The Barbour
Simplified KJV
TM
BIBLE
Large Print Red Letter Edition
THE BARBOUR SIMPLIFIED KJV ™ BIBLE
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The Barbour Simplified KJV™ Bible, copyright © 2022, 2025 by Barbour Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved. ISBNs 979-8-89151-008-1, 979-8-89151-009-8 The Barbour Simplified KJV Bible text may be quoted in any form (written, visual, electronic, or audio) up to and inclusive of five hundred (500) verses without the express written permission of the publisher, provided that the verses quoted do not account for more than 25 percent of the total work in which they are quoted, and provided that a complete book of the Bible is not quoted. When the Barbour Simplified KJV Bible is quoted, one of the following credit lines must appear on the copyright page or the title page of the work: Scripture quotations marked skjv are taken from the Barbour Simplified KJV™ Bible, copyright © 2022, 2025. Used by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683. All rights reserved. Scripture quotations are taken from the Barbour Simplified KJV™ Bible, copyright © 2022, 2025. Used by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683. All rights reserved. Unless otherwise indicated, all scripture quotations are taken from the Barbour Simplified KJV™ Bible, copyright © 2022, 2025. Used by permission of Barbour Publishing, Inc., Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683. All rights reserved. When quotations from the Barbour Simplified KJV Bible text are used in nonsalable media, such as church bulletins, orders of service, newsletters, transparencies, or similar media, a complete copyright notice is not required, but the initials (skjv) must appear at the end of each quotation. Quotations in excess of five hundred (500) verses or 25 percent of the work, or other permissions requests, must be approved in writing by Barbour Publishing, Inc. All book introductions are adapted from the Layman’s Bible Commentary series, published by Barbour Publishing, Inc. Produced with the assistance of Peachtree Bible. Published by Barbour Publishing, Inc., 1810 Barbour Drive, Uhrichsville, Ohio 44683, www.barbourbooks.com Our mission is to inspire the world with the life-changing message of the Bible.
Printed in China.
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Contents Introduction .................................................................................................v
The Old Testament Genesis...................................... 1 Exodus .................................... 73 Leviticus................................134 Numbers ...............................178 Deuteronomy .......................241 Joshua ..................................296 Judges ...................................333 Ruth .......................................371 1 Samuel ...............................377 2 Samuel ...............................425 1 Kings ..................................466 2 Kings ..................................513 1 Chronicles .........................559 2 Chronicles .........................608 Ezra ........................................659 Nehemiah .............................677 Esther ....................................700 Job .........................................712 Psalms ...................................747 Proverbs ................................844
Ecclesiastes ..........................877 Song of Solomon .................889 Isaiah .....................................896 Jeremiah ...............................996 Lamentations .....................1075 Ezekiel .................................1084 Daniel ..................................1157 Hosea ..................................1180 Joel ......................................1191 Amos ...................................1196 Obadiah ..............................1205 Jonah ...................................1208 Micah...................................1212 Nahum.................................1219 Habakkuk ...........................1223 Zephaniah ...........................1227 Haggai .................................1232 Zechariah ............................1236 Malachi ...............................1250
The New Testament Matthew ..............................1257 Mark ....................................1305 Luke .....................................1336 John .....................................1388 Acts ......................................1426 Romans ...............................1475 1 Corinthians ......................1495 2 Corinthians ......................1514 Galatians .............................1527 Ephesians............................1534 Philippians ..........................1541 Colossians...........................1546 1 Thessalonians .................1551 2 Thessalonians .................1556
1 Timothy ...........................1559 2 Timothy ...........................1565 Titus.....................................1570 Philemon .............................1573 Hebrews ..............................1575 James ..................................1590 1 Peter .................................1596 2 Peter .................................1602 1 John ..................................1607 2 John ..................................1613 3 John ..................................1615 Jude .....................................1617 Revelation ...........................1620
The Simplified KJV Revision Process ............................................... 1643 Dictionary/Concordance .................................................................... 1684
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Books of the Bible, in Alphabetical Order OT: Old Testament / NT: New Testament Acts .......................... NT .......1426 Amos ....................... OT .......1196 1 Chronicles ........... OT ......... 559 2 Chronicles ........... OT ......... 608 Colossians............... NT .......1546 1 Corinthians .......... NT .......1495 2 Corinthians .......... NT .......1514 Daniel ...................... OT .......1157 Deuteronomy ......... OT ......... 241 Ecclesiastes ............ OT ......... 877 Ephesians................ NT .......1534 Esther ...................... OT ......... 700 Exodus .................... OT ........... 73 Ezekiel ..................... OT .......1084 Ezra .......................... OT ......... 659 Galatians ................. NT .......1527 Genesis.................... OT ............. 1 Habakkuk ............... OT .......1223 Haggai ..................... OT .......1232 Hebrews .................. NT .......1575 Hosea ...................... OT .......1180 Isaiah ....................... OT ......... 896 James ...................... NT .......1590 Jeremiah ................. OT ......... 996 Job ........................... OT ......... 712 Joel .......................... OT .......1191 John ......................... NT .......1388 1 John ...................... NT .......1607 2 John ...................... NT .......1613 3 John ...................... NT .......1615 Jonah ....................... OT .......1208 Joshua ..................... OT ......... 296 Jude ......................... NT .......1617
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Judges ..................... OT ......... 333 1 Kings .................... OT ......... 466 2 Kings .................... OT ......... 513 Lamentations ......... OT .......1075 Leviticus.................. OT ......... 134 Luke ......................... NT .......1336 Malachi ................... OT .......1250 Mark ........................ NT .......1305 Matthew .................. NT .......1257 Micah....................... OT .......1212 Nahum..................... OT .......1219 Nehemiah ............... OT ......... 677 Numbers ................. OT ......... 178 Obadiah .................. OT .......1205 1 Peter ..................... NT .......1596 2 Peter ..................... NT .......1602 Philemon ................. NT .......1573 Philippians .............. NT .......1541 Proverbs .................. OT ......... 844 Psalms ..................... OT ......... 747 Revelation ............... NT .......1620 Romans ................... NT .......1475 Ruth ......................... OT ......... 371 1 Samuel ................. OT ......... 377 2 Samuel ................. OT ......... 425 Song of Solomon ... OT ......... 889 1 Thessalonians ..... NT .......1551 2 Thessalonians ..... NT .......1556 1 Timothy ............... NT .......1559 2 Timothy ............... NT .......1565 Titus......................... NT ......1570 Zechariah ................ OT .......1236 Zephaniah ............... OT .......1227
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The Barbour Simplified KJV Bible ™
A Carefully Updated Edition of the Time-Tested King James Version of Scripture In the English language, no Bible translation has had the long-lasting impact of the King James Version. After its completion in 1611, the KJV was destined to become the standard Bible translation in both quality and popularity. Because of its widespread use, the King James Version began to shape the language and thinking of the English-speaking world, and its influence continues even today. But the wording, spelling, punctuation, and other details of the King James Bible—now more than four centuries old—can be hard to understand for readers of the twenty-first century. That’s why we created the Barbour Simplified KJV Bible. This powerful Bible retains the trustworthy translation work of the King James Version while bringing many elements of style in line with modern usage. Key refinements of the Simplified KJV Bible include • updating of old verb forms • replacement of outdated terms with contemporary equivalents • modernizing of archaic forms of address • addition of quotation marks to spoken language • capitalization of divine pronouns for clarity • shortening of long sentences, along with modernization of punctuation • insertion of paragraph breaks where helpful Additional information regarding the Barbour Simplified KJV Bible’s updating process can be found on page 1643. The Barbour Simplified KJV Bible’s primary goal was to make the beloved and trusted King James Version more readable. This Bible honors its predecessor’s precision of translation and faithfulness to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts by making no attempt to retranslate or interpret any part of the text. The Simplified KJV Bible maintains the aesthetic and emotive qualities of the original King James language while increasing readability.
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It is our hope and prayer that you will enjoy reading this Barbour Simplified KJV Bible. But, more importantly, we hope and pray that you will draw near to the God who inspired the original writing of the scriptures— the God who gave His Word to humanity so we could know Him and the gift of salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ. Barbour Publishing, Inc.
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THE
OLD TESTAMENT
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GENESIS INTRODUCTION TO GENESIS The first eleven chapters of Genesis trace events such as creation, the fall, the flood, and the establishing of the nations. The accounts of four great people complete the book in chapters 12–50: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Genesis comes from the Greek word geneseos, meaning “origin, source, generation, or beginning.” AUTHOR Although Genesis does not directly name its author, Jesus and the writers of scripture clearly believed that Moses was the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Bible, often referred to in the New Testament as “the law”; see Mark 10:3–5; Luke 24:44). OCCASION Genesis spans more time than any other book in the Bible. In fact, it covers more years than all the remaining sixty-five books of the Bible put together (approximately 2,400 years). The total duration is from the time of creation to the time when the Israelites arrive in Egypt and grow into a nation (about 1800 BC). The date of Genesis is sometime after the Exodus, during the fifteenth century BC.
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Genesis 1:1
The Story of Original Creation In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. 2 And the earth was without form and void. And darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters. 3 And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 And God saw the light, that it was good, and God divided the light from the darkness. 5 And God called the light Day, and the darkness He called Night. And the evening and the morning were the first day. 6 And God said, “Let there be a firmament in the midst of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters.” 7 And God made the firmament and divided the waters that were under the firmament from the waters that were above the firmament, and it was so. 8 And God called the firmament Heaven. And the evening and the morning were the second day. 9 And God said, “Let the waters under the heaven be gathered together to one place, and let the dry land appear.” And it was so. 10 And God called the dry land Earth, and the gathering together of the waters He called Seas. And God saw that it was good. 11And God said, “Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb-yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit according to his kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth.” And it was so. 12 And the earth brought forth grass and herb-yielding seed according to his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, according
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to his kind. And God saw that it was good. 13 And the evening and the morning were the third day. 14 And God said, “Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night, and let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years. 15 And let them be for lights in the firmament of the heaven to give light on the earth.” And it was so. 16 And God made two great lights: the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night. He made the stars also. 17 And God set them in the firmament of the heaven to give light on the earth, 18 and to rule over the day and over the night, and to divide the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good. 19 And the evening and the morning were the fourth day. 20 And God said, “Let the waters bring forth abundantly the moving creature that has life and fowl that may fly above the earth in the open firmament of heaven.” 21 And God created great whales and every living creature that moves, which the waters brought forth abundantly, according to their kind, and every winged fowl according to his kind. And God saw that it was good. 22 And God blessed them, saying, “Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the waters in the seas, and let fowl multiply in the earth.” 23 And the evening and the morning were the fifth day. 24 And God said, “Let the earth bring forth the living creature according to his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth according to his kind.” And it was so. 25 And God made the beast
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of the earth according to his kind, and cattle according to their kind, and everything that creeps on the earth according to his kind. And God saw that it was good. 26 And God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness, and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” 27 So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. 28 And God blessed them, and God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth, and subdue it. And have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the fowl of the air and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” 29 And God said, “Behold, I have given you every herb-bearing seed that is on the face of all the earth and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree-yielding seed; to you it shall be for food. 30 And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to everything that creeps on the earth in which there is life, I have given every green herb for food.” And it was so. 31 And God saw everything that He had made, and behold, it was very good. And the evening and the morning were the sixth day. The Sabbath Rest of God Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them. 2 And on the seventh day God ended His work that He had made,
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Genesis 2:12
and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had made. 3 And God blessed the seventh day and sanctified it, because in it He had rested from all His work that God created and made. The Creation of Man 4 These are the generations of the heavens and of the earth when they were created, at the time when the Lord God made the earth and the heavens, 5 and every plant of the field before it was in the earth, and every herb of the field before it grew. For the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was not a man to till the ground. 6 But a mist went up from the earth and watered the whole face of the ground. 7 And the Lord God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and man became a living soul. The Habitation of Unfallen Man 8 And the Lord God planted a garden eastward in Eden, and there He put the man whom He had formed. 9 And out of the ground the Lord God made to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight and good for food. The tree of life was also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. 10 And a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four heads. 11 The name of the first is Pishon; it is the one that compasses the whole land of Havilah, where there is gold. 12 And the gold of that land is good. There is bdellium and the
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onyx stone. 13 And the name of the second river is Gihon; it is the same one that surrounds the whole land of Ethiopia. 14 And the name of the third river is Hiddekel; it is the one that goes toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates. 15 And the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to take care of it. 16 And the Lord God commanded the man, saying, “Of every tree of the garden you may freely eat, 17 but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, you shall not eat of it, for at the time when you eat of it, you shall surely die.” 18 And the Lord God said, “It is not good that the man should be alone; I will make him a help suitable for him.” 19 And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field and every fowl of the air, and brought them to Adam to see what he would call them. And whatever Adam called every living creature, that was its name. 20 And Adam gave names to all cattle, and to the fowl of the air, and to every beast of the field, but for Adam there was not found a help suitable for him. The Creation of Woman 21 And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall on Adam, and he slept. And He took one of his ribs and closed up the flesh in its place. 22 And from the rib, which the Lord God had taken from man, He made a woman and brought her to the man. 23 And Adam said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man.”
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4 24 Therefore a man shall leave his
father and his mother and shall cleave to his wife, and they shall be one flesh. 25 And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed. The Temptation of Eve Now the serpent was more subtle than any beast of the field that the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Yes, has God said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” 2 And the woman said to the serpent, “We may eat of the fruit from the trees of the garden, 3 but of the fruit of the tree that is in the midst of the garden, God has said, ‘You shall not eat from it, neither shall you touch it, lest you die.’” 4 And the serpent said to the woman, “You shall not surely die, 5 for God knows that in the day you eat from it, then your eyes shall be opened and you shall be as gods, knowing good and evil.”
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The Fall 6 And when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make one wise, she took some of its fruit and ate, and gave also to her husband with her, and he ate. 7 And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked, and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves aprons. 8 And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of
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the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 And the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, “Where are you?” 10 And he said, “I heard Your voice in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked, and I hid myself.” 11 And He said, “Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten from the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat?” 12 And the man said, “The woman whom You gave to be with me, she gave me from the tree, and I ate.” 13 And the Lord God said to the woman, “What is this that you have done?” And the woman said, “The serpent deceived me, and I ate.” The Curse of the Fall 14 And the Lord God said to the serpent, “Because you have done this, you are cursed above all cattle and above every beast of the field; on your belly you shall go, and you shall eat dust all the days of your life. 15 And I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” 16 To the woman He said, “I will greatly multiply your sorrow and your conception; in sorrow you shall bring forth children, and your desire shall be for your husband, and he shall rule over you.” 17 And to Adam He said, “Because you have listened to the voice of your wife and have eaten from the tree of which I commanded you, saying,
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‘You shall not eat of it,’ cursed is the ground for your sake; in sorrow you shall eat of it all the days of your life. 18 Thorns and also thistles it shall bring forth to you, and you shall eat the herb of the field. 19 In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread until you return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For you are dust, and to dust you shall return.” 20 And Adam called his wife’s name Eve, because she was the mother of all living. 21 For Adam and also for his wife the Lord God made coats of skins and clothed them. 22 And the Lord God said, “Behold, the man has become like one of Us, to know good and evil, and now, lest he put forth his hand and take also of the tree of life, and eat, and live forever—” 23 therefore the Lord God sent him forth from the garden of Eden to till the ground from where he was taken. 24 So He drove out the man, and He placed at the east of the garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword that turned every way, to guard the way of the tree of life. The First Sons of Adam and Eve And Adam knew Eve, his wife, and she conceived and bore Cain, and said, “I have gotten a man from the Lord.” 2 And again, she bore his brother Abel. And Abel was a keeper of sheep, but Cain was a tiller of the ground. 3 And in process of time it came to pass that Cain brought from the fruit of the ground an offering to the Lord. 4 And Abel also brought from the firstlings of his flock and from the fat from them. And the Lord had respect for Abel
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and for his offering, 5 but for Cain and for his offering, He did not have respect. And Cain was very angry, and his countenance fell. 6 And the Lord said to Cain, “Why are you angry? And why has your countenance fallen? 7 If you do well, shall you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin lies at the door. And to you shall be his desire, and you shall rule over him.” The First Murder 8 And Cain talked with Abel his brother, and it came to pass, when they were in the field, that Cain rose up against Abel his brother and slew him. 9 And the Lord said to Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” And he said, “I do not know. Am I my brother’s keeper?” 10 And He said, “What have you done? The voice of your brother’s blood cries to Me from the ground.11 And now you are cursed from the earth, which has opened her mouth to receive your brother’s blood from your hand. 12 When you till the ground, from now on it shall not yield to you her strength; a fugitive and a vagabond you shall be in the earth.” 13 And Cain said to the Lord, “My punishment is greater than I can bear. 14 Behold, You have driven me out this day from the face of the earth, and from Your face I shall be hid, and I shall be a fugitive and a vagabond in the earth, and it shall come to pass that everyone who finds me shall slay me.” 15 And the Lord said to him, “Therefore, whoever slays Cain,
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vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold.” And the Lord set a mark on Cain, lest anyone finding him should kill him. The History of Cain 16 And Cain went out from the presence of the Lord and dwelled in the land of Nod, on the east of Eden. 17 And Cain knew his wife, and she conceived and bore Enoch. And he built a city and called the name of the city after the name of his son, Enoch. 18 And to Enoch was born Irad, and Irad begot Mehujael, and Mehujael begot Methushael, and Methushael begot Lamech. 19 And Lamech took to him two wives. The name of the one was Adah and the name of the other, Zillah. 20 And Adah bore Jabal; he was the father of those who dwell in tents and of those who have cattle. 21 And his brother’s name was Jubal; he was the father of all who handle the harp and organ. 22 And Zillah also bore Tubal-cain, an instructor of every artificer in brass and iron, and the sister of Tubal-cain was Naamah. 23 And Lamech said to his wives, “Adah and Zillah, hear my voice, you wives of Lamech, listen to my speech, for I have slain a man for my wounding and a young man for my harm. 24 If Cain shall be avenged sevenfold, truly Lamech seventy and sevenfold.” 25 And Adam knew his wife again, and she bore a son and called his name Seth. “For God,” she said, “has appointed me another child instead of Abel, whom Cain slew.” 26 And to Seth, to him also there was born a son, and he called his name
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Enosh. Then men began to call on the name of the Lord. The Family of Adam to Noah This is the book of the generations of Adam. At the time when God created man, in the likeness of God He made him; 2 male and female He created them, and blessed them, and called their name Adam, in the day when they were created. 3 And Adam lived a hundred and thirty years and begot a son in his own likeness and according to his image, and called his name Seth. 4 And the days of Adam after he had begotten Seth were eight hundred years, and he begot sons and daughters. 5 And all the days that Adam lived were nine hundred and thirty years, and he died. 6 And Seth lived a hundred and five years, and begot Enosh. 7 And Seth lived after he begot Enosh eight hundred and seven years, and begot sons and daughters. 8 And all the days of Seth were nine hundred and twelve years, and he died. 9 And Enosh lived ninety years and begot Cainan. 10 And Enosh lived after he begot Cainan eight hundred and fifteen years and begot sons and daughters. 11 And all the days of Enosh were nine hundred and five years, and he died. 12 And Cainan lived seventy years and begot Mahalalel. 13 And Cainan lived after he begot Mahalalel eight hundred and forty years and begot sons and daughters. 14 And all the days of Cainan were nine hundred and ten years, and he died. 15 And Mahalalel lived sixty-five years and begot Jared. 16 And
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Mahalalel lived after he begot Jared eight hundred and thirty years and begot sons and daughters. 17 And all the days of Mahalalel were eight hundred and ninety-five years, and he died. 18 And Jared lived a hundred and sixty-two years, and he begot Enoch. 19 And Jared lived after he begot Enoch eight hundred years and begot sons and daughters. 20 And all the days of Jared were nine hundred and sixty-two years, and he died. 21 And Enoch lived sixty-five years and begot Methuselah. 22 And Enoch walked with God three hundred years after he begot Methuselah and begot sons and daughters. 23 And all the days of Enoch were three hundred and sixty-five years. 24 And Enoch walked with God, and he was not, for God took him. 25 And Methuselah lived a hundred and eighty-seven years and begot Lamech. 26 And Methuselah lived after he begot Lamech seven hundred and eighty-two years and begot sons and daughters. 27 And all the days of Methuselah were nine hundred and sixty-nine years, and he died. 28 And Lamech lived a hundred and eighty-two years and begot a son. 29 And he called his name Noah, saying, “This same shall comfort us concerning our work and toil of our hands, because of the ground that the Lord has cursed.” 30 And after he begot Noah, Lamech lived five hundred and ninety-five years and begot sons and daughters. 31 And all the days of Lamech were seven hundred and seventy-seven years, and he died.
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Genesis 5:32 32 And
Noah was five hundred years old. And Noah begot Shem, Ham, and Japheth. God Judges the Whole Earth And it came to pass, when men began to multiply on the face of the earth, and daughters were born to them, 2 that the sons of God saw that the daughters of men were fair, and they took wives for themselves, all whom they chose. 3 And the Lord said, “My Spirit shall not always strive with man, for he also is flesh, yet his days shall be a hundred and twenty years.” 4 There were giants in the earth in those days, and also after that, when the sons of God came in to the daughters of men, and they bore children to them. The same became mighty men who were of old, men of renown. 5 And God saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. 6 And it grieved the Lord that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him in His heart. 7 And the Lord said, “I will destroy man whom I have created from the face of the earth, both man and beast, and the creeping thing and the fowls of the air, for it grieves Me that I have made them.” 8 But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord.
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Noah Finds Favor in God’s Sight 9 These are the generations of Noah: Noah was a just man and perfect in his generations, and Noah walked with God. 10 And Noah begot three
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sons: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 11 The earth also was corrupt before God, and the earth was filled with violence. 12 And God looked on the earth, and behold, it was corrupt, for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. 13 And God said to Noah, “The end of all flesh has come before Me, for the earth is filled with violence through them. And behold, I will destroy them with the earth.” God’s Instructions for the Ark 14 “Make an ark of gopher wood; you shall make rooms in the ark and shall pitch it inside and outside with pitch. 15 And this is the fashion that you shall make it of: the length of the ark shall be three hundred cubits, its breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 16 You shall make a window to the ark, and in a cubit you shall finish it above, and the door of the ark you shall set in its side, with lower, second, and third stories you shall make it. 17 “And behold, I, even I, am bringing a flood of waters on the earth to destroy all flesh, in which is the breath of life, from under heaven, and everything that is in the earth shall die. 18 But with you I will establish My covenant, and you shall come into the ark, you, and your sons, and your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. 19 And of every living thing of all flesh, two of every sort you shall bring into the ark, to keep them alive with you; they shall be male and female. 20 Of fowls according to their kind, and of cattle according to their kind, of every creeping thing of the earth according to his kind, two of every sort
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shall come to you, to keep them alive. 21 And take for yourself from all food that is eaten, and you shall gather it for yourself, and it shall be for food for you and for them.” 22 Thus Noah did, according to all that God commanded him, so he did. The Flood And the Lord said to Noah, “You and all your house come into the ark, for I have seen you righteous before Me in this generation. 2 Of every clean beast you shall take with you by sevens, the male and his female. And of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female. 3 Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female, to keep offspring alive on the face of all the earth. 4 For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain on the earth forty days and forty nights, and every living substance that I have made I will destroy from off the face of the earth.” 5 And Noah did according to all that the Lord commanded him. 6 And Noah was six hundred years old when the flood of waters was on the earth. 7 And Noah went in, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him, into the ark, because of the waters of the flood. 8 Of clean beasts, and of beasts that are not clean, and of fowls, and of everything that creeps on the earth, 9 there went in two and two to Noah into the ark, the male and the female, as God had commanded Noah. 10 And it came to pass after seven days that the waters of the flood were on the earth.
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Genesis 7:22 11 In the six hundredth year of No-
ah’s life, in the second month, the seventeenth day of the month, the same day all the fountains of the great deep were broken up, and the windows of heaven were opened. 12 And the rain was on the earth forty days and forty nights. 13 On the very same day Noah, and Shem, and Ham, and Japheth, the sons of Noah, and Noah’s wife, and the three wives of his sons with them entered into the ark. 14 They, and every beast according to his kind, and all the cattle according to their kind, and every creeping thing that creeps on the earth according to his kind, and every fowl according to his kind, every bird of every sort. 15 And they went in to Noah into the ark, two and two of all flesh, in which is the breath of life. 16 And those who went in, went in male and female of all flesh, as God had commanded him, and the Lord shut him in. 17 And the flood was forty days on the earth, and the waters increased and bore up the ark, and it was lifted up above the earth. 18 And the waters prevailed and were increased greatly on the earth, and the ark went on the face of the waters. 19 And the waters prevailed exceedingly on the earth, and all the high hills that were under the whole heaven were covered. 20 Fifteen cubits upward the waters prevailed, and the mountains were covered. 21 And all flesh died that moved on the earth, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of beast, and of every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, and every man. 22 All in whose nostrils
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was the breath of life, of all that was in the dry land, died. 23 And every living substance was destroyed that was on the face of the ground, both man, and cattle, and the creeping things, and the fowl of the heaven. And they were destroyed from the earth, and Noah only remained alive, and those who were with him in the ark. 24 And the waters prevailed on the earth a hundred and fifty days. The Flood Abates And God remembered Noah and every living thing and all the cattle that were with him in the ark, and God made a wind to pass over the earth, and the waters assuaged. 2 The fountains also of the deep and the windows of heaven were stopped, and the rain from heaven was restrained. 3 And the waters returned from off the earth continually, and after the end of the hundred and fifty days the waters were abated. 4 And the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, on the mountains of Ararat. 5 And the waters decreased continually until the tenth month. In the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the tops of the mountains were seen. 6 And it came to pass at the end of forty days that Noah opened the window of the ark that he had made. 7 And he sent forth a raven, which went forth to and fro, until the waters were dried up from off the earth. 8 Also he sent forth a dove from him to see if the waters were abated from off the face of the ground. 9 But the dove found
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no rest for the sole of her foot, and she returned to him into the ark, for the waters were on the face of the whole earth. Then he put forth his hand and took her, and pulled her in to him into the ark. 10 And he stayed yet another seven days, and again he sent forth the dove out of the ark. 11 And the dove came in to him in the evening. And behold, in her mouth was an olive leaf plucked off, so Noah knew that the waters were abated from off the earth. 12 And he stayed yet another seven days, and sent forth the dove, which did not return again to him anymore. 13 And it came to pass in the six hundredth and first year, in the first month, the first day of the month, the waters were dried up from off the earth, and Noah removed the covering of the ark and looked, and behold, the face of the ground was dry. 14 And in the second month, on the twenty-seventh day of the month, the earth was dried. 15 And God spoke to Noah, saying, 16 “Go forth from the ark, you, and your wife, and your sons, and your sons’ wives with you. 17 Bring forth with you every living thing that is with you, of all flesh, both of fowl, and of cattle, and of every creeping thing that creeps on the earth, that they may breed abundantly in the earth and be fruitful and multiply on the earth.” 18 And Noah went forth, and his sons, and his wife, and his sons’ wives with him. 19 Every beast, every creeping thing, and every fowl, and whatever creeps on the earth, according to their kinds, went forth out of the ark.
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Noah’s Offering and God’s Covenant 20 And Noah built an altar to the Lord and took of every clean beast, and of every clean fowl, and offered burnt offerings on the altar. 21 And the Lord smelled a sweet savor, and the Lord said in His heart, “I will not again curse the ground anymore for man’s sake, for the imagination of man’s heart is evil from his youth. Neither will I again strike any more everything living, as I have done. 22 While the earth remains, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” God’s Covenant Continued And God blessed Noah and his sons and said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply, and replenish the earth. 2 And the fear of you and the dread of you shall be on every beast of the earth, and on every fowl of the air, on all that moves on the earth, and on all the fish of the sea; into your hand are they delivered. 3 Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you, even as the green herb; I have given you all things. 4 But flesh with the life thereof, which is its blood, you shall not eat. 5 And surely your blood of your lives I will require; at the hand of every beast I will require it and at the hand of man. At the hand of every man’s brother I will require the life of man. 6 Whoever sheds man’s blood, by man shall his blood be shed, for in the image of God He made man. 7 And you, be fruitful and multiply; bring forth abundantly in the earth and multiply in it.”
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Genesis 9:19 8 And God spoke to Noah and to
his sons with him, saying, 9 “And I, behold, I establish My covenant with you, and with your descendants after you, 10 and with every living creature that is with you, of the fowl, of the cattle, and of every beast of the earth with you, from all that go out of the ark, to every beast of the earth. 11 And I will establish My covenant with you: neither shall all flesh be cut off anymore by the waters of a flood; neither shall there anymore be a flood to destroy the earth.” 12 And God said, “This is the token of the covenant that I make between Me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I set My bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between Me and the earth. 14 And it shall come to pass, when I bring a cloud over the earth, that the bow shall be seen in the cloud. 15 And I will remember My covenant, which is between Me and you and every living creature of all flesh, and the waters shall no longer become a flood to destroy all flesh. 16 And the bow shall be in the cloud, and I will look on it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth.” 17 And God said to Noah, “This is the token of the covenant, which I have established between Me and all flesh that is on the earth.” 18 And the sons of Noah who went forth from the ark were Shem, and Ham, and Japheth. And Ham is the father of Canaan. 19 These are the three sons of Noah, and from them the whole earth was overspread.
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The Shame of Noah 20 And Noah began to be a farmer, and he planted a vineyard. 21 And he drank of the wine and was drunk, and he was uncovered within his tent. 22 And Ham, the father of Canaan, saw the nakedness of his father and told his two brothers outside. 23 And Shem and Japheth took a garment and laid it on both their shoulders and went backward and covered the nakedness of their father. And their faces were backward, and they did not see their father’s nakedness. 24 And Noah awoke from his wine and knew what his younger son had done to him. 25 And he said, “Cursed be Canaan; a servant of servants he shall be to his brothers.” 26 And he said, “Blessed be the Lord God of Shem, and Canaan shall be his servant. 27 God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall dwell in the tents of Shem, and Canaan shall be his servant.” 28 And Noah lived after the flood three hundred and fifty years. 29 And all the days of Noah were nine hundred and fifty years, and he died. The Descendants of Noah Now these are the generations of the sons of Noah: Shem, Ham, and Japheth. And to those were sons born after the flood. 2 The sons of Japheth: Gomer, and Magog, and Madai, and Javan, and Tubal, and Meshech, and Tiras. 3 And the sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz, and Riphath, and Togarmah. 4 And the sons of Javan: Elishah, and Tarshish, Kittim, and Dodanim. 5 By these were the isles of the Gentiles
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divided in their lands, everyone according to his tongue, according to their families, in their nations. 6 And the sons of Ham: Cush, and Mizraim, and Put, and Canaan. 7 And the sons of Cush: Seba, and Havilah, and Sabtah, and Raamah, and Sabtechah. And the sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. 8 And Cush begot Nimrod; he began to be a mighty one in the earth. 9 He was a mighty hunter before the Lord. Therefore, it is said, “Even as Nimrod the mighty hunter before the Lord.” 10 And the beginning of his kingdom was Babel, and Erech, and Accad, and Calneh, in the land of Shinar. 11 Out of that land went forth Asshur and built Nineveh, and the city Rehoboth, and Calah, 12 and Resen between Nineveh and Calah; the same is a great city. 13 And Mizraim begot Ludim, and Anamim, and Lehabim, and Naphtuhim, 14 and Pathrusim, and Casluhim (out of whom came the Philistines), and Caphtorim. 15 And Canaan begot Sidon, his firstborn, and Heth, 16 and the Jebusite, and the Amorite, and the Girgashite, 17 and the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite, 18 and the Arvadite, and the Zemarite, and the Hamathite. And afterward the families of the Canaanites were spread out. 19 And the border of the Canaanites was from Sidon, as you come to Gerar, to Gaza, as you go to Sodom and Gomorrah, and Admah, and Zeboiim, even to Lasha. 20 These are the sons of Ham, according to their families, according to their tongues, in their countries, and in their nations.
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all the children of Eber, the brother of Japheth the elder, even to him were children born. 22 The children of Shem: Elam, and Asshur, and Arphaxad, and Lud, and Aram. 23 And the children of Aram: Uz, and Hul, and Gether, and Mash. 24 And Arphaxad begot Salah, and Salah begot Eber. 25 And to Eber were born two sons: the name of one was Peleg, for in his days the earth was divided, and his brother’s name was Joktan. 26 And Joktan begot Almodad, and Sheleph, and Hazarmaveth, and Jerah, 27 and Hadoram, and Uzal, and Diklah, 28 and Obal, and Abimael, and Sheba, 29 and Ophir, and Havilah, and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. 30 And their dwelling was from Mesha, as you go to Sephar, a mount of the east. 31 These are the sons of Shem, according to their families, according to their tongues, in their lands, according to their nations. 32 These are the families of the sons of Noah, after their generations, in their nations, and by these were the nations divided on the earth after the flood. The Failure of Man And the whole earth was of one language and of one speech. 2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar, and they dwelled there. 3 And they said to one another, “Let us go to make bricks and burn them thoroughly.” And they had brick for stone, and they had pitch for mortar. 4 And they said, “Let us go to
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Genesis 11:15
build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach to heaven, and let us make us a name, lest we are scattered out on the face of the whole earth.” The Confusion of Tongues 5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men built. 6 And the Lord said, “Behold, the people are one, and they have all one language, and they begin to do this. And now nothing that they have imagined to do will be restrained from them. 7 Come, let Us go down and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another’s speech.” 8 So the Lord scattered them out from there on the face of all the earth, and they stopped building the city. 9 Therefore, its name is called Babel, because the Lord there confounded the language of all the earth, and from there the Lord scattered them out on the face of all the earth. The Ancestry of Abram 10 These are the generations of Shem: Shem was a hundred years old and begot Arphaxad two years after the flood. 11 And after he begot Arphaxad, Shem lived five hundred years and begot sons and daughters. 12 And Arphaxad lived thirty-five years and begot Salah. 13 And Arphaxad lived four hundred and three years after he begot Salah and begot sons and daughters. 14 And Salah lived thirty years and begot Eber. 15 And after he begot Eber, Salah lived four hundred
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and three years and begot sons and daughters. 16 And Eber lived thirty-four years and begot Peleg. 17 And after he begot Peleg, Eber lived four hundred and thirty years and begot sons and daughters. 18 And Peleg lived thirty years and begot Reu. 19 And after he begot Reu, Peleg lived two hundred and nine years and begot sons and daughters. 20 And Reu lived thirty-two years and begot Serug. 21 And after he begot Serug, Reu lived two hundred and seven years and begot sons and daughters. 22 And Serug lived thirty years and begot Nahor. 23 And after he begot Nahor, Serug lived two hundred years and begot sons and daughters. 24 And Nahor lived twenty-nine years and begot Terah. 25 And after he begot Terah, Nahor lived a hundred and nineteen years and begot sons and daughters. 26 And Terah lived seventy years and begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran. 27 Now these are the generations of Terah: Terah begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran, and Haran begot Lot. 28 And Haran died before his father, Terah, in the land of his nativity, in Ur of the Chaldeans. 29 And Abram and Nahor took themselves wives. The name of Abram’s wife was Sarai, and the name of Nahor’s wife, Milcah, the daughter of Haran, the father of Milcah, and the father of Iscah. 30 But Sarai was barren; she had no child. 31 And Terah took Abram, his
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son, and Lot the son of Haran, his son’s son, and Sarai, his daughterin-law, his son Abram’s wife, and they went forth with them from Ur of the Chaldeans to go into the land of Canaan, and they came to Haran and dwelled there. 32 And the days of Terah were two hundred and five years, and Terah died in Haran. God’s Promise to Abram Now the Lord had said to Abram, “Get out of your country, and from your family, and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you. 2 And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, and you shall be a blessing. 3 And I will bless those who bless you and curse him who curses you, and in you shall all families of the earth be blessed.” 4 So Abram departed as the Lord had spoken to him, and Lot went with him. And Abram was seventy- five years old when he departed out of Haran. 5 And Abram took Sarai, his wife, and Lot, his brother’s son, and all their substance that they had gathered, and the souls that they had gotten in Haran, and they went forth to go into the land of Canaan, and into the land of Canaan they came. 6 And Abram passed through the land to the place of Shechem, to the plain of Moreh. And the Canaanite was then in the land. 7 And the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who appeared to him. 8 And he moved from there
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to a mountain on the east of Bethel and pitched his tent, having Bethel on the west and Ai on the east, and there he built an altar to the Lord and called on the name of the Lord. 9 And Abram journeyed, going on still toward the south. Abram Forsakes the Place of Promise 10 And there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there, for the famine was grievous in the land. 11 And it came to pass, when he came near to enter into Egypt, that he said to Sarai, his wife, “Behold now, I know that you are a fair woman to look on. 12 Therefore it shall come to pass, when the Egyptians shall see you, that they shall say, ‘This is his wife,’ and they will kill me, but they will save you alive. 13 Say, I ask you, you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and my soul shall live because of you.” 14 And it came to pass that when Abram came into Egypt, the Egyptians saw that the woman was very fair. 15 The princess of Pharaoh also saw her and commended her before Pharaoh, and the woman was taken into Pharaoh’s house. 16 And he treated Abram well for her sake, and he had sheep, and oxen, and male donkeys, and menservants, and maidservants, and female donkeys, and camels. 17 And the Lord plagued Pharaoh and his house with great plagues because of Sarai, Abram’s wife. 18 And Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this that you have done to me? Why did you not tell
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Genesis 13:9
me that she was your wife? 19 Why did you say, ‘She is my sister,’ so I might have taken her to me as a wife? Now, therefore, behold your wife, take her, and go your way.” 20 And Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him, and they sent him away, and his wife, and all that he had. Abram Returns to the Land and the Altar And Abram went up out of Egypt, he, and his wife, and all that he had, and Lot with him, into the south. 2 And Abram was very rich in cattle, in silver, and in gold. 3 And he went on his journeys from the south even to Bethel, to the place where his tent had been at the beginning, between Bethel and Ai, 4 to the place of the altar, which he had made there at first, and there Abram called on the name of the Lord. 5 And Lot also, who went with Abram, had flocks and herds and tents. 6 And the land was not able to bear them, that they might dwell together, for their substance was great, so that they could not dwell together. 7 And there was a strife between the herdsmen of Abram’s cattle and the herdsmen of Lot’s cattle, and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled in the land then. 8 And Abram said to Lot, “Let there be no strife, I ask you, between me and you, and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we are brothers. 9 Is not the whole land before you? Separate yourself, I ask you, from me; if you will take the left hand, then I will go to the right,
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or if you depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.” 10 And Lot lifted up his eyes and saw all the plain of Jordan, that it was well watered everywhere, before the Lord destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah, even as the garden of the Lord, like the land of Egypt, as you come to Zoar. 11 Then Lot chose for himself all the plain of Jordan, and Lot journeyed east, and they separated themselves the one from the other. 12 Abram dwelled in the land of Canaan, and Lot dwelled in the cities of the plain and pitched his tent toward Sodom. 13 But the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked and sinners before the Lord. The Land Given; Natural Posterity Promised 14 And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot was separated from him, “Lift up now your eyes, and look from the place where you are northward, and southward, and eastward, and westward. 15 For all the land that you see, to you will I give it, and to your descendants forever. 16 And I will make your descendants as the dust of the earth, so that if a man can number the dust of the earth, then shall your descendants also be numbered. 17 Arise, walk through the land in its length and in its breadth, for I will give it to you.” 18 Then Abram removed his tent and came and dwelled in the plain of Mamre, which is in Hebron, and built there an altar to the Lord. Abram Delivers Lot And it came to pass in the days of Amraphel king of
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Shinar, Arioch king of Ellasar, Ched orlaomer king of Elam, and Tidal king of nations, 2 that these made war with Bera king of Sodom, and with Birsha king of Gomorrah, Shinab king of Admah, and Shemeber king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela, which is Zoar. 3 All these were joined together in the Valley of Siddim, which is the Salt Sea. 4 Twelve years they served Chedorlaomer, and in the thirteenth year they rebelled. 5 And in the fourteenth year came Chedorlaomer, and the kings who were with him, and struck the Rephaim in Ashteroth Karnaim, and the Zuzim in Ham, and the Emim in Shaveh Kiriathaim, 6 and the Horites on their Mount Seir, to Elparan, which is by the wilderness. 7 And they returned and came to En-mishpat, which is Kadesh, and struck all the country of the Amalekites, and also the Amorites who dwelled in Hazezon-tamar. 8 And there went out the king of Sodom, and the king of Gomorrah, and the king of Admah, and the king of Zeboiim, and the king of Bela (the same is Zoar). And they joined battle with those in the Valley of Siddim, 9 with Chedorlaomer the king of Elam, and with Tidal king of nations, and Amraphel king of Shinar, and Arioch king of Ellasar, four kings with five. 10 And the Valley of Siddim was full of slime pits, and the kings of Sodom and Gomorrah fled and fell there, and those who remained fled to the mountain. 11 And they took all the goods of Sodom and Gomorrah, and all their provisions, and went their way. 12 And
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they took Lot, Abram’s brother’s son, who dwelled in Sodom, and his goods, and departed. 13 And there came one who had escaped and told Abram the Hebrew, for he dwelled in the plain of Mamre the Amorite, brother of Esh col and brother of Aner, and these were allied with Abram. 14 And when Abram heard that his brother was taken captive, he armed his three hundred and eighteen trained servants, born in his own house, and pursued them to Dan. 15 And he divided himself against them, he and his servants, by night, and struck them, and pursued them to Hobah, which is on the left side of Damascus. 16 And he brought back all the goods and also brought again his brother Lot, and his goods, and the women also, and the people. The Revelation of the Most High God 17 And the king of Sodom went out to meet him after his return from the slaughter of Chedorlaomer, and of the kings who were with him, at the Valley of Shaveh, which is the king’s valley. 18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine, and he was the priest of the Most High God. 19 And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, possessor of heaven and earth. 20 And blessed be the Most High God, who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him tithes of all. 21 And the king of Sodom said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.” 22 And Abram said to the king of
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Sodom, “I have lifted up my hand to the Lord, the Most High God, the possessor of heaven and earth, 23 that I will not take from a thread even to a shoe strap, and that I will not take anything that is yours, lest you should say, ‘I have made Abram rich,’ 24 save only what the young men have eaten, and the portion of the men who went with me: Aner, Eshcol, and Mamre. Let them take their portion.” A Spiritual Descendant Promised After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram. I am your shield and your exceedingly great reward.” 2 And Abram said, “Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus?” 3 And Abram said, “Behold, You have given no offspring to me, and behold, one born in my house is my heir.” 4 And, behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, “This shall not be your heir, but he who shall come forth out of your own body shall be your heir.” 5 And He brought him outside and said, “Look now toward heaven and count the stars, if you are able to number them.” And He said to him, “So shall your descendants be.” 6 And he believed in the Lord, and He counted it to him for righteousness. 7 And He said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you out of Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to inherit it.”
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he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I shall inherit it?” 9 And He said to him, “Bring Me a three-year-old heifer, and a threeyear-old female goat, and a threeyear-old ram, and a turtledove, and a young pigeon.” 10 And he took to Him all these and divided them in the middle, and laid each piece one against another, but the birds he did not divide. 11 And when the fowls came down on the carcasses, Abram drove them away. 12 And when the sun was going down, a deep sleep fell on Abram, and behold, a horror of great darkness fell on him. 13 And He said to Abram, “Know for certain that your descendants shall be strangers in a land that is not theirs and shall serve them, and they shall afflict them four hundred years, 14 and also that nation, whom they shall serve, I will judge, and afterward they shall come out with great substance. 15 And you shall go to your fathers in peace; you shall be buried in a good old age. 16 But in the fourth generation they shall come here again, for the iniquity of the Amorites is not yet full.” 17 And it came to pass that when the sun went down and it was dark, behold, a smoking furnace and a burning lamp passed between those pieces. 18 In the same day the Lord made a covenant with Abram, saying, “To your descendants I have given this land, from the river of Egypt to the great river, the river Euphrates: 19 the Kenites, and the Kenizzites, and the Kadmonites, 20 and the Hittites, and the Perizzites, and the Rephaim, 21 and the Amorites,
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and the Canaanites, and the Girga shites, and the Jebusites.” The Birth of Ishmael Now Sarai, Abram’s wife, bore him no children, and she had a handmaiden, an Egyptian, whose name was Hagar. 2 And Sarai said to Abram, “Behold now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing. I ask you, go in to my maid; it may be that I may obtain children by her.” And Abram listened to the voice of Sarai. 3 And Sarai, Abram’s wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, after Abram had dwelled ten years in the land of Canaan, and gave her to her husband, Abram, to be his wife. 4 And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived, and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes. 5 And Sarai said to Abram, “My wrong is on you; I have given my maid into your bosom, and when she saw that she had conceived, I was despised in her eyes. The Lord judge between me and you.” 6 But Abram said to Sarai, “Behold, your maid is in your hand; do to her as it pleases you.” And when Sarai dealt harshly with her, she fled from her face. 7 And the angel of the Lord found her by a fountain of water in the wilderness, by the fountain in the way to Shur. 8 And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, from where do you come? And where will you go?” And she said, “I am fleeing from the face of my mistress Sarai.” 9 And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Return to your mistress, and submit yourself under her hands.”
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Genesis 17:15
from you, and kings shall come out of you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations for an everlasting cov enant, to be a God to you and to your descendants after you. 8 And I will give to you and to your descendants after you the land in which you are a foreigner, all the land of Canaan, for an everlasting possession, and I will be their God.” 9 And God said to Abraham, “You shall keep My covenant, therefore, you and your descendants after you in their generations. 10 This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male child among you shall be circumcised. 11 And you shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin, and it shall be a token of the covenant between Me and you. 12 And he who is eight days old shall be circumcised among you, every male child in your generations, he who Abram Becomes Abraham And when Abram was ninety- is born in the house or bought with nine years old, the Lord ap- money from any foreigner, who is peared to Abram and said to him, “I not of your descendants. 13 He who am the Almighty God; walk before is born in your house and he who Me and be perfect. 2 And I will make is bought with your money must be My covenant between Me and you circumcised, and My covenant shall and will multiply you exceedingly.” be in your flesh for an everlasting 3 And Abram fell on his face. And covenant. 14 And the uncircumcised God talked with him, saying, 4 “As male child whose flesh of his forefor Me, behold, My covenant is with skin is not circumcised, that soul you, and you shall be a father of shall be cut off from his people; he many nations. 5 No longer shall your has broken My covenant.” name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham, for a father The Promise of Isaac of many nations I have made you. 15 And God said to Abraham, “As for 6 And I will make you exceedingly Sarai, your wife, you shall not call fruitful, and I will make nations her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her 10 And
the angel of the Lord said to her, “I will multiply your descendants exceedingly, that it shall not be numbered for multitude.” 11 And the angel of the Lord said to her, “Behold, you are with child and shall bear a son, and shall call his name Ishmael, because the Lord has heard your affliction. 12 And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man’s hand against him, and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brothers.” 13 And she called the name of the Lord who spoke to her “You, God, See Me,” for she said, “Have I also here looked after Him who sees me?” 14 For that reason the well was called Beer-lahai-roi; behold, it is between Kadesh and Bered. 15 And Hagar bore Abram a son, and Abram called his son’s name, whom Hagar bore, Ishmael. 16 And Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.
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Genesis 17:16
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name be. 16 And I will bless her and give you a son from her also. Yes, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations. Kings of people shall be from her.” 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed and said in his heart, “Shall a child be born to him who is a hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear?” 18 And Abraham said to God, “O that Ishmael might live before You!” 19 And God said, “Sarah, your wife, shall bear you a son indeed, and you shall call his name Isaac, and I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant and with his descendants after him. 20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him and will make him fruitful and will multiply him exceedingly. Twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. 21 But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time in the next year.” 22 And He stopped talking with him, and God went up from Abraham. 23 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all who were born in his house, and all who were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house, and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the very same day, as God had said to him. 24 And Abraham was ninety-nine years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 25 And Ishmael his son was thirteen years old when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin. 26 On the very same day Abraham
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was circumcised and Ishmael his son. 27 And all the men of his house, born in the house and bought with money from the foreigner, were circumcised with him. Abraham, “The Friend of God” And the Lord appeared to him in the plains of Mamre, and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. 2 And he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, three men stood by him. And when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, 3 and said, “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, do not pass away, I ask You, from Your servant. 4 Let a little water, I ask you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. 5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread and comfort your hearts; after that you shall pass on, for therefore have you come to your servant.” And they said, “So do as you have said.” 6 And Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes on the hearth.” 7 And Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good, and gave it to a young man, and he hastened to dress it. 8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf that he had dressed, and set it before them, and he stood by them under the tree, and they ate. 9 And they said to him, “Where is Sarah your wife?” And he said, “Behold, in the tent.” 10 And He said, “I will certainly return to you according to the time
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of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son.” And Sarah heard it in the tent door, which was behind him. 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well advanced in age, and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. 12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, “After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?” 13 And the Lord said to Abraham, “For what reason did Sarah laugh, saying, ‘Shall I certainly bear a child, when I am old?’ 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the time appointed I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” 15 Then Sarah denied, saying, “I did not laugh,” for she was afraid. And He said, “No, but you did laugh.” 16 And the men rose up from there and looked toward Sodom, and Abraham went with them to bring them on the way. 17 And the Lord said, “Shall I hide from Abraham that thing which I do, 18 seeing that Abraham shall surely become a great and mighty nation, and all the nations of the earth shall be blessed in him? 19 For I know him, that he will command his children and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgment, that the Lord may bring on Abraham what He has spoken of him.” 20 And the Lord said, “Because the cry of Sodom and Gomorrah is great, and because their sin is very grievous, 21 I will go down now and see whether they have done altogether according to
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Genesis 18:31
the cry of it, which has come to Me, and if not, I will know.” 22 And the men turned their faces from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the Lord. Abraham the Intercessor 23 And Abraham drew near and said, “Will You also destroy the righteous with the wicked? 24 Perhaps there are fifty righteous within the city. Will You also destroy and not spare the place for the fifty righteous who are in it? 25 Far be it from You to do such a thing, to slay the righteous with the wicked, and that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You. Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” 26 And the Lord said, “If I find in Sodom fifty righteous within the city, then I will spare all the place for their sakes.” 27 And Abraham answered and said, “Behold now, I have taken on myself to speak to the Lord, I who am but dust and ashes. 28 Perhaps there shall lack five of the fifty righteous. Will You destroy all the city for lack of five?” And He said, “If I find there forty- five, I will not destroy it.” 29 And he spoke to Him yet again and said, “Perhaps there shall be forty found there?” And He said, “I will not do it for forty’s sake.” 30 And he said to Him, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak. Perhaps there shall thirty be found there?” And He said, “I will not do it, if I find thirty there.” 31 And he said, “Behold now, I have
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Genesis 18:32
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taken on myself to speak to the Lord. Perhaps there shall be twenty found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for twenty’s sake.” 32 And he said, “Oh let not the Lord be angry, and I will speak yet but this once. Perhaps ten shall be found there?” And He said, “I will not destroy it for ten’s sake.” 33 And the Lord went His way, as soon as He had left communing with Abraham, and Abraham returned to his place. The Destruction of Sodom And there came two angels to Sodom at evening, and Lot sat in the gate of Sodom. And Lot, seeing them, rose up to meet them, and he bowed himself with his face toward the ground. 2 And he said, “Behold now, my lords, turn in, I ask you, into your servant’s house. And remain all night and wash your feet, and you shall rise up early and go on your ways.” And they said, “No, but we will remain in the street all night.” 3 And he pressed on them greatly, and they turned in to him and entered into his house, and he made them a feast and baked unleavened bread, and they ate. 4 But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, surrounded the house, both old and young, all the people from every quarter. 5 And they called to Lot and said to him, “Where are the men who came in to you this night? Bring them out to us that we may know them.” 6 And Lot went out at the door to
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them, and shut the door after him, 7 and said, “I ask you, brothers, do not do so wickedly. 8 Behold now, I have two daughters who have not known a man. Let me, I ask you, bring them out to you, and do to them as is good in your eyes. Only to these men do nothing, for therefore they came under the shadow of my roof.” 9 And they said, “Stand back.” And they said again, “This one fellow came in to sojourn, and he is acting like a judge. Now we will deal worse with you than with them.” And they pressed greatly on the man, even Lot, and came near to break the door. 10 But the men put forth their hand, and pulled Lot into the house to them, and shut the door. 11 And they struck the men who were at the door of the house with blindness, both small and great, so that they wearied themselves to find the door. 12 And the men said to Lot, “Have you anyone else here? Son-in-law, and your sons, and your daughters, and whatever you have in the city, bring them out of this place. 13 For we will destroy this place, because the cry against them has grown great before the face of the Lord, and the Lord has sent us to destroy it.” 14 And Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who married his daughters, and said, “Get up! You get out of this place, for the Lord will destroy this city.” But he seemed as one who mocked to his sons-in-law. 15 And when the morning arose, the angels hurried Lot, saying,
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“Arise, take your wife and your two daughters, who are here, lest you be consumed in the iniquity of the city.” 16 And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, and of the hand of his wife, and of the hand of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him forth and set him outside the city. 17 And it came to pass, when they had brought them outside, that he said, “Escape for your life. Do not look behind you or stay in all the plain; escape to the mountain, lest you be consumed.” 18 And Lot said to them, “Oh, not so, my Lord. 19 Behold now, your servant has found grace in your sight, and you have magnified your mercy, which you have shown to me in saving my life, and I cannot escape to the mountain, lest some evil take me and I die. 20 Behold now, this city is near to flee to, and it is a little one. Oh, let me escape there (is it not a little one?), and my soul shall live.” 21 And he said to him, “See, I have accepted you concerning this thing also, that I will not overthrow this city for which you have spoken. 22 Hurry, escape there, for I cannot do anything until you have arrived there.” Therefore, the name of the city was called Zoar. 23 The sun had risen on the earth when Lot entered into Zoar. 24 Then the Lord rained on Sodom and on Gomorrah brimstone and fire from the Lord out of heaven. 25 And He overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the inhabitants of the cities, and what grew on the ground.
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Genesis 19:34
26 But his wife looked back from be-
hind him, and she became a pillar of salt. 27 And Abraham got up early in the morning to the place where he stood before the Lord. 28 And he looked toward Sodom and Gomorrah and toward all the land of the plain. And he saw, and behold, the smoke of the country went up like the smoke of a furnace. 29 And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot dwelled. 30 And Lot went up out of Zoar and dwelled in the mountain, and his two daughters with him, for he feared to dwell in Zoar. And he dwelled in a cave, he and his two daughters. Lot’s Backsliding 31 And the firstborn said to the younger, “Our father is old, and there is not a man in the earth to come in to us according to the manner of all the earth. 32 Come, let us make our father drink wine, and we will lie with him that we may preserve descendants of our father.” 33 And they made their father drink wine that night, and the firstborn went in and lay with her father. And he perceived not when she lay down or when she arose. 34 And it came to pass on the next morning that the firstborn said to the younger, “Behold, I lay last night with my father; let us make him drink wine this night also, and you go in and lie with him, that we may preserve descendants of our
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Genesis 19:35
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father.” 35 And they made their father drink wine that night also, and the younger arose and lay with him. And he did not perceive when she lay down or when she arose. 36 Thus both the daughters of Lot were with child by their father. 37 And the firstborn bore a son and called his name Moab; the same is the father of the Moabites to this day. 38 And the younger, she also bore a son and called his name Ben-ammi; the same is the father of the children of Ammon to this day. Abraham’s Lapse at Gerar And Abraham journeyed from there toward the south country and dwelled between Kadesh and Shur, and sojourned in Gerar. 2 And Abraham said of Sarah, his wife, “She is my sister.” And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night and said to him, “Behold, you are but a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man’s wife.” 4 But Abimelech had not come near her, and he said, “Lord, will You slay also a righteous nation? 5 Did he not say to me, ‘She is my sister’? And she, even she herself said, ‘He is my brother.’ In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this.” 6 And God said to him in a dream, “Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart, for I also withheld you from sinning against Me. Therefore I did not allow you to touch her. 7 Now, therefore, restore the man his wife, for he is a prophet,
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and he shall pray for you, and you shall live. And if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you, and all who are yours.” 8 Therefore Abimelech rose early in the morning and called all his servants and told all these things in their ears, and the men were greatly afraid. 9 Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I offended you that you have brought on me and on my kingdom a great sin? You have done deeds to me that ought not to be done.” 10 And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What did you see that you have done this thing?” 11 And Abraham said, “Because I thought, ‘Surely the fear of God is not in this place and they will slay me for my wife’s sake.’ 12 And yet indeed she is my sister; she is the daughter of my father, but not the daughter of my mother, and she became my wife. 13 And it came to pass, when God caused me to wander from my father’s house, that I said to her, ‘This is your kindness, which you shall show to me: at every place where we shall come, say of me, “He is my brother.”’” 14 And Abimelech took sheep, and oxen, and menservants, and womenservants and gave them to Abraham and restored to him Sarah his wife. 15 And Abimelech said, “Behold, my land is before you. Dwell where it pleases you.” 16 And to Sarah he said, “Behold, I have given your brother a thousand pieces of silver. Behold, he is to you a covering of the eyes, to all who are with you, and with all others.” Thus she was reproved.
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Abraham prayed to God, and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants, and they bore children. 18 For the Lord had firmly closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham’s wife. The Birth of Isaac And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did to Sarah as He had spoken. 2 For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age at the set time of which God had spoken to him. 3 And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him, whom Sarah bore to him, Isaac. 4 And Abraham circumcised his son Isaac being eight days old, as God had commanded him. 5 And Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him. 6 And Sarah said, “God has made me to laugh, so that all who hear will laugh with me.” 7 And she said, “Who would have said to Abraham that Sarah should have nursed children? For I have borne him a son in his old age.” 8 And the child grew and was weaned, and Abraham made a great feast the same day that Isaac was weaned.
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Hagar and Her Son Cast Out 9 And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, mocking. 10 For that reason she said to Abraham, “Cast out this bondwoman and her son, for the son of this bondwoman shall not be heir with my son, even with Isaac.” 11 And the thing was very grievous in Abraham’s sight
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Genesis 21:21
because of his son. 12 And God said to Abraham, “Let it not be grievous in your sight because of the boy and because of your bondwoman; in all that Sarah has said to you, listen to her voice, for in Isaac your descendants shall be called. 13 And also of the son of the bondwoman I will make a nation, because he is your offspring.” 14 And Abraham rose up early in the morning and took bread and a bottle of water and gave it to Hagar, putting it on her shoulder, and the child, and sent her away. And she departed and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba. 15 And the water was spent in the bottle, and she cast the child under one of the shrubs. 16 And she went and sat down on the other side of him a good way off, as it were a bow shot, for she said, “Let me not see the death of the child.” And she sat on the other side of him and lifted up her voice and wept. 17 And God heard the voice of the boy, and the angel of God called to Hagar out of heaven, and said to her, “What ails you, Hagar? Do not fear, for God has heard the voice of the boy where he is. 18 Arise, lift up the boy, and hold him in your hand, for I will make him a great nation.” 19 And God opened her eyes, and she saw a well of water. And she went and filled the bottle with water and gave the boy drink. 20 And God was with the boy, and he grew and dwelled in the wilderness and became an archer. 21 And he dwelled in the wilderness of Paran, and his mother took for him a wife out of the land of Egypt.
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Genesis 21:22
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Abraham’s Covenant with Abimelech 22 And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the chief captain of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do. 23 Now therefore swear to me here by God that you will not deal falsely with me or with my son or with my son’s son, but according to the kindness that I have done to you, you shall do to me, and to the land in which you have sojourned.” 24 And Abraham said, “I will swear.” 25 And Abraham reproved Abim elech because of a well of water, which Abimelech’s servants had violently taken away. 26 And Abimelech said, “I do not know who has done this thing. Neither did you tell me; neither had I heard of it until today.” 27 And Abraham took sheep and oxen and gave them to Abimelech, and both of them made a covenant. 28 And Abraham set seven ewe lambs of the flock by themselves. 29 And Abimelech said to Abraham, “What is the meaning of these seven ewe lambs that you have set by themselves?” 30 And he said, “For these seven ewe lambs you shall take from my hand, that they may be a witness to me that I have dug this well.” 31 Therefore he called that place Beer-sheba, because there both of them swore. 32 Thus they made a covenant at Beer-sheba. Then Abimelech rose up, and Phichol, the chief captain of his army, and they returned into the land of the Philistines. 33 And Abraham planted a grove in
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Beer-sheba and there called on the name of the Lord, the everlasting God. 34 And Abraham sojourned in the Philistines’ land many days. The Offering of Isaac And it came to pass after these things, that God tested Abraham and said to him, “Abraham.” And he said, “Behold, here I am.” 2 And He said, “Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and get into the land of Moriah, and offer him there for a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you.” 3 And Abraham rose up early in the morning and saddled his donkey and took two of his young men with him and Isaac his son. And he split the wood for the burnt offering and rose up and went to the place of which God had told him. 4 Then on the third day Abraham lifted up his eyes and saw the place afar off. 5 And Abraham said to his young men, “Remain here with the donkey, and I and the boy will go over there and worship and come back to you.” 6 And Abraham took the wood of the burnt offering and laid it on Isaac his son, and he took the fire in his hand and a knife, and both of them went together. 7 And Isaac spoke to Abraham, his father, and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” And he said, “Behold the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?” 8 And Abraham said, “My son, God will provide Himself a lamb for
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a burnt offering.” So both of them went together. 9 And they came to the place of which God had told him, and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac, his son, and laid him on the altar on the wood. 10 And Abraham stretched forth his hand and took the knife to slay his son. 11 And the angel of the Lord called to him out of heaven and said, “Abraham, Abraham.” And he said, “Here I am.” 12 And He said, “Do not lay your hand on the boy or do anything to him, for now I know that you fear God, seeing you have not withheld your son, your only son, from Me.” 13 And Abraham lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram caught in a thicket by his horns. And Abraham went and took the ram and offered him up for a burnt offering instead of his son. 14 And Abraham called the name of that place Jehovah-jireh. As it is said to this day, “In the mount of the Lord it shall be seen.” The Abrahamic Covenant Confirmed 15 And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham out of heaven the second time 16 and said, “By myself I have sworn, says the Lord, for because you have done this thing and have not withheld your son, your only son, 17 that in blessing I will bless you, and in multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand that is on the seashore, and your descendants shall possess the gate
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Genesis 23:6
of their enemies. 18 And in your descendants shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice.” 19 So Abraham returned to his young men, and they rose up and went together to Beer-sheba, and Abraham dwelled at Beer-sheba. The Family of Nahor 20 And it came to pass after these things that it was told Abraham, saying, “Behold, Milcah, she has also borne children to your brother Nahor: 21 Huz his firstborn, and Buz his brother, and Kemuel the father of Aram, 22 and Chesed, and Hazo, and Pildash, and Jidlaph, and Bethuel.” 23 And Bethuel begot Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham’s brother. 24 And his concubine, whose name was Reumah, also bore Tebah, and Gaham, and Thahash, and Maachah. The Death and Burial of Sarah And Sarah was a hundred and twenty-seven years old. These were the years of the life of Sarah. 2 And Sarah died in Kiriatharba, which is Hebron in the land of Canaan, and Abraham came to mourn for Sarah and to weep for her. 3 And Abraham stood up from before his dead and spoke to the sons of Heth, saying, 4 “I am a foreigner and a sojourner with you; give me a possession of a burying place with you that I may bury my dead out of my sight.” 5 And the children of Heth answered Abraham, saying to him, 6 “Hear us, my lord. You are a mighty
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Genesis 23:7
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prince among us. In the choice of our sepulchres, bury your dead; none of us shall withhold from you his sepulchre, but that you may bury your dead.” 7 And Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the people of the land, even to the children of Heth. 8 And he communed with them, saying, “If it is your will that I should bury my dead out of my sight, hear me and entreat for me to Ephron the son of Zohar, 9 that he may give me the cave of Machpelah, which he has, which is in the end of his field. For as much money as it is worth, he shall give it me for a possession of a burying place among you.” 10 And Ephron dwelled among the children of Heth, and Ephron the Hittite answered Abraham in the audience of the children of Heth, even of all who went in at the gate of his city, saying, 11 “No, my lord, hear me: the field I give you, and the cave that is in it, I give it to you, in the presence of the sons of my people I give it to you. Bury your dead.” 12 And Abraham bowed himself down before the people of the land. 13 And he spoke to Ephron in the audience of the people of the land, saying, “But if you will give it, I ask you, hear me. I will give you money for the field; take it from me and I will bury my dead there.” 14 And Ephron answered Abraham, saying to him, 15 “My lord, listen to me: the land is worth four hundred shekels of silver. What is that between me and you? Bury therefore your dead.” 16 And Abraham listened to Ephron, and Abraham weighed
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for Ephron the silver, which he had named in the audience of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, current money with the merchant. 17 And the field of Ephron, which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave that was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, that were in all the borders surrounding it, were made sure 18 to Abraham for a possession in the presence of the children of Heth, before all who went in at the gate of his city. 19 And after this, Abraham buried Sarah, his wife, in the cave of the field of Machpelah before Mamre, which is Hebron in the land of Canaan. 20 And the field and the cave that is in it were made sure to Abraham for a possession of a burying place by the sons of Heth. A Bride for Isaac And Abraham was old and well stricken in age, and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. 2 And Abraham said to his eldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Put, I ask you, your hand under my thigh, 3 and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell, 4 but you shall go to my country, and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.” 5 And the servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I bring your son again to the land from where you came?”
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29 6 And Abraham said to him, “Be-
ware that you do not bring my son there again. 7 The Lord God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my family, and who spoke to me and who swore to me, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give this land,’ He shall send His angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there. 8 And if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this my oath; only do not bring my son there again.” 9 And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master and swore to him concerning that matter. 10 And the servant took ten camels from the camels of his master and departed, for all the goods of his master were in his hand, and he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. 11 And he made his camels to kneel down outside the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. 12 And he said, “O Lord God of my master Abraham, I ask You, send me success this day, and show kindness to my master, Abraham. 13 Behold, I stand here by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water. 14 And let it come to pass that the young woman to whom I shall say, ‘Let down your pitcher; I ask you that I may drink,’ and she shall say, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels drink,’ let the same be she whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac, and by it I shall know that You have shown kindness to my master.”
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Genesis 24:26 15 And it came to pass, before he
had finished speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher on her shoulder. 16 And the young woman was very fair to look on, a virgin, neither had any man known her, and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. 17 And the servant ran to meet her and said, “Let me, I ask you, drink a little water from your pitcher.” 18 And she said, “Drink, my lord.” And she hastened and let down her pitcher on her hand and gave him drink. 19 And when she had finished giving him drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also until they have finished drinking.” 20 And she hastened, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. 21 And the man wondering at her said nothing to know whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not. 22 And it came to pass, as the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold 23 and said, “Whose daughter are you? Tell me, I ask you, is there room in your father’s house for us to lodge in?” 24 And she said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor.” 25 She said moreover to him, “We have both straw and feed enough and room to lodge in.” 26 And the
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man bowed down his head and worshipped the Lord. 27 And he said, “Blessed be the Lord God of my master, Abraham, who has not left my master destitute of His mercy and His truth. I, being on the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brothers.” 28 And the young woman ran and told those of her mother’s house these things. 29 And Rebekah had a brother and his name was Laban. And Laban ran out to the man, to the well. 30 And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets on his sister’s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah, his sister, saying, “This is what the man said to me,” that he came to the man. And, behold, he stood by the camels at the well. 31 And he said, “Come in, you blessed by the Lord. For what reason do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house and room for the camels.” 32 And the man came into the house, and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and feed for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the men’s feet who were with him. 33 And food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told my errand.” And he said, “Speak on.” 34 And he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. 35 And the Lord has blessed my master greatly, and he has become great, and He has given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and donkeys. 36 And Sarah, my master’s wife, bore a son to my master when she was
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old, and to him he has given all that he has. 37 And my master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell. 38 But you shall go to my father’s house, and to my family, and take a wife for my son.’ 39 And I said to my master, ‘Perhaps the woman will not follow me.’ 40 And he said to me, ‘The Lord, before whom I walk, will send His angel with you and prosper your way, and you shall take a wife for my son of my family and from my father’s house. 41 Then you shall be clear from this my oath when you come to my family, and if they do not give you one, you shall be clear from my oath.’ 42 “And I came this day to the well and said, ‘O Lord God of my master, Abraham, if now You do prosper my way in which I go, 43 behold, I stand by the well of water, and it shall come to pass that when the virgin comes forth to draw water, and I say to her, “Give me, I ask, a little water from your pitcher to drink,” 44 and she says to me both “You drink” and “I will also draw for your camels,” let the same be the woman whom the Lord has appointed for my master’s son.’ 45 And before I had finished speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder, and she went down to the well and drew water. And I said to her, ‘Let me drink, I ask you.’ 46 And she hastened and let down her pitcher from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I will give your camels drink also.’ So I drank, and she made the camels drink also. 47 And I asked
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Genesis 25:1
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her and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ And she said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ And I put the earring on her face and the bracelets on her hands. 48 And I bowed down my head and worshipped the Lord and blessed the Lord God of my master, Abraham, who had led me in the right way to take my master’s brother’s daughter to his son. 49 And now, if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me, and if not, tell me that I may turn to the right hand or to the left.” 50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing proceeds from the Lord; we cannot speak to you bad or good. 51 Behold, Rebekah is before you; take her and go, and let her be your master’s son’s wife, as the Lord has spoken.” 52 And it came to pass that when Abraham’s servant heard their words, he worshipped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth. 53 And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. 54 And they ate and drank, he and the men who were with him, and remained all night. And they rose up in the morning, and he said, “Send me away to my master.” 55 And her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman remain with us a few days, at least ten. After that she shall go.” 56 And he said to them, “Do not hinder me, seeing the Lord has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.”
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57 And they said, “We will call the
young woman and inquire at her mouth.” 58 And they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.” 59 And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “You are our sister; be the mother of thousands of millions, and let your descendants possess the gate of those who hate them.” 61 And Rebekah arose, and her young women, and they rode on the camels and followed the man, and the servant took Rebekah and went his way. 62 And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahai-roi, for he dwelled in the south country. 63 And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening, and he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, the camels were coming. 64 And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she descended off the camel. 65 For she had said to the servant, “What man is this who walks in the field to meet us?” And the servant had said, “It is my master.” Therefore she took a veil and covered herself. 66 And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. 67 And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent and took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her. And Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. Abraham Remarries Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was
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Keturah. 2 And she bore him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah. 3 And Jokshan begot Sheba and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim. 4 And the sons of Midian: Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abidah, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah. 5 And Abraham gave all that he had to Isaac. 6 But to the sons of the concubines who Abraham had, Abraham gave gifts, while he still lived, and sent them away from Isaac his son eastward, to the east country. The Death of Abraham 7 And these are the days of the years of Abraham’s life that he lived: a hundred and seventy-five years. 8 Then Abraham gave up the spirit and died in a good old age, an old man and full of years, and was gathered to his people. 9 And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite, which is before Mamre, 10 the field that Abraham purchased from the sons of Heth. Abraham was buried there, and Sarah his wife. 11 And it came to pass after the death of Abraham that God blessed his son Isaac, and Isaac dwelled by the well Lahai-roi. The Generations of Ishmael 12 Now these are the generations of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, whom Hagar the Egyptian, Sarah’s handmaiden, bore to Abraham. 13 And these are the names of the sons of
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Ishmael, by their names, according to their generations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebajoth, and Kedar, and Adbeel, and Mibsam, 14 and Mishma, and Dumah, and Massa, 15 Hadar, and Tema, Jetur, Naphish, and Kedemah. 16 These are the sons of Ishmael, and these are their names, by their towns, and by their castles, twelve princes according to their nations. 17 And these are the years of the life of Ishmael: a hundred and thirty- seven years. And he gave up the spirit and died and was gathered to his people. 18 And they dwelled from Havilah to Shur; that is before Egypt, as you go toward Assyria. And he died in the presence of all his brothers. The Generations of Isaac 19 And these are the generations of Isaac, Abraham’s son: Abraham begot Isaac. 20 And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah as wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padan-aram, the sister to Laban the Syrian. 21 And Isaac entreated the Lord for his wife because she was barren, and the Lord was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. 22 And the children struggled together within her, and she said, “If it is so, why am I thus?” And she went to inquire of the Lord. 23 And the Lord said to her, “Two nations are in your womb, and two kinds of people shall be separated from your body, and the one people shall be stronger than the other people, and the elder shall serve the younger.”
