The Bible by David Alley

Isaiah 22 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 22 we have the burden of the valley of vision, which it turns out is Jerusalem, despite Jerusalem being on a mountain. This video explains that anomaly, and also covers the sin for which God would not forgive Jerusalem.

Isaiah 21 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 21 we encounter three burdens (prophecies of terrible judgement) against babylon, edom and arabia. The Babylon burden is the second burden, and the book of revelation quotes from this chapter a few times. Why exactly does it do that, and is there a hidden message?

Isaiah 20 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 20 we have the fascinating account of how Isaiah went around barefoot and naked for three years. Was he really naked? Would God really ask someone to do that? Watch the video and find out.

Isaiah 19 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 19 Isaiah takes up the burden against Egypt - one of the great world powers of the time. Egypt is described in judgement prophecies with a punishment that sounds like a redo of the Exodus. But at the end it sounds like God elevates Egypt and Assyria to equal status with Israel, and all three will be a blessing to the nations. This is a remarkable Messianic promise

Isaiah 18 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 18 we have a prophecy about Ethiopia, but unlike the previous heavy words, this is not a burden. Rather it seems to be a word to King Hezekiah suggesting he not make an alliance with Ethiopia, which later is in fact advice he follows.

Isaiah 17 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 17 we encounter the burden against Damascus, the capital city of Syria. Damascus had a chance to know the Lord, having close ties with Israel, but it had “forgotten the Lord” and was scheduled for destruction, which happened not long after Isaiah prophesied it, with the Assyrian invasions.

Isaiah 16 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 16 the burden against moab continues, and we learn the great sin of Moab…. Pride. There isn’t much detail, but that sin is explored, and why it was significant enough for Moab to come under the judgement of the Lord. Do you have any pride?

Isaiah 15 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 15 we now come to the burden against Moab, where among other things it is predicted that every beard will be cut off, a possible reference back to 2 Samuel 10. This video contrasts some of the various burdens against nations near Israel and why some were destroyed completely and some not.

Isaiah 22 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 22 we have the burden of the valley of vision, which it turns out is Jerusalem, despite Jerusalem being on a mountain. This video explains that anomaly, and also covers the sin for which God would not forgive Jerusalem.

Isaiah 13 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 13 a series of “burdens” begin, which are heavy prophecies. The first is against Babylon. This video explores the double meaning of this burden, first against physical Babylon, and second in the next chapter, a description of Satan’s doom at Calvary. An amazing chapter, which Christ quotes in the gospel accounts.

Isaiah 12 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 12 we are surprised to find a song of praise. So this is a psalm of Isaiah written for the time when the world is under the control of the Messiah, which is actually now. Let’s consider this millennial song of praise.

Isaiah 11 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 11 is a continuation of chapter 10 which describes the giant tree of Israel being chopped down. Out of that stump was to come a shoot of Jesse, the Messiah. The Messiah was anointed by a seven-fold spirit which this video considers. We will then discuss the “rod of his mouth” which beats the nations. How does that work exactly?

Isaiah 8 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 8 we meet the second son of Isaiah and Mrs Isaiah - who is called the prophetess. This boy is the near-term fulfilment of the immanuel sign. This chapter also contains one of many messianic prophecies in the book of Isaiah

Isaiah 9 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 9 we find another messianic prophecy…. “the people who walked in darkness have seen a great light.” What is this great light? When did it come and what does it mean?

Isaiah 8 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 8 we meet the second son of Isaiah and Mrs Isaiah - who is called the prophetess. This boy is the near-term fulfilment of the immanuel sign. This chapter also contains one of many messianic prophecies in the book of Isaiah

Isaiah 7 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 7 Isaiah is now ministering to King Ahaz - the father of Hezekiah who is worried about two northern armies, Israel and Syria. Isaiah gives him the sign of Immanuel which famously appears in Matthew's gospel as a messianic sign. What does the sign mean? What is its dual purpose, and why does the struggle of Ahaz speak to us today?

