against over-valuing earthly possessions.
We find in Scripture the recorded history and experience of God's people, permitting us to compare our own experience with theirs.
The first figure—the shepherd—depicts Yahweh's intimate care over the soul's journey.
There exists a happiness which the spirits of just men enter immediately upon separation from the body; yet after the resurrection and general judgment, the righteous shall proceed into life eternal.
Yet a great intellect dissociated from moral control becomes a scourge and terror.
The afflictions that crush many in this present state would render death a mercy alone, as Job lamented (Job 3:17), were it not for the hope anchored in Elohim.
First, this voice summons every saint at the appointed hour.
Strangers with thee *in life*: Those united in Christ alone are united in truth; all other bonds fracture under ultimate scrutiny.
God's eternity and unchangeableness are inseparable attributes revealed throughout Scripture.
First, the *inevitably* natural: our bodies decay from birth.
This interpretation reveals three essential truths about the Church's nature.
Shepherds move constantly in pursuit of fresh pasture for their flocks, making the shepherd's tent the perfect emblem of life's transience and uncertainty.
First, consider who bestows it: Yahweh Himself, the Giver of all good gifts.
The Greek word here *kleio* means not merely to close, but to lock—to shut in a way that cannot be reopened.
Consider first the dissolution of the human frame—that wonderful machine bearing the mark of Divine wisdom and skill.
The annihilation of Assyrian power unfolds as a great funeral obsequy, well known among Eastern nations.
Yet these pilgrims did not cast off their festive spirit with their holiday attire.
The seer of Patmos drew this imagery from his island circumstances, much as Peter's rooftop vision at Joppa arose from hunger and his lodging with a tanner.