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Esau and Jacob: Sale of the Birthright 24 And when her days to be delivered were fulfilled, behold, there were twins in her womb. 25 And the first came out red all over like a hairy garment, and they called his name Esau. 26 And after that his brother came out, and his hand took hold of Esau’s heel, and his name was called Jacob. And Isaac was sixty years old when she bore them. 27 And the boys grew, and Esau was a skillful hunter, a man of the field, and Jacob was a plain man, dwelling in tents. 28 And Isaac loved Esau because he ate of his venison, but Rebekah loved Jacob. 29 And Jacob boiled stew, and Esau came from the field and he was faint. 30 And Esau said to Jacob, “Feed me, I ask you, with that same red stew, for I am faint.” Therefore his name was called Edom. 31 And Jacob said, “Sell me this day your birthright.” 32 And Esau said, “Behold, I am at the point to die, and what profit shall this birthright do to me?” 33 And Jacob said, “Swear to me this day.” And he swore to him, and he sold his birthright to Jacob. 34 Then Jacob gave Esau bread and stew of lentils, and he ate and drank, and rose up, and went his way. Thus Esau despised his birthright. The Abrahamic Covenant Confirmed to Isaac And there was a famine in the land, besides the first famine that was in the days of Abraham. And Isaac went to Abimelech, king
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Genesis 26:10
of the Philistines, to Gerar. 2 And the Lord appeared to him and said, “Do not go down into Egypt. Dwell in the land of which I shall tell you. 3 Sojourn in this land, and I will be with you and will bless you, for to you and to your descendants I will give all these countries, and I will perform the oath that I swore to Abraham your father, 4 and I will make your descendants to multiply as the stars of heaven and will give to your descendants all these countries. And in your descendants shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, 5 because Abraham obeyed My voice and kept My charge, My commandments, My statutes, and My laws.” The Lapse of Isaac 6 And Isaac dwelled in Gerar, 7 and the men of the place asked him about his wife. And he said, “She is my sister.” For he feared to say, “She is my wife.” He said, “Lest the men of the place should kill me for Rebekah,” because she was fair to look upon. 8 And it came to pass, when he had been there a long time, that Abimelech king of the Philistines looked out a window and saw, and behold, Isaac was sporting with Rebekah, his wife. 9 And Abimelech called Isaac and said, “Behold, certainly she is your wife. And how did you say, ‘She is my sister’?” And Isaac said to him, “Because I said, ‘Lest I die for her.’” 10 And Abimelech said, “What is this you have done to us? One of the people might lightly have lain with your wife, and you would have
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Genesis 26:11
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brought guilt on us.” 11 And Abime lech charged all his people, saying, “He who touches this man or his wife shall surely be put to death.” 12 Then Isaac sowed in that land and received in the same year a hundredfold, and the Lord blessed him. 13 And the man became great and went forward and grew until he became very great, 14 for he had possession of flocks, and possession of herds, and a great store of servants, and the Philistines envied him. 15 For all the wells that his father’s servants had dug in the days of Abraham, his father, the Philistines had stopped them and filled them with earth. 16 And Abimelech said to Isaac, “Go from us, for you are much mightier than we.” 17 And Isaac departed from there and pitched his tent in the Valley of Gerar and dwelled there. 18 And Isaac dug again the wells of water, which they had dug in the days of Abraham, his father, for the Philistines had stopped them after the death of Abraham. And he called their names after the names by which his father had called them. 19 And Isaac’s servants dug in the valley and found there a well of springing water. 20 And the herdsmen of Gerar contended with Isaac’s herdsmen, saying, “The water is ours.” And he called the name of the well Esek because they contended with him. 21 And they dug another well and contended for that also, and he called its name Sitnah. 22 And he moved from there and dug another well, and for that they did not contend. And he called its
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name Rehoboth. And he said, “For now the Lord has made room for us, and we shall be fruitful in the land.” 23 And he went up from there to Beer-sheba. 24 And the Lord appeared to him the same night and said, “I am the God of Abraham your father. Do not fear, for I am with you and will bless you and multiply your descendants for My servant Abraham’s sake.” 25 And he built an altar there, and called on the name of the Lord, and pitched his tent there. And there Isaac’s servants dug a well. 26 Then Abimelech went to him from Gerar, and Ahuzzath, one of his friends, and Phichol, the chief captain of his army. 27 And Isaac said to them, “For what reason did you come to me, seeing you hate me and have sent me away from you?” 28 And they said, “We certainly saw that the Lord was with you, and we said, ‘Let there be now an oath between us, even between us and you.’ And let us make a covenant with you 29 that you will do us no harm, as we have not touched you, and as we have done to you nothing but good and have sent you away in peace. You are now the blessed by the Lord.” 30 And he made them a feast, and they ate and drank. 31 And they rose up early in the morning and swore to one another, and Isaac sent them away. And they departed from him in peace. 32 And it came to pass the same day that Isaac’s servants came and told him concerning the well that they had dug, and said to him, “We have
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found water.” 33 And he called it Shebah. Therefore, the name of the city is Beer-sheba to this day. 34 And Esau was forty years old when he took as wives Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite and Basemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite, 35 which were a grief of mind to Isaac and to Rebekah. The Stolen Blessing And it came to pass that when Isaac was old and his eyes were dim, so that he could not see, he called Esau, his eldest son, and said to him, “My son.” And he said to him, “Behold, here I am.” 2 And he said, “Behold, now I am old. I do not know the day of my death. 3 Now, therefore, take, I ask, your weapons, your quiver, and your bow, and go out to the field, and bring me some venison. 4 And make me savory meat, such as I love, and bring it to me that I may eat, that my soul may bless you before I die.” 5 And Rebekah heard when Isaac spoke to Esau, his son. And Esau went to the field to hunt for venison and to bring it. 6 And Rebekah spoke to Jacob, her son, saying, “Behold, I heard your father speak to Esau, your brother, saying, 7 ‘Bring me venison and make me savory meat that I may eat and bless you before the Lord before my death.’ 8 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice according to what I command you. 9 Go now to the flock and fetch me from there two good young goats, and I will make them savory meat for your father, such as he loves. 10 And you
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Genesis 27:21
shall bring it to your father that he may eat and that he may bless you before his death.” 11 And Jacob said to Rebekah, his mother, “Behold, Esau, my brother, is a hairy man and I am a smooth man. 12 My father perhaps will feel me and I shall seem to him as a deceiver, and I shall bring a curse on me and not a blessing.” 13 And his mother said to him, “On me be your curse, my son. Only obey my voice and go fetch me them.” 14 And he went and fetched and brought them to his mother. And his mother made savory meat, such as his father loved. 15 And Rebekah took fine clothing of her eldest son, Esau, which were with her in the house, and put them on Jacob, her younger son. 16 And she put the skins of the young goats on his hands and on the smooth of his neck. 17 And she gave the savory meat and the bread, which she had prepared, into the hand of her son Jacob. 18 And he came to his father and said, “My father.” And he said, “Here I am. Who are you, my son?” 19 And Jacob said to his father, “I am Esau, your firstborn. I have done as you asked me. Arise, I ask you, sit and eat of my venison, that your soul may bless me.” 20 And Isaac said to his son, “How is it that you have found it so quickly, my son?” And he said, “Because the Lord your God brought it to me.” 21 And Isaac said to Jacob, “Come near, I ask you, that I may feel you, my son, whether you are
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Genesis 27:22
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my very son Esau or not.” 22 And Jacob went near to Isaac, his father. And he felt him and said, “The voice is Jacob’s voice, but the hands are the hands of Esau.” 23 And he did not discern him, because his hands were hairy, as his brother Esau’s hands, so he blessed him. 24 And he said, “Are you my very son Esau?” And he said, “I am.” 25 And he said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s venison that my soul may bless you.” And he brought it near to him, and he ate. And he brought him wine and he drank. The Blessing of Jacob 26 And his father, Isaac, said to him, “Come near now and kiss me, my son.” 27 And he came near and kissed him, and he smelled the smell of his clothing and blessed him, and said, “See, the smell of my son is as the smell of a field that the Lord has blessed. 28 Therefore, may God give you from the dew of heaven and the fatness of the earth, and plenty of grain and wine. 29 Let people serve you and nations bow down to you. Be lord over your brothers, and let your mother’s sons bow down to you. Cursed is everyone who curses you and blessed is he who blesses you.” 30 And it came to pass, as soon as Isaac had finished blessing Jacob, and Jacob had scarcely gone out from the presence of Isaac, his father, that Esau, his brother, came in from his hunting. 31 And he also had made savory meat and brought it to his father, and said to his father,
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“Let my father arise and eat of his son’s venison, that your soul may bless me.” 32 And Isaac, his father, said to him, “Who are you?” And he said, “I am your son, your firstborn, Esau.” 33 And Isaac trembled very exceedingly and said, “Who? Where is he who has taken venison and brought it me? And I have eaten all of it before you came and have blessed him. Yes, and he shall be blessed.” Esau’s Unavailing Remorse 34 And when Esau heard the words of his father, he cried with a great and exceedingly bitter cry and said to his father, “Bless me, even me also, O my father.” 35 And he said, “Your brother came with subtlety and has taken away your blessing.” 36 And he said, “Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times. He took away my birthright. And behold, now he has taken away my blessing.” And he said, “Have you not reserved a blessing for me?” 37 And Isaac answered and said to Esau, “Behold, I have made him your lord, and all his brothers I have given to him for servants, and with grain and wine I have sustained him. And what shall I do now to you, my son?” 38 And Esau said to his father, “Have you but one blessing, my father? Bless me, even me also, O my father.” And Esau lifted up his voice and wept. 39 And Isaac, his father, answered
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and said to him, “Behold, your dwelling shall be the fatness of the earth and of the dew of heaven from above. 40 And by your sword you shall live and shall serve your brother. And it shall come to pass when you shall have the dominion that you shall break his yoke from off your neck.” 41 And Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing with which his father blessed him. And Esau said in his heart, “The days of mourning for my father are at hand. Then I will slay my brother, Jacob.” 42 And these words of Esau, her elder son, were told to Rebekah. And she sent and called Jacob, her younger son, and said to him, “Behold, your brother, Esau, concerning you, comforts himself purposing to kill you. 43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice and arise, flee to Laban, my brother, to Haran. 44 And remain with him a few days until your brother’s fury turns away, 45 until your brother’s anger turns away from you and he forgets what you have done to him. Then I will send and fetch you from there. Why should I be deprived also of you both in one day?” 46 And Rebekah said to Isaac, “I am weary of my life because of the daughters of Heth. If Jacob takes a wife of the daughters of Heth, such as these who are of the daughters of the land, what good shall my life do me?” Jacob at Bethel And Isaac called Jacob and blessed him and charged him, and said to him, “You shall not
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Genesis 28:11
take a wife from the daughters of Canaan. 2 Arise, go to Padan-aram, to the house of Bethuel, your mother’s father, and take yourself a wife from there from the daughters of Laban, your mother’s brother. 3 And God Almighty bless you and make you fruitful and multiply you, that you may be a multitude of people, 4 and give you the blessing of Abraham, to you and to your offspring with you, that you may inherit the land in which you are a foreigner, which God gave to Abraham.” 5 And Isaac sent Jacob away, and he went to Padan-aram to Laban, son of Bethuel the Syrian, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob and Esau’s mother. Esau Marries Mahalath 6 When Esau saw that Isaac had blessed Jacob and sent him away to Padan-aram to take himself a wife from there, and that as he blessed him he gave him a charge, saying, “You shall not take a wife from the daughters of Canaan,” 7 and that Jacob obeyed his father and his mother and had gone to Padanaram, 8 and Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan did not please Isaac, his father, 9 then Esau went to Ishmael and took, among the wives that he had, Mahalath the daughter of Ishmael, Abraham’s son, the sister of Nebajoth, to be his wife. Jacob’s Dream of the Ladder 10 And Jacob went out from Beersheba and went toward Haran. 11 And he descended on a certain place and remained there all night because the sun had set. And he took from the stones of that place
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Genesis 28:12
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and put them for his pillows and lay down in that place to sleep. 12 And he dreamed, and behold a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven. And behold, the angels of God were ascending and descending on it. 13 And behold, the Lord stood above it and said, “I am the Lord God of Abraham, your father, and the God of Isaac. The land in which you lie, I will give it to you and to your descendants. 14 And your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth, and you shall spread abroad to the west and to the east and to the north and to the south. And in you and in your descendants all the families of the earth shall be blessed. 15 And behold, I am with you and will take care of you wherever you go, and will bring you again into this land, for I will not leave you until I have done what I have spoken of to you.” 16 And Jacob awoke out of his sleep, and he said, “Surely the Lord is in this place and I did not know it.” 17 And he was afraid and said, “How dreadful is this place! This is none other than the house of God, and this is the gate of heaven.” 18 And Jacob rose up early in the morning, and took the stone that he had put for his pillows, and set it up for a pillar, and poured oil on the top of it. 19 And he called the name of that place Bethel, but the name of that city was first called Luz. Jacob’s Vow 20 And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, “If God will be with me and will take care of me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat
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and clothing to put on, 21 so that I come again to my father’s house in peace, then shall the Lord be my God. 22 And this stone, which I have set for a pillar, shall be God’s house. And of all that You shall give me I will surely give the tenth to You.” Jacob’s Years at Haran Then Jacob went on his journey and came into the land of the people of the east. 2 And he looked, and behold, a well in the field. And behold, there were three flocks of sheep lying by it, for out of that well they watered the flocks. And a great stone was on the well’s mouth. 3 And all the flocks were gathered there. And they rolled the stone from the well’s mouth and watered the sheep, and put the stone again on the well’s mouth in its place. 4 And Jacob said to them, “My brothers, where are you from?” And they said, “We are from Haran.” 5 And he said to them, “Do you know Laban the son of Nahor?” And they said, “We know him.” 6 And he said to them, “Is he well?” And they said, “He is well, and behold, Rachel his daughter is coming with the sheep.” 7 And he said, “Behold, it is still high day. It is not the time that the cattle should be gathered together. Water the sheep and go and feed them.” 8 And they said, “We cannot until all the flocks are gathered together and until they roll the stone from the well’s mouth. Then we water the sheep.” 9 And while he was still speaking
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with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she watched over them. 10 And it came to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban, his mother’s brother, that Jacob went near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth and watered the flock of Laban, his mother’s brother. 11 And Jacob kissed Rachel and lifted up his voice and wept. 12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s brother and that he was Rebekah’s son, and she ran and told her father. 13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob, his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these things. 14 And Laban said to him, “Surely you are my bone and my flesh.” And he remained with him for a month. Jacob Marries Both Leah and Rachel 15 And Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” 16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah was tender eyed, but Rachel was beautiful and well-favored. 18 And Jacob loved Rachel and said, “I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter.” 19 And Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to another man. Remain with me.” 20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed
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Genesis 29:33
to him but a few days, for the love he had for her. 21 And Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her.” 22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast. 23 And it came to pass in the evening that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to him, and he went in to her. 24 And Laban gave Zilpah, his maid, to his daughter Leah for a handmaiden. 25 And it came to pass that in the morning, behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? For what reason then have you deceived me?” 26 And Laban said, “It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. 27 Fulfill her week, and we will give you this also for the service that you shall serve with me another seven years.” 28 And Jacob did so and fulfilled her week, and he gave him Rachel his daughter as a wife also. 29 And Laban gave Bilhah, his handmaiden, to Rachel his daughter to be her maid. 30 And he also went in to Rachel, and he also loved Rachel more than Leah, and served with him another seven years. 31 And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated, He opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. 32 And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, “Surely the Lord has looked on my affliction. Now, therefore, my husband will love me.” 33 And she conceived again and bore a son and said, “Because the Lord has heard
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that I was hated, He has therefore given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. 34 And she conceived again and bore a son and said, “Now this time my husband will be joined to me because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi. 35 And she conceived again and bore a son, and she said, “Now I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah and stopped bearing. The Family of Jacob And when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister and said to Jacob, “Give me children or else I die.” 2 And Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in God’s place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” 3 And she said, “Behold my maid Bilhah. Go in to her, and she shall bear on my knees, that I may also have children by her.” 4 And she gave him Bilhah, her handmaiden, as a wife, and Jacob went in to her. 5 And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. 6 And Rachel said, “God has judged me and has also heard my voice and has given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan. 7 And Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. 8 And Rachel said, “With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed.” And she called his name Naphtali. 9 When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing, she took Zilpah, her maid, and gave her to Jacob as
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a wife. 10 And Zilpah, Leah’s maid, bore Jacob a son. 11 And Leah said, “A troop comes!” And she called his name Gad. 12 And Zilpah, Leah’s maid, bore Jacob a second son. 13 And Leah said, “Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed.” And she called his name Asher. 14 And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest and found mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother, Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Give me, I ask you, of your son’s mandrakes.” 15 And she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken my husband? And would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?” And Rachel said, “Therefore he shall lie with you tonight for your son’s mandrakes.” 16 And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must come in to me, for surely I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” And he lay with her that night. 17 And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob the fifth son. 18 And Leah said, “God has given me my wages because I have given my maiden to my husband.” And she called his name Issachar. 19 And Leah conceived again and bore Jacob the sixth son. 20 And Leah said, “God has endued me with a good dowry. Now my husband will dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons.” And she called his name Zebulun. 21 And afterward she bore a daughter and called her name Dinah. 22 And God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. 23 And she conceived
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and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” 24 And she called his name Joseph and said, “The Lord shall add to me another son.” Jacob Arranges to Leave Laban 25 And it came to pass, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my country. 26 Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served you, and let me go, for you know my service that I have done for you.” 27 And Laban said to him, “I ask you, if I have found favor in your eyes, remain. For I have learned by experience that the Lord has blessed me for your sake.” 28 And he said, “Appoint me your wages, and I will give it.” 29 And he said to him, “You know how I have served you and how your cattle was with me. 30 For it was little that you had before I came, and it has now increased to a multitude. And the Lord has blessed you since my coming. And now when shall I provide for my own house also?” 31 And he said, “What shall I give you?” And Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed and protect your flock. 32 I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats. And of such shall be my wages. 33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in
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time to come, when it shall come for my wages before your face. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted as stolen with me.” 34 And Laban said, “Behold, I wish it might be according to your word.” 35 And he removed that day the male goats that were striped and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons. 36 And he set three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks. 37 And Jacob took for himself rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chestnut tree, and peeled white stripes in them, and made the white appear that was in the rods. 38 And he set the rods that he had peeled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink. 39 And the flocks conceived before the rods and brought forth striped, speckled, and spotted cattle. 40 And Jacob separated the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the striped, and all the brown in the flock of Laban, and he put his own flocks by themselves and did not put them with Laban’s cattle. 41 And it came to pass whenever the stronger cattle conceived, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. 42 But when the cattle were feeble,
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he did not put them in, so the feebler were Laban’s and the stronger, Jacob’s. 43 And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle and maidservants and menservants and camels and donkeys. Jacob Flees from Laban’s Anger And he heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and of what was our father’s, he has gotten all this glory.” 2 And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and behold, it was not toward him as before. 3 And the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.” 4 And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field to his flock 5 and said to them, “I see your father’s countenance that it is not favorable toward me as before, but the God of my father has been with me. 6 And you know that with all my power I have served your father. 7 And your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God permitted him not to hurt me. 8 If he said, ‘The speckled shall be your wages,’ then all the cattle bore speckled. And if he said, ‘The striped shall be your wages,’ then all the cattle bore stripes. 9 Thus God has taken away the cattle of your father and given them to me. 10 And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived that I lifted up my eyes and saw in a dream, and behold, the rams that leaped on the cattle were striped, speckled, and gray-colored.”
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Jacob Tells of His Call Back to Bethel 11 “And the angel of God spoke to me in a dream, saying, ‘Jacob.’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ 12 And He said, ‘Lift up now your eyes and see all the rams that leap on the cattle are striped, speckled, and gray-colored, for I have seen all that Laban does to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed the pillar and where you vowed a vow to Me. Now arise, get out from this land, and return to the land of your family.’” The Flight of Jacob 14 And Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? 15 Are we not counted strangers by him? For he has sold us and has also quite devoured our money. 16 For all the riches that God has taken from our father, that is ours and our children’s. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do.” 17 Then Jacob rose up and set his sons and his wives on camels, 18 and he carried away all his cattle and all his goods that he had gotten, the cattle he had gotten, which he had gotten in Padan-aram, to go to Isaac, his father, in the land of Canaan. 19 And Laban went to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father’s. 20 And Jacob stole away without Laban the Syrian knowing, in that he did not tell him that he fled. 21 So he fled with all that he had, and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount of Gilead. 22 And it was told Laban on the
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third day that Jacob had fled. 23 And he took his brothers with him and pursued after him seven days’ journey, and they overtook him in the mount of Gilead. 24 And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night and said to him, “Be careful that you do not speak to Jacob either good or bad.” 25 Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount, and Laban with his brothers camped in the mount of Gilead. 26 And Laban said to Jacob, “What have you done that you have stolen away without telling me and carried away my daughters as captives taken with the sword? 27 For what reason did you flee away secretly and steal away from me and did not tell me, that I might have sent you away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp, 28 and have not allowed me to kiss my sons and my daughters? You have now done foolishly in so doing. 29 It is in the power of my hand to do you harm, but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, ‘Be careful that you do not speak to Jacob either good or bad.’ 30 And now, though you wish to be gone because you greatly long after your father’s house, yet for what reason have you stolen my gods?” 31 And Jacob answered and said to Laban, “Because I was afraid, for I said, ‘Perhaps you would take your daughters by force from me.’ 32 With whomever you find your gods, let him not live. Before our brothers, discern what is yours with me and take it with you.” For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.
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33 And
Laban went into Jacob’s tent and into Leah’s tent and into the two maidservants’ tents, but he did not find them. Then he went out of Leah’s tent and entered into Rachel’s tent. 34 Now Rachel had taken the images and put them in the camel’s furniture and sat on them. And Laban searched all the tent but did not find them. 35 And she said to her father, “Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before you, for the custom of women is on me.” And he searched but did not find the images. 36 And Jacob was angry and argued with Laban, and Jacob answered and said to Laban, “What is my trespass? What is my sin that you have so hotly pursued after me? 37 Whereas you have searched all my stuff, what have you found of all your household stuff ? Set it here before my brothers and your brothers, that they may judge between us both. 38 These twenty years I have been with you. Your ewes and your female goats have not miscarried, and the rams of your flock I have not eaten. 39 What was torn of beasts I did not bring to you. I bore the loss of it. From my hand you required it, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. 40 Thus I was, in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sleep departed from my eyes. 41 Thus I have been twenty years in your house. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your cattle. And you have changed my wages ten times. 42 Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac had been with
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me, surely you would have sent me away now empty. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands and rebuked you last night.”
God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge between us.” And Jacob swore by the fear of his father, Isaac. 54 Then Jacob offered sacrifice on the mount and called his brothers to eat bread, and they ate bread and remained all night on the mount. 55 And early in the morning Laban rose up and kissed his sons and his daughters and blessed them, and Laban departed and returned to his place.
Laban Makes a Covenant with Jacob 43 And Laban answered and said to Jacob, “These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that you see is mine. And what can I do this day to these my daughters or to their children, which they have borne? 44 Now, Jacob Comes across Esau therefore, come. Let us make a covAnd Jacob went on his way, enant, I and you, and let it be for a and the angels of God met witness between me and you.” him. 2 And when Jacob saw them, 45 And Jacob took a stone and set he said, “This is God’s camp.” And it up for a pillar. 46 And Jacob said he called the name of that place Mato his brothers, “Gather stones.” hanaim. 3 And Jacob sent messenAnd they took stones and made gers before him to Esau, his brother, a heap, and they ate there on the to the land of Seir, the country of heap. 47 And Laban called it Jegar- Edom. 4 And he commanded them, sahadutha, but Jacob called it saying, “This is what you shall say to Galeed. my lord Esau: ‘Your servant Jacob 48 And Laban said, “This heap is says: I have sojourned with Laban a witness between me and you this and stayed there until now. 5 And I day.” Therefore its name was called have oxen and donkeys, flocks, and Galeed, 49 and Mizpah, for he said, menservants and womenservants, “The Lord watch between me and and I have sent to tell my lord that I you when we are absent one from an- may find grace in your sight.’” 6 And the messengers returned other. 50 If you shall afflict my daughters, or if you shall take other wives to Jacob, saying, “We came to your besides my daughters, no man is brother, Esau, and also he comes to with us. See, God is witness between meet you, and four hundred men me and you.” 51 And Laban said to with him.” 7 Then Jacob was greatly afraid Jacob, “Behold this heap and behold this pillar, which I have cast between and distressed, and he divided the me and you. 52 This heap be witness, people who were with him, and the and this pillar be witness, that I will flocks and herds and the camels, not pass over this heap to you, and into two bands 8 and said, “If Esau that you shall not pass over this heap comes to the one company and and this pillar to me for harm. 53 The strikes it, then the other company
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that is left shall escape.” 9 And Jacob said, “O God of my father Abraham, and God of my father Isaac, the Lord who said to me, ‘Return to your country, and to your family, and I will deal well with you,’ 10 I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies, and of all the truth, which You have shown to Your servant, for with my staff I passed over this Jordan, and now I have become two bands. 11 Deliver me, I ask You, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, lest he will come and strike me and the mothers with the children. 12 And You said, ‘I will surely do you good and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.’” 13 And he lodged there that same night and took of what came to his hand a present for Esau, his brother: 14 two hundred female goats and twenty male goats, two hundred ewes and twenty rams, 15 thirty milk camels with their colts, forty cows and ten bulls, twenty female donkeys and ten foals. 16 And he delivered them into the hand of his servants, every drove by themselves, and said to his servants, “Pass over before me, and put a space between drove and drove.” 17 And he commanded the first, saying, “When Esau, my brother, meets you and asks you, saying, ‘Whose are you?’ and ‘Where are you going?’ and ‘Whose are these before you?’ 18 then you shall say, ‘They are your servant Jacob’s. It is a present sent to my lord Esau. And behold, he is also behind us.’” 19 And so he commanded the
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second and the third and all who followed the droves, saying, “In this manner you shall speak to Esau when you find him. 20 And say moreover, ‘Behold, your servant Jacob is behind us.’” For he said, “I will appease him with the present that goes before me, and afterward I will see his face. Perhaps he will accept me.” 21 So the present went over before him, and he himself lodged that night in the company. 22 And he rose up that night and took his two wives, and his two womenservants, and his eleven sons and passed over the ford Jabbok. 23 And he took them and sent them over the brook, and sent over what he had. Jacob Wrestles with God 24 And Jacob was left alone, and there a man wrestled with him until the breaking of the day. 25 And when He saw that He did not prevail against him, He touched the hollow of his thigh, and the hollow of Jacob’s thigh was out of joint as He wrestled with him. 26 And He said, “Let Me go, for the day breaks.” And he said, “I will not let You go unless You bless me.” 27 And He said to him, “What is your name?” And he said, “Jacob.” 28 And He said, “Your name shall no longer be called Jacob, but Israel, for as a prince, you have power with God and with men and have prevailed.” 29 And Jacob asked Him and said, “Tell me, I ask You, Your name.” And He said, “For what reason is it that you ask after My name?” And He blessed him there.
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30 And
Jacob called the name of the place Peniel: “For I have seen God face to face, and my life is preserved.” 31 And as he passed over Penuel the sun rose on him, and he halted on his thigh. 32 Therefore the children of Israel do not eat of the sinew that shrank, which is on the hollow of the thigh, to this day, because He touched the hollow of Jacob’s thigh in the sinew that shrank. Jacob Meets Esau And Jacob lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, Esau came and with him four hundred men. And he divided the children to Leah and to Rachel and to the two handmaidens. 2 And he put the handmaidens and their children first, and Leah and her children after, and Rachel and Joseph last. 3 And he passed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother. 4 And Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him. And they wept. 5 And he lifted up his eyes and saw the women and the children, and said, “Who are those with you?” And he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” 6 Then the handmaidens came near, they and their children, and they bowed themselves. 7 And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves, and after Joseph and Rachel came near, and they bowed themselves. 8 And he said, “What do you mean by all this drove that I met?” And he said, “These are to find
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grace in the sight of my lord.” 9 And Esau said, “I have enough, my brother. Keep what you have for yourself.” 10 And Jacob said, “No, I ask you. If now I have found grace in your sight, then receive my present at my hand. For therefore I have seen your face, as though I had seen the face of God, and you were pleased with me. 11 Take, I ask you, my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me and because I have enough.” And he urged him and he took it. 12 And he said, “Let us take our journey, and let us go, and I will go before you.” 13 And he said to him, “My lord knows that the children are tender, and the flocks and herds with young are with me, and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die. 14 Let my lord, I ask you, cross over before his servant, and I will lead on softly, as the cattle that goes before me and the children are able to endure, until I come to my lord to Seir.” 15 And Esau said, “Let me now leave with you some of the folk who are with me.” And he said, “What need is there? Let me find grace in the sight of my lord.” 16 So Esau returned that day on his way to Seir. 17 And Jacob journeyed to Succoth and built himself a house and made booths for his cattle. Therefore the name of the place is called Succoth. Jacob’s Worship in Shechem 18 And Jacob came to Shalem, a city of Shechem, which is in the land of
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Canaan, when he came from Padanaram, and pitched his tent before the city. 19 And he bought a parcel of a field, where he had spread his tent at the hand of the children of Hamor, Shechem’s father, for a hundred pieces of money. 20 And he erected there an altar and called it El-elohe-Israel. Jacob Reaps the Harvest of His Evil Years And Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. 2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her and lay with her and defiled her. 3 And his soul clung to Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved the young woman and spoke kindly to the young woman. 4 And Shechem spoke to his father, Hamor, saying, “Get me this young woman as a wife.” 5 And Jacob heard that he had defiled Dinah his daughter. Now his sons were with his cattle in the field, and Jacob said nothing until they came. 6 And Hamor the father of Shechem went out to Jacob to commune with him. 7 And the sons of Jacob came out of the field when they heard it, and the men were grieved, and they were very angry, because he had worked folly in Israel in lying with Jacob’s daughter, a thing that ought not to be done. 8 And Hamor communed with them, saying, “The soul of my son Shechem longs for your daughter. I ask that you give her to him as a wife. 9 And you make marriages with us, and give your daughters to
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us and take our daughters to you. 10 And you shall dwell with us, and the land shall be before you. You dwell and trade in it, and get possessions in it for yourselves.” 11 And Shechem said to her father and to her brothers, “Let me find grace in your eyes, and what you shall say to me I will give. 12 Ask me never so much dowry and gift, and I will give accordingly as you shall say to me, but give me the young woman as a wife.” 13 And the sons of Jacob answered Shechem and Hamor, his father, deceitfully because he had defiled Dinah their sister. 14 And they said to them, “We cannot do this thing, to give our sister to one that is uncircumcised, for that would be a reproach to us. 15 But in this will we consent to you: If you will be as we are, that every male of you is circumcised, 16 then we will give our daughters to you and we will take your daughters to us, and we will dwell with you, and we will become one people. 17 But if you will not listen to us, to be circumcised, then we will take our daughter and we will be gone.” 18 And their words pleased Hamor and Shechem, Hamor’s son. 19 And the young man deferred not to do the thing because he had delight in Jacob’s daughter, and he was more honorable than all the house of his father. 20 And Hamor and Shechem his son came to the gate of their city and communed with the men of their city, saying, 21 “These men are peaceable with us. Therefore, let them dwell in the land and trade in it. For the land, behold, it is large
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enough for them. Let us take their daughters to us for wives and let us give them our daughters. 22 Only in this will the men consent to us for to dwell with us, to be one people: if every male among us is circumcised, as they are circumcised. 23 Shall not their cattle and their substance and every beast of theirs be ours? Only let us consent to them, and they will dwell with us.” 24 And all who went out from the gate of his city listened to Hamor and to Shechem his son, and every male was circumcised, all who went out from the gate of his city. 25 And it came to pass on the third day, when they were sore, that two of the sons of Jacob, Simeon and Levi, Dinah’s brothers, took each man his sword and came on the city boldly and slew all the males. 26 And they slew Hamor and Shechem, his son, with the edge of the sword and took Dinah out of Shechem’s house and went out. 27 The sons of Jacob came on the slain and spoiled the city because they had defiled their sister. 28 They took their sheep, and their oxen, and their donkeys, and what was in the city, and what was in the field, 29 and all their wealth, and all their little ones, and their wives they took captive, and spoiled even all that was in the house. 30 And Jacob said to Simeon and Levi, “You have troubled me to make me to stink among the inhabitants of the land, among the Canaanites and the Perizzites. And I being few in number, they shall gather themselves together against me and slay me, and I shall be destroyed, I and my house.”
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31 And they said, “Should he deal
with our sister as with a harlot?”
Jacob’s Return to Bethel And God said to Jacob, “Arise, go up to Bethel and dwell there. And make an altar there to God, who appeared to you when you fled from the face of Esau your brother.” 2 Then Jacob said to his household and to all who were with him, “Put away the foreign gods that are among you, and be clean and change your garments. 3 And let us arise and go up to Bethel, and I will make an altar there to God, who answered me in the day of my distress and was with me in the way that I went.” 4 And they gave to Jacob all the foreign gods that were in their hand and all their earrings that were in their ears, and Jacob hid them under the oak that was by Shechem. 5 And they journeyed, and the terror of God was on the cities that were surrounding them, and they did not pursue after the sons of Jacob. 6 So Jacob came to Luz, which is in the land of Canaan—that is, Bethel—he and all the people who were with him. 7 And he built an altar there and called the place El-bethel because there God appeared to him when he fled from the face of his brother. 8 But Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak. And its name was called Allon-bachuth. 9 And God appeared to Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him. 10 And God said to him, “Your name is Jacob. Your name shall not be called Jacob
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anymore, but Israel shall be your name.” And He called his name Israel. 11 And God said to him, “I am God Almighty. Be fruitful and multiply. A nation and a company of nations shall be from you, and kings shall come out of your loins. 12 And the land that I gave Abraham and Isaac, to you I will give it, and to your descendants after you I will give the land.” 13 And God went up from him in the place where He talked with him. 14 And Jacob set up a pillar in the place where He talked with him, even a pillar of stone. And he poured a drink offering on it, and he poured oil on it. 15 And Jacob called the name of the place where God spoke with him Bethel. Death of Rachel and Birth of Benjamin 16 And they journeyed from Bethel, and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath. And Rachel painfully labored, and she had hard labor. 17 And it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said to her, “Do not fear. You shall have this son also.” 18 And it came to pass, as her soul was departing (for she died), that she called his name Ben-oni, but his father called him Benjamin. 19 And Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. 20 And Jacob set a pillar on her grave. That is the pillar of Rachel’s grave to this day. 21 And Israel journeyed and spread his tent beyond the tower of Eder. 22 And it came to pass, when Israel dwelled in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father’s concubine, and Israel heard it.
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Jacob’s Sons Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: 23 The sons of Leah: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Simeon, and Levi, and Judah, and Issachar, and Zebulun. 24 The sons of Rachel: Joseph and Benjamin. 25 And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s handmaiden: Dan and Naphtali. 26 And the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s handmaiden: Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Padan-aram. Death of Isaac 27 And Jacob came to Isaac, his father, to Mamre, to the city of Kiriatharba, which is Hebron, where Abraham and Isaac sojourned. 28 And the days of Isaac were a hundred and eighty years. 29 And Isaac gave up the spirit and died and was gathered to his people, being old and full of days. And his sons Esau and Jacob buried him. The Generations of Esau (Edom) Now these are the generations of Esau, who is Edom. 2 Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon the Hittite; and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon the Hivite; 3 and Basemath, Ishmael’s daughter, sister of Nebajoth. 4 And Adah bore to Esau Eliphaz, and Basemath bore Reuel, 5 and Aholibamah bore Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah. These are the sons of Esau who were born to him in the land of Canaan. 6 And Esau took his wives, and his
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sons, and his daughters, and all the persons of his house, and his cattle, and all his beasts, and all his substance, which he had gotten in the land of Canaan, and went into the country from the face of his brother Jacob. 7 For their riches were more than that they might dwell together, and the land in which they were strangers could not bear them because of their cattle. 8 Thus Esau dwelled on Mount Seir. Esau is Edom. 9 And these are the generations of Esau, the father of the Edomites on Mount Seir. 10 These are the names of Esau’s sons: Eliphaz the son of Adah, the wife of Esau; Reuel the son of Basemath, the wife of Esau. 11 And the sons of Eliphaz were Teman, Omar, Zepho, and Gatam, and Kenaz. 12 And Timna was concubine to Eliphaz, Esau’s son, and she bore Amalek to Eliphaz. These were the sons of Adah, Esau’s wife. 13 And these are the sons of Reuel: Nahath, and Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. These were the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife. 14 And these were the sons of Esau’s wife Aholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon. And she bore to Esau Jeush, and Jaalam, and Korah. 15 These were dukes of the sons of Esau. The sons of Eliphaz the firstborn son of Esau: duke Teman, duke Omar, duke Zepho, duke Kenaz, 16 duke Korah, duke Gatam, and duke Amalek. These are the dukes that came from Eliphaz in the land of Edom. These were the sons of Adah. 17 And these are the sons of Reu el, Esau’s son: duke Nahath, duke
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Zerah, duke Shammah, duke Mizzah. These are the dukes that came from Reuel in the land of Edom. These are the sons of Basemath, Esau’s wife. 18 And these are the sons of Aholibamah, Esau’s wife: duke Jeush, duke Jaalam, duke Korah. These were the dukes that came from Esau’s wife Aholibamah, the daughter of Anah. 19 These are the sons of Esau, who is Edom, and these are their dukes. 20 These are the sons of Seir the Horite who inhabited the land: Lotan, and Shobal, and Zibeon, and Anah, 21 and Dishon, and Ezer, and Dishan. These are the dukes of the Horites, the children of Seir in the land of Edom. 22 And the children of Lotan were Hori and Hemam, and Lotan’s sister was Timna. 23 And the children of Shobal were these: Alvan, and Manahath, and Ebal, Shepho, and Onam. 24 And these are the children of Zibeon: both Ajah and Anah. This was that Anah who found the mules in the wilderness as he fed the donkeys of Zibeon his father. 25 And the children of Anah were these: Dishon and Aholibamah the daughter of Anah. 26 And these are the children of Dishon: Hemdan, and Eshban, and Ithran, and Cheran. 27 The children of Ezer are these: Bilhan and Zaavan and Akan. 28 The children of Dishan are these: Uz and Aran. 29 These are the dukes who came from the Horites: duke Lotan, duke Shobal, duke Zibeon, duke Anah,
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Dishon, duke Ezer, duke Dishan. These are the dukes who came from Hori, among their dukes in the land of Seir. 31 And these are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom, before there reigned any king over the children of Israel. 32 And Bela the son of Beor reigned in Edom. And the name of his city was Dinhabah. 33 And Bela died, and Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his stead. 34 And Jobab died, and Husham of the land of Temani reigned in his place. 35 And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who struck Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith. 36 And Hadad died, and Samlah of Masrekah reigned in his place. 37 And Samlah died, and Saul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his place. 38 And Saul died, and Baalhanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place. 39 And Baal-hanan the son of Achbor died, and Hadar reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Pau, and his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. 40 And these are the names of the dukes who came from Esau, according to their families, according to their places, by their names: duke Timnah, duke Alvah, duke Jetheth, 41 duke Aholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon, 42 duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, 43 duke Magdiel, duke Iram. These are the dukes of Edom—he is Esau, the father of the Edomites—according to their habitations in the land of their possession.
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Joseph Beloved by His Father And Jacob dwelled in the land in which his father was a foreigner, in the land of Canaan. 2 These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brothers, and the boy was with the sons of Bilhah and with the sons of Zilpah, his father’s wives. And Joseph brought to his father their evil report. 3 Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age, and he made him a coat of many colors. 4 And when his brothers saw that their father loved him more than all his brothers, they hated him and could not speak peaceably to him. 5 And Joseph dreamed a dream, and he told it to his brothers, and they hated him even more. 6 And he said to them, “Hear, I ask you, this dream that I have dreamed. 7 For behold, we were binding sheaves in the field, and behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright. And behold, your sheaves stood around and bowed down to my sheaf.” 8 And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” And they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. 9 And he dreamed yet another dream and told it to his brothers and said, “Behold, I have dreamed another dream, and behold, the sun and the moon and the eleven stars bowed down to me.” 10 And he told it to his father and to his brothers. And his father rebuked him and said to him, “What is
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this dream that you have dreamed? Shall I and your mother and your brothers indeed come to bow down ourselves to you to the earth?” 11 And his brothers envied him, but his father observed the saying. Joseph’s Brothers Sell Him 12 And his brothers went to feed their father’s flock in Shechem. 13 And Israel said to Joseph, “Are not your brothers feeding the flock in Shechem? Come, and I will send you to them.” And he said to him, “Here I am.” 14 And he said to him, “Go, I ask you. See whether it is well with your brothers and well with the flocks, and bring me word again.” So he sent him out of the Valley of Hebron, and he came to Shechem. 15 And a certain man found him, and behold, he was wandering in the field. And the man asked him, saying, “What are you seeking?” 16 And he said, “I seek my brothers. Tell me, I ask you, where they feed their flocks.” 17 And the man said, “They have departed from here, for I heard them say, ‘Let us go to Dothan.’” And Joseph went after his brothers and found them in Dothan. 18 And when they saw him afar off, even before he came near to them, they conspired against him to slay him. 19 And they said to one another, “Behold, this dreamer comes. 20 Come now, therefore, and let us slay him and cast him into some pit. And we will say, ‘Some evil beast has devoured him.’ And we shall see what will become of his dreams.” 21 And Reuben heard it, and he
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delivered him out of their hands and said, “Let us not kill him.” 22 And Reuben said to them, “Do not shed blood, but cast him into this pit that is in the wilderness, and lay no hand on him,” that he might rescue him out of their hands to deliver him to his father again. 23 And it came to pass, when Joseph had come to his brothers, that they stripped Joseph out of his coat, his coat of many colors that was on him, 24 and they took him and cast him into a pit. And the pit was empty; there was no water in it. 25 And they sat down to eat bread, and they lifted up their eyes and looked, and behold, a company of Ishmaelites came from Gilead with their camels bearing spices and balm and myrrh, going to carry it down to Egypt. 26 And Judah said to his brothers, “What profit is it if we slay our brother and conceal his blood? 27 Come, and let us sell him to the Ishmaelites, and let not our hand be on him, for he is our brother and our flesh.” And his brothers were content. Joseph Drawn Up from the Pit 28 Then there passed by Midianite merchantmen, and they drew and lifted up Joseph out of the pit and sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites for twenty pieces of silver. And they brought Joseph into Egypt. 29 And Reuben returned to the pit, and behold, Joseph was not in the pit. And he tore his clothes. 30 And he returned to his brothers and said, “The child is not. And I, where shall I go?” 31 And they took Joseph’s coat,
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and killed a young goat, and dipped the coat in the blood. 32 And they sent the coat of many colors, and they brought it to their father and said, “We have found this. We do not know now whether it is your son’s coat or not.” 33 And he knew it and said, “It is my son’s coat. An evil beast has devoured him. Joseph is without doubt torn in pieces.” 34 And Jacob tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his loins and mourned for his son many days. 35 And all his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. And he said, “For I will go down into the grave to my son mourning.” Thus his father wept for him. 36 And the Midianites sold him into Egypt to Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh and captain of the guard. The Shame of Judah And it came to pass at that time that Judah went down from his brothers and turned in to a certain Adullamite whose name was Hirah. 2 And Judah saw there a daughter of a certain Canaanite whose name was Shua, and he took her and went in to her. 3 And she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Er. 4 And she conceived again and bore a son, and she called his name Onan. 5 And she yet again conceived and bore a son and called his name Shelah. And he was at Chezib when she bore him. 6 And Judah took a wife for Er, his firstborn, whose name was Tamar. 7 And Er, Judah’s firstborn, was wicked in the sight of the Lord, and the Lord slew him. 8 And
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Judah said to Onan, “Go in to your brother’s wife and marry her, and raise up children for your brother.” 9 And Onan knew that the children would not be his, and it came to pass when he went in to his brother’s wife that he spilled it on the ground, lest he should give children to his brother. 10 And the thing that he did displeased the Lord. Therefore He slew him also. 11 Then Judah said to Tamar his daughter-in-law, “Remain a widow at your father’s house until Shelah my son is grown.” For he said, “Lest perhaps he dies also, as his brothers did.” And Tamar went and dwelled in her father’s house. 12 And in process of time the daughter of Shua, Judah’s wife, died, and Judah was comforted and went up to his sheepshearers to Timnah, he and his friend Hirah the Adullamite. 13 And it was told Tamar, saying, “Behold, your father-in-law goes up to Timnah to shear his sheep.” 14 And she put her widow’s garments off from her, and covered her with a veil, and wrapped herself, and sat in an open place, which is by the way to Timnah, for she saw that Shelah was grown, and she was not given to him as a wife. 15 When Judah saw her, he thought her to be a harlot because she had covered her face. 16 And he turned to her by the way and said, “Come, I ask you, let me come in to you” (for he did not know that she was his daughter-in-law). And she said, “What will you give me that you may come in to me?” 17 And he said, “I will send you a young goat from the flock.”
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And she said, “Will you give me a pledge until you send it?” 18 And he said, “What pledge shall I give you?” And she said, “Your signet and your bracelets and your staff that is in your hand.” And he gave it to her and came in to her, and she conceived by him. 19 And she arose, and went away, and removed her veil from her, and put on the garments of her widowhood. 20 And Judah sent the young goat by the hand of his friend the Adullam ite to receive his pledge from the woman’s hand, but he did not find her. 21 Then he asked the men from that place, saying, “Where is the harlot who was openly by the wayside?” And they said, “There was no harlot in this place.” 22 And he returned to Judah and said, “I cannot find her, and also the men of the place said that there was no harlot in this place.” 23 And Judah said, “Let her take it for herself, lest we be shamed. Behold, I sent this young goat, and you have not found her.” 24 And it came to pass around three months after, that it was told Judah, saying, “Tamar your daughter- inlaw has played the harlot. And also, behold, she is with child by prostitution.” And Judah said, “Bring her forth and let her be burned.” 25 When she was brought forth, she sent to her father-in-law, saying, “By the man whose these are I am with child.” And she said, “Discern, I ask you, whose these are: the signet and bracelets and staff.”
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26 And Judah acknowledged them
and said, “She has been more righteous than I, because I did not give her to Shelah my son.” And he knew her again no longer. 27 And it came to pass in the time of her painful labor that, behold, twins were in her womb. 28 And it came to pass, when she painfully labored, that the one put out his hand, and the midwife took and bound on his hand a scarlet thread, saying, “This came out first.” 29 And it came to pass, as he drew back his hand, that, behold, his brother came out. And she said, “How have you broken forth? This breach is on you.” Therefore his name was called Perez. 30 And afterward came out his brother who had the scarlet thread on his hand, and his name was called Zerah. Joseph’s Slavery in Egypt And Joseph was brought down to Egypt, and Potiphar, an officer of Pharaoh, captain of the guard, an Egyptian, bought him from the hands of the Ishmaelites who had brought him down there. 2 And the Lord was with Joseph, and he was a prosperous man, and he was in the house of his master the Egyptian. 3 And his master saw that the Lord was with him and that the Lord made all that he did to prosper in his hand. 4 And Joseph found grace in his sight, and he served him. And he made him overseer over his house, and all that he had he put into his hand. 5 And it came to pass from the time that he had made him overseer in his house, and over all that
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he had, that the Lord blessed the Egyptian’s house for Joseph’s sake. And the blessing of the Lord was on all that he had in the house and in the field. 6 And he left all that he had in Joseph’s hand, and he knew not anything he had, save the bread that he ate. And Joseph was a good-looking person and well-favored. 7 And it came to pass after these things that his master’s wife cast her eyes on Joseph. And she said, “Lie with me.” 8 But he refused and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, my master does not know what is with me in the house, and he has committed all that he has to my hand. 9 There is none greater in this house than I. He has not kept back anything from me but you because you are his wife. How then can I do this great wickedness and sin against God?” 10 And it came to pass, as she spoke to Joseph day by day, that he did not listen to her, to lie with her or to be with her. 11 And it came to pass around this time that Joseph went into the house to do his business, and there were none of the men of the house there within. 12 And she caught him by his garment, saying, “Lie with me.” And he left his garment in her hand and fled and got himself out. 13 And it came to pass, when she saw that he had left his garment in her hand and had fled out, 14 that she called to the men of her house and spoke to them, saying, “See, he has brought in a Hebrew to us to mock us. He came in to me to lie with me, and I cried with a loud voice. 15 And it came to pass, when he heard that
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Genesis 40:2
I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me and fled and got himself out.” 16 And she placed his garment by her until his lord came home. 17 And she spoke to him according to these words, saying, “The Hebrew servant, who you have brought to us, came in to me to mock me. 18 And it came to pass, as I lifted up my voice and cried, that he left his garment with me and fled out.” 19 And it came to pass, when his master heard the words of his wife, which she spoke to him, saying, “This is what your servant did to me,” that his anger was kindled. 20 And Joseph’s master took him and put him into the prison, a place where the king’s prisoners were bound, and he was there in the prison. 21 But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him mercy and gave him favor in the sight of the keeper of the prison. 22 And the keeper of the prison committed to Joseph’s hand all the prisoners who were in the prison, and whatever they did there, he was the doer of it. 23 The keeper of the prison did not look to anything that was under his hand because the Lord was with him. And what he did, the Lord made it to prosper. Joseph Interprets the Dreams of the Prisoners And it came to pass after these things that the butler of the king of Egypt and his baker had offended their lord the king of Egypt. 2 And Pharaoh was angry with two of his officers, with the chief of
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the butlers and with the chief of the bakers. 3 And he put them in custody in the house of the captain of the guard, into the prison, the place where Joseph was bound. 4 And the captain of the guard charged Joseph with them, and he served them. And they continued a season in custody. 5 And they dreamed a dream, both of them, each man his dream in one night, each man according to the interpretation of his dream— the butler and the baker of the king of Egypt, who were bound in the prison. 6 And Joseph came in the morning to them and looked on them, and behold, they were sad. 7 And he asked Pharaoh’s officers who were with him in the ward of his lord’s house, saying, “For what reason do you look so sad today?” 8 And they said to him, “We have dreamed a dream, and there is no interpreter of it.” And Joseph said to them, “Do interpretations not belong to God? Tell me them, I ask you.” 9 And the chief butler told his dream to Joseph and said to him, “In my dream, behold, a vine was before me. 10 And in the vine were three branches, and it was as though it budded and her blossoms shot forth, and its clusters brought forth ripe grapes. 11 And Pharaoh’s cup was in my hand. And I took the grapes and pressed them into Phar aoh’s cup, and I gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand.” 12 And Joseph said to him, “This is the interpretation of it: The three branches are three days. 13 Yet within three days Pharaoh shall lift up your head and restore you to your place.
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And you shall deliver Pharaoh’s cup into his hand, according to the former manner when you were his butler. 14 But think about me when it is well with you, and show kindness, I ask you, to me, and make mention of me to Pharaoh, and bring me out of this house. 15 For indeed I was stolen away out of the land of the Hebrews, and here also I have done nothing that they should put me into the dungeon.” 16 When the chief baker saw that the interpretation was good, he said to Joseph, “I also was in my dream, and behold, I had three white baskets on my head. 17 And in the uppermost basket there were all kinds of baked foods for Pharaoh, and the birds ate them out of the basket on my head.” 18 And Joseph answered and said, “This is the interpretation of it: The three baskets are three days. 19 Yet within three days Pharaoh shall lift up your head from off you and shall hang you on a tree, and the birds shall eat your flesh from off you.” 20 And it came to pass the third day, which was Pharaoh’s birthday, that he made a feast to all his servants, and he lifted up the head of the chief butler and of the chief baker among his servants. 21 And he restored the chief butler to his butlership again, and he gave the cup into Pharaoh’s hand. 22 But he hanged the chief baker, as Joseph had interpreted to them. 23 Yet the chief butler did not remember Joseph but forgot him. The Dream of Pharaoh And it came to pass at the end of two full years that
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Pharaoh dreamed. And behold, he stood by the river. 2 And behold, there came up out of the river seven well-favored and fat cows, and they fed in a meadow. 3 And behold, seven other cows came up after them out of the river, ill-favored and lean, and stood by the other cows on the brink of the river. 4 And the ill-favored and lean cows ate up the seven well-favored and fat cows. So Pharaoh awoke. 5 And he slept and dreamed a second time. And behold, seven ears of grain came up on one stalk, ripe and good. 6 And behold, seven thin ears blasted with the east wind sprung up after them. 7 And the seven thin ears devoured the seven ripe and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and behold, it was a dream. 8 And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled, and he sent and called for all the magicians of Egypt and all the wise men thereof. And Pharaoh told them his dreams, but there was none who could interpret them to Pharaoh. 9 Then the chief butler spoke to Pharaoh, saying, “I do remember my faults this day. 10 Pharaoh was angry with his servants and put me in custody in the captain of the guard’s house, both me and the chief baker. 11 And we dreamed a dream in one night, I and he. We dreamed each man according to the interpretation of his dream. 12 And there was there with us a young man, a Hebrew, servant to the captain of the guard. And we told him, and he interpreted to us our dreams; to each man according to his dream he interpreted. 13 And it came to pass, as he interpreted to
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us, so it was. Me, he restored to my office, and him he hanged.” Joseph’s Exaltation in Egypt 14 Then Pharaoh sent and called Joseph, and they brought him hastily out of the dungeon. And he shaved himself and changed his clothing and came in to Pharaoh. 15 And Phar aoh said to Joseph, “I have dreamed a dream, and there is none who can interpret it, and I have heard it said of you that you can understand a dream to interpret it.” 16 And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, “It is not in me. God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace.” 17 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “In my dream, behold, I stood on the bank of the river. 18 And behold, there came up out of the river seven cows, fat and well-favored, and they fed in a meadow. 19 And behold, seven other cows came up after them, poor and very ill-favored and lean, such badness as I have never seen in all the land of Egypt. 20 And the lean and the ill-favored cows ate up the first seven fat cows. 21 And when they had eaten them up, it could not be known that they had eaten them, but they were still ill-favored, as at the beginning. So I awoke. 22 And I saw in my dream, and behold, seven ears came up in one stalk, full and good. 23 And, behold, seven ears, withered, thin, and blasted with the east wind, sprung up after them. 24 And the thin ears devoured the seven good ears. And I told this to the magicians, but there was none who could declare it to me.” 25 And Joseph said to Pharaoh,
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“The dream of Pharaoh is one. God eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of has shown Phar aoh what He is all his servants. 38 And Pharaoh said 26 about to do. The seven good cows to his servants, “Can we find such are seven years, and the seven good a one as this is, a man in whom the ears are seven years. The dream is Spirit of God is?” 39 And Pharaoh one. 27 And the seven thin and ill- said to Joseph, “Since God has favored cows that came up after shown you all this, there is none so them are seven years, and the seven discreet and wise as you are. 40 You empty ears blasted with the east shall be over my house, and accordwind shall be seven years of famine. ing to your word shall all my people 28 This is the thing that I have spobe ruled. Only in the throne will I be ken to Pharaoh. What God is about greater than you.” 41 And Pharaoh to do, He showed to Pharaoh. 29 Be- said to Joseph, “See, I have set you hold, there will come seven years of over all the land of Egypt.” 42 And Pharaoh took off his ring great plenty throughout all the land 30 of Egypt. And there shall arise af- from his hand and put it on Joseph’s ter them seven years of famine. And hand, and arrayed him in garments all the plenty shall be forgotten in the of fine linen, and put a gold chain land of Egypt, and the famine shall around his neck. 43 And he made consume the land. 31 And the plenty him to ride in the second chariot shall not be known in the land be- that he had, and they cried before cause of that famine following, for him, “Bow your knee.” And he made it shall be very grievous. 32 And for him ruler over all the land of Egypt. 44 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “I that the dream was doubled to Phar aoh twice. It is because the thing is am Pharaoh, and without you shall established by God, and God will no man lift up his hand or foot in all shortly bring it to pass. 33 Now there- the land of Egypt.” fore, let Pharaoh find a man discreet and wise, and set him over the land Joseph Receives a Gentile Bride of Egypt. 34 Let Pharaoh do this, and 45 And Pharaoh called Joseph’s let him appoint officers over the name Zaphnath-paaneah, and he land and take up the fifth part of the gave him as a wife Asenath, the land of Egypt in the seven plenteous daughter of Poti-pherah, priest of years. 35 And let them gather all the On. And Joseph went out over all food of those good years that come, the land of Egypt. 46 And Joseph was thirty years and lay up grain under the hand of Pharaoh, and let them keep food in old when he stood before Pharaoh, the cities. 36 And that food shall be king of Egypt. And Joseph went a supply for the land in preparation out from the presence of Pharaoh for the seven years of famine, which and went throughout all the land shall be in the land of Egypt, that of Egypt. 47 And in the seven plenthe land does not perish through teous years the earth brought forth by handfuls. 48 And he gathered up the famine.” 37 And the thing was good in the all the food of the seven years that
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were in the land of Egypt and laid up the food in the cities. The food of the field, which was surrounding every city, he laid up in the same. 49 And Joseph gathered very much grain, as the sand of the sea, until he stopped numbering, for it was without number. 50 And to Joseph were born two sons before the years of famine came, which Asenath, the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On, bore to him. 51 And Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh: “For God,” he said, “has made me forget all my toil and all my father’s house.” 52 And the name of the second he called Ephraim: “For God has caused me to be fruitful in the land of my affliction.” 53 And the seven years of plenty that was in the land of Egypt had ended. 54 And the seven years of famine began to come, as Joseph had said. And the famine was in all lands, but in all the land of Egypt there was bread. 55 And when all the land of Egypt was famished, the people cried to Pharaoh for bread, and Pharaoh said to all the Egyptians, “Go to Joseph. What he says to you, do.” 56 And the famine was over all the face of the earth, and Joseph opened all the storehouses and sold to the Egyptians. And the famine grew greatly in the land of Egypt. 57 And all countries came into Egypt to Joseph to buy grain because the famine was so great in all lands. Joseph, Rejected by His Brothers, Preserves Them Now when Jacob saw that there was grain in Egypt,
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Jacob said to his sons, “Why do you look at one another?” 2 And he said, “Behold, I have heard that there is grain in Egypt. You get down there, and buy for us from there, that we may live and not die.” 3 And Joseph’s ten brothers went down to buy grain in Egypt. 4 But Jacob did not send Benjamin, Joseph’s brother, with his brothers, for he said, “Lest perhaps mischief happens to him.” 5 And the sons of Israel came to buy grain among those who came, for the famine was in the land of Canaan. 6 And Joseph was the governor over the land, and it was he who sold to all the people of the land. And Joseph’s brothers came and bowed down themselves before him with their faces to the earth. 7 And Joseph saw his brothers, and he knew them but made himself foreign to them and spoke roughly to them. And he said to them, “From where do you come?” And they said, “From the land of Canaan to buy food.” 8 And Joseph knew his brothers, but they did not know him. 9 And Joseph remembered the dreams that he dreamed of them and said to them, “You are spies. You have come to see the nakedness of the land.” 10 And they said to him, “No, my lord, but your servants have come to buy food. 11 We are all one man’s sons. We are true men. Your servants are not spies.” 12 And he said to them, “No, but you have come to see the nakedness of the land.” 13 And they said, “Your servants
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are twelve brothers, the sons of one man in the land of Canaan. And behold, the youngest is this day with our father, and one is not.” 14 And Joseph said to them, “It is what I spoke to you, saying, ‘You are spies.’ 15 By this you shall be tested: by the life of Pharaoh you shall not go forth from here unless your youngest brother comes here. 16 Send one of you, and let him fetch your brother. And you shall be kept in prison, that your words may be tested, whether there is any truth in you, or else by the life of Pharaoh surely you are spies.” 17 And he put them all together into custody three days. 18 And Joseph said to them the third day, “Do this and live, for I fear God. 19 If you are true men, let one of your brothers be bound in the house of your prison. Go. Carry grain for the famine of your houses. 20 But bring your youngest brother to me so your words shall be verified and you shall not die.” And they did so. 21 And they said to one another, “We are truly guilty concerning our brother, in that we saw the anguish of his soul when he begged us and we would not hear. Therefore this distress has come on us.” 22 And Reuben answered them, saying, “Did I not speak to you, saying, ‘Do not sin against the child,’ and you would not hear? Therefore, behold, also his blood is required.” 23 And they did not know that Joseph understood them, for he spoke to them by an interpreter. 24 And he turned himself around from them and wept, and returned to them
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again, and communed with them, and took from them Simeon, and bound him before their eyes. Joseph’s Brothers Return to Canaan 25 Then Joseph commanded to fill their sacks with grain, and to restore every man’s money into his sack, and to give them provision for the way. And thus he did for them. 26 And they loaded their donkeys with the grain and departed there. 27 And as one of them opened his sack to give his donkey feed in the inn, he saw his money, for behold, it was in his sack’s mouth. 28 And he said to his brothers, “My money is restored, and look, it is even in my sack.” And their hearts failed them, and they were afraid, saying to one another, “What is this that God has done to us?” 29 And they came to Jacob, their father, to the land of Canaan, and told him all that happened to them, saying, 30 “The man, who is the lord of the land, spoke roughly to us and took us for spies of the country. 31 And we said to him, ‘We are true men. We are not spies. 32 We are twelve brothers, sons of our father. One is not, and the youngest is this day with our father in the land of Canaan.’ 33 And the man, the lord of the country, said to us, ‘By this I shall know that you are true men: Leave one of your brothers here with me, and take food for the famine of your households, and be gone. 34 And bring your youngest brother to me. Then I shall know that you are not spies but that you are true men, so I
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will deliver to you your brother, and you shall trade in the land.’” 35 And it came to pass as they emptied their sacks, that, behold, every man’s bundle of money was in his sack. And when both they and their father saw the bundles of money, they were afraid. 36 And Jacob, their father, said to them, “You have bereaved me of my children. Joseph is not, and Simeon is not, and you will take Benjamin away. All these things are against me.” 37 And Reuben spoke to his father, saying, “Slay my two sons if I do not bring him to you. Deliver him into my hand, and I will bring him to you again.” 38 And he said, “My son shall not go down with you, for his brother is dead and he is left alone. If mischief happens to him by the way in which you go, then you shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.” The Brothers Return with Benjamin And the famine was great in the land. 2 And it came to pass, when they had eaten up the grain that they had brought out of Egypt, their father said to them, “Go again. Buy us a little food.” 3 And Judah spoke to him, saying, “The man solemnly protested to us, saying, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’ 4 If you will send our brother with us, we will go down and buy you food. 5 But if you will not send him, we will not go down, for the man said to us, ‘You shall not see my face unless your brother is with you.’”
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Genesis 43:15 6 And Israel said, “For what reason
did you deal so ill with me as to tell the man whether you had another brother?” 7 And they said, “The man asked us strictly of our condition and of our family, saying, ‘Is your father still alive? Do you have another brother?’ And we told him according to the tenor of these words. Could we certainly know that he would say, ‘Bring your brother down’?” 8 And Judah said to Israel, his father, “Send the boy with me, and we will arise and go, that we may live and not die, both we and you and also our little ones. 9 I will be surety for him. Of my hand you shall require him. If I do not bring him to you and set him before you, then let me bear the blame forever. 10 For if we had not lingered, surely now we would have returned this second time.” 11 And their father, Israel, said to them, “If it must be so now, do this: take of the best fruits in the land in your vessels, and carry down the man a present, a little balm and a little honey, spices, and myrrh, nuts, and almonds. 12 And take double money in your hand. And the money that was brought again in the mouth of your sacks, carry it again in your hand. Perhaps it was an oversight. 13 Take your brother also, and arise, go again to the man. 14 And God Almighty give you mercy before the man, that he may send away your other brother and Benjamin. If I am bereaved of my children, I am bereaved.” 15 And the men took that present, and they took double money in their
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hand, and Benjamin, and rose up, and went down to Egypt, and stood before Joseph. 16 And when Joseph saw Benjamin with them, he said to the ruler of his house, “Bring these men home, and slay, and make ready, for these men shall dine with me at noon.” 17 And the man did as Joseph said, and the man brought the men into Joseph’s house. 18 And the men were afraid because they were brought into Joseph’s house, and they said, “We are being brought in because of the money that was returned in our sacks the first time, that he may seek an opportunity against us, and attack us, and take us for bondmen, and our donkeys.” 19 And they came near to the steward of Joseph’s house, and they communed with him at the door of the house 20 and said, “O sir, we indeed came down the first time to buy food. 21 And it came to pass, when we came to the inn, that we opened our sacks, and behold, every man’s money was in the mouth of his sack, our money in full weight. And we have brought it again in our hand. 22 And other money we have brought down in our hands to buy food. We cannot tell who put our money in our sacks.” 23 And he said, “Peace be to you. Do not fear. Your God, and the God of your father, has given you treasure in your sacks. I had your money.” And he brought Simeon out to them. 24 And the man brought the men into Joseph’s house and gave them water, and they washed their feet, and he gave their donkeys feed. 25 And they made ready the
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present in preparation for Joseph’s coming at noon, for they heard that they should eat bread there. 26 And when Joseph came home, they brought him the present that was in their hand into the house and bowed themselves to him to the earth. 27 And he asked them of their welfare and said, “Is your father well, the old man of whom you spoke? Is he still alive?” 28 And they answered, “Your servant our father is in good health. He is still alive.” And they bowed down their heads and bowed down. 29 And he lifted up his eyes and saw his brother Benjamin, his mother’s son, and said, “Is this your younger brother of whom you spoke to me?” And he said, “God be gracious to you, my son.” 30 And Joseph hastened, for his heart yearned for his brother, and he sought where to weep. And he entered into his chamber and wept there. 31 And he washed his face and went out and refrained himself and said, “Serve the bread.” 32 And they served for him by himself, and for them by themselves, and for the Egyptians, who ate with him, by themselves, because the Egyptians should not eat bread with the Hebrews, for that is an abomination to the Egyptians. 33 And they sat before him, the firstborn according to his birthright, and the youngest according to his youth. And the men marveled at one another. 34 And he took and sent portions to them from before him, but Benjamin’s portion was five times as much as any of theirs. And they drank and were merry with him.
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Joseph’s Test And he commanded the steward of his house, saying, “Fill the men’s sacks with food, as much as they can carry, and put every man’s money in his sack’s mouth. 2 And put my cup, the silver cup, in the sack’s mouth of the youngest, and his grain money.” And he did according to the word that Joseph had spoken. 3 As soon as the morning was light, the men were sent away, they and their donkeys. 4 And when they were gone out of the city, and not yet far off, Joseph said to his steward, “Get up. Follow after the men. And when you overtake them, say to them, ‘For what reason have you rewarded evil for good? 5 Is it not this from which my lord drinks and by which indeed he divines? You have done evil in so doing.’” 6 And he overtook them, and he spoke to them these same words. 7 And they said to him, “For what reason does my lord say these words? God forbid that your servants should do according to this thing. 8 Behold, the money, which we found in our sacks’ mouths, we brought again to you out of the land of Canaan. How then should we steal out of your lord’s house silver or gold? 9 With whomever of your servants it is found, both let him die and we also will be my lord’s bondmen.” 10 And he said, “Now also let it be according to your words. He with whom it is found shall be my servant, and you shall be blameless.” 11 Then they speedily took down every man his sack to the ground and opened every man his sack.
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12 And
he searched, and began at the eldest and stopped at the youngest, and the cup was found in Benjamin’s sack. 13 Then they tore their clothes, and loaded every man his donkey, and returned to the city. 14 And Judah and his brothers came to Joseph’s house, for he was still there, and they fell before him on the ground. 15 And Joseph said to them, “What deed is this that you have done? Do you not know that such a man as I can certainly divine?” 16 And Judah said, “What shall we say to my lord? What shall we speak? Or how shall we clear ourselves? God has found out the iniquity of your servants. Behold, we are my lord’s servants, both we and he also with whom the cup is found.” 17 And he said, “God forbid that I should do so, but the man in whose hand the cup is found, he shall be my servant. And as for you, go in peace to your father.” 18 Then Judah came near to him and said, “Oh my lord, let your servant, I ask you, speak a word in my lord’s ears, and let not your anger burn against your servant, for you are even as Pharaoh. 19 My lord asked his servants, saying, ‘Have you a father or a brother?’ 20 And we said to my lord, ‘We have a father, an old man, and a child of his old age, a little one, and his brother is dead, and he alone is left of his mother, and his father loves him.’ 21 And you said to your servants, ‘Bring him down to me, that I may set my eyes on him.’ 22 And we said to my lord, ‘The boy cannot leave his father, for if he should leave his
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father, his father will die.’ 23 And you said to your servants, ‘Unless your youngest brother comes down with you, you shall see my face no longer.’ 24 “And it came to pass when we came up to your servant my father, we told him the words of my lord. 25 And our father said, ‘Go again and buy us a little food.’ 26 And we said, ‘We cannot go down. If our youngest brother is with us, then we will go down, for we may not see the man’s face unless our youngest brother is with us.’ 27 And your servant my father said to us, ‘You know that my wife bore me two sons. 28 And the one went out from me, and I said, “Surely he is torn in pieces and I have not seen him since.” 29 And if you take this also from me and mischief happens to him, you shall bring down my gray hairs with sorrow to the grave.’ 30 “Now therefore, when I come to your servant my father, and the boy is not with us, seeing that his life is bound up in the boy’s life, 31 it shall come to pass, when he sees that the boy is not with us, that he will die. And your servants shall bring down the gray hairs of your servant our father with sorrow to the grave. 32 For your servant became surety for the boy to my father, saying, ‘If I do not bring him to you, then I shall bear the blame to my father forever.’ 33 Now therefore, I ask you, let your servant remain instead of the boy as a bondman to my lord, and let the boy go up with his brothers. 34 For how shall I go up to my father if the boy is not with me, lest perhaps I see the evil that shall come on my father?”
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Joseph Reveals Himself to His Brothers Then Joseph could not refrain himself before all those who stood by him, and he cried, “Cause every man to go out from me.” And no man stood there with him while Joseph made himself known to his brothers. 2 And he wept aloud, and the Egyptians and the house of Pharaoh heard. 3 And Joseph said to his brothers, “I am Joseph. Does my father still live?” And his brothers could not answer him, for they were troubled at his presence. 4 And Joseph said to his brothers, “Come near to me, I ask you.” And they came near. And he said, “I am Joseph your brother, whom you sold into Egypt. 5 Now therefore, do not be grieved or angry with yourselves that you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life. 6 For these two years the famine has been in the land, and yet there are five years in which there shall be neither plowing nor harvest. 7 And God sent me before you to preserve you a posterity in the earth and to save your lives by a great deliverance. 8 So now it was not you who sent me here, but God. And He has made me a father to Pharaoh, and lord of all his house, and a ruler throughout all the land of Egypt. 9 “Hurry, and go up to my father, and say to him, ‘This is what your son Joseph says: “God has made me lord of all Egypt. Come down to me. Do not delay. 10 And you shall dwell in the land of Goshen, and you shall be near to me, you, and your children, and your children’s
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children, and your flocks, and your herds, and all that you have. 11 And there I will nourish you, for there are still five years of famine, lest you and your household and all that you have come to poverty.”’ 12 “And, behold, your eyes see, and the eyes of my brother Benjamin, that it is my mouth that speaks to you. 13 And you shall tell my father of all my glory in Egypt and of all that you have seen. And you shall hurry and bring down my father here.” 14 And he fell on his brother Benjamin’s neck and wept, and Benjamin wept on his neck. 15 Moreover he kissed all his brothers and wept on them, and after that his brothers talked with him. Joseph’s Brothers Blessed 16 And the report of it was heard in Pharaoh’s house, saying, “Joseph’s brothers have come.” And it pleased Pharaoh and his servants well. 17 And Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Say to your brothers, ‘Do this: Load your beasts and go. Get to the land of Canaan. 18 And take your father and your households and come to me. And I will give you the good of the land of Egypt, and you shall eat the fat of the land. 19 Now you are commanded. Do this: Take wagons out of the land of Egypt for your little ones and for your wives, and bring your father, and come. 20 Also do not regard your stuff, for the good of all the land of Egypt is yours.’” 21 And the children of Israel did so, and Joseph gave them wagons, according to the commandment of Pharaoh, and gave them provision for the way. 22 To all of them he gave
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Genesis 46:4
each man changes of clothing, but to Benjamin he gave three hundred pieces of silver and five changes of clothing. 23 And to his father he sent these things: ten donkeys loaded with the good things of Egypt and ten female donkeys loaded with grain and bread and food for his father by the way. 24 So he sent his brothers away, and they departed. And he said to them, “See that you do not quarrel on the way.” 25 And they went up out of Egypt, and came into the land of Canaan to Jacob their father, 26 and told him, saying, “Joseph is still alive, and he is governor over all the land of Egypt.” And Jacob’s heart fainted, for he did not believe them. 27 And they told him all the words of Joseph, which he had said to them. And when he saw the wagons that Joseph had sent to carry him, the spirit of Jacob their father revived. 28 And Israel said, “It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die.” Jacob Journeys to Egypt And Israel took his journey with all that he had and came to Beer-sheba and offered sacrifices to the God of his father Isaac. 2 And God spoke to Israel in the visions of the night and said, “Jacob, Jacob.” And he said, “Here I am.” 3 And He said, “I am God, the God of your father. Do not fear to go down into Egypt, for I will there make of you a great nation. 4 I will go down with you into Egypt, and I will also surely bring you up again. And Joseph shall put his hand on your eyes.”
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Jacob rose up from Beersheba, and the sons of Israel carried Jacob their father and their little ones and their wives in the wagons that Pharaoh had sent to carry him. 6 And they took their cattle and their goods, which they had gotten in the land of Canaan, and came into Egypt, Jacob, and all his offspring with him. 7 His sons, and his sons’ sons with him, his daughters, and his sons’ daughters, and all his offspring he brought with him into Egypt. 8 And these are the names of the children of Israel who came into Egypt, Jacob and his sons: Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn. 9 And the sons of Reuben: Hanoch, and Pallu, and Hezron, and Carmi. 10 And the sons of Simeon: Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. 11 And the sons of Levi: Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. 12 And the sons of Judah: Er, and Onan, and Shelah, and Perez, and Zerah. But Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. And the sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul. 13 And the sons of Issachar: Tola, and Puvah, and Job, and Shimron. 14 And the sons of Zebulun: Sered and Elon and Jahleel. 15 These are the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob in Padan-aram, with his daughter Dinah. All the souls of his sons and his daughters were thirty- three. 16 And the sons of Gad: Ziphion, and Haggi, Shuni, and Ezbon, Eri, and Arodi, and Areli. 17 And the sons of Asher: Jimnah, and Ishuah, and Isui, and Beriah,
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and Serah their sister. And the sons of Beriah: Heber, and Malchi el. 18 These are the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter, and these she bore to Jacob, even sixteen souls. 19 The sons of Rachel, Jacob’s wife: Joseph and Benjamin. 20 And to Joseph in the land of Egypt were born Manasseh and Ephraim, whom Asenath the daughter of Poti-pherah priest of On bore to him. 21 And the sons of Benjamin were Belah, and Becher, and Ashbel, Gera, and Naaman, Ehi, and Rosh, Muppim, and Huppim, and Ard. 22 These are the sons of Rachel who were born to Jacob; all the souls were fourteen. 23 And the sons of Dan: Hushim. 24 And the sons of Naphtali: Jahzeel, and Guni, and Jezer, and Shillem. 25 These are the sons of Bilhah, whom Laban gave to Rachel his daughter, and she bore these to Jacob. All the souls were seven. 26 All the souls who came with Jacob into Egypt, who came out of his loins, besides Jacob’s sons’ wives, all the souls were sixty-six. 27 And the sons of Joseph, who were born to him in Egypt, were two souls. All the souls of the house of Jacob who came into Egypt were seventy. Joseph Meets Jacob Again 28 And he sent Judah before him to Joseph to direct his face to Goshen, and they came into the land of Go shen. 29 And Joseph made ready his chariot and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself to him. And he fell on his
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neck and wept on his neck a good while. 30 And Israel said to Joseph, “Now let me die, since I have seen your face, because you are still alive.” 31 And Joseph said to his brothers and to his father’s house, “I will go up and show Pharaoh and say to him, ‘My brothers and my father’s house, who were in the land of Canaan, have come to me. 32 And the men are shepherds, for their trade has been to feed cattle. And they have brought their flocks and their herds and all that they have.’ 33 And it shall come to pass, when Pharaoh shall call you and shall say, ‘What is your occupation?’ 34 that you shall say, ‘Your servants’ trade has been about cattle from our youth even until now, both we and also our fathers,’ that you may dwell in the land of Goshen, for every shepherd is an abomination to the Egyptians.” Jacob and His Descendants Exalted Then Joseph came and told Pharaoh and said, “My father and my brothers, and their flocks, and their herds, and all that they have, have come out of the land of Canaan. And behold, they are in the land of Goshen.” 2 And he took some of his brothers, even five men, and presented them to Pharaoh. 3 And Pharaoh said to his brothers, “What is your occupation?” And they said to Pharaoh, “Your servants are shepherds, both we and also our fathers.” 4 They said moreover to Pharaoh, “For to sojourn in the land we have come, for your servants have no pasture for
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their flocks, for the famine is great in the land of Canaan. Now therefore, we ask you, let your servants dwell in the land of Goshen.” 5 And Pharaoh spoke to Joseph, saying, “Your father and your brothers have come to you. 6 The land of Egypt is before you. Make your father and brothers to dwell in the best of the land. In the land of Go shen let them dwell, and if you know any men of ability among them, then make them rulers over my cattle.” 7 And Joseph brought in Jacob his father and set him before Phar aoh, and Jacob blessed Pharaoh. 8 And Pharaoh said to Jacob, “How old are you?” 9 And Jacob said to Pharaoh, “The days of the years of my pilgrimage are a hundred and thirty years. Few and evil have the days of the years of my life been, and have not attained to the days of the years of the life of my fathers in the days of their pilgrimage.” 10 And Jacob blessed Pharaoh and went out from before Pharaoh. 11 And Joseph placed his father and his brothers and gave them a possession in the land of Egypt, in the best of the land, in the land of Rameses, as Pharaoh had commanded. 12 And Joseph nourished his father and his brothers and all his father’s household with bread, according to their families. The Famine 13 And there was no bread in all the land, for the famine was very great, so that the land of Egypt and all the land of Canaan fainted because of the famine. 14 And Joseph gathered
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up all the money that was found in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan for the grain that they bought, and Joseph brought the money into Pharaoh’s house. 15 And when money failed in the land of Egypt and in the land of Canaan, all the Egyptians came to Joseph and said, “Give us bread, for why should we die in your presence? For the money fails.” 16 And Joseph said, “Give your cattle, and I will give you for your cattle, if money is lacking.” 17 And they brought their cattle to Joseph, and Joseph gave them bread in exchange for horses, and for the flocks, and for the cattle of the herds, and for the donkeys. And he fed them with bread for all their cattle for that year. 18 When that year was ended, they came to him the second year and said to him, “We will not hide it from my lord that our money is spent. My lord also has our herds of cattle. There is not anything left in the sight of my lord but our bodies and our lands. 19 For what reason shall we die before your eyes, both we and our land? Buy us and our land for bread, and we and our land will be servants to Pharaoh. And give us seed, that we may live and not die, that the land may not be desolate.” 20 And Joseph bought all the land of Egypt for Pharaoh, for the Egyptians sold every man his field because the famine prevailed over them. So the land became Phar aoh’s. 21 And as for the people, he moved them to cities from one end of the borders of Egypt even to the other end of it. 22 Only the land of the priests he did not buy, for the
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priests had a portion assigned them from Pharaoh and ate their portion that Pharaoh gave them. For that reason they did not sell their lands. 23 Then Joseph said to the people, “Behold, I have bought you this day and your land for Pharaoh. Behold, here is seed for you, and you shall sow the land. 24 And it shall come to pass in the increase that you shall give the fifth part to Pharaoh, and four parts shall be your own for seed of the field, and for your food, and for those of your households, and for food for your little ones.” 25 And they said, “You have saved our lives! Let us find grace in the sight of my lord, and we will be Pharaoh’s servants.” 26 And Joseph made it a law over the land of Egypt to this day that Pharaoh should have the fifth part, except the land of the priests only, which did not become Pharaoh’s. The Last Days of Jacob 27 And Israel dwelled in the land of Egypt, in the country of Goshen, and they had possessions in it and grew and multiplied exceedingly. 28 And Jacob lived in the land of Egypt seventeen years, so the whole age of Jacob was a hundred and forty-seven years. 29 And the time drew near that Israel must die, and he called his son Joseph and said to him, “If now I have found grace in your sight, put, I ask you, your hand under my thigh, and deal kindly and truly with me. Do not bury me, I ask you, in Egypt. 30 But I will lie with my fathers, and you shall carry me out of Egypt and bury me in their burying place.”