Isaiah 6 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 6 Isaiah sees the seraphim - six-winged angels, flying and calling out ‘holy holy holy’ - this scene from the book of revelation comes from the Old Testament. Here Isaiah experiences a call to serve God. This video we consider the call, an why Isaiah was already seeing visions before he was called, and what it means for us.

Isaiah 1 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 4 the prophecy of judgement continues. It will be so bad that seven women will grab one man pleading that he get them pregnant. What does this mean and what are the implications for us today?

Isaiah 5 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 5 we see the parable of the vineyard, and the parable of the fig tree that Jesus spoke of, coming out of the old testament prophet Isaiah. Things that Jesus said to His generation were already being spoken by God, and still have a meaning to us today.

Isaiah 3 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 3 the prophecies of impending judgement against Jerusalem begin in earnest - but the Babylonians are still more than 100 years away from coming. Why is it that God is speaking so strongly so early?

Isaiah 2 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 2 we go up to the mountain of the Lord. What exactly is this mountain? Is it talking about a future Jerusalem in which Jews will rule the world, or is it something else. This very inspiring prophecy by Isaiah is for every Christian now.

Isaiah 1 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Isaiah 1 we delve into the Biblical prophets with the most famous of them… Isaiah. After reading we hit controversy straight away, because Isaiah made so many future predictions that experts cannot believe he could have been writing before they happened, so a theory that multiple people wrote Isaiah, and some of them wrote much later has emerged. This video will debunk that and demonstrate there was just one person called Isaiah, a true prophet of the Lord.

Song of Solomon 8 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Song of Solomon 8 the shulamite bride wishes that Solomon was viewed as her brother so that she could cuddle him in public, and then take him indoors for much more romantic and private things. After considering this, the book then warns younger readers to be careful not to cross the line before marriage. This video has more to say about that. This video ends with a summary of the book, and also a personal revelation that I (David Alley) had while studying to make these videos about the meaning of own name and the meaning of what that means for us all. While this book is a part of scripture, parents are encouraged to watch this video first before watching it with their children if they feel they are ready.

Song of Solomon 7 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Song of Solomon 7 the country wife of Solomon - the shulamite decides that she is going to take the initiative in making love, and she invites her husband the king into the countryside for some new experiences. This is a picture of Christ and the church…. How often do we take the initiative in showing love to Christ our God? While this book is a part of scripture, parents are encouraged to watch this video first before watching it with their children if they feel they are ready.

Song of Solomon 6 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Song of Solomon 6 the country wife - the beloved has another dream in which her lover comes, but she doesn’t want to get up and let him in. Finally she gets in the mood, but he is gone. After looking for him in the wrong places she is beat up and her fancy clothing is stolen. This is a picture of people who look for God in the wrong places and try to find satisfaction where he isn’t to be found. This chapter is the saddest chapter in the Song of Solomon. While this book is a part of scripture, parents are encouraged to watch this video first before watching it with their children if they feel they are ready.

Song of Solomon 5 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Song of Solomon 5 we are not in the aftermath of the honeymoon between Solomon and his country bride. She is cheered on by her friends who encourage them to enjoy love making more and more. This may feel like a strange sentiment to find in the Bible, and yet is an indication of God’s pleasure and purpose in marriage. And even more, an incredible picture of the romantic nature of God, and his heart for his wife the Church. While this book is a part of scripture, parents are encouraged to watch this video first before watching it with their children if they feel they are ready.

Song of Solomon 4 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Song of Solomon 4 we enter into the bridal chamber and are a fly on the wall for the first night of the honeymoon with Solomon and his country bride. They are deeply in love and we see his description of her as he sees her naked for the first time, and then his description of her as a garden full of spice. She then invites him into the garden. It is a beautiful picture in many ways of what happened, of our walk with God and mostly of Christ and the church. There is much to learn from this book, which DOES belong in the Bible. While this book is a part of scripture, parents are encouraged to watch this video first before watching it with their children if they feel they are ready.

