Perrydox.com is devoted to the pursuit of truth, whether plain or paradoxical, whether simple or sublime, or simply absurd yet absolute.
PHall | April 2, 2014
Genealogies are boring, but if we approach genealogies…wait, are you still reading this…if we approach genealogies expecting nothing but mind-numbing names, we will miss unexpected jewels. Halfway through Judah’s descendants, God surprises us: 1 Chronicles 4.9-10 – (9) Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez and said, “I gave birth […]
PHall | December 30, 2012
Biblical courage has at least three characteristics: 1) God Given – not self-derived; 2) God Strengthened – there when needed; 3) God Controlled – does not produce pride, instead it produces humility.
PHall | April 21, 2012
There is a recurring theme found within the history of the Southern Kingdom of Judah; that is, the temple became the personal bank account of the king. Time and again, when threatened by outside armies, the king robs the temple of its gold and silver. This is done to bribe the invading king, or to […]
PHall | November 26, 2011
When reading the period of the Judges and Kings, one sad fact overwhelmingly – and even numbingly – is present: the draw of idolatry. It is easy for us to isolate the sensuality involved in fertility cults and wholly blame that as the sole cause. After all, we are good Christians who are not overtly affected by […]
PHall | March 8, 2010
When reading the period of the Judges and Kings, one sad fact overwhelmingly – and even numbingly – is present: the draw of idolatry. How could God’s people, a nation dedicated to monotheism, not only falter and fall into idolatry, but repeatedly falter and fall?
PHall | November 1, 2009
David wanted to build a temple to God’s glory (1 Chronicles 22:7). God said no (1 Chronicles 22:8). So David quit worshipping God. Not only did he become unfaithful, he whined, and complained. In fact, David took all the plans and possessions that he had collected for the temple and threw them away. Then David […]
PHall | November 1, 2009
In my daily reading, the schedule listed 1 Chronicles 26-27. At first glance I noticed name after name after name after name after…well, you get the picture. Honestly, it is a challenge when reading such lists not to let my eyes glaze over, but I’m glad I paid attention. I challenge you – and yes […]
PHall | November 1, 2009
Why couldn’t David build the temple? Because David had “shed much blood” (1 Chronicles 22:8). Are you thinking, “So what?” Or, possibly, “That’s not fair!” Maybe your thoughts are more sacramental – “Why should a man with blood on his hands build a place of holiness?” I don’t know the “why” behind the “why” but […]
PHall | November 1, 2009
When reading your Bible, do you ever raise your eyebrows, and think, “Hmmm, that’s unusual?” Well, when reading genealogies and you come across a woman’s name – that is unusual. Pay closer attention. Something interesting just might happen. In fact, after thinking, “Hmmm, that’s unusual?” I literally said to myself, “Wow!” Yep, the person I […]
PHall | November 1, 2009
This is not about the prayer of Jabez, but rather the pray-er Jabez. This is about the man. What can we learn about him – the pray-er, by looking at his prayer? 1 Chronicles 4:10 NASB Now Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed and enlarge my […]