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And he said, “I will do as you have said.” 31 And he said, “Swear to me.” And he swore to him. And Israel bowed himself on the bed’s head. Jacob’s Blessing to the Sons of Joseph And it came to pass after these things that one told Joseph, “Behold, your father is sick.” And he took with him his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim. 2 And one told Jacob and said, “Behold, your son Joseph comes to you.” And Israel strengthened himself and sat on the bed. 3 And Jacob said to Joseph, “God Almighty appeared to me at Luz in the land of Canaan and blessed me 4 and said to me, ‘Behold, I will make you fruitful and multiply you, and I will make from you a multitude of people and will give this land to your descendants after you for an everlasting possession.’ 5 And now your two sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, who were born to you in the land of Egypt before I came to you into Egypt, are mine. As Reuben and Simeon, they shall be mine. 6 And your offspring, which you begot after them, shall be yours and shall be called according to the name of their brothers in their inheritance. 7 And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died beside me in the land of Canaan on the way, when there was still a little way to come to Ephrath. And I buried her there on the way to Ephrath; the same is Bethlehem.” 8 And Israel saw Joseph’s sons and said, “Who are these?”
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9 And
Joseph said to his father, “They are my sons, whom God has given me in this place.” And he said, “Bring them to me, I ask you, and I will bless them.” 10 Now the eyes of Israel were dim for age, so that he could not see. And he brought them near to him, and he kissed them and embraced them. 11 And Israel said to Joseph, “I had not thought to see your face, and behold, God has shown me also your children.” 12 And Joseph brought them out from between his knees, and he bowed himself with his face to the earth. 13 And Joseph took them both, Ephraim in his right hand toward Israel’s left hand, and Manasseh in his left hand toward Israel’s right hand, and brought them near to him. 14 And Israel stretched out his right hand and laid it on Ephraim’s head, who was the younger, and his left hand on Manasseh’s head, guiding his hands wittingly, for Manasseh was the firstborn. 15 And he blessed Joseph and said, “God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac walked, the God who fed me all my life long to this day, 16 the Angel who redeemed me from all evil, bless the boys. And let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac. And let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.” 17 And when Joseph saw that his father laid his right hand on the head of Ephraim, it displeased him, and he held up his father’s hand to remove it from Ephraim’s head to Manasseh’s head. 18 And Joseph said to his father, “Not so, my father,
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for this is the firstborn. Put your right hand on his head.” 19 And his father refused and said, “I know it, my son. I know it. He also shall become a people, and he also shall be great, but truly his younger brother shall be greater than he, and his descendants shall become a multitude of nations.” 20 And he blessed them that day, saying, “In you shall Israel bless, saying, ‘God make you as Ephraim and as Manasseh.’” And he set Ephraim before Manasseh. 21 And Israel said to Joseph, “Behold, I die, but God shall be with you and bring you again to the land of your fathers. 22 Moreover I have given to you one portion above your brothers, which I took out of the hand of the Amorite with my sword and with my bow.” Jacob’s Dying Blessing And Jacob called to his sons and said, “Gather one another, that I may tell you what shall happen to you in the last days. 2 Gather one another and hear, you sons of Jacob, and listen to Israel your father. 3 “Reuben, you are my firstborn, my might and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity and the excellency of power. 4 Unstable as water, you shall not excel because you went up to your father’s bed, then you defiled it; he went up to my couch. 5 “Simeon and Levi are brothers. Instruments of cruelty are in their habitations. 6 O my soul, do not come into their secret, to their assembly. My honor, do not be united, for in their anger they slew a man
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and in their self-will they dug down a wall. 7 Cursed be their anger, for it was fierce, and their wrath, for it was cruel. I will divide them in Jacob and scatter them in Israel. 8 “Judah, you are he whom your brothers shall praise. Your hand shall be in the neck of your enemies. Your father’s children shall bow down before you. 9 Judah is a lion’s cub. From the prey, my son, you have gone up. He stooped down; he crouched as a lion, and as an old lion, who shall rouse him up? 10 The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes, and to Him shall the gathering of the people be. 11 Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he washed his garments in wine and his clothes in the blood of grapes. 12 His eyes shall be red with wine and his teeth white with milk. 13 “Zebulun shall dwell at the haven of the sea. And he shall be a haven for ships, and his border shall be to Sidon. 14 “Issachar is a strong donkey crouching down between two burdens. 15 And he saw that rest was good, and the land that it was pleasant, and bowed his shoulder to bear, and became a servant to tribute. 16 “Dan shall judge his people as one of the tribes of Israel. 17 Dan shall be a serpent by the way, an adder in the path, that bites the horse heels, so that his rider shall fall backward. 18 I have waited for your salvation, O Lord. 19 “Gad, a troop shall overcome him, but he shall overcome at last.
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71 20 “Bread out of Asher shall be fat,
and he shall yield royal dainties. 21 “Naphtali is a deer let loose. He gives fine words. 22 “Joseph is a fruitful bough, even a fruitful bough by a well, whose branches run over the wall. 23 The archers have greatly grieved him and shot at him and hated him, 24 but his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong by the hands of the mighty God of Jacob (from there is the Shepherd, the Stone of Israel), 25 even by the God of your father, who shall help you, and by the Almighty, who shall bless you with blessings of heaven above, blessings of the deep that lies under, blessings of the breasts and of the womb. 26 The blessings of your father have prevailed above the blessings of my ancestors to the farthest bound of the everlasting hills. They shall be on the head of Joseph and on the crown of the head of him who was separate from his brothers. 27 “Benjamin shall plunder as a wolf. In the morning he shall devour the prey, and at night he shall divide the spoil.” 28 All these are the twelve tribes of Israel. And this is what their father spoke to them and blessed them; everyone according to his blessing he blessed them. 29 And he charged them and said to them, “I am to be gathered to my people. Bury me with my fathers in the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite, 30 in the cave that is in the field of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the land of Canaan, which Abraham bought with the field of Ephron the
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Hittite for a possession of a burying place. 31 There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife. There they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife. And there I buried Leah. 32 The purchase of the field and of the cave that is in it was from the children of Heth.” 33 And when Jacob had finished commanding his sons, he gathered up his feet into the bed and yielded up the spirit and was gathered to his people. The Burial of Jacob And Joseph fell on his father’s face and wept on him and kissed him. 2 And Joseph commanded his servants, the physicians, to embalm his father, and the physicians embalmed Israel. 3 And forty days were fulfilled for him, for so are fulfilled the days of those who are embalmed. And the Egyptians mourned for him seventy days. 4 And when the days of his mourning were past, Joseph spoke to the house of Pharaoh, saying, “If now I have found grace in your eyes, speak, I ask you, in the ears of Phar aoh, saying, 5 ‘My father made me swear, saying, “Behold, I die. In my grave that I have dug for me in the land of Canaan, there you shall bury me.” Now therefore, let me go up, I ask you, and bury my father, and I will come again.’” 6 And Pharaoh said, “Go up and bury your father, according to what he made you swear.” 7 And Joseph went up to bury his father, and with him went up all the servants of Pharaoh, the elders of his house, and all the elders of the land of Egypt, 8 and all the house of
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Joseph, and his brothers, and his father’s house. Only their little ones and their flocks and their herds they left in the land of Goshen. 9 And there went up with him both chariots and horsemen, and it was a very great company. 10 And they came to the threshing floor of Atad, which is beyond Jordan, and there they mourned with a great and very great lamentation. And he made a mourning for his father seven days. 11 And when the inhabitants of the land, the Canaanites, saw the mourning at the floor of Atad, they said, “This is a grievous mourning to the Egyptians.” Therefore its name was called Abel- mizraim, which is beyond Jordan. 12 And his sons did to him as he commanded them, 13 for his sons carried him into the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, before Mamre, which Abraham bought with the field for a possession of a burying place from Ephron the Hittite. 14 And Joseph returned into Egypt, he and his brothers and all who went up with him to bury his father, after he had buried his father. The Fear of Joseph’s Brothers 15 And when Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Joseph will perhaps hate us and will certainly repay us for all the evil that we did to him.” 16 And they sent a messenger to Joseph, saying, “Your father commanded before he died, saying, 17 ‘So shall you say to Joseph, “Forgive, I ask you now,
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the trespass of your brothers and their sin, for they did evil to you.”’ And now, we ask you, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. 18 And his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.” 19 And Joseph said to them, “Do not fear, for am I in the place of God? 20 But as for you, you thought evil against me, but God meant it for good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save many people alive. 21 Now therefore, do not fear. I will nourish you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them. The Death and Burial of Joseph 22 And Joseph dwelled in Egypt, he and his father’s house, and Joseph lived a hundred and ten years. 23 And Joseph saw Ephraim’s children of the third generation. The children also of Machir, the son of Manasseh, were brought up on Joseph’s knees. 24 And Joseph said to his brothers, “I will die, and God will surely visit you and bring you out of this land to the land that He swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” 25 And Joseph took an oath of the children of Israel, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones from here.” 26 So Joseph died, being a hundred and ten years old, and they embalmed him, and he was put in a coffin in Egypt.
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EXODUS INTRODUCTION TO EXODUS Exodus tells the story of the birth of the nation of Israel through its deliverance from bondage in Egypt and the receiv ing of God’s instructions, based on His covenant, for building the nation to honor Him. AUTHOR Though there is debate among scholars about the authorship of Exodus, Moses is considered the author by most evangelical scholars. OCCASION The main purpose of the book of Exodus is to describe God’s rescue of His enslaved people and His making them a nation. This book chronicles God’s faithfulness to His people—in spite of their sin. The book of Genesis closes with the family of Israel making a home in Egypt under the leadership of Joseph. Exodus picks up centuries later in Egypt after the family of Israel has grown into the nation of Israel. While Joseph had saved the Egyptians from starvation, his family’s descendants had become slaves. Exodus follows the story of God’s people from the birth of Moses, the leader of Israel during this period in their history, through their deliverance from bondage, the giving of the law, and the construction of the tabernacle in the desert.
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Israel in Egypt Now these are the names of the children of Israel who came into Egypt; every man and his house hold came with Jacob: 2 Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah; 3 Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin; 4 Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5 And all the souls who came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls, for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6 And Joseph died, and all his brothers, and all that generation. 7 And the children of Israel were fruitful and increased abundantly and mul tiplied, and became exceedingly mighty. And the land was filled with them. 8 Now there arose a new king over Egypt who did not know Jo seph. 9 And he said to his people, “Behold, the people of the children of Israel are more and mightier than we. 10 Come, let us deal wisely with them, lest they multiply, and it come to pass that when there hap pens any war, they also join to our enemies and fight against us, and so depart the land.” 11 Therefore they set taskmasters over them to afflict them with their burdens. And they built for Pharaoh treasure cit ies, Pithom and Raamses. 12 But the more they afflicted them, the more they multiplied and grew. And they were grieved because of the chil dren of Israel. 13 And the Egyptians made the children of Israel serve with rigor. 14 And they made their lives bitter with hard bondage, in mortar, and in brick, and in all kinds of service in the field. All their ser vice in which they made them serve was with rigor.
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15 And the king of Egypt spoke to
the Hebrew midwives, of whom the name of the one was Shiphrah, and the name of the other Puah. 16 And he said, “When you do the office of a midwife for the Hebrew women and see them on the stools, if it is a son, then you shall kill him, but if it is a daughter, then she shall live.” 17 But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt com manded them but saved the male children alive. 18 And the king of Egypt called for the midwives and said to them, “Why have you done this thing and have saved the male children alive?” 19 And the midwives said to Phar aoh, “Because the Hebrew women are not as the Egyptian women, for they are lively and have delivered before the midwives come in to them.” 20 Therefore God dealt well with the midwives, and the people mul tiplied and grew very mighty. 21 And it came to pass, because the mid wives feared God, that He made them houses. 22 And Pharaoh charged all his people, saying, “Every son who is born you shall cast into the river, and every daughter you shall save alive.” The Birth of Moses And a man of the house of Levi went and took as wife a daughter of Levi. 2 And the woman conceived and bore a son. And when she saw him, that he was a fine child, she hid him three months. 3 And when she could no longer hide him, she took an ark of bulrushes for him,
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and covered it with slime and with pitch, and put the child in it. And she laid it in the reeds by the riv er’s bank. 4 And his sister stood afar off, to know what would be done to him. 5 And the daughter of Pharaoh came down to wash herself at the river. And her maidens walked along by the river’s side. And when she saw the ark among the reeds, she sent her maid to bring it. 6 And when she had opened it, she saw the child. And behold, the baby wept. And she had compassion on him and said, “This is one of the Hebrews’ children.” 7 Then his sister said to Pharaoh’s daughter, “Shall I go and call for you a nurse from the Hebrew women, that she may nurse the child for you?” 8 And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Go.” And the maid went and called the child’s mother. 9 And Pharaoh’s daughter said to her, “Take this child away and nurse him for me, and I will give you your wages.” And the woman took the child and nursed him. 10 And the child grew, and she brought him to Pharaoh’s daughter, and he became her son. And she called his name Moses, and she said, “Because I drew him out of the water.” Moses Identifies Himself with Israel 11 And it came to pass in those days, when Moses was grown, that he went out to his brothers and saw their burdens. And he spied an Egyptian striking a Hebrew, one of his brothers. 12 And he looked this
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Exodus 2:22
way and that way, and when he saw that there was no man, he slew the Egyptian and hid him in the sand. 13 And when he went out the second day, behold, two men of the He brews fought together. And he said to him who did the wrong, “Why are you striking your companion?” 14 And he said, “Who made you a prince and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?” And Moses feared and said, “Surely this thing is known.” 15 Now when Pharaoh heard this thing, he sought to slay Moses. But Moses fled from the face of Pharaoh and dwelled in the land of Midian, and he sat down by a well. 16 Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters. And they came and drew water and filled the troughs to water their father’s flock. 17 And the shepherds came and drove them away, but Moses stood up and helped them and watered their flock. 18 And when they came to Reuel, their father, he said, “How is it that you have come so soon today?” 19 And they said, “An Egyptian delivered us out of the hand of the shepherds and also drew enough water for us and watered the flock.” 20 And he said to his daughters, “And where is he? Why is it that you have left the man? Call him, that he may eat bread.” Moses Takes a Gentile Wife 21 And Moses was content to dwell with the man, and he gave Moses his daughter Zipporah. 22 And she bore him a son. And he called his
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name Gershom, for he said, “I have been a stranger in a foreign land.” 23 And it came to pass in the pro cess of time that the king of Egypt died. And the children of Israel sighed because of the bondage, and they cried. And their cry came up to God because of the bondage. 24 And God heard their groaning, and God remembered His covenant with Abraham, with Isaac, and with Jacob. 25 And God saw the children of Israel, and God had respect for them. The Burning Bush Now Moses kept the flock of Jeth ro his father-in-law, the priest of Midian. And he led the flock to the back of the desert and came to the mountain of God, even to Horeb. 2 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a flame of fire out of the midst of a bush. And he looked, and behold, the bush burned with fire, and the bush was not consumed. 3 And Moses said, “I will now turn aside and see this great sight, why the bush is not burned.” 4 And when the Lord saw that he turned aside to see, God called to him out of the midst of the bush and said, “Moses, Moses.” And he said, “Here I am.” 5 And He said, “Do not draw near here. Take your shoes off your feet, for the place on which you stand is holy ground.” 6 Moreover He said, “I am the God of your father, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.” And Moses hid his face, for he was afraid to look at God.
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7 And the Lord said, “I have surely
seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters, for I know their sorrows. 8 And I have come down to deliver them out of the hand of the Egyptians and to bring them up out of that land to a good and a large land, to a land flow ing with milk and honey, to the place of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites. 9 Now therefore, behold, the cry of the children of Israel has come to Me, and I have also seen the op pression with which the Egyptians oppress them. 10 Come now, there fore, and I will send you to Pharaoh, that you may bring forth My people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” 11 And Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and that I should bring forth the children of Israel out of Egypt?” 12 And He said, “Certainly I will be with you. And this shall be a sign to you that I have sent you: when you have brought forth the people out of Egypt, you shall serve God on this mountain.” God’s Name 13 And Moses said to God, “Behold, when I come to the children of Is rael and shall say to them, ‘The God of your fathers has sent me to you,’ and they shall say to me, ‘What is His name?’ what shall I say to them?” 14 And God said to Moses, “I Am That I Am.” And He said, “You shall say this to the children of Israel, ‘I Am has sent me to you.’”
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The Commission of Moses 15 And moreover God said to Mo ses, “This is what you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has sent me to you. This is My name forever, and this is My memorial to all genera tions.’ 16 Go and gather the elders of Israel together, and say to them, ‘The Lord God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, of Isaac, and of Jacob, appeared to me, saying, “I have surely visited you and seen what is done to you in Egypt. 17 And I have said I will bring you up out of the affliction of Egypt to the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, to a land flowing with milk and honey.”’ 18 And they shall listen to your voice, and you shall come, you and the elders of Israel, to the king of Egypt. And you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has met with us, and now, we beseech you, let us go three days’ journey into the wilderness, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God.’ 19 And I am sure that the king of Egypt will not let you go, no, not by a mighty hand. 20 And I will stretch out My hand and strike Egypt with all My wonders that I will do in the midst of it. And after that he will let you go. 21 And I will give these people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. And it shall come to pass that when you go, you shall not go empty. 22 But every woman shall borrow from her neighbor, and from her who sojourns in her
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house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing. And you shall put them on your sons and on your daughters. And you shall spoil the Egyptians.” Moses Objects to God’s Commission And Moses answered and said, “But, behold, they will not be lieve me or listen to my voice. For they will say, ‘The Lord has not ap peared to you.’” 2 And the Lord said to him, “What is that in your hand?” And he said, “A rod.” 3 And He said, “Cast it on the ground.” And he cast it on the ground, and it became a serpent. And Moses fled from before it. 4 And the Lord said to Moses, “Put out your hand and take it by the tail” (and he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a rod in his hand), 5 “that they may believe that the Lord God of their fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob, has appeared to you.” 6 And furthermore the Lord said to him, “Put now your hand into your bosom.” And he put his hand into his bosom, and when he took it out, behold, his hand was leprous, as snow. 7 And He said, “Put your hand into your bosom again.” And he put his hand into his bosom again and plucked it out of his bosom. And be hold, it had turned again as his other flesh. 8 “And it shall come to pass, if they will not believe you or listen to the voice of the first sign, that they will believe the voice of the latter sign. 9 And it shall come to pass, if
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they will not believe also these two signs or listen to your voice, that you shall take of the water of the river and pour it on the dry land. And the water that you take out of the river shall become blood on the dry land.” 10 And Moses said to the Lord, “O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before now nor since You have spoken to Your servant. But I am slow of speech and of a slow tongue.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Who has made man’s mouth? Or who makes the mute, or deaf, or the see ing, or the blind? Have not I, the Lord? 12 Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.” 13 And he said, “O my Lord, I ask You, send the message by whom ever You will send.” 14 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Moses, and He said, “Is not Aaron the Levite your brother? I know that he can speak well. And also, behold, he is com ing forth to meet you. And when he sees you, he will be glad in his heart. 15 And you shall speak to him and put words in his mouth. And I will be with your mouth and with his mouth, and will teach you what you shall do. 16 And he shall be your spokesman to the people. And he shall be, even he shall be to you in stead of a mouth, and you shall be to him instead of God. 17 And you shall take this rod in your hand, with which you shall do signs.” 18 And Moses went and returned to Jethro his father-in-law and said to him, “Let me go, I ask you, and
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return to my brothers who are in Egypt and see whether they are still alive.” And Jethro said to Moses, “Go in peace.” The Return of Moses to Egypt 19 And the Lord said to Moses in Midian, “Go, return into Egypt, for all the men who sought your life are dead.” 20 And Moses took his wife and his sons and set them on a don key, and he returned to the land of Egypt. And Moses took the rod of God in his hand. 21 And the Lord said to Moses, “When you go to return into Egypt, see that you do all those wonders before Pharaoh that I have put in your hand. But I will harden his heart, that he shall not let the people go. 22 And you shall say to Pharaoh, ‘This is what the Lord says, “Israel is My son, even My firstborn. 23 And I say to you, let My son go, that he may serve Me. And if you refuse to let him go, behold, I will slay your son, even your firstborn.”’” 24 And it came to pass by the way, in the inn, that the Lord met him and sought to kill him. 25 Then Zip porah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son and cast it at his feet, and said, “Surely a bloody husband you are to me.” 26 So He let him go. Then she said, “A bloody husband you are,” be cause of the circumcision. 27 And the Lord said to Aaron, “Go into the wilderness to meet Moses.” And he went and met him on the mount of God and kissed him. 28 And Moses told Aaron all the words of the Lord who had sent
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him and all the signs that He had commanded him. Deliverance Announced 29 And Moses and Aaron went and gathered together all the elders of the children of Israel. 30 And Aaron spoke all the words that the Lord had spoken to Moses and did the signs in the sight of the people. 31 And the people believed. And when they heard that the Lord had visited the children of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, then they bowed their heads and worshipped. The Contest with Pharaoh Begins And afterward Moses and Aaron went in and told Pharaoh, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘Let My people go, that they may hold a feast to Me in the wilder ness.’” 2 And Pharaoh said, “Who is the Lord, that I should obey His voice to let Israel go? I do not know the Lord; neither will I let Israel go.” 3 And they said, “The God of the Hebrews has met with us. Let us go, we ask you, three days’ journey into the desert and sacrifice to the Lord our God, lest He fall on us with pes tilence or with the sword.” 4 And the king of Egypt said to them, “Moses and Aaron, why do you hinder the people from their work? Get to your burdens.” 5 And Pharaoh said, “Behold, the people of the land are many now, and you make them rest from their burdens.” 6 And the same day Pharaoh com manded the taskmasters of the
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people and their officers, saying, 7 “You shall no longer give the peo ple straw to make brick as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. 8 And you shall lay on them the tally of the bricks that they made before. You shall not diminish any of it. For they are idle; there fore, they cry, saying, ‘Let us go and sacrifice to our God.’ 9 Let there be more work laid on the men, that they may labor in it, and let them not regard vain words.” 10 And the taskmasters of the peo ple and their officers went out, and they spoke to the people, saying, “This is what Pharaoh says: I will not give you straw. 11 Go, get your selves straw where you can find it, yet not any of your work shall be diminished.” 12 So the people were scattered abroad throughout all the land of Egypt to gather stubble in stead of straw. 13 And the taskmas ters hastened them, saying, “Fulfill your work, your daily tasks, as when there was straw.” 14 And the officers of the children of Israel, whom Pharaoh’s taskmasters had set over them, were beaten and demanded, “Why have you not fulfilled your task in making brick both yesterday and today, as before?” 15 Then the officers of the children of Israel came and cried to Pharaoh, saying, “Why are you dealing thus with your servants? 16 There is no straw given to your servants, and they say to us, ‘Make brick.’ And be hold, your servants are beaten, but the fault is in your own people.” 17 But he said, “You are idle. You are idle. Therefore you say, ‘Let us go and make sacrifice to the Lord.’
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18 Therefore go now and work, for
no straw shall be given you, yet you shall deliver the tally of bricks.” 19 And the officers of the children of Israel saw that they were in evil cir cumstances after it was said, “You shall not reduce anything from your bricks of your daily task.” 20 And as they came forth from Pharaoh, they met Moses and Aaron, who stood in the way. 21 And they said to them, “May the Lord look on you and judge, because you have made our savor to be abhor rent in the eyes of Pharaoh and in the eyes of his servants, to put a sword in their hand to slay us.” 22 And Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Lord, why have You treated these people with such evil? Why is it that You have sent me? 23 For since I came to Pharaoh to speak in Your name, he has done evil to these people. Neither have You delivered Your people at all.” God’s Answer Then the Lord said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh. For with a strong hand he shall let them go, and with a strong hand he shall drive them out of his land.” 2 And God spoke to Moses and said to him: “I am the Lord. 3 And I appeared to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, by the name of God Almighty, but I was not known to them by My name Jehovah. 4 And I have also established My covenant with them, to give them the land of Canaan, the land of their pilgrim age, in which they were strangers. 5 And I have also heard the groaning
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of the children of Israel, whom the Egyptians keep in bondage, and I have remembered My covenant. 6 Therefore say to the children of Is rael: ‘I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. And I will deliver you out of their bondage, and I will re deem you with an outstretched arm and with great judgments. 7 And I will take you to Me for a people, and I will be to you a God. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God who brings you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians. 8 And I will bring you into the land that I swore to give to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. And I will give it to you for a heritage. I am the Lord.’” 9 And Moses spoke this to the chil dren of Israel, but they did not listen to Moses, for anguish of spirit and for cruel bondage. 10 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 11 “Go in, speak to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, that he will let the children of Israel go out of his land.” 12 And Moses spoke before the Lord, saying, “Behold, the children of Israel have not listened to me. How then shall Pharaoh hear me, who am of uncircumcised lips?” 13 And the Lord spoke to Mo ses and to Aaron, and gave them a charge to the children of Israel and to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to bring the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt. The Families of Israel 14 These are the heads of their fa thers’ houses: The sons of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel: Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron
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and Carmi. These are the families of Reuben. 15 And the sons of Simeon: Jemuel, and Jamin, and Ohad, and Jachin, and Zohar, and Shaul the son of a Canaanite woman. These are the families of Simeon. 16 And these are the names of the sons of Levi according to their gen erations: Gershon and Kohath and Merari. And the years of the life of Levi were one hundred and thirty- seven years. 17 The sons of Gershon: Libni and Shimi, according to their families. 18 And the sons of Kohath: Amram, and Izhar, and Hebron, and Uzziel. And the years of the life of Kohath were one hundred and thirty-three years. 19 And the sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of Levi, according to their genera tions. 20 And Amram took Jochebed, his father’s sister, as a wife, and she bore him Aaron and Moses. And the years of the life of Amram were one hundred and thirty-seven years. 21 And the sons of Izhar: Korah and Nepheg and Zichri. 22 And the sons of Uzziel: Mishael and Elzaphan and Zithri. 23 And Aaron took Elisheba, daughter of Amminadab, sister of Nahshon, as a wife, and she bore him Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 24 And the sons of Korah: Assir and Elkanah and Abiasaph. These are the families of the Korahites. 25 And Eleazar, Aaron’s son, took one of the daughters of Putiel as a wife, and she bore him Phinehas.
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These are the heads of the fathers of the Levites according to their families. 26 These are the Aaron and Moses to whom the Lord said, “Bring out the children of Israel from the land of Egypt according to their armies.” 27 These are those who spoke to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to bring out the children of Israel from Egypt. These are that Moses and Aaron. The Renewed Commission 28 And it came to pass, on the day when the Lord spoke to Moses in the land of Egypt, 29 that the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “I am the Lord. Speak to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, all that I say to you.” 30 And Moses said before the Lord, “Behold, I am of uncircum cised lips, and how shall Pharaoh listen to me?”
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And the Lord said to Moses: “See, I have made you a god to Pharaoh, and Aaron your brother shall be your prophet. 2 You shall speak all that I command you. And Aaron your brother shall speak to Pharaoh, that he send the children of Israel out of his land. 3 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart and mul tiply My signs and My wonders in the land of Egypt. 4 But Pharaoh shall not listen to you, that I may lay My hand on Egypt and bring forth My armies and My people, the children of Israel, out of the land of Egypt by great judgments. 5 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord when I stretch out My hand on Egypt and bring out the children of Israel from among them.”
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6 And Moses and Aaron did as the
Lord commanded them; so they did. 7 And Moses was eighty years old and Aaron eighty-three years old when they spoke to Pharaoh. 8 And the Lord spoke to Mo ses and to Aaron, saying, 9 “When Pharaoh shall speak to you, saying, ‘Show a miracle for yourself,’ then you shall say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and cast it before Pharaoh, and it shall become a serpent.’” The First and Second Miracles 10 And Moses and Aaron went in to Pharaoh, and they did so, as the Lord had commanded. And Aaron cast down his rod before Pharaoh and before his servants, and it be came a serpent. 11 Then Pharaoh also called the wise men and the sorcerers. Now the magicians of Egypt, they also did the same with their enchant ments. 12 For every man cast down his rod, and they became serpents. But Aaron’s rod swallowed up their rods. 13 And He hardened Pharaoh’s heart, that he did not listen to them, as the Lord had said. 14 And the Lord said to Moses: “Pharaoh’s heart is hardened. He refuses to let the people go. 15 Get to Pharaoh in the morning; lo, he goes out to the water, and you shall stand by the river’s brink before he comes, and you shall take in your hand the rod that was turned to a serpent. 16 And you shall say to him, ‘The Lord God of the Hebrews has sent me to you, saying, “Let My people go, that they may serve Me in the wilderness.” And behold, un til now you would not hear. 17 This
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is what the Lord says: “In this you shall know that I am the Lord. Be hold, I will strike on the waters that are in the river with the rod that is in my hand, and they shall be turned to blood. 18 And the fish that are in the river shall die, and the river shall stink, and the Egyptians shall loathe to drink of the water of the river.”’” 19 And the Lord spoke to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Take your rod and stretch out your hand on the waters of Egypt, on their streams, on their rivers, and on their ponds, and on all their pools of water, that they may become blood and that there may be blood throughout all the land of Egypt, both in vessels of wood and in vessels of stone.’” 20 And Moses and Aaron did so, as the Lord com manded. And he lifted up the rod and struck the waters that were in the river, in the sight of Pharaoh and in the sight of his servants. And all the waters that were in the river were turned to blood. 21 And the fish that were in the river died, and the river stank. And the Egyptians could not drink of the water of the river. And there was blood through out all the land of Egypt. 22 And the magicians of Egypt did so with their enchantments. And Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. Nor did he listen to them, as the Lord had said. 23 And Pharaoh turned and went into his house. Nor also did he set his heart to this. 24 And all the Egyptians dug all around the river for water to drink, for they could not drink of the water of the river. 25 And seven days were ful filled after the Lord had struck the river.
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The Contest with Pharaoh And the Lord spoke to Moses, “Go to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 2 And if you refuse to let them go, behold, I will strike all your borders with frogs. 3 And the river shall bring forth frogs abundantly, which shall go up and come into your house, and into your bedroom, and on your bed, and into the house of your ser vants, and on your people, and into your ovens, and into your kneading troughs. 4 And the frogs shall come up both on you and on your people, and on all your servants.”’” 5 And the Lord spoke to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your hand with your rod over the streams, over the rivers, and over the ponds, and cause frogs to come up on the land of Egypt.’” 6 And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt, and the frogs came up and covered the land of Egypt. 7 And the magicians did so with their en chantments and brought up frogs on the land of Egypt. 8 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron and said, “Entreat the Lord that He may take away the frogs from me and from my people, and I will let the people go, that they may sacrifice to the Lord.” 9 And Moses said to Pharaoh, “Glory over me. When shall I en treat for you, and for your servants, and for your people, to destroy the frogs from you and your houses, that they may remain in the river only?” 10 And he said, “Tomorrow.” And he said, “Let it be according
8
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to your word, that you may know that there is none like the Lord our God. 11 And the frogs shall depart from you, and from your houses, and from your servants, and from your people. They shall remain in the river only.” 12 And Moses and Aaron went out from Pharaoh. And Moses cried to the Lord because of the frogs that He had brought against Phar aoh. 13 And the Lord did accord ing to the word of Moses. And the frogs died out of the houses, out of the villages, and out of the fields. 14 And they gathered them together in heaps, and the land stank. 15 But when Pharaoh saw that there was respite, he hardened his heart and did not listen to them, as the Lord had said. 16 And the Lord said to Moses, “Say to Aaron, ‘Stretch out your rod and strike the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.’” 17 And they did so. For Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod and struck the dust of the earth, and it became lice on man and on beast. All the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt. 18 And the magicians did so with their enchantments to bring forth lice, but they could not. So there were lice on man and on beast. 19 Then the magicians said to Phar aoh, “This is the finger of God.” And Pharaoh’s heart was hardened, and he did not listen to them, as the Lord had said. 20 And the Lord said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh. Behold,
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when he comes forth to the water, say to him, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 21 Otherwise, if you will not let My people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies on you, and on your servants, and on your people, and into your houses. And the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies and also the ground on which they are. 22 And in that day I will set apart the land of Goshen, in which My people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there, to the end you may know that I am the Lord in the midst of the earth. 23 And I will put a divi sion between My people and your people. Tomorrow this sign shall be.”’” 24 And the Lord did so. And there came a grievous swarm of flies into the house of Pharaoh, and into his servants’ houses, and into all the land of Egypt. The land was corrupted because of the swarm of flies. 25 And Pharaoh called for Moses and for Aaron and said, “Go, sacri fice to your God in the land.” 26 And Moses said, “It is not proper to do so, for we shall sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians to the Lord our God. Behold, shall we sacrifice the abomination of the Egyptians before their eyes, and will they not stone us? 27 We will go three days’ journey into the wilder ness and sacrifice to the Lord our God, as He shall command us.” 28 And Pharaoh said, “I will let you go, that you may sacrifice to the Lord your God in the wilderness. Only you shall not go very far away. Entreat for me.”
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29 And Moses said, “Behold, I go
out from you, and I will entreat the Lord that the swarms of flies may depart tomorrow from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his peo ple. But do not let Pharaoh deal de ceitfully anymore in not letting the people go to sacrifice to the Lord.” 30 And Moses went out from Phar aoh and entreated the Lord. 31 And the Lord did according to the word of Moses. And He removed the swarms of flies from Pharaoh, from his servants, and from his people. There remained not one. 32 And Pharaoh hardened his heart at this time also. Nor would he let the peo ple go.
9
Then the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and tell him, ‘This is what the Lord God of the Hebrews says: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 2 For if you refuse to let them go and will still hold them, 3 behold, the hand of the Lord is on your cattle that are in the field, on the horses, on the donkeys, on the camels, on the oxen, and on the sheep. There shall be a very grievous pestilence. 4 And the Lord shall make a distinction between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt. And nothing there shall die of all that is of the children of Israel.”’” 5 And the Lord appointed a set time, saying, “Tomorrow the Lord shall do this thing in the land.” 6 And the Lord did that thing on the next day, and all the cattle of Egypt died. But not one of the cattle of the children of Israel died. 7 And Pharaoh sent, and behold, not one of the cattle of the Israelites was
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dead. And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened, and he did not let the people go. 8 And the Lord said to Moses and to Aaron, “Take for yourselves handfuls of ashes from the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle them toward the heavens in the sight of Pharaoh. 9 And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt and shall be boils breaking out with sores on man and on beast throughout all the land of Egypt. 10 And they took ashes from the furnace and stood before Pharaoh, and Moses sprin kled them up toward heaven. And they became boils breaking out with sores on man and on beast. 11 And the magicians could not stand be fore Moses because of the boils, for the boils were on the magicians and on all the Egyptians. 12 And the Lord hardened the heart of Phar aoh, and he did not listen to them, as the Lord had spoken to Moses. 13 And the Lord said to Moses, “Rise up early in the morning and stand before Pharaoh, and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord God of the Hebrews says: “Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 14 For at this time I will send all My plagues on your heart, and on your servants, and on your people, that you may know that there is none like Me in all the earth. 15 For now I will stretch out My hand, that I may strike you and your people with pestilence, and you shall be cut off from the earth. 16 And indeed for this reason have I raised you up, to show My power in you, and that My name may be declared throughout all the earth. 17 As yet you exalt yourself
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Exodus 9:27
against My people, that you will not let them go? 18 Behold, tomorrow about this time I will cause it to rain a very grievous hail, such as has not been in Egypt since its foundation even until now. 19 Therefore send now and gather your cattle and all that you have in the field, for the hail shall come down on them, on every man and beast that shall be found in the field and shall not be brought home, and they shall die.”’” 20 He who feared the word of the Lord among the servants of Phar aoh made his servants and his cat tle flee into the houses. 21 And he who did not regard the word of the Lord left his servants and his cattle in the field. 22 And the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be hail in all the land of Egypt, on man and on beast and on every herb of the field throughout the land of Egypt.” 23 And Moses stretched out his rod toward heaven, and the Lord sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along on the ground. And the Lord rained hail on the land of Egypt. 24 So there was hail and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a na tion.25 And the hail struck through out all the land of Egypt, all that was in the field, both man and beast. And the hail struck every herb of the field and broke every tree of the field. 26 Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, there was no hail. 27 And Pharaoh sent and called for Moses and Aaron, and said to them,
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“I have sinned this time. The Lord is righteous, and I and my people are wicked. 28 Entreat the Lord, that there be no more mighty thunder ing and hail, for it is enough. And I will let you go, and you shall stay no longer.” 29 And Moses said to him, “As soon as I have gone out of the city, I will spread out my hands to the Lord. And the thunder shall cease. Neither shall there be any more hail, that you may know that the earth is the Lord’s. 30 But as for you and your servants, I know that you will not yet fear the Lord God.” 31 And the flax and the barley were struck, for the barley was in the ear, and the flax had budded. 32 But the wheat and the spelt were not struck, for they had not grown up. 33 And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh and spread out his hands to the Lord. And the thun der and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured on the earth. 34 And when Pharaoh saw that the rain and the hail and the thunder had ceased, he sinned even more and hardened his heart, he and his servants. 35 And the heart of Pharaoh was hardened. Nor would he let the children of Is rael go, as the Lord had spoken by Moses.
10
And the Lord said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh, for I have hardened his heart and the hearts of his servants, that I might show these signs of Mine before him, 2 and that you may tell in the ears of your son and of your son’s son what things I have worked in Egypt, and My signs that I have done among them, that
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you may know that I am the Lord.” 3 And Moses and Aaron came in to Pharaoh and said to him, “This is what the Lord God of the Hebrews says: ‘How long will you refuse to humble yourself before Me? Let My people go, that they may serve Me. 4 Otherwise, if you refuse to let My people go, behold, tomor row I will bring the locusts into your coast. 5 And they shall cover the face of the earth, that one will not be able to see the earth. And they shall eat the residue of that which has escaped, which remains to you from the hail, and shall eat every tree that grows for you out of the field. 6 And they shall fill your houses, and the houses of all your servants, and the houses of all the Egyptians—something that neither your fathers nor your fathers’ fa thers have seen since the day that they were on the earth to this day.’” And he turned himself and went out from Pharaoh. 7 And Pharaoh’s servants said to him, “How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the Lord their God. Do you not yet know that Egypt is destroyed?” 8 And Moses and Aaron were brought again to Pharaoh, and he said to them, “Go, serve the Lord your God. But who are those who shall go?” 9 And Moses said, “We will go with our young and with our old, with our sons and with our daughters, with our flocks and with our herds will we go, for we must hold a feast to the Lord.” 10 And he said to them, “Let the
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Lord be so with you, as I will let you and your little ones go. Look to it, for evil is before you. 11 Not so. Go now, you who are men, and serve the Lord, for that is what you de sired.” And they were driven out from Pharaoh’s presence. 12 And the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the land of Egypt for the locusts, that they may come up on the land of Egypt and eat every herb of the land, even all that the hail has left.” 13 And Mo ses stretched out his rod over the land of Egypt, and the Lord brought an east wind on the land all that day and all that night. And when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts. 14 And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt and rested in all the coasts of Egypt. They were very grievous. Before them there were no such locusts as these, nor after them shall be such. 15 For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened. And they ate every herb of the land and all the fruit of the trees that the hail had left. And not any green thing re mained in the trees or in the herbs of the field through all the land of Egypt. 16 Then Pharaoh called for Moses and Aaron in haste, and he said, “I have sinned against the Lord your God and against you. 17 Now there fore, I ask you, forgive my sin only this once, and entreat the Lord your God, that He may take away from me this death only.” 18 And he went out from Pharaoh and entreated the Lord. 19 And the Lord turned a mighty strong west wind, which took away the locusts and cast them
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Exodus 10:29
into the Red Sea. Not one locust re mained in all the coasts of Egypt. 20 But the Lord hardened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go. 21 And the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand toward heaven, that there may be dark ness over the land of Egypt, even darkness that may be felt.” 22 And Moses stretched out his hand to ward heaven, and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. 23 They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days. But all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings. 24 And Pharaoh called to Moses and said, “Go, serve the Lord. Only let your flocks and your herds re main. Let your little ones also go with you.” 25 And Moses said, “You must also give us sacrifices and burnt offer ings, that we may sacrifice to the Lord our God. 26 Our cattle shall also go with us. Not a hoof shall be left behind. For we must take of them to serve the Lord our God, and we do not know with what we must serve the Lord until we arrive there.” 27 But the Lord hardened Phar aoh’s heart, and he would not let them go. The King Abandoned to Judgment 28 And Pharaoh said to him, “Get away from me. Take heed to your self. See my face no more. For in that day you see my face you shall die.” 29 And Moses said, “You have
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spoken well. I will never see your face again.” The Judgment on the Firstborn Foretold And the Lord said to Moses, “I will still bring one more plague on Pharaoh and on Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he shall let you go, he shall surely drive you out from here altogether. 2 Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow from his neighbor and every woman from her neighbor jewels of silver and jewels of gold.” 3 And the Lord gave the people favor in the sight of the Egyptians. Moreover the man Moses was very great in the land of Egypt, in the sight of Pharaoh’s servants and in the sight of the people. 4 And Moses said, “This is what the Lord says, ‘About midnight I will go out into the midst of Egypt, 5 and all the firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sits on his throne, even to the firstborn of the maidser vant who is behind the mill, and all the firstborn of beasts. 6 And there shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has not been before, nor shall there be anything like it again. 7 But a dog shall not move his tongue against any of the children of Israel, against man or beast, that you may know that the Lord puts a difference be tween the Egyptians and Israel.’ 8 And all these your servants shall come down to me and bow them selves down to me, saying, ‘Get out, and all the people who follow you.’
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And after that I will go out.” And he went out from Pharaoh in a great anger. 9 And the Lord said to Moses, “Pharaoh shall not listen to you, that My wonders may be multiplied in the land of Egypt.” 10 And Moses and Aaron did all these wonders be fore Pharaoh. And the Lord hard ened Pharaoh’s heart, so that he would not let the children of Israel go out of his land. The Passover And the Lord spoke to Mo ses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying, 2 “This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. 3 Speak to all the congrega tion of Israel, saying: ‘In the tenth day of this month every man shall take for himself a lamb, according to the house of his fathers, a lamb for a house. 4 And if the household is too little for the lamb, let him and his neighbor next to his house take it according to the number of the souls. According to every man’s eat ing you shall make your count for the lamb. 5 Your lamb shall be with out blemish, a male of the first year. You shall take it out from the sheep or from the goats. 6 And you shall keep it up until the fourteenth day of the same month. And the whole as sembly of the congregation of Israel shall kill it in the evening. 7 And they shall take of the blood and strike it on the two side posts and on the up per doorpost of the houses in which they shall eat it. 8 And they shall eat the flesh on that night, roasted with fire. And they shall eat it with
12
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unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 9 Do not eat it raw or boiled at all with water, but roasted with fire— his head with his legs and with his entrails. 10 And you shall let nothing of it remain until the morning, and what remains of it until the morn ing you shall burn with fire. 11 And thus you shall eat it: with your loins girded, your shoes on your feet, and your staff in your hand. And you shall eat it in haste. It is the Lord’s Passover.’” Redemption by Blood 12 “‘For I will pass through the land of Egypt this night and will strike all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, both man and beast. And I will ex ecute judgment against all the gods of Egypt: I am the Lord. 13 And the blood shall be for you a sign on the houses where you are. And when I see the blood, I will pass over you, and the plague shall not be on you to destroy you when I strike the land of Egypt. 14 “‘And this day shall be to you a memorial, and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it forever as a feast by an ordinance. 15 Seven days you shall eat unleav ened bread. Even the first day you shall put away leaven out of your houses. For whoever eats leavened bread from the first day until the seventh day, that soul shall be cut off from Israel. 16 And on the first day there shall be a holy convoca tion, and on the seventh day there shall be a holy convocation for you. No manner of work shall be done on them, except what every man must
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eat; that alone may be done by you. 17 And you shall observe the Feast of Unleavened Bread, for in this very same day I have brought your armies out of the land of Egypt. Therefore you shall observe this day in your generations by an ordi nance forever. 18 In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month at evening, you shall eat unleavened bread, until the twenty-first day of the month at evening. 19 Seven days there shall be no leaven found in your houses, for whoever eats what is leavened, even that soul shall be cut off from the congregation of Is rael, whether he is a stranger or born in the land. 20 You shall eat nothing leavened. In all your dwellings you shall eat unleavened bread.’” 21 Then Moses called for all the elders of Israel and said to them, “Draw out and take for yourself a lamb according to your families, and kill the Passover lamb. 22 And you shall take a bunch of hyssop, and dip it in the blood that is in the basin, and strike the lintel and the two side posts with the blood that is in the basin. And none of you shall go out of the door of his house un til the morning. 23 For the Lord will pass through to smite the Egyptians. And when He sees the blood on the lintel and on the two side posts, the Lord will pass over the door and will not allow the destroyer to come in to your houses to smite you. 24 And you shall observe this thing as an ordinance for you and for your sons forever. 25 And it shall come to pass when you come to the land that the Lord will give you, according as He has promised, that you shall keep
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this service. 26 And it shall come to pass, when your children shall say to you, ‘What do you mean by this service?’ 27 that you shall say, ‘It is the Passover sacrifice of the Lord, who passed over the houses of the children of Israel in Egypt when He smote the Egyptians and delivered our houses.’” And the people bowed their heads and worshipped. 28 And the children of Israel went away. As the Lord had commanded Moses and Aaron, so they did. Death of the Firstborn 29 And it came to pass that at mid night the Lord smote all the first born in the land of Egypt, from the firstborn of Pharaoh who sat on his throne to the firstborn of the captive who was in the dungeon, and all the firstborn of cattle. 30 And Pharaoh rose up in the night, he, and all his servants, and all the Egyptians, and there was a great cry in Egypt, for there was not a house where there was not one dead. 31 And he called for Moses and Aaron by night and said, “Rise up, and get out from among my people, both you and the children of Israel. And go serve the Lord as you have said. 32 Also take your flocks and your herds, as you have said, and be gone. And bless me also.” 33 And the Egyptians urged the people, that they might send them out of the land in haste. For they said, “We shall all be dead men.” 34 And the people took their dough before it was leavened, their knead ing troughs being bound up in their clothes on their shoulders. 35 And the children of Israel did according to
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the word of Moses, and they asked the Egyptians for jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing. 36 And the Lord gave the people fa vor in the sight of the Egyptians, so that they gave to them such things as they required. And they spoiled the Egyptians. 37 And the children of Israel jour neyed from Rameses to Succoth, about six hundred thousand on foot who were men, besides chil dren. 38 And a mixed multitude also went up with them, and flocks and herds, even very many cattle. 39 And they baked unleavened cakes of the dough that they brought forth out of Egypt. For it was not leavened be cause they were driven out of Egypt and could not delay, nor had they prepared any provisions for them selves. 40 Now the sojourning of the children of Israel who dwelled in Egypt was four hundred and thirty years. 41 And it came to pass at the end of the four hundred and thirty years—even the very same day it came to pass—that all the armies of the Lord went out from the land of Egypt. 42 It is a night to be much observed to the Lord for bringing them out from the land of Egypt. This is that night of the Lord, to be observed by all the children of Is rael in their generations. 43 And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “This is the ordinance of the Passover: no foreigner shall eat of it. 44 But every man’s servant who is bought for money, when you have circumcised him, then he shall eat of it. 45 A foreigner and a hired servant shall not eat of it. 46 It shall
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be eaten in one house. You shall not carry forth any of the flesh out side the house, nor shall you break a bone of it. 47 All the congregation of Israel shall keep it. 48 And when a foreigner shall sojourn with you and will keep the Passover to the Lord, let all his males be circumcised, and then let him come near and keep it. And he shall be as one who is born in the land. For no uncircumcised person shall eat of it. 49 One law shall be for him who is homeborn and for the foreigner who sojourns among you.” 50 Thus did all the children of Is rael. As the Lord commanded Mo ses and Aaron, so they did. 51 And it came to pass, the very same day, that the Lord brought the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt by their armies. The Firstborn Set Apart for God And the Lord spoke to Mo ses, saying, 2 “Sanctify to Me all the firstborn. Whatever opens the womb among the children of Is rael, both of man and of beast, it is Mine.” 3 And Moses said to the people, “Remember this day in which you came out from Egypt, out of the house of bondage, for by strength of hand the Lord brought you out from this place. No leavened bread shall be eaten. 4 This day you came out, in the month Abib. 5 And it shall be, when the Lord shall bring you into the land of the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Amorites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, which He swore to your fathers to give you, a land flowing with milk and honey,
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that you shall keep this service in this month. 6 Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day shall be a feast to the Lord. 7 Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. And no leavened bread shall be seen with you, nor shall leaven be seen with you in all your regions. 8 And you shall show your son in that day, saying, ‘This is done because of what the Lord did to me when I came forth out of Egypt.’ 9 And it shall be as a sign for you on your hand and as a memorial between your eyes, that the Lord’s law may be in your mouth. For with a strong hand the Lord has brought you out of Egypt. 10 Therefore you shall keep this ordinance in its sea son from year to year. 11 “And it shall be, when the Lord shall bring you into the land of the Canaanites, as He swore to you and to your fathers, and shall give it to you, 12 that you shall set apart to the Lord all that open the womb, and every firstborn that comes from a beast that you have. The males shall be the Lord’s. 13 And every firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb. And if you will not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. And you shall redeem all the firstborn of man among your children. 14 And it shall be, when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What is this?’ that you shall say to him, ‘By strength of hand the Lord brought us out from Egypt, from the house of bondage. 15 And it came to pass, when Pharaoh would hardly let us go, that the Lord slew all the first born in the land of Egypt, both the firstborn of man and the firstborn
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of beast. Therefore I sacrifice to the Lord all that open the womb, being males. But all the firstborn of my children I redeem.’ 16 And it shall be as a sign on your hand and as frontlets between your eyes, for by strength of hand the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt.” 17 And it came to pass, when Phar aoh had let the people go, that God did not lead them through the way of the land of the Philistines, al though that was near. For God said, “Lest perhaps the people repent when they see war, and they return to Egypt.” 18 But God led the peo ple around through the way of the wilderness of the Red Sea. And the children of Israel went up armed for battle out of the land of Egypt. 19 And Moses took the bones of Joseph with him, for he had strictly sworn the children of Israel, saying, “God will surely visit you, and you shall carry up my bones away from here with you.” 20 And they took their journey from Succoth and camped in Etham on the edge of the wilderness. 21 And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud to lead them on the way and by night in a pillar of fire to give them light, to go by day and night. 22 He did not take away the pillar of the cloud by day or the pillar of fire by night from before the people. The Lord’s Word for Moses and Israel And the Lord spoke to Mo ses, saying: 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they turn and camp before Pi-hahiroth, between
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Migdol and the sea, before Baalzephon. You shall camp before it, by the sea. 3 For Pharaoh will say of the children of Israel, ‘They are entan gled in the land. The wilderness has shut them in.’ 4 And I will harden Pharaoh’s heart, that he shall follow after them. And I will be honored in Pharaoh and in all his army, that the Egyptians may know that I am the Lord.” And they did so. 5 And it was told the king of Egypt that the people fled, and the heart of Pharaoh and of his servants was turned against the people. And they said, “Why have we done this, that we have let Israel go from serving us?” 6 And he made ready his char iot and took his people with him. 7 And he took six hundred chosen chariots, and all the chariots of Egypt and captains over every one of them. 8 And the Lord hardened the heart of Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and he pursued after the children of Israel. And the children of Israel went out with a high hand. 9 But the Egyptians pursued after them, all the horses and chariots of Pharaoh and his horsemen and his army, and overtook them camping by the sea beside Pi-hahiroth, before Baalzephon. 10 And when Pharaoh drew near, the children of Israel lifted up their eyes, and behold, the Egyptians marched after them. And they were greatly afraid, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. 11 And they said to Moses, “Have you taken us away to die in the wilder ness because there were no graves in Egypt? Why have you dealt thus with us, to carry us forth out of
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Egypt? 12 Is not this the word that we told you in Egypt, saying, ‘Let us alone that we may serve the Egyp tians’? For it would have been better for us to serve the Egyptians than that we should die in the wilder ness.” The Lord’s Victory over Pursuing Egypt 13 And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, which He will show to you today. For the Egyptians whom you have seen to day, you shall never see them again. 14 The Lord shall fight for you, and you shall remain silent.” 15 And the Lord said to Moses, “Why do you cry to Me? Speak to the children of Israel, that they go forward. 16 But lift up your rod, and stretch out your hand over the sea and divide it. And the children of Is rael shall go on dry ground through the midst of the sea. 17 And I, behold, I will harden the hearts of the Egyp tians, and they shall follow them. And I will get My honor in Pharaoh and in all his army, in his chariots, and in his horsemen. 18 And the Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord, when I have gotten My honor in Pharaoh, in his chariots, and in his horsemen.” 19 And the angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them. And the pil lar of the cloud went from before their face and stood behind them. 20 And it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Is rael. And it was a cloud and dark ness to them, but it gave light by
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night to these, so that the one did not come near the other all the night. 21 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea. And the Lord caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night and made the sea dry land, and the wa ters were divided. 22 And the chil dren of Israel went into the midst of the sea on the dry ground, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 23 And the Egyptians pursued and went in after them to the midst of the sea, even all Pharaoh’s horses, his chari ots, and his horsemen. 24 And it came to pass in the morn ing watch that the Lord looked to the army of the Egyptians through the pillar of fire and of the cloud and troubled the army of the Egyp tians. 25 And He took off their char iot wheels, that they drove them heavily, so that the Egyptians said, “Let us flee from the face of Israel, for the Lord fights for them against the Egyptians.” 26 And the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea, that the waters may come again on the Egyptians, on their chariots, and on their horsemen.” 27 And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and when the morning appeared, the sea returned to its strength, and the Egyptians fled against it. And the Lord overthrew the Egyptians in the midst of the sea. 28 And the waters returned and covered the chariots, and the horsemen, and all the army of Pharaoh that came into the sea after them. There remained not so much as one of them. 29 But
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the children of Israel walked on dry land in the midst of the sea, and the waters were a wall to them on their right hand and on their left. 30 Thus the Lord saved Israel that day out of the hand of the Egyp tians, and Israel saw the Egyptians dead on the seashore. 31 And Israel saw that great work that the Lord did on the Egyptians. And the peo ple feared the Lord and believed the Lord and His servant Moses. The Song of the Redeemed Then Moses and the children of Israel sang this song to the Lord and spoke, saying:
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I will sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously. The horse and its rider He has thrown into the sea. The Lord is my strength and song, and He has become my salvation. He is my God, and I will prepare Him a dwelling, my father’s God, and I will exalt Him. The Lord is a man of war. The Lord is His name. He has cast Pharaoh’s chariots and his army into the sea. His cho sen captains have also drowned in the Red Sea. The depths have covered them. They sank into the bottom as a stone. Your right hand, O Lord, has become glorious in power. Your right hand,
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O Lord, has dashed the enemy in pieces. And in the greatness of Your excellency You have overthrown those who rose up against You. You sent forth Your wrath, which consumed them as stubble. And with the blast of Your nostrils the waters were gathered together. The floods stood up right as a heap, and the depths were congealed in the heart of the sea. The enemy said, “I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil. My lust shall be satisfied on them. I will draw my sword. My hand shall destroy them.” You blew with Your wind. The sea covered them. They sank as lead in the mighty waters. Who is similar to You, O Lord, among the gods? Who is like You, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing wonders? You stretched out Your right hand. The earth swallowed them. In Your mercy You have led forth the peo ple whom You have redeemed. You have guided them in Your strength to Your holy dwelling. The people shall hear
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and be afraid. Sorrow shall take hold of the inhabitants of Philistia. Then the dukes of Edom shall be amazed. The mighty men of Moab, trembling shall take hold of them. All the inhab itants of Canaan shall melt away. Fear and dread shall fall on them. By the greatness of Your arm they shall be as still as a stone, until Your people pass over, O Lord, until the people pass over whom You have pur chased. You shall bring them in and plant them in the mountain of Your in heritance, in the place, O Lord, that You have made for You to dwell in, in the sanctuary, O Lord, that Your hands have established. The Lord shall reign forever and ever. 19 For the horse of Pharaoh went in
with his chariots and with his horse men into the sea, and the Lord brought again the waters of the sea on them. But the children of Israel went on dry land in the midst of the sea. 20 And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand, and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances. 21 And Miriam answered them: “Sing to the Lord, for He has triumphed gloriously. The horse
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and his rider He has thrown into the sea.” 22 So Moses brought Israel from the Red Sea, and they went out into the wilderness of Shur. And they went three days in the wilderness and found no water. Bitter Water Becomes Sweet 23 And when they came to Marah, they could not drink of the waters of Marah, for they were bitter. There fore its name was called Marah. 24 And the people murmured against Moses, saying, “What shall we drink?” 25 And he cried to the Lord, and the Lord showed him a tree. When he had cast it into the waters, the waters were made sweet. There He made a statute and an ordinance for them, and there He tested them 26 and said, “If you will diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God and will do what is right in His sight, and will give ear to His commandments and keep all His statutes, I will put none of these diseases on you that I have brought on the Egyptians. For I am the Lord who heals you.” 27 And they came to Elim, where there were twelve wells of water and seventy palm trees, and they camped there by the waters. Israel’s Hunger And they took their journey from Elim, and all the congre gation of the children of Israel came to the wilderness of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fif teenth day of the second month af ter their departure out of the land of Egypt. 2 And the whole congregation
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of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and Aaron in the wil derness. 3 And the children of Israel said to them, “We wish to God we had died by the hand of the Lord in the land of Egypt, when we sat by the pots of meat and when we ate bread to the full. For you have brought us forth into this wilder ness to kill this whole assembly with hunger.” 4 Then the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you. And the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may test them, whether they will walk in My law or not. 5 And it shall come to pass that on the sixth day they shall pre pare what they bring in, and it shall be twice as much as they gather daily.” 6 And Moses and Aaron said to all the children of Israel, “At evening, then you shall know that the Lord has brought you out from the land of Egypt. 7 And in the morning, then you shall see the glory of the Lord. For He hears your murmurings against the Lord. And what are we, that you murmur against us?” 8 And Moses said, “This shall be, when the Lord shall give you meat to eat in the evening and bread to the full in the morning, for the Lord hears your murmurings that you murmur against Him. And what are we? Your murmurings are not against us but against the Lord.” 9 And Moses spoke to Aaron, “Say to all the congregation of the chil dren of Israel, ‘Come near before the Lord, for He has heard your murmurings.’” 10 And it came to
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pass, as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the children of Is rael, that they looked toward the wilderness, and behold, the glory of the Lord appeared in the cloud. 11 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “I have heard the murmur ings of the children of Israel. Speak to them, saying, ‘At evening you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall be filled with bread. And you shall know that I am the Lord your God.’” 13 And it came to pass that at eve ning the quail came up and covered the camp, and in the morning the dew lay all around the host. The Manna 14 And when the dew that lay had gone up, behold, on the face of the wilderness there lay a small round thing, as small as the white frost on the ground. 15 And when the chil dren of Israel saw it, they said to one another, “It is manna,” for they did not know what it was. And Moses said to them, “This is the bread that the Lord has given you to eat. 16 This is the thing that the Lord has commanded: ‘Every man gather of it according to his eating, an omer for every man, ac cording to the number of your per sons. Let every man take for those who are in his tents.’” 17 And the children of Israel did so and gathered, some more, some less. 18 And when they measured it with an omer, he who gathered much had nothing over, and he who gathered little had no lack. Every man gathered according to his eat ing. 19 And Moses said, “Let no man
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leave any of it until the morning.” 20 However, they did not listen to Moses. But some of them left part of it until the morning, and it bred worms and stank. And Moses was angry with them. 21 And they gath ered it every morning, every man according to his eating. And when the sun became hot, it melted. 22 And it came to pass, that on the sixth day they gathered twice as much bread, two omers for one man. And all the rulers of the con gregation came and told Moses. The Sabbath Given to Israel 23 And he said to them, “This is what the Lord has said: ‘Tomorrow is the rest of the holy Sabbath to the Lord. Bake what you will bake to day, and boil what you will boil, and lay up for yourselves what remains, to be kept until the morning.’” 24 And they laid it up until the morning, as Moses commanded, and it did not stink, nor was there any worm in it. 25 And Moses said, “Eat that today, for today is a Sabbath to the Lord. Today you shall not find it in the field. 26 Six days you shall gather it, but on the seventh day, which is the Sabbath, on it there shall be none.” 27 And it came to pass that there went out some of the people on the seventh day to gather, and they found none. 28 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will you refuse to keep My commandments and My laws? 29 See, for the Lord has given you the Sabbath. Therefore, He gives you the bread of two days on the sixth day. Let every man remain in his place. Let no man go out of his place on the seventh day.” 30 So
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the people rested on the seventh day. 31 And the house of Israel called its name Manna. And it was like white coriander seed, and its taste was like wafers made with honey. 32 And Moses said, “This is the thing that the Lord commanded: ‘Fill an omer of it to be kept for your generations, that they may see the bread with which I have fed you in the wilderness when I brought you forth from the land of Egypt.’” 33 And Moses said to Aaron, “Take a pot and put an omer full of manna in it, and lay it up before the Lord, to be kept for your generations.” 34 As the Lord commanded Moses, so Aaron laid it up before the Testi mony, to be kept. 35 And the children of Israel ate manna forty years, un til they came to an inhabited land. They ate manna until they came to the borders of the land of Canaan. 36 Now an omer is the tenth part of an ephah. Water from the Rock And all the congregation of the children of Israel jour neyed from the wilderness of Sin, after their journeys, according to the commandment of the Lord, and camped in Rephidim. And there was no water for the people to drink. 2 Therefore the people ar gued with Moses and said, “Give us water, that we may drink.” And Moses said to them, “Why argue with me? Therefore do you tempt the Lord?” 3 And the people thirsted there for water, and the people murmured against Moses and said, “For what
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reason have you brought us up out of Egypt, to kill us and our children and our cattle with thirst?” 4 And Moses cried to the Lord, saying, “What shall I do to these people? They are almost ready to stone me.” 5 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go on before the people, and take with you some of the elders of Israel. And take in your hand your rod, with which you struck the river, and go. 6 Behold, I will stand before you there on the rock in Horeb, and you shall strike the rock, and water shall come out of it, that the people may drink.” And Moses did so in the sight of the elders of Israel. 7 And he called the name of the place Massah and Meribah, because of the arguing of the children of Israel and because they tempted the Lord, saying, “Is the Lord among us or not?” The Conflict with Amalek 8 Then Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9 And Mo ses said to Joshua, “Choose some men for us and go out. Fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” 10 So Joshua did as Moses had said to him and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11 And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed. And when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12 But Moses’ hands were heavy, and they took a stone and put it un der him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur held up his hands, the one
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on the one side and the other on the other side. And his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13 And Joshua defeated Ama lek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14 And the Lord said to Moses, “Write this in a book for a memo rial and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua, for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from un der heaven.” 15 And Moses built an altar and called its name Jehovah-nissi, 16 for he said, “Because the Lord has sworn that the Lord will have war with Amalek from generation to generation.” Leaning on the Arm of Flesh When Jethro, the priest of Midian, Moses’ father-in-law, heard of all that God had done for Moses and for Israel His people, and that the Lord had brought Is rael out of Egypt, 2 then Jethro, Mo ses’ father-in-law, took Zipporah, Moses’ wife, after he had sent her back, 3 and her two sons, of whom the name of the one was Gershom, for he said, “I have been a foreigner in a foreign land.” 4 And the name of the other was Eliezer, for he said, “The God of my father was my help and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.” 5 And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, came with his sons and his wife to Moses into the wilderness, where he camped at the mount of God. 6 And he said to Moses, “I, your father-in-law Jethro, am coming to you, and your wife and her two sons with her.”
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father-in-law and bowed down and kissed him. And they asked each other of their welfare, and they came into the tent. 8 And Moses told his father-in-law all that the Lord had done to Pharaoh and to the Egyp tians for Israel’s sake, and all the hardship that had come on them on the way, and how the Lord deliv ered them. 9 And Jethro rejoiced for all the goodness that the Lord had done for Israel, whom He had de livered out of the hand of the Egyp tians. 10 And Jethro said, “Blessed is the Lord, who has delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of Pharaoh, who has delivered the people from under the hand of the Egyptians. 11 Now I know that the Lord is greater than all gods, for in the thing in which they dealt proudly, He was above them.” 12 And Jethro, Moses’ father-in-law, took a burnt offering and sacrifices for God. And Aaron and all the elders of Israel came to eat bread with Moses’ father-in-law before God. 13 And it came to pass, on the next day, that Moses sat to judge the people, and the people stood by Moses from the morning to the evening. 14 And when Moses’ father-in-law saw all that he did for the people, he said, “What is this thing that you are doing for the people? Why do you sit alone and all the people stand by you from morning to evening?” 15 And Moses said to his father-inlaw, “Because the people come to me to inquire of God. 16 When they have a matter, they come to me, and
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I judge between one and another. And I make them know the statutes of God and His laws.” 17 And Moses’ father-in-law said to him, “The thing that you do is not good. 18 You will surely wear away, both you and these people who are with you. For this thing is too heavy for you. You are not able to perform it yourself alone. 19 Listen now to my voice: I will give you counsel, and God shall be with you. Be for the people toward God, that you may bring the causes to God. 20 And you shall teach them ordinances and laws, and shall show them the way in which they must walk and the work that they must do. 21 Moreover you shall provide able men out of all the people—those who fear God, men of truth, hating covetousness—and place such over them to be rulers of thousands, and rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 22 And let them judge the people at all seasons. And it shall be that every great matter they shall bring to you, but every small matter they shall judge. So it shall be easier for you, and they shall bear the burden with you. 23 If you shall do this thing, and God commands you so, then you shall be able to endure, and all these people shall also go to their place in peace.” 24 So Moses listened to the voice of his father-in-law and did all that he had said. 25 And Moses chose able men out of all Israel and made them heads over the people: rulers of thousands, rulers of hundreds, rulers of fifties, and rulers of tens. 26 And they judged the people at all seasons. The hard cases they
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brought to Moses, but they judged every small matter themselves. 27 And Moses let his father-in-law depart, and he went his way into his own land. Grace Given Up for Law In the third month when the children of Israel had gone forth out of the land of Egypt, on the same day they came into the wilderness of Sinai. 2 For they had departed from Rephidim, and had come to the desert of Sinai, and had camped in the wilderness. And there Israel camped before the mount. 3 And Moses went up to God, and the Lord called to him out of the mountain, saying, “This is what you shall say to the house of Jacob, and tell the children of Israel: 4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyp tians and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself. 5 Now, therefore, if you will indeed obey My voice and keep My cov enant, then you shall be a special treasure to Me above all people. For all the earth is Mine. 6 And you shall be to Me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.’ These are the words that you shall speak to the children of Israel.” 7 And Moses came and called for the elders of the people, and laid before their faces all these words that the Lord commanded him. 8 And all the people answered to gether and said, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do.” And Moses returned the words of the people to the Lord. 9 And the Lord said to Moses,
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“Behold, I come to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you and believe you forever.” And Moses told the words of the people to the Lord. 10 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and sanctify them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their clothes. 11 And be ready before the third day. For the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 And you shall set bound aries for the people all around, say ing, ‘Take heed to yourselves that you do not go up into the mount or touch its border. Whoever touches the mount shall surely be put to death.13 Not a hand shall touch it, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through. Whether it be beast or man, it shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds long, they shall come up to the mount.” 14 And Moses went down from the mount to the people and sanctified the people, and they washed their clothes. 15 And he said to the people, “Be ready before the third day. Do not come near your wives.” 16 And it came to pass on the third day, in the morning, that there was thunder and lightning and a thick cloud on the mount. And the voice of the trumpet was exceedingly loud, so that all the people who were in the camp trembled. 17 And Moses brought forth the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the lower part of the mount. 18 And Mount Sinai was altogether covered in smoke be cause the Lord descended on it in
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fire. And its smoke ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. 19 And when the voice of the trumpet sounded long and became louder and louder, Moses spoke, and God answered him by a voice. 20 And the Lord came down on Mount Sinai, on the top of the mount. And the Lord called Moses up to the top of the mount, and Moses went up. 21 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go down. Charge the people, lest they break through to the Lord to gaze and many of them perish. 22 And also let the priests who come near to the Lord sanctify themselves, lest the Lord break forth on them.” 23 And Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up to Mount Sinai, for You charged us, saying, ‘Set boundaries around the mount and sanctify it.’” 24 And the Lord said to him, “Away! Go down, and you shall come up, you and Aaron with you. But do not let the priests and the people break through to come up to the Lord, lest He break forth on them.” 25 So Moses went down to the people and spoke to them. The Commandments; the Mosaic Covenant And God spoke all these words, saying:
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I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. You shall have no other gods before Me.
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You shall not make for yourself any graven image, or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above, or that is in the earth beneath, or that is in the water un der the earth. 5 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generations of those who hate Me, 6 and showing mercy to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments. You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. 9 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. In it you shall not do any work: you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your manser vant, nor your maidser vant, nor your cattle, nor your foreigner who is within your gates. 11 For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in them, and
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rested the seventh day. Therefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day and made it holy. Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long on the land that the Lord your God gives you. You shall not kill. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house. You shall not covet your neighbor’s wife, or his manservant, or his maid servant, or his ox, or his donkey, or anything that is your neighbor’s. 18 And all the people saw the thun
der and the lightning and the noise of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. And when the people saw it, they moved and stood afar off. 19 And they said to Moses, “You speak with us, and we will hear. But do not let God speak with us, lest we die.” 20 And Moses said to the people, “Do not fear, for God has come to test you, and that His fear may be before your faces, that you do not sin.” 21 And the people stood afar off, and Moses drew near to the thick darkness where God was. 22 And the Lord said to Moses, “This is what you shall say to the children of Israel: ‘You have seen
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that I have talked with you from heaven. 23 You shall not make with Me gods of silver. Neither shall you make for yourselves gods of gold. 24 You shall make for Me an altar of earth and shall sacrifice on it your burnt offerings, and your peace of ferings, your sheep, and your oxen. In all places where I record My name I will come to you, and I will bless you. 25 And if you will make Me an altar of stone, you shall not build it of cut stone, for if you lift up your tool on it, you have polluted it. 26 Nor shall you go up by steps to My altar, that your nakedness may not be discovered on it.’” The Law: Master and Servant “Now these are the judg ments that you shall set be fore them: 2 If you buy a Hebrew servant, he shall serve six years. And in the seventh he shall go out free, for nothing. 3 If he came in by himself, he shall go out by himself. If he was married, then his wife shall go out with him. 4 If his mas ter has given him a wife and she has borne him sons or daughters, the wife and her children shall be her master’s, and he shall go out by himself. 5 And if the servant shall plainly say, ‘I love my master, my wife, and my children; I will not go out free,’ 6 then his master shall bring him to the judges. He shall also bring him to the door, or to the doorpost, and his master shall bore his ear through with an awl, and he shall serve him forever. 7 “And if a man sells his daugh ter to be a maidservant, she shall not go out as the menservants do.
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who has betrothed her to himself, then he shall let her be redeemed. He shall have no power to sell her to a foreign nation, seeing he has dealt deceitfully with her. 9 And if he has betrothed her to his son, he shall deal with her according to the manner of daughters. 10 If he takes another wife, he shall not diminish her food, her clothing, and her duty of marriage. 11 And if he does not do these three to her, then she shall go out free without money.” The Law: Injuries to the Person 12 “He who strikes a man so that he dies shall surely be put to death. 13 And if a man does not lie in wait but God delivers him into his hand, then I will appoint you a place where he shall flee. 14 “But if a man comes presump tuously on his neighbor to slay him with deceit, you shall take him from My altar, that he may die. 15 “And he who strikes his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. 16 “And he who steals a man and sells him, or if he is found in his hand, he shall surely be put to death. 17 “And he who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. 18 “And if men fight together and one strikes another with a stone or with his fist, and he does not die but keeps his bed, 19 if he rises again and walks outside on his staff, then he who struck him shall be free. Only he shall pay for the loss of his time and shall cause him to be thor oughly healed.
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or his maid with a rod and he dies under his hand, he shall surely be punished. 21 However, if he contin ues a day or two, he shall not be punished, for he is his property. 22 “If men fight and hurt a woman with child so that her child departs from her, and yet no injury follows, he shall surely be punished accord ingly as the woman’s husband will lay on him. And he shall pay as the judges determine. 23 And if any in jury follows, then you shall give life for life, 24 eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot, 25 burn ing for burning, wound for wound, stripe for stripe. 26 “And if a man strikes the eye of his servant or the eye of his maid, that it perishes, he shall let him go free for his eye’s sake. 27 And if he strikes out his manservant’s tooth or his maidservant’s tooth, he shall let him go free for his tooth’s sake. 28 “If an ox gores a man or a woman so that they die, then the ox shall surely be stoned and its flesh shall not be eaten, but the owner of the ox shall be free. 29 But if the ox was accustomed to push with its horn in times past, and it has been testified to its owner and he has not kept it in so that it has killed a man or a woman, the ox shall be stoned and its owner shall also be put to death. 30 If there is laid on him a sum of money, then he shall give what ever is laid on him for the ransom of his life. 31 Whether it has gored a son or has gored a daughter, according to this judgment it shall be done to him. 32 If the ox pushes a manser vant or a maidservant, he shall give
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thirty shekels of silver to their mas ter, and the ox shall be stoned. 33 “And if a man opens a pit, or if a man digs a pit and does not cover it, and an ox or a donkey falls in it, 34 the owner of the pit shall make it good and give money to their owner, and the dead beast shall be his. 35 “And if one man’s ox hurts an other’s, so that it dies, then they shall sell the live ox and divide the money from it. And the dead ox they shall also divide. 36 Or if it is known that the ox used to push in times past and its owner has not kept it in, he shall surely pay ox for ox, and the dead shall be his own.” The Law: Rights of Property “If a man steals an ox or a sheep and kills it or sells it, he shall restore five oxen for an ox and four sheep for a sheep. 2 If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies, there shall be no blood shed for him. 3 If the sun has risen on him, there shall be blood shed for him. For he should make full restitution. If he has nothing, then he shall be sold for his theft. 4 If the theft is certainly found in his hand alive, whether it is ox or donkey or sheep, he shall restore double. 5 “If a man causes a field or vine yard to be eaten and puts in his beast and it feeds in another man’s field, he shall make restitution of the best of his own field and of the best of his own vineyard. 6 “If fire breaks out and catches in thorns, so that the stacks of grain, or the standing grain, or the field is consumed with it, he who kindled the fire shall surely make restitution.
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7 “If a man delivers to his neighbor
money or belongings to keep and it is stolen out of the man’s house, if the thief is found, let him pay dou ble. 8 If the thief is not found, then the master of the house shall be brought to the judges to see whether he has put his hand to his neighbor’s goods. 9 “For all kinds of trespass, whether it be for ox, for donkey, for sheep, for clothing, or for any kind of lost thing that another challenges to be his, the case of both parties shall come before the judges. And whomever the judges condemn, he shall pay double to his neighbor. 10 If a man delivers to his neighbor a donkey or an ox or a sheep or any beast to keep and it dies or is hurt or driven away, no man seeing it, 11 then an oath of the Lord shall be between them both, that he has not put his hand to his neighbor’s goods. And its owner shall accept it, and he shall not make it good. 12 And if it is stolen from him, he shall make restitution to its owner. 13 If it is torn in pieces, then let him bring it for witness, and he shall not make good what was torn. 14 “And if a man borrows anything from his neighbor and it is hurt or dies, its owner not being with it, he shall surely make it good. 15 But if its owner is with it, he shall not make it good. If it is a hired thing, it came for his hire.” The Law: Crimes against Humanity 16 “And if a man entices a maid who is not betrothed and lies with her, he shall surely endow her to be his
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wife. 17 If her father utterly refuses to give her to him, he shall pay money according to the dowry of virgins. 18 “You shall not allow a witch to live. 19 “Whoever lies with a beast shall surely be put to death. 20 “He who sacrifices to any god, except to the Lord only, he shall be utterly destroyed. 21 “You shall neither afflict a for eigner nor oppress him, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 22 “You shall not afflict any widow or fatherless child. 23 If you afflict them in any way and they cry at all to Me, I will surely hear their cry, 24 and My wrath shall become hot. And I will kill you with the sword, and your wives shall be widows and your children fatherless. 25 “If you lend money to any of My people who are poor by you, you shall not be to him as a usurer. Nei ther shall you lay usury on him. 26 If you take your neighbor’s clothing to pledge at all, you shall deliver it to him before the sun goes down. 27 For that is his only covering; it is his clothing for his skin. In what shall he sleep? And it shall come to pass when he cries to Me, that I will hear, for I am gracious. 28 “You shall not revile the gods or curse the ruler of your people. 29 “You shall not delay to offer the first of your ripe fruits and of your liquors. You shall give to Me the firstborn of your sons. 30 You shall do likewise with your oxen and with your sheep. It shall be with its mother seven days. On the eighth day you shall give it Me. 31 “And you shall be holy men to
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Exodus 23:12
Me. You shall not eat any flesh that is torn by beasts in the field. You shall cast it to the dogs.”