Song of Solomon 3 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Song of Solomon 3 we get to the fantastic wedding of Solomon and his country bride. In the first half of the chapter the bride to be cannot contain her feelings and has a wild dream of running over the city looking for him, but finally the wedding day comes and the matter is settled in a grand ceremony. There are things to learn about history, about Solomon, and for our faith in Christ in this wonderful chapter. While this book is a part of scripture, parents are encouraged to watch this video first before watching it with their children if they feel they are ready.

Song of Solomon 2 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Song of Solomon 2 Solomon who is a picture of Christ takes his romantic love to a special place, a wine cellar, and proposes to her. He holds her in a warm embrace and wants to take her away with him. In this video we explore the chapter from both Solomon’s side and from Christ’s side and the response we should make as believers to Christ, our lover. We also summarise Spurgeon’s great sermon on Solomon 2:16 and show how we are Christ’s and he is ours. While this book is a part of scripture, parents are encouraged to watch this video first before watching it with their children if they feel they are ready.

Song of Solomon 1 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Song of Solomon 1 we enter into the mot romantic, erotic and poetic book in the Bible. Some have questioned its place, and yet it clearly belongs. It is a few things which this video explains, but including a beautiful allegory of Christ and his love for you. God’s love for you is better than wine… but how? This video explains. This video covers four perspectives on what the Song of Solomon is, and then begins to consider the love, romance, eroticism of God to his wife, and Solomon to his wife and more. While this book is a part of scripture, parents are encouraged to watch this video first before watching it with their children if they feel they are ready.

Ecclesiastes 11 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Ecclesiastes 11 Solomon starts wrapping up his testimony and finally comes to start to say meaningful things. He prescribes three remedies for a meaningless life Generosity Gratitude Holiness For someone who messed up their life so much, Solomon gives great advice on how to avoid the struggles and pain he experienced.

Ecclesiastes 12 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Ecclesiastes 12 Solomon wraps up his sermon with some great final advice. The conclusion of the matter is to include Christ in your life. We then go onto compare the final words in scripture of Solomon and David, and compare their lives, and ask questions about the type of lives we want to have for ourselves.

Ecclesiastes 10 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Ecclesiastes 10 Solomon continues his testimony and pauses for a few pearls of wisdom. HE starts by talking about dead flies and perfume and it reminded me of a time in childhood when I saw Queen Elizabeth II. The video finishes by thinking about the idea of cursing people in your thoughts. What is that all about?

Ecclesiastes 9 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Ecclesiastes 9 Solomon continues his testimony and discusses death. He concludes that all people die, both the rich and the poor and considers this meaningless. Without Christ of course it is meaningless, but Christ has a lot to say about life, and about trusting in him for life. So we cannot consider this chapter without considering Christ.

Ecclesiastes 8 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Ecclesiastes 8 Solomon continues his testimony, and we discover that anxiety and uncertainty were big problems back then too. What is the solution to these things? It is Christ, just the same as he is the solution to all the other problems we have encountered in Ecclesiastes too.

Ecclesiastes 7 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Ecclesiastes 7 Solomon continues his testimony and continues his human philosophizing. While he is right on a practical and human level, he is pessimistic because he speaks without Christ. But when we add Christ to the equation the book of Ecclesiastes comes alive in another entire way.

Ecclesiastes 1 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Ecclesiastes 6 Solomon continues his testimony and outlines three great tragedies. A man (ie person) who doesn't receive a good burial A man who works hard but another gets the benefit Working and not being certain what the long term results of your work will be. In this video we consider the tragedies and conclude that without Christ they are tragedies, but with Christ, none of them are tragic at all.

Ecclesiastes 5 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Ecclesiastes 5 Solomon continues his testimony and pauses from sharing human wisdom (ie his nihilistic worldview that he struggled with before repenting) to instead share some practical tips for life. He speaks to the struggles that the wealthy have which we do not often consider. What do the wealthy want? A good sleep, and for their children to turn out well, but these things don’t easily happen.

Ecclesiastes 4 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Ecclesiastes 4 Solomon continues his testimony which sounds in many places like an ancient nihilistic worldview, which makes sense because he has left Christ out of it. In the many places where God is mentioned, the name Yahweh (who is Christ) never appears once. However if we place Christ, life is no longer nihilistic but supremely purposeful. In this chapter we also find the famous marriage passage used at weddings. This passage too as we shall see is a reminder to include Christ in all you do, especially marriage.