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“You shall not raise a false report. Do not put your hand with the wicked to be an unrigh teous witness. 2 You shall not follow a multitude to do evil. Nor shall you speak in a dispute to turn away af ter many to pervert judgment. 3 You shall not favor a poor man in his case. 4 “If you meet your enemy’s ox or his donkey going astray, you shall surely bring it back to him again. 5 If you see the donkey of him who hates you lying under its burden and would refrain from helping it, you shall surely help with it. 6 “You shall not pervert the judg ment of your poor in his case. 7 Keep far from a false matter, and do not slay the innocent and righteous. For I will not justify the wicked. 8 And you shall take no gift, for the gift blinds the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. 9 “Also you shall not oppress a for eigner, for you know the heart of a foreigner, seeing you were foreign ers in the land of Egypt.” The Law: The Land and the Sabbath 10 “And six years you shall sow your land and shall gather in its fruits, 11 but the seventh year you shall let it rest and lie still, that the poor of your people may eat. And what they leave, the beasts of the field shall eat. In the same way you shall deal with your vineyard and with your olive yard. 12 Six days you shall
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Exodus 23:13
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do your work, and on the seventh day you shall rest, that your ox and your donkey may rest, and the son of your handmaid and the foreigner may be refreshed. 13 “And in all things that I have said to you, be careful and make no mention of the name of other gods, nor let it be heard out of your mouth.” The Three National Feasts 14 “Three times you shall keep a feast to Me in the year. 15 You shall keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread (you shall eat unleavened bread seven days, as I commanded you, in the appointed time of the month Abib, for in it you came out from Egypt, and none shall appear before Me empty); 16 and the Feast of Harvest, the firstfruits of your labors that you have sown in the field; and the Feast of Ingathering that is in the end of the year, when you have gathered in the fruit of your labors out of the field. 17 “Three times in the year all your males shall appear before the Lord God. 18 “You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leavened bread. Nor shall the fat of My sacrifice re main until the morning. 19 The first of the firstfruits of your land you shall bring into the house of the Lord your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.” Instructions and Promises 20 “Behold, I send an Angel before you to keep you in the way and to bring you into the place that I have prepared. 21 Beware of him
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and obey his voice. Do not provoke him, for he will not pardon your transgressions, for My name is in him. 22 But if you shall indeed obey his voice and do all that I speak, then I will be an enemy to your en emies and an adversary to your ad versaries. 23 For My Angel shall go before you and bring you in to the Amorites and the Hittites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, and I will cut them off. 24 You shall not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do according to their works. But you shall utterly over throw them and completely break down their images. 25 “And you shall serve the Lord your God, and He shall bless your bread and your water. And I will take sickness away from the midst of you. 26 No one shall miscarry or be barren in your land. I will fulfill the number of your days. 27 “I will send My fear before you and will destroy all the people to whom you shall come, and I will make all your enemies turn their backs to you. 28 And I will send hor nets before you, which shall drive out the Hivite, the Canaanite, and the Hittite from before you. 29 I will not drive them out from before you in one year, lest the land become desolate and the beasts of the field multiply against you. 30 And little by little I will drive them out from be fore you, until you have increased and inherit the land. 31 And I will set your boundaries from the Red Sea even to the sea of the Philistines, and from the desert to the river. For I will deliver the inhabitants of the
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land into your hand, and you shall drive them out before you. 32 You shall make no covenant with them or with their gods. 33 They shall not dwell in your land, lest they make you sin against Me. For if you serve their gods, it will surely be a snare to you.” The Building of the Tabernacle And He said to Moses, “Come up to the Lord, you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, and worship afar off. 2 And Moses alone shall come near the Lord, but they shall not come near. Nor shall the people go up with him.”
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The Worship of the People 3 And Moses came and told the peo ple all the words of the Lord and all the judgments. And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words that the Lord has said we will do.” 4 And Moses wrote all the words of the Lord, and rose up early in the morning, and built an altar under the hill and twelve pillars according to the twelve tribes of Is rael. 5 And he sent young men of the children of Israel, who offered burnt offerings and sacrificed peace offer ings of oxen to the Lord. 6 And Mo ses took half of the blood and put it in basins, and half of the blood he sprinkled on the altar. 7 And he took the Book of the Covenant and read in the audience of the people. And they said, “All that the Lord has said we will do and be obedient.” 8 And Moses took the blood, and sprinkled it on the people, and said, “Behold the blood of the covenant
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Exodus 24:18
that the Lord has made with you concerning all these words.” The Worship of Moses 9 Then Moses went up, and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel, 10 and they saw the God of Israel. And there was un der His feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in its clearness. 11 And He did not lay His hand on the nobles of the children of Israel. They also saw God and ate and drank. 12 And the Lord said to Moses, “Come up to Me into the mount and be there, and I will give you tablets of stone and a law and command ments that I have written, that you may teach them.” 13 And Moses and his minister Joshua rose up, and Moses went up into the mount of God. 14 And he said to the elders, “Remain here for us until we come again to you. And behold, Aaron and Hur are with you. If any man has any matters to do, let him come to them.” 15 And Moses went up into the mount, and a cloud covered the mount. 16 And the glory of the Lord abided on Mount Sinai, and the cloud covered it six days. And the seventh day He called to Mo ses out of the midst of the cloud. 17 And the sight of the glory of the Lord was like devouring fire on the top of the mount in the eyes of the children of Israel. 18 And Moses went into the midst of the cloud and got up into the mount. And Moses was on the mount forty days and forty nights.
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Exodus 25:1
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Moses on the Mount And the Lord spoke to Mo ses, saying: 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring Me an offering. You shall take My offering from every man who gives it willingly with his heart. 3 And this is the offering that you shall take from them: gold and silver and brass; 4 and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fine linen, and goats’ hair; 5 and rams’ skins dyed red and badgers’ skins and shittim wood; 6 oil for the light, spices for anoint ing oil and for sweet incense; 7 onyx stones and stones to be set in the ephod and in the breastplate. 8 And let them make Me a sanctuary, that I may dwell among them. 9 Accord ing to all that I show you, according to the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all the instruments in it, even so you shall make it. 10 “And they shall make an ark of shittim wood. Two and a half cu bits shall be its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. 11 And you shall overlay it with pure gold. In side and outside you shall overlay it and shall make on it a crown of gold all around. 12 And you shall cast four rings of gold for it and put them in its four corners. And two rings shall be in the one side of it, and two rings in the other side of it. 13 And you shall make poles of shittim wood and overlay them with gold. 14 And you shall put the poles into the rings by the sides of the ark, that the ark may be carried with them. 15 The poles shall be in the rings of the ark; they shall not be taken from it. 16 And you shall
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put into the ark the testimony that I shall give you. 17 “And you shall make a mercy seat of pure gold. Two and a half cubits shall be its length, and a cu bit and a half its breadth. 18 And you shall make two cherubim of gold. Of beaten work you shall make them in the two ends of the mercy seat. 19 And make one cherub on the one end and the other cherub on the other end; even of the mercy seat you shall make the cherubim on its two ends. 20 And the cherubim shall stretch out their wings on high, covering the mercy seat with their wings, and their faces shall look to one another. The faces of the cheru bim shall be toward the mercy seat. 21 And you shall put the mercy seat above on the ark, and in the ark you shall put the testimony that I shall give you. 22 And there I will meet with you, and I will commune with you from above the mercy seat, from between the two cherubim that are on the ark of the testimony, about all things that I will give you in commandment to the children of Israel. 23 “You shall also make a table of shittim wood. Two cubits shall be its length, and a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. 24 And you shall overlay it with pure gold and make a crown of gold all around it. 25 “And you shall make for it a bor der of a handbreadth all around, and you shall make a golden crown all around for its border. 26 And you shall make for it four rings of gold and put the rings in the four cor ners that are on its four feet. 27 The
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rings shall be next to the border, for places for the poles to bear the table. 28 And you shall make the poles of shittim wood and overlay them with gold, that the table may be carried with them. 29 And you shall make its dishes and its spoons and its covers and its bowls, to cover therewith. You shall make them of pure gold. 30 And you shall set showbread on the table before Me always. 31 “And you shall make a candle stick of pure gold. The candlestick shall be made of beaten work. Its shaft, and its branches, its bowls, its knobs, and its flowers shall be of the same. 32 And six branches shall come out of its sides: three branches of the candlestick out of the one side and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side. 33 Three bowls made like almonds, with a knob and a flower in one branch, and three bowls made like almonds in the other branch, with a knob and a flower—so for the six branches that come out of the can dlestick. 34 And in the candlestick shall be four bowls made like al monds, with their knobs and their flowers. 35 And there shall be a knob under two branches of the same, and a knob under two branches of the same, and a knob under two branches of the same, according to the six branches that proceed out of the candlestick. 36 Their knobs and their branches shall be of the same; it shall all be one beaten work of pure gold. 37 And you shall make its seven lamps, and they shall light its lamps, that they may give light next to it. 38 And its tongs and its snuff dishes shall be of pure gold.
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Exodus 26:9
39 He shall make it of a talent of pure
gold, with all these vessels. 40 And see that you make them according to their pattern, which was shown to you on the mount.”
The Tabernacle: The Materials “Moreover, you shall make the tabernacle with ten cur tains of fine woven linen and blue and purple and scarlet. You shall make them with cherubim of skill ful work. 2 The length of one curtain shall be twenty-eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cu bits. And every one of the curtains shall have one measure. 3 The five curtains shall be coupled together to one another, and the other five curtains shall be coupled to one an other. 4 And you shall make loops of blue on the edge of the one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling, and likewise you shall make in the uttermost edge of another curtain in the coupling of the second. 5 You shall make fifty loops in the one cur tain, and you shall make fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that is in the coupling of the second, that the loops may take hold of one another. 6 And you shall make fifty clasps of gold and couple the curtains to gether with the clasps, and it shall be one tabernacle. 7 “And you shall make curtains of goats’ hair, to be a covering on the tabernacle. You shall make eleven curtains. 8 The length of one cur tain shall be thirty cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits, and the eleven curtains shall all be of one measure. 9 And you shall cou ple five curtains by themselves and
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Exodus 26:10
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six curtains by themselves, and shall double the sixth curtain in the fore front of the tabernacle. 10 And you shall make fifty loops on the edge of the one curtain that is outermost in the coupling, and fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that couples the second. 11 And you shall make fifty clasps of brass and put the clasps into the loops, and couple the tent together, that it may be one. 12 And the remnant that remains of the cur tains of the tent, the half curtain that remains, shall hang over the back of the tabernacle. 13 And a cubit on the one side and a cubit on the other side, of what remains in the length of the curtains of the tent, it shall hang over the sides of the taber nacle on this side and on that side, to cover it. 14 And you shall make a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red and a covering above of badgers’ skins. 15 “And you shall make boards for the tabernacle of shittim wood, standing up. 16 Ten cubits shall be the length of a board, and a cu bit and a half shall be the breadth of one board. 17 There shall be two tenons in one board, set in order against one another. Thus you shall make for all the boards of the tab ernacle. 18 And you shall make the boards for the tabernacle, twenty boards on the south side southward. 19 And you shall make forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards: two sockets under one board for its two tenons and two sockets under another board for its two tenons. 20 And for the second side of the tabernacle, on the north side, there shall be twenty boards 21 and their
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forty sockets of silver: two sockets under one board and two sockets under another board. 22 And for the sides of the tabernacle westward you shall make six boards. 23 And you shall make two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides. 24 And they shall be coupled together beneath and they shall be coupled together above its head by one ring. Thus it shall be for them both. They shall be for the two corners. 25 And there shall be eight boards and their sockets of silver, sixteen sockets: two sockets under one board and two sockets under another board. 26 “And you shall make bars of shittim wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, 27 and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the side of the tab ernacle for the two westward sides. 28 And the middle bar in the middle of the boards shall reach from end to end. 29 And you shall overlay the boards with gold and make their rings of gold for places for the bars. And you shall overlay the bars with gold. 30 And you shall build the tab ernacle according to its fashion that you were shown on the mount. 31 “And you shall make a veil of blue and purple and scarlet and fine woven linen of skillful work. It shall be made with cherubim. 32 And you shall hang it on four pillars of shittim wood overlaid with gold. Their hooks shall be of gold, on the four sockets of silver. 33 And you shall hang up the veil under the clasps, that you may bring in there within the veil the ark of the testimony. And
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the veil shall divide for you between the Holy Place and the Most Holy. 34 And you shall put the mercy seat on the ark of the testimony in the Most Holy Place. 35 And you shall set the table outside the veil and the candlestick on the other side of the table on the side of the tabernacle toward the south. And you shall put the table on the north side. 36 “And you shall make a hanging for the door of the tent of blue and purple and scarlet, and fine woven linen, worked with needlework. 37 And you shall make for the hang ing five pillars of shittim wood and overlay them with gold. And their hooks shall be of gold, and you shall cast five sockets of brass for them.”
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“And you shall make an altar of shittim wood, five cubits long and five cubits broad. The al tar shall be square, and its height shall be three cubits. 2 And you shall make its horns on its four cor ners; its horns shall be of the same. And you shall overlay it with brass. 3 And you shall make its pans to re ceive its ashes, and its shovels and its basins, and its forks and its fire pans. You shall make all its vessels of brass. 4 And you shall make for it a grate of network of brass, and on the net you shall make four bra zen rings in its four corners. 5 And you shall put it under the edge of the altar beneath, that the net may be even to the middle of the altar. 6 And you shall make poles for the altar, poles of shittim wood, and overlay them with brass. 7 And the poles shall be put into the rings,
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Exodus 27:18
and the poles shall be on the two sides of the altar to bear it. 8 You shall make it hollow with boards; as it was shown to you on the mount, so shall they make it. 9 “And you shall make the court of the tabernacle. For the south side southward there shall be hangings for the court of fine woven linen of a hundred cubits long for one side. 10 And its twenty pillars and their twenty sockets shall be of brass. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets shall be of silver. 11 And likewise in length for the north side there shall be hangings of a hundred cubits long, and its twenty pillars and their twenty sockets of brass, the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of sil ver. 12 “And for the breadth of the court on the west side shall be hangings of fifty cubits, with their ten pillars and their ten sockets. 13 And the breadth of the court on the east side eastward shall be fifty cubits. 14 The hangings of one side of the gate shall be fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three sock ets. 15 And on the other side shall be hangings of fifteen cubits, with their three pillars and their three sockets. 16 “And for the gate of the court shall be a hanging of twenty cubits, of blue and purple and scarlet, and fine woven linen, worked with nee dlework. And it shall have four pil lars and four sockets. 17 All the pil lars around the court shall be filleted with silver. Their hooks shall be of silver and their sockets of brass. 18 The length of the court shall be a hundred cubits, and the breadth fifty everywhere, and the height five
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Exodus 27:19
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cubits, of fine woven linen, and their sockets of brass. 19 All the vessels of the tabernacle in all its service, and all its pins and all the pins of the court, shall be of brass. 20 “And you shall command the children of Israel that they bring you pure, beaten olive oil for the light, to cause the lamp to burn always. 21 In the tabernacle of the congregation, outside the veil that is before the testimony, Aaron and his sons shall order it from evening to morning before the Lord. It shall be a statute forever to their generations on be half of the children of Israel.” The High Priest and the Priests “And take Aaron your brother to you, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister to Me in the priest’s office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron’s sons. 2 And you shall make holy garments for your brother Aaron, for glory and for beauty. 3 And you shall speak to all who are wisehearted, whom I have filled with the spirit of wisdom, that they may make Aaron’s garments to con secrate him, that he may minister to Me in the priest’s office.”
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The Garments of the High Priest 4 “And these are the garments that they shall make: a breastplate, and an ephod, and a robe, and an em broidered coat, a turban, and a belt. And they shall make holy garments for Aaron your brother and his sons, that he may minister to Me in the priest’s office.
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5 “And
they shall take gold and blue and purple and scarlet, and fine linen. 6 And they shall make the ephod of gold, of blue, and of pur ple, of scarlet, and fine woven linen, with skillful work. 7 It shall have its two shoulder pieces joined at its two edges, and so it shall be joined together. 8 And the skillfully made belt of the ephod, which is on it, shall be of the same according to its workmanship, even of gold, of blue, and purple and scarlet, and fine wo ven linen. 9 “And you shall take two onyx stones and engrave on them the names of the children of Israel: 10 six of their names on one stone and the other six names of the rest on the other stone, according to their birth. 11 With the work of an engraver in stone, like the engravings of a sig net, you shall engrave the two stones with the names of the children of Is rael. You shall make them to be set in settings of gold. 12 And you shall put the two stones on the shoulders of the ephod for stones of memo rial for the children of Israel. And Aaron shall bear their names before the Lord on his two shoulders for a memorial. 13 And you shall make settings of gold 14 and two chains of pure gold at the ends. You shall make them of intertwined work and fasten the intertwined chains to the settings. 15 “And you shall make the breast plate of judgment with skillful work. You shall make it according to the work of the ephod: you shall make it of gold, of blue, and of purple and of scarlet, and of fine woven linen. 16 It shall be square, being doubled. A
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span shall be its length, and a span shall be its breadth. 17 And you shall set settings of stones in it, even four rows of stones. The first row shall be a sardius, a topaz, and a carbun cle; this shall be the first row. 18 And the second row shall be an emerald, a sapphire, and a diamond; 19 and the third row, a ligure, an agate, and an amethyst; 20 and the fourth row, a beryl, and an onyx, and a jasper. They shall be set in gold in their enclosings. 21 And the stones shall be with the names of the children of Israel, twelve according to their names, like the engravings of a sig net, every one with its name; it shall be according to the twelve tribes. 22 “And you shall make chains on the breastplate at the ends of inter twined work of pure gold. 23 And you shall make two rings of gold on the breastplate and shall put the two rings on the two ends of the breastplate. 24 And you shall put the two intertwined chains of gold in the two rings that are on the ends of the breastplate. 25 And you shall fasten the other two ends of the two intertwined chains in the two set tings and put them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod before it. 26 “And you shall make two rings of gold, and you shall put them on the two ends of the breastplate in its border, which is in the inner side of the ephod. 27 And you shall make two other rings of gold and shall put them underneath on the two sides of the ephod, toward the front part of it, close to the other coupling of it above the skillfully made belt of the ephod. 28 And they shall bind the breastplate by its rings to the rings
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Exodus 28:36
of the ephod, with a lace of blue, that it may be above the skillfully made belt of the ephod, and that the breastplate will not be loosed from the ephod. 29 “And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment on his heart, when he goes in to the Holy Place, for a memorial before the Lord continually. 30 And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim, and they shall be on Aaron’s heart when he goes in before the Lord. And Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before the Lord continually.” The Robe of Ephod 31 “And you shall make the robe of the ephod all of blue. 32 And there shall be a hole in the top of it in the middle of it. It shall have a binding of woven work all around its hole, as it were the hole of a coat of mail, that it will not be torn. 33 And be neath on its hem you shall make pomegranates of blue and of purple and of scarlet, all around its hem, and bells of gold between them all around: 34 a golden bell and a pome granate, a golden bell and a pome granate, on the hem of the robe all around. 35 And it shall be on Aaron to minister, and his sound shall be heard when he goes in to the Holy Place before the Lord and when he comes out, that he not die.” The Holy Crown 36 “And you shall make a plate of pure gold and engrave on it, like the engravings of a signet: Holiness to
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Exodus 28:37
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the Lord. 37 And you shall put it on a blue lace, that it may be on the turban; it shall be on the forefront of the turban. 38 And it shall be on Aaron’s forehead, that Aaron may bear the iniquity of the holy things that the children of Israel shall con secrate in all their holy gifts. And it shall always be on his forehead, that they may be accepted before the Lord. 39 “And you shall embroider the coat of fine linen, and you shall make the turban of fine linen, and you shall make the belt of needle work. 40 “And you shall make coats for Aaron’s sons, and you shall make belts for them. And you shall make caps for them, for glory and for beauty. 41 And you shall put them on Aaron your brother and his sons with him, and shall anoint them and consecrate them and sanctify them, that they may minister to Me in the priest’s office. 42 And you shall make them linen undergarments to cover their nakedness; they shall reach from the loins even to the thighs. 43 And they shall be on Aaron and on his sons when they come in to the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near to the altar to minister in the Holy Place, that they not bear iniquity and die. It shall be a statute forever to him and his descendants after him.” The Consecration of the Priests “And this is the thing that you shall do to them to conse crate them to minister to Me in the priest’s office: Take one young bull and two rams without blemish, 2 and
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unleavened bread, and unleavened cakes tempered with oil, and un leavened wafers anointed with oil; you shall make them of wheat flour. 3 And you shall put them into one basket and bring them in the basket with the bull and the two rams. 4 “And you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the taber nacle of the congregation and shall wash them with water. 5 And you shall take the garments and put the coat on Aaron, and the robe of the ephod, and the ephod, and the breastplate, and gird him with the skillfully made belt of the ephod. 6 And you shall put the turban on his head and put the holy crown on the turban. 7 Then you shall take the anointing oil and pour it on his head and anoint him. 8 And you shall bring his sons and put coats on them. 9 And you shall gird them with belts, Aaron and his sons, and put the caps on them. And the priest’s office shall be theirs for a perpetual statute. And you shall consecrate Aaron and his sons. 10 “And you shall cause a bull to be brought before the tabernacle of the congregation, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the bull. 11 And you shall kill the bull before the Lord, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 12 And you shall take of the blood of the bull and put it on the horns of the altar with your finger, and pour all the blood beside the bottom of the altar. 13 And you shall take all the fat that covers the entrails, and the caul that is above the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and burn
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them on the altar. 14 But the flesh of the bull, and its skin and its dung, you shall burn with fire outside the camp. It is a sin offering. 15 “You shall also take one ram, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the ram. 16 And you shall slay the ram, and you shall take its blood and sprin kle it all around on the altar. 17 And you shall cut the ram in pieces, and wash its entrails and its legs, and put them with its pieces and with its head. 18 And you shall burn the whole ram on the altar. It is a burnt offering to the Lord. It is a sweet sa vor, an offering made by fire to the Lord. 19 “And you shall take the other ram, and Aaron and his sons shall put their hands on the head of the ram. 20 Then you shall kill the ram, and take of its blood and put it on the tip of the right ear of Aaron and on the tip of the right ear of his sons, and on the thumb of their right hand and on the great toe of their right foot, and sprinkle the blood all around on the altar. 21 And you shall take of the blood that is on the altar, and of the anointing oil, and sprinkle it on Aaron and on his gar ments, and on his sons and on the garments of his sons with him. And he and his garments shall be made holy, and his sons and his sons’ gar ments with him. 22 “Also you shall take the fat of the ram, and the rump, and the fat that covers the entrails, and the caul above the liver, and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them, and the right shoulder, for it is a ram of con secration, 23 and one loaf of bread,
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and one cake of oiled bread, and one wafer out of the basket of the unleavened bread that is before the Lord. 24 And you shall put all in the hands of Aaron and in the hands of his sons and shall wave them for a wave offering before the Lord. 25 And you shall receive them from their hands and burn them on the altar for a burnt offering, for a sweet savor before the Lord. It is an offer ing made by fire to the Lord.” The Food of the Priests 26 “And you shall take the breast of the ram of Aaron’s consecration and wave it for a wave offering be fore the Lord, and it shall be your part. 27 And you shall sanctify the breast of the wave offering and the shoulder of the heave offering, which is waved and which is heaved up of the ram of the consecration, even of that which is for Aaron, and of that which is for his sons. 28 And it shall be Aaron’s and his sons’ by a statute forever from the children of Israel. For it is a heave offering, and it shall be a heave offering from the children of Israel from the sacrifice of their peace offerings, even their heave offering to the Lord. 29 “And the holy garments of Aaron shall be his sons’ after him, to be anointed in them and to be conse crated in them. 30 And that son who is priest in his place shall put them on seven days when he comes into the tabernacle of the congregation to minister in the Holy Place.” 31 “And you shall take the ram of the consecration and boil its flesh in the Holy Place. 32 And Aaron and his sons shall eat the flesh of the ram
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and the bread that is in the basket by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 33 And they shall eat those things with which the atone ment was made, to consecrate and to sanctify them. But a stranger shall not eat of them because they are holy. 34 And if any of the flesh of the consecrations, or of the bread, remains until the morning, then you shall burn the remainder with fire. It shall not be eaten because it is holy. 35 “And thus you shall do to Aaron and to his sons according to all things that I have commanded you. Seven days you shall conse crate them. 36 And you shall offer a bull every day for a sin offering for atonement. And you shall cleanse the altar when you have made an atonement for it, and you shall anoint it to sanctify it. 37 Seven days you shall make an atonement for the altar and sanctify it. And it shall be an altar most holy. Whatever touches the altar shall be holy.” The Continual Burnt Offering 38 “Now this is what you shall offer on the altar: two lambs of the first year, day by day continually. 39 The one lamb you shall offer in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at evening. 40 And with the one lamb a tenth deal of flour mingled with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil, and the fourth part of a hin of wine for a drink offering. 41 And the other lamb you shall offer at eve ning, and shall do to it according to the grain offering of the morning and according to its drink offering, for a sweet savor, an offering made by fire to the Lord. 42 This shall be
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a continual burnt offering through out your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak there to you. 43 And I will meet there with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by My glory. 44 And I will sanctify the tabernacle of the con gregation and the altar. I will also sanctify both Aaron and his sons to minister to Me in the priest’s office. 45 And I will dwell among the chil dren of Israel and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the Lord their God, who brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them. I am the Lord their God.” The Altar of Incense “And you shall make an altar to burn incense on. You shall make it of shittim wood. 2 A cubit shall be its length, and a cubit its breadth. It shall be square, and two cubits shall be its height. Its horns shall be of the same. 3 And you shall overlay it with pure gold: the top of it, and its sides all around, and its horns. And you shall make a crown of gold for it all around. 4 And two golden rings you shall make for it under its crown, by its two corners. You shall make them on its two sides, and they shall be for places for the poles with which to bear it. 5 And you shall make the poles of shittim wood and overlay them with gold. 6 And you shall put it before the veil that is by the ark of the tes timony, before the mercy seat that is over the testimony, where I will meet with you.
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incense every morning. When he trims the lamps, he shall burn in cense on it. 8 And when Aaron lights the lamps at evening, he shall burn incense on it, a perpetual in cense before the Lord throughout your generations. 9 You shall offer no strange incense on it, nor burnt sacrifice, nor grain offering. Nor shall you pour a drink offering on it. 10 And Aaron shall make an atone ment on its horns once in a year with the blood of the sin offering of atonement. Once in the year he shall make atonement on it through out your generations. It is most holy to the Lord.” Who May Worship? 11 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 12 “When you take the sum of the children of Israel according to their number, then they shall give every man a ransom for his soul to the Lord, when you num ber them, that there be no plague among them when you number them. 13 This they shall give, every one who passes among them who are numbered: half a shekel ac cording to the shekel of the sanc tuary (a shekel is twenty gerahs). A half shekel shall be the offering to the Lord. 14 Everyone who passes among those who are numbered, from twenty years old and above, shall give an offering to the Lord. 15 The rich shall not give more and the poor shall not give less than half a shekel when they give an offer ing to the Lord to make an atone ment for your souls. 16 And you shall take the atonement money of the
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children of Israel and shall appoint it for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, that it may be a memorial to the children of Israel before the Lord, to make an atone ment for your souls.” 17 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 18 “You shall also make a laver of brass, and its base also of brass, to wash in it. And you shall put it between the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar. And you shall put water in it, 19 for Aaron and his sons shall wash their hands and their feet there. 20 When they go into the tabernacle of the congregation, or when they come near to the altar to minister, to burn offering made by fire to the Lord, they shall wash with water, that they not die. 21 So they shall wash their hands and their feet, that they not die. And it shall be a statute to them forever, even to him and to his descendants throughout their generations.” 22 Moreover the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 23 “Also take for your self principal spices: five hundred shekels of pure myrrh; and half so much of sweet cinnamon, even two hundred and fifty shekels; and two hundred and fifty shekels of sweet calamus; 24 and five hundred shekels of cassia, according to the shekel of the sanctuary; and a hin of ol ive oil. 25 And you shall make it an oil of holy ointment, an ointment compound according to the art of the apothecary. It shall be a holy anointing oil. 26 And with it you shall anoint the tabernacle of the congre gation and the ark of the testimony; 27 and the table and all its vessels, and the candlestick and its vessels,
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and the altar of incense; 28 and the altar of burnt offering with all its vessels, and the laver and its base. 29 And you shall sanctify them, that they may be most holy. Whatever touches them shall be holy. 30 And you shall anoint Aaron and his sons and consecrate them, that they may minister to Me in the priest’s office. 31 “And you shall speak to the chil dren of Israel, saying: ‘This shall be a holy anointing oil to Me through out your generations. 32 It shall not be poured on a man's flesh. Nor shall you make any other like it, according to its composition. It is holy, and it shall be holy to you. 33 Whoever compounds any like it, or whoever puts any of it on a stranger, shall even be cut off from his people.’” Type of Prayer and Praise 34 And the Lord said to Moses: “Take for yourself sweet spices, stacte and onycha and galbanum, these sweet spices with pure frank incense. There shall be a like weight of each. 35 And you shall make it a perfume, a confection according to the art of the apothecary, mixed together, pure and holy. 36 And you shall beat some of it very small, and put some of it before the testimony in the tabernacle of the congrega tion where I will meet with you. It shall be most holy to you. 37 And as for the perfume that you shall make, you shall not make for your selves according to its composition. It shall be to you holy for the Lord. 38 Whoever shall make any similar to it, to smell it, shall even be cut off from his people.”
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The Tabernacle: The Workmen And the Lord spoke to Mo ses, saying, 2 “See, I have called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 3 And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, in wisdom, and in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship, 4 to devise skillful works, to work in gold and in silver and in brass, 5 and in cutting of stones to set them, and in carving of timber, to work in all kinds of workmanship. 6 “And I, behold, I have given with him Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, and I have put wisdom in the hearts of all who are wisehearted, that they may make all that I have commanded you: 7 the tabernacle of the congregation, and the ark of the testimony and the mercy seat that is on it, and all the furniture of the tabernacle, 8 and the table and its furniture, and the pure candlestick with all its furniture, and the altar of incense, 9 and the altar of burnt offering with all its furniture, and the laver and its base, 10 and the cloths of service, and the holy gar ments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office, 11 and the anoint ing oil and sweet incense for the Holy Place. They shall do according to all that I have commanded you.”
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A Sign between God and Israel 12 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 13 “Speak also to the chil dren of Israel, saying: ‘Truly you shall keep My Sabbaths, for it is a sign between Me and you through out your generations, that you may
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know that I am the Lord who sanc tifies you. 14 You shall keep the Sab bath, therefore, for it is holy to you. Everyone who defiles it shall surely be put to death, for whoever does any work on it, that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 15 Work may be done six days, but on the seventh is the Sabbath of rest, holy to the Lord. Whoever does any work on the Sabbath day, he shall surely be put to death. 16 Therefore the children of Israel shall keep the Sabbath, to observe the Sabbath throughout their generations for a perpetual covenant. 17 It is a sign between Me and the children of Is rael forever, for in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, and on the seventh day He rested and was re freshed.’” 18 And when He had made an end of communing with him on Mount Sinai, He gave to Moses two tablets of testimony, tablets of stone, writ ten with the finger of God. The Broken Law And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mount, the peo ple gathered themselves together to Aaron, and said to him, “Up! Make us gods that shall go before us, for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” 2 And Aaron said to them, “Break off the golden earrings that are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them to me.” 3 And all the people broke off the golden earrings that
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were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 And he received them from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf. And they said, “These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made a proclamation and said, “Tomorrow is a feast to the Lord.” 6 And they rose up early on the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and to drink and rose up to play. 7 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go, get down. For your people whom you brought out of the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. 8 They have quickly turned aside out of the way that I commanded them. They have made for themselves a mol ten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed to it, and said, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who have brought you up out of the land of Egypt.’” 9 And the Lord said to Moses, “I have seen these people, and behold, they are a stiff-necked people. 10 Now, therefore, leave Me alone, that My wrath may grow hot against them and that I may con sume them. And I will make a great nation of you.” 11 And Moses implored the Lord his God and said, “Lord, why does Your wrath grow hot against Your people whom You have brought forth out of the land of Egypt with great power and with a mighty hand? 12 Why should the Egyptians speak and say, ‘He brought them out
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for harm, to slay them in the moun tains and to consume them from the face of the earth’? Turn from Your fierce wrath, and change Your mind about this evil against Your people. 13 Remember Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, Your servants, to whom You swore by Your own self and said to them, ‘I will multiply your descen dants as the stars of heaven, and all this land that I have spoken of I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.” 14 And the Lord changed His mind about the evil that He thought to do to His people. Disciplinary Judgment 15 And Moses turned and went down from the mount, and the two tablets of the testimony were in his hand. The tablets were written on both their sides; they were written on the one side and on the other. 16 And the tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets. 17 And when Joshua heard the noise of the people as they shouted, he said to Moses, “There is a noise of war in the camp.” 18 And he said, “It is not the voice of those who shout for vic tory. Nor is it the voice of those who cry for being overcome. But I hear the noise of those who sing.” 19 And it came to pass, as soon as he came near to the camp, that he saw the calf and the dancing. And Moses’ anger grew hot, and he cast the tablets out of his hands and broke them beneath the mount. 20 And he took the calf that they had made, and burned it in the fire, and
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ground it to powder, and scattered it on the water and made the children of Israel drink of it. 21 And Moses said to Aaron, “What did these peo ple do to you, that you have brought so great a sin on them?” 22 And Aaron said, “Do not let the anger of my lord grow hot. You know the people, that they are set on evil. 23 For they said to me, ‘Make us gods that shall go before us, for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ 24 And I said to them, ‘Whoever has any gold, let them break it off.’ So they gave it me. Then I cast it into the fire, and this calf came out.” 25 And when Moses saw that the people were naked (for Aaron had made them naked, to their shame among their enemies), 26 then Moses stood in the gate of the camp and said, “Who is on the Lord’s side? Let him come to me.” And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together to him. 27 And he said to them, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘Let every man put his sword by his side, and go in and out from gate to gate throughout the camp, and every man slay his brother, and every man his compan ion, and every man his neighbor.’” 28 And the children of Levi did ac cording to the word of Moses. And there fell about three thousand men of the people that day. 29 For Moses had said, “Consecrate yourselves today to the Lord, even every man on his son and on his brother, that He may bestow a blessing on you this day.”
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The Confession and Intercession of Moses 30 And it came to pass on the next day that Moses said to the people, “You have sinned a great sin. And now I will go up to the Lord. Per haps I shall make an atonement for your sin.” 31 And Moses returned to the Lord and said, “Oh, these people have sinned a great sin and have made themselves gods of gold. 32 Yet now, if You will forgive their sin—and if not, I ask You, blot me out of Your book that You have written.” 33 And the Lord said to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against Me, I will blot him out of My book. 34 Now therefore, go, lead the people to the place of which I have spoken to you. Behold, My Angel shall go before you. Nevertheless, at the time when I visit, I will visit their sin on them.” 35 And the Lord plagued the peo ple because they made the calf, which Aaron made. The Journey to Be Resumed And the Lord said to Moses, “Depart and go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up out of the land of Egypt, to the land that I swore to Abra ham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘To your descendants I will give it.’ 2 And I will drive out the Canaan ite, the Amorite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite, and I will send an angel before you, 3 to a land flowing with milk and honey. For I will not go up in the midst of you, lest I consume you on the way, for you are a stiffnecked people.”
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4 And
when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned, and no man put his ornaments on him. 5 For the Lord had said to Mo ses, “Say to the children of Israel, ‘You are a stiff-necked people. I will come up into the midst of you in a moment and consume you. Now therefore, take off your ornaments, that I may know what to do to you.’” 6 And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by Mount Horeb. The “Tent of Meeting” 7 And Moses took the tabernacle and pitched it outside the camp, afar off from the camp, and called it the tabernacle of the congregation. And it came to pass that everyone who sought the Lord went out to the tabernacle of the congrega tion, which was outside the camp. 8 And it came to pass, when Moses went out to the tabernacle, that all the people rose up, and every man stood at his tent door and looked after Moses until he had gone into the tabernacle. 9 And it came to pass, as Moses entered into the tabernacle, the cloudy pillar de scended and stood at the door of the tabernacle, and the Lord talked with Moses. 10 And all the people saw the cloudy pillar stand at the tabernacle door, and all the people rose up and worshipped, every man in his tent door. 11 And the Lord spoke to Moses face to face, as a man speaks to his friend. And he turned again into the camp, but his servant Joshua the son of Nun, a young man, did not depart out of the tabernacle.
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Moses’ Prayer; God’s Answer 12 And Moses said to the Lord, “See, You say to me, ‘Bring up these peo ple.’ And You have not let me know whom You will send with me. Yet You have said, ‘I know you by name, and you have also found grace in My sight.’ 13 Now therefore, I ask you, if I have found grace in Your sight, show me now Your way, that I may know You, that I may find grace in Your sight. And consider that this nation is Your people.” 14 And He said, “My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest.” 15 And he said to Him, “If Your presence does not go with me, do not carry us up from here. 16 For how shall it be known here that I and Your people have found grace in Your sight? Is it not in that You go with us? So shall we be sepa rated, I and Your people, from all the people who are on the face of the earth.” 17 And the Lord said to Moses, “I will also do this thing that you have spoken, for you have found grace in My sight and I know you by name.” Moses Seeks a New Vision 18 And he said, “I beseech You, show me Your glory.” 19 And He said, “I will make all My goodness pass before you, and I will proclaim the name of the Lord before you, and will be gracious to whom I will be gracious, and will show mercy on whom I will show mercy.” 20 And He said, “You cannot see My face, for no man shall see Me and live.” 21 And the Lord said, “Behold, there is a place by Me, and you shall stand on a rock. 22 And it
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shall come to pass, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in a cleft of the rock and will cover you with My hand while I pass by. 23 And I will take away My hand and you shall see My back parts, but My face shall not be seen.” The Second Tables of the Law And the Lord said to Moses, “Cut two tablets of stone like the first, and I will write on these tablets the words that were in the first tablets, which you broke. 2 And be ready in the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself to Me there on the top of the mount. 3 And no man shall come up with you, nor let any man be seen throughout all the mount, and do not let the flocks or herds feed before that mount.” 4 And he cut two tablets of stone like the first. And Moses rose up early in the morning and went up to Mount Sinai, as the Lord had com manded him, and took in his hand the two tablets of stone.
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The New Vision 5 And the Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 6 And the Lord passed by before him and proclaimed, “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gra cious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, 7 keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving in iquity and transgression and sin, and who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and on the
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children’s children to the third and to the fourth generation.” 8 And Moses hastened and bowed his head toward the earth and wor shipped. 9 And he said, “If now I have found grace in Your sight, O Lord, let my Lord, I ask You, go among us, for it is a stiff-necked people. And pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for Your inheritance.” The Renewed Commission 10 And He said, “Behold, I make a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been done in all the earth nor in any nation. And all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the Lord. For it is an awesome thing that I will do with you. 11 Ob serve what I command you this day. Behold, I will drive out before you the Amorite and the Canaan ite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Hivite and the Jebusite. 12 Take heed to yourself, lest you make a covenant with the inhabi tants of the land where you are go ing, lest it be a snare in the midst of you. 13 But you shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves— 14 for you shall worship no other god, for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God— 15 lest you make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land, and they prostitute themselves af ter their gods, and make sacrifice to their gods, and one calls you and you eat of his sacrifice, 16 and you take of their daughters for your sons, and their daughters prostitute themselves after their gods and
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make your sons prostitute them selves after their gods. 17 “You shall make for yourselves no molten gods.” The Feasts and the Sabbaths Enjoined 18 “You shall keep the Feast of Un leavened Bread. Seven days you shall eat unleavened bread, as I commanded you, in the time of the month Abib, for in the month Abib you came out from Egypt. 19 “All that open the womb are Mine, and every firstborn that is male among your cattle, whether ox or sheep. 20 But the firstborn of a donkey you shall redeem with a lamb. And if you do not redeem it, then you shall break its neck. You shall redeem all the firstborn of your sons. And none shall appear before Me empty. 21 “Six days you shall work, but on the seventh day you shall rest. In plowing time and in harvest you shall rest. 22 “And you shall observe the Feast of Weeks, of the firstfruits of wheat harvest, and the Feast of Ingather ing at the year’s end. 23 “Three times in the year all your male children shall appear before the Lord God, the God of Israel. 24 For I will cast out the nations be fore you and enlarge your borders. No man shall desire your land when you shall go up to appear before the Lord your God three times in the year. 25 “You shall not offer the blood of My sacrifice with leaven. Nor shall the sacrifice of the Feast of the Passover be left until the morning.
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26 “The first of the firstfruits of your
land you shall bring to the house of the Lord your God. You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.” 27 And the Lord said to Moses, “Write these words, for according to the tenor of these words I have made a covenant with you and with Israel.” 28 And he was there with the Lord forty days and forty nights. He neither ate bread nor drank wa ter. And He wrote on the tablets the words of the covenant, the Ten Commandments. 29 And it came to pass, when Mo ses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of testimony in Moses’ hand when he came down from the mount, that Moses did not know that the skin of his face shone while he talked with Him. 30 And when Aaron and all the children of Israel saw Moses, behold, the skin of his face shone, and they were afraid to come near him. 31 And Mo ses called to them, and Aaron and all the rulers of the congregation returned to him, and Moses talked with them. 32 And afterward all the children of Israel came near, and he gave them in commandment all that the Lord had spoken with him on Mount Sinai. 33 And until Moses had finished speaking with them, he put a veil on his face. 34 But when Moses went in before the Lord to speak with Him, he took off the veil until he came out. And he came out and spoke to the children of Israel what he was commanded. 35 And the children of Israel saw the face of Moses, that the skin of Moses’ face shone, and Moses put the veil on his
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face again, until he went in to speak with Him. The Sabbath in Israel And Moses gathered all the congregation of the children of Israel together and said to them, “These are the words that the Lord has commanded, that you should do them. 2 Six days shall work be done, but on the seventh day there shall be for you a holy day, a Sab bath of rest to the Lord. Whoever does work on it shall be put to death. 3 You shall kindle no fire throughout your dwellings on the Sabbath day.”
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The Gifts of the People 4 And Moses spoke to all the con gregation of the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing that the Lord commanded, saying: 5 ‘Take from among you an offering to the Lord. Whoever is of a willing heart, let him bring it as an offering of the Lord: gold and silver and brass; 6 and blue and purple and scarlet, and fine linen and goats’ hair; 7 and rams’ skins dyed red, and badgers’ skins, and shittim wood; 8 and oil for the light, and spices for anointing oil and for the sweet incense; 9 and onyx stones and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate. 10 “‘And every wisehearted among you shall come and make all that the Lord has commanded: 11 the tabernacle, its tent and its covering, its clasps and its boards, its bars, its pillars, and its sockets, 12 the ark and its poles, with the mercy seat and the veil of the covering; 13 the table and its poles and all its ves sels and the showbread; 14 also the
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candlestick for the light and its fur niture and its lamps, with the oil for the light; 15 and the incense altar and its poles, and the anointing oil and the sweet incense, and the hang ing for the door at the entrance of the tabernacle; 16 the altar of burnt offering with its brazen grate, its poles and all its vessels, the laver and its base; 17 the hangings of the court, its pillars and their sockets, and the hanging for the door of the court; 18 the pins of the tabernacle and the pins of the court and their cords; 19 the cloths of service, to do service in the Holy Place, the holy garments for Aaron the priest and the garments of his sons, to minister in the priest’s office.’” 20 And all the congregation of the children of Israel departed from the presence of Moses. 21 And they came, everyone whose heart stirred him up, and everyone whom his spirit made willing, and they brought the Lord’s offering for the work of the tabernacle of the con gregation, and for all His service, and for the holy garments. 22 And they came, both men and women, as many as were willing in their hearts, and brought bracelets and earrings, and rings and tablets, all jewels of gold. And every man who made an offering offered gold to the Lord. 23 And every man, with whom was found blue and purple and scarlet, and fine linen and goats’ hair, and red skins of rams, and bad gers’ skins, brought them. 24 Every one who offered an offering of silver and brass brought the Lord’s offer ing. And every man with whom was found shittim wood for any work of
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the service brought it. 25 And all the women who were wisehearted spun with their hands and brought what they had spun, both of blue and of purple and of scarlet and of fine linen. 26 And all the women whose hearts stirred them up in wisdom spun goats’ hair. 27 And the rulers brought onyx stones, and stones to be set for the ephod and for the breastplate, 28 and spice and oil for the light and for the anointing oil and for the sweet incense. 29 The children of Israel brought a willing offering to the Lord, every man and woman whose hearts made them willing to bring for all kinds of work that the Lord had commanded to be made by the hand of Moses. Bezalel and Aholiab to Devise and Teach 30 And Moses said to the children of Israel, “See, the Lord has called by name Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. 31 And He has filled him with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all kinds of workmanship, 32 and to devise skillfully made works, to work in gold and in silver and in brass, 33 and in the cutting of stones to set them, and in carving of wood, to make any kind of skillful work. 34 “And He has put in his heart that he may teach, both he and Aholiab the son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan. 35 He has filled them with wisdom of heart to work all kinds of work of the engraver and of the skillful workman and of the em broiderer, in blue and in purple, in scarlet and in fine linen, and of the
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weaver, even of those who do any work and of those who devise skill ful work.” The Work Begun Then Bezalel and Aholiab, and every wisehearted man in whom the Lord put wisdom and understanding to know how to work all kinds of work for the service of the sanctuary, worked according to all that the Lord had commanded. 2 And Moses called Bezalel and Aholiab and every wisehearted man in whose heart the Lord had put wisdom, even every one whose heart stirred him up to come to the work to do it. 3 And they received from Moses all the offering that the children of Israel had brought for the work of the service of the sanc tuary, to make it with that. And they still brought to him free offerings every morning. 4 And all the wise men who worked all the work of the sanctuary came, every man from his work that he did. 5 And they spoke to Moses, saying, “The people are bringing much more than enough for the service of the work that the Lord commanded us to do.” 6 And Moses gave command, and they caused it to be proclaimed throughout the camp, saying, “Let neither man nor woman do any more work for the offering of the sanctu ary.” So the people were restrained from bringing, 7 for the goods they had were sufficient—too much—for all the work to make it. 8 And every wisehearted man among them who worked the work of the tabernacle made ten curtains
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of fine woven linen and blue and purple and scarlet. They made them with cherubim of skillful work. 9 The length of one curtain was twenty- eight cubits, and the breadth of one curtain four cubits; the curtains were all of one size. 10 And he coupled the five curtains to one another, and the other five curtains he coupled to one another. 11 And he made loops of blue on the edge of one curtain from the selvedge in the coupling. He did likewise in the uttermost side of another curtain in the cou pling of the second. 12 He made fifty loops in one curtain, and he made fifty loops in the edge of the curtain that was in the coupling of the sec ond; the loops held one curtain to another. 13 And he made fifty clasps of gold and coupled the curtains to one another with the clasps, so it became one tabernacle. 14 And he made curtains of goats’ hair for the tent over the taberna cle; he made eleven curtains. 15 The length of one curtain was thirty cu bits, and the breadth of one curtain was four cubits; the eleven curtains were of one size. 16 And he coupled five curtains by themselves and six curtains by themselves. 17 And he made fifty loops on the uttermost edge of the curtain in the coupling, and he made fifty loops on the edge of the curtain that coupled the sec ond. 18 And he made fifty clasps of brass to couple the tent together, that it might be one. 19 And he made a covering for the tent of rams’ skins dyed red and a covering of badgers’ skins above that. 20 And he made boards for the tab ernacle of shittim wood, standing
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up. 21 The length of a board was ten cubits, and the breadth of a board one and a half cubits. 22 One board had two tenons, equally distant one from another. Thus he made for all the boards of the tabernacle. 23 And he made boards for the tabernacle: twenty boards for the south side southward. 24 And he made forty sockets of silver under the twenty boards: two sockets under one board for its two tenons and two sockets under another board for its two tenons. 25 And for the other side of the tabernacle that is toward the north corner, he made twenty boards 26 and their forty sockets of silver: two sockets under one board and two sockets under another board. 27 And he made six boards for the westward sides of the tab ernacle. 28 And he made two boards for the corners of the tabernacle in the two sides. 29 And they were cou pled beneath and coupled together at its head by one ring. Thus he did to both of them in both the corners. 30 And there were eight boards, and their sockets were sixteen sockets of silver—two sockets under every board. 31 And he made bars of shittim wood: five for the boards of the one side of the tabernacle, 32 and five bars for the boards of the other side of the tabernacle, and five bars for the boards of the tabernacle on the westward sides. 33 And he made the middle bar to shoot through the boards from the one end to the other. 34 And he overlaid the boards with gold, and made their rings of gold to be places for the bars, and overlaid the bars with gold.
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35 And he made a veil of blue and
purple and scarlet and fine woven linen; he made it of skillful work with cherubim. 36 And he made four pillars of shittim wood for it and overlaid them with gold. Their hooks were of gold, and he cast four sockets of silver for them. 37 And he made a hanging of nee dlework for the tabernacle door, of blue and purple and scarlet and fine woven linen, 38 and its five pillars with their hooks. And he overlaid their chapiters and their fillets with gold, but their five sockets were of brass. The Ark And Bezalel made the ark of shittim wood: two and a half cubits was its length, and a cubit and a half its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. 2 And he overlaid it with pure gold inside and outside and made a crown of gold for it all around. 3 And he cast four rings of gold for it, to be set by its four cor ners: even two rings on the one side of it and two rings on the other side of it. 4 And he made poles of shittim wood and overlaid them with gold. 5 And he put the poles into the rings by the sides of the ark, to bear the ark. 6 And he made the mercy seat of pure gold: two and a half cubits was its length, and one and a half cubits its breadth. 7 And on the two ends of the mercy seat he made two cherubim of gold. He made them beaten out of one piece: 8 one cherub on the end on this side, and another cherub on the other end on that side. He made the cherubim on the two ends of the mercy seat.
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9 And the cherubim spread out their
wings on high and covered over the mercy seat with their wings, with their faces one to another. Even the faces of the cherubim were toward the mercy seat. 10 And he made the table of shittim wood: two cubits was its length, and a cubit its breadth, and a cubit and a half its height. 11 And he overlaid it with pure gold and made a crown of gold for it all around. 12 He also made a border of a handbreadth for it all around and made a crown of gold for its border all around. 13 And he cast for it four rings of gold and put the rings on the four corners that were on its four feet. 14 Near the border were the rings, the places for the poles to bear the table. 15 And he made the poles of shittim wood to bear the table and overlaid them with gold. 16 And he made the vessels that were on the table, its dishes, and its spoons, and its bowls, and its covers to cover it with, of pure gold. 17 And he made the candlestick of pure gold. He made the candle stick of beaten work; its shaft and its branch, its bowls, its knobs, and its flowers were of the same. 18 And six branches going out its sides— three branches of the candlestick out of the one side of it, and three branches of the candlestick out of the other side of it— 19 three bowls made according to the fashion of al monds in one branch, a knob and a flower, and three bowls made like almonds in another branch, a knob and a flower, so throughout the six branches going out of the candle stick.
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20 And
in the candlestick were four bowls made like almonds, its knobs and its flowers, 21 and a knob under two branches of the same, and a knob under two branches of the same, and a knob under two branches of the same, according to the six branches going out of it. 22 Their knobs and their branches were of the same; all of it was one beaten work of pure gold. 23 And he made its seven lamps and its snuff ers and its snuff dishes of pure gold. 24 He made it and all its vessels from a talent of pure gold. 25 And he made the incense al tar of shittim wood. Its length was a cubit, and its breadth a cubit; it was square, and its height was two cubits. Its horns were of the same. 26 And he overlaid it with pure gold: both its top and all around its sides, and its horns. He also made for it a crown of gold all around. 27 And he made two rings of gold for it under its crown, by its two corners, on its two sides, to be places for the poles to bear it with them. 28 And he made the poles of shittim wood and over laid them with gold. 29 And he made the holy anointing oil and the pure incense of sweet spices, according to the work of the apothecary.
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And he made the altar of burnt offering of shittim wood; its length was five cubits, and its breadth five cubits. It was square, and its height was three cu bits. 2 And he made its horns on its four corners; its horns were of the same. And he overlaid it with brass. 3 And he made all the vessels of the
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altar: the pots, and the shovels, and the basins, and the forks, and the firepans; he made all its vessels of brass. 4 And he made for the altar a brazen grate of network under its edge, beneath to the middle of it. 5 And he cast four rings for the four ends of the grate of brass, to be places for the poles. 6 And he made the poles of shittim wood and over laid them with brass. 7 And he put the poles into the rings on the sides of the altar, to bear it with them. He made the altar hollow with boards. 8 And he made the laver of brass and its base of brass, from the mir rors of the women assembling, who assembled at the door of the taber nacle of the congregation. 9 And he made the court on the south side southward. The hang ings of the court were of fine wo ven linen, a hundred cubits. 10 Their pillars were twenty, and their bra zen sockets twenty. The hooks of the pillars and their fillets were of silver. 11 And for the north side the hangings were a hundred cubits, their pillars were twenty, and their sockets of brass twenty; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of sil ver. 12 And for the west side were hangings of fifty cubits, their pillars ten, and their sockets ten; the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of sil ver. 13 And for the east side east ward, fifty cubits. 14 The hangings of the one side of the gate were fif teen cubits, their pillars three, and their sockets three. 15 And for the other side of the court gate, on this hand and that hand, were hangings of fifteen cubits, their three pillars, and their three sockets. 16 All the
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hangings of the court all around were of fine woven linen. 17 And the sockets for the pillars were of brass, the hooks of the pillars and their fillets of silver, and the over laying of their chapiters of silver. And all the pillars of the court were filleted with silver. The Gate of the Court 18 And the hanging for the gate of the court was needlework, of blue and purple and scarlet and fine woven linen. And the length was twenty cubits, and the height in the breadth was five cubits, cor responding to the hangings of the court. 19 And their pillars were four, and their sockets of brass four; their hooks of silver, and the overlaying of their chapiters and their fillets of silver. 20 And all the pins of the tab ernacle and of the court all around were of brass. 21 This is the sum of the taberna cle, even of the tabernacle of testi mony, as it was counted according to the commandment of Moses, for the service of the Levites, by the hand of Ithamar, son to Aaron the priest. 22 And Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah, made all that the Lord commanded Moses. 23 And with him was Aho liab, son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, an engraver and a skillful workman and an embroiderer in blue and in purple and in scarlet and fine linen. 24 All the gold that was used for the work in all the work of the Holy Place, even the gold of the offering, was twenty-nine talents and seven
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2 And he made the ephod of gold, hundred and thirty shekels, accord ing to the shekel of the sanctuary. blue, and purple, and scarlet, and 25 And the silver from those who fine woven linen. 3 And they beat were numbered of the congregation the gold into thin plates and cut it was a hundred talents and a thou into wires, to work it in the blue, and sand seven hundred and seventy- in the purple, and in the scarlet, and five shekels, according to the shekel in the fine linen, with skillful work. of the sanctuary: 26 a bekah for ev 4 They made shoulder pieces for ery man—that is, half a shekel, ac it to couple it together; by the two cording to the shekel of the sanctu edges it was coupled together. 5 And ary—for each one who went to be the skillfully made belt of his ephod numbered, from twenty years old that was on it was of the same, ac and upward, for six hundred and cording to the work of it, of gold, three thousand, five hundred and blue, and purple, and scarlet, and fifty men. 27 And the sockets of the fine woven linen, as the Lord com sanctuary and the sockets of the veil manded Moses. 6 And they worked onyx stones were cast from the hundred talents of silver: a hundred sockets from the enclosed in settings of gold, en hundred talents, a talent for a socket. graved as signets are engraved, 28 And from the one thousand seven with the names of the children of hundred and seventy- five shekels, Israel. 7 And he put them on the he made hooks for the pillars, and shoulders of the ephod, that they overlaid their chapiters, and filleted should be stones for a memorial for them. the children of Israel, as the Lord 29 And the brass of the offering was commanded Moses. 8 And he made the breastplate of seventy talents and two thousand 30 four hundred shekels. And with it skillful work, like the work of the he made the sockets for the door of ephod, of gold, blue, and purple, the tabernacle of the congregation, and scarlet, and fine woven linen. 9 It and the brazen altar and the brazen was square. They made the breast grate for it, and all the vessels of the plate double: its length was a span altar, 31 and the sockets of the court and its breadth a span, being dou all around, and the sockets of the bled. 10 And they set in it four rows of court gate, and all the pins of the stones. The first row was a sardius, tabernacle, and all the pins of the a topaz, and a carbuncle; this was court all around. the first row. 11 And the second row, an emerald, a sapphire, and a dia The Holy Garments for Aaron mond. 12 And the third row, a ligure, And from the blue and purple an agate, and an amethyst. 13 And and scarlet they made cloths the fourth row, a beryl, an onyx, of service, to do service in the Holy and a jasper. They were enclosed in Place, and made the holy garments settings of gold in their enclosings. for Aaron, as the Lord commanded 14 And the stones were according to Moses. the names of the children of Israel:
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twelve, according to their names, like the engravings of a signet, ev ery one with its name according to the twelve tribes. 15 And they made chains on the breastplate at the ends of intertwined work of pure gold. 16 And they made two settings of gold and two gold rings, and put the two rings in the two ends of the breastplate. 17 And they put the two intertwined chains of gold in the two rings on the ends of the breastplate. 18 And the two ends of the two inter twined chains they fastened in the two settings and put them on the shoulder pieces of the ephod before it. 19 And they made two rings of gold and put them on the two ends of the breastplate, on its border, which was on the inner side of the ephod. 20 And they made two other golden rings and put them on the two sides of the ephod, underneath toward the front part of it, close to its other coupling, above the skill fully made belt of the ephod. 21 And they bound the breastplate by its rings to the rings of the ephod with a lace of blue, that it might be above the skillfully made belt of the ephod, and that the breastplate might not be loosed from the ephod, as the Lord commanded Moses. 22 And he made the robe of the ephod of woven work, all of blue. 23 And there was a hole in the mid dle of the robe, as the hole of a coat of mail, with a band all around the hole, that it should not tear. 24 And they made pomegranates on the hems of the robe of blue and purple and scarlet and woven linen. 25 And they made bells of pure gold and put the bells between the pomegranates
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on the hem of the robe all around between the pomegranates: 26 a bell and a pomegranate, a bell and a pomegranate, all around the hem of the robe to minister in, as the Lord commanded Moses. 27 And they made coats of fine linen, of woven work, for Aaron and for his sons, 28 and a turban of fine linen, and good-quality caps of fine linen, and linen undergarments of fine woven linen, 29 and a belt of fine woven linen and blue and purple and scarlet, of needlework, as the Lord commanded Moses. 30 And they made the plate of the holy crown of pure gold and wrote on it a writing like the engravings of a signet: Holiness to the Lord. 31 And they tied to it a lace of blue, to fasten it on high on the turban, as the Lord commanded Moses. 32 Thus all the work of the taberna cle of the tent of the congregation was finished. And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses; so they did. 33 And they brought the taber nacle to Moses, the tent and all its furniture: its clasps, its boards, its bars, and its pillars and its sockets; 34 and the covering of rams’ skins dyed red, and the covering of bad gers’ skins, and the veil of the cov ering; 35 the ark of the testimony and its poles, and the mercy seat; 36 the table, and all its vessels, and the showbread; 37 the pure candlestick with its lamps, even with the lamps to be set in order, and all its vessels and the oil for light; 38 and the golden altar and the anointing oil and the sweet incense; and the hanging for the tabernacle door; 39 the brazen
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altar and its grate of brass, its poles and all its vessels, the laver and its base; 40 the hangings of the court, its pillars and its sockets, and the hanging for the court gate, its cords and its pins; and all the vessels of the service of the tabernacle, for the tent of the congregation; 41 the cloths of service, to do service in the Holy Place, and the holy gar ments for Aaron the priest, and his sons’ garments, to minister in the priest’s office. 42 So the children of Israel did all the work according to all that the Lord commanded Moses. 43 And Moses saw all the work, and be hold, they had done it; as the Lord had commanded, even so had they done it. And Moses blessed them. The Tabernacle Set Up And the Lord spoke to Mo ses, saying: 2 “On the first day of the first month you shall set up the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation. 3 And you shall put in it the ark of the testimony and cover the ark with the veil. 4 And you shall bring in the table and set in order the things that are to be set in or der on it. And you shall bring in the candlestick and light its lamps. 5 And you shall set the altar of gold for the incense before the ark of the testi mony and put the hanging of the door to the tabernacle. 6 And you shall set the altar of the burnt offer ing before the door of the taberna cle of the tent of the congregation. 7 And you shall set the laver between the tent of the congregation and the altar, and shall put water in it. 8 And you shall set up the court all around
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and hang up the hanging at the court gate. 9 “And you shall take the anointing oil and anoint the tabernacle and all that is in it, and shall consecrate it and all its vessels, and it shall be holy. 10 And you shall anoint the al tar of the burnt offering and all its vessels, and sanctify the altar. And it shall be an altar most holy. 11 And you shall anoint the laver and its base, and sanctify it. 12 “And you shall bring Aaron and his sons to the door of the taberna cle of the congregation and wash them with water. 13 And you shall put the holy garments on Aaron and anoint him and sanctify him, that he may minister to Me in the priest’s office. 14 And you shall bring his sons and clothe them with coats. 15 And you shall anoint them, as you anointed their father, that they may minister to Me in the priest’s office. For their anointing shall surely be an everlasting priesthood through out their generations.” 16 Thus Moses did; according to all that the Lord commanded him, so he did. 17 And it came to pass in the first month in the second year, on the first day of the month, that the tab ernacle was raised up. 18 And Mo ses raised up the tabernacle, and fastened its sockets, and set up its boards, and put in its bars, and raised up its pillars. 19 And he spread out the tent over the tabernacle and put the covering of the tent above on it, as the Lord commanded Mo ses. 20 And he took and put the testi mony into the ark, and set the poles on the ark, and put the mercy seat
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above on the ark. 21 And he brought the ark into the tabernacle, and set up the veil of the covering, and cov ered the ark of the testimony, as the Lord commanded Moses. 22 And he put the table in the tent of the congregation on the north ward side of the tabernacle, out side the veil. 23 And he set the bread in order on it before the Lord, as the Lord had commanded Moses. 24 And he put the candlestick in the tent of the congregation, on the other side of the table, on the south ward side of the tabernacle. 25 And he lit the lamps before the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses. 26 And he put the golden altar in the tent of the congregation before the veil. 27 And he burned sweet incense on it, as the Lord commanded Mo ses. 28 And he set up the hanging at the door of the tabernacle. 29 And he put the altar of burnt offering by the door of the tabernacle of the tent of the congregation, and offered on it the burnt offering and the grain offering, as the Lord commanded Moses. 30 And he set the laver be tween the tent of the congregation
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and the altar, and put water there to wash with. 31 And Moses and Aaron and his sons washed their hands and their feet in it. 32 When they went into the tent of the congre gation, and when they came near to the altar, they washed, as the Lord commanded Moses. 33 And he raised up the court all around the tabernacle and the altar, and set up the hanging of the court gate. So Moses finished the work. 34 Then a cloud covered the tent of the congregation, and the glory of the Lord filled the tabernacle. 35 And Moses was not able to enter into the tent of the congregation be cause the cloud abided on it, and the glory of the Lord filled the tab ernacle. 36 And when the cloud was taken up from over the tabernacle, the children of Israel went onward in all their journeys. 37 But if the cloud was not taken up, then they did not journey until the day that it was taken up. 38 For the cloud of the Lord was on the tabernacle by day, and fire was on it by night, in the sight of all the house of Israel, throughout all their journeys.
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LEVITICUS INTRODUCTION TO LEVITICUS Though many see Leviticus as a book addressing the priests of Israel, the information here was actually written for the people, yet includes specific instructions for the priests. The laws relate to the entire nation of Israel, but it was the priests who were to teach others how to live as God’s holy people and to regulate worship in the tabernacle (also called sanctuary, or tent of meeting), where God’s holy presence dwelled. AUTHOR Moses is generally ascribed as the author of the first five books of the Old Testament, or the Pentateuch (which means “five books” or “five scrolls”). OCCASION The book served as a handbook for the priests God put in place after the institution of the Mosaic Covenant at Mount Sinai. The laws on both ceremonial holiness and personal holiness were supposed to teach the Israelites about their holy God and how to live set apart as His people. Not only does God tell the Israelites how to worship, but He gives them practical ways to live out holiness in everyday life.
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The Burnt Offering And the Lord called to Moses and spoke to him out of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘If any man of you brings an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering of the cattle, even of the herd and of the flock. 3 If his offering is a burnt sacrifice of the herd, let him offer a male without blemish. He shall offer it of his own voluntary will at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord. 4 And he shall put his hand on the head of the burnt offering, and it shall be accepted for him to make atonement for him. 5 And he shall kill the bull before the Lord. And the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall bring the blood and sprinkle the blood all around on the altar that is by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 6 And he shall skin the burnt offering and cut it into its pieces. 7 And the sons of Aaron the priest shall put fire on the altar and lay the wood in order on the fire. 8 And the priests, Aaron’s sons, shall lay the parts, the head, and the fat in order on the wood that is on the fire that is on the altar. 9 But its entrails and its legs he shall wash in water. And the priest shall burn all on the altar to be a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to the Lord. 10 “‘And if his offering is of the flocks—namely, of the sheep or of the goats—for a burnt sacrifice, he shall bring a male without blemish. 11 And he shall kill it on the northward side of the altar before the Lord. And the priests, Aaron’s
1
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sons, shall sprinkle its blood all around on the altar. 12 And he shall cut it into its pieces, with its head and its fat. And the priest shall lay them in order on the wood that is on the fire that is on the altar, 13 but he shall wash the entrails and the legs with water. And the priest shall bring it all and burn it on the altar. It is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to the Lord. 14 “‘And if the burnt sacrifice for his offering to the Lord is of fowl, then he shall bring his offering of turtledoves or of young pigeons. 15 And the priest shall bring it to the altar, and wring off its head, and burn it on the altar. And its blood shall be wrung out at the side of the altar. 16 And he shall pluck away its crop with its feathers and cast it beside the altar on the east part, by the place of the ashes. 17 And he shall split it at its wings but shall not divide it apart. And the priest shall burn it on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire. It is a burnt sacrifice, an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to the Lord.’” The Grain Offering “‘And when any will offer a grain offering to the Lord, his offering shall be of fine flour. And he shall pour oil on it and put frankincense on it. 2 And he shall bring it to Aaron’s sons, the priests, and he shall take out of it his handful of its flour and of its oil with all its frankincense. And the priest shall burn it as a memorial on the altar, to be an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to the Lord. 3 And the remnant
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of the grain offering shall be Aaron’s and his sons’. It is a most holy thing of the offerings of the Lord made by fire. 4 “‘And if you bring an offering of a grain offering baked in the oven, it shall be unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil or unleavened wafers anointed with oil. 5 And if your offering is a grain offering baked in a pan, it shall be of fine flour, unleavened, mixed with oil. 6 You shall divide it in pieces and pour oil on it. It is a grain offering. 7 “‘And if your offering is a grain offering baked in the frying pan, it shall be made of fine flour with oil. 8 And you shall bring the grain offering that is made of these things to the Lord. And when it is presented to the priest, he shall bring it to the altar. 9 And the priest shall take from the grain offering as a memorial and shall burn it on the altar. It is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to the Lord. 10 And what is left of the grain offering shall be Aaron’s and his sons’. It is a most holy thing of the offerings of the Lord made by fire. 11 “‘No grain offering that you shall bring to the Lord shall be made with leaven, for you shall burn no leaven nor any honey in any offering of the Lord made by fire. 12 As for the offering of the firstfruits, you shall offer them to the Lord, but they shall not be burned on the altar for a sweet savor. 13 And every offering of your grain offering you shall season with salt. You shall not allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your grain offering. With all your offerings you shall offer salt.
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14 “‘And if you offer a grain offering
of your firstfruits to the Lord, you shall offer for the grain offering of your firstfruits green ears of grain dried by the fire, even grain beaten out of full ears. 15 And you shall put oil on it and lay frankincense on it. It is a grain offering. 16 And the priest shall burn it as a memorial: part of its beaten grain and part of its oil, with all its frankincense. It is an offering made by fire to the Lord.’” The Peace Offering “‘And if his offering is a sacrifice of peace offering, if he offers it from the herd, whether it is a male or female, he shall offer it without blemish before the Lord. 2 And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering and kill it at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And Aaron’s sons the priests shall sprinkle the blood all around on the altar. 3 And he shall offer of the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire to the Lord. The fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, 4 and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them that is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver with the kidneys, he shall take it away. 5 And Aaron’s sons shall burn it on the altar on the burnt sacrifice, which is on the wood that is on the fire. It is an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to the Lord. 6 “‘And if his offering for a sacrifice of peace offering to the Lord is of the flock, male or female, he shall offer it without blemish. 7 If he offers a lamb for his offering, then he shall
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offer it before the Lord. 8 And he shall lay his hand on the head of his offering and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation. And Aaron’s sons shall sprinkle its blood all around on the altar. 9 “‘And he shall offer from the sacrifice of the peace offering an offering made by fire to the Lord: its fat and the whole rump, he shall take it off close to the backbone. And the fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, 10 and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them that is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver with the kidneys, he shall take away. 11 And the priest shall burn it on the altar. It is the food of the offering made by fire to the Lord. 12 “‘And if his offering is a goat, then he shall offer it before the Lord. 13 And he shall lay his hand on its head and kill it before the tabernacle of the congregation. And the sons of Aaron shall sprinkle its blood all around on the altar. 14 And he shall offer from it his offering, even an offering made by fire to the Lord. The fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, 15 and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them that is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver with the kidneys, he shall take away. 16 And the priest shall burn them on the altar. It is the food of the offering made by fire for a sweet savor. All the fat is the Lord’s. 17 “‘It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that you eat neither fat nor blood.’”
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The Sin Offering And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a soul sins through ignorance against any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things that ought not to be done, and goes against any of them, 3 if the priest who is anointed sins according to the sin of the people, then let him bring to the Lord a young bull without blemish for a sin offering for his sin that he has sinned. 4 And he shall bring the bull to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the Lord, and shall lay his hand on the bull’s head, and kill the bull before the Lord. 5 And the priest who is anointed shall take of the bull’s blood and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation. 6 And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the Lord, before the veil of the sanctuary. 7 And the priest shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the Lord, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall pour all the blood of the bull at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 8 And he shall take off from it all the fat of the bull for the sin offering. The fat that covers the entrails and all the fat that is on the entrails, 9 and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them that is by the flanks, and the caul above the liver with the kidneys, he shall take away, 10 as it was taken off from the bull of the sacrifice of peace offerings. And the priest shall
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burn them on the altar of the burnt offering. 11 And the skin of the bull and all its flesh, with its head and with its legs, and its entrails and its dung— 12 even the whole bull he shall take outside the camp to a clean place, where the ashes are poured out, and burn it on the wood with fire. It shall be burned where the ashes are poured out. 13 “‘And if the whole congregation of Israel sins through ignorance, and the thing is hidden from the eyes of the assembly, and they have done something against any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things that should not be done, and are guilty, 14 when the sin that they have sinned is known, then the congregation shall offer a young bull for the sin and bring it before the tabernacle of the congregation. 15 And the elders of the congregation shall lay their hands on the head of the bull before the Lord. And the bull shall be killed before the Lord. 16 And the priest who is anointed shall bring of the bull’s blood to the tabernacle of the congregation. 17 And the priest shall dip his finger in some of the blood and sprinkle it seven times before the Lord, even before the veil. 18 And he shall put some of the blood on the horns of the altar that is before the Lord, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation, and shall pour out all the blood at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 19 And he shall take all its fat from it and burn it on the altar. 20 And he shall do with the bull as he did with the bull for a sin offering; so shall
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he do with this. And the priest shall make an atonement for them, and it shall be forgiven them. 21 And he shall carry forth the bull outside the camp and burn it as he burned the first bull. It is a sin offering for the congregation. 22 “‘When a ruler has sinned and done something through ignorance against any of the commandments of the Lord his God concerning things that should not be done, and is guilty, 23 or if his sin that he has sinned comes to his knowledge, he shall bring as his offering a young goat, a male without blemish. 24 And he shall lay his hand on the head of the goat and kill it in the place where they kill the burnt offering before the Lord. It is a sin offering. 25 And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out its blood at the bottom of the altar of burnt offering. 26 And he shall burn all its fat on the altar, as the fat of the sacrifice of peace offerings. And the priest shall make an atonement for him as concerning his sin, and it shall be forgiven him. 27 “‘And if anyone of the common people sins through ignorance while he does something against any of the commandments of the Lord concerning things that ought not to be done, and is guilty, 28 or if his sin that he has sinned comes to his knowledge, then he shall bring as his offering a young goat, a female without blemish, for his sin that he has sinned. 29 And he shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slay the sin offering in the
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place of the burnt offering. 30 And the priest shall take of its blood with his finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all its blood at the bottom of the altar. 31 And he shall take away all its fat, as the fat is taken away from off the sacrifice of peace offerings. And the priest shall burn it on the altar for a sweet savor to the Lord. And the priest shall make an atonement for him, and it shall be forgiven him. 32 “‘And if he brings a lamb for a sin offering, he shall bring a female without blemish. 33 And he shall lay his hand on the head of the sin offering and slay it for a sin offering in the place where they kill the burnt offering. 34 And the priest shall take of the blood of the sin offering with his finger, and put it on the horns of the altar of burnt offering, and shall pour out all its blood at the bottom of the altar. 35 And he shall take away all its fat, as the fat of the lamb is taken away from the sacrifice of the peace offerings. And the priest shall burn them on the altar, according to the offerings made by fire to the Lord. And the priest shall make an atonement for his sin that he has committed, and it shall be forgiven him.’” The Trespass Offering “‘And if a soul sins and hears the voice of swearing and is a witness, whether he has seen or known of it, if he does not utter it, then he shall bear his iniquity. 2 “‘Or if a soul touches any unclean thing—whether it is a carcass of an unclean beast or a carcass of
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Leviticus 5:10
unclean cattle or the carcass of unclean creeping things—and if it is hidden from him, he also shall be unclean and guilty. 3 Or if he touches the uncleanness of man—whatever uncleanness it is with which a man shall be defiled—and it is hidden from him, when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty. 4 “‘Or if a soul swears, pronouncing with his lips to do evil or to do good, whatever it is that a man shall pronounce with an oath, and it is hidden from him, when he knows of it, then he shall be guilty in one of these. 5 “‘And it shall be, when he shall be guilty in one of these things, that he shall confess that he has sinned in that thing. 6 And he shall bring his trespass offering to the Lord for his sin that he has sinned, a female from the flock, a lamb or a young goat for a sin offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his sin. 7 “‘And if he is not able to bring a lamb, then he shall bring to the Lord for his trespass that he has committed two turtledoves or two young pigeons: one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. 8 And he shall bring them to the priest, who shall offer that which is for the sin offering first and wring off its head from its neck, but shall not divide it apart. 9 And he shall sprinkle of the blood of the sin offering on the side of the altar, and the rest of the blood shall be wrung out at the bottom of the altar. It is a sin offering. 10 And he shall offer the second for a burnt offering according to the manner. And the priest
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shall make an atonement for him for his sin that he has sinned, and it shall be forgiven him. 11 “‘But if he is not able to bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, then he who sinned shall bring for his offering the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a sin offering. He shall put no oil on it, nor shall he put any frankincense on it, for it is a sin offering. 12 Then he shall bring it to the priest, and the priest shall take his handful of it, even as a memorial of it, and burn it on the altar according to the offerings made by fire to the Lord. It is a sin offering. 13 And the priest shall make an atonement for him, as touching his sin that he has sinned in one of these, and it shall be forgiven him. And the remnant shall be the priest’s as a grain offering.’” 14 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 15 “If a soul commits a trespass and sins through ignorance in the holy things of the Lord, then he shall bring to the Lord for his trespass a ram without blemish out of the flocks, with your estimation by shekels of silver according to the shekel of the sanctuary, for a trespass offering. 16 And he shall make amends for the harm that he has done in the holy thing and shall add the fifth part to it and give it to the priest. And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering, and it shall be forgiven him. 17 “And if a soul sins and commits any of these things that are forbidden to be done by the commandments of the Lord, though he did not know it, still he is guilty and
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shall bear his iniquity. 18 And he shall bring a ram without blemish out of the flock, with your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest. And the priest shall make an atonement for him concerning his ignorance in which he erred and did not know it, and it shall be forgiven him. 19 It is a trespass offering; he has certainly trespassed against the Lord.” The Trespass Offering and Restitution And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “If a soul sins and commits a trespass against the Lord and lies to his neighbor about what was delivered to him to keep safe, or about fellowship, or about a thing taken away by violence, or has deceived his neighbor, 3 or has found that which was lost and lies concerning it, and swears falsely—in any of these things that a man does and sins in it,4 then it shall be, because he has sinned and is guilty, that he shall restore what he took away violently, or the thing that he has deceitfully gotten, or what was delivered him to keep, or the lost thing that he found, 5 or all that he has sworn falsely about. He shall even restore it in the principal, and shall add the fifth part more to it, and give it to him to whom it pertains in the day of his trespass offering. 6 And he shall bring his trespass offering to the Lord, a ram without blemish out of the flock, with your estimation, for a trespass offering, to the priest. 7 And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord, and he shall be forgiven
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for anything that he has done in which he trespassed.” The Law of the Offerings 8 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 9 “Command Aaron and his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the burnt offering: it is the burnt offering because of the burning on the altar all night to the morning, and the fire of the altar shall remain burning on it. 10 And the priest shall put on his linen garment. And he shall put on his flesh his linen undergarments and take up the ashes that the fire has consumed with the burnt offering on the altar, and he shall put them beside the altar. 11 And he shall take off his garments and put on other garments, and take the ashes outside the camp to a clean place. 12 And the fire on the altar shall remain burning on it; it shall not be put out. And the priest shall burn wood on it every morning and lay the burnt offering in order on it. And he shall burn the fat of the peace offerings on it. 13 The fire shall always remain burning on the altar; it shall never go out. 14 “‘And this is the law of the grain offering: the sons of Aaron shall offer it before the altar before the Lord. 15 And he shall take from it his handful of the flour of the grain offering, and of its oil, and all the frankincense that is on the grain offering, and shall burn it on the altar for a sweet savor, even as a memorial to the Lord. 16 And Aaron and his sons shall eat the remainder of it. It shall be eaten with unleavened bread in the Holy Place; in the court of the tabernacle of the
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Leviticus 6:27
congregation they shall eat it. 17 It shall not be baked with leaven. I have given it to them for their portion of My offerings made by fire. It is most holy, like the sin offering and the trespass offering. 18 All the males among the children of Aaron shall eat of it. It shall be a statute forever in your generations concerning the offerings of the Lord made by fire. Everyone who touches them shall be holy.’” 19 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 20 “This is the offering of Aaron and of his sons, which they shall offer to the Lord in the day when he is anointed: the tenth part of an ephah of fine flour for a perpetual grain offering, half of it in the morning and half of it at night. 21 It shall be made in a pan with oil. And when it is baked, you shall bring it in. And you shall offer the baked pieces of the grain offering for a sweet savor to the Lord. 22 And the priest of his sons, who is anointed in his place, shall offer it. It is a statute forever to the Lord. It shall be wholly burned. 23 For every grain offering for the priest shall be wholly burned. It shall not be eaten.” 24 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 25 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘This is the law of the sin offering: in the place where the burnt offering is killed, the sin offering shall be killed before the Lord. It is most holy. 26 The priest who offers it for sin shall eat it. It shall be eaten in the Holy Place, in the court of the tabernacle of the congregation. 27 Whatever touches its flesh shall be holy. And when its blood is sprinkled on any garment, you shall wash
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that on which it was sprinkled in the Holy Place. 28 But the earthen vessel in which it is boiled shall be broken. And if it is boiled in a brazen pot, it shall be both scoured and rinsed in water. 29 All the males among the priests shall eat of it. It is most holy. 30 And no sin offering from which any of the blood is brought into the tabernacle of the congregation, to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall be eaten. It shall be burned in the fire.’” The Trespass Offering “‘Likewise this is the law of the trespass offering. It is most holy. 2 In the place where they kill the burnt offering they shall kill the trespass offering. And he shall sprinkle its blood all around on the altar. 3 And he shall offer from it all its fat. The rump, and the fat that covers the entrails, 4 and the two kidneys and the fat that is on them that is by the flanks, and the caul that is above the liver with the kidneys, he shall take away. 5 And the priest shall burn them on the altar for an offering made by fire to the Lord. It is a trespass offering. 6 Every male among the priests shall eat of it. It shall be eaten in the Holy Place. It is most holy. 7 As the sin offering is, so is the trespass offering; there is one law for them. The priest who makes atonement with it shall have it. 8 And the priest who offers any man’s burnt offering, even the priest shall have to himself the skin of the burnt offering that he has offered. 9 And all the grain offering that is baked in the oven and all that is prepared in the frying pan and
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in the pan shall be the priest’s who offers it. 10 And every grain offering, mixed with oil or dry, all the sons of Aaron shall have, one as much as another.’” The Peace Offering 11 “‘And this is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings that he shall offer to the Lord: 12 if he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil, and unleavened wafers anointed with oil, and fried cakes of fine flour mixed with oil. 13 Besides the cakes, for his offering he shall offer leavened bread with the sacrifice of thanksgiving of his peace offerings. 14 And from it he shall offer one out of the whole offering for a heave offering to the Lord, and it shall belong to the priest who sprinkles the blood of the peace offerings. 15 “‘And the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings for thanksgiving shall be eaten the same day that it is offered. He shall not leave any of it until the morning. 16 But if the sacrifice of his offering is a vow or a voluntary offering, it shall be eaten the same day that he offers his sacrifice. And on the next day the remainder of it also shall be eaten,17 but on the third day the remainder of the flesh of the sacrifice shall be burned with fire. 18 And if any of the flesh of the sacrifice of his peace offerings is eaten at all on the third day, it shall not be accepted, nor shall it be imputed to him who offers it. It shall be an abomination, and the soul who eats of it shall bear his iniquity. 19 “‘And the flesh that touches any
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unclean thing shall not be eaten. It shall be burned with fire. And as for the flesh, all who are clean shall eat of it. 20 But the soul who eats of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings that pertains to the Lord, having his uncleanness on him, even that soul shall be cut off from his people. 21 Moreover the soul who shall touch any unclean thing, as the uncleanness of man, or any unclean beast, or any abominable unclean thing, and eats of the flesh of the sacrifice of peace offerings that pertains to the Lord, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.’” 22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘You shall eat no manner of fat of ox or of sheep or of goat. 24 And the fat of the beast that dies by itself and the fat of that which is torn by beasts may be used in any other use, but you shall in no way eat of it. 25 For whoever eats the fat of the beast of which men offer an offering made by fire to the Lord, even the soul who eats it shall be cut off from his people. 26 Moreover you shall eat no manner of blood in any of your dwellings, whether it is of fowl or of beast. 27 Any soul who eats any manner of blood, even that soul shall be cut off from his people.’” 28 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 29 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘He who offers the sacrifice of his peace offerings to the Lord shall bring his offering to the Lord from the sacrifice of his peace offerings. 30 His own hands shall bring the offerings of the Lord made by fire. The fat with the breast,
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he shall bring it, that the breast may be waved for a wave offering before the Lord. 31 And the priest shall burn the fat on the altar, but the breast shall be Aaron’s and his sons’. 32 And you shall give the right shoulder to the priest for a heave offering from the sacrifices of your peace offerings. 33 He among the sons of Aaron, who offers the blood of the peace offerings and the fat shall have the right shoulder for his part. 34 For the wave breast and the heave shoulder I have taken from the children of Israel, from off the sacrifices of their peace offerings, and have given them to Aaron the priest and to his sons by a statute forever from among the children of Israel.’” 35 This is the portion of the anointing of Aaron and of the anointing of his sons, out of the offerings of the Lord made by fire, in the day when he presented them to minister to the Lord in the priest’s office, 36 which the Lord commanded to be given to them by the children of Israel, in the day that He anointed them, by a statute forever throughout their generations. 37 This is the law of the burnt offering, of the grain offering, and of the sin offering, and of the trespass offering, and of the consecrations, and of the sacrifice of the peace offerings, 38 which the Lord commanded Moses on Mount Sinai, on the day that He commanded the children of Israel to offer their offerings to the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai. Consecration of the Priests And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying: 2 “Take Aaron and his
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sons with him, and the garments and the anointing oil and a bull for the sin offering and two rams and a basket of unleavened bread. 3 And gather all the congregation together at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.” 4 And Moses did as the Lord commanded him. And the assembly was gathered together at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 5 And Moses said to the congregation, “This is the thing that the Lord commanded to be done.” Consecration: Cleansing 6 And Moses brought Aaron and his sons and washed them with water. 7 And he put the coat on him and girded him with the belt and clothed him with the robe and put the ephod on him. And he girded him with the skillfully made belt of the ephod and bound him with it. 8 And he put the breastplate on him. Also in the breastplate he put the Urim and the Thummim. 9 And he put the turban on his head. Also on the turban, even on his forefront, he put the golden plate, the holy crown, as the Lord commanded Moses. 10 And Moses took the anointing oil and anointed the tabernacle and all that was in it, and sanctified them. 11 And he sprinkled some of it on the altar seven times and anointed the altar and all its vessels, both the laver and its base, to sanctify them. 12 And he poured some of the anointing oil on Aaron’s head and anointed him, to sanctify him. 13 And Moses brought Aaron’s sons and put coats on them and girded them with belts and put caps
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on them, as the Lord commanded Moses. 14 And he brought the bull for the sin offering. And Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the bull for the sin offering. 15 And he slew it. And Moses took the blood and put it all around on the horns of the altar with his finger, and purified the altar, and poured the blood at the bottom of the altar, and sanctified it, to make reconciliation on it. 16 And he took all the fat that was on the entrails and the caul above the liver and the two kidneys and their fat, and Moses burned it on the altar. 17 But the bull and its hide, its flesh, and its dung he burned with fire outside the camp, as the Lord commanded Moses. 18 And he brought the ram for the burnt offering, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. 19 And he killed it, and Moses sprinkled the blood all around on the altar. 20 And he cut the ram into pieces, and Moses burned the head and the pieces and the fat. 21 And he washed the entrails and the legs in water, and Moses burned the whole ram on the altar. It was a burnt sacrifice for a sweet savor, and an offering made by fire to the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses. 22 And he brought the other ram, the ram of consecration, and Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the head of the ram. 23 And he slew it, and Moses took some of its blood and put it on the tip of Aaron’s right ear and on the thumb of his right hand and on the great toe of his right foot. 24 And he brought Aaron’s
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sons, and Moses put some of the blood on the tips of their right ears and on the thumbs of their right hands and on the great toes of their right feet. And Moses sprinkled the blood all around on the altar. 25 And he took the fat and the rump and all the fat that was on the entrails and the caul above the liver and the two kidneys and their fat and the right shoulder, 26 and out of the basket of unleavened bread that was before the Lord he took one unleavened cake and a cake of oiled bread and one wafer and put them on the fat and on the right shoulder. 27 And he put everything on Aaron’s hands and on his sons’ hands, and waved them for a wave offering before the Lord. 28 And Moses took them from their hands and burned them on the altar on the burnt offering. They were consecrations for a sweet savor. It is an offering made by fire to the Lord. 29 And Moses took the breast and waved it for a wave offering before the Lord. It was Moses’ part for the ram of consecration, as the Lord commanded Moses. 30 And Moses took of the anointing oil and of the blood that was on the altar and sprinkled it on Aaron and on his garments and on his sons and on his sons’ garments with him. And he sanctified Aaron and his garments and his sons and his sons’ garments with him. 31 And Moses said to Aaron and to his sons, “Boil the flesh at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and eat it there with the bread that is in the basket of consecrations, as I commanded, saying, ‘Aaron and his sons shall eat
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it.’ 32 And what remains of the flesh and of the bread you shall burn with fire.” The Priests Separated to God 33 “And you shall not go out of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation for seven days, until the days of your consecration are at an end. For seven days he shall consecrate you. 34 As he has done this day, so the Lord has commanded to do to make an atonement for you. 35 Therefore you shall remain at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation day and night seven days, and keep the charge of the Lord, that you not die, for so I have been commanded.” 36 So Aaron and his sons did all things that the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses. The Priests Begin Their Ministry And it came to pass on the eighth day that Moses called Aaron and his sons and the elders of Israel. 2 And he said to Aaron, “Take for yourself a young calf for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and offer them before the Lord. 3 And to the children of Israel you shall speak, saying, ‘Take a young goat for a sin offering and a calf and a lamb, both of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering, 4 also a bull and a ram for peace offerings, to sacrifice before the Lord, and a grain offering mixed with oil, for today the Lord will appear to you.’” 5 And they brought what Moses commanded before the tabernacle of the congregation. And all
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the congregation drew near and stood before the Lord. 6 And Moses said, “This is the thing that the Lord commanded that you should do, and the glory of the Lord shall appear to you.” 7 And Moses said to Aaron, “Go to the altar and offer your sin offering and your burnt offering, and make an atonement for yourself and for the people, and offer the offering of the people and make an atonement for them, as the Lord commanded.” 8 Therefore Aaron went to the altar and slew the calf of the sin offering, which was for himself. 9 And the sons of Aaron brought the blood to him, and he dipped his finger in the blood and put it on the horns of the altar and poured out the blood at the bottom of the altar. 10 But the fat and the kidneys and the caul above the liver of the sin offering he burned on the altar, as the Lord commanded Moses. 11 And the flesh and the hide he burned with fire outside the camp. 12 And he slew the burnt offering, and Aaron’s sons presented to him the blood, which he sprinkled all around on the altar. 13 And they presented the burnt offering to him, with its pieces and the head, and he burned them on the altar. 14 And he washed the entrails and the legs and burned them on the burnt offering on the altar. 15 And he brought the people’s offering and took the goat, which was the sin offering for the people, and slew it and offered it for sin, as the first. 16 And he brought the burnt offering and offered it according to the manner. 17 And he brought the
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grain offering and took a handful of it and burned it on the altar, besides the burnt sacrifice of the morning. 18 He also slew the bull and the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings, which was for the people. And Aaron’s sons presented to him the blood, which he sprinkled all around on the altar, 19 and the fat of the bull and of the ram, the rump and what covers the entrails and the kidneys and the caul above the liver. 20 And they put the fat on the breasts, and he burned the fat on the altar. 21 And the breasts and the right shoulder Aaron waved for a wave offering before the Lord, as Moses commanded. 22 And Aaron lifted up his hand toward the people and blessed them and came down from offering the sin offering and the burnt offering and peace offerings. 23 And Moses and Aaron went into the tabernacle of the congregation and came out and blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. 24 And a fire came out from before the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat on the altar. When all the people saw, they shouted and fell on their faces. The Strange Fire of Nadab and Abihu And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and put incense on it and offered strange fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them. 2 And fire went out from the Lord and devoured them, and they died before the Lord. 3 Then Moses said to Aaron,
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“This is what the Lord spoke, saying: ‘I will be sanctified in those who come near Me, and before all the people I will be glorified.’” And Aaron remained silent. 4 And Moses called Mishael and Elzaphan, the sons of Uzziel the uncle of Aaron, and said to them, “Come near. Carry your brothers from before the sanctuary out of the camp.” 5 So they went near and carried them in their coats out of the camp, as Moses had said. 6 And Moses said to Aaron and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons, “Do not uncover your heads or tear your clothes, lest you die, and lest wrath come on all the people. But let your brothers, the whole house of Israel, lament the burning that the Lord has kindled. 7 And you shall not go out from the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, lest you die, for the anointing oil of the Lord is on you.” And they did according to the word of Moses. 8 And the Lord spoke to Aaron, saying, 9 “Do not drink wine or strong drink, you or your sons with you, when you go into the tabernacle of the congregation, lest you die—it shall be a statute forever throughout your generations— 10 and that you may discern the difference between holy and unholy, and between unclean and clean, 11 and that you may teach the children of Israel all the statutes that the Lord has spoken to them by the hand of Moses.” 12 And Moses spoke to Aaron and to Eleazar and to Ithamar, his sons who were left: “Take the grain offering that remains of the offerings of the Lord made by fire, and eat it
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without leaven beside the altar, for it is most holy. 13 And you shall eat it in the Holy Place, because it is your due and your sons’ due from the sacrifices of the Lord made by fire, for so I have been commanded. 14 And the wave breast and heave shoulder you shall eat in a clean place, you and your sons and your daughters with you, for they are your due and your sons’ due, which are given out of the sacrifices of peace offerings from the children of Israel. 15 They shall bring the heave shoulder and the wave breast with the offerings made by fire of the fat, to wave it for a wave offering before the Lord. And it shall be yours and your sons’ with you, by a statute forever, as the Lord has commanded.” 16 And Moses diligently sought the goat of the sin offering, and behold, it was burned. And he was angry with Eleazar and Ithamar, the sons of Aaron who were left alive, saying, 17 “Why have you not eaten the sin offering in the Holy Place, seeing it is most holy and God has given it to you to bear the iniquity of the congregation, to make atonement for them before the Lord? 18 Behold, its blood was not brought in within the Holy Place. You should indeed have eaten it in the Holy Place, as I commanded.” 19 And Aaron said to Moses, “Behold, this day they have offered their sin offering and their burnt offering before the Lord, and such things have befallen me. And if I had eaten the sin offering today, should it have been accepted in the sight of the Lord?” 20 And when Moses heard that, he was content.
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Leviticus 11:1
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A Holy People: Their Food And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying to them, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘These are the beasts that you shall eat among all the beasts that are on the earth: 3 Whatever divides the hoof and is cloven-footed and chews the cud among the beasts, that you shall eat. 4 Nevertheless these you shall not eat of those that chew the cud or of those that divide the hoof: the camel, because it chews the cud but does not divide the hoof; it is unclean to you. 5 And the coney, because it chews the cud but does not divide the hoof; it is unclean to you. 6 And the hare, because it chews the cud but does not divide the hoof; it is unclean to you. 7 And the swine, though it divides the hoof and is cloven-footed, yet it does not chew the cud; it is unclean to you. 8 You shall not eat of their flesh, and you shall not touch their carcasses. They are unclean to you. 9 “‘These you shall eat of all that are in the waters: whatever has fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, those you shall eat. 10 And all in the seas and in the rivers that do not have fins and scales, of all that move in the waters and of any living thing that is in the waters, they shall be an abomination to you. 11 They shall be even an abomination to you. You shall not eat of their flesh, but you shall consider their carcasses as an abomination. 12 Whatever in the waters that has no fins or scales shall be an abomination to you. 13 “‘And these are those which
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you shall consider as an abomination among the fowl; they shall not be eaten; they are an abomination: the eagle and the ossifrage and the osprey 14 and the vulture and the kite according to its kind, 15 every raven according to its kind, 16 and the owl and the night hawk and the cuckow and the hawk according to its kind, 17 and the little owl and the cormorant and the great owl 18 and the swan and the pelican and the gier eagle 19 and the stork, the heron according to its kind, and the lapwing and the bat. 20 “‘All fowl that creep, going on all fours, shall be an abomination to you. 21 Yet these you may eat of every flying creeping thing that goes on all fours: those that have legs above their feet, to leap with on the earth. 22 Even these of them you may eat: the locust according to its kind, and the bald locust according to its kind, and the beetle according to its kind, and the grasshopper according to its kind. 23 But all other flying creeping things that have four feet shall be an abomination to you. 24 “‘And for these you shall be unclean; whoever touches their carcasses shall be unclean until the evening, 25 and whoever bears anything of their carcasses shall wash his clothes and be unclean until the evening: 26 The carcass of every beast that divides the hoof and is not cloven-footed or chews the cud is unclean to you. Everyone who touches it shall be unclean. 27 And whatever goes on its paws, among all kinds of beasts that go on all fours, those are unclean to you.
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Whoever touches their carcasses shall be unclean until the evening. 28 And he who bears their carcasses shall wash his clothes and be unclean until the evening. They are unclean to you. 29 “‘These shall also be unclean to you among the creeping things that creep on the earth: the weasel and the mouse and the tortoise according to its kind, 30 and the ferret and the chameleon and the lizard and the snail and the mole. 31 These are unclean to you among all that creep. Whoever touches them when they are dead shall be unclean until the evening. 32 And on whatever any of them falls when they are dead, it shall be unclean, whether it is any vessel of wood or clothing or leather or sack. Whatever vessel it is, in which any work is done, it must be put into water. And it shall be unclean until the evening; so it shall be cleansed. 33 And every earthen vessel into which any of them falls, whatever is in it shall be unclean, and you shall break it. 34 Of all food that may be eaten, that on which such water comes shall be unclean, and all drink that may be drunk in every such vessel shall be unclean. 35 And everything on which any part of their carcasses fall shall be unclean. Whether it is an oven or ranges for pots, they shall be broken down. For they are unclean and shall be unclean to you. 36 Nevertheless a fountain or pit, in which there is plenty of water, shall be clean, but whatever touches their carcasses shall be unclean. 37 And if any part of their carcasses fall on any sowing seed that is to be sown, it shall be
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clean. 38 But if any water is put on the seed, and any part of their carcasses fall on it, it shall be unclean to you. 39 “‘And if any beast of which you may eat dies, he who touches its carcass shall be unclean until the evening. 40 And he who eats of its carcass shall wash his clothes and be unclean until the evening. Also he who bears its carcass shall wash his clothes and be unclean until the evening. 41 “‘And every creeping thing that creeps on the earth shall be an abomination; it shall not be eaten. 42 Whatever goes on the belly, and whatever goes on all fours, or whatever has more feet among all creeping things that creep on the earth, these you shall not eat, for they are an abomination. 43 You shall not make yourselves abominable with any creeping thing that creeps; nor shall you make yourselves unclean with them, that you should be defiled by them. 44 For I am the Lord your God. Therefore you shall sanctify yourselves, and you shall be holy, for I am holy. You shall not defile yourselves with any kind of creeping thing that creeps on the earth. 45 For I am the Lord who brought you up out of the land of Egypt to be your God. Therefore you shall be holy, for I am holy. 46 “‘This is the law of the beasts and of the fowl and of every living creature that moves in the waters and of every creature that creeps on the earth, 47 to discern the difference between the unclean and the clean, and between the beast that may be eaten and the beast that may not be eaten.’”
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Leviticus 12:1
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A Holy People: The Law of Motherhood And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘If a woman has conceived offspring and bears a male child, then she shall be unclean seven days. She shall be unclean according to the days of the separation for her infirmity. 3 And on the eighth day the flesh of his foreskin shall be circumcised. 4 And then she shall continue in the blood of her purifying thirty-three days. She shall not touch any holy thing or come into the sanctuary until the days of her purifying are fulfilled. 5 “‘But if she bears a female child, then she shall be unclean two weeks, as in her separation. And she shall continue in the blood of her purifying sixty-six days. 6 “‘And when the days of her purifying are fulfilled, for a son or for a daughter, she shall bring to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, a lamb of the first year for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering. 7 He shall offer it before the Lord and make an atonement for her. And she shall be cleansed from the discharge of her blood. This is the law for her who has borne a male or a female. 8 And if she is not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons—the one for the burnt offering and the other for a sin offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for her, and she shall be clean.’”
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A Holy People: Leprosy And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 2 “When a man has on the skin of his flesh a swelling, a scab, or a bright spot, and it is on the skin of his flesh like the plague of leprosy, then he shall be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons the priests. 3 And the priest shall look at the plague on the skin of the flesh, and when the hair in the plague has turned white, and the plague looks deeper than the skin of his flesh, it is a plague of leprosy. And the priest shall look at him and pronounce him unclean. 4 If the bright spot is white on the skin of his flesh and does not look deeper than the skin, and its hair has not turned white, then the priest shall isolate him who has the plague for seven days. 5 And the priest shall look at him on the seventh day, and behold, if the plague looks the same and the plague has not spread on the skin, then the priest shall isolate him for seven more days. 6 And the priest shall look at him again on the seventh day, and behold, if the plague is somewhat dark and the plague has not spread on the skin, the priest shall pronounce him clean. It is but a scab, and he shall wash his clothes and be clean. 7 But if the scab spreads farther on the skin after he has been seen by the priest for his cleansing, he shall be seen by the priest again. 8 And if the priest sees that, behold, the scab has spread on the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean; it is a leprosy. 9 “When the plague of leprosy is in a man, then he shall be brought to
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the priest, 10 and the priest shall see him. And behold, if the swelling is white on the skin, and it has turned the hair white and there is living, raw flesh in the swelling, 11 it is an old leprosy in the skin of his flesh, and the priest shall pronounce him unclean and shall not isolate him, for he is unclean. 12 “And if a leprosy breaks out farther on the skin and the leprosy covers all the skin of him who has the plague from his head even to his foot, wherever the priest looks, 13 then the priest shall consider. And behold, if the leprosy has covered all his flesh, he shall pronounce him who has the plague clean. It has all turned white. He is clean. 14 But when raw flesh appears in him, he shall be unclean. 15 And the priest shall see the raw flesh and pronounce him to be unclean, for the raw flesh is unclean. It is a leprosy. 16 Or if the raw flesh changes and turns white again, he shall come to the priest, 17 and the priest shall see him. And behold, if the plague has turned white, then the priest shall pronounce him who has the plague clean. He is clean. 18 “The flesh also, even in the skin of it, in which was a boil that is healed, 19 and in the place of the boil there is a white swelling or a bright spot, white and somewhat reddish, and it is shown to the priest, 20 and if, when the priest sees it, behold, it looks lower than the skin and its hair has turned white, the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is a plague of leprosy broken out of the boil. 21 But if the priest looks at it and, behold, there are no white hairs in it, and if
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it is not lower than the skin but is somewhat dark, then the priest shall isolate him for seven days.22 And if it spreads farther on the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is a plague. 23 But if the bright spot stays in its place and does not spread, it is a burning boil, and the priest shall pronounce him clean. 24 “Or if there is any flesh that has a hot burning in the skin, and the living flesh that burns has a white bright spot, somewhat reddish or white, 25 then the priest shall look at it. And behold, if the hair in the bright spot has turned white and it looks deeper than the skin, it is a leprosy broken out of the burning. Therefore the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is the plague of leprosy. 26 But if the priest looks at it and, behold, there is no white hair in the bright spot and it is not lower than the other skin but is somewhat dark, then the priest shall isolate him for seven days. 27 And the priest shall look at him on the seventh day. And if it has spread farther on the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is the plague of leprosy. 28 And if the bright spot stays in its place and does not spread on the skin, but it is somewhat dark, it is a swelling of the burning, and the priest shall pronounce him clean, for it is an inflammation of the burning. 29 “If a man or woman has a plague on the head or the beard, 30 then the priest shall see the plague. And behold, if it looks deeper than the skin and there is a yellow thin hair in it, then the priest shall pronounce him unclean. It is a dry scale, even
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Leviticus 13:31
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a leprosy, on the head or beard. 31 And if the priest looks at the plague of the scale and, behold, it does not look deeper than the skin and there is no black hair in it, then the priest shall isolate him who has the plague of the scale for seven days, 32 and on the seventh day the priest shall look at the plague. And, behold, if the scale has not spread, and there is no yellow hair in it, and the scale does not look deeper than the skin, 33 he shall be shaved, but he shall not shave the scale. And the priest shall isolate him who has the scale for seven more days. 34 And on the seventh day the priest shall look at the scale, and behold, if the scale has not spread on the skin and does not look deeper than the skin, then the priest shall pronounce him clean. And he shall wash his clothes and be clean. 35 But if the scale spreads much on the skin after his cleansing, 36 then the priest shall look at him. And behold, if the scale has spread on the skin, the priest shall not look for yellow hair; he is unclean. 37 But if the scale looks the same, and there is black hair grown up in it, the scale is healed. He is clean, and the priest shall pronounce him clean. 38 “Also if a man or a woman has bright spots on the skin of their flesh, even white bright spots, 39 then the priest shall look. And behold, if the bright spots on the skin of their flesh are darkish white, it is a freckled spot that grows in the skin. He is clean. 40 “And the man whose hair has fallen off his head, he is bald, yet is he clean. 41 And he who has his
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hair fallen off from the part of his head toward his face, he is forehead bald, yet he is clean. 42 And if there is a white reddish sore in the bald head or bald forehead, it is a leprosy sprung up on his bald head or his bald forehead. 43 Then the priest shall look at it, and behold, if the swelling of the sore is white reddish on his bald head or on his bald forehead, as the leprosy appears in the skin of the flesh, 44 he is a leprous man. He is unclean. The priest shall pronounce him utterly unclean; his plague is on his head. 45 “And the leper in whom the plague is, his clothes shall be torn and his head bare. And he shall put a covering on his upper lip and shall cry, ‘Unclean, unclean.’ 46 He shall be defiled all the days in which the plague shall be in him. He is unclean. He shall dwell alone. His dwelling shall be outside the camp. 47 “Also the garment that the plague of leprosy is in, whether it is a woolen garment or a linen garment, 48 whether it is in the warp or woof of linen or of wool, whether in leather or in anything made of leather, 49 and if the plague is greenish or reddish in the garment or in the leather, either in the warp or in the woof or in anything of leather, it is a plague of leprosy and shall be shown to the priest. 50 And the priest shall look at the plague and isolate that which has the plague for seven days. 51 And he shall look at the plague on the seventh day. If the plague has spread in the garment, either in the warp or in the woof, or in a leather or in any work
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that is made of leather, the plague is a decaying leprosy. It is unclean. 52 Therefore he shall burn that garment, whether warp or woof in wool or in linen, or anything of leather, in which is the plague, for it is a d ecaying leprosy. It shall be burned in the fire. 53 “And if the priest looks and, behold, the plague has not spread in the garment, either in the warp or in the woof or in anything of leather, 54 then the priest shall command that they wash the thing in which is the plague, and he shall isolate it for seven more days. 55 And the priest shall look at the plague after it is washed. And behold, if the plague has not changed its color and the plague has not spread, it is unclean. You shall burn it in the fire; it is decayed, whether it is bare inside or outside. 56 And if the priest looks and, behold, the plague is somewhat dark after its washing, then he shall tear it out of the garment or out of the leather or out of the warp or out of the woof. 57 And if it still appears in the garment, either in the warp or in the woof or in anything of leather, it is a spreading plague. You shall burn with fire the thing that has the plague in it. 58 And the garment—either warp or woof or whatever thing it is of leather—that you shall wash, if the plague departs from it, then it shall be washed a second time and shall be clean. 59 “This is the law of the plague of leprosy in a garment of wool or linen, either in the warp or woof or anything of leather, to pronounce it clean or to pronounce it unclean.”
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A Holy People: The Law of the Leper’s Cleansing And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “This shall be the law of the leper in the day of his cleansing. He shall be brought to the priest, 3 and the priest shall go forth out of the camp, and the priest shall look. And behold, if the plague of leprosy is healed in the leper, 4 then the priest shall command that two alive and clean birds, and cedar wood and scarlet and hyssop be taken for him who is to be cleansed. 5 And the priest shall command that one of the birds be killed in an earthen vessel over running water. 6 As for the living bird, he shall take it and the cedar wood and the scarlet and the hyssop, and shall dip them and the living bird in the blood of the bird that was killed over the running water. 7 And he shall sprinkle it seven times on him who is to be cleansed from the leprosy, and shall pronounce him clean, and shall let the living bird loose into the open field. 8 And he who is to be cleansed shall wash his clothes and shave off all his hair and wash himself in water, that he may be clean. And after that he shall come into the camp and shall remain outside his tent for seven days. 9 But on the seventh day it shall be that he shall shave all his hair off his head and his beard and his eyebrows—he shall shave off even all his hair. And he shall wash his clothes. He shall also wash his flesh in water, and he shall be clean. 10 “And on the eighth day he shall take two male lambs without blemish, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish, and
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Leviticus 14:11
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three-tenth deals of fine flour for a grain offering mixed with oil, and one log of oil. 11 And the priest who makes him clean shall present the man who is to be made clean and those things before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 12 And the priest shall take one male lamb and offer it for a trespass offering, and the log of oil, and wave them for a wave offering before the Lord.13 And he shall slay the lamb in the place where he shall kill the sin offering and the burnt offering in the Holy Place, for as the sin offering is the priest’s, so is the trespass offering. It is most holy. 14 And the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering, and the priest shall put it on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the great toe of his right foot. 15 And the priest shall take some of the log of oil and pour it into the palm of his own left hand. 16 And the priest shall dip his right finger in the oil that is in his left hand and shall sprinkle some of the oil with his finger seven times before the Lord. 17 And of the rest of the oil that is in his hand the priest shall put on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of his right hand, and on the great toe of his right foot, on the blood of the trespass offering. 18 And the remnant of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall pour on the head of him who is to be cleansed. And the priest shall make an atonement for him before the Lord. 19 “And the priest shall offer the sin offering and make an atonement
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for him who is to be cleansed from his uncleanness. And afterward he shall kill the burnt offering. 20 And the priest shall offer the burnt offering and the grain offering on the altar. And the priest shall make an atonement for him, and he shall be clean. 21 “And if he is poor and cannot get so much, then he shall take one lamb for a trespass offering to be waved, to make an atonement for him, and one-tenth deal of fine flour mixed with oil for a grain offering, and a log of oil, 22 and two turtledoves or two young pigeons, such as he is able to get: and the one shall be a sin offering and the other a burnt offering. 23 And on the eighth day he shall bring them to the priest for his cleansing, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, before the Lord. 24 And the priest shall take the lamb of the trespass offering and the log of oil, and the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the Lord. 25 And he shall kill the lamb of the trespass offering, and the priest shall take some of the blood of the trespass offering and put it on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of his right hand and on the great toe of his right foot. 26 And the priest shall pour of the oil into the palm of his own left hand. 27 And the priest shall sprinkle with his right finger some of the oil that is in his left hand seven times before the Lord. 28 And the priest shall put some of the oil that is in his hand on the tip of the right ear of him who is to be cleansed, and on the thumb of his right hand and on
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the great toe of his right foot, on the place of the blood of the trespass offering. 29 And the rest of the oil that is in the priest’s hand he shall put on the head of him who is to be cleansed, to make an atonement for him before the Lord. 30 And he shall offer one of the turtledoves or the young pigeons, such as he can get— 31 even such as he is able to get, the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering, with the grain offering. And the priest shall make an atonement for him who is to be cleansed before the Lord. 32 This is the law for him in whom there is a plague of leprosy, whose hand is not able to get what pertains to his cleansing.” 33 And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 34 “When you have come into the land of Canaan, which I am giving to you for a possession, and I put the plague of leprosy in a house of the land of your possession, 35 and he who owns the house shall come and tell the priest, saying, ‘It seems to me there is, as it were, a plague in the house,’ 36 then the priest shall command that they empty the house before the priest goes into it to see the plague, that all that is in the house may not be made unclean. And afterward the priest shall go in to see the house. 37 And he shall look at the plague, and behold, if the plague is in the walls of the house with greenish or reddish hollow stripes, which look lower than the wall, 38 then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house and shut up the house for seven days. 39 And the priest shall come again on the seventh day and
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shall look. And behold, if the plague has spread in the walls of the house, 40 then the priest shall command that they take away the stones that have the plague, and they shall cast them into an unclean place outside the city. 41 And he shall cause the house to be scraped inside, all around, and they shall pour out the dust that they scrape off outside the city into an unclean place. 42 And they shall take other stones and put them in the place of those stones, and he shall take other mortar and shall plaster the house. 43 “And if the plague comes again and breaks out in the house, after he has taken away the stones and after he has scraped the house and after it is plastered, 44 then the priest shall come and look. And behold, if the plague has spread in the house, it is a decaying leprosy in the house. It is unclean. 45 And he shall break down the house, its stones and its timber and all the mortar of the house, and he shall take them outside the city to an unclean place. 46 Moreover, he who goes into the house all the while that it is shut up shall be unclean until the evening. 47 And he who lies in the house shall wash his clothes, and he who eats in the house shall wash his clothes. 48 “And if the priest shall come in and look at it and, behold, the plague has not spread in the house after the house was plastered, then the priest shall pronounce the house clean, because the plague is healed. 49 And to cleanse the house he shall take two birds and cedar wood and scarlet and hyssop, 50 and he shall kill one of the birds in an earthen
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Leviticus 14:51
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vessel over running water. 51 And he shall take the cedar wood and the hyssop and the scarlet and the living bird, and dip them in the blood of the slain bird and in the running water, and sprinkle the house seven times. 52 And he shall cleanse the house with the blood of the bird and with the running water and with the living bird and with the cedar wood and with the hyssop and with the scarlet. 53 But he shall let the living bird go out of the city into the open fields and make an atonement for the house, and it shall be clean. 54 “This is the law for any kind of plague of leprosy and scale, 55 and for the leprosy of a garment and of a house, 56 and for a swelling and for a scab and for a bright spot, 57 to teach when it is unclean and when it is clean. This is the law of leprosy.” A Holy People: The Imperative of Cleansing And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When any man has a discharge from his flesh, because of his discharge he is unclean. 3 And this shall be his uncleanness in his discharge: whether his flesh runs with his discharge or his flesh is stopped by his discharge, it is his uncleanness. 4 Every bed on which he who has the discharge lies is unclean, and everything on which he sits shall be unclean. 5 And whoever touches his bed shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening. 6 And he who sits on anything on which he who has the discharge
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sat shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening. 7 And he who touches the flesh of him who has the discharge shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening. 8 And if he who has the discharge spits on him who is clean, then he shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening. 9 And whatever saddle he who has the discharge rides on shall be unclean. 10 And whoever touches anything that was under him shall be unclean until the evening. And he who bears any of those things shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening. 11 And whomever he who has the discharge touches, and has not rinsed his hands in water, he shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening. 12 And the vessel of earth that he who has the discharge touches shall be broken, and every vessel of wood shall be rinsed in water. 13 “‘And when he who has a discharge is cleansed of his discharge, then he shall number for himself seven days for his cleansing and wash his clothes and bathe his flesh in running water and shall be clean. 14 And on the eighth day he shall take for himself two turtledoves or two young pigeons and come before the Lord, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and give them to the priest. 15 And the priest shall offer them, the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering. And the priest shall
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make an atonement for him before the Lord for his discharge. 16 “‘And if any man’s seed of copulation goes out from him, then he shall wash all his flesh in water and be unclean until the evening. 17 And every garment and every leather on which there is the seed of copulation shall be washed with water and be unclean until the evening. 18 Also the woman with whom the man lies with seed of copulation—they shall both bathe themselves in water and be unclean until the evening. 19 “‘And if a woman has a discharge, and her discharge in her flesh is blood, she shall be set apart seven days, and whoever touches her shall be unclean until the evening. 20 And everything that she lies on in her separation shall be unclean; also everything that she sits on shall be unclean. 21 And whoever touches her bed shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening. 22 And whoever touches anything that she sat on shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening. 23 And if it is on her bed or on anything on which she sits, when he touches it he shall be unclean until the evening. 24 And if any man lies with her at all, and her menstrual flow is on him, he shall be unclean seven days, and all the beds on which he lies shall be unclean. 25 “‘And if a woman has a discharge of her blood many days, out of the time of her separation, or if it runs beyond the time of her separation, all the days of the discharge of her uncleanness shall be as the days
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Leviticus 16:1
of her separation. She shall be unclean. 26 Every bed on which she lies all the days of her discharge shall be to her as the bed of her separation, and whatever she sits on shall be unclean, as the uncleanness of her separation. 27 And whoever touches those things shall be unclean and shall wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening. 28 “‘But if she is cleansed of her discharge, then she shall number for herself seven days, and after that she shall be clean. 29 And on the eighth day she shall take for herself two turtledoves or two young pigeons and bring them to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 30 And the priest shall offer one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering, and the priest shall make an atonement for her before the Lord for the discharge of her uncleanness. 31 “‘Thus you shall separate the children of Israel from their uncleanness, that they not die in their uncleanness when they defile My tabernacle that is among them. 32 This is the law of him who has a discharge, and of him whose seed goes from him and is defiled with it, 33 and of her who is sick from her menstrual flow, and of him who has a discharge, of the man and of the woman, and of him who lies with the woman who is unclean.’” The Day of Atonement: Sin and Sacrifice And the Lord spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they offered
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before the Lord and died. 2 And the Lord said to Moses: “Speak to Aaron your brother, that he does not come at all times into the Holy Place inside the veil before the mercy seat that is on the ark, that he not die. For I will appear in the cloud on the mercy seat. 3 “Thus Aaron shall come into the Holy Place: with a young bull for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering. 4 He shall put on the holy linen coat, and he shall have the linen undergarments on his flesh, and shall be girded with a linen belt, and he shall be attired with the linen turban. These are holy garments. Therefore he shall wash his flesh in water and so put them on. 5 And he shall take from the congregation of the children of Israel two young goats for a sin offering and one ram for a burnt offering. 6 “And Aaron shall offer his bull as the sin offering that is for himself and make an atonement for himself and for his house. 7 And he shall take the two goats and present them before the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 8 And Aaron shall cast lots on the two goats: one lot for the Lord and the other lot for the scapegoat. 9 And Aaron shall bring the goat on which the Lord’s lot fell and offer it for a sin offering. 10 But the goat on which the lot fell to be the scapegoat shall be presented alive before the Lord to make an atonement with it, and to let it go as a scapegoat into the wilderness. 11 “And Aaron shall bring the bull of the sin offering that is for himself, and shall make an atonement for
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himself and for his house, and shall kill the bull of the sin offering that is for himself. 12 And he shall take a censer full of burning coals of fire from off the altar before the Lord, and his hands full of sweet incense beaten small, and bring it inside the veil. 13 And he shall put the incense on the fire before the Lord, that the cloud of the incense may cover the mercy seat that is on the testimony, that he not die. 14 And he shall take some of the blood of the bull and sprinkle it with his finger on the mercy seat eastward, and before the mercy seat he shall sprinkle some of the blood with his finger seven times. 15 “Then he shall kill the goat of the sin offering that is for the people and bring its blood inside the veil, and do with that blood as he did with the blood of the bull, and sprinkle it on the mercy seat and before the mercy seat. 16 And he shall make an atonement for the Holy Place, because of the uncleanness of the children of Israel and because of their transgressions, in all their sins. And so he shall do for the tabernacle of the congregation that remains among them in the midst of their uncleanness. 17 And there shall be no man in the tabernacle of the congregation when he goes in to make an atonement in the Holy Place, until he comes out and has made an atonement for himself and for his household and for all the congregation of Israel. 18 And he shall go out to the altar that is before the Lord and make an atonement for it, and shall take some of the blood of the bull and of the blood of the goat,
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and put it all around on the horns of the altar. 19 And he shall sprinkle some of the blood on it with his finger seven times, and cleanse it and sanctify it from the uncleanness of the children of Israel. 20 “And when he has made an end of reconciling the Holy Place and the tabernacle of the congregation and the altar, he shall bring the live goat. 21 And Aaron shall lay both his hands on the head of the live goat and confess over it all the iniquities of the children of Israel, and all their transgressions, in all their sins, putting them on the head of the goat, and shall send it away into the wilderness by the hand of a fit man.22 And the goat shall bear all their iniquities on itself to a land not inhabited, and he shall release the goat in the wilderness. 23 “And Aaron shall come into the tabernacle of the congregation and shall take off the linen garments that he put on when he went into the Holy Place, and shall leave them there. 24 And he shall wash his flesh with water in the Holy Place, and put on his garments and come forth and offer his burnt offering and the burnt offering of the people and make an atonement for himself and for the people. 25 And he shall burn the fat of the sin offering on the altar. 26 And he who released the goat for the scapegoat shall wash his clothes and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward come into the camp. 27 And the bull for the sin offering and the goat for the sin offering, whose blood was brought in to make atonement in the Holy Place, shall one carry forth outside
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Leviticus 17:2
the camp. And they shall burn their skins and their flesh and their dung in the fire. 28 And he who burns them shall wash his clothes and bathe his flesh in water, and afterward he shall come into the camp. 29 “And this shall be a statute to you forever, that in the seventh month, on the tenth day of the month, you shall afflict your souls and do no work at all, whether it is one from your own country or a foreigner who sojourns among you. 30 For on that day the priest shall make an atonement for you to cleanse you, that you may be clean before the Lord from all your sins. 31 It shall be a Sabbath of rest to you, and you shall afflict your souls, by a statute forever. 32 And the priest, whom he shall anoint and whom he shall consecrate to minister in the priest’s office in his father’s place, shall make the atonement and shall put on the linen clothes, even the holy garments. 33 And he shall make an atonement for the holy sanctuary, and he shall make an atonement for the tabernacle of the congregation and for the altar, and he shall make an atonement for the priests and for all the people of the congregation. 34 And this shall be an everlasting statute to you, to make an atonement for the children of Israel once a year for all their sins.” And he did as the Lord commanded Moses. One Place of Sacrifice And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons and to all the children of Israel and say to them, ‘This is the thing that the Lord has
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commanded, saying: 3 “Whatever man there is of the house of Israel who kills an ox or lamb or goat in the camp, or who kills it out of the camp, 4 and does not bring it to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation to offer an offering to the Lord before the tabernacle of the Lord, blood shall be imputed to that man. He has shed blood, and that man shall be cut off from among his people. 5 To the end that the children of Israel may bring their sacrifices that they offer in the open field, even that they may bring them to the Lord, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, to the priest, and offer them for peace offerings to the Lord. 6 And the priest shall sprinkle the blood on the altar of the Lord at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation and burn the fat for a sweet savor to the Lord. 7 And they shall no longer offer their sacrifices to devils, after whom they have prostituted themselves. This shall be a statute to them forever throughout their generations.”’ 8 “And you shall say to them: ‘Whatever man there is of the house of Israel, or of the foreigners who sojourn among you, who offers a burnt offering or sacrifice 9 and does not bring it to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation to offer it to the Lord, even that man shall be cut off from among his people.’” The Sanctity of “Blood” 10 “‘And whatever man there is of the house of Israel, or of the foreigners who sojourn among you, who eats any manner of blood, I will even set My face against that soul who
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eats blood and will cut him off from among his people. 11 For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you on the altar to make an atonement for your souls. For it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul.’ 12 Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘No soul among you shall eat blood. Nor shall any foreigner who sojourns among you eat blood.’ 13 “And whatever man there is of the children of Israel, or of the foreigners who sojourn among you, who hunts and catches any beast or fowl that may be eaten, he shall even pour out its blood and cover it with dust, 14 for it is the life of all flesh. Its blood is for its life. Therefore I said to the children of Israel, ‘You shall not eat the blood of any flesh. For the life of all flesh is its blood. Whoever eats it shall be cut off.’ 15 “And every soul who eats what died by itself or what was torn by beasts, whether it is one of your own country or a foreigner, he shall both wash his clothes and bathe himself in water and be unclean until the evening. Then he shall be clean. 16 But if he does not wash them or bathe his flesh then he shall bear his iniquity.” The Walk of God’s People And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: ‘I am the Lord your God. 3 You shall not do what is done in the land of Egypt, where you dwelled, and you shall not do what is done in the land of Canaan, where I am bringing you. You shall not walk in their
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ordinances. 4 You shall do My judgments and keep My ordinances, to walk in them. I am the Lord your God. 5 You shall therefore keep My statutes and My judgments, which if a man does, he shall live by them. I am the Lord. 6 “‘None of you shall approach anyone who is near of kin to him to uncover their nakedness: I am the Lord. 7 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father or the nakedness of your mother. She is your mother; you shall not uncover her nakedness. 8 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife; it is your father’s nakedness. 9 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your sister, the daughter of your father or daughter of your mother, whether she is born at home or born abroad, even their nakedness you shall not uncover. 10 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your son’s daughter or of your daughter’s daughter, even their nakedness, for theirs is your own nakedness. 11 The nakedness of your father’s wife’s daughter, begotten by your father, she is your sister. You shall not uncover her nakedness. 12 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s sister; she is your father’s near kinswoman. 13 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister, for she is your mother’s near kinswoman. 14 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s brother. You shall not approach his wife; she is your aunt. 15 You shall not uncover the nakedness of your daughter-in-law. She is your son’s wife; you shall not uncover her nakedness. 16 You shall not uncover the
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Leviticus 18:28
nakedness of your brother’s wife; it is your brother’s nakedness. 17 You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter. Nor shall you take her son’s daughter or her daughter’s daughter to uncover her nakedness, for they are her near kinswomen; it is wickedness. 18 You shall not take a wife and her sister to trouble her, to uncover her nakedness beside the other in her lifetime. 19 “‘Also you shall not approach a woman to uncover her nakedness as long as she is set apart for her uncleanness. 20 Moreover you shall not lie sexually with your neighbor’s wife, to defile yourself with her. 21 And you shall not let any of your offspring pass through the fire to Molech. Nor shall you profane the name of your God. I am the Lord. 22 You shall not lie with mankind as with womankind; it is abomination. 23 You shall not lie with any beast to defile yourself with it. Nor shall any woman stand before a beast to lie down with it. It is perversion. 24 “‘Do not defile yourselves in any of these things, for in all these the nations are defiled that I cast out before you, 25 and the land is defiled. Therefore I visit the iniquity of it on it, and the land itself vomits out its inhabitants. 26 Therefore you shall keep My statutes and My judgments and shall not commit any of these abominations, neither any of your own nation nor any foreigner who sojourns among you 27 (for the men of the land, who were before you, have done all these abominations, and the land is defiled), 28 that the land not spew you out also when you defile it, as it spewed out the
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nations that were before you. 29 For whoever shall commit any of these abominations, even the souls who commit them shall be cut off from among their people. 30 Therefore you shall keep My ordinance, that you do not commit any one of these abominable customs that were committed before you, and that you not defile yourselves in them. I am the Lord your God.’” The Walk of God’s People, Continued And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel and say to them: ‘You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. 3 “‘Every man of you shall fear his mother and his father and keep My Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God. 4 “‘Do not turn to idols or make for yourselves molten gods. I am the Lord your God. 5 “‘And if you offer a sacrifice of peace offerings to the Lord, you shall offer it at your own will. 6 It shall be eaten the same day you offer it and on the next day. And if anything remains until the third day, it shall be burned in the fire. 7 And if it is eaten at all on the third day, it is abominable. It shall not be accepted. 8 Therefore everyone who eats it shall bear his iniquity, because he has profaned the holy thing of the Lord, and that soul shall be cut off from among his people. 9 “‘And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not wholly reap the corners of your field. Nor shall you gather the gleanings of
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your harvest. 10 And you shall not glean your vineyard. Nor shall you gather every grape of your vineyard. You shall leave them for the poor and foreigner. I am the Lord your God. 11 “‘You shall not steal or deal falsely or lie to one another. 12 And you shall not swear falsely by My name. Nor shall you profane the name of your God. I am the Lord. 13 “‘You shall not defraud your neighbor or rob him. The wages of him who is hired shall not remain with you all night until the morning. 14 You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind but shall fear your God. I am the Lord. 15 “‘You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment. You shall not show partiality to the poor or honor the person of the mighty, but in righteousness you shall judge your neighbor. 16 You shall not go up and down as a talebearer among your people. You shall not stand against the blood of your neighbor. I am the Lord. 17 “‘You shall not hate your brother in your heart. You shall rebuke your neighbor in any way and not allow sin upon him. 18 You shall not take vengeance or bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord. 19 “‘You shall keep My statutes. You shall not let your cattle breed with a diverse kind. You shall not sow your field with mixed seed. Nor shall a garment mixed of linen and wool come on you. 20 “‘And whoever lies sexually
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with a woman who is a bondmaid, betrothed to a husband and not at all redeemed or given her freedom, she shall be scourged. They shall not be put to death because she was not free. 21 And he shall bring his trespass offering to the Lord, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, even a ram for a trespass offering. 22 And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the Lord for his sin that he has done, and the sin that he has done shall be forgiven him. 23 “‘And when you come into the land and plant all kinds of trees for food, then you shall count its fruit as uncircumcised. Three years it shall be as uncircumcised to you. It shall not be eaten. 24 But in the fourth year all its fruit shall be holy, to praise the Lord with. 25 And in the fifth year you shall eat of its fruit, that it may yield for you its increase. I am the Lord your God. 26 “‘You shall not eat anything with the blood. Nor shall you use enchantment or observe times. 27 You shall not round the corners of your heads. Nor shall you mar the corners of your beard. 28 You shall not make any cuttings in your flesh for the dead or print any marks on you. I am the Lord. 29 “‘Do not prostitute your daughter to cause her to be a prostitute, lest the land fall to prostitution and the land become full of wickedness. 30 “‘You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary. I am the Lord. 31 “‘Do not regard those who have familiar spirits or seek after wizards
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to be defiled by them. I am the Lord your God. 32 “‘You shall rise up before the white head and honor the face of the old man and fear your God. I am the Lord. 33 “‘And if a foreigner sojourns with you in your land, you shall not oppress him. 34 But the foreigner who dwells with you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God. 35 “‘You shall do no unrighteousness in judgment, in length, in weight, or in measure. 36 You shall have just balances, just weights, a just ephah, and a just hin. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. 37 Therefore you shall observe all My statutes and all My judgments, and do them. I am the Lord.’” The Walk of God’s People, Continued And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Again, you shall say to the children of Israel, ‘Whoever of the children of Israel or of the foreigners who sojourn in Israel who gives any of his offspring to Molech, he shall surely be put to death. The people of the land shall stone him with stones. 3 And I will set My face against that man and will cut him off from among his people, because he has given some of his offspring to Molech, to defile My sanctuary and to profane My holy name. 4 And if the people of the land should in any way hide their eyes from the man when he gives some
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of his offspring to Molech, and do not kill him, 5 then I will set My face against that man and against his family and will cut them off from among their people and all who prostitute themselves with him to commit prostitution with Molech. 6 “‘And the soul who turns to those who have familiar spirits and to wizards, to prostitute themselves with them, I will even set My face against that soul and will cut him off from among his people. 7 Sanctify yourselves, therefore, and be holy, for I am the Lord your God. 8 And you shall keep My statutes and do them. I am the Lord who sanctifies you. 9 “‘For everyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death. He has cursed his father or his mother. His blood shall be on him. 10 “‘And the man who commits adultery with another man’s wife, even he who commits adultery with his neighbor’s wife, the adulterer and the adulteress shall surely be put to death. 11 And the man who lies with his father’s wife has uncovered his father’s nakedness. Both of them shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be on them. 12 And if a man lies with his daughter-inlaw, both of them shall surely be put to death. They have done a perversion. Their blood shall be on them. 13 Also if a man lies with mankind as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death; their blood shall be on them. 14 And if a man takes a wife and her mother, it is wickedness. Both he and they
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shall be burned with fire, that there may be no wickedness among you. 15 And if a man lies with a beast, he shall surely be put to death, and you shall slay the beast. 16 And if a woman approaches any beast and lies down with it, you shall kill the woman and the beast. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be on them. 17 “‘And if a man takes his sister, his father’s daughter or his mother’s daughter, and sees her nakedness and she sees his nakedness, it is a wicked thing. And they shall be cut off in the sight of their people. He has uncovered his sister’s nakedness. He shall bear his iniquity. 18 And if a man lies with a woman who is having her sickness and uncovers her nakedness, he has discovered her flow of blood and she has uncovered the flow of her blood, and both of them shall be cut off from among their people. 19 “‘And you shall not uncover the nakedness of your mother’s sister or of your father’s sister, for he uncovers his near kin. They shall bear their iniquity. 20 And if a man lies with his uncle’s wife, he has uncovered his uncle’s nakedness. They shall bear their sin; they shall die childless. 21 And if a man takes his brother’s wife, it is an unclean thing. He has uncovered his brother’s nakedness. They shall be childless. 22 “‘Therefore you shall keep all My statutes and all My judgments, and do them, that the land where I bring you to dwell in does not spew you out. 23 And you shall not walk in the manners of the nation that I cast out before you, for they committed
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all these things, and therefore I abhorred them. 24 But I have said to you, “You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess it, a land that flows with milk and honey.” I am the Lord your God, who has separated you from other people. 25 You shall therefore discern the difference between clean and unclean beasts, and between unclean and clean fowl. And you shall not make your souls abominable by beast or by fowl or by any kind of living thing that creeps on the ground, which I have separated from you as unclean. 26 And you shall be holy to Me, for I the Lord am holy and have set you apart from other people, that you should be Mine. 27 “‘Also a man or woman who has a familiar spirit or who is a wizard shall surely be put to death. They shall stone them with stones. Their blood shall be on them.’” The Walk of the Priests And the Lord said to Moses, “Speak to the priests, the sons of Aaron, and say to them, ‘No one shall be defiled for the dead among his people, 2 except for his kin who are near to him—that is, for his mother and for his father and for his son and for his daughter and for his brother 3 and for his sister, a virgin (who has had no husband) who is near to him; for her he may be defiled. 4 But he shall not defile himself, being a chief man among his people, to profane himself. 5 “‘They shall not make baldness on their heads. They shall not shave off the corner of their beards or
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make any cuttings in their flesh. 6 They shall be holy to their God and not profane the name of their God. For they offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire and the bread of their God; therefore they shall be holy. 7 They shall not take a wife who is a prostitute or profane. Nor shall they take a woman divorced from her husband, for he is holy to his God. 8 Therefore you shall sanctify him, for he offers the bread of your God. He shall be holy to you, for I the Lord, who sanctifies you, am holy. 9 And the daughter of any priest, if she profanes herself by prostituting herself, she profanes her father. She shall be burned with fire. 10 “‘And he who is the high priest among his brothers, on whose head the anointing oil was poured and who is consecrated to put on the garments, shall not uncover his head or tear his clothes. 11 Nor shall he go in to any dead body or defile himself for his father or for his mother. 12 Nor shall he go out of the sanctuary or profane the sanctuary of his God, for the crown of the anointing oil of his God is on him. I am the Lord. 13 And he shall take a wife in her virginity. 14 A widow, or a divorced woman, or a profane woman, or a harlot—these he shall not take. But he shall take a virgin of his own people as a wife. 15 Nor shall he profane his offspring among his people, for I the Lord sanctify him.’” The Physical Disqualifications of a Priest 16 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 17 “Speak to Aaron, saying:
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‘Whoever of your offspring throughout their generations who has any blemish, do not let him approach to offer the bread of his God. 18 For whatever man who has a blemish, he shall not approach: a blind or a lame man, or a man who has a flat nose or anything superfluous, 19 or a man who has a broken foot or a broken hand, 20 or a crooked back or stunted growth, or who has a blemish in his eye, or has scurvy, or is scabbed, or has his testicles broken. 21 No man of the offspring of Aaron the priest who has a blemish shall come near to offer the offerings of the Lord made by fire. He has a blemish; he shall not come near to offer the bread of his God. 22 He shall eat the bread of his God, both of the most holy and of the holy, 23 only he shall not go in to the veil or come near to the altar, because he has a blemish, that he does not profane My sanctuaries, for I the Lord sanctify them.’” 24 And Moses told it to Aaron and to his sons and to all the children of Israel. The Separation of the Priests And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, that they separate themselves from the holy things of the children of Israel, and that they do not profane My holy name in those things that they consecrate to Me. I am the Lord. 3 Say to them, ‘Whoever of all your offspring among your generations who goes near the holy things that the children of Israel consecrate to the Lord and has his uncleanness on
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him, that soul shall be cut off from My presence. I am the Lord. 4 “‘Whatever man of the offspring of Aaron who is a leper or has a discharge, he shall not eat of the holy things until he is clean. And whoever touches anything that is unclean by the dead, or a man whose seed goes from him, 5 or whoever touches any creeping thing by which he may be made unclean or a man by whom he may be made unclean, whatever uncleanness he has— 6 the soul who has touched any such shall be unclean until evening and shall not eat of the holy things unless he washes his flesh with water. 7 And when the sun is down, he shall be clean. And afterward he shall eat of the holy things because they are his food. 8 He shall not eat what dies by itself or is torn by beasts, to defile himself with it. I am the Lord. 9 “‘Therefore they shall keep My ordinance, lest they bear sin for it and therefore die if they profane it. I the Lord sanctify them. 10 “‘No foreigner shall eat of the holy thing. A sojourner of the priest or a hired servant shall not eat of the holy thing. 11 But if the priest buys any soul with his money, he shall eat of it, and he who is born in his house shall eat of his food. 12 Also if the priest’s daughter is married to a foreigner, she may not eat of an offering of the holy things. 13 But if the priest’s daughter is a widow or divorced and has no child and has returned to her father’s house as in her youth, she shall eat of her father’s food. But no foreigner shall eat of it. 14 “‘And if a man eats of the holy
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thing unwittingly, then he shall add the fifth part of it to it and shall give it to the priest with the holy thing. 15 And they shall not profane the holy things of the children of Israel, which they offer to the Lord, 16 or allow them to bear the iniquity of trespass when they eat their holy things, for I the Lord sanctify them.’” Type of the Moral Perfections of Christ 17 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 18 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons and to all the children of Israel and say to them, ‘Anyone of the house of Israel or of the foreigners in Israel who offers his offering for all his vows and for all his freewill offerings, which they will offer to the Lord for a burnt offering— 19 you shall offer at your own will a male without blemish from the cattle, from the sheep, or from the goats. 20 But whatever has a blemish, you shall not offer that, for it shall not be acceptable for you. 21 And whoever offers a sacrifice of peace offerings to the Lord to accomplish his vow, or a freewill offering in cattle or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish in it. 22 Blind or broken or maimed, or having an abnormal growth, or scurvy, or scabbed: you shall not offer these to the Lord or make an offering by fire of them on the altar to the Lord. 23 Either a bull or a lamb that has anything superfluous or lacking in its parts—you may offer that for a freewill offering, but it shall not be accepted for a vow. 24 “‘You shall not offer to the Lord
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what is bruised or crushed or broken or cut, nor shall you make any offering of it in your land. 25 Nor from a stranger’s hand shall you offer the bread of your God from any of these, because their corruption is in them and blemishes are in them; they shall not be accepted for you.’” 26 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 27 “When a bull or a sheep or a goat is brought forth, then it shall be with its mother for seven days. And from the eighth day on it shall be accepted for an offering made by fire to the Lord. 28 And whether it is a cow or ewe, you shall not kill both her and her young in one day. 29 And when you offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving to the Lord, offer it at your own will. 30 It shall be eaten up on the same day; you shall leave none of it until the next day: I am the Lord. 31 “Therefore you shall keep My commandments and do them. I am the Lord. 32 You shall not profane My holy name, but I will be sanctified among the children of Israel. I am the Lord who sanctifies you, 33 who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord.” The Sabbath and the Feasts And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘Concerning the feasts of the Lord, which you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, even these are My feasts. 3 Work shall be done six days, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of rest, a holy convocation. You shall
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do no work on it; it is the Sabbath of the Lord in all your dwellings. 4 “‘These are the feasts of the Lord, even holy convocations, that you shall proclaim in their seasons. 5 On the fourteenth day of the first month at evening is the Lord’s Passover. 6 And on the fifteenth day of the same month is the Feast of Unleavened Bread to the Lord. You must eat unleavened bread seven days. 7 On the first day you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no servile work on it. 8 But you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord seven days. On the seventh day is a holy convocation. You shall do no servile work on it.’” 9 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 10 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land that I am giving to you and reap its harvest, then you shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest to the priest. 11 And he shall wave the sheaf before the Lord, to be accepted for you. On the day after the Sabbath the priest shall wave it. 12 And that day when you wave the sheaf, you shall offer a male lamb of the first year, without blemish, for a burnt offering to the Lord. 13 And its grain offering shall be two-tenths of a portion of fine flour mixed with oil, an offering made by fire to the Lord for a sweet savor. And its drink offering shall be of wine, the fourth part of a hin. 14 And you shall eat neither bread nor roasted grain nor green ears until the same day that you have brought an offering to your God. It shall be a statute forever throughout your
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generations in all your dwellings. 15 “‘And you shall count for yourselves from the day after the Sabbath, from the day that you brought the sheaf of the wave offering: seven Sabbaths shall be completed. 16 You shall number fifty days to the day after the seventh Sabbath, and you shall offer a new grain offering to the Lord. 17 You shall bring out of your dwellings two wave loaves of two-tenths of a portion. They shall be of fine flour; they shall be baked with leaven. They are the firstfruits to the Lord. 18 And with the bread you shall offer seven lambs of the first year, without blemish, and one young bull and two rams. They shall be for a burnt offering to the Lord, with their grain offering and their drink offerings, even an offering made by fire of sweet savor to the Lord. 19 Then you shall sacrifice one young goat for a sin offering and two lambs of the first year for a sacrifice of peace offerings. 20 And the priest shall wave them with the bread of the firstfruits for a wave offering before the Lord, with the two lambs. They shall be holy to the Lord for the priest. 21 And you shall proclaim on the same day that it may be a holy convocation to you. You shall do no servile work in it. It shall be a statute forever in all your dwellings throughout your generations. 22 “‘And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not completely reap to the corners of your field when you reap. Nor shall you gather any gleaning of your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the foreigner. I am the Lord your God.’”
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Trumpets; Prophetic of Future Regathering of Israel 23 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a Sabbath, a memorial of blowing of trumpets, a holy convocation. 25 You shall do no servile work on it, but you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord.’” 26 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 27 “Also on the tenth day of this seventh month there shall be a Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation to you, and you shall afflict your souls and offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. 28 And you shall do no work on that same day, for it is a Day of Atonement, to make an atonement for you before the Lord your God. 29 If anyone is not afflicted on that same day, he shall be cut off from among his people. 30 And whatever soul who does any work on that same day, that same soul I will destroy from among his people. 31 You shall not do any kind of work. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 32 It shall be to you a Sabbath of rest, and you shall afflict your souls. On the ninth day of the month at evening, from evening to evening, you shall celebrate your Sabbath.” 33 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 34 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘The fifteenth day of this seventh month shall be the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days to the Lord. 35 On the first day shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no servile work on it. 36 For seven days
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you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. On the eighth day you shall have a holy convocation, and you shall offer an offering made by fire to the Lord. It is a solemn assembly, and you shall do no servile work on it. 37 “‘These are the feasts of the Lord that you shall proclaim to be holy convocations, to offer an offering made by fire to the Lord—a burnt offering and a grain offering, a sacrifice and drink offerings, everything on its day— 38 besides the Sabbaths of the Lord and besides your gifts and besides all your vows and besides all your freewill offerings, which you give to the Lord. 39 “‘Also on the fifteenth day of the seventh month, when you have gathered in the fruit of the land, you shall keep a feast to the Lord for seven days. On the first day shall be a Sabbath, and on the eighth day shall be a Sabbath. 40 And on the first day you shall take for yourselves the boughs of beautiful trees—branches of palm trees and the boughs of thick trees and willows of the brook, and you shall rejoice before the Lord your God for seven days. 41 And you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord for seven days in the year. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. You shall celebrate it in the seventh month. 42 You shall dwell in booths seven days. All who are born Israelites shall dwell in booths, 43 that your generations may know that I made the children of Israel to dwell in booths when I brought them out of the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’”
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44 And Moses declared to the chil-
dren of Israel the feasts of the Lord.
The Oil for the Light in the Holy Place And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the children of Israel that they bring to you pure beaten olive oil for the light, to cause the lamps to burn continually. 3 Outside the veil of the testimony, in the tabernacle of the congregation, Aaron shall order it from the evening to the morning before the Lord continually. It shall be a statute forever in your generations. 4 He shall order the lamps on the pure candlestick before the Lord continually.”
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The Showbread 5 “And you shall take fine flour and bake twelve cakes with it; twotenths of a portion shall be in one cake. 6 And you shall set them in two rows, six on a row, on the pure table before the Lord. 7 And you shall put pure frankincense on each row, that it may be on the bread for a memorial, even an offering made by fire to the Lord. 8 Every Sabbath he shall set it in order before the Lord continually, being taken from the children of Israel by an everlasting covenant. 9 And it shall be Aaron’s and his sons’, and they shall eat it in the Holy Place, for it is most holy to him from the offerings of the Lord made by fire, by a perpetual statute.” The Penalty of Blasphemy 10 And the son of an Israelite woman, whose father was an Egyptian, went
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out among the children of Israel. And this son of the Israelite woman and a man of Israel fought together in the camp. 11 And the Israelite woman’s son blasphemed the name of the Lord and cursed. And they brought him to Moses. (And his mother’s name was Shelomith, the daughter of Dibri, of the tribe of Dan.) 12 And they put him in custody, that the will of the Lord might be shown to them. 13 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 14 “Take the man who has cursed outside the camp, and let all who heard him lay their hands on his head, and let all the congregation stone him. 15 “And you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying: ‘Whoever curses his God shall bear his sin. 16 And he who blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. And all the congregation shall certainly stone him. The foreigner as well as he who is born in the land shall be put to death when he blasphemes the name of the Lord. 17 “‘He who kills any man shall surely be put to death. 18 And he who kills a beast shall make it good, beast for beast. 19 “‘And if a man causes a blemish in his neighbor, as he has done, so shall it be done to him— 20 breach for breach, eye for eye, tooth for tooth; as he has caused a blemish in a man, so shall it be done to him again. 21 And he who kills a beast shall restore it. And he who kills a man shall be put to death. 22 You shall have one manner of law for the foreigner as well as for one
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from your own country, for I am the Lord your God.’” 23 And Moses spoke to the children of Israel, that they should take the man who had cursed out of the camp and stone him with stones. And the children of Israel did as the Lord commanded Moses. The Sabbath Year And the Lord spoke to Moses on Mount Sinai, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land that I am giving you, then the land shall keep a sabbath to the Lord. 3 Six years you shall sow your field, and six years you shall prune your vineyard and gather in its fruit, 4 but the seventh year shall be a sabbath of rest for the land, a sabbath to the Lord. You shall neither sow your field nor prune your vineyard. 5 You shall not reap what grows of its own accord of your harvest or gather the grapes of your undressed vine, for it is a year of rest for the land. 6 And the sabbath of the land shall be food for you: for you and for your servant and for your maid and for your hired servant and for the foreigner who sojourns with you, 7 and for your cattle and for the beasts that are in your land—all the increase of it shall be food.’”
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The Year of Jubilee 8 “‘And you shall number seven sabbaths of years for yourself, seven times seven years, and the time of the seven sabbaths of years shall be to you forty-nine years. 9 Then you shall cause the trumpet of the Jubilee to sound on the tenth day
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of the seventh month. On the Day of Atonement you shall make the trumpet sound throughout all your land. 10 And you shall consecrate the fiftieth year and proclaim liberty throughout all the land to all its inhabitants. It shall be a Jubilee for you, and you shall return every man to his possession, and you shall return every man to his family. 11 That fiftieth year shall be a Jubilee for you. You shall not sow or reap what grows by itself or gather the grapes of your undressed vine. 12 For it is the Jubilee; it shall be holy to you. You shall eat its increase out of the field. 13 “‘In the year of this Jubilee you shall return every man to his possession. 14 And if you sell anything to your neighbor or buy anything from your neighbor’s hand, you shall not oppress one another. 15 You shall buy from your neighbor according to the number of years after the Jubilee, and he shall sell to you according to the number of years for the fruits. 16 You shall increase its price according to the number of years, and you shall diminish its price according to the fewer number of years, for he sells to you according to the number of the years of the fruits. 17 Therefore you shall not oppress one another, but you shall fear your God. For I am the Lord your God. 18 “‘Therefore you shall do My statutes and keep My judgments and do them. And you shall dwell in the land in safety. 19 And the land shall yield its fruit, and you shall eat your fill and dwell in it in safety. 20 “‘And if you shall say, “What shall
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Leviticus 25:21
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we eat the seventh year? Behold, we shall not sow or gather in our increase.” 21 Then I will command My blessing on you in the sixth year, and it shall bring forth fruit for three years. 22 And you shall sow the eighth year and eat yet of old fruit until the ninth year. You shall eat of the old store until its fruits come in. 23 “‘The land shall not be sold forever, for the land is Mine. For you are foreigners and sojourners with Me. 24 And in all the land of your possession, you shall grant a redemption for the land.’” The Redemption of the Inheritance 25 “‘If your brother becomes poor and has sold some of his possession, and if any of his kin comes to redeem it, then he shall redeem what his brother sold. 26 And if the man has no one to redeem it and he is able to redeem it himself, 27 then let him count the years since its sale and restore the surplus to the man to whom he sold it, that he may return to his possession. 28 But if he is not able to restore it to him, then what is sold shall remain in the hand of him who has bought it until the Year of Jubilee. And in the Jubilee it shall go out, and he shall return to his possession. 29 “‘And if a man sells a dwelling house in a walled city, then he may redeem it within a whole year after it is sold; within a full year he may redeem it. 30 And if it is not redeemed within the space of a full year, then the house that is in the walled city shall be established forever to him who bought it, throughout his
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generations. It shall not go out in the Jubilee. 31 But the houses of the villages that have no wall all around them shall be counted as the fields of the country. They may be redeemed, and they shall go out in the Jubilee. 32 However, at any time the Levites may redeem the cities of the Levites and the houses of the cities of their possession. 33 And if a man purchases from the Levites, then the house that was sold and the city of his possession shall go out in the Year of Jubilee, for the houses of the cities of the Levites are their possession among the children of Israel. 34 But the field of the suburbs of their cities may not be sold, for it is their perpetual possession. 35 “‘And if your brother becomes poor and falls into ruin with you, then you shall relieve him—yes, though he were a foreigner or a sojourner, that he may live with you. 36 Take no usury or interest from him, but fear your God, that your brother may live with you. 37 You shall not give him your money on usury or lend him your provisions for interest. 38 I am the Lord your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God. 39 “‘And if your brother who dwells by you becomes poor and is sold to you, you shall not compel him to serve as a bondservant. 40 But he shall be with you as a hired servant and as a sojourner, and shall serve you until the Year of Jubilee. 41 And then he shall depart from you, both he and his children with him, and shall return to his own family. And he shall return to the possession of
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his fathers. 42 For they are My servants, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt. They shall not be sold as bondmen. 43 You shall not rule over him with rigor but shall fear your God. 44 Both your bondmen and your bondmaids whom you shall have shall be from the nations who are all around you. You shall buy bondmen and bondmaids from them. 45 Moreover, from the children of the foreigners who sojourn among you, of them you shall buy, and from their families who are with you, whom they begot in your land. And they shall be your possession. 46 And you shall take them as an inheritance for your children after you, to inherit them for a possession. They shall be your bondmen forever. But as for your brothers, the children of Israel, you shall not rule over one another with rigor. 47 “‘And if a sojourner or foreigner with you becomes rich, and your brother who dwells by him becomes poor and sells himself to the foreigner or sojourner by you, or to a member of the foreigner’s family, 48 after he is sold he may be redeemed again. One of his brothers may redeem him. 49 Either his uncle or his uncle’s son may redeem him, or anyone from his family who is near of kin to him may redeem him. Or if he is able, he may redeem himself. 50 And he shall count with the one who bought him from the year that he was sold to him to the Year of Jubilee, and the price of his sale shall be according to the number of years. It shall be with him according to the time of a hired servant. 51 If
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there are yet many years remaining, according to them he shall give again the price of his redemption out of the money that he was bought for. 52 And if there remain but few years to the Year of Jubilee, then he shall count with him. And according to his years he shall give him again the price of his redemption. 53 And he shall be with him as a yearly hired servant, and the other shall not rule over him with rigor in your sight. 54 And if he is not redeemed in these years, then he shall go out in the Year of Jubilee, both he and his children with him. 55 For the children of Israel are servants to Me; they are My servants whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’” Conditions of Blessing; Warnings of Chastisement “‘You shall not make idols or a graven image. Nor shall you set up a standing image. Nor shall you set up any image of stone in your land to bow down to it, for I am the Lord your God. 2 You shall keep My Sabbaths and reverence My sanctuary. I am the Lord. 3 “‘If you walk in My statutes and keep My commandments and do them, 4 then I will give you rain in due season, and the land shall yield its increase, and the trees of the field shall yield their fruit. 5 And your threshing shall last until the grape gathering, and the grape gathering shall last until the sowing time. And you shall eat your bread to the full and dwell in your land safely. 6 And I will give peace in the land, and you shall lie down,
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Leviticus 26:7
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and no one shall make you afraid. And I will remove evil beasts out of the land, nor shall the sword go through your land. 7 And you shall chase your enemies, and they shall fall before you by the sword. 8 And five of you shall chase a hundred, and a hundred of you shall put ten thousand to flight. And your enemies shall fall before you by the sword. 9 “‘For I will have respect for you and make you fruitful and multiply you and establish My covenant with you. 10 And you shall eat old supply and move out the old because of the new. 11 And I will set My tabernacle among you, and My soul shall not hate you. 12 And I will walk among you and will be your God, and you shall be My people. 13 I am the Lord your God, who brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, that you should not be their bondmen. And I have broken the bands of your yoke and made you walk upright. 14 “‘But if you will not listen to Me and will not do all these commandments, 15 and if you despise My statutes or if your soul hates My judgments, so that you will not do all My commandments but that you break My covenant, 16 I will also do this to you: I will even appoint over you terror, consumption, and a burning fever that shall consume the eyes and cause sorrow of heart. And you shall sow your seed in vain, for your enemies shall eat it. 17 And I will set My face against you, and you shall be slain before your enemies. Those who hate you shall reign over you, and you shall
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flee when no one pursues you. 18 “‘And if you will not still, for all this, listen to Me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. 19 And I will break the pride of your power, and I will make your heaven as iron and your earth as brass. 20 And your strength shall be spent in vain, for your land shall not yield its increase, nor shall the trees of the land yield their fruit. 21 “‘And if you walk contrary to Me and will not listen to Me, I will bring seven times more plagues on you according to your sins. 22 I will also send wild beasts among you, which shall rob you of your children and destroy your cattle and make you few in number, and your highways shall be desolate. 23 “‘And if by these things you will not be reformed by Me but will walk contrary to Me, 24 then I will also walk contrary to you, and will punish you yet seven times for your sins. 25 And I will bring a sword on you that shall avenge the dispute of My covenant. And when you are gathered together within your cities, I will send the pestilence among you, and you shall be delivered into the hand of the enemy. 26 And when I have broken the staff of your bread, ten women shall bake your bread in one oven, and they shall again deliver to you your bread by weight, and you shall eat and not be satisfied. 27 “‘And if after you will not for all this listen to Me but walk contrary to Me, 28 then I will also walk contrary to you in fury, and I, even I, will chastise you seven times for your sins. 29 And you shall eat the
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flesh of your sons, and you shall eat the flesh of your daughters. 30 And I will destroy your high places and cut down your images and cast your carcasses on the carcasses of your idols. And My soul shall hate you. 31 And I will make your cities waste and bring your sanctuaries to desolation, and I will not smell the savor of your sweet odors.’” The Dispersion Predicted 32 “‘And I will bring the land into desolation, and your enemies who dwell in it shall be astonished at it. 33 And I will scatter you among the nations and will draw out a sword after you. And your land shall be desolate and your cities waste. 34 Then the land shall enjoy its sabbaths as long as it lies desolate and you are in your enemies’ land. Even then the land shall rest and enjoy its sabbaths. 35 As long as it lies desolate it shall rest, because it did not rest in your sabbaths when you dwelled in it. 36 “‘And on those of you who are left alive, I will send a faintness into their hearts in the lands of their enemies. And the sound of a shaken leaf shall chase them, and they shall flee as fleeing from a sword, and they shall fall when no one pursues. 37 And they shall fall on one another, as it were before a sword, when no one pursues. And you shall have no power to stand before your enemies. 38 And you shall perish among the nations, and the land of your enemies shall eat you up. 39 And those of you who are left shall waste away in their iniquity in your enemies’ lands, and also in the iniquities of
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their fathers they shall waste away with them.’” The Abrahamic Covenant Remains 40 “‘If they shall confess their iniquity and the iniquity of their fathers with their trespass that they trespassed against Me, and also that they have walked contrary to Me 41 and that I have also walked contrary to them and have brought them into the land of their enemies—if then their uncircumcised hearts are humbled and then they accept the punishment of their iniquity, 42 then I will remember My covenant with Jacob and also My covenant with Isaac, and also I will remember My covenant with Abraham, and I will remember the land. 43 The land shall also be left by them and shall enjoy its sabbaths while it lies desolate without them. And they shall accept the punishment of their iniquity because, even because, they despised My judgments and because their soul hated My statutes. 44 And yet for all that, when they are in the land of their enemies, I will not cast them away, nor will I hate them to utterly destroy them and to break My covenant with them, for I am the Lord their God. 45 But for their sake I will remember the covenant of their ancestors, whom I brought forth out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations, that I might be their God. I am the Lord.’” 46 These are the statutes and judgments and laws that the Lord made between Himself and the children of Israel by the hand of Moses on Mount Sinai.