Ecclesiastes 3 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Ecclesiastes 3 we come to the famous passage sung by the band the seekers. Solomon makes a series of 14 comparison observations about time and life. He then goes on to continue the idea of what is the point of life. Of course the burden of sin is on everyone and without Christ to lift it off, life is a complete burden. Solomon observes that life is a test, but Jesus is the answer.

Ecclesiastes 2 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Ecclesiastes 2 Solomon continues his testimony. He had concluded that laughter was meaningless, but of course that is only if you don’t have christ. Christ brings laughter and joy to your life. The son of Abraham was named Isaac because it means laughter, and Isaac was the seed of Abraham, a picture of Christ. We continue thorough this video finding that without Christ everything is meaningless, but with Christ everything is meaningful.

Ecclesiastes 1 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Ecclesiastes 1 we meet the preacher (koheleth) who has gathered an assembly the ecclesia for a special message. But the message turns out to be really strange. The preacher is King Solomon and despite being so wise, he starts speaking about the foolish things he has done, and seems to be peddling a message of nihilism. He seems to be sayin that everything is meaningless. As we shall find out this is like his personal testimony and he doesn’t really have spiritually meaningful things to say until the end of the book in chapters 11 and 12. Join us as we start to explore the testimony, life experiences and thoughts of Solomon. We will conclude that without Christ there is no meaning in life, but with Christ life is nothing other than meaningful.

Proverbs 31 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Proverbs 31 we come to the last and possibly the most interesting chapter in the book of Proverbs. We also meet Lemuel, a wise man who was taught by his unnamed mother. He was the king of Massa, possibly an Arabian place, but in any case we have the wisdom here of a woman passed down through her son. And here we meet the woman of virtue. We quickly realise that the standard of an ideal wife is not only far beyond possible for the average woman, but for any person. It is a standard to which all people should strive. After an entire book of warnings about avoiding the wayward woman, and the adulterous woman, this last chapter is wonderful because it shows us that the best things in life also come in female form too. Ultimately the woman described here is the wife of Christ, and speaks for all of us. This video covers the many wonderful women we have in our families and churches, and all that God has called us to be.

Proverbs 30 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Proverbs 30 we now come to mee Agur son of Jakeh - a wise man. We encounter his wisdom and his collection of tetrads, that is sayings that come in groups of four.

Proverbs 29 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Proverbs 29 the proverbs of Solomon continue, but now these were his proverbs compiled by Hezekiah’s men. Here we learn that a person with a hard heart who ignores advice is suddenly destroyed and has no second chances… and a few stories go with this too. Don’t be that person

Proverbs 28 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Proverbs 28 the proverbs of Solomon continue, but now these were his proverbs compiled by Hezekiah’s men. Here we learn the damage that is done when you conceal your sins, and why people might do that. We also learn how foolish it is to trust yourself.

Proverbs 27 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Proverbs 27 the proverbs of Solomon continue, but now these were his proverbs compiled by Hezekiah’s men. Here we learn not to boast about tomorrow, and we learn to trust the wounds inflicted by a friend. We also consider the crucible of the heart…. what is that and why is it necessary?

Proverbs 26 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Proverbs 26 the proverbs of Solomon continue, but now these were his proverbs compiled by Hezekiah’s men. Here we learn not to grab a dog by the ears. That might be common sense, but it was a proverb speaking about something else.

Proverbs 25 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Proverbs 25 the proverbs of Solomon continue, but now these were his proverbs compiled by Hezekiah’s men. Here we learn about what gives God glory, and what gives people glory. Interestingly we find proverbs here advocating that we feed our enemy, and in doing so pour coals of fire on his head. This was quoted by Paul in Romans 12, but what does it mean?

Proverbs 24 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer. In Proverbs 24 the proverbs of Solomon continue. Here we learn not to celebrate when a competitor goes down, God isn’t happy with that for various reasons… but why?