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Leviticus 27:1
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Dedicated Persons and Things And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying,2 “Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: ‘When a man makes a singular vow, the persons shall be for the Lord by your estimation. 3 And if your estimation shall be of the male from twenty years old to sixty years old, your estimation shall be fifty shekels of silver, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. 4 And if it is a female, then your estimation shall be thirty shekels. 5 And if it is from five years old to twenty years old, then your estimation shall be twenty shekels for the male and ten shekels for the female. 6 And if it is from a month old to five years old, then your estimation shall be five shekels of silver for the male, and for the female your estimation shall be three shekels of silver. 7 And if it is from sixty years old and above, if it is a male, then your estimation shall be fifteen shekels, and for the female ten shekels. 8 “‘But if he is poorer than your estimation, then he shall present himself before the priest, and the priest shall value him. The priest shall value him according to the ability of him who vowed. 9 “‘And if it is a beast that men bring as an offering to the Lord, all that any man gives of such to the Lord shall be holy. 10 He shall not alter it or change it, a good for a bad or a bad for a good. And if he shall exchange beast for beast at all, then it and the one exchanged shall be holy. 11 And if it is any unclean beast of which they do not offer a sacrifice to the Lord, then he shall present
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the beast before the priest, 12 and the priest shall value it, whether it is good or bad. As you, who are the priest, value it, so shall it be. 13 But if he wishes at all to redeem it, then he shall add a fifth part of it to your estimation. 14 “‘And when a man shall sanctify his house to be holy to the Lord, then the priest shall estimate it, whether it is good or bad. As the priest shall estimate it, so shall it stand. 15 And if he who sanctified it wishes to redeem his house, then he shall add the fifth part of the money of your estimation to it, and it shall be his. 16 “‘And if a man shall sanctify to the Lord some part of a field of his possession, then your estimation shall be according to its seed. A homer of barley seed shall be valued at fifty shekels of silver. 17 If he sanctifies his field from the Year of Jubilee, according to your estimation it shall stand. 18 But if he sanctifies his field after the Jubilee, then the priest shall count to him the money according to the years that remain even to the year of the Jubilee, and it shall be deducted from your estimation. 19 And if he who sanctified the field wishes in any way to redeem it, then he shall add to it the fifth part of the money of your estimation, and it shall be assured to him. 20 And if he will not redeem the field, or if he has sold the field to another man, it shall not be redeemed anymore. 21 But the field, when it goes out in the Jubilee, shall be holy to the Lord, as a devoted field. Its possession shall be the priest’s. 22 “‘And if a man sanctifies to the
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Lord a field that he has bought, which is not of the fields of his possession, 23 then the priest shall count to him the worth of your estimation, even to the Year of Jubilee, and he shall give your estimation in that day as a holy thing to the Lord. 24 In the Year of Jubilee the field shall return to him from whom it was bought, even to him to whom the possession of the land did belong. 25 And all your estimations shall be according to the shekel of the sanctuary: twenty gerahs shall be the shekel. 26 “‘Only the firstborn of the beasts, which should be the Lord’s firstborn, no man shall sanctify it; whether it is ox or sheep, it is the Lord’s. 27 And if it is an unclean beast, then he shall redeem it according to your estimation and shall add a fifth part of it to it. Or if it is not redeemed, then it shall be sold according to your estimation. 28 “‘However, no devoted thing that a man shall devote to the Lord
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of all that he has, both of man and beast and of the field of his possession, shall be sold or redeemed. Every devoted thing is most holy to the Lord. 29 No one devoted, who shall be devoted from men, shall be redeemed but shall surely be put to death. 30 And all the tithe of the land, whether of the seed of the land or of the fruit of the tree, is the Lord’s; it is holy to the Lord. 31 And if a man wishes at all to redeem anything of his tithes, he shall add to it the fifth part of it. 32 And concerning the tithe of the herd or of the flock, even of whatever passes under the rod, the tenth shall be holy to the Lord. 33 He shall not search whether it is good or bad, nor shall he exchange it. And if he exchanges it at all, then both it and the one exchanged shall be holy; it shall not be redeemed.’” 34 These are the commandments that the Lord commanded Moses for the children of Israel on Mount Sinai.
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NUMBERS INTRODUCTION TO NUMBERS The book of Numbers derives its name from the two censuses taken of the nation of Israel at the beginning and the end of this book. Before being referred to as Numbers, this writing had also been known as In the Desert (or Wilderness), referring to the fact that the Israelites spent forty years in the desert. AUTHOR Many evangelical scholars consider Moses the author of Numbers. Additional support for Moses as the author is found in the fact that Jesus calls the first five books of the Bible “the law of Moses” (Luke 24:27, 44). OCCASION This book covers a history of thirty-nine years in the travels of the Israelites from Mount Sinai to the border of the promised land. Throughout this book, Israel is sometimes seen as a complaining and rebellious nation, often needing God to intervene with discipline. In the midst of His discipline, however, God will still keep His covenant and will continue to provide for the needs of His people. Thus, Numbers does not end with failure but with a generation ready to enter the promised land because of God’s mercy and grace.
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Moses Commanded to Number the People And the Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying: 2 “Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, by their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls, 3 from twenty years old and upward—all who are able to go forth to war in Israel. You and Aaron shall number them by their armies. 4 And there shall be with you a man of every tribe, each head of the house of his fathers. 5 “And these are the names of the men who shall stand with you: from the tribe of Reuben, Elizur the son of Shedeur; 6 from Simeon, Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai; 7 from Judah, Nahshon the son of Ammin adab; 8 from Issachar, Nethanel the son of Zuar; 9 from Zebulun, Eliab the son of Helon; 10 from the children of Joseph: from Ephraim, Elish ama the son of Ammihud; from Manasseh, Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur; 11 from Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni; 12 from Dan, Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai; 13 from Asher, Pagiel the son of Ocran; 14 from Gad, Eliasaph the son of Deuel; 15 from Naphtali, Ahira the son of Enan.” 16 These were the renowned of the congregation, princes of the tribes of their fathers, heads of thousands in Israel. 17 And Moses and Aaron took these men who were expressed by
1
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their names, 18 and they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month. And they declared their ancestry by their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, by their polls. 19 As the Lord commanded Moses, so he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai. 20 And the children of Reuben, Israel’s eldest son, by their generations, by their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war: 21 those who were numbered of the tribe of Reuben were forty-six thousand five hundred. 22 From the children of Simeon, by their generations, by their families, by the house of their fathers, those who were numbered of them, according to the number of the names, by their polls, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war: 23 those who were numbered of the tribe of Simeon were fifty-nine thousand three hundred. 24 From the children of Gad, by their generations, by their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war: 25 those who were numbered of the tribe of Gad were forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty. 26 From the children of Judah, by their generations, by their families, by the house of their fathers,
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according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war: 27 those who were numbered of the tribe of Judah were seventy-four thousand six hundred. 28 From the children of Issachar, by their generations, by their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war: 29 those who were numbered of the tribe of Issachar were fifty-four thousand four hundred. 30 From the children of Zebulun, by their generations, by their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war: 31 those who were numbered of the tribe of Zebulun were fifty-seven thousand four hundred. 32 From the children of Joseph—namely, of the children of Ephraim—by their generations, by their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war: 33 those who were numbered of the tribe of Ephraim were forty thousand five hundred. 34 From the children of Manasseh, by their generations, by their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war: 35 those who were numbered of the tribe of Manasseh were thirty-two thousand two hundred.
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36 From the children of Benjamin,
by their generations, by their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war: 37 those who were numbered of the tribe of Benjamin were thirty-five thousand four hundred. 38 From the children of Dan, by their generations, by their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war: 39 those who were numbered of the tribe of Dan were sixty-two thousand seven hundred. 40 From the children of Asher, by their generations, by their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war: 41 those who were numbered of the tribe of Asher were forty-one thousand five hundred. 42 From the children of Naphtali, throughout their generations, by their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war: 43 those who were numbered of the tribe of Naphtali were fifty-three thousand four hundred. 44 These are the ones who were numbered, whom Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel—twelve men, each one from the house of his fathers. 45 So all those who were numbered of the children of Israel, by the house of
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their fathers, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go forth to war in Israel— 46 all those who were numbered were six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty. 47 But the Levites were not numbered among them by the tribe of their fathers. 48 For the Lord had spoken to Moses, saying: 49 “Only the tribe of Levi you shall not number, nor take the sum of them among the children of Israel. 50 But you shall appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony and over all its vessels and over all things that belong to it. They shall bear the tabernacle and all its vessels, and they shall minister to it and shall camp all around the tabernacle. 51 And when the tabernacle sets forward, the Levites shall take it down. And when the tabernacle is to be pitched, the Levites shall set it up. And the stranger who comes near shall be put to death. 52 And the children of Israel shall pitch their tents, every man by his own camp and every man by his own standard, throughout their camps. 53 But the Levites shall camp all around the tabernacle of testimony, that there may be no wrath on the congregation of the children of Israel. And the Levites shall take care of the needs of the tabernacle of testimony.” 54 And the children of Israel did so; according to all that the Lord commanded Moses, so they did. Arrangement of the Camp And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 “Every
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man of the children of Israel shall camp by his own standard, with the standard of his father’s house. They shall camp far off around the tabernacle of the congregation. 3 And on the east side, toward the rising of the sun, those of the standard of the camp of Judah shall camp throughout their armies, and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah. 4 And his army and those who were numbered from them were seventy-four thousand six hundred. 5 “And those who camp next to him shall be the tribe of Issachar, and Nethanel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar. 6 And his army and those who were numbered from them were fifty-four thousand four hundred. 7 “Then the tribe of Zebulun: and Eliab the son of Helon shall be captain of the children of Zebulun. 8 And his army and those who were numbered from them were fifty-seven thousand four hundred. 9 All who were numbered throughout their armies in the camp of Judah were one hundred and eightysix thousand four hundred. These shall set forth first. 10 “On the south side shall be the standard of the camp of Reuben according to their armies, and the captain of the children of Reuben shall be Elizur the son of Shedeur. 11 And his army and those who were numbered from them were forty-six thousand five hundred. 12 “And those who camp by him shall be the tribe of Simeon, and the captain of the children of Simeon shall be Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai.
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13 And his army and those who were
numbered from them were fifty-nine thousand three hundred. 14 “Then the tribe of Gad: and the captain of the sons of Gad shall be Eliasaph the son of Reuel. 15 And his army and those who were numbered from them were forty-five thousand six hundred and fifty. 16 All who were numbered throughout their armies in the camp of Reuben were one hundred and fifty-one thousand four hundred and fifty. And they shall set forth in the second rank. 17 “Then the tabernacle of the congregation shall set forward with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps. As they camp, so shall they set forward, every man in his place, by their standards. 18 “On the west side shall be the standard of the camp of Ephraim according to their armies, and the captain of the sons of Ephraim shall be Elishama the son of Ammihud. 19 And his army and those who were numbered from them were forty thousand five hundred. 20 “And by him shall be the tribe of Manasseh, and the captain of the children of Manasseh shall be Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 21 And his army and those who were numbered from them were thirty-two thousand two hundred. 22 “Then the tribe of Benjamin: and the captain of the sons of Benjamin shall be Abidan the son of Gideoni. 23 And his army and those who were numbered from them were thirty-five thousand four hundred. 24 All who were numbered throughout their armies from the camp of Ephraim
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were one hundred and eight thousand one hundred. And they shall go forward in the third rank. 25 “The standard of the camp of Dan shall be on the north side by their armies, and the captain of the children of Dan shall be Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 26 And his army and those who were numbered from them were sixty-two thousand seven hundred. 27 “And those who camp by him shall be the tribe of Asher, and the captain of the children of Asher shall be Pagiel the son of Ocran. 28 And his army and those who were numbered from them were forty-one thousand five hundred. 29 “Then the tribe of Naphtali: and the captain of the children of Naphtali shall be Ahira the son of Enan. 30 And his army and those who were numbered from them were fifty-three thousand four hundred. 31 All those who were numbered in the camp of Dan were one hundred and fifty-seven thousand six hundred. They shall go last with their standards.” 32 These are the ones who were numbered from the children of Israel by the house of their fathers. All those who were numbered from the camps throughout their armies were six hundred and three thousand five hundred and fifty. 33 But the Levites were not numbered among the children of Israel, as the Lord commanded Moses. 34 And the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses. They camped by their standards, and so they set forward, everyone by their families,
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according to the house of their fathers. The Priests These are also the generations of Aaron and Moses at the time when the Lord spoke with Moses on Mount Sinai. 2 And these are the names of the sons of Aaron: Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar. 3 These are the names of the sons of Aaron, the priests who were anointed, whom he consecrated to minister in the priest’s office. 4 And Nadab and Abihu died before the Lord when they offered strange fire before the Lord in the wilderness of Sinai, and they had no children. And Eleazar and Ithamar ministered in the priest’s office in the sight of Aaron their father.
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The Tribe of Levi 5 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Bring the tribe of Levi near, and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister to him. 7 And they shall take care of his needs and the needs of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle. 8 And they shall take care of all the instruments of the tabernacle of the congregation and the needs of the children of Israel, to do the service of the tabernacle. 9 And you shall give the Levites to Aaron and to his sons; they are wholly given to him out of the children of Israel. 10 And you shall appoint Aaron and his sons, and they shall attend to their priest’s office. And the stranger who comes near shall be put to death.”
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Numbers 3:23 11 And the Lord spoke to Moses,
saying, 12 “And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn who open the womb among the children of Israel. Therefore the Levites shall be Mine, 13 because all the firstborn are Mine. For on the day that I smote all the firstborn in the land of Egypt, I sanctified to Myself all the firstborn in Israel, both man and beast. They shall be Mine. I am the Lord.” 14 And the Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, saying, 15 “Number the children of Levi by the house of their fathers, by their families. You shall number every male from a month old and upward.” 16 And Moses numbered them according to the word of the Lord, as he was commanded. 17 And these were the sons of Levi by their names: Gershon and Kohath and Merari. 18 And these are the names of the sons of Gershon by their families: Libni and Shimei. 19 And the sons of Kohath by their families: Amram and Izehar, Hebron and Uzziel. 20 And the sons of Merari by their families: Mahli and Mushi. These are the families of the Levites according to the house of their fathers. 21 From Gershon was the family of the Libnites and the family of the Shimites; these are the families of the Gershonites. 22 Those who were numbered from them, according to the number of all the males from a month old and upward—those who were numbered from them were seven thousand five hundred. 23 The families of the Gershonites shall
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camp behind the tabernacle westward. 24 And the chief of the house of the father of the Gershonites shall be Eliasaph the son of Lael. 25 And the responsibilities of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation shall be the tabernacle and the tent, its covering, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, 26 and the hangings of the court and the curtain for the door of the court, which is by the tabernacle and around the altar, and its cords for all its service. 27 And from Kohath was the family of the Amramites and the family of the Izharites and the family of the Hebronites and the family of the Uzzielites; these are the families of the Kohathites. 28 In the numbering of all the males, from a month old and upward, there were eight thousand six hundred taking care of the responsibilities of the sanctuary. 29 The families of the sons of Kohath shall camp on the southward side of the tabernacle. 30 And the chief of the house of the father of the families of the Kohathites shall be Elizaphan the son of Uzziel. 31 And their responsibilities shall be the ark and the table and the candlestick and the altars, and the vessels of the sanctuary with which they minister, and the hanging and all its service. 32 And Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest shall be chief over the chief of the Levites and have the oversight of those who take care of the needs of the sanctuary. 33 From Merari was the family of the Mahlites and the family of the Mushites: these are the families of Merari. 34 And those who were
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numbered from them, according to the number of all the males from a month old and upward, were six thousand two hundred. 35 And the chief of the house of the father of the families of Merari was Zuriel the son of Abihail. These shall camp on the northward side of the tabernacle. 36 And under the custody and responsibility of the sons of Merari shall be the boards of the tabernacle and its bars and its pillars and its sockets and all its vessels and all that serves it, 37 and the pillars of the court all around, and their sockets and their pins and their cords. 38 But those who camp before the tabernacle toward the east, before the tabernacle of the congregation eastward, shall be Moses and Aaron and his sons, keeping the responsibility of the sanctuary to take care of the needs of the children of Israel. And the stranger who comes near shall be put to death. 39 All who were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron numbered at the commandment of the Lord, throughout their families, all the males from a month old and upward, were twenty-two thousand. The Firstborn Redeemed 40 And the Lord said to Moses, “Number all the firstborn of the males of the children of Israel from a month old and upward, and take the number of their names. 41 And you shall take the Levites for Me (I am the Lord) instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the cattle of the children of Israel.” 42 And
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Moses numbered all the firstborn the sum of the sons of Kohath from among the children of Israel, as the among the sons of Levi, by their Lord commanded him. families, by the house of their fa43 And all the firstborn males, by thers, 3 from thirty years old and upthe number of names from a month ward, even until fifty years old, all old and upward, of those who were who enter into the camp to do the numbered of them, were twenty- work in the tabernacle of the contwo thousand two hundred and gregation. 4 This shall be the service seventy-three. of the sons of Kohath in the taber44 And the Lord spoke to Moses, nacle of the congregation, about the saying, 45 “Take the Levites instead most holy things. 5 “And when the camp sets forof all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the ward, Aaron and his sons shall Levites instead of their cattle. And come, and they shall take down the Levites shall be Mine. I am the the covering veil and cover the ark Lord. 46 And for those who are to be of testimony with it, 6 and shall put redeemed of the two hundred and the covering of badgers’ skins on seventy-three of the firstborn of the it, and shall spread over it a cloth children of Israel, who are more wholly of blue, and shall put in its than the Levites, 47 you shall take poles. 7 “And on the table of showbread exactly five shekels apiece by the poll; you shall take them according they shall spread a cloth of blue and to the shekel of the sanctuary (the put on it the dishes and the spoons shekel is twenty gerahs). 48 And you and the bowls and covers to cover shall give the money, with which with, and the continual bread shall the odd number of them is to be re- be on it. 8 And they shall spread a deemed, to Aaron and to his sons.” cloth of scarlet on them, and cover 49 And Moses took the redempthe same with a covering of badtion money from those who were gers’ skins, and shall put in its poles. over and above those who were 9 And they shall take a cloth of blue redeemed by the Levites. 50 He and cover the candlestick of the took the money from the firstborn light and its lamps and its tongs and of the children of Israel, one thou- its snuff dishes and all its oil vessels sand three hundred and sixty-five with which they minister to it. 10 And shekels, according to the shekel of they shall put it and all its vessels the sanctuary. 51 And Moses gave within a covering of badgers’ skins the money of those who were re- and shall put it on a bar. 11 “And on the golden altar they deemed to Aaron and to his sons, according to the word of the Lord, shall spread a cloth of blue, and as the Lord commanded Moses. cover it with a covering of badgers’ skins, and shall put in its poles. 12 And they shall take all the instruService of the Kohathites And the Lord spoke to Moses ments of ministry, with which they and to Aaron, saying, 2 “Take minister in the sanctuary, and put
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them in a cloth of blue, and cover them with a covering of badgers’ skins, and shall put them on a bar. 13 And they shall take away the ashes from the altar and spread a purple cloth on it. 14 And they shall put on it all its vessels, with which they minister about it, even the censers, the forks, and the shovels and the basins—all the vessels of the altar. And they shall spread on it a covering of badgers’ skins and put in its poles. 15 And when Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sanctuary and all the vessels of the sanctuary, as the camp is to set forward, after that the sons of Kohath shall come to bear it. But they shall not touch any holy thing, lest they die. These things are the burden of the sons of Kohath in the tabernacle of the congregation.” The Office of Eleazar 16 “And to the office of Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest pertains the oil for the light, and the sweet incense and the daily grain offering and the anointing oil, and the oversight of all the tabernacle and of all that is in it, in the sanctuary and in its vessels.” 17 And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron saying, 18 “Do not cut off the tribe of the families of the Kohathites from among the Levites, 19 but do thus to them, that they may live and not die when they approach the most holy things: Aaron and his sons shall go in and appoint each one to his service and to his burden. 20 But they shall not go in to see when the holy things are covered, lest they die.”
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The Service of the Gershonites 21 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 22 “Also take the sum of the sons of Gershon, throughout the houses of their fathers, by their families. 23 You shall number them from thirty years old and upward until fifty years old, all who enter in to perform the service, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation. 24 This is the service of the families of the Gershonites, to serve and for burdens: 25 and they shall bear the curtains of the tabernacle and the tabernacle of the congregation, its covering and the covering of the badgers’ skins that is on it, and the hanging for the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, 26 and the hangings of the court and the hanging for the door of the gate of the court, which is by the tabernacle and around the altar, and their cords and all the instruments of their service and all that is made for them. So shall they serve. 27 “All the service of the sons of the Gershonites shall be at the appointment of Aaron and his sons, in all their burdens and in all their service. And you shall appoint to them all their burdens in their charge. 28 This is the service of the families of the sons of Gershon in the tabernacle of the congregation. And their responsibilities shall be under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.” The Service of the Merarites 29 “As for the sons of Merari, you shall number them by their families, by the house of their fathers. 30 From thirty years old and upward,
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even to fifty years old, you shall number them, everyone who enters into the service to do the work of the tabernacle of the congregation. 31 And this is the charge of their burden, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation: the boards of the tabernacle and its bars and its pillars and its sockets, 32 and the pillars of the court all around and their sockets and their pins and their cords, with all their instruments and with all their service. And by name you shall consider the instruments of the responsibility of their burden. 33 This is the service of the families of the sons of Merari, according to all their service in the tabernacle of the congregation, under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest.” 34 And Moses and Aaron and the chief of the congregation numbered the sons of the Kohathites by their families, and by the house of their fathers, 35 from thirty years old and upward, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation. 36 And those who were numbered from them by their families were two thousand seven hundred and fifty. 37 These were those who were numbered from the families of the Kohathites, all who might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, which Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the Lord through Moses. 38 And those who were numbered of the sons of Gershon, throughout their families and by the house of their fathers, 39 from thirty years
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old and upward, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation— 40 even those who were numbered from them throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, were two thousand six hundred and thirty. 41 These are those who were numbered from the families of the sons of Gershon, of all who might do service in the tabernacle of the congregation, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the commandment of the Lord. 42 And those who were numbered from the families of the sons of Merari, throughout their families, by the house of their fathers, 43 from thirty years old and upward, even to fifty years old, everyone who entered into the service for the work in the tabernacle of the congregation— 44 even those who were numbered from them by their families were three thousand two hundred. 45 These are those who were numbered from the families of the sons of Merari, whom Moses and Aaron numbered according to the word of the Lord through Moses. 46 All those that were numbered of the Levites, whom Moses and Aaron and the chief of Israel numbered, by their families and by the house of their fathers, 47 from thirty years old and upward, even to fifty years old, everyone who came to do the service of the ministry and the service of the burden in the tabernacle of the congregation— 48 even those who were numbered from them were eight thousand five hundred and eighty.
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49 According
to the commandment of the Lord through Moses, they were numbered, everyone according to his service and according to his burden. Thus they were numbered by him, as the Lord commanded Moses. Defilement of the Camp And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the children of Israel that they put out of the camp every leper, and everyone who has a discharge, and whoever is defiled by the dead. 3 You shall put out both male and female; you shall put them outside the camp, that they do not defile their camps in the midst of which I dwell.” 4 And the children of Israel did so, and put them outside the camp; as the Lord spoke to Moses, so the children of Israel did. 5 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Speak to the children of Israel: ‘When a man or woman shall commit any sin that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person is guilty, 7 then they shall confess their sin that they have done. And he shall recompense his trespass with the principal of it, and add to it the fifth part of it, and give it to him against whom he has trespassed. 8 But if the man has no kinsman to recompense the trespass to, let the trespass be recompensed to the Lord, even to the priest, besides the ram of the atonement by which an atonement shall be made for him. 9 And every offering of all the holy things of the children of Israel that they bring to the priest shall be his. 10 And every man’s holy things shall
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be his; whatever any man gives the priest, it shall be his.’” 11 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 12 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘If any man’s wife goes astray and commits a trespass against him, 13 and a man lies with her sexually and it is hidden from the eyes of her husband and is kept quiet and she is defiled, and there is no witness against her and she is not caught in the act,14 and the spirit of jealousy comes on him and he is jealous of his wife and she is defiled, or if the spirit of jealousy comes on him and he is jealous of his wife and she was not defiled, 15 then the man shall bring his wife to the priest. And he shall bring her offering for her: the tenth part of an ephah of barley meal. He shall not pour oil on it or put frankincense on it, for it is an offering of jealousy, an offering of memorial, bringing iniquity to remembrance. 16 “‘And the priest shall bring her near and set her before the Lord. 17 And the priest shall take holy water in an earthen vessel. And the priest shall take some of the dust that is on the floor of the tabernacle and put it into the water. 18 And the priest shall set the woman before the Lord and uncover the woman’s head and put the offering of memorial in her hands, which is the jealousy offering. And the priest shall have in his hand the bitter water that causes the curse. 19 And the priest shall charge her by an oath and say to the woman, “If no man has lain with you, and if you have not gone astray to uncleanness with another instead
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of your husband, be free from this bitter water that causes the curse. 20 But if you have gone astray to another instead of your husband, and if you are defiled and some man has lain with you besides your husband” 21 (then the priest shall charge the woman with an oath of cursing, and the priest shall say to the woman), “the Lord make you a curse and an oath among your people, when the Lord makes your thigh to rot and your belly to swell. 22 And this water that causes the curse shall go into your bowels to make your belly to swell and your thigh to rot.” And the woman shall say, “Amen, amen.” 23 “‘And the priest shall write these curses in a book, and he shall blot them out with the bitter water. 24 And he shall cause the woman to drink the bitter water that causes the curse, and the water that causes the curse shall enter into her and become bitter. 25 Then the priest shall take the jealousy offering out of the woman’s hand and shall wave the offering before the Lord and offer it on the altar. 26 And the priest shall take a handful of the offering, even the memorial of it, and burn it on the altar, and afterward shall cause the woman to drink the water. 27 And when he has made her to drink the water, then it shall come to pass that if she is defiled and has trespassed against her husband, that the water that causes the curse shall enter into her and become bitter, and her belly shall swell and her thigh shall rot, and the woman shall be a curse among her people. 28 And if the woman is not defiled but is clean, then she shall be free and shall conceive children.
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29 “‘This
is the law of jealousies, when a wife goes astray to another instead of her husband and is defiled, 30 or when the spirit of jealousy comes on him and he is jealous over his wife, and shall set the woman before the Lord, and the priest shall execute all this law on her. 31 Then the man shall be guiltless from iniquity, and this woman shall bear her iniquity.’” The Nazarites And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves to the Lord, 3 he shall separate himself from wine and strong drink, and shall drink no vinegar of wine or vinegar of strong drink. Nor shall he drink any liquor of grapes or eat moist or dried grapes. 4 All the days of his separation he shall eat nothing that is made of the grapevine, from the kernels even to the husk. 5 “‘All the days of the vow of his separation no razor shall come upon his head. Until the days are fulfilled in which he separated himself to the Lord, he shall be holy and shall let the locks of the hair of his head grow. 6 He shall not go near a dead body all the days that he separates himself to the Lord. 7 He shall not make himself unclean for his father or for his mother, for his brother or for his sister, when they die, because the consecration of his God is upon his head. 8 He is holy to the Lord all the days of his separation. 9 “‘And if any man dies very
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suddenly by him, and he has defiled the head of his consecration, then he shall shave his head on the day of his cleansing. On the seventh day he shall shave it. 10 And on the eighth day he shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons to the priest, to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 11 And the priest shall offer the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering and make an atonement for him, because he sinned by the dead, and shall consecrate his head that same day. 12 And he shall consecrate to the Lord the days of his separation and shall bring a lamb of the first year for a trespass offering. But the days that were before shall be lost because his separation was defiled. 13 “‘And this is the law of the Nazarite: when the days of his separation are fulfilled, he shall be brought to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 14 And he shall offer his offering to the Lord: one male lamb of the first year without blemish for a burnt offering, and one ewe lamb of the first year without blemish for a sin offering, and one ram without blemish for peace offerings, 15 and a basket of unleavened bread, cakes of fine flour mingled with oil, and wafers of unleavened bread anointed with oil, and their grain offering and their drink offerings. 16 “‘And the priest shall bring them before the Lord and shall offer his sin offering and his burnt offering. 17 And he shall offer the ram for a sacrifice of peace offerings to the Lord, with the basket of unleavened
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bread. The priest shall also offer his grain offering and his drink offering. 18 And the Nazarite shall shave the head of his separation at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation and shall take the hair of the head of his separation and put it in the fire that is under the sacrifice of the peace offerings. 19 “‘And the priest shall take the boiled shoulder of the ram, and one unleavened cake out of the basket, and one unleavened wafer, and shall put them on the hands of the Nazarite after the hair of his separation is shaved. 20 And the priest shall wave them for a wave offering before the Lord. This is holy for the priest, with the wave breast and heave shoulder. And after that the Nazarite may drink wine.’ 21 “This is the law of the Nazarite who has vowed, and of his offering to the Lord for his separation, besides what his hand shall get. According to the vow that he vowed, so he must do according to the law of his separation.” 22 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 23 “Speak to Aaron and to his sons, saying, ‘In this way you shall bless the children of Israel, saying to them: 24 “The Lord bless you and keep you. 25 The Lord make His face shine on you and be gracious to you. 26 The Lord lift up His countenance on you and give you peace.”’ 27 And they shall put My name on the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” The Gifts of Princes And it came to pass, on the day that Moses had fully set up the
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tabernacle and had anointed it and sanctified it, and all its instruments, both the altar and all its vessels, and had anointed them and sanctified them, 2 that the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers who were the princes of the tribes and were over those who were numbered, offered. 3 And they brought their offering before the Lord: six covered wagons and twelve oxen, a wagon for two of the princes, and for each one an ox. And they brought them before the tabernacle. 4 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 5 “Take it from them, that they may be used for the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. And you shall give them to the Le vites, to every man according to his service.” 6 And Moses took the wagons and the oxen and gave them to the Levites. 7 He gave two wagons and four oxen to the sons of Gershon, according to their service. 8 And he gave four wagons and eight oxen to the sons of Merari, according to their service, under the direction of Ithamar the son of Aaron the priest. 9 But to the sons of Kohath he gave none, because the service of the sanctuary belonging to them was that they should bear on their shoulders. 10 And the princes offered for dedicating of the altar at the time when it was anointed. Even the princes offered their offering before the altar. 11 And the Lord said to Moses, “They shall offer their offering, each prince on his day, for the dedicating of the altar.” 12 And he who offered his offering the first day was Nahshon the son of
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Amminadab, of the tribe of Judah. 13 And his offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them were full of fine flour mingled with oil for a grain offering; 14 one spoon of ten shekels of gold, full of incense; 15 one young bull, one ram, one lamb of the first year for a burnt offering; 16 one young goat for a sin offering; 17 and for a sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Nahshon the son of Amminadab. 18 On the second day Nethanel the son of Zuar, prince of Issachar, offered. 19 He offered for his offering one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a grain offering; 20 one spoon of gold of ten shekels, full of incense; 21 one young bull, one ram, one lamb of the first year for a burnt offering; 22 one young goat for a sin offering; 23 and for a sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Nethanel the son of Zuar. 24 On the third day Eliab the son of Helon, prince of the children of Zebulun, offered. 25 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full
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of fine flour mingled with oil for a grain offering; 26 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense; 27 one young bull, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering; 28 one young goat for a sin offering; 29 and for a sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Eliab the son of Helon. 30 On the fourth day Elizur the son of Shedeur, prince of the children of Reuben, offered. 31 His offering was one silver platter of the weight of one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a grain offering; 32 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense; 33 one young bull, one ram, one lamb of the first year for a burnt offering; 34 one young goat for a sin offering; 35and for a sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Elizur the son of Shedeur. 36 On the fifth day Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai, prince of the children of Simeon, offered. 37 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a grain offering; 38 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense; 39 one young bull, one ram, one lamb of the first year, for a burnt offering; 40 one young goat for a sin offering; 41 and for a sacrifice of peace
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offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 42 On the sixth day Eliasaph the son of Deuel, prince of the children of Gad, offered. 43 His offering was one silver platter of the weight of one hundred and thirty shekels, a silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a grain offering; 44 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense; 45 one young bull, one ram, one lamb of the first year for a burnt offering; 46 one young goat for a sin offering; 47 and for a sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Eliasaph the son of Deuel. 48 On the seventh day Elishama the son of Ammihud, prince of the children of Ephraim, offered. 49 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a grain offering; 50 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense; 51 one young bull, one ram, one lamb of the first year for a burnt offering; 52 one young goat for a sin offering; 53 and for a sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Elishama the son of Ammihud. 54 On the eighth day Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur, prince of the children of Manasseh, offered. 55 His
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offering was one silver platter of the weight of one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a grain offering; 56 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense; 57 one young bull, one ram, one lamb of the first year for a burnt offering; 58 one young goat for a sin offering; 59 and for a sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 60 On the ninth day Abidan the son of Gideoni, prince of the children of Benjamin, offered. 61 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a grain offering; 62 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense; 63 one young bull, one ram, one lamb of the first year for a burnt offering; 64 one young goat for a sin offering; 65 and for a sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Abidan the son of Gideoni. 66 On the tenth day Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai, prince of the children of Dan, offered. 67 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a
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grain offering; 68 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense; 69 one young bull, one ram, one lamb of the first year for a burnt offering; 70 one young goat for a sin offering; 71 and for a sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 72 On the eleventh day Pagiel the son of Ocran, prince of the children of Asher, offered. 73 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a grain offering; 74 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense; 75 one young bull, one ram, one lamb of the first year for a burnt offering; 76 one young goat for a sin offering; 77 and for a sacrifice of peace offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Pagiel the son of Ocran. 78 On the twelfth day Ahira the son of Enan, prince of the children of Naphtali, offered. 79 His offering was one silver platter, the weight of which was one hundred and thirty shekels, one silver bowl of seventy shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, both of them full of fine flour mingled with oil for a grain offering; 80 one golden spoon of ten shekels, full of incense; 81 one young bull, one ram, one lamb of the first year for a burnt offering; 82 one young goat for a sin offering; 83 and for a sacrifice of peace
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offerings: two oxen, five rams, five male goats, five lambs of the first year. This was the offering of Ahira the son of Enan. 84 This was the dedication of the altar on the day when it was anointed by the princes of Israel: twelve platters of silver, twelve silver bowls, twelve spoons of gold, 85 each platter of silver weighing one hundred and thirty shekels, each bowl seventy. All the silver vessels weighed two thousand four hundred shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. 86 The golden spoons were twelve, full of incense, weighing ten shekels apiece, according to the shekel of the sanctuary. All the gold of the spoons was one hundred and twenty shekels. 87 All the oxen for the burnt offering were twelve bulls; the rams, twelve; the lambs of the first year, twelve, with their grain offering; and the young goats for the sin offering, twelve. 88 And all the oxen for the sacrifice of the peace offerings were twenty-four bulls; the rams, sixty; the male goats, sixty; the lambs of the first year, sixty. This was the dedication of the altar after it was anointed. 89 And when Moses had gone into the tabernacle of the congregation to speak with Him, then he heard the voice of One speaking to him from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of testimony, from between the two cherubim. And He spoke to him. The Lamps and the Candlestick And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to Aaron and say to him: ‘When you light the
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lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the candlestick.’” 3 And Aaron did so. He lit its lamps in the front of the candlestick, as the Lord commanded Moses. 4 And this work of the candlestick was of beaten gold. From its shaft to its flowers it was beaten work. According to the pattern that the Lord had showed Moses, so he made the candlestick. Cleansing the Levites 5 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 6 “Take the Levites from among the children of Israel and cleanse them. 7 And thus you shall do to them to cleanse them: Sprinkle water of purifying on them, and let them shave all their flesh. And let them wash their clothes and so make themselves clean. 8 Then let them take a young bull with its grain offering, even fine flour mingled with oil, and another young bull you shall take for a sin offering. 9 And you shall bring the Le vites before the tabernacle of the congregation, and you shall gather the whole assembly of the children of Israel together. 10 And you shall bring the Levites before the Lord, and the children of Israel shall put their hands on the Levites. 11 And Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord for an offering of the children of Israel, that they may execute the service of the Lord. 12 And the Levites shall lay their hands on the heads of the bulls, and you shall offer to the Lord the one for a sin offering and the other for a burnt offering, to make an atonement for the Levites.
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you shall set the Levites before Aaron and before his sons, and offer them as an offering to the Lord. 14 Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be Mine. 15 And after that the Levites shall go in to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. And you shall cleanse them and offer them as an offering. 16 For they are wholly given to Me from among the children of Israel. I have taken them to Me instead of those who open every womb, even instead of the firstborn of all the children of Israel. 17 For all the firstborn of the children of Israel are Mine, both man and beast. On the day that I struck every firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified them for Myself. 18 And I have taken the Levites for all the firstborn of the children of Israel. 19 And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation and to make an atonement for the children of Israel, that there be no plague among the children of Israel when the children of Israel come near to the sanctuary.” 20 And Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the children of Israel did to the Levites according to all that the Lord commanded Moses concerning the Levites; so the children of Israel did to them. 21 And the Levites were purified, and they washed their clothes, and Aaron offered them as an offering before the Lord, and Aaron made an atonement for them to cleanse
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them. 22 And after that the Levites went in to do their service in the tabernacle of the congregation before Aaron and before his sons. As the Lord had commanded Moses concerning the Levites, so they did to them. 23 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “This is what belongs to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall go in to attend to the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. 25 And from the age of fifty years they shall cease attending to its service and shall serve no more 26 but shall minister with their brothers in the tabernacle of the congregation to keep the charge, and shall do no service. Thus you shall do to the Levites concerning their responsibilities.” The Passover And the Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the first month of the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying, 2 “Let the children of Israel also keep the Passover at its appointed season. 3 On the fourteenth day of this month, at evening, you shall keep it in its appointed season. You shall keep it according to all its rites and according to all its ceremonies.” 4 And Moses spoke to the children of Israel that they should keep the Passover. 5 And they kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month, at evening, in the wilderness of Sinai. So the children of Israel did according to all that the Lord commanded Moses. 6 And there were certain men who
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were defiled by the dead body of a man, that they could not keep the Passover on that day. And they came before Moses and before Aaron on that day. 7 And those men said to him, “We are defiled by the dead body of a man. Why are we kept back that we may not offer an offering of the Lord in its appointed season among the children of Israel?” 8 And Moses said to them, “Stand still, and I will hear what the Lord will command concerning you.” 9 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 10 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘If any man of you or of your posterity shall be unclean because of a dead body or is far off on a journey, he shall still keep the Passover to the Lord. 11 The fourteenth day of the second month at evening they shall keep it and eat it with unleavened bread and bitter herbs. 12 They shall leave none of it to the morning or break a bone of it. According to all the ordinances of the Passover they shall keep it. 13 But the man who is clean and is not on a journey and refrains from keeping the Passover, even the same soul shall be cut off from among his people, because he did not bring the offering of the Lord in its appointed season. That man shall bear his sin. 14 “‘And if a stranger sojourns among you and would keep the Passover to the Lord, so he shall do according to the ordinance of the Passover and according to the manner of it. You shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger and for him who was born in the land.’”
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The Guiding Cloud 15 And on the day that the tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the tabernacle—namely, the tent of the testimony. And at evening until the morning there was on the tabernacle, as it were, the appearance of fire. 16 So it was always: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. 17 And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed. And in the place where the cloud remained, there the children of Israel pitched their tents. 18 At the commandment of the Lord the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the Lord they camped. As long as the cloud remained on the tabernacle they rested in their tents. 19 And when the cloud remained a long time, for many days on the tabernacle, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the Lord and did not journey. 20 And so it was, when the cloud was on the tabernacle a few days, according to the commandment of the Lord, they remained in their tents, and according to the commandment of the Lord they journeyed. 21 And so it was, when the cloud remained from evening to the morning and then the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed. Whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. 22 Or whether it was two days, or a month, or a year that the cloud remained on the tabernacle, remaining on it, the children of Israel remained in their tents and did not journey. But when it was taken up, they journeyed.
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they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the Lord they journeyed. They kept the charge of the Lord, at the commandment of the Lord through Moses. The Silver Assembly Trumpets And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Make two trumpets of silver. You shall make them of a whole piece, that you may use them for the calling of the assembly and for the journeying of the camps. 3 And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to you at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 4 And if they blow with but one trumpet, then the princes, who are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves to you. 5 When you blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward. 6 When you blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall take their journey; they shall blow an alarm for their journeys. 7 But when the congregation is to be gathered together, you shall blow, but you shall not sound an alarm. 8 And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets. And they shall be to you for an ordinance forever throughout your generations. 9 “And if you go to war in your land against the enemy who oppresses you, then you shall blow an alarm with the trumpets, and you shall be remembered before the Lord your God, and you shall be saved from your enemies. 10 Also in the day of
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your gladness and in your solemn days and in the beginnings of your months, you shall blow with the trumpets over your burnt offerings and over the sacrifices of your peace offerings, that they may be to you for a memorial before your God. I am the Lord your God.” The First March 11 And it came to pass on the twentieth day of the second month, in the second year, that the cloud was taken up from above the tabernacle of the testimony. 12 And the children of Israel took their journeys out of the wilderness of Sinai. And the cloud rested in the wilderness of Paran. 13 And they first took their journey according to the commandment of the Lord through Moses. 14 In the first place went the standard of the camp of the children of Judah according to their armies. And over its army was Nahshon the son of Amminadab. 15 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Issachar was Nethanel the son of Zuar. 16 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Zebulun was Eliab the son of Helon. 17 And the tabernacle was taken down. And the sons of Gershon and the sons of Merari set forward, bearing the tabernacle. 18 And the standard of the camp of Reuben set forward according to their armies. And over its army was Elizur the son of Shedeur. 19 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Simeon was Shelumiel the son of Zurishaddai. 20 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Gad was Eliasaph the son of Deuel.
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21 And the Kohathites set forward,
bearing the sanctuary. And the others set up the tabernacle before they came. 22 And the standard of the camp of the children of Ephraim set forward according to their armies. And over its army was Elishama the son of Ammihud. 23 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Manasseh was Gamaliel the son of Pedahzur. 24 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Benjamin was Abidan the son of Gideoni. 25 And the standard of the camp of the children of Dan set forward, which was the rear guard of all the camps throughout their armies. And over his army was Ahiezer the son of Ammishaddai. 26 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Asher was Pagiel the son of Ocran. 27 And over the army of the tribe of the children of Naphtali was Ahira the son of Enan. 28 Thus were the journeys of the children of Israel according to their armies, when they set forward. 29 And Moses said to Hobab the son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are journeying to the place of which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you.’ You come with us, and we will do you good, for the Lord has spoken good concerning Israel.” 30 And he said to him, “I will not go, but I will depart to my own land and to my family.” 31 And he said, “Do not leave us, I ask you, since you know how we are to camp in the wilderness, and you may be to us instead of eyes.
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32 And it shall be, if you go with us—
yes, it shall be—that what goodness the Lord shall do to us, the same will we do to you.” 33 And they departed from the mount of the Lord three days’ journey, and the ark of the cov enant of the Lord went before them on the three days’ journey, to search out a resting place for them. 34 And the cloud of the Lord was on them by day when they went out of the camp. 35 And it came to pass, when the ark set forward, that Moses said, “Rise up, Lord, and let Your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate You flee before You.” 36 And when it rested, he said, “Return, O Lord, to the many thousands of Israel.” The Fire of the Lord at Taberah And when the people complained, it displeased the Lord. And the Lord heard it, and His anger was kindled. And the fire of the Lord burned among them and consumed those who were in the farthest parts of the camp. 2 And the people cried to Moses, and when Moses prayed to the Lord, the fire was quenched. 3 And he called the name of the place Taberah, because the fire of the Lord burned among them. 4 And the mixed multitude who were among them began to crave, and the children of Israel also wept again and said, “Who shall give us meat to eat? 5 We remember the fish that we ate freely in Egypt, the cucumbers and the melons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic. 6 But now our soul
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is dried away; there is nothing at all besides this manna before our eyes.” 7 And the manna was as coriander seed, and the color of it as the color of bdellium. 8 And the people went about and gathered it and ground it in mills or beat it in a mortar and baked it in pans and made cakes of it. And its taste was as the taste of fresh oil. 9 And when the dew fell on the camp in the night, the manna fell on it. The Complaint of Moses 10 Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent. And the anger of the Lord was kindled greatly. Moses was also displeased. 11 And Moses said to the Lord, “Why have You afflicted Your servant? And why have I not found favor in Your sight, that You have laid the burden of all these people on me? 12 Have I conceived all these people? Have I begotten them, that You should say to me, ‘Carry them in your bosom, as a nursing father bears the sucking child,’ to the land that You swore to their fathers? 13 Where should I get meat to give to all these people? For they weep to me, saying, ‘Give us meat, that we may eat.’ 14 I am not able to bear all these people alone, because it is too heavy for me. 15 And if You deal with me like this, kill me without delay, I ask You, if I have found favor in Your sight, and do not let me see my wretchedness.” The Seventy Elders 16 And the Lord said to Moses, “Gather to Me seventy men of the
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elders of Israel, whom you know to be the elders of the people and officers over them. And bring them to the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with you. 17 And I will come down and talk with you there. And I will take of the Spirit that is on you and will put it on them. And they shall bear the burden of the people with you, that you may not bear it yourself alone. 18 And say to the people, ‘Sanctify yourselves before tomorrow, and you shall eat meat. For you have wept in the ears of the Lord, saying, “Who shall give us meat to eat? For it was well with us in Egypt.” Therefore the Lord will give you meat, and you shall eat. 19 You shall not eat one day, or two days, or five days, or ten days, or twenty days, 20 but even a whole month, until it comes out at your nostrils and it becomes loathsome to you, because you have despised the Lord, who is among you, and have wept before Him, saying, “Why did we come forth out of Egypt?”’” 21 And Moses said, “The people whom I am among are six hundred thousand footmen, and You have said, ‘I will give them meat, that they may eat a whole month.’ 22 Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to satisfy them? Or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to satisfy them?” 23 And the Lord said to Moses, “Has the Lord’s hand become shortened? You shall see now whether My word to you shall come to pass or not.” 24 And Moses went out and told
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the people the words of the Lord and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people and set them all around the tabernacle. 25 And the Lord came down in a cloud and spoke to him and took of the Spirit that was on him and gave it to the seventy elders. And it came to pass, that when the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied and did not cease. Eldad and Medad Prophesy 26 But two of the men remained in the camp: the name of the one was Eldad and the name of the other, Medad. And the Spirit rested on them. And they were of those who were written but did not go out to the tabernacle. And they prophesied in the camp. 27 And a young man ran and told Moses, and said, “Eldad and Medad are prophesying in the camp.” 28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, “My lord Moses, forbid them.” 29 And Moses said to him, “Do you envy for my sake? I wish to God that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit on them!” 30 And Moses went into the camp, he and the elders of Israel. 31 And there went forth a wind from the Lord and brought quail from the sea and let them fall by the camp, about a day’s journey on this side, and about a day’s journey on the other side, all around the camp, and about two cubits high on the face of the earth. 32 And the people stood up all that day and all that night and all the next day, and they
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gathered the quail. He who gathered least gathered ten homers. And they spread them all out for themselves all around the camp. 33 And while the meat was still between their teeth, before it was chewed, the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people, and the Lord struck the people with a very great plague. 34 And he called the name of that place Kibroth-hattaavah, because there they buried the people who craved. 35 And the people journeyed from Kibroth-hattaavah to Hazeroth and remained at Hazeroth. The Murmuring of Miriam and Aaron And Miriam and Aaron spoke against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married, for he had married an Ethiopian woman. 2 And they said, “Has the Lord indeed spoken only by Moses? Has He not spoken also by us?” And the Lord heard it. 3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men who were on the face of the earth.) 4 And the Lord spoke suddenly to Moses and to Aaron and to Miriam, “Come out, you three, to the tabernacle of the congregation.” And the three came out. 5 And the Lord came down in the pillar of the cloud and stood in the door of the tabernacle and called Aaron and Miriam. And they both came forth. 6 And He said, “Hear now My words: If there is a prophet among you, I, the Lord, will make Myself known to him in a vision and will speak to him in a dream. 7 Not so with My
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servant Moses, who is faithful in all My house. 8 I will speak with him mouth to mouth, even clearly, and not in dark speeches, and he shall behold the form of the Lord. Why then were you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?” 9 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against them, and He departed. 10 And the cloud departed from over the tabernacle, and behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow. And Aaron looked upon Miriam, and behold, she was leprous. 11 And Aaron said to Moses, “Alas, my lord. I beseech you, do not lay the sin on us, in which we have done foolishly and in which we have sinned. 12 Do not let her be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he comes out of his mother’s womb.” 13 And Moses cried to the Lord, saying, “Heal her now, O God, I beseech You.” 14 And the Lord said to Moses, “If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? Let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again.” 15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days, and the people did not journey until Miriam was brought in again. 16 And afterward the people moved from Hazeroth and camped in the wilderness of Paran.
fathers you shall send a man, every one a ruler among them.” 3 And Moses sent them from the wilderness of Paran by the commandment of the Lord. All those men were heads of the children of Israel. 4 And these were their names:
The Spies Sent In And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Send men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel. From every tribe of their
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from the tribe of Reuben, Shammua the son of Zaccur; from the tribe of Simeon, Shaphat the son of Hori; from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh; from the tribe of Issachar, Igal the son of Joseph; from the tribe of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Nun; from the tribe of Benjamin, Palti the son of Raphu; from the tribe of Zebulun, Gaddiel the son of Sodi; from the tribe of Joseph—namely, of the tribe of Manasseh— Gaddi the son of Susi; from the tribe of Dan, Ammiel the son of Gemalli; from the tribe of Asher, Sethur the son of Michael; from the tribe of Naphtali, Nahbi the son of Vophsi; from the tribe of Gad, Geuel the son of Machi.
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16 These are the names of the men
whom Moses sent to spy out the land. And Moses called Hoshea the son of Nun, Joshua. 17 And Moses sent them to spy out the land of Canaan and said to them, “Go up this way southward, and go up into the mountain, 18 and see what the land is like and the people who dwell in it, whether they are strong or weak, few or many; 19 and what the land is that they dwell in, whether it is good or bad; and what cities they have that they dwell in, whether in tents or in strongholds; 20 and what the land is, whether it is fat or lean, whether there is wood in it or not. And be of good courage and bring of the fruit of the land.” Now the time was the time of the first ripe grapes. 21 So they went up and searched the land from the wilderness of Zin to Rehob, as men come to Hamath. 22 And they ascended by the south and came to Hebron, where Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were. (Now Hebron was built seven years before Zoan in Egypt.) 23 And they came to the brook of Eshcol and from there cut down a branch with one cluster of grapes. And they carried it on a staff between two men, and they brought some of the pomegranates and some of the figs. 24 The place was called the brook Eshcol because of the cluster of grapes that the children of Israel cut down from there. 25 And after forty days they returned from searching the land. The Report of the Spies 26 And they went and came to Moses
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and to Aaron and to all the congregation of the children of Israel, to the wilderness of Paran, to Kadesh, and brought back word to them and to all the congregation, and showed them the fruit of the land. 27 And they told him and said, “We came to the land where you sent us, and surely it flows with milk and honey, and this is its fruit. 28 Nevertheless the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are walled and very great. And moreover, we saw the children of Anak there. 29 The Amalekites dwell in the land of the south, and the Hittites and the Jebusites and the Amorites dwell in the mountains, and the Canaanites dwell by the sea and by the side of the Jordan.” 30 And Caleb quieted the people before Moses and said, “Let us go up at once and possess it, for we are well able to overcome it.” 31 But the men who went up with him said, “We are not able to go up against the people, for they are stronger than we are.” 32 And they brought up to the children of Israel an evil report of the land that they had searched, saying, “The land through which we have gone to search is a land that eats up its inhabitants, and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. 33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, who come from the giants, and we were like grasshoppers in our own sight, and so we were in their sight.” The Unbelief of Israel And all the congregation lifted up their voices and
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cried, and the people wept that night. 2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, and the whole congregation said to them, “We wish to God we had died in the land of Egypt! Or we wish to God we had died in this wilderness! 3 And why has the Lord brought us to this land to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a plunder? Would it not be better for us to return to Egypt?” 4 And they said to one another, “Let us make a captain, and let us return to Egypt.” 5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel. 6 And Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were among those who searched the land, tore their clothes, 7 and they spoke to all the company of the children of Israel, saying, “The land that we passed through to search is an exceedingly good land. 8 If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. 9 Only do not rebel against the Lord. Do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their defense has departed from them, and the Lord is with us. Do not fear them.” 10 But all the congregation said to stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel. 11 And the Lord said to Moses, “How long will these people provoke Me? And how long will it be before they believe Me, for all the signs that I have
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shown among them? 12 I will strike them with the pestilence and disinherit them and will make of you a nation greater and mightier than they.” 13 And Moses said to the Lord, “Then the Egyptians shall hear it, for in Your might You brought up these people from among them, 14 and they will tell it to the inhabitants of this land. For they have heard that You, Lord, are among these people, that You, Lord, are seen face to face and that Your cloud stands over them, and that You go before them in a pillar of a cloud by daytime and in a pillar of fire by night. 15 Now if you kill all these people as one man, then the nations that have heard of Your fame will speak, saying, 16 ‘Because the Lord was not able to bring these people into the land that He swore to them, therefore He has slain them in the wilderness.’ 17 And now, I beseech You, let the power of my Lord be great, just as You have spoken, saying, 18 ‘The Lord is longsuffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation.’ 19 Pardon the iniquity of these people, I beseech You, according to the greatness of Your mercy and as You have forgiven these people, from Egypt even until now.” 20 And the Lord said, “I have pardoned, according to your word. 21 But as truly as I live, all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the Lord. 22 Because all those men who have seen My glory and My miracles
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that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and have now tempted Me these ten times and have not listened to My voice, 23 surely they shall not see the land that I swore to their fathers. Nor shall any of them who provoked Me see it. 24 But My servant Caleb, because he had another spirit with him and has followed Me fully, I will bring him into the land where he went, and his descendants shall possess it.” 25 (Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites dwelled in the valley.) “Tomorrow turn and go into the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea.” 26 And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 27 “How long shall I bear with this evil congregation who murmur against Me? I have heard the murmurings of the children of Israel that they murmur against Me. 28 Say to them, ‘As truly as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘as you have spoken in My ears, so will I do to you. 29 Your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness, and all who were numbered of you, according to your whole number, from twenty years old and upward, who have murmured against Me. 30 Truly you shall not come into the land that I swore to make you dwell in, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. 31 But your little ones, whom you said should be a plunder, I will bring them in, and they shall know the land that you have despised. 32 But as for you, your carcasses shall fall in this wilderness. 33 And your children shall wander in the wilderness forty years and bear your idolatry, until your carcasses are wasted in
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the wilderness. 34 According to the number of the days in which you searched the land, even forty days, a year for each day, you shall bear your iniquities, even forty years, and you shall know My breach of promise. 35 I the Lord have said I will surely do it to all this evil congregation who are gathered together against Me. In this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die.’” 36 And the men whom Moses sent to search the land, who returned and made all the congregation to murmur against him by bringing up a slander on the land, 37 even those men who brought up the evil report on the land, died by the plague before the Lord. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, who were of the men who went to search the land, still lived. 39 And Moses told these sayings to all the children of Israel, and the people mourned greatly. 40 And they rose up early in the morning and went up to the top of the mountain, saying, “Behold, we are here and will go up to the place that the Lord has promised, for we have sinned.” 41 And Moses said, “Why now do you transgress the commandment of the Lord? But it shall not succeed. 42 Do not go up, that you will not be struck before your enemies, for the Lord is not among you. 43 For the Amalekites and the Canaanites are there before you, and you shall fall by the sword. Because you have turned away from the Lord, the Lord will not be with you.” 44 But they presumed to go up
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to the hilltop. Nevertheless, the ark of the covenant of the Lord and Moses did not depart out of the camp. 45 Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who dwelled on that hill came down and struck them and defeated them, even to Hormah. The Years of Wandering And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel and say to them, ‘When you have come into the land of your dwellings, which I give to you, 3 and make an offering by fire to the Lord from the herd or from the flock, a burnt offering or a sacrifice, in performing a vow or in a freewill offering or in your solemn feasts, to make a sweet savor to the Lord, 4 then he who offers his offering to the Lord shall bring a grain offering of a tenth of a portion of flour mingled with the fourth part of a hin of oil. 5 And you shall prepare with the burnt offering or sacrifice the fourth part of a hin of wine for a drink offering for one lamb. 6 Or for a ram, you shall prepare for a grain offering two-tenths of a portion of flour mingled with the third part of a hin of oil. 7 And for a drink offering you shall offer the third part of a hin of wine, for a sweet savor to the Lord. 8 And when you prepare a bull for a burnt offering or for a sacrifice, in performing a vow or peace offerings to the Lord, 9 then he shall bring with a bull a grain offering of three-tenths of a portion of flour mingled with half a hin of oil. 10 And you shall bring for a drink offering half a hin of wine, for an offering
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made by fire, of a sweet savor to the Lord. 11 “‘Thus it shall be done for one bull or for one ram or for a lamb or a young goat. 12 According to the number that you shall prepare, so you shall do to everyone according to their number. 13 All who are born of the country shall do these things in this way, in offering an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to the Lord. 14 And if a stranger sojourns with you, or whoever is among you in your generations, and will offer an offering made by fire, of a sweet savor to the Lord, so he shall do as you do. 15 One ordinance shall be both for you of the congregation and also for the stranger who sojourns with you, an ordinance forever in your generations. As you are, so the stranger shall be before the Lord. 16 One law and one manner shall be for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you.’” 17 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 18 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: ‘When you come into the land to which I bring you, 19 then it shall be that when you eat of the food of the land, you shall offer up a heave offering to the Lord. 20 You shall offer up a cake of the first of your dough for a heave offering. As you do the heave offering of the threshing floor, so you shall heave it. 21 You shall give to the Lord a heave offering of the first of your dough in your generations. 22 “‘And if you have erred and not observed all these commandments that the Lord has spoken to Moses— 23 even all that the Lord has
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commanded you through Moses, from the day that the Lord commanded Moses and from now on among your generations— 24 then it shall be, if anything is committed by ignorance, without the knowledge of the congregation, that all the congregation shall offer one young bull for a burnt offering, for a sweet savor to the Lord, with its grain offering and its drink offering, according to the manner, and one young goat for a sin offering. 25 And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them, for it was ignorance. And they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire to the Lord, and their sin offering before the Lord for their ignorance. 26 And it shall be forgiven all the congregation of the children of Israel and the stranger who sojourns among them, seeing that all the people were in ignorance. 27 “‘And if any soul sins through ignorance, then he shall bring a female goat of the first year for a sin offering. 28 And the priest shall make an atonement for the soul who sins ignorantly before the Lord, when he sins by ignorance, to make an atonement for him. And it shall be forgiven him. 29 You shall have one law for him who sins through ignorance, both for him who is born among the children of Israel and for the stranger who sojourns among them. 30 “‘But the soul who does anything presumptuously, whether he is born in the land or a stranger, the same reproaches the Lord, and that
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soul shall be cut off from among his people. 31 Because he has despised the word of the Lord and has broken His commandment, that soul shall be utterly cut off. His iniquity shall be on him.’” 32 And while the children of Israel were in the wilderness, they found a man who gathered sticks on the Sabbath day. 33 And those who found him gathering sticks brought him to Moses and Aaron and to all the congregation. 34 And they put him in custody because it was not explained what should be done to him. 35 And the Lord said to Moses, “The man shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him with stones outside the camp.” 36 And as the Lord commanded Moses, all the congregation brought him outside the camp and stoned him with stones, and he died. Reminder of a Separated Walk 37 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 38 “Speak to the children of Israel and tell them to make themselves fringes on the borders of their garments throughout their generations and to put a cord of blue on the fringe of the borders. 39 And it shall be a fringe for you, that you may look on it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them, and that you may not seek after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you used to prostitute yourselves, 40 that you may remember and do all My commandments and be holy to your God. 41 I am the Lord your
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God who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.” The Opposition of Korah Now Korah the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Peleth, sons of Reuben, took men, 2 and they rose up before Moses with some of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation, men of renown. 3 And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, “You take too much on yourselves, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you lift up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord?” 4 And when Moses heard it, he fell on his face, 5 and he spoke to Korah and to all his company, saying, “Even tomorrow the Lord will show who is His and who is holy, and will cause him to come near to Him. He will cause even him whom He has chosen to come near to Him. 6 Do this: take censers, Korah and all his company, 7 and put fire in them and put incense in them before the Lord tomorrow, and it shall be that the man whom the Lord chooses, he shall be holy. You take too much on yourselves, you sons of Levi.” 8 And Moses said to Korah, “Hear, I ask you, you sons of Levi: 9 Does it seem but a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel to bring you near to Himself
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to do the service of the tabernacle of the Lord and to stand before the congregation to minister to them? 10 And He has brought you near to Himself, and all your brothers, the sons of Levi, with you, and you also seek the priesthood? 11 For this reason both you and all your company are gathered together against the Lord, and what is Aaron that you murmur against him?” 12 And Moses sent to call Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab, who said, “We will not come up. 13 Is it a small thing that you have brought us up out of a land that flowed with milk and honey to kill us in the wilderness, but you altogether make yourself a prince over us? 14 Moreover, you have not brought us into a land that flows with milk and honey or given us an inheritance of fields and vineyards. Will you put out the eyes of these men? We will not come up.” 15 And Moses was very angry and said to the Lord, “Do not respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them. Nor have I hurt one of them.” 16 And Moses said to Korah, “You and all your company come before the Lord tomorrow, you and they and Aaron. 17 And every man take his censer and put incense in it, and every man bring his censer before the Lord, two hundred and fifty censers: you also, and Aaron, each of you his censer.” 18 And every man took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and stood in the door of the tabernacle of the congregation with Moses and Aaron. 19 And Korah gathered
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all the congregation against them at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And the glory of the Lord appeared to all the congregation. 20 And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 21 “Separate yourselves from among this congregation, that I may consume them in a moment.” 22 And they fell on their faces and said, “O God, the God of the spirits of all flesh, shall one man sin, and will You be angry with all the congregation?” 23 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 24 “Speak to the congregation, saying, ‘Get away from around the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.’” 25 And Moses rose up and went to Dathan and Abiram, and the elders of Israel followed him. 26 And he spoke to the congregation, saying, “Depart, I ask you, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be consumed in all their sins.” 27 So they got away on every side from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram. And Dathan and Abiram, and their wives and their sons and their little children, came out and stood in the door of their tents. 28 And Moses said, “By this you shall know that the Lord has sent me to do all these works, for I have not done them of my own mind. 29 If these men die the common death of all men, or if they are visited according to the visitation of all men, then the Lord has not sent me. 30 But if the Lord makes a new thing, and the earth opens its mouth
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and swallows them up with all that pertains to them, and they go down alive into the pit, then you shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord.” 31 And it came to pass, as he had finished speaking all these words, that the ground that was under them split apart. 32 And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up—and their houses, and all the men who pertained to Korah, and all their goods. 33 They and all who pertained to them went down alive into the pit, and the earth closed on them, and they perished from among the congregation. 34 And all Israel who were all around them fled at their cry, for they said, “Lest the earth also swallow us up.” 35 And a fire came out from the Lord and consumed the two hundred and fifty men who offered incense. 36 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 37 “Speak to Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, that he shall take up the censers out of the fire, for they are holy, and scatter the fire over there. 38 The censers of these sinners against their own souls, let them be made into broad plates for a covering of the altar, for they offered them before the Lord. Therefore they are holy. And they shall be a sign to the children of Israel.” 39 And Eleazar the priest took the brazen censers, which those who were burned had offered, and they were made into broad plates for a covering of the altar, 40 to be a memorial to the children of Israel that no stranger, who is not a descendant of Aaron, should come near to
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offer incense before the Lord, that he should not become as Korah and as his company, as the Lord said to him through Moses. 41 But on the next day all the congregation of the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron, saying, “You have killed the people of the Lord.” 42 And it came to pass, when the congregation was gathered against Moses and against Aaron, that they looked toward the tabernacle of the congregation. And behold, the cloud covered it, and the glory of the Lord appeared. 43 And Moses and Aaron came before the tabernacle of the congregation. 44 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 45 “Get away from among this congregation, that I may consume them as in a moment.” And they fell upon their faces. 46 And Moses said to Aaron, “Take a censer and put fire in it from off the altar, and put on incense, and go quickly to the congregation and make an atonement for them, for wrath has gone out from the Lord. The plague has begun.” 47 And Aaron took it as Moses commanded and ran into the midst of the congregation. And behold, the plague had begun among the people. And he put on incense and made an atonement for the people. 48 And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped. 49 Now those who died in the plague were fourteen thousand seven hundred, besides those who died in the matter of Korah. 50 And Aaron returned to Moses to the door of the tabernacle of the
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congregation, and the plague was stopped. Aaron’s Rod That Budded And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, and take a rod from every one of them according to the house of their fathers, from all their princes according to the house of their father—twelve rods. Write every man’s name on his rod. 3 And you shall write Aaron’s name on the rod of Levi. For one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers. 4 And you shall lay them in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony, where I will meet with you. 5 And it shall come to pass that the rod of the man whom I shall choose shall blossom, and I will make the murmurings of the children of Israel—which they murmur against you—to cease from Me.” 6 And Moses spoke to the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, one for each prince according to their fathers’ houses, even twelve rods. And the rod of Aaron was among their rods. 7 And Moses laid the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness. 8 And it came to pass that on the next day Moses went into the tabernacle of witness, and behold, the rod of Aaron, for the house of Levi, had budded and brought forth buds and bloomed blossoms and yielded almonds. 9 And Moses brought out all the rods from before the Lord to all the children of Israel. And they looked, and every man took his rod. 10 And the Lord said to Moses,
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“Bring Aaron’s rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a sign against the rebels, and you shall take away their murmurings from Me, that they not die.” 11 And Moses did so; as the Lord commanded him, so he did. 12 And the children of Israel spoke to Moses, saying, “Behold, we die, we perish, we all perish! 13 Whoever comes near to the tabernacle of the Lord shall die. Shall we be consumed with dying?” Aaron and the Levites Confirmed And the Lord said to Aaron, “You and your sons and your father’s house with you shall bear the iniquity of the sanctuary. And you and your sons with you shall bear the iniquity of your priesthood. 2 And also bring with you your brothers of the tribe of Levi, the tribe of your father, that they may be joined to you and minister to you. But you and your sons with you shall minister before the tabernacle of witness. 3 And they shall take care of your needs and the needs of all the tabernacle. Only they shall not come near the vessels of the sanctuary and the altar, that they and you also not die. 4 And they shall be joined to you and take care of the needs of the tabernacle of the congregation, for all the service of the tabernacle. And a stranger shall not come near you. 5 And you shall take care of the needs of the sanctuary and of the altar, so that there will be no more wrath on the children of Israel. 6 And I, behold, I have taken your brothers the Levites from among the children
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of Israel. They are given to you as a gift for the Lord to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation. 7 Therefore you and your sons with you shall keep your priest’s office for everything relating to the altar and within the veil. And you shall serve. I have given your priest’s office to you as a gift of service, and the stranger who comes near shall be put to death.” 8 And the Lord spoke to Aaron, “Behold, I have also given you the charge of My heave offerings, of all the holy things of the children of Israel. I have given them to you and to your sons because of the anointing, by an ordinance forever. 9 This shall be yours of the most holy things reserved from the fire: every offering of theirs, every grain offering of theirs, and every sin offering of theirs, and every trespass offering of theirs that they shall render to Me shall be most holy for you and for your sons. 10 You shall eat it in the Most Holy Place. Every male shall eat it. It shall be holy to you. 11 “And this is yours: the heave offering of their gift, with all the wave offerings of the children of Israel. I have given them to you, and to your sons and to your daughters with you, by a statute forever. Everyone who is clean in your house shall eat of it. 12 “All the best of the oil and all the best of the wine and of the wheat, the firstfruits of theirs that they shall offer to the Lord, I have given them to you. 13 And whatever is first ripe in the land, which they shall bring to the Lord, shall be yours. Everyone who is clean in your house shall eat
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of it. 14 Everything devoted in Israel shall be yours. 15 “Everything that opens the womb in all flesh, which they bring to the Lord, whether it be of men or beasts, shall be yours. Nevertheless the firstborn of man you shall surely redeem, and the firstborn of unclean beasts you shall redeem. 16 And those that are to be redeemed you shall redeem from a month old, according to your estimation, for the price of five shekels, according to the shekel of the sanctuary, which is twenty gerahs. 17 But you shall not redeem the firstborn of a cow or the firstborn of a sheep or the firstborn of a goat; they are holy. You shall sprinkle their blood on the altar and shall burn their fat for an offering made by fire, for a sweet savor to the Lord. 18 And their flesh shall be yours, as the wave breast and as the right shoulder are yours. 19 “All the heave offerings of the holy things that the children of Israel offer to the Lord I have given you, and your sons and your daughters with you, by a statute forever. It is a covenant of salt forever before the Lord to you and to your offspring with you.” 20 And the Lord spoke to Aaron, “You shall have no inheritance in their land. Nor shall you have any part among them. I am your part and your inheritance among the children of Israel. 21 “And behold, I have given the children of Levi all the tenth in Israel for an inheritance for their service that they serve, even the service of the tabernacle of the congregation.
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22 Nor
must the children of Israel, from now on, come near the tabernacle of the congregation, lest they bear sin and die. 23 But the Levites shall do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they shall bear their iniquity. It shall be a statute forever throughout your generations, that among the children of Israel they have no inheritance. 24 But the tithes of the children of Israel, which they offer as a heave offering to the Lord, I have given to the Levites to inherit. Therefore I have said to them, ‘They shall have no inheritance among the children of Israel.’” 25 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 26 “Speak thus to the Le vites and say to them: ‘When you take from the children of Israel the tithes that I have given you from them for your inheritance, then you shall offer up a heave offering of it for the Lord, even a tenth part of the tithe. 27 And this, your heave offering, shall be counted to you as though it were the grain of the threshing floor and as the fullness of the winepress. 28 Thus you shall also offer a heave offering to the Lord of all your tithes that you receive from the children of Israel, and from it you shall give the Lord’s heave offering to Aaron the priest. 29 Out of all your gifts you shall offer every heave offering of the Lord, of all the best of it, even the sanctified part of it out of it.’ 30 Therefore you shall say to them, ‘When you have heaved the best of it from it, then it shall be counted to the Levites as the increase of the threshing floor and as the increase
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of the winepress. 31 And you shall eat it in every place, you and your households, for it is your reward for your service in the tabernacle of the congregation. 32 And you shall bear no sin because of it, when you have heaved from it the best of it. Nor shall you pollute the holy things of the children of Israel, lest you die.’” The Ordinance of the Red Heifer And the Lord spoke to Moses and to Aaron, saying, 2 “This is the ordinance of the law that the Lord has commanded, saying: ‘Speak to the children of Israel, that they bring you a red heifer without spot, in which is no blemish and on which never came a yoke. 3 And you shall give it to Eleazar the priest, that he may bring it forth outside the camp, and one shall slay it before his face. 4 And Eleazar the priest shall take some of its blood with his finger and sprinkle some of its blood seven times directly before the tabernacle of the congregation. 5 And one shall burn the heifer in his sight; he shall burn its skin and its flesh and its blood, with its dung. 6 And the priest shall take cedar wood and hyssop and scarlet, and cast it into the midst of the burning of the heifer. 7 Then the priest shall wash his clothes, and he shall bathe his flesh in water. And afterward he shall come into the camp. And the priest shall be unclean until the evening. 8 And he who burns it shall wash his clothes in water and bathe his flesh in water and shall be unclean until the evening. 9 And a man who is clean shall gather up the
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ashes of the heifer and lay them up outside the camp in a clean place. And it shall be kept for a water of separation for the congregation of the children of Israel; it is a purification for sin. 10 And he who gathers the ashes of the heifer shall wash his clothes and be unclean until the evening. And it shall be for a statute forever to the children of Israel and to the stranger who sojourns among them. 11 “‘He who touches the dead body of any man shall be unclean seven days. 12 He shall purify himself with it on the third day, and on the seventh day he shall be clean. But if he does not purify himself the third day, then the seventh day he shall not be clean. 13 Whoever touches the dead body of any man that is dead and does not purify himself defiles the tabernacle of the Lord. And that soul shall be cut off from Israel. He shall be unclean, because the water of separation was not sprinkled on him; his uncleanness is still on him. 14 “‘This is the law when a man dies in a tent: all who come into the tent and all that is in the tent shall be unclean seven days. 15 And every open vessel that has no covering bound on it is unclean. 16 And whoever in the open fields touches one who is slain with a sword, or a dead body or a bone of a man or a grave, shall be unclean seven days. 17 “‘And for an unclean person they shall take of the ashes of the burnt heifer of purification for sin, and running water shall be put on them in a vessel. 18 And a clean person shall take hyssop and dip it in
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the water and sprinkle it on the tent and on all the vessels and on the persons who were there and on him who touched a bone, or one slain or one dead or a grave. 19 And the clean person shall sprinkle on the unclean on the third day and on the seventh day. And on the seventh day he shall purify himself and wash his clothes and bathe himself in water, and shall be clean at evening. 20 “‘But the man who shall be unclean and shall not purify himself, that soul shall be cut off from among the congregation, because he has defiled the sanctuary of the Lord. The water of separation has not been sprinkled on him; he is unclean. 21 And it shall be a perpetual statute to them, that he who sprinkles the water of separation shall wash his clothes, and he who touches the water of separation shall be unclean until evening. 22 And whatever the unclean person touches shall be unclean, and the soul who touches it shall be unclean until evening.’” Death of Miriam Then the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, came into the desert of Zin in the first month, and the people remained in Kadesh. And Miriam died there and was buried there. 2 And there was no water for the congregation. And they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. 3 And the people argued with Moses and spoke, saying, “We wish to God we had died when our brothers died before the Lord! 4 And why have you brought
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up the congregation of the Lord into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there? 5 And why have you made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us into this evil place? It is not a place of seed or of figs or of vines or of pomegranates; nor is there any water to drink.” 6 And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly to the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell on their faces. And the glory of the Lord appeared to them. Water from the Rock and Moses’ Sin 7 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 8 “Take the rod and gather the assembly together, you and Aaron, your brother. And speak to the rock before their eyes, and it shall give forth its water. And you shall bring forth water out of the rock to them, so you shall give the congregation and their beasts drink.” 9 And Moses took the rod from before the Lord, as He commanded him. 10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said to them, “Hear now, you rebels. Must we fetch you water out of this rock?” 11 And Moses lifted up his hand and he struck the rock twice with his rod. And the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and also their beasts. 12 And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to sanctify Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this
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congregation into the land that I have given them.” 13 This is the water of Meribah, because the children of Israel contended with the Lord, and He was sanctified in them. 14 And Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom. “Thus says your brother Israel: ‘You know all the hardship that has happened to us, 15 how our fathers went down into Egypt, and we have dwelled in Egypt a long time, and the Egyptians oppressed us and our fathers. 16 And when we cried to the Lord, He heard our voice and sent an angel and has brought us forth out of Egypt. And behold, we are in Kadesh, a city in the farthest part of your border. 17 Let us pass, I ask you, through your country. We will not pass through the fields or through the vineyards. Nor will we drink from the water of the wells. We will go by the King’s Highway. We will not turn to the right hand or to the left until we have passed your borders.’” 18 And Edom said to him, “You shall not pass by me, lest I come out against you with the sword.” 19 And the children of Israel said to him, “We will go by the highway, and if I and my cattle drink of your water, then I will pay for it. I will only go through on my feet, without doing anything else.” 20 And he said, “You shall not go through.” And Edom came out against him with many people and with a strong hand. 21 Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his border. Therefore, Israel turned away from him.
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22 And the children of Israel, even
the whole congregation, journeyed from Kadesh and came to Mount Hor. The Death of Aaron 23 And the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron in Mount Hor by the border of the land of Edom, saying, 24 “Aaron shall be gathered to his people, for he shall not enter into the land that I have given to the children of Israel, because you rebelled against My word at the water of Meribah. 25 Take Aaron and Eleazar his son and bring them up to Mount Hor. 26 And strip Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son. And Aaron shall be gathered to his people and shall die there.” 27 And Moses did as the Lord commanded, and they went up into Mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation. 28 And Moses stripped Aaron of his garments and put them on Eleazar his son. And Aaron died there on the top of the mount. And Moses and Eleazar came down from the mount. 29 And when all the congregation saw that Aaron was dead, they mourned for Aaron thirty days, even all the house of Israel. The March of Israel: Victory And when the king of Arad the Canaanite, who dwelled in the south, heard that Israel came by the way of the spies, then he fought against Israel and took some of them prisoners. 2 And Israel vowed a vow to the Lord and said, “If You will indeed deliver these people into my hand, then I will utterly destroy
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their cities.” 3 And the Lord listened to the voice of Israel and delivered up the Canaanites, and they utterly destroyed them and their cities. And they called the name of the place Hormah. 4 And they journeyed from Mount Hor by the way of the Red Sea, to surround the land of Edom. And the soul of the people was very discouraged because of the way. The Serpent of Bronze 5 And the people spoke against God and against Moses, “Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no bread. Nor is there any water, and our soul loathes this light bread.” 6 And the Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people. And many people of Israel died. 7 Therefore the people came to Moses and said, “We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord and against you. Pray to the Lord, that He take away the serpents from us.” And Moses prayed for the people. 8 And the Lord said to Moses, “Make a fiery serpent and set it on a pole, and it shall come to pass that everyone who is bitten, when he looks on it, shall live.” 9 And Moses made a serpent of brass and put it on a pole. And it came to pass that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he saw the serpent of brass, he lived. 10 And the children of Israel set forward and camped in Oboth. 11 And they journeyed from Oboth and camped at Ije-abarim, in the
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wilderness that is before Moab, toward the sunrise. 12 From there they moved and camped in the Valley of Zered. 13 From there they moved and camped on the other side of the Arnon, which is in the wilderness that comes out of the border of the Amorites. For the Arnon is the border of Moab, between Moab and the Amorites. 14 Therefore it is said in the Book of the Wars of the Lord:
15
What He did in the Red Sea, and in the brooks of Arnon, and at the stream of the brooks that goes down to the dwelling of Ar, and lies on the border of Moab. 16 And
from there they went to Beer. That is the well of which the Lord spoke to Moses, “Gather the people together, and I will give them water.” 17 Then Israel sang this song:
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Spring up, O well. Sing to it. The princes dug the well, the nobles of the people dug it, by the direction of the lawgiver, with their staffs.
And from the wilderness they went to Mattanah, 19 and from Mattanah to Nahaliel, and from Nahaliel to Bamoth, 20 and from Bamoth, in
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the valley that is in the country of Moab, to the top of Pisgah, which looks toward Jeshimon. Two Victories 21 And Israel sent messengers to Sihon king of the Amorites, saying, 22 “Let me pass through your land. We will not turn into the fields or into the vineyards; we will not drink of the waters of the well. But we will go along by the King’s Highway until we have passed your borders.” 23 And Sihon would not allow Israel to pass through his border. But Sihon gathered all his people together and went out against Israel into the wilderness, and he came to Jahaz and fought against Israel. 24 And Israel struck him with the edge of the sword and possessed his land from the Arnon to the Jabbok, even to the children of Ammon, for the border of the children of Ammon was strong. 25 And Israel took all these cities, and Israel dwelled in all the cities of the Amorites, in Heshbon and in all its villages. 26 For Heshbon was the city of Sihon the king of the Amorites, who had fought against the former king of Moab and taken all his land out of his hand, even to the Arnon. 27 Therefore those who speak in proverbs say,
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Come into Heshbon, let the city of Sihon be built and prepared. For a fire has gone out of Heshbon, a flame from the city of Sihon. It has consumed Ar of Moab
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30
and the lords of the high places of Arnon. Woe to you, Moab! You are undone, O people of Chemosh. He has given his sons who escaped, and his daughters, into captivity, to Sihon king of the Amorites. We have shot at them; Heshbon has perished even to Dibon, and we have laid them waste even to Nophah, which reaches to Medeba. 31 Thus Israel dwelled in the land
of the Amorites. 32 And Moses sent to spy out Jazer, and they took its villages and drove out the Amorites who were there. 33 And they turned and went up by the way of Bashan. And Og the king of Bashan went out against them, he and all his people, to the battle at Edrei. 34 And the Lord said to Moses, “Do not fear him, for I have delivered him into your hand, and all his people and his land. And you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelled at Heshbon.” 35 So they struck him and his sons and all his people, until there was none left of him alive. And they possessed his land. Balaam And the children of Israel set forward and camped in the plains of Moab on this side of the Jordan by Jericho.
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all that Israel had done to the Amo rites. 3 And Moab was greatly afraid of the people because they were many, and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel. 4 And Moab said to the elders of Midian, “Now this company shall lick up all who are all around us, as the ox licks up the grass of the field.” And Balak the son of Zippor was king of the Moabites at that time. 5 Therefore he sent messengers to Balaam the son of Beor, to Pethor, which is by the river of the land of the children of his people, to call him, saying, “Behold, there is a people who came out from Egypt. Behold, they cover the face of the earth, and they live next to me. 6 Therefore come now, I ask you. Curse these people for me, for they are too mighty for me. Perhaps I shall prevail, that we may strike them and that I may drive them out of the land, for I know that he whom you bless is blessed, and he whom you curse is cursed.” 7 And the elders of Moab and the elders of Midian departed with the rewards of divination in their hand. And they came to Balaam and spoke to him the words of Balak. 8 And he said to them, “Lodge here this night, and I will bring you word again, as the Lord shall speak to me.” And the princes of Moab stayed with Balaam. 9 And God came to Balaam and said, “What men are these with you?” 10 And Balaam said to God, “Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, has sent to me, saying, 11 ‘Behold,
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there is a people who has come out of Egypt, who cover the face of the earth. Come now, curse them for me. Perhaps I shall be able to overcome them and drive them out.’” 12 And God said to Balaam, “You shall not go with them. You shall not curse the people, for they are blessed.” 13 And Balaam rose up in the morning and said to the princes of Balak, “Get into your land, for the Lord refused to give me leave to go with you.” 14 And the princes of Moab rose up, and they went to Balak and said, “Balaam refuses to come with us.” 15 And yet again Balak sent princes, more and more honorable than those. 16 And they came to Balaam and said to him, “Thus says Balak the son of Zippor, ‘Let nothing, I ask you, hinder you from coming to me. 17 For I will promote you to very great honor, and I will do whatever you say to me. Therefore come, I ask you, curse these people for me.’” 18 And Balaam answered and said to the servants of Balak, “If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the word of the Lord my God to do less or more. 19 Now therefore, I ask you, you also remain here this night, that I may know what more the Lord will say to me.” 20 And God came to Balaam at night and said to him, “If the men come to call you, rise up and go with them. But only the word that I shall say to you, that you shall do.” 21 And Balaam rose up in the morning and saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab.
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22 And God’s anger was kindled be-
cause he went, and the angel of the Lord stood in the road as an adversary against him. Now he was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 And the donkey saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road, and his sword drawn in his hand, and the donkey turned aside out of the road and went into the field. And Balaam struck the donkey, to turn her into the road. 24 But the angel of the Lord stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side and a wall on that side. 25 And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she thrust herself to the wall and crushed Balaam’s foot against the wall. And he struck her again. 26 And the angel of the Lord went farther and stood in a narrow place where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. 27 And when the donkey saw the angel of the Lord, she fell down under Balaam. And Balaam’s anger was kindled, and he struck the donkey with a staff. 28 And the Lord opened the mouth of the donkey, and she said to Balaam, “What have I done to you, that you have struck me these three times?” 29 And Balaam said to the donkey, “Because you have mocked me. I wish that there were a sword in my hand, for now I would kill you.” 30 And the donkey said to Balaam, “Am not I your donkey, on which you have ridden ever since I was yours to this day? Was I ever accustomed to do so to you?” And he said, “No.” 31 Then the Lord opened the eyes
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of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the Lord standing in the road and his sword drawn in his hand. And he bowed down his head and fell flat on his face. 32 And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why have you struck your donkey these three times? Behold, I went out to withstand you, because your way is perverse before me. 33 And the donkey saw me and turned from me these three times. Unless she had turned from me, surely now I also would have slain you and saved her alive.” 34 And Balaam said to the angel of the Lord, “I have sinned, for I did not know that you stood in the way against me. Now therefore, if it displeases you, I will get back again.” 35 And the angel of the Lord said to Balaam, “Go with the men, but only the word that I shall speak to you, that you shall speak.” So Balaam went with the princes of Balak. 36 And when Balak heard that Balaam had come, he went out to meet him in a city of Moab, which is on the border at Arnon, which is at the farthest border. 37 And Balak said to Balaam, “Did I not earnestly send to you to call you? Why did you not come to me? Am I not indeed able to promote you to honor?” 38 And Balaam said to Balak, “Behold, I have come to you. Do I now have any power at all to say anything? The word that God puts in my mouth, that I shall speak.” 39 And Balaam went with Balak, and they came to Kiriath-huzoth. 40 And Balak offered oxen and sheep, and sent to Balaam and to the princes that were with him. 41 And it came to pass, on the next
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day, that Balak took Balaam and brought him up into the high places of Baal, that from there he might see the farthest part of the people. The Separation of Israel And Balaam said to Balak, “Build me seven altars here, and prepare me seven oxen and seven rams here.” 2 And Balak did as Balaam had spoken, and Balak and Balaam offered a bull and a ram on every altar. 3 And Balaam said to Balak, “Stand by your burnt offering, and I will go. Perhaps the Lord will come to meet me, and whatever He shows me I will tell you.” And he went to a high place. 4 And God met Balaam, and he said to Him, “I have prepared seven altars, and I have offered a bull and a ram on every altar.” 5 And the Lord put a word in Balaam’s mouth and said, “Return to Balak, and thus you shall speak.” 6 And he returned to him. And behold, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he and all the princes of Moab. 7 And he took up his parable, and said, “Balak, the king of Moab, has brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, ‘Come, curse Jacob for me, and come, defy Israel.’ 8 How shall I curse whom God has not cursed? Or how shall I defy whom the Lord has not defied? 9 For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him. Look, the people shall dwell alone and shall not be counted among the nations. 10 Who can count the dust of Jacob and the number of one-fourth of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous,
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and let my last end be like his!” 11 And Balak said to Balaam, “What have you done to me? I took you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have blessed them altogether.” 12 And he answered and said, “Must I not take heed to speak what the Lord has put in my mouth?” The Justification and Power of Israel 13 And Balak said to him, “Come, I ask you, with me to another place, from which you may see them. You shall see but the utmost part of them and shall not see them all. And curse them for me from there.” 14 And he brought him into the field of Zophim, to the top of Pisgah, and built seven altars, and offered a bull and a ram on every altar. 15 And he said to Balak, “Stand here by your burnt offering while I meet the Lord over there.” 16 And the Lord met Balaam and put a word in his mouth and said, “Go again to Balak, and say thus.” 17 And when he came to him, behold, he stood by his burnt offering, and the princes of Moab with him. And Balak said to him, “What has the Lord spoken?” 18 And he took up his parable and said, “Rise up, Balak, and hear. Listen to me, you son of Zippor: 19 God is not a man, that He should lie, nor the son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and shall He not do it? Or has He spoken, and shall He not make it good? 20 Behold, I have received a commandment to bless, and He has blessed, and I cannot reverse it. 21 He has not seen iniquity in Jacob; neither
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has He seen perverseness in Israel. The Lord his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them. 22 God brought them out of Egypt. He has, as it were, the strength of a wild ox. 23 Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob. Nor is there any divination against Israel. According to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, ‘What has God done!’ 24 Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion and lift up himself as a young lion. He shall not lie down until he eats the prey and drinks the blood of the slain.” 25 And Balak said to Balaam, “Neither curse them at all nor bless them at all.” 26 But Balaam answered and said to Balak, “Did I not tell you, saying, ‘All that the Lord speaks, that I must do’?” The Beauty and Order of Israel 27 And Balak said to Balaam, “Come, I ask you. I will bring you to another place. Perhaps it will please God that you may curse them for me from there.” 28 And Balak brought Balaam to the top of Peor, that looks toward Jeshimon. 29 And Balaam said to Balak, “Build me seven altars here, and prepare me seven bulls and seven rams here.” 30 And Balak did as Balaam had said and offered a bull and a ram on every altar.
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And when Balaam saw that it pleased the Lord to bless Israel, he did not go, as at other times, to seek to use enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness.
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2 And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and
he saw Israel abiding in their tents according to their tribes. And the Spirit of God came on him. 3 And he took up his parable and said, “Balaam the son of Beor has said, and the man whose eyes are open has said, 4 he who heard the words of God, who saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance but having his eyes open, has said: 5 How beautiful are your tents, O Jacob, and your tabernacles, O Israel! 6 They spread forth like the valleys, like gardens by the river’s side, like the trees of lign-aloes that the Lord has planted, and like cedar trees beside the waters. 7 He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters. And his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. 8 God brought him forth out of Egypt. He has, as it were, the strength of a wild ox. He shall eat up the nations, his enemies, and shall break their bones and pierce them through with his arrows. 9 Like a lion, he crouches and lies down, and as a great lion, who shall stir him up? Blessed is he who blesses you, and cursed is he who curses you.” 10 And Balak’s anger was kindled against Balaam, and he struck his hands together. And Balak said to Balaam, “I called you to curse my enemies, and behold, you have altogether blessed them these three times. 11 Therefore now flee to your place. I thought to promote you to great honor. But behold, the Lord has kept you back from honor.” 12 And Balaam said to Balak, “Did
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I not also speak to your messengers whom you sent to me, saying, 13 ‘If Balak were to give me his house full of silver and gold, I could not go beyond the commandment of the Lord to do either good or bad of my own mind, but what the Lord says, that I will speak’? 14 And now, behold, I am going to my people. Therefore come, and I will tell you what these people shall do to your people in the latter days.”
22 Nevertheless the Kenite shall be
The Messianic Kingdom 15 And he took up his parable and said, “Balaam the son of Beor has said, and the man whose eyes are open has said, 16 he who heard the words of God and knew the knowledge of the Most High, who saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance but having his eyes open, has said: 17 I shall see Him, but not now. I shall behold Him, but not near. There shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel and shall strike the corners of Moab and destroy all the children of Sheth. 18 And Edom shall be a possession. Seir shall also be a possession for his enemies, and Israel shall do valiantly. 19 Out of Jacob shall come He who shall have dominion and shall destroy those who remain in the city.” 20 And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable and said, “Amalek was the first of the nations, but his end shall be that he perishes forever.” 21 And he looked on the Kenites and took up his parable and said, “Your dwelling place is strong, and you put your nest in a rock.
Israel’s Worship of Baal And Israel remained in Shittim, and the people be gan to commit prostitution with the daughters of Moab. 2 And they called the people to the sacrifices of their gods, and the people ate and bowed down to their gods. 3 And Israel joined himself to Baal of Peor, and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel. 4 And the Lord said to Moses, “Take all the leaders of the people and hang them up before the Lord, in the sun, that the fierce anger of the Lord may be turned away from Israel.” 5 And Moses said to the judges of Israel, “Every one of you slay his men who were joined to Baal of Peor.” 6 And behold, one of the children of Israel came and brought to his brothers a Midianite woman in the sight of Moses and in the sight of all the congregation of the children of Israel, who were weeping before the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 7 And when Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, saw it, he rose up from
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wasted, until Asshur shall carry you away captive.” 23 And he took up his parable and said, “Alas, who shall live when God does this! 24 And ships shall come from the coast of Cyprus and shall afflict Asshur and shall afflict Eber, and he shall also perish forever.” 25 And Balaam rose up and went and returned to his place. And Balak also went his way.
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among the congregation and took a javelin in his hand. 8 And he went after the man of Israel into the tent and thrust both of them through, the man of Israel, and the woman through her belly. So the plague was stopped from the children of Israel. 9 And those who died in the plague were twenty-four thousand. 10 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 11 “Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, has turned My wrath away from the children of Israel because he was zealous for My sake among them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in My jealousy. 12 Therefore say, ‘Behold, I give to him My covenant of peace. 13 And he and his descendants after him shall have it, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was zealous for his God and made an atonement for the children of Israel.’” 14 Now the name of the Israelite who was slain, who was slain with the Midianite woman, was Zimri the son of Salu, a prince of a chief house among the Simeonites. 15 And the name of the Midianite woman who was slain was Cozbi, the daughter of Zur. He was head over a people and of a chief house in Midian. 16 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 17 “Afflict the Midianites and strike them, 18 for they afflict you with their schemes, with which they have deceived you in the matter of Peor and in the matter of Cozbi, the daughter of a prince of Midian, their sister, who was slain in the day of the plague for Peor’s sake.”
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The New Generation of Israel Numbered And it came to pass, after the plague, that the Lord spoke to Moses and to Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, 2 “Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers’ houses, all who are able to go to war in Israel.” 3 And Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them in the plains of Moab by the Jordan near Jericho, saying, 4 “Take the sum of the people from twenty years old and upward, as the Lord commanded Moses and the children of Israel who went forth out of the land of Egypt.” 5 The children of Reuben, the eldest son of Israel: Hanoch, of whom came the family of the Hanochites; of Pallu, the family of the Palluites; 6 of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Carmi, the family of the Carmites. 7 These are the families of the Reubenites, and those who were numbered of them were forty- three thousand seven hundred and thirty. 8 And the sons of Pallu: Eliab. 9 And the sons of Eliab: Nemuel and Dathan and Abiram. These are the Dathan and Abiram who were famous in the congregation, who contended against Moses and against Aaron in the company of Korah, when they contended against the Lord, 10 and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up together with Korah, when that company died, when the fire devoured two hundred and fifty men, and they became a sign. 11 However the children of Korah did not die.
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their families: of Nemuel, the family of the Nemuelites; of Jamin, the family of the Jaminites; of Jachin, the family of the Jachinites; 13 of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites; of Shaul, the family of the Shaulites. 14 These are the families of the Simeonites, twenty-two thousand two hundred. 15 The children of Gad according to their families: of Zephon, the family of the Zephonites; of Haggi, the family of the Haggites; of Shuni, the family of the Shunites; 16 of Ozni, the family of the Oznites; of Eri, the family of the Erites; 17 of Arod, the family of the Arodites; of Areli, the family of the Arelites. 18 These are the families of the children of Gad according to those who were numbered of them, forty thousand five hundred. 19 The sons of Judah were Er and Onan, and Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan. 20 And the sons of Judah according to their families were: of Shelah, the family of the Shelanites; of Perez, the family of the Perezites; of Zerah, the family of the Zerahites. 21 And the sons of Perez were: of Hezron, the family of the Hezronites; of Hamul, the family of the Hamulites. 22 These are the families of Judah according to those who were numbered of them, seventy-six thousand five hundred. 23 Of the sons of Issachar according to their families: of Tola, the family of the Tolaites; of Puvah, the family of the Punites; 24 of Jashub, the family of the Jashubites; of Shimron, the family of the Shimronites. 25 These are the families of
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Issachar according to those who were numbered of them, sixty-four thousand three hundred. 26 Of the sons of Zebulun according to their families: of Sered, the family of the Sardites; of Elon, the family of the Elonites; of Jahleel, the family of the Jahleelites. 27 These are the families of the Zebulunites according to those who were numbered of them, sixty thousand five hundred. 28 The sons of Joseph according to their families were Manasseh and Ephraim. 29 Of the sons of Manasseh: of Machir, the family of the Machirites, and Machir begot Gilead; of Gilead came the family of the Gileadites. 30 These are the sons of Gilead: of Jeezer, the family of the Jeezerites; of Helek, the family of the Helekites; 31 and of Asriel, the family of the Asrielites; and of Shechem, the family of the Shechemites; 32 and of Shemida, the family of the Shemidaites; and of Hepher, the family of the Hepherites. 33 And Zelophehad the son of Hepher had no sons, but daughters. And the names of the daughters of Zelophehad were Mahlah and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 34 These are the families of Manasseh and those who were numbered of them, fifty-two thousand seven hundred. 35 These are the sons of Ephraim according to their families: of Shuthelah, the family of the Shuthalhites; of Becher, the family of the Bachrites; of Tahan, the family of the Tahanites. 36 And these are the sons of Shuthelah: of Eran, the family of the Eranites. 37 These are the families of the sons of Ephraim according to those who were numbered of them, thirty-two
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thousand five hundred. These are the sons of Joseph according to their families. 38 The sons of Benjamin according to their families: of Bela, the family of the Belaites; of Ashbel, the family of the Ashbelites; of Ahiram, the family of the Ahiramites; 39 of Shupham, the family of the Shuphamites; of Hupham, the family of the Huphamites. 40 And the sons of Bela were Ard and Naaman: of Ard, the family of the Ardites; and of Naaman, the family of the Naamites. 41 These are the sons of Benjamin according to their families, and those who were numbered of them were forty-five thousand six hundred. 42 These are the sons of Dan according to their families: of Shuham, the family of the Shuhamites. These are the families of Dan according to their families. 43 All the families of the Shuhamites, according to those who were numbered of them, were sixty-four thousand four hundred. 44 Of the children of Asher according to their families: of Jimna, the family of the Jimnites; of Jesui, the family of the Jesuites; of Beriah, the family of the Beriites. 45 Of the sons of Beriah: of Heber, the family of the Heberites; of Malchiel, the family of the Malchi elites. 46 And the name of the daughter of Asher was Serah. 47 These are the families of the sons of Asher according to those who were numbered of them, who were fifty-three thousand four hundred. 48 Of the sons of Naphtali according to their families: of Jahzeel, the family of the Jahzeelites; of Guni, the family of the Gunites; 49 of Jezer, the family of the Jezerites;
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of Shillem, the family of the Shillemites. 50 These are the families of Naphtali according to their families, and those who were numbered of them were forty-five thousand four hundred. 51 These were the numbered of the children of Israel: six hundred and one thousand seven hundred and thirty. 52 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 53 “To these the land shall be divided for an inheritance according to the number of names. 54 To many you shall give the larger inheritance, and to few you shall give the smaller inheritance. Each one shall be given his inheritance according to those who were numbered of him. 55 However, the land shall be divided by lot. They shall inherit according to the names of the tribes of their fathers. 56 According to the lot the possession of it shall be divided between many and few.” 57 And these are those who were numbered of the Levites according to their families: of Gershon, the family of the Gershonites; of Kohath, the family of the Kohathites; of Merari, the family of the Mera rites. 58 These are the families of the Levites: the family of the Libnites, the family of the Hebronites, the family of the Mahlites, the family of the Mushites, the family of the Korathites. And Kohath begot Amram. 59 And the name of Amram’s wife was Jochebed the daughter of Levi, who her mother bore to Levi in Egypt. And to Amram she bore Aaron and Moses and their sister, Miriam. 60 And to Aaron were born
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Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar. 61 And Nadab and Abihu died when they offered strange fire before the Lord. 62 And those who were numbered of them were twenty-three thousand, all males from a month old and upward, for they were not numbered among the children of Israel because there was no inheritance given to them among the children of Israel. 63 These are those who were numbered by Moses and Eleazar the priest, who numbered the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan near Jericho. 64 But among these there was not a man of those who Moses and Aaron the priest numbered when they numbered the children of Israel in the wilderness of Sinai. 65 For the Lord had said of them, “They shall surely die in the wilderness.” And there was not a man of them left, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh and Joshua the son of Nun. The Law of Inheritance Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph. And these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah. 2 And they stood before Moses and before Eleazar the priest and before the princes and all the congregation by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, 3 “Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of those
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who gathered themselves together against the Lord in the company of Korah, but died in his own sin, and had no sons. 4 Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family because he had no son? Therefore give to us a possession among the brothers of our father.” 5 And Moses brought their case before the Lord. 6 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 7 “The daughters of Zelophehad speak right. You shall surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brothers, and you shall cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them. 8 And you shall speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘If a man dies and has no son, then you shall cause his inheritance to pass to his daughter. 9 And if he has no daughter, then you shall give his inheritance to his brothers. 10 And if he has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his father’s brothers. 11 And if his father has no brothers, then you shall give his inheritance to his kinsman who is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it. And it shall be to the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the Lord commanded Moses.’” Moses to Prepare for Death 12 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go up into this Mount Abarim, and see the land that I have given to the children of Israel. 13 And when you have seen it, you also shall be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother was gathered. 14 For you rebelled
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against My commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify Me at the water before their eyes.” (That is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.) Joshua Appointed in Moses’ Place 15 And Moses spoke to the Lord, saying, 16 “Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, 17 who may go out before them and who may go in before them, and who may lead them out and who may bring them in, that the congregation of the Lord may not be as sheep that have no shepherd.” 18 And the Lord said to Moses, “Take Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. 19 And set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation, and give him a charge in their sight. 20 And you shall put some of your honor on him, that all the congregation of the children of Israel may be obedient. 21 And he shall stand before Eleazar the priest, who shall ask counsel before the Lord for him after the judgment of Urim. At his word they shall go out, and at his word they shall come in, both he and all the children of Israel with him, even all the congregation.” 22 And Moses did as the Lord commanded him. And he took Joshua and set him before Eleazar the priest and before all the congregation. 23 And he laid his hands on him and gave him a charge, as the Lord commanded through Moses.
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Order of Offerings And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the children of Israel and say to them, ‘My offering and My bread for My sacrifices made by fire, for a sweet savor to Me, you shall observe to offer to Me in their due season.’ 3 “And you shall say to them, ‘This is the offering made by fire that you shall offer to the Lord: two lambs of the first year without spot, day by day, for a continual burnt offering. 4 You shall offer the one lamb in the morning, and you shall offer the other lamb at evening, 5 and a tenth part of an ephah of flour for a grain offering, mingled with the fourth part of a hin of beaten oil. 6 It is a continual burnt offering that was ordained on Mount Sinai for a sweet savor, a sacrifice made by fire to the Lord. 7 And its drink offering shall be the fourth part of a hin for the one lamb; in the Holy Place you shall cause the strong wine to be poured to the Lord for a drink offering. 8 And you shall offer the other lamb at evening; you shall offer it as the grain offering of the morning and as its drink offering, a sacrifice made by fire, of a sweet savor to the Lord. 9 “‘And on the Sabbath day two lambs of the first year without spot, and two-tenths of a portion of flour for a grain offering, mingled with oil, and its drink offering. 10 This is the burnt offering of every Sabbath, besides the continual burnt offering and its drink offering. 11 “‘And in the beginnings of your months you shall offer a burnt offering to the Lord: two young bulls
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and one ram, seven lambs of the first year without spot; 12 and three-tenths of a portion of flour for a grain offering, mingled with oil, for one bull; and two-tenths of a portion of flour for a grain offering, mingled with oil, for one ram; 13 and a separate tenth of a portion of flour mingled with oil for a grain offering for each lamb, for a burnt offering of a sweet savor, a sacrifice made by fire to the Lord. 14 And their drink offerings shall be half a hin of wine for a bull, and the third part of a hin for a ram, and a fourth part of a hin for a lamb. This is the burnt offering for every month throughout the months of the year. 15 And one young goat shall be offered for a sin offering to the Lord, besides the continual burnt offering and its drink offering. 16 “‘And on the fourteenth day of the first month is the Passover of the Lord. 17 And on the fifteenth day of this month is the feast. Unleavened bread shall be eaten seven days. 18 On the first day shall be a holy convocation. You shall do no manner of servile work on it. 19 But you shall offer a sacrifice made by fire for a burnt offering to the Lord: two young bulls and one ram and seven lambs of the first year; they shall be for you without blemish. 20 And their grain offering shall be of flour mingled with oil: you shall offer threetenths of a portion for a bull and two-tenths of a portion for a ram. 21 You shall offer a separate tenth of a portion for each of the seven lambs 22 and one goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you. 23 You shall offer these besides the burnt offering in the morning, which is for
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a continual burnt offering. 24 In this way you shall offer the food of the sacrifice made by fire daily throughout the seven days, of a sweet savor to the Lord; it shall be offered besides the continual burnt offering and its drink offering. 25 And on the seventh day you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no servile work. 26 “‘Also on the day of the firstfruits, when you bring a new grain offering to the Lord after your weeks are out, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no servile work. 27 But you shall offer the burnt offering for a sweet savor to the Lord: two young bulls, one ram, seven lambs of the first year, 28 and their grain offering of flour mingled with oil, three-tenths of a portion for one bull, two-tenths of a portion for one ram, 29 a separate tenth of a portion for each of the seven lambs, 30 and one young goat to make an atonement for you. 31 They shall be for you without blemish. You shall offer them and their drink offerings, besides the continual burnt offering and its grain offering.’”
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“‘And in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no servile work. It is for you a day of blowing the trumpets. 2 And you shall offer a burnt offering for a sweet savor to the Lord: one young bull, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year without blemish. 3 And their grain offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three-tenths of a portion for a bull and two-tenths of a
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portion for a ram, 4 and one-tenth of a portion for each of the seven lambs, 5 and one young goat for a sin offering, to make an atonement for you, 6 besides the burnt offering of the month and its grain offering, and the daily burnt offering and its grain offering, and their drink offerings, according to their manner, for a sweet savor, a sacrifice made by fire to the Lord. 7 “‘And on the tenth day of this seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. And you shall afflict your souls; you shall not do any work on it. 8 But you shall offer a burnt offering to the Lord for a sweet savor: one young bull, one ram, and seven lambs of the first year. They shall be for you without blemish. 9 And their grain offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three-tenths of a portion for a bull and two-tenths of a portion for one ram, 10 a separate tenth of a portion for each of the seven lambs, 11 one young goat for a sin offering, besides the sin offering of atonement, and the continual burnt offering and its grain offering, and their drink offerings. 12 “‘And on the fifteenth day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. You shall do no servile work, and you shall keep a feast to the Lord seven days. 13 And you shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire of a sweet savor to the Lord: thirteen young bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year. They shall be without blemish. 14 And their grain offering shall be of flour mingled with oil, three-tenths of a portion for every bull of the thirteen
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bulls, two-tenths of a portion for each ram of the two rams, 15 and a separate tenth of a portion for each lamb of the fourteen lambs, 16 and one young goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering, and its drink offering. 17 “‘And on the second day you shall offer twelve young bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without spot, 18 and their grain offering and their drink offerings, for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, according to the manner, 19 and one young goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering and its grain offering, and their drink offerings. 20 “‘And on the third day, eleven bulls, two rams, fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish, 21 and their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, according to the manner, 22 and one goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering and its grain offering and its drink offering. 23 “‘And on the fourth day, ten bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish, 24 their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, according to the manner, 25 and one young goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering, and its drink offering. 26 “‘And on the fifth day, nine bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the
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first year without spot, 27 and their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, according to the manner, 28 and one goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering and its grain offering and its drink offering. 29 “‘And on the sixth day, eight bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish, 30 and their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, according to the manner, 31 and one goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering, and its drink offering. 32 “‘And on the seventh day, seven bulls, two rams, and fourteen lambs of the first year without blemish, 33 and their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bulls, for the rams, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, according to the manner, 34 and one goat for a sin offering, besides the continual burnt offering, its grain offering, and its drink offering. 35 “‘On the eighth day you shall have a solemn assembly. You shall do no servile work on it. 36 But you shall offer a burnt offering, a sacrifice made by fire of a sweet savor to the Lord: one bull, one ram, seven lambs of the first year without blemish, 37 their grain offering and their drink offerings for the bull, for the ram, and for the lambs, shall be according to their number, according to the manner, 38 and one goat for a sin offering, besides the continual
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burnt offering and its grain offering and its drink offering. 39 “‘These things you shall offer to the Lord in your set feasts, besides your vows and your freewill offerings, for your burnt offerings and for your grain offerings, and for your drink offerings, and for your peace offerings.’” 40 And Moses told the children of Israel according to all that the Lord commanded Moses. The Law of Vows And Moses spoke to the leaders of the tribes concerning the children of Israel, saying, “This is the thing that the Lord has commanded: 2 If a man vows a vow to the Lord, or swears an oath to bind his soul with a bond, he shall not break his word; he shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth. 3 “If a woman also vows a vow to the Lord and binds herself by a bond being in her father’s house in her youth, 4 and her father hears her vow and her bond with which she has bound her soul, and her father shall say nothing to her, then all her vows shall stand, and every bond with which she has bound her soul shall stand. 5 But if her father disallows her on the day that he hears, not any of her vows or her bonds with which she has bound her soul shall stand. And the Lord shall forgive her because her father disallowed her. 6 “And if she had at all a husband when she vowed or uttered anything out of her lips with which she bound her soul, 7 and her husband heard it
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and said nothing to her on the day that he heard it, then her vows shall stand, and her bonds with which she bound her soul shall stand. 8 But if her husband disallowed her on the day that he heard it, then he shall make her vow that she vowed and that which she uttered with her lips, with which she bound her soul, of none effect, and the Lord shall forgive her. 9 But every vow of a widow and of a woman who is divorced, by which they have bound their souls, shall stand against her. 10 “And if she vowed in her husband’s house, or bound her soul by a bond with an oath, 11 and her husband heard it and said nothing to her and did not disallow her, then all her vows shall stand, and every bond with which she bound her soul shall stand. 12 But if her husband has utterly made them void on the day he heard them, then whatever proceeded out of her lips concerning her vows or concerning the bond of her soul shall not stand. Her husband has made them void, and the Lord shall forgive her. 13 Every vow and every binding oath to afflict the soul, her husband may establish it, or her husband may make it void. 14 But if her husband altogether says nothing to her from day to day, then he establishes all her vows or all her bonds that are on her. He confirms them, because he said nothing to her on the day that he heard them. 15 But if he shall in any way make them void after he has heard them, then he shall bear her iniquity.” 16 These are the statutes that the Lord commanded Moses, between a man and his wife, between the
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father and his daughter who is still in her youth in her father’s house. The Judgment on Midian And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Take vengeance on the Midianites for the children of Israel. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.” 3 And Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm some of yourselves for war, and let them go against the Midianites and take vengeance on Midian for the Lord. 4 You shall send to the war a thousand from every tribe, throughout all the tribes of Israel.” 5 So there were sent, out of the thousands of Israel, a thousand from every tribe, twelve thousand armed for war. 6 And Moses sent them to the war, a thousand from every tribe, they and Phinehas, the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war, with the holy instruments and the trumpets to blow in his hand. 7 And they warred against the Midianites, as the Lord commanded Moses, and they slew all the males. 8 And they slew the kings of Midian, besides the rest of those who were slain—namely, Evi and Rekem and Zur and Hur and Reba, five kings of Midian. They also slew Balaam the son of Beor with the sword. 9 And the children of Israel took captive all the women of Midian and their little ones, and took the spoil of all their cattle and all their flocks and all their goods. 10 And they burned with fire all their cities in which they dwelled, and all their beautiful castles. 11 And they took all the spoil and all the plunder, both of men and of beasts.
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they brought the captives and the plunder and the spoil to Moses and Eleazar the priest, and to the congregation of the children of Israel, to the camp at the plains of Moab, which are by the Jordan near Jericho. 13 And Moses and Eleazar the priest and all the princes of the congregation went out to meet them outside the camp. 14 And Moses was angry with the officers of the army, with the captains over thousands and captains over hundreds, who came from the battle. 15 And Moses said to them, “Have you saved all the women alive? 16 Behold, these, through the counsel of Balaam, caused the children of Israel to trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor, and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord. 17 Now therefore, kill every male among the little ones, and kill every woman who has known a man by lying with him. 18 But keep alive for yourselves all the girls who have not known a man by lying with him. 19 And remain outside the camp seven days. Whoever has killed any person, and whoever has touched any slain, purify both yourselves and your captives on the third day and on the seventh day. 20 And purify all your clothing and all that is made of skins and all work of goats’ hair and all things made of wood.” 21 And Eleazar the priest said to the men of war who went to the battle, “This is the ordinance of the law that the Lord commanded Moses: 22 only the gold and the silver, the brass, the iron, the tin, and the lead, 23 everything that may withstand the fire, you shall make it go through
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the fire, and it shall be clean. Nevertheless, it shall be purified with the water of separation. And all that does not withstand the fire you shall make go through the water. 24 And you shall wash your clothes on the seventh day and you shall be clean. And afterward you shall come into the camp.” 25 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 26 “Take the sum of the plunder that was taken, both of man and of beast, you and Eleazar the priest and the chief fathers of the congregation, 27 and divide the plunder into two parts, between those who took the war upon them, who went out to battle, and between all the congregation. 28 And collect a tribute to the Lord from the men of war who went out to battle: one soul of five hundred, from the persons and from the cattle and from the donkeys and from the sheep. 29 Take it from their half and give it to Eleazar the priest for a heave offering to the Lord. 30 And from the children of Israel’s half you shall take one portion of fifty, from the persons, from the cattle, from the donkeys, and from the flocks, from all manner of beasts, and give them to the Levites who take care of the needs of the tabernacle of the Lord.” 31 And Moses and Eleazar the priest did as the Lord commanded Moses. 32 And the booty—the rest of the plunder that the men of war had taken—was six hundred and seventyfive thousand sheep, 33 and seventytwo thousand cattle, 34 and sixty-one thousand donkeys, 35 and thirty-two thousand persons in all, of women who had not known a man by lying
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with him. 36 And the half that was the portion of those who went out to war numbered three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep. 37 And the Lord’s tribute from the sheep was six hundred and seventy-five. 38 And the cattle were thirty- six thousand, of which the Lord’s tribute was seventy-two. 39 And the donkeys were thirty thousand five hundred, of which the Lord’s tribute was sixty-one. 40 And the persons were sixteen thousand, of which the Lord’s tribute was thirty- two persons. 41 And Moses gave the tribute, which was the Lord’s heave offering, to Eleazar the priest, as the Lord commanded Moses. 42 And from the children of Israel’s half, which Moses divided from the men who warred 43 (now the half that pertained to the congregation was three hundred and thirty-seven thousand five hundred sheep, 44 and thirty-six thousand cattle, 45 and thirty thousand five hundred donkeys, 46 and sixteen thousand persons), 47 even from the children of Israel’s half Moses took one portion of fifty, both of man and of beast, and gave them to the Levites, who took care of the needs of the tabernacle of the Lord, as the Lord commanded Moses. 48 And the officers who were over thousands of the army, the captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, came near to Moses. 49 And they said to Moses, “Your servants have taken the sum of the men of war who are under our charge, and not one man is missing. 50 Therefore we have brought an offering for the Lord, what every man has
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gotten, of jewels of gold, chains and bracelets, rings, earrings and tablets, to make an atonement for our souls before the Lord.” 51 And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from them, even all ornamental jewels. 52 And all the gold of the offering that they offered up to the Lord, from the captains of thousands and from the captains of hundreds, was sixteen thousand seven hundred and fifty shekels. 53 (For the men of war had taken spoil, every man for himself.) 54 And Moses and Eleazar the priest took the gold from the captains of thousands and of hundreds and brought it into the tabernacle of the congregation for a memorial for the children of Israel before the Lord. The Choice of Reuben, Gad, and Manasseh Now the children of Reuben and the children of Gad had a very great multitude of cattle. And when they saw the land of Jazer and the land of Gilead, that behold, the place was a place for cattle, 2 the children of Gad and the children of Reuben came and spoke to Moses and to Eleazar the priest and to the princes of the congregation, saying, 3 “Ataroth and Dibon and Jazer and Nimrah and Heshbon and Elealeh and Shebam and Nebo and Beon, 4 even the country that the Lord struck before the congregation of Israel, is a land for cattle, and your servants have cattle.” 5 Therefore they said, “If we have found grace in your sight, let this land be given to your servants for a possession, and do not bring us over the Jordan.”
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of Gad and to the children of Reuben, “Shall your brothers go to war while you sit here? 7 And why will you discourage the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land that the Lord has given them? 8 This is what your fathers did when I sent them from Kadesh- barnea to see the land. 9 For when they went up to the Valley of Eshcol and saw the land, they discouraged the heart of the children of Israel, that they should not go into the land that the Lord had given them. 10 And the Lord’s anger was kindled at that time, and He swore, saying, 11 ‘Surely none of the men who came up out of Egypt, from twenty years old and upward, shall see the land that I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob because they have not wholly followed Me, 12 except Caleb the son of Jephunneh, the Kenizzite, and Joshua the son of Nun, for they have wholly followed the Lord.’ 13 And the Lord’s anger was kindled against Israel, and He made them wander in the wilderness forty years, until all the generation that had done evil in the sight of the Lord was consumed. 14 And behold, you have risen up in your fathers’ place, an increase of sinful men, to further add to the fierce anger of the Lord toward Israel. 15 For if you turn away from following Him, He will yet again leave them in the wilderness, and you shall destroy all these people.” 16 And they came near to him and said, “We will build sheepfolds here for our cattle and cities for our little ones, 17 but we ourselves will go
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armed and ready before the children of Israel, until we have brought them to their place. And our little ones shall dwell in the fortified cities because of the inhabitants of the land. 18 We will not return to our houses until every one of the children of Israel has inherited his inheritance. 19 For we will not inherit with them on the other side of the Jordan or beyond, because our inheritance has fallen to us on this east side of the Jordan.” 20 And Moses said to them, “If you will do this thing, if you will go armed before the Lord to war, 21 and all of you go armed over the Jordan before the Lord until He has driven out His enemies from before Him, 22 and the land is subdued before the Lord, then afterward you shall return and be guiltless before the Lord and before Israel, and this land shall be your possession before the Lord. 23 But if you will not do so, behold, you will have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out. 24 Build cities for your little ones and folds for your sheep, and do what has proceeded out of your mouth.” 25 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben spoke to Moses, saying, “Your servants will do as my lord commands. 26 Our little ones, our wives, our flocks, and all our cattle shall be there in the cities of Gilead, 27 but your servants will cross over, every man armed for war, before the Lord to battle, as my lord says.” 28 So Moses gave the command concerning them to Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun
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and the chief fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel. 29 And Moses said to them, “If the children of Gad and the children of Reuben cross over the Jordan with you, every man armed to battle before the Lord, and the land is subdued before you, then you shall give them the land of Gilead for a possession. 30 But if they will not cross over armed with you, they shall have possessions among you in the land of Canaan.” 31 And the children of Gad and the children of Reuben answered, saying, “As the Lord has said to your servants, so we will do. 32 We will cross over armed before the Lord into the land of Canaan, that the possession of our inheritance on this side of the Jordan may be ours.” 33 And Moses gave to them— even to the children of Gad and to the children of Reuben and to half the tribe of Manasseh the son of Joseph—the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites and the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, the land and the cities within its borders, even the cities of the surrounding country. 34 And the children of Gad built Dibon and Ataroth and Aroer 35 and Atroth, Shophan and Jazer and Jogbehah, 36 and Beth-nimrah and Beth-haran, fortified cities, and folds for sheep. 37 And the children of Reuben built Heshbon and Elealeh and Kiriathaim, 38 and Nebo and Baal-meon (their names being changed) and Shibmah. And they gave other names to the cities that they built. 39 And the children of Machir the son of Manasseh went to Gilead and took it, and dispossessed the
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Amorites who were in it. 40 And Moses gave Gilead to Machir the son of Manasseh, and he dwelled in it. 41 And Jair the son of Manasseh went and took its small towns and called them Havoth-jair. 42 And Nobah went and took Kenath and its villages and called it Nobah, after his own name. The Journeys from Egypt to Jordan These are the journeys of the children of Israel who went forth out of the land of Egypt with their armies under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. 2 And Moses wrote of places of their departure according to their journeys by the commandment of the Lord. And these are their journeys according to their places of departure. 3 And they departed from Ram eses in the first month, on the fifteenth day of the first month. On the day after the Passover the children of Israel went out boldly in the sight of all the Egyptians. 4 For the Egyptians buried all their firstborn whom the Lord had struck among them. The Lord also executed judgments on their gods. 5 And the children of Israel moved from Rameses and camped at Succoth. 6 And they departed from Succoth and camped at Etham, which is on the edge of the wilderness. 7 And they moved from Etham and turned again to Pi-hahiroth, which is before Baal-zephon, and they camped before Migdol. 8 And they departed from before Pi-hahiroth and passed through the midst of the sea into the wilderness, and went three days’
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journey in the wilderness of Etham camped at Hashmonah. 30 And they and camped at Marah. 9 And they departed from Hashmonah and moved from Marah and came to camped at Moseroth. 31 And they deElim. And in Elim were twelve foun- parted from Moseroth and camped tains of water and seventy palm at Bene-jaakan. 32 And they moved trees, and they camped there. from Bene-jaakan and camped at 10 And they moved from Elim and Hor-hagidgad. 33 And they went 11 camped by the Red Sea. And from Hor-hagidgad and camped at they moved from the Red Sea and Jotbathah. 34 And they moved from camped in the wilderness of Sin. Jotbathah and camped at Abronah. 12 And they journeyed out of the 35 And they departed from Abronah wilderness of Sin and camped at and camped at Ezion-geber. 36 And Dophkah. 13 And they departed from they moved from Ezion-geber and Dophkah and camped at Alush. camped in the wilderness of Zin, 14 And they moved from Alush and which is Kadesh. 37 And they moved camped at Rephidim, where there from Kadesh and camped at Mount was no water for the people to drink. Hor, on the edge of the land of 15 And they departed from RephiEdom. 38 And Aaron the priest went up to dim and camped in the wilderness 16 of Sinai. And they moved from Mount Hor at the commandment of the desert of Sinai and camped at the Lord and died there in the forKibroth-hattaavah. 17 And they de- tieth year after the children of Israel parted from Kibroth-hattaavah and had come out of the land of Egypt, camped at Hazeroth. 18 And they de- on the first day of the fifth month. parted from Hazeroth and camped at 39 And Aaron was one hundred and Rithmah. 19 And they departed from twenty-three years old when he Rithmah and camped at Rimmon- died on Mount Hor. 40 And the king of Arad, the Caperez. 20 And they departed from Rimmon-perez and camped at Lib- naanite, who dwelled in the south nah. 21 And they moved from Libnah in the land of Canaan, heard of the and camped at Rissah. 22 And they coming of the children of Israel. 41 And they departed from Mount journeyed from Rissah and camped at Kehelathah. 23 And they went Hor and camped at Zalmonah. from Kehelathah and camped at 42 And they departed from Zalmonah Mount Shepher. 24 And they moved and camped at Punon. 43 And they from Mount Shepher and camped departed from Punon and camped at Haradah. 25 And they moved from at Oboth. 44 And they departed from Haradah and camped at Makheloth. Oboth and camped at Ije-abarim, 26 And they moved from Makheloth at the border of Moab. 45 And they and camped at Tahath. 27 And they departed from Ijim and camped at departed from Tahath and camped Dibon-gad. 46 And they moved from at Terah. 28 And they moved from Dibon-gad and camped at Almon- Terah and camped at Mithkah. diblathaim. 47 And they moved from 29 And they went from Mithkah and Almon-diblathaim and camped in
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the mountains of Abarim, before Nebo. 48 And they departed from the mountains of Abarim and camped in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, near Jericho. 49 And they camped by the Jordan, from Beth-jesimoth even to Abel-shittim in the plains of Moab. The Law of the Possession of the Land 50 And the Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, near Jericho, saying, 51 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘When you have passed over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 52 then you shall drive out all the inhabitants of the land from before you and destroy all their carved images and destroy all their molten images and completely tear down all their high places. 53 And you shall dispossess the inhabitants of the land and dwell in it, for I have given you the land to possess it. 54 And you shall divide the land by lot for an inheritance among your families. And to the larger you shall give more inheritance, and to the smaller you shall give less inheritance. Every man’s inheritance shall be in the place where his lot falls. You shall inherit according to the tribes of your fathers. 55 But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then it shall come to pass that those whom you let remain of them shall be barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and shall afflict you in the land in which you dwell. 56 Moreover it shall come to pass that I shall do to you as I thought to do to them.’”
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Preparations to Enter the Land And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 2 “Command the children of Israel and say to them, ‘When you come into the land of Canaan (this is the land that shall fall to you for an inheritance, even the land of Canaan with its borders), 3 then your southern region shall be from the wilderness of Zin along the border of Edom, and your southern border shall be the outermost end of the Salt Sea eastward. 4 And your border shall turn from the south to the ascent of Akrabbim and pass on to Zin, and then it shall go forth from the south to Kadesh-barnea and shall go on to Hazar-addar and pass on to Azmon. 5 And the border shall go around from Azmon to the Brook of Egypt, and the end of it shall be at the sea. 6 “‘And as for the western border, you shall have the Great Sea for a border; this shall be your western border. 7 “‘And this shall be your northern border: from the Great Sea you shall point out for you Mount Hor. 8 From Mount Hor you shall point out your border to the entrance of Hamath, and the border shall continue to Zedad. 9 And the border shall go on to Ziphron, and the end of it shall be at Hazar-enan. This shall be your northern border. 10 “‘And you shall point out your eastern border from Hazar-enan to Shepham. 11 And the border shall go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain, and the border shall descend and shall reach to the side of the Sea of Chinnereth
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eastward. 12 And the border shall go down to the Jordan, and the end of it shall be at the Salt Sea. This shall be your land with its borders all around.’” 13 And Moses commanded the children of Israel, saying, “This is the land that you shall inherit by lot, which the Lord commanded to give to the nine tribes and to the halftribe. 14 For the tribe of the children of Reuben according to the house of their fathers and the tribe of the children of Gad according to the house of their fathers have received their inheritance. And half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance. 15 The two tribes and the half tribe have received their inheritance on this side of the Jordan, near Jericho eastward, toward the sunrise.” 16 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 17 “These are the names of the men who shall divide the land for you: Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun. 18 And you shall take one prince from every tribe to divide the land for inheritance. 19 And these are the names of the men: from the tribe of Judah, Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 20 And from the tribe of the children of Simeon, Shemuel the son of Ammihud; 21 from the tribe of Benjamin, Elidad the son of Chislon; 22 and the prince of the tribe of the children of Dan, Bukki the son of Jogli; 23 the prince of the children of Joseph: for the tribe of the children of Manasseh, Hanniel the son of Ephod, 24 and the prince of the tribe of the children of Ephraim, Kemuel the son of Shiphtan; 25 and the prince of the
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tribe of the children of Zebulun, Elizaphan the son of Parnach; 26 and the prince of the tribe of the children of Issachar, Paltiel the son of Azzan; 27 and the prince of the tribe of the children of Asher, Ahihud the son of Shelomi; 28 and the prince of the tribe of the children of Naphtali, Pedahel the son of Ammihud.” 29 These are those whom the Lord commanded to divide the inheritance for the children of Israel in the land of Canaan. The Cities of Refuge And the Lord spoke to Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan near Jericho, saying, 2 “Command the children of Israel that they give to the Levites of the inheritance of their possession cities to dwell in, and you shall also give to the Levites suburbs for the cities all around them. 3 And they shall have the cities to dwell in. And their suburbs shall be for their cattle and for their goods and for all their beasts. 4 And the suburbs of the cities that you shall give to the Levites shall reach from the wall of the city and outward a thousand cubits all around. 5 And you shall measure, from outside the city, two thousand cubits on the east side, and two thousand cubits on the south side, and two thousand cubits on the west side, and two thousand cubits on the north side. And the city shall be in the middle. This shall be the suburbs of the cities for them. 6 “And among the cities that you shall give to the Levites there shall be six cities for refuge, which you
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shall appoint for the manslayer, that he may flee there. And to them you shall add forty-two cities. 7 So all the cities that you shall give to the Le vites shall be forty-eight cities; these you shall give with their suburbs. 8 And the cities that you shall give shall be from the possession of the children of Israel. From those who have many you shall give many, but from those who have few you shall give few. Every one shall give of his cities to the Levites according to his inheritance that he inherits.” 9 And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 10 “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them, ‘When you come over the Jordan into the land of Canaan, 11 then you shall appoint cities to be cities of refuge for you, that the slayer who kills any person unintentionally may flee there. 12 And they shall be to you cities for refuge from the avenger, that the manslayer not die until he stands before the congregation in judgment. 13 And of these cities that you shall give, you shall have six cities for refuge. 14 You shall give three cities on this side of the Jordan, and you shall give three cities in the land of Canaan, which shall be cities of refuge. 15 These six cities shall be a refuge both for the children of Israel and for the stranger and for the sojourner among them, that everyone who kills any person unintentionally may flee there. 16 “‘And if he strikes him with an instrument of iron, so that he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. 17 And if he strikes him by throwing a stone, with which he may die, and he dies,
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he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. 18 Or if he strikes him with a hand weapon of wood, with which he may die, and he dies, he is a murderer; the murderer shall surely be put to death. 19 The avenger of blood himself shall slay the murderer; when he meets him, he shall slay him. 20 But if he pushes him in hatred or hurls at him, while lying in wait, so that he dies, 21 or in enmity strikes him with his hand so that he dies, he who struck him shall surely be put to death, for he is a murderer. The avenger of blood shall slay the murderer when he meets him. 22 “‘But if he pushes him suddenly without enmity, or throws anything on him without lying in wait, 23 or throws any stone, with which a man may die, on him so that he dies— not seeing him and not being his enemy and not seeking his harm— 24 then the congregation shall judge between the slayer and the avenger of blood, according to these judgments. 25 And the congregation shall deliver the slayer out of the hand of the avenger of blood, and the congregation shall restore him to the city of his refuge where he had fled, and he shall remain in it until the death of the high priest who was anointed with the holy oil. 26 But if the slayer shall at any time come outside the border of the city of his refuge where he has fled, 27 and the avenger of blood finds him outside the borders of the city of his refuge, and the avenger of blood kills the slayer, he shall not be guilty of blood, 28 because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until
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the death of the high priest. But after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return to the land of his possession. 29 “‘So these things shall be for a statute of judgment to you throughout your generations in all your dwellings. 30 If anyone kills any person, the murderer shall be put to death by the mouth of witnesses, but one witness shall not testify against any person to cause him to die. 31 Moreover you shall take no ransom for the life of a murderer who is guilty of death, but he shall surely be put to death. 32 And you shall take no ransom for him who has fled to the city of his refuge, that he should come again to dwell in the land until the death of the priest. 33 So you shall not pollute the land in which you are, for blood defiles the land, and the land cannot be cleansed of the blood that is shed in it, except by the blood of him who shed it. 34 Therefore do not defile the land that you shall inhabit, in which I dwell, for I the Lord dwell among the children of Israel.’” As to Inheritances And the chief fathers of the families of the children of Gilead the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of the sons of Joseph, came near and spoke before Moses and before the princes, the chief fathers of the children of Israel. 2 And they said, “The Lord commanded my lord to give the land as an inheritance by lot to the children of Israel, and my lord was commanded by the Lord to give the inheritance of our
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brother Zelophehad to his daughters. 3 And if they are married to any of the sons of the other tribes of the children of Israel, then their inheritance shall be taken from the inheritance of our fathers and shall be added to the inheritance of the tribe to which they are received. So shall it be taken from the lot of our inheritance. 4 And when the Jubilee of the children of Israel comes, then their inheritance shall be added to the inheritance of the tribe to which they are received. So their inheritance shall be taken away from the inheritance of the tribe of our fathers.” 5 And Moses commanded the children of Israel according to the word of the Lord, saying, “The tribe of the sons of Joseph has spoken correctly. 6 This is the thing that the Lord commands concerning the daughters of Zelophehad, saying, ‘Let them marry whom they think best, only they shall marry within the family of the tribe of their father.’ 7 So the inheritance of the children of Israel shall not move from tribe to tribe, for every one of the children of Israel shall keep himself to the inheritance of the tribe of his fathers. 8 And every daughter who possesses an inheritance in any tribe of the children of Israel shall be wife to one of the family of the tribe of her father, so that every one of the children of Israel may enjoy the inheritance of his fathers. 9 The inheritance shall not move from one tribe to another tribe, but every one of the tribes of the children of Israel shall keep itself to his own inheritance.”
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the daughters of Zelophehad did as the Lord commanded Moses, 11 for Mahlah, Tirzah, and Hoglah and Milcah and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, were married to their father’s brothers’ sons. 12 And they were married into the families of the sons of Manasseh
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the son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained in the tribe of the family of their father. 13 These are the commandments and the judgments that the Lord commanded through Moses to the children of Israel in the plains of Moab by the Jordan, near Jericho.
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DEUTERONOMY INTRODUCTION TO DEUTERONOMY Deuteronomy might be called the Romans of the Old Testament. It is chock-full of the great themes of scripture. It is a wonderfully down-to-earth book that provides counsel about both the large and small issues and questions of life. It addresses itself both to private matters such as the inner conflicts of the believing soul, the way of faith under trial, marriage and family, and to such public and corporate issues such as worship and the proper stewardship of the environment. AUTHOR Moses is clearly identified as the author of Deuteronomy in verse 1. Moses’ authorship is claimed throughout Deuteronomy (1:5, 9; 5:1; 27:8; 29:2; 31:1, 30) as well as in other Old Testament books (1 Kings 2:3; 8:53; 2 Kings 14:6; 18:6, 12). Jesus also identified Moses as the author of Deuteronomy (Matthew 19:7–8; Mark 10:3–5; John 5:46–47), as did Peter (Acts 3:22), Stephen (Acts 7:37–38), and Paul (Romans 10:19; 1 Corinthians 9:9). The final chapter, recording Moses’ death and burial (34:1–12), was most likely added by another writer after Moses’ death. OCCASION The book of Deuteronomy records Moses’ last words to the people of Israel as they are poised to enter the promised land after forty years of wandering in the wilderness. Moses reminds the people of all that the Lord has done for them to this point and calls them to a life of faithful obedience in the land they are about to receive.
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The Failure at Kadesh-Barnea has multiplied you, and behold, you These are the words that Moses are this day like the stars of heaven spoke to all Israel on this side in number. 11 (May the Lord God of the Jordan in the wilderness, in of your fathers make you a thouthe plain next to the Red Sea, be- sand times more than you are and tween Paran and Tophel and La- bless you, as He has promised you!) ban and Hazeroth and Dizahab. 12 How can I myself alone bear your 2 (There are eleven days’ journey trouble and your burden and your from Horeb by the way of Mount strife? 13 Take for yourselves wise Seir to Kadesh-barnea.) 3 And it and understanding and known men came to pass in the fortieth year, among your tribes, and I will make in the eleventh month, on the first them rulers over you.’ 14 “And you answered me and day of the month, that Moses spoke to the children of Israel according said, ‘The thing that you have spoto all that the Lord had given him ken is good for us to do.’ 15 So I took in commandment to them, 4 after the chiefs of your tribes, wise and he had slain Sihon the king of the known men, and made them heads Amorites, who dwelled in Heshbon, over you, captains over thousands, and Og the king of Bashan, who and captains over hundreds, and dwelled at Ashtaroth in Edrei. captains over fifties, and captains 5 On this side of the Jordan, in the over tens, and officers among your land of Moab, Moses began to de- tribes. 16 “And I charged your judges at clare this law, saying, 6 “The Lord our God spoke to us in Horeb, say- that time, saying, ‘Hear the cases ing, ‘You have dwelled long enough between your brothers, and judge at this mount. 7 Turn and take your righteously between every man and journey, and go to the mount of his brother and the foreigner who the Amorites, and to all the places is with him. 17 You shall not show near to it, in the plain, in the hills partiality in judgment, but you shall and in the valley, and in the south hear the small as well as the great. and by the seaside, to the land of You shall not be afraid of the face the Canaanites, and to Lebanon, to of man, for the judgment is God’s. the great river, the river Euphrates. And the case that is too hard for 8 Behold, I have set the land before you, bring it to me, and I will hear you. Go in and possess the land that it.’ 18 And I commanded you at that the Lord swore to your fathers— time all the things that you should Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—to give do.” to them and to their descendants afIsrael Does Not Enter ter them.’” into the Land 19 “And when we departed from Moses Appoints Leaders 9 “And I spoke to you at that time, Horeb, we went through all that saying, ‘I am not able to bear you great and terrible wilderness that alone myself. 10 The Lord your God you saw by the way of the mountain
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of the Amorites, as the Lord our God commanded us, and we came to Kadesh-barnea. 20 And I said to you, ‘You have come to the mountain of the Amorites that the Lord our God is giving to us. 21 Behold, the Lord your God has set the land before you. Go up and possess it, as the Lord God of your fathers has said to you. Do not fear or be discouraged.’ 22 “And you came near to me, every one of you, and said, ‘We will send men before us, and they shall search out the land for us and bring back word to us of which way we must go up and into which cities we shall come.’ 23 And the saying pleased me well, and I took twelve men from you, one from each tribe, 24 and they turned and went up into the mountain, and came to the Valley of Eshcol, and searched it out. 25 And they took some of the fruit of the land in their hands and brought it down to us, and brought back word to us, and said, ‘It is a good land that the Lord our God is giving us.’ 26 “However, you would not go up but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God. 27 And you murmured in your tents and said, ‘Because the Lord hated us, He has brought us forth out of the land of Egypt to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us. 28 Where shall we go up? Our brothers have discouraged our hearts, saying, “The people are greater and taller than we are; the cities are great and walled up to heaven. And moreover, we have seen the sons of the Anakim there.”’
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29 “Then
I said to you, ‘Do not dread or be afraid of them. 30 The Lord your God, who goes before you, He shall fight for you, according to all that He did for you in Egypt before your eyes, 31 and in the wilderness where you have seen how the Lord your God bore you, as a man bears his son, all the way that you went until you came into this place.’ 32 Yet in this matter you did not believe the Lord your God, 33 who went on the way before you to search out a place for you to pitch your tents, to show you by which way you should go, in fire by night and in a cloud by day. 34 “And the Lord heard the voice of your words and was angry and swore, saying, 35 ‘Surely not one of these men of this evil generation shall see that good land that I swore to give to your fathers, 36 except Caleb the son of Jephunneh; he shall see it, and to him and to his children I will give the land that he has walked on because he has wholly followed the Lord.’ 37 The Lord was also angry with me for your sakes, saying, ‘Also you shall not go in there. 38 But Joshua the son of Nun, who stands before you, he shall go in there. Encourage him, for he shall cause Israel to inherit it. 39 Moreover, your little ones, who you said would become plunder, and your children, who in that day had no knowledge of good and evil, they shall go in there, and I will give it to them and they shall possess it. 40 But as for you, turn and take your journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea.’ 41 “Then you answered and said
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to me, ‘We have sinned against the Lord. We will go up and fight according to all that the Lord our God commanded us.’ And when every man had girded on his weapons of war, you were ready to go up into the hill. 42 “And the Lord said to me, ‘Say to them: “Do not go up or fight, for I am not among you, lest you be struck before your enemies.”’ 43 So I spoke to you, and you would not hear but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord and presumptuously went up into the hill. 44 And the Amorites who dwelled in that mountain came out against you and chased you as bees do, and destroyed you in Seir, even to Hormah. 45 And you returned and wept before the Lord, but the Lord would not listen to your voice or give ear to you. 46 So you remained in Kadesh many days, according to the days that you remained there.” The Conflicts of the Wilderness “Then we turned and took our journey into the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea, as the Lord spoke to me, and we circled Mount Seir many days. 2 And the Lord spoke to me, saying, 3 ‘You have circled this mountain long enough; turn northward. 4 And command the people, saying, “You are to pass through the coast of your brothers, the children of Esau, who dwell in Seir, and they shall be afraid of you. Therefore take careful heed to yourselves. 5 Do not meddle with them, for I will not give you any of their land, no, not so much as a foot breadth, because I have given
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Mount Seir to Esau for a possession. 6 You shall buy meat from them with money, that you may eat, and you shall also buy water from them with money, that you may drink. 7 For the Lord your God has blessed you in all the works of your hand. He knows your walking through this great wilderness. The Lord your God has been with you these forty years; you have lacked nothing.”’ 8 “And when we passed by from our brothers, the children of Esau who dwell in Seir, through the way of the plain, from Elath and from Ezion-geber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab. 9 And the Lord said to me, ‘Do not distress the Moabites or contend with them in battle, for I will not give you any of their land for a possession, because I have given Ar to the children of Lot for a possession.’ 10 (The Emim dwelled there in times past, a people as great and many and tall as the Anakim. 11 They were also considered giants, as the Anakim, but the Moabites called them Emim. 12 The Horites also formerly dwelled in Seir, but the children of Esau succeeded them when they destroyed them from before them and dwelled in their place, as Israel did to the land of their possession that the Lord gave to them.) 13 ‘Now rise up,’ I said, ‘and get over the brook Zered.’ And we went over the brook Zered. 14 And the time from when we came from Kadesh-barnea until we had come over the brook Zered was thirty-eight years, until all the generation of the men of war had perished from among the army, as the
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Lord swore to them. 15 For indeed the hand of the Lord was against them, to destroy them from among the camp until they had perished. 16 “So it came to pass, when all the men of war had perished and were dead from among the people, 17 that the Lord spoke to me, saying, 18 ‘This day you are to cross over through Ar, the border of Moab. 19 And when you come near the children of Ammon, do not distress them or meddle with them, for I will not give you any possession from the land of the children of Ammon, because I have given it to the children of Lot for a possession.’ 20 (That also was considered a land of giants; giants formerly dwelled in it. And the Ammonites call them Zamzummim, 21 a people as great and many and tall as the Anakim. But the Lord destroyed them before them, and they succeeded them and dwelled in their place, 22 as He did to the children of Esau, who dwelled in Seir, when He destroyed the Horites from before them. And they succeeded them and dwelled in their place, even to this day. 23 And the Avim, who dwelled in Hazerim, even to Gaza— the Caphtorim, who came forth out of Caphtor, destroyed them and dwelled in their place.) 24 “‘Rise up; take your journey, and cross over the river Arnon. Behold, I have given into your hand Sihon the Amorite, king of Heshbon, and his land. Begin to possess it, and contend with him in battle. 25 This day I will begin to put the dread of you and the fear of you on the nations that are under the whole heaven,
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who shall hear the report of you and shall tremble and be in anguish because of you.’” King Sihon Defeated 26 “And I sent messengers out of the wilderness of Kedemoth to Sihon king of Heshbon with words of peace, saying, 27 ‘Let me pass through your land. I will go along by the highway; I will turn neither to the right hand nor to the left. 28 You shall sell me food for money, that I may eat, and give me water for money, that I may drink. Only I will pass through on my feet 29 (as the children of Esau who dwell in Seir and the Moabites who dwell in Ar did for me), until I cross over the Jordan into the land that the Lord our God is giving us.’ 30 “But Sihon king of Heshbon would not let us pass by him, for the Lord your God hardened his spirit and made his heart obstinate, that He might deliver him into your hand, as appears this day. 31 “And the Lord said to me, ‘Behold, I have begun to give Sihon and his land to you. Begin to take possession, that you may inherit his land.’ 32 Then Sihon came out against us, he and all his people, to fight at Jahaz. 33 And the Lord our God delivered him to us, and we struck him and his sons and all his people. 34 And we took all his cities at that time and utterly destroyed the men and the women and the little ones of every city. We left none remaining. 35 We took for ourselves only the cattle for plunder and the spoil of the cities that we took. 36 From Aroer, which is by the
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bank of the river of Arnon, and from the city that is by the river, even to Gilead, there was not one city too strong for us. The Lord our God delivered all to us. 37 Only you did not go to the land of the children of Ammon, or to any place of the river Jabbok, or to the cities in the mountains, or to whatever the Lord our God forbade us.” King Og Defeated “Then we turned and went up the way to Bashan, and Og the king of Bashan came out against us, he and all his people, to battle at Edrei. 2 And the Lord said to me, ‘Do not fear him, for I will deliver him and all his people and his land into your hand, and you shall do to him as you did to Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelled at Hesh bon.’ 3 “So the Lord our God also delivered into our hands Og, the king of Bashan, and all his people, and we struck him until he had no one left. 4 And we took all his cities at that time; there was not a city that we did not take from them: sixty cities, all the region of Argob, the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 5 All these cities were fenced with high walls, gates, and bars, besides a great many unwalled towns. 6 And we utterly destroyed them, as we did to Sihon king of Heshbon, utterly destroying the men, women, and children of every city. 7 But we took all the cattle and the spoil of the cities as plunder for ourselves. 8 “And at that time we took out of the hand of the two kings of the Amorites the land that was on this
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side of the Jordan, from the river of Arnon to Mount Hermon 9 (the Sidonians call Hermon Sirion, and the Amorites call it Senir), 10 all the cities of the plain and all Gilead and all Bashan, to Salecah and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan. 11 For only Og king of Bashan remained of the remnant of giants. Behold, his bed was a bed of iron. (Is it not in Rabbah of the children of Ammon?) Its length was nine cubits, and its breadth was four cubits, according to the cubit of a man. 12 “And this land, which we possessed at that time, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, and half mount Gilead and its cities, I gave to the Reubenites and to the Gadites. 13 And the rest of Gilead and all Bashan, being the kingdom of Og, I gave to the half tribe of Manasseh. (All the region of Argob, with all Bashan, was called the land of giants. 14 Jair the son of Manasseh took all the country of Argob, to the borders of Geshuri and Maachathi, and called them after his own name, Havvoth-jair, to this day.) 15 And I gave Gilead to Machir. 16 And to the Reubenites and to the Gadites I gave from Gilead even to the river Arnon, half the valley, and the border even to the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon; 17 also the plain, and the Jordan and its border, from Chinnereth even to the sea of the plain, even the Salt Sea, under Ashdoth-pisgah eastward. 18 “And I commanded you at that time, saying, ‘The Lord your God has given you this land to possess it. All who are suitable for war shall
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cross over armed before your brothers, the children of Israel. 19 But your wives and your little ones and your cattle (for I know that you have much cattle) shall remain in your cities that I have given you 20 until the Lord has given rest to your brothers and to you, and until they also possess the land that the Lord your God has given them beyond the Jordan. And then every man shall return to his possession that I have given you.’ 21 And I commanded Joshua at that time, saying, ‘Your eyes have seen all that the Lord your God has done to these two kings; so shall the Lord do to all the kingdoms that you cross into. 22 You shall not fear them, for the Lord your God Himself shall fight for you.’” Moses Surveys the Land and God Appoints Joshua as a Leader 23 “And I implored the Lord at that time, saying, 24 ‘O Lord God, You have begun to show Your servant Your greatness and Your mighty hand, for what god is there in heaven or in earth who can do according to Your works and according to Your might? 25 I ask You, let me go over and see the good land that is beyond the Jordan, that fine mountain, and Lebanon.’ 26 “But the Lord was angry with me for your sakes and would not hear me. And the Lord said to me, ‘Let it be enough for you. Do not speak to Me any more about this matter. 27 Go up into the top of Pisgah, and lift up your eyes westward and northward and southward and
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eastward, and behold it with your eyes, for you shall not go over this Jordan. 28 But charge Joshua and encourage him and strengthen him, for he shall go over before this people, and he shall cause them to inherit the land that you shall see.’ 29 So we remained in the valley on the other side of Beth-peor.” The New Generation Taught “Now therefore listen, O Israel, to the statutes and to the judgments that I teach you to do, that you may live and go in and possess the land that the Lord God of your fathers is giving you. 2 You shall not add to the word that I command you, nor shall you take away anything from it, that you may keep the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you. 3 Your eyes have seen what the Lord did because of Baal of Peor, for the Lord your God has destroyed from among you all the men who followed Baal of Peor. 4 But you who clung to the Lord your God are alive this day, every one of you. 5 “Behold, I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should do them in the land that you are going to possess. 6 Therefore keep and do them, for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the nations who shall hear all these statutes and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’ 7 For what great nation is there that has God so near to them as the Lord our God is in all things when we call on Him? 8 And what great nation is there that
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Deuteronomy 4:9
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has statutes and judgments so righteous as all this law that I set before you this day? 9 Only take heed to yourselves that you diligently watch over your soul, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life. But teach them to your sons and your sons’ sons, 10 especially the day that you stood before the Lord your God in Horeb, when the Lord said to me, ‘Gather the people together to Me, and I will make them hear My words, that they may learn to fear Me all the days that they shall live on the earth, and that they may teach their children.’ 11 “And you came near and stood at the foot of the mountain, and the mountain burned with fire to the midst of heaven, with darkness, clouds, and thick darkness. 12 And the Lord spoke to you out of the midst of the fire. You heard the sound of the words but saw no form; you only heard a voice. 13 And He declared to you His covenant that He commanded you to perform, even the Ten Commandments. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone. 14 And the Lord commanded me at that time to teach you statutes and judgments, that you might do them in the land that you are going over to possess. 15 “Therefore take careful heed to yourselves, for you saw no kind of form on the day that the Lord spoke to you in Horeb out of the midst of the fire, 16 lest you corrupt yourselves and make for yourselves an engraved image, the form of any figure: the likeness of male or female, 17 the likeness of any beast
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that is on the earth, the likeness of any winged fowl that flies in the air, 18 the likeness of anything that creeps on the ground, the likeness of any fish that is in the waters beneath the earth. 19 And lest you lift up your eyes to heaven, and when you see the sun and the moon and the stars, even all the host of heaven, and should be driven to worship them and serve them, which the Lord your God has distributed to all nations under the whole heaven. 20 But the Lord has taken you and brought you forth out of the iron furnace, even out of Egypt, to be a people of inheritance to Him, as you are this day. 21 Furthermore the Lord was angry with me for your sakes and swore that I should not go over the Jordan, and that I should not go into that good land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance. 22 But I must die in this land. I must not go over the Jordan, but you shall go over and possess that good land. 23 Take heed to yourselves, lest you forget the covenant of the Lord your God that He made with you and make for yourselves an engraved image or the likeness of anything that the Lord your God has forbidden you. 24 For the Lord your God is a consuming fire, even a jealous God. 25 “When you have children and grandchildren and you have remained for a long time in the land, and corrupt yourselves and make an engraved image or the likeness of anything, and do evil in the sight of the Lord your God to provoke Him to anger, 26 I call heaven and earth to witness against you this day, that
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you shall soon utterly perish from off the land to which you go over the Jordan to possess. You shall not prolong your days in it but shall utterly be destroyed. 27 And the Lord shall scatter you among the nations, and you shall be left few in number among the nations where the Lord shall lead you. 28 And there you shall serve gods, the work of men’s hands, wood and stone, which neither see nor hear nor eat nor smell. 29 But if from there you seek the Lord your God, you shall find Him, if you seek Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” The Lord Alone Is God 30 “When you are in tribulation and all these things have come on you, even in the latter days, if you turn to the Lord your God and are obedient to His voice 31 (for the Lord your God is a merciful God), He will not forsake you or destroy you or forget the covenant of your fathers that He swore to them. 32 “For ask now of the days that are past that were before you, since the day that God created man on the earth, and ask from the one side of heaven to the other, whether there has been or has been heard like it any such thing as this great thing. 33 Did people ever hear the voice of God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as you have heard, and live? 34 Or has God attempted to go and take for Himself a nation from the midst of another nation by temptations, by signs, and by wonders and by war and by a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm and by great terrors, according to all that the
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Lord your God did for you in Egypt before your eyes? 35 It was shown to you that you might know that the Lord, He is God; there is none else besides Him. 36 Out of heaven He made you to hear His voice, that He might instruct you. And on earth He showed you His great fire, and you heard His words out of the midst of the fire. 37 And because He loved your fathers, therefore He chose their descendants after them and brought you out in His sight with His mighty power out of Egypt, 38 to drive out nations from before you, greater and mightier than you are, to bring you in, to give you their land for an inheritance, as it is this day. 39 Therefore know this day, and consider it in your heart, that the Lord, He is God in heaven above and on the earth beneath; there is no one else. 40 Therefore you shall keep His statutes and His commandments that I command you this day, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, and that you may prolong your days on the earth, which the Lord your God gives you forever.” Three of the Cities of Refuge 41 Then Moses set apart three cities on this side of the Jordan toward the sunrise, 42 that the slayer might flee there, who unintentionally kills his neighbor and did not hate him in times past, and that fleeing to one of these cities he might live: 43 namely, Bezer in the wilderness in the plain country for the Reubenites, and Ramoth in Gilead for the Gadites, and Golan in Bashan for the Manassites.
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44 And this is the law that Moses
set before the children of Israel. 45 These are the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments that Moses spoke to the children of Israel after they came out of Egypt, 46 on this side of the Jordan, in the valley on the other side of Bethpeor, in the land of Sihon king of the Amorites who dwelled at Heshbon, whom Moses and the children of Israel struck after they came out of Egypt. 47 And they possessed his land and the land of Og, king of Bashan, two kings of the Amorites who were on this side of the Jordan toward the sunrise, 48 from Aroer, which is by the bank of the river Arnon, even to Mount Sion, which is Hermon, 49 and all the plain on this side of the Jordan eastward, even to the sea of the plain under the springs of Pisgah. The Mosaic Covenant Taught And Moses called all Israel and said to them, “Hear, O Israel, the statutes and judgments that I speak this day in your ears, that you may learn them and keep and do them. 2 The Lord our God made a covenant with us in Horeb. 3 The Lord made this covenant not with our fathers but with us, even us, all of us who are here alive this day. 4 The Lord talked with you face to face on the mount out of the midst of the fire 5 (I stood between the Lord and you at that time, to show you the word of the Lord, for you were afraid because of the fire and did not go up into the mount), saying:
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The Ten Commandments 6 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 7 You shall have no other gods before Me. 8 You shall not make for yourself any engraved image or any likeness of anything that is in heaven above or that is in the earth beneath or that is in the waters beneath the earth. 9 You shall not bow down to them or serve them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and fourth generation of those who hate Me, 10 and showing mercy to thousands of those who love Me and keep My commandments. 11 You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain. 12 Keep the Sabbath day to sanctify it, as the Lord your God has commanded you. 13 Six days you shall labor and do all your work, 14 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God. On it you shall not do any work, you nor your
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son, nor your daughter, nor your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your ox, nor your donkey, nor any of your cattle, nor your foreigner who is within your gates, that your manservant and your maidservant may rest as well as you. 15 And remember that you were a servant in the land of Egypt and that the Lord your God brought you out from there with a mighty hand and by an outstretched arm. Therefore the Lord your God commanded you to keep the Sabbath day. Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you. You shall not kill. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. You shall not desire your neighbor’s wife. You shall not covet your neighbor’s house, his field, or his manservant, or his maidservant, his ox or his donkey, or
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anything that is your neighbor’s. 22 “The
Lord spoke these words to all your assembly at the mount out of the midst of the fire, from the cloud and from the thick darkness, with a great voice. And He added no more. And He wrote them on two tablets of stone and delivered them to me. 23 And it came to pass, when you heard the voice out of the midst of the darkness (for the mountain burned with fire), that you came near to me, even all the heads of your tribes and your elders. 24 And you said, ‘Behold, the Lord our God has shown us His glory and His greatness, and we have heard His voice out of the midst of the fire. This day we have seen that God talks with man, and he lives. 25 Now, therefore, why should we die? For this great fire will consume us. If we hear the voice of the Lord our God any longer, then we shall die. 26 For who is there of all flesh who has heard the voice of the living God speaking out of the midst of the fire, as we have, and lived? 27 You go near and hear all that the Lord our God says, and you speak to us all that the Lord our God speaks to you, and we will hear it and do it.’ 28 “And the Lord heard the sound of your words when you spoke to me, and the Lord said to me: ‘I have heard the sound of the words of this people, which they have spoken to you. They have spoken correctly all that they have spoken. 29 O that there were such a heart in them, that they would fear Me and always keep all My commandments, that it
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might be well with them and with their children forever! 30 Go and say to them, “Get into your tents again.” 31 But as for you, stand here by Me, and I will speak to you all the commandments and the statutes and the judgments that you shall teach them, that they may do them in the land that I am giving them to possess.’ 32 “Therefore you shall be careful to do as the Lord your God has commanded you. You shall not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 33 You shall walk in all the ways that the Lord your God has commanded you, that you may live and that it may be well with you, and that you may prolong your days in the land that you shall possess.”
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“Now these are the commandments, the statutes, and the judgments that the Lord your God commanded to teach you, that you might do them in the land that you are going to possess, 2 that you might fear the Lord your God, to keep all His statutes and His commandments that I command you— you and your son and your son’s son—all the days of your life, and that your days may be prolonged. 3 Therefore hear, O Israel, and be careful to do it, that it may be well with you, and that you may increase mightily as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you, in the land that flows with milk and honey.” The Great Commandment 4 “Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord. 5 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart
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and with all your soul and with all your might.” Instruction and Warning 6 “And these words that I command you this day shall be in your heart. 7 And you shall teach them diligently to your children and shall talk of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way and when you lie down and when you rise up. 8 And you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontlets between your eyes. 9 And you shall write them on the posts of your house and on your gates. 10 “And it shall be, when the Lord your God has brought you into the land that He swore to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob— to give you great and fine cities that you did not build, 11 and houses full of all good things that you did not fill, and wells dug that you did not dig, vineyards and olive trees that you did not plant—when you have eaten and are full,12 then beware, lest you forget the Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 13 You shall fear the Lord your God and serve Him and shall swear by His name. 14 You shall not go after other gods, the gods of the people who are surrounding you 15 (for the Lord your God is a jealous God among you), lest the anger of the Lord your God be kindled against you and destroy you from off the face of the earth. 16 “You shall not tempt the Lord your God as you tempted Him in Massah. 17 You shall diligently keep the commandments of the Lord
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your God and His testimonies and His statutes that He has commanded you. 18 And you shall do what is right and good in the sight of the Lord, that it may be well with you and that you may go in and possess the good land that the Lord swore to your fathers, 19 to cast out all your enemies from before you, as the Lord has spoken. 20 “And when your son asks you in time to come, saying, ‘What do the testimonies and the statutes and the judgments mean that the Lord our God has commanded you?’ 21 then you shall say to your son, ‘We were Pharaoh’s bondmen in Egypt, and the Lord brought us out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 22 And the Lord showed great and severe signs and wonders before our eyes, on Egypt, on Pharaoh, and on all his household. 23 And He brought us out from there that He might bring us in, to give us the land that He swore to our fathers. 24 And the Lord commanded us to do all these statutes, to fear the Lord our God for our good always, that He might preserve us alive, as it is at this day. 25 And it shall be our righteousness if we are careful to do all these commandments before the Lord our God, as He has commanded us.’” The Command to Be Separate “When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are going to possess and has cast out many nations before you—the Hittites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Canaanites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, seven nations greater
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and mightier than you— 2 and when the Lord your God delivers them before you, you shall strike them and utterly destroy them. You shall make no covenant with them and show no mercy to them. 3 Nor shall you make marriages with them. You shall not give your daughter to his son, nor shall you take his daughter for your son. 4 For they will turn your son away from following Me, that they may serve other gods; so the anger of the Lord will be kindled against you and destroy you suddenly. 5 But this is how you shall deal with them: you shall destroy their altars and break down their images and cut down their groves and burn their engraved images with fire. 6 For you are a holy people to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you to be a special people to Himself, above all people who are on the face of the earth. 7 The Lord did not set His love on you or choose you because you were more in number than any people, for you were the fewest of all people. 8 But because the Lord loved you, and because He would keep the oath that He had sworn to your fathers, the Lord has brought you out with a mighty hand and redeemed you out of the house of bondmen, from the hand of Phar aoh, king of Egypt. 9 “Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy to a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments, 10 and repays those who hate Him to their face, to destroy them. He will not be slack
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to him who hates Him; He will repay him to his face. 11 Therefore you shall keep the commandments and the statutes and the judgments that I command you this day, to do them.” The Promise of Victory 12 “Therefore it shall come to pass, if you listen to these judgments and keep and do them, the Lord your God shall keep with you the cov enant and the mercy that He swore to your fathers. 13 And He will love you and bless you and multiply you. He will also bless the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your land, your grain and your wine and your oil, the increase of your cattle and the flocks of your sheep in the land that He swore to your fathers to give you. 14 You shall be blessed above all people. There shall not be male or female barren among you or among your cattle. 15 And the Lord will take away all sickness from you and will put none of the evil diseases of Egypt, which you know, on you but will lay them on all those who hate you. 16 And you shall destroy all the people whom the Lord your God shall deliver to you. Your eye shall have no pity on them, nor shall you serve their gods, for that will be a snare to you. 17 “If you say in your heart, ‘These nations are greater than I. How can I dispossess them?’ 18 you shall not be afraid of them but shall well remember what the Lord your God did to Pharaoh and to all Egypt: 19 the great temptations that your eyes saw and the signs and the wonders, and the mighty hand and
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the outstretched arm by which the Lord your God brought you out. So shall the Lord your God do to all the people of whom you are afraid. 20 Moreover, the Lord your God will send the hornet among them until those who are left are destroyed and hide themselves from you. 21 You shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is among you, a mighty and awesome God. 22 And the Lord your God will drive out those nations before you by little and little. You may not destroy them at once, lest the beasts of the field increase on you. 23 But the Lord your God shall deliver them to you and shall destroy them with a mighty destruction until they are destroyed. 24 And He shall deliver their kings into your hand, and you shall destroy their name from under heaven; no man shall be able to stand before you until you have destroyed them. 25 You shall burn the engraved images of their gods with fire. You shall not desire the silver or gold that is on them, nor take it for yourselves, lest you be ensnared by it, for it is an abomination to the Lord your God. 26 You shall not bring an abomination into your house, lest you be a cursed thing like it, but you shall utterly detest it, and you shall utterly hate it, for it is a cursed thing.” Warnings and Exhortations “All the commandments that I command you this day you shall be careful to do, that you may live and multiply, and go in and possess the land that the Lord swore to your fathers. 2 And you shall
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remember all the way that the Lord your God led you in the wilderness these forty years, to humble you and to test you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. 3 And He humbled you and permitted you to hunger, and fed you with manna that you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. 4 Your clothing did not grow old on you, nor did your foot swell these forty years. 5 You shall also consider in your heart that as a man chastens his son, so the Lord your God chastens you. 6 “Therefore you shall keep the commandments of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways and to fear Him. 7 For the Lord your God brings you into a good land, a land of brooks of water, of fountains and depths that spring out of valleys and hills, 8 a land of wheat and barley and vines and fig trees and pomegranates, a land of olive oil and honey, 9 a land in which you shall eat bread without scarceness, in which you shall not lack anything, a land whose stones are iron and out of whose hills you may dig brass. 10 When you have eaten and are full, then you shall bless the Lord your God for the good land that He has given you. 11 “Beware that you do not forget the Lord your God by not keeping His commandments and His judgments and His statutes that I command you this day, 12 lest, when you have eaten and are full, and have
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built fine houses and dwell in them, 13 and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold is multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied, 14 then your heart will be lifted up and you will forget the Lord your God—who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, 15 who led you through that great and terrible wilderness in which were fiery serpents and scorpions and drought, where there was no water, who brought water for you out of the rock of flint, 16 who fed you in the wilderness with manna, which your fathers did not know, that He might humble you and that He might test you, to do good for you at the end—17 and you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand has gotten me this wealth.’ 18 But you shall remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth, that He may establish His covenant that He swore to your fathers, as it is this day. 19 And it shall be, if you do at all forget the Lord your God and walk after other gods and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish. 20 Like the nations that the Lord destroys before your face, so you shall perish, because you would not be obedient to the voice of the Lord your God.” Warnings and Exhortations, Continued “Hear, O Israel. You are to cross over the Jordan this day, to go in to possess nations greater and
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mightier than yourself, cities great and fenced up to heaven, 2 a people great and tall, the children of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you have heard say, ‘Who can stand before the children of Anak?’ 3 Therefore understand this day that the Lord your God is He who goes over before you as a consuming fire. He shall destroy them, and He shall bring them down before your face. So you shall drive them out and destroy them quickly, as the Lord has said to you. 4 “Do not speak in your heart, after the Lord your God has cast them out from before you, saying, ‘For my righteousness the Lord has brought me in to possess this land.’ But because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord is driving them out from before you. 5 It is not for your righteousness or for the uprightness of your heart that you are going to possess their land, but because of the wickedness of these nations the Lord your God is driving them out from before you, and that He may perform the word that the Lord swore to your fathers—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. 6 Therefore understand that the Lord your God is not giving you this good land to possess it for your righteousness, for you are a stiff-necked people. 7 “Remember, and do not forget, how you provoked the Lord your God to wrath in the wilderness. From the day that you departed out of the land of Egypt until you came to this place, you have been rebellious against the Lord. 8 Also in Horeb you provoked the Lord to wrath, so that the Lord was angry with you
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to have destroyed you. 9 When I had gone up into the mount to receive the tablets of stone, even the tablets of the covenant that the Lord made with you, then I remained on the mount forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water. 10 And the Lord delivered to me two tablets of stone written with the finger of God, and on them was written according to all the words that the Lord spoke with you on the mount out of the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly.” Israel Worships the Golden Calf 11 “And it came to pass at the end of forty days and forty nights that the Lord gave me the two tablets of stone, even the tablets of the covenant. 12 And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise, go down quickly from here, for your people whom you have brought forth out of Egypt have corrupted themselves. They have quickly turned aside from the way that I commanded them; they have made themselves a molten image.’ 13 Furthermore the Lord spoke to me, saying, ‘I have seen this people, and behold, they are a stiff-necked people. 14 Leave Me alone, that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven. And I will make of you a nation mightier and greater than they.’ 15 “So I turned and came down from the mount, and the mount burned with fire. And the two tablets of the covenant were in my two hands. 16 And I looked, and behold, you had sinned against the Lord your God and had made yourselves
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a molten calf. You had quickly turned aside from the way that the Lord had commanded you. 17 And I took the two tablets and cast them out of my two hands and broke them before your eyes. 18 And I fell down before the Lord, like at first, forty days and forty nights. I neither ate bread nor drank water because of all your sins that you sinned, in doing wickedly in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger. 19 For I was afraid of the anger and hot displeasure with which the Lord was wrathful against you to destroy you. But the Lord listened to me at that time also. 20 And the Lord was very angry with Aaron, enough to have destroyed him, and I also prayed for Aaron the same time. 21 And I took your sin, the calf that you had made, and burned it with fire and stamped it and ground it very small, until it was as small as dust, and I cast its dust into the brook that descended from the mount. 22 “And at Taberah and at Massah and at Kibroth-hattaavah you provoked the Lord to wrath. 23 Likewise, when the Lord sent you from Kadesh-barnea, saying, ‘Go up and possess the land that I have given you,’ then you rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God, and you did not believe Him or listen to His voice. 24 You have been rebellious against the Lord from the day that I knew you. 25 “Thus I fell down before the Lord forty days and forty nights, as I had fallen down at first, because the Lord had said He would destroy you. 26 Therefore I prayed to the Lord and said, ‘O Lord God,
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do not destroy Your people and Your inheritance whom You have redeemed through Your greatness, whom You have brought forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand. 27 Remember Your servants, Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; do not look to the stubbornness of this people, or to their wickedness or to their sin, 28 lest the land from which You brought us out should say, “Because the Lord was not able to bring them into the land that He promised them, and because He hated them, He has brought them out to slay them in the wilderness.” 29 Yet they are Your people and Your inheritance, whom You brought out by Your mighty power and by Your outstretched arm.’” God Provides New Tablets of Stone “At that time the Lord said to me, ‘Cut for yourself two tablets of stone, like the first, and come up to Me on the mountain and make yourself an ark of wood. 2 And I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets that you broke. And you shall put them in the ark.’ 3 “And I made an ark of shittim wood, and cut two tablets of stone, similar to the first, and went up into the mount, having the two tablets in my hand. 4 And He wrote on the tablets, according to the first writing, the Ten Commandments that the Lord spoke to you on the mount out of the midst of the fire on the day of the assembly. And the Lord gave them to me. 5 And I turned myself and came down
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from the mount and put the tablets in the ark that I had made. And there they are, as the Lord commanded me.” 6 And the children of Israel took their journey from Beeroth of the children of Jaakan to Moserah. Aaron died there, and he was buried there. And Eleazar his son ministered in the priest’s office in his place. 7 From there they journeyed to Gudgodah, and from Gudgodah to Jotbathah, a land of rivers of water. 8 At that time the Lord separated the tribe of Levi to bear the ark of the covenant of the Lord, to stand before the Lord to minister to Him and to bless in His name, to this day. 9 Therefore Levi has no part or inheritance with his brothers; the Lord is his inheritance, as the Lord your God promised him. 10 “And I stayed on the mount forty days and forty nights, according to the first time, and the Lord also listened to me at that time, and the Lord was not willing to destroy you. 11 And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise, take your journey before the people, that they may go in and possess the land that I swore to their fathers to give them.’” Circumcision of the Heart 12 “And now, Israel, what does the Lord your God require of you, but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways and to love Him, and to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, 13 to keep the commandments of the Lord and His statutes that I command you this day for your good? 14 Behold, heaven and the heaven of
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heavens belong to the Lord your God, also the earth with all that is in it. 15 Only the Lord had delight in your fathers, to love them, and He chose their descendants after them, even you above all people, as it is this day. 16 Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and no longer be stiff-necked. 17 For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, a great God, mighty and awesome, who does not favor persons or take bribes. 18 He executes the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, in giving him food and clothing. 19 Therefore love the foreigner, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. 20 You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve Him, and you shall cling to Him and swear by His name. 21 He is your praise, and He is your God, who has done for you these great and awesome things that your eyes have seen. 22 Your fathers went down into Egypt with seventy persons, and now the Lord your God has made you as the stars of heaven in number.” The Command to Love and Obey “Therefore you shall love the Lord your God and always keep His charge and His statutes and His judgments and His commandments. 2 And know this day that I do not speak with your children, who have not known and who have not seen the chastisement of the Lord your God, His greatness, His mighty hand, and His outstretched arm, 3 and His miracles and His acts that He did in the midst
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of Egypt to Pharaoh the king of Egypt and to all his land, 4 and what He did to the army of Egypt, to their horses, and to their chariots—how He made the water of the Red Sea to overflow them as they pursued after you, and how the Lord has destroyed them to this day— 5 and what He did to you in the wilderness until you came into this place, 6 and what He did to Dathan and Abiram the sons of Eliab, the son of Reuben, how the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up and their households and their tents and all the substance that was in their possession, in the midst of all Israel. 7 But your eyes have seen all the great acts of the Lord that He did. 8 “Therefore you shall keep all the commandments that I command you this day, that you may be strong and go in and possess the land that you are going to possess, 9 and that you may prolong your days in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give to them and to their descendants, a land that flows with milk and honey. 10 For the land that you are going to possess is not like the land of Egypt from which you came, where you sowed your seed and watered it by foot, like a garden of herbs. 11 But the land that you are going to possess is a land of hills and valleys, and drinks water from the rain of heaven, 12 a land that the Lord your God cares for. The eyes of the Lord your God are always on it, from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. 13 “And it shall come to pass, if you listen diligently to My
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commandments that I command you this day—to love the Lord your God and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul— 14 that I will give you the rain of your land in its due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil. 15 And I will send grass in your fields for your cattle, that you may eat and be full. 16 Take heed to yourselves that your heart is not deceived, and you turn away and serve other gods and worship them. 17 And then the Lord’s wrath will be kindled against you, and He will shut up the heavens so that there will be no rain, and that the land will not yield its fruit, and lest you perish quickly from off the good land that the Lord is giving you. 18 “Therefore you shall lay up these words of Mine in your heart and in your soul, and bind them as a sign on your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. 19 And you shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk by the way, when you lie down and when you rise up. 20 And you shall write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates 21 that your days and the days of your children may be multiplied in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give them, as the days of heaven on the earth. 22 “For if you diligently keep all these commandments that I command you to do—to love the Lord your God, to walk in all His ways, and to cling to Him— 23 then the
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Lord will drive out all these nations from before you, and you shall possess greater and mightier nations than yourselves. 24 Every place in which the soles of your feet tread shall be yours: from the wilderness and Lebanon, from the river, the river Euphrates, even to the uttermost sea shall be your territory. 25 No man shall be able to stand before you, for the Lord your God shall lay the fear of you and the dread of you on all the land that you shall tread on, as He has said to you. 26 “Behold, I set before you this day a blessing and a curse: 27 a blessing, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God that I command you this day; 28 and a curse, if you will not obey the commandments of the Lord your God but turn aside out of the way that I command you this day to go after other gods that you have not known. 29 And it shall come to pass, when the Lord your God has brought you into the land that you are going to possess, that you shall put the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal. 30 Are they not on the other side of the Jordan, by the way where the sun goes down, in the land of the Canaanites who dwell in the plain on the other side of Gilgal, beside the plains of Moreh? 31 For you shall cross over the Jordan to go in to possess the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and you shall possess it and dwell in it. 32 And you shall be careful to do all the statutes and judgments that I set before you this day.”
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Conditions of Blessing in the Land “These are the statutes and judgments that you shall be careful to do in the land that the Lord God of your fathers is giving you to possess all the days that you live on the earth. 2 You shall utterly destroy all the places in which the nations that you shall possess served their gods—on the high mountains and on the hills and under every green tree. 3 And you shall overthrow their altars and break their pillars and burn their groves with fire. And you shall cut down the engraved images of their gods and destroy their names from that place. 4 You shall not do so to the Lord your God. 5 But you shall seek the place that the Lord your God chooses, out of all your tribes, to put His name there, even to His habitation, and there you shall come. 6 And there you shall bring your burnt offerings and your sacrifices and your tithes and heave offerings of your hand and your vows and your freewill offerings and the firstborn of your herds and of your flocks. 7 And there you shall eat before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice in all that you put your hand to, you and your households, in which the Lord your God has blessed you. 8 “You shall not do according to all the things that we are doing here this day, every man doing whatever is right in his own eyes,9 for you have not yet come to the rest and to the inheritance that the Lord your God is giving you. 10 But when you go over the Jordan and dwell
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in the land that the Lord your God is giving you to inherit, and when He gives you rest from all your enemies all around so that you dwell in safety, 11 then there shall be a place that the Lord your God shall choose to cause His name to dwell there. There you shall bring all that I command you: your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and the heave offering of your hand and all your choice vows that you vow to the Lord. 12 And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your sons and your daughters and your menservants and your maidservants and the Levite who is within your gates, since he has no part or inheritance with you. 13 Take heed to yourselves that you do not offer your burnt offerings in every place that you see, 14 but you shall offer your burnt offerings in the place that the Lord shall choose in one of your tribes, and there you shall do all that I command you. 15 “However, you may kill and eat meat within all your gates, whatever your soul craves, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that He has given you. The unclean and the clean may eat of it, as of the gazelle and as of the deer. 16 Only you shall not eat the blood; you shall pour it on the earth as water. 17 You may not eat within your gates the tithe of your grain or of your wine, or of your oil, or the firstborn of your herds or of your flock, or any of your vows that you vow or your freewill offerings or heave offering of your hand. 18 But you must eat them before the Lord your God in the place that the Lord your God
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shall choose, you and your son and your daughter and your manservant and your maidservant and the Le vite who is within your gates. And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God in all that you put your hands to. 19 Take heed to yourselves that you do not forsake the Levite as long as you live on the earth. 20 “When the Lord your God enlarges your border as He has promised you, and you say, ‘I will eat meat,’ because your soul longs to eat meat, you may eat meat, whatever your soul craves. 21 If the place that the Lord your God has chosen to put His name there is too far from you, then you shall kill from your herd and from your flock that the Lord has given you, as I have commanded you, and you shall eat in your gates whatever your soul craves. 22 Even as the gazelle and the deer are eaten, so you shall eat them. The unclean and the clean alike shall eat of them. 23 Only be sure that you do not eat the blood, for the blood is the life, and you may not eat the life with the flesh. 24 You shall not eat it; you shall pour it on the earth as water. 25 You shall not eat it, that it may go well with you and with your children after you, when you do what is right in the sight of the Lord. 26 Only your holy things that you have and your vows, you shall take and go to the place that the Lord shall choose. 27 And you shall offer your burnt offerings, the flesh and the blood, on the altar of the Lord your God, and the blood of your sacrifices shall be poured out on the altar of the Lord your God, and you shall eat the
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meat. 28 Observe and hear all these words that I command you, that it may go well with you and with your children after you forever, when you do what is good and right in the sight of the Lord your God.” Moses Warns against False Gods 29 “When the Lord your God cuts off from before you the nations that you are going to possess, and you succeed them and dwell in their land, 30 take heed to yourselves that you are not ensnared by following them, after they are destroyed from before you, and that you do not inquire about their gods, saying, ‘How did these nations serve their gods? Even so I will do likewise.’ 31 You shall not do so to the Lord your God, for every abomination to the Lord that He hates, they have done for their gods. For they have even burned their sons and their daughters in the fire to their gods. 32 “Whatever I command you, be careful to do it. You shall not add to it or take away from it.” The Test of False Prophets “If a prophet or a dreamer of dreams arises among you and gives you a sign or a wonder, 2 and the sign or the wonder comes to pass, of which he spoke to you, saying, ‘Let us go after other gods’— which you have not known—‘and let us serve them,’ 3 you shall not listen to the words of that prophet or that dreamer of dreams, for the Lord your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and
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with all your soul. 4 You shall walk after the Lord your God and fear Him, and keep His commandments and obey His voice, and you shall serve Him and cling to Him. 5 And that prophet or that dreamer of dreams shall be put to death, because he has spoken to turn you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of bondage, to thrust you out of the way that the Lord your God commanded you to walk in. So you shall put the evil away from your midst. 6 “If your brother, the son of your mother, or your son or your daughter or the wife who you love or your friend who is as your own soul secretly entices you, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods,’ which you and your fathers have not known— 7 namely, of the gods of the people who are all around you, near to you or far off from you, from the one end of the earth to the other end of the earth— 8 you shall not consent to him or listen to him; nor shall your eye pity him, nor shall you spare him, nor shall you conceal him. 9 But you shall surely kill him. Your hand shall be first on him to put him to death, and afterward the hand of all the people. 10 And you shall stone him with stones so that he dies, because he has sought to push you away from the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. 11 And all Israel shall hear and fear, and shall no longer do any such wickedness as this is among you.
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cities that the Lord your God has given you to dwell in that13 certain men, the children of Belial, have gone out from among you and have withdrawn the inhabitants of their city, saying, ‘Let us go and serve other gods’—which you have not known— 14 then you shall inquire and search and ask diligently. And, behold, if it is true and the matter is certain that such an abomination was done among you, 15 you shall surely strike the inhabitants of that city with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying it and all who are in it, and its cattle, with the edge of the sword. 16 And you shall gather all its spoil into the middle of its street and burn with fire the city and all its spoil, every bit, for the Lord your God. And it shall be a heap forever; it shall not be built again. 17 And none of the cursed things shall cling to your hand, that the Lord may turn from the fierceness of His anger and show you mercy and have compassion on you and multiply you, as He has sworn to your fathers, 18 when you listen to the voice of the Lord your God, to keep all His commandments that I command you this day, to do what is right in the eyes of the Lord your God.”
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“You are the children of the Lord your God. You shall not cut yourselves or shave between your eyes for the dead. 2 For you are a holy people to the Lord your God, and the Lord has chosen you to be a special people to Himself, above all the nations that are on the earth.”
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The Dietary Laws 3 “You shall not eat any abominable thing. 4 These are the beasts that you shall eat: the ox, the sheep, and the goat, 5 the deer and the gazelle and the fallow deer and the wild goat and the antelope and the wild ox and the mountain goat. 6 And you shall eat every beast that parts the hoof, and splits the cleft into two claws, and chews the cud among the beasts. 7 Nevertheless you shall not eat of those who chew the cud or of those who divide the cloven hoof: the camel and the hare and the coney, for they chew the cud but do not divide the hoof; therefore, they are unclean for you. 8 And the swine, because it divides the hoof yet does not chew the cud, is unclean for you. You shall not eat their flesh or touch their dead carcasses. 9 “These you shall eat of all that are in the waters: all that have fins and scales you shall eat. 10 And whatever does not have fins and scales you may not eat; it is unclean for you. 11 “You shall eat all clean birds. 12 But these are the ones that you shall not eat: the eagle and the bearded vulture and the osprey 13 and the buzzard and the kite and the vulture according to their kinds, 14 and every raven according to its kind, 15 and the owl and the night hawk and the seagull and the hawk according to their kinds, 16 the little owl and the great owl, and the swan, 17 and the pelican, and the carrion vulture, and the cormorant, 18 and the stork, and the heron according to its kind, and the lapwing and the bat. 19 And every creeping thing that
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flies is unclean for you; they shall not be eaten. 20 But you may eat all clean fowl. 21 “You shall not eat anything that dies by itself. You shall give it to the foreigner that is in your gates, that he may eat it, or you may sell it to a foreigner. For you are a holy people to the Lord your God. “You shall not boil a young goat in its mother’s milk.”
shall bring forth all the tithe of your increase the same year and shall lay it up within your gates. 29 And the Levite, because he has no part or inheritance with you, and the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates, shall come and shall eat and be satisfied, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hand that you do.”
The Tithing Laws 22 “You shall truly tithe all the increase of your seed that the field brings forth year by year. 23 And you shall eat before the Lord your God in the place that He shall choose to place His name there, the tithe of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil and the firstborn of your herds and of your flocks, that you may learn to fear the Lord your God always. 24 And if the way is too long for you so that you are not able to carry it, or if the place that the Lord your God chooses to set His name there is too far from you, when the Lord your God has blessed you, 25 then you shall turn it into money, and bind up the money in your hand, and go to the place that the Lord your God chooses. 26 And you shall use that money for whatever your soul cares: for oxen or for sheep or for wine or for strong drink or for whatever your soul desires. And you shall eat there before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household. 27 And the Levite who is within your gates, you shall not forsake him, for he has no part or inheritance with you. 28 “At the end of three years you
The Sabbatical Year “At the end of every seven years you shall make a release. 2 And this is the kind of release: every creditor who lends anything to his neighbor shall release it; he shall not collect it from his neighbor or from his brother, because it is called the Lord’s release. 3 You may collect it from a foreigner, but your hand shall release what is yours with your brother, 4 except when there shall be no poor among you, for the Lord shall greatly bless you in the land that the Lord your God gives you to possess for an inheritance,5 only if you carefully listen to the voice of the Lord your God, to be careful to do all these commandments that I command you this day. 6 For the Lord your God will bless you as He promised you, and you shall lend to many nations, but you shall not borrow. And you shall reign over many nations, but they shall not reign over you. 7 “If there is a poor man among you, one of your brothers, within any of your gates in your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor
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brother, 8 but you shall open your hand wide to him and shall surely lend him sufficient for his need, in what he wants. 9 Beware that there is not a wicked thought in your heart, saying, ‘The seventh year, the year of release, is at hand,’ and your eye is evil against your poor brother and you give him nothing, and he cries to the Lord against you, and it becomes sin to you. 10 You shall surely give to him, and your heart shall not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God shall bless you in all your works and in all that you put your hand to. 11 For the poor shall never cease being in the land. Therefore, I command you, saying, ‘You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and to your needy, in your land.’ 12 “And if your brother, a Hebrew man or a Hebrew woman, is sold to you and serves you six years, then in the seventh year you shall let him go free from you. 13 And when you send him out free from you, you shall not let him go away empty. 14 You shall furnish him liberally out of your flock and out of your floor and out of your winepress. You shall give to him from what the Lord your God has blessed you. 15 And you shall remember that you were a bondman in the land of Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you. Therefore I command you this thing today.” The Perpetual Servant 16 “And it shall be, if he says to you, ‘I will not go away from you,’ because he loves you and your house,
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because he is well with you, 17 then you shall take an awl and push it through his ear to the door, and he shall be your servant forever. And you shall also do likewise to your maidservant. 18 It shall not seem hard to you when you send him away free from you, for he has been worth a double hired servant to you in serving you six years. And the Lord your God shall bless you in all that you do. 19 “You shall sanctify to the Lord your God all the firstborn males that come from your herd and from your flock. You shall do no work with the firstborn of your bull or shear the firstborn of your sheep. 20 You and your household shall eat it before the Lord your God year by year in the place that the Lord chooses. 21 And if there is any blemish in it, if it is lame or blind or has any ill blemish, you shall not sacrifice it to the Lord your God. 22 You shall eat it within your gates. The unclean and the clean person alike shall eat it, as the gazelle and as the deer. 23 Only you shall not eat its blood; you shall pour it on the ground as water.” The Feasts of Passover, Weeks, and Tabernacles “Observe the month of Abib, and keep the Passover to the Lord your God, for in the month of Abib the Lord your God brought you forth out of Egypt by night. 2 Therefore you shall sacrifice the Passover to the Lord your God from the flock and the herd, in the place where the Lord chooses to place His name. 3 You shall not eat leavened bread with it; seven days
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you shall eat unleavened bread with it, even the bread of affliction, for you came forth out of the land of Egypt in haste, that you may remember the day when you came forth out of the land of Egypt all the days of your life. 4 And no leavened bread shall be seen with you within all your territory for seven days, nor shall any of the meat that you sacrificed the first day at evening remain all night until the morning. 5 “You may not sacrifice the Passover within any of your gates that the Lord your God gives you. 6 But at the place where the Lord your God chooses to place His name, there you shall sacrifice the Passover at evening, at the going down of the sun, at the season that you came forth out of Egypt. 7 And you shall roast and eat it in the place that the Lord your God chooses, and in the morning you shall turn and go to your tents. 8 Six days you shall eat unleavened bread, and on the seventh day shall be a solemn assembly to the Lord your God. You shall do no work on it. 9 “You shall number seven weeks for yourself; begin to number the seven weeks from the time you begin to put the sickle to the grain. 10 And you shall keep the Feast of Weeks to the Lord your God with a tribute of a freewill offering from your hand, which you shall give to the Lord your God as the Lord your God has blessed you. 11 And you shall rejoice before the Lord your God, you and your son and your daughter and your manservant and your maidservant and the Levite who is within your gates and
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the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow who are among you, in the place where the Lord your God has chosen to place His name. 12 And you shall remember that you were a bondman in Egypt, and you shall observe and do these statutes. 13 “You shall observe the Feast of Tabernacles for seven days, after you have gathered in your grain and your wine. 14 And you shall rejoice in your feast, you and your son and your daughter and your manservant and your maidservant and the Le vite, the foreigner and the fatherless and the widow who are within your gates. 15 Seven days you shall keep a solemn feast to the Lord your God in the place that the Lord shall choose, because the Lord your God shall bless you in all your increase and in all the work of your hands. Therefore, you shall surely rejoice.” The Gifts of the Males 16 “Three times in a year all your males shall appear before the Lord your God in the place that He chooses: at the Feast of Unleavened Bread and at the Feast of Weeks and at the Feast of Tabernacles. And they shall not appear before the Lord empty. 17 Every man shall give as he is able, according to the blessing of the Lord your God that He has given you.” Judges in the Gates 18 “You shall make judges and officers in all your gates that the Lord your God gives you, throughout your tribes, and they shall judge the people with just judgment. 19 You shall not pervert judgment; you shall
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not favor persons or take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous. 20 You shall follow what is altogether just, that you may live and inherit the land that the Lord your God gives you. 21 “You shall not plant a grove of any trees near the altar of the Lord your God, which you shall make for yourself. 22 You shall not set up any image, which the Lord your God hates.” Offerings Must Be Unblemished “You shall not sacrifice to the Lord your God any bull or sheep that has any blemish or deformity, for that is an abomination to the Lord your God. 2 “If there is found among you, within any of your gates that the Lord your God is giving you, a man or woman who has done wickedness in the sight of the Lord your God, in transgressing His covenant, 3 and has gone and served other gods and worshipped them, either the sun or moon or any of the host of heaven, which I have not commanded, 4 and it is told to you and you have heard about it and inquired diligently, and behold, it is true and certain that such an abomination was done in Israel, 5 then you shall bring forth to your gates that man or that woman who has committed that wicked thing, even that man or that woman, and shall stone them with stones until they die. 6 He who is worthy of death shall be put to death on the testimony of two witnesses or three witnesses, but he shall not be put to death on
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Deuteronomy 17:14
the testimony of one witness. 7 The hands of the witnesses shall be first on him to put him to death, and afterward the hands of all the people. So you shall put the evil away from among you.” Obedience to Authority and a King 8 “If a matter arises that is too hard for you to judge, between blood and blood, between plea and plea, and between stroke and stroke, being matters of controversy within your gates, then you shall arise and go up to the place that the Lord your God chooses. 9 And you shall come to the priests, the Levites, and to the judge who shall be there in those days, and inquire, and they shall show you the sentence of judgment. 10 And you shall do according to the sentence that those of that place that the Lord chooses shall show you, and you shall be careful to do according to all that they inform you. 11 You shall do according to the sentence of the law that they shall teach you and according to the judgment that they shall tell you. You shall not turn away, to the right hand or to the left, from the sentence that they shall show you. 12 And the man who will do presumptuously and will not listen to the priest who stands to minister there before the Lord your God, or to the judge, even that man shall die, and you shall put away the evil from Israel. 13 And all the people shall hear and fear, and no longer do presumptuously. 14 “When you come to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, and possess it and dwell in it,
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Deuteronomy 17:15
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and say, ‘I will set a king over me, like all the nations that are around me,’ 15 you shall in this way set him king over you, whom the Lord your God chooses. You shall set one from among your brothers as king over you. You may not set a foreigner over you, who is not your brother. 16 But he shall not multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to the end that he should multiply horses, because as the Lord has said to you, ‘You shall from now on no longer return that way.’ 17 He shall not multiply wives for himself, so that his heart does not turn away. He shall not greatly multiply silver and gold for himself. 18 “And it shall be, when he sits on the throne of his kingdom, that he shall write for himself a copy of this law in a book, from what is before the priests the Levites. 19 And it shall be with him, and he shall read in it all the days of his life, that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to keep all the words of this law and these statutes, to do them, 20 that his heart may not be lifted up above his brothers, and that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right hand or to the left, to the end that he may prolong his days in his kingdom, he and his children in the midst of Israel.” The Tribe of Levi “The priests, the Levites, and all the tribe of Levi, shall have no part or inheritance with Israel. They shall eat the offerings of the Lord made by fire and His inheritance. 2 Therefore they shall have no inheritance among their brothers;
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the Lord is their inheritance, as He has said to them. 3 “And this shall be the priest’s due from the people, from those who offer a sacrifice, whether it is ox or sheep: and they shall give to the priest the shoulder and the two cheeks and the stomach. 4 You shall also give him the firstfruits of your grain, of your wine, and of your oil, and the first of the fleece of your sheep. 5 For the Lord your God has chosen him out of all your tribes to stand to minister in the name of the Lord, him and his sons forever. 6 “And if a Levite comes from any of your gates out of all Israel where he sojourned, and comes with all the desire of his mind to the place that the Lord chooses, 7 then he shall minister in the name of the Lord his God as all his brothers the Levites do, who stand there before the Lord. 8 They shall have equal portions to eat, besides what comes of the sale of his inheritance.” Idolatrous Practices Forbidden 9 “When you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not learn to imitate the abominations of those nations. 10 There shall not be found among you anyone who makes his son or his daughter to pass through the fire, or who uses divination, or an observer of times, or an enchanter, or a witch, 11 or a charmer, or a consulter with familiar spirits, or a wizard, or a necromancer. 12 For all who do these things are an abomination to the Lord, and because of these abominations the Lord your God will drive them out from before you.
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your God. 14 For these nations that you shall possess listened to observers of times and to diviners, but as for you, the Lord your God has not allowed you to do so.” Messiah the Prophet 15 “The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet similar to me from the midst of you, from your brothers. You shall listen to him, 16 according to all that you asked of the Lord your God in Horeb in the day of the assembly, saying, ‘Do not let me hear again the voice of the Lord my God or let me see this great fire any longer, that I may not die.’ 17 And the Lord said to me: ‘They have spoken well what they have spoken. 18 I will raise up for them a Prophet like you from among their brothers, and will put My words in His mouth, and He shall speak to them all that I shall command Him. 19 And it shall come to pass, that whoever will not listen to My words, which He shall speak in My name, I will require it of him. 20 But the prophet who shall presume to speak a word in My name, which I have not commanded him to speak, or who shall speak in the name of other gods, even that prophet shall die.’ 21 And if you say in your heart, ‘How shall we know the word that the Lord has not spoken?’ 22 when a prophet speaks in the name of the Lord, if the thing does not follow or come to pass, that is the thing that the Lord has not spoken, but the prophet has spoken it presumptuously. You shall not be afraid of him.”
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Deuteronomy 19:9
Cities of Refuge “When the Lord your God has cut off the nations whose land the Lord your God gives you, and you succeed them and dwell in their cities and in their houses, 2 you shall separate three cities for yourself in the midst of your land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess. 3 You shall prepare a way, and divide into three parts the territory of your land that the Lord your God is giving you to inherit, that every slayer may flee there. 4 “And this is the case of the slayer who flees there, that he may live: whoever ignorantly kills his neighbor, whom he did not previously hate— 5 as when a man goes into the wood with his neighbor to cut wood, and his hand swings a stroke with the axe to cut down the tree, and the head slips from the handle and falls on his neighbor so that he dies—he shall flee to one of those cities and live, 6 lest the avenger of the blood, while his heart is hot, pursue the slayer and overtake him because the way is long, and slay him, though he was not worthy of death, since he did not previously hate him. 7 Therefore I command you, saying, ‘You shall separate three cities for yourself.’ 8 “And if the Lord your God enlarges your territory, as He has sworn to your fathers, and gives you all the land that He promised to give to your fathers, 9 if you keep all these commandments, to do them, which I command you this day, to love the Lord your God and to walk always in His ways, then you shall add three more cities for yourself
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Deuteronomy 19:10
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besides these three, 10 that innocent blood shall not be shed in your land that the Lord your God is giving you for an inheritance, and so blood be on you. 11 “But if any man hates his neighbor, and lies in wait for him and rises up against him and strikes him mortally so that he dies, and he flees into one of these cities, 12 then the elders of his city shall send and take him from there, and deliver him into the hand of the avenger of blood, that he may die. 13 Your eye shall not pity him, but you shall put away the guilt of innocent blood from Israel, that it may go well with you. 14 “You shall not remove your neighbor’s landmark, which those of old time have set, in your inheritance that you shall inherit in the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.” The Terror of the Law 15 “One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity or for any sin, in any sin that he sins. The matter shall be established on the testimony of two witnesses or on the testimony of three witnesses. 16 If a false witness rises up against any man to testify against him of wrongdoing, 17 then both the men who are part of the controversy shall stand before the Lord, before the priests and the judges who shall be in those days. 18 And the judges shall make diligent inquisition, and behold, if the witness is a false witness and has testified falsely against his brother, 19 then you shall do to him as he had thought to have done to his brother. So you shall put the
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evil away from among you. 20 And those who remain shall hear and fear, and hereafter shall no longer commit any such evil among you. 21 And your eye shall not pity, but life shall go for life, eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot.” The Law of Warfare “When you go out to battle against your enemies and see horses and chariots and a people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt, is with you. 2 And it shall be, when you have come near to the battle, that the priest shall approach and speak to the people, 3 and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, this day you approach to battle against your enemies. Do not let your hearts lose hope. Do not fear, and do not tremble or be terrified because of them, 4 for the Lord your God is He who goes with you, to fight for you against your enemies, to save you.’ 5 “And the officers shall speak to the people, saying, ‘What man is there who has built a new house and has not dedicated it? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man dedicate it. 6 And what man is he who has planted a vineyard and has not yet eaten from it? Let him also go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man eats from it. 7 And what man is there who has betrothed a wife and has not taken her? Let him go and return to his house, lest he die in the battle and another man takes her.’
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to the people, and they shall say, ‘What man is there who is fearful and fainthearted? Let him go and return to his house, lest his brother’s heart faint as well as his heart.’ 9 And it shall be, when the officers have finished speaking to the people, that they shall make captains of the armies to lead the people. 10 “When you come near to a city to fight against it, then proclaim peace to it. 11 And it shall be, if it accepts your offer of peace and opens to you, then it shall be that all the people who are found in it shall be forced laborers for you, and they shall serve you. 12 And if it will not make peace with you, but makes war against you, then you shall besiege it. 13 And when the Lord your God has delivered it into your hands, you shall strike every male in it with the edge of the sword, 14 but the women and the little ones and the cattle and all that is in the city, even all its spoil, you shall take for yourself. And you shall eat the spoil of your enemies that the Lord your God has given you. 15 You shall do this to all the cities that are very far off from you, which are not of the cities of these nations. 16 “But of the cities of these people that the Lord your God gives you for an inheritance, you shall save nothing alive that breathes, 17 but you shall utterly destroy them—namely, the Hittites and the Amorites, the Canaanites and the Perizzites, the Hivites and the Jebusites, as the Lord your God has commanded you, 18 that they may not teach you to do according to all
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Deuteronomy 21:6
their abominations that they have done for their gods, so you should sin against the Lord your God. 19 “When you besiege a city for a long time, in making war against it to take it, you shall not destroy its trees by forcing an ax against them. For you may eat from them, and you shall not cut them down (for the tree of the field is man’s life) to employ them in the siege. 20 Only the trees that you know are not trees for food you shall destroy and cut down, and you shall build bulwarks against the city that makes war with you, until it is subdued.” Inquest for the Slain “If a person is found slain, lying in the field, in the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess, and it is not known who has slain him, 2 then your elders and your judges shall come forth and they shall measure the distance to the cities that are surrounding the person who was slain. 3 And it shall be that the elders of the city that is nearest to the slain man shall take a heifer that has not been worked and that has not pulled in the yoke. 4 And the elders of that city shall bring the heifer down to a rough valley, which is neither plowed nor sown, and shall strike off the heifer’s neck there in the valley. 5 And the priests, the sons of Levi, shall come near, for the Lord your God has chosen them to minister to Him and to bless in the name of the Lord. And by their word every controversy and every assault shall be tried. 6 And all the elders of that city that is nearest to the slain man shall
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Deuteronomy 21:7
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wash their hands over the heifer that is beheaded in the valley. 7 And they shall answer and say, ‘Our hands have not shed this blood, nor have our eyes seen it. 8 Be merciful, O Lord, to Your people Israel, whom You have redeemed, and do not lay innocent blood to Your people of Israel’s charge.’ And the blood shall be forgiven them. 9 So you shall put away the guilt of innocent blood from among you when you do what is right in the sight of the Lord.” Domestic Regulations 10 “When you go forth to war against your enemies, and the Lord your God has delivered them into your hands and you have taken them captive, 11 and see a beautiful woman among the captives, and have a desire for her, that you would have her as your wife, 12 then you shall bring her home to your house, and she shall shave her head and trim her nails. 13 And she shall take off the clothing of her captivity and shall remain in your house, and mourn her father and her mother a full month. And after that you shall go in to her and be her husband, and she shall be your wife. 14 And it shall be, if you have no delight in her, then you shall let her go where she will, but you shall not sell her at all for money; you shall not make merchandise of her, because you have humbled her. 15 “If a man has two wives, one beloved and another hated, and they have borne him children, both the beloved and the hated, and if the firstborn son belongs to the one who was hated, 16 then it shall be, when
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he makes his sons to inherit what he has, that he may not make the son of the beloved firstborn before the son of the hated, who is indeed the firstborn. 17 But he shall acknowledge the son of the hated for the firstborn by giving him a double portion of all that he has, for he is the beginning of his strength; the right of the firstborn is his.” A Prodigal Son under Law 18 “If a man has a stubborn and rebellious son who will not obey the voice of his father or the voice of his mother, and who, when they have chastened him, will not listen to them, 19 then his father and his mother shall take hold of him and bring him out to the elders of his city, and to the gate of his place. 20 And they shall say to the elders of his city, ‘This son of ours is stubborn and rebellious; he will not obey our voice; he is a glutton and a drunkard.’ 21 And all the men of his city shall stone him with stones so that he dies. So you shall put evil away from among you, and all Israel shall hear and fear. 22 “And if a man has committed a sin worthy of death and he is to be put to death, and you hang him on a tree, 23 his body shall not remain on the tree all night, but you shall certainly bury him that day (for he who is hanged is cursed by God), so that your land, which the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, will not be defiled.” The Law of Brotherhood “You shall not see your brother’s ox or his sheep go astray
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and hide yourself from them; you shall certainly bring them back to your brother. 2 And if your brother is not near you, or if you do not know him, then you shall bring it to your own house, and it shall be with you until your brother seeks after it. And then you shall restore it to him. 3 You shall do the same with his donkey, and so shall you do with his clothing, and with all lost things of your brother’s that he has lost and you have found, you shall do likewise. You may not hide yourself. 4 You shall not see your brother’s donkey or his ox fall down by the way and hide yourself from them. You shall surely help him to lift them up. 5 “The woman shall not wear what pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment. For all who do so are an abomination to the Lord your God. 6 “If a bird’s nest happens to be before you on the way, in any tree or on the ground, whether with young ones or eggs, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, you shall not take the mother with the young. 7 But you shall certainly let the mother go, and take the young for yourself, that it may be well with you and that you may prolong your days. 8 “When you build a new house, then you shall make a parapet for your roof, that you may not bring blood on your house if any man falls from there.” The Law of Separation 9 “You shall not sow your vineyard with various seeds, lest the fruit of your seed that you have sown and
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Deuteronomy 22:21
the fruit of your vineyard be defiled. 10 “You shall not plow with an ox and a donkey together. 11 “You shall not wear a garment of various sorts, as of wool and linen together. 12 “You shall make yourself fringes on the four quarters of your garment with which you cover yourself.” The Innocent Wife and the Guilty Wife 13 “If any man takes a wife and goes in to her and hates her, 14 and speaks out against her, and brings an evil name on her, and says, ‘I took this woman, and when I came to her, I found she was not a virgin,’ 15 then the father of the young woman and her mother shall take and bring forth the evidence of the young woman’s virginity to the elders of the city in the gate. 16 And the young woman’s father shall say to the elders, ‘I gave my daughter to this man as a wife, and he hates her. 17 And behold, he has spoken out against her, saying, “I did not find your daughter to be a virgin,” and yet this is the evidence of my daughter’s virginity.’ And they shall spread the cloth before the elders of the city. 18 And the elders of that city shall take that man and chastise him. 19 And they shall fine him a hundred shekels of silver and give them to the father of the young woman, because he has brought an evil name on a virgin of Israel. And she shall be his wife; he may not divorce her all his days. 20 “But if this thing is true, and the evidence of virginity is not found for the young woman, 21 then they shall bring the young woman out to
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Deuteronomy 22:22
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the door of her father’s house, and the men of her city shall stone her with stones so that she dies, because she has worked folly in Israel, to play the prostitute in her father’s house. So you shall put evil away from among you. 22 “If a man is found lying with a woman married to a husband, then both of them shall die, both the man who lay with the woman and the woman; so you shall put away evil from Israel. 23 “If a young woman who is a virgin is betrothed to a husband, and a man finds her in the city and lies with her, 24 then you shall bring them both out to the gate of that city, and you shall stone them with stones so that they die—the young woman, because she did not cry, being in the city, and the man, because he has humbled his neighbor’s wife. So you shall put away evil from among you. 25 “But if a man finds a betrothed young woman in the field, and the man forces her and lies with her, then only the man who lay with her shall die. 26 But you shall do nothing to the young woman; there is no sin in the young woman worthy of death, for as when a man rises against his neighbor and slays him, even so is this matter. 27 For he found her in the field, and the betrothed young woman cried, and there was no one to save her. 28 “If a man finds a young woman who is a virgin, who is not betrothed, and takes her and lies with her, and they are found, 29 then the man who lay with her shall give fifty shekels of silver to the young
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woman’s father, and she shall be his wife, because he has humbled her; he may not divorce her all his days. 30 “A man shall not take his father’s wife or discover his father’s nakedness.” Various Laws “He who is emasculated or has his male organ cut off shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord. 2 “A person of illegitimate birth shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to his tenth generation he shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord. 3 “An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord, even to their tenth generation they shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord forever, 4 because they did not meet you with bread and with water on the way when you came forth out of Egypt, and because they hired against you Balaam the son of Beor from Pethor of Mesopotamia to curse you. 5 Nevertheless the Lord your God would not listen to Balaam, but the Lord your God turned the curse into a blessing for you, because the Lord your God loved you. 6 You shall not seek their peace or their prosperity all your days forever. 7 “You shall not hate an Edomite, for he is your brother. You shall not hate an Egyptian, because you were a foreigner in his land. 8 The children who are born to them shall enter into the congregation of the Lord in their third generation. 9 “When the army goes forth against your enemies, then keep
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yourself from every wicked thing. 10 If there is any man among you who is not clean because of uncleanness that happens to him at night, then he shall go outside the camp; he shall not come within the camp. 11 But it shall be when evening comes, he shall wash himself with water, and when the sun is down, he shall come into the camp again. 12 “You shall also have a place outside the camp, where you shall go outside, 13 and you shall have a spade as a tool, and it shall be, when you relieve yourself outside, you shall dig with it and shall turn back and cover what comes from you. 14 For the Lord your God walks in the midst of your camp, to deliver you and to give up your enemies before you. Therefore, your camp shall be holy, that He may see no unclean thing in you and turn away from you. 15 “You shall not deliver to his master the servant who has escaped from his master to you. 16 He shall dwell with you, even among you, in that place that he shall choose in one of your gates, where it pleases him best. You shall not oppress him. 17 “There shall be no prostitute of the daughters of Israel, or a temple prostitute of the sons of Israel. 18 You shall not bring the wages of a prostitute or the price of a dog into the house of the Lord your God for any vow, for even both of these are an abomination to the Lord your God. 19 “You shall not lend on interest to your brother: interest of money, interest of provisions, interest of anything that is lent on interest. 20 You may lend on interest to a foreigner,
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Deuteronomy 24:3
but to your brother you shall not lend on interest, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all that you set your hand to in the land where you are going and that you will possess. 21 “When you vow a vow to the Lord your God, you shall not delay to pay it, for the Lord your God will surely require it of you, and it would be a sin for you. 22 But if you refrain from vowing, it shall not be a sin for you. 23 You shall keep and perform what has gone out of your lips, even a freewill offering, as you have vowed to the Lord your God, which you have promised with your mouth. 24 “When you come into your neighbor’s vineyard, then you may eat your fill of grapes at your own pleasure, but you shall not put any in your container. 25 When you come into the standing grain of your neighbor, then you may pluck the ears with your hand, but you shall not move a sickle to your neighbor’s standing grain.” The Mosaic Law of Divorce “When a man has taken a wife and married her, and it comes to pass that she finds no favor in his eyes because he has found some uncleanness in her, then let him write her a certificate of divorce, and put it in her hand, and send her out of his house. 2 And when she has departed out of his house, she may go and be another man’s wife. 3 And if the latter husband hates her and writes her a certificate of divorce, and puts it in her hand, and sends her out of his house, or if the latter
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Deuteronomy 24:4
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husband who took her to be his wife dies, 4 her former husband who sent her away may not take her again to be his wife after she has been defiled. For that is abomination before the Lord, and you shall not bring sin on the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.” Various Regulations 5 “When a man has taken a new wife, he shall not go out to war, nor shall he be charged with any business. But he shall be free at home one year and shall cheer up his wife whom he has taken. 6 “No man shall take the lower or the upper millstone as a pledge, for he would be taking a man’s life as a pledge. 7 “If a man is found stealing any of his brothers of the children of Israel, and treats him as merchandise or sells him, then that thief shall die, and you shall put evil away from among you. 8 “Be careful in the plague of leprosy, that you diligently observe and do according to all that the priests, the Levites, teach you; as I commanded them, so you shall be careful to do. 9 Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam on the way after you came forth out of Egypt. 10 “When you lend your brother anything, you shall not go into his house to take his pledge. 11 You shall stand outside, and the man to whom you lend shall bring the pledge outside to you. 12 And if the man is poor, you shall not sleep with his pledge. 13 In any case you shall deliver the pledge to him again when the sun
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goes down, that he may sleep in his own clothing and bless you. And it shall be righteousness for you before the Lord your God. 14 “You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is of your brothers or of foreigners who are in your land within your gates. 15 You shall give him his wages on his day before the sun goes down, for he is poor and sets his heart on it, lest he cry against you to the Lord and it become sin in you. 16 “The fathers shall not be put to death for the children, nor shall the children be put to death for the fathers; every man shall be put to death for his own sin. 17 “You shall not pervert the judgment of the stranger or of the fatherless, or take a widow’s clothing to pledge. 18 But you shall remember that you were a bondman in Egypt, and the Lord your God redeemed you from there; therefore, I command you to do this thing. 19 “When you cut down your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to fetch it; it shall be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. 20 When you beat your olive tree, you shall not go over the boughs again; it shall be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widow. 21 When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not glean it afterward; it shall be for the foreigner, for the fatherless, and for the widow. 22 And you shall remember that you were a bondman
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in the land of Egypt; therefore I com mand you to do this thing.” More Various Regulations “If there is a controversy between men and they come to judgment, that the judges may judge them, then they shall justify the righteous and condemn the wicked. 2 And it shall be if the wicked man is worthy to be beaten, that the judge shall cause him to lie down and to be beaten in his presence, according to his fault, by a certain number of lashes. 3 He may give him forty lashes, and not exceed, lest, if he should exceed and beat him with many more lashes above these, then your brother should seem vile to you. 4 “You shall not muzzle the ox when it treads out the grain. 5 “If brothers dwell together and one of them dies and has no child, the wife of the dead shall not marry outside the family to a stranger. Her husband’s brother shall go in to her and take her to himself as his wife and perform the duty of a husband’s brother to her. 6 And it shall be that the firstborn whom she bears shall succeed in the name of his brother who is dead, so that his name may not be put out of Israel. 7 And if the man does not wish to take his brother’s wife, then let his brother’s wife go up to the gate to the elders and say, ‘My husband’s brother refuses to raise up for his brother a name in Israel; he will not perform the duty of my husband’s brother.’ 8 Then the elders of his city shall call him and speak to him, and if he stands firm
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and says, ‘I do not wish to take her,’ 9 then his brother’s wife shall come to him in the presence of the elders and remove his shoe from off his foot and spit in his face, and shall answer and say, ‘So shall it be done to that man who will not build up his brother’s house.’ 10 And in Israel his name shall be called ‘The house of him who had his shoe removed.’ 11 “When men fight with one another, and the wife of the one draws near to deliver her husband out of the hand of him who strikes him, and puts forth her hand and takes him by the genitals, 12 then you shall cut off her hand. Your eye shall not pity her. 13 “You shall not have in your bag differing weights, a great and a small. 14 You shall not have in your house differing measures, a great and a small. 15 But you shall have a perfect and just weight; you shall have a perfect and just measure, that your days may be lengthened in the land that the Lord your God gives you. 16 For all who do such things, and all who do unrighteously, are an abomination to the Lord your God. 17 “Remember what Amalek did to you on the way when you came forth out of Egypt, 18 how he met you by the way and struck those of you who were farthest back, even all who were feeble behind you, when you were faint and weary, and he did not fear God. 19 Therefore it shall be, when the Lord your God has given you rest from all your surrounding enemies in the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance to possess, that you shall blot out the remembrance of
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Amalek from under heaven. You shall not forget it.” Offering of Firstfruits “And it shall be, when you come into the land that the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance, and you possess it and dwell in it, 2 that you shall take some of the first of all the fruit of the earth that you shall bring from your land that the Lord your God gives you, and shall put it in a basket, and shall go to the place where the Lord your God chooses to place His name. 3 And you shall go to the priest who shall be there in those days and say to him, ‘I profess this day to the Lord your God that I have come to the country that the Lord swore to our fathers to give us.’ 4 “And the priest shall take the basket out of your hand and set it down before the altar of the Lord your God. 5 And you shall speak and say before the Lord your God, ‘My father was a Syrian, ready to perish, and he went down into Egypt and sojourned there with a few, and there he became a great, mighty, and populous nation. 6 And the Egyptians mistreated us, and afflicted us, and laid hard labor on us. 7 And when we cried to the Lord God of our fathers, the Lord heard our voice and looked on our affliction and our labor and our oppression. 8 And the Lord brought us forth out of Egypt with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm, and with great terribleness and with signs and with wonders. 9 And He has brought us into this place and has given us this land, even a land
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that flows with milk and honey. 10 And now, behold, I have brought the firstfruits of the land that You, O Lord, have given me.’ And you shall set it before the Lord your God and worship before the Lord your God. 11 And you shall rejoice in every good thing that the Lord your God has given to you and to your house, you and the Levite and the foreigner who is among you. 12 “When you have finished tithing all the tithes of your increase the third year, which is the year of tithing, and have given it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, that they may eat within your gates and be filled, 13 then you shall say before the Lord your God, ‘I have removed the holy things out of my house and also have given them to the Levite and to the foreigner, to the fatherless and to the widow, according to all Your commandments that You have commanded me. I have not transgressed Your commandments, nor have I forgotten them. 14 I have not eaten of it in my mourning, nor have I taken away any of it for any unclean use, nor given any of it for the dead. But I have listened to the voice of the Lord my God and have done according to all that You have commanded me. 15 Look down from Your holy habitation, from heaven, and bless Your people Israel and the land that You have given us, as You swore to our fathers, a land that flows with milk and honey.’” Israel Is a Separate and Holy Nation 16 “This day the Lord your God
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has commanded you to do these statutes and judgments. Therefore you shall keep and do them with all your heart and with all your soul. 17 This day you have declared the Lord to be your God, and to walk in His ways, and to keep His statutes and His commandments and His judgments, and to listen to His voice. 18 And this day the Lord has declared you to be His special people, as He has promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments, 19 and to make you high above all nations that He has made, in praise and in name and in honor, and that you may be a holy people to the Lord your God, as He has spoken.” The Law in Mount Ebal And Moses, with the elders of Israel, commanded the people, saying: “Keep all the commandments that I command you this day. 2 And it shall be, on the day when you cross over the Jordan to the land that the Lord your God is giving you, that you shall set up for yourselves great stones and plaster them with plaster. 3 And you shall write on them all the words of this law, when you have crossed over, that you may enter the land that the Lord your God is giving you, a land that flows with milk and honey, as the Lord God of your fathers has promised you. 4 Therefore it shall be, when you have crossed over the Jordan, that you shall set up these stones on Mount Ebal, as I am commanding you this day, and you shall plaster them with plaster. 5 And you shall build there an altar to the Lord
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your God, an altar of stones. You shall not use any iron tool on them. 6 You shall build the altar of the Lord your God with whole stones, and you shall offer burnt offerings on it to the Lord your God. 7 And you shall offer peace offerings, and shall eat there, and rejoice before the Lord your God. 8 And you shall write very plainly on the stones all the words of this law.” Blessings and Curses 9 And Moses and the priests, the Levites, spoke to all Israel, saying, “Be careful and listen, O Israel: this day you have become the people of the Lord your God. 10 Therefore you shall obey the voice of the Lord your God and do His commandments and His statutes that I command you this day.” 11 And Moses charged the people the same day, saying, 12 “These shall stand on Mount Gerizim to bless the people, when you have come over the Jordan: Simeon and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Joseph and Benjamin. 13 And these shall stand on Mount Ebal to curse: Reuben, Gad and Asher and Zebulun, Dan and Naphtali. 14 “And the Levites shall speak with a loud voice and say to all the men of Israel: 15
‘Cursed is the man who makes any engraved or molten image, an abomination to the Lord, the work of the hands of the craftsman, and puts it in a secret place.’ And all
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the people shall answer and say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed is he who dishonors his father or his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed is he who removes his neighbor’s landmark.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed is he who makes the blind to wander out of the way.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed is he who perverts the judgment of the foreigner, fatherless, and widow.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed is he who lies with his father’s wife, because he uncovered his father’s nakedness.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed is he who lies with any kind of beast.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed is he who lies with his sister, the daughter of his father or the daughter of his mother.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed is he who lies with his mother-in-law.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed is he who strikes his neighbor secretly.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed is he who takes
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a bribe to slay an innocent person.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’ ‘Cursed is he who does not confirm all the words of this law by doing them.’ And all the people shall say, ‘Amen.’”
Conditions of Blessing “And it shall come to pass, if you diligently listen to the voice of the Lord your God, to observe and to do all His commandments that I command you this day, that the Lord your God will set you on high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come on you and overtake you, if you listen to the voice of the Lord your God:
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Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your body, and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your cows and the flocks of your sheep. Blessed shall be your basket and your store. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out. 7 “The Lord shall cause your ene-
mies who rise up against you to be destroyed before you. They shall come out against you one way and
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flee before you seven ways. 8 The Lord shall command the blessing on you in your storehouses and in all that you set your hand to. And He shall bless you in the land that the Lord your God gives you. 9 “The Lord shall establish you as a holy people to Himself, as He has sworn to you, if you keep the commandments of the Lord your God and walk in His ways. 10 And all people of the earth shall see that you are called by the name of the Lord, and they shall be afraid of you. 11 And the Lord shall make you plenteous in goods, in the fruit of your body and in the fruit of your cattle and in the fruit of your ground, in the land that the Lord swore to your fathers to give you. 12 The Lord shall open to you His good treasure, the heavens, to give the rain to your land in its season and to bless all the work of your hand. And you shall lend to many nations, and you shall not borrow. 13 And the Lord shall make you the head and not the tail. And you shall only be above, and you shall not be beneath, if you listen to the commandments of the Lord your God, which I am commanding you this day, to observe and to do them. 14 And you shall not go aside from any of the words that I am commanding you this day, to the right hand or to the left, to go after other gods to serve them.” Chastisement in the Land 15 “But it shall come to pass, if you will not listen to the voice of the Lord your God, to be careful to do all His commandments and His statutes that I am commanding you
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this day, that all these curses shall come on you and overtake you: 16
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Cursed shall you be in the city, and cursed shall you be in the field. Cursed shall be your basket and your store. Cursed shall be the fruit of your body and the fruit of your land, the increase of your cows and the flocks of your sheep. Cursed shall you be when you come in, and cursed shall you be when you go out. 20 “The
Lord shall send on you cursing, trouble, and rebuke in all that you set your hand to do, until you are destroyed and until you perish quickly, because of the wickedness of your doings, by which you have forsaken Me. 21 The Lord shall make the pestilence cling to you until He has destroyed you off the land that you are going to possess. 22 The Lord shall strike you with a consumption and with a fever and with an inflammation and with an extreme burning and with the sword and with blight and with mildew, and they shall pursue you until you perish. 23 And your heavens that are over your head shall be brass, and the earth that is under you shall be iron. 24 The Lord shall make the rain of your land powder and dust; from heaven it shall come down on you until you are destroyed. 25 “The Lord shall cause you to be struck before your enemies. You shall go out one way against them and flee
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seven ways before them, and shall be moved into all the kingdoms of the earth. 26 And your carcasses shall be food for all the fowl of the air and for the beasts of the earth, and no man shall frighten them away. 27 The Lord will strike you with the boils of Egypt and with the tumors and with the scab, and with the itch, from which you cannot be healed. 28 The Lord shall strike you with madness and blindness and astonishment of heart. 29 And you shall grope at noonday, as the blind gropes in darkness, and you shall not prosper in your ways, and you shall only be oppressed and spoiled evermore, and no man shall save you. 30 “You shall betroth a wife, and another man shall lie with her. You shall build a house, and you shall not dwell in it. You shall plant a vineyard and shall not gather the grapes from it. 31 Your ox shall be slain before your eyes, and you shall not eat of it. Your donkey shall be violently taken away from before your face and shall not be restored to you. Your sheep shall be given to your enemies, and you shall have no one to rescue them. 32 Your sons and your daughters shall be given to another people, and your eyes shall look and fail with longing for them all the day long, and there shall be no might in your hand. 33 A nation that you do not know shall eat up the fruit of your land and all your labors, and you shall be only oppressed and crushed always, 34 so that you shall be mad because of the sight that your eyes shall see. 35 The Lord shall strike you in the knees and in the legs with a great
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boil that cannot be healed, from the sole of your foot to the top of your head. 36 “The Lord shall bring you and your king, whom you shall set over you, to a nation that neither you nor your fathers have known, and there you shall serve other gods—wood and stone. 37 And you shall become an astonishment, a proverb, and a byword among all nations where the Lord shall lead you. 38 “You shall carry much seed out into the field and shall gather little in, for the locust shall consume it. 39 You shall plant vineyards and tend them, but shall neither drink of the wine nor gather the grapes, for the worms shall eat them. 40 You shall have olive trees throughout all your territory, but you shall not anoint yourself with the oil, for the fruit of your olive trees shall fall off. 41 You shall beget sons and daughters, but you shall not enjoy them, for they shall go into captivity. 42 The locust shall consume all your trees and fruit of your land. 43 “The foreigner who is among you shall rise very high above you, and you shall come down very low. 44 He shall lend to you, and you shall not lend to him; he shall be the head, and you shall be the tail. 45 “Moreover all these curses shall come on you and shall pursue you and overtake you, until you are destroyed, because you did not listen to the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes that He commanded you. 46 And they shall be on you for a sign and a wonder, and on your descendants forever.
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283 47 “Because you did not serve the
Lord your God with joyfulness and with gladness of heart, for the abundance of all things, 48 therefore you shall serve your enemies that the Lord shall send against you, in hunger and in thirst and in nakedness and in want of all things. And He shall put a yoke of iron on your neck until He has destroyed you. 49 The Lord shall bring a nation against you from afar, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies, a nation whose tongue you shall not understand, 50 a nation of fierce countenance, which shall not favor the elderly or show favor to the young. 51 And they shall eat the offspring of your cattle and the fruit of your land, until you are destroyed. They also shall not leave you either grain, wine, or oil, or the increase of your cows or flocks of your sheep, until they have destroyed you. 52 “And they shall besiege you in all your gates until your high and fenced walls, in which you trust, come down throughout all your land. And they shall besiege you in all your gates throughout all your land that the Lord your God has given you. 53 And you shall eat the fruit of your own body, the flesh of your sons and of your daughters that the Lord your God has given you, in the siege and in the hardship by which your enemies shall distress you, 54 so that the man who is tender and very delicate among you, his eye shall be evil toward his brother, and toward the wife he loves, and toward the remnant of his children whom he shall leave, 55 so that he will not give to any of
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them the flesh of his children whom he shall eat, because he has nothing left in the siege and in the hardship by which your enemies shall distress you in all your gates. 56 The tender and delicate woman among you, who would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye shall be evil toward the husband she loves, and toward her son and toward her daughter, 57 and toward her young one who comes out from between her feet, and toward her children whom she shall bear, for she shall eat them secretly for a lack of anything else in the siege and hardship by which your enemy shall distress you in your gates. 58 “If you will not be careful to do all the words of this law that are written in this book, that you may fear this glorious and fearful name, The Lord Your God, 59 then the Lord will make your plagues and the plagues of your descendants astonishing, even great and long-lasting plagues and great and long-lasting sicknesses. 60 Moreover He will bring on you all the diseases of Egypt, of which you were afraid, and they shall cling to you. 61 Also every sickness and every plague that are not written in the book of this law, the Lord will bring them on you until you are destroyed. 62 And you shall be left few in number, whereas you were as the stars of heaven in number, because you would not obey the voice of the Lord your God.” A Worldwide Dispersion 63 “And it shall come to pass that, as the Lord rejoiced over you to
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do you good and to multiply you, so the Lord will rejoice over you to destroy you and to bring you to nothing. And you shall be plucked from off the land that you are going to possess. 64 And the Lord shall scatter you among all peoples, from the one end of the earth even to the other, and there you shall serve other gods, even wood and stone, which neither you nor your fathers have known. 65 And you shall find no rest among these nations, nor shall the sole of your foot have rest. But there the Lord shall give you a trembling heart and failing of eyes and sorrow of mind. 66 And your life shall hang in doubt before you, and you shall fear day and night, and shall have no assurance of your life. 67 In the morning you shall say, ‘We wish to God that it were evening!’ And at evening you shall say, ‘We wish to God that it were morning!’ because of the fear of your heart, with which you shall fear, and because of the sight of your eyes, which you shall see. 68 “And the Lord shall bring you back into Egypt in ships, by the way of which I spoke to you, ‘You shall never see it again.’ And there you shall be sold to your enemies for bondmen and bondwomen, and no man shall buy you.” God’s Covenant: Introductory Words These are the words of the covenant that the Lord commanded Moses to make with the children of Israel in the land of Moab, besides the covenant that He made with them in Horeb.
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Moses called to all Israel and said to them: “You have seen all that the Lord did before your eyes in the land of Egypt, to Phar aoh and to all his servants and to all his land— 3 the great trials that your eyes have seen, the signs and those great miracles. 4 Yet to this day the Lord has not given you a heart to perceive and eyes to see and ears to hear. 5 And I have led you forty years in the wilderness. Your clothes have not grown old on you, and your shoe has not grown old on your foot. 6 You have not eaten bread, nor have you drunk wine or strong drink, that you might know that I am the Lord your God. 7 And when you came to this place, Sihon the king of Heshbon and Og the king of Bashan came out against us to battle, and we struck them. 8 And we took their land and gave it as an inheritance to the Reubenites and to the Gadites and to the half tribe of Manasseh. 9 Therefore keep the words of this covenant, and do them, that you may prosper in all that you do. 10 “You stand this day, all of you, before the Lord your God—your captains of your tribes, your elders and your officers, with all the men of Israel, 11 your little ones, your wives, and your foreigner who is in your camp, from the cutter of your wood to the drawer of your water— 12 that you should enter into covenant with the Lord your God and into His oath that the Lord your God makes with you this day, 13 that He may establish you today as a people for Himself, and that He may be to you a God, as He has
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said to you and as He has sworn to your fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob. 14 “I make this covenant and this oath not only with you 15 but with him who stands here with us this day before the Lord our God, and also with him who is not here with us this day 16 (for you know how we have dwelled in the land of Egypt and how we came through the nations that you passed by, 17 and you have seen their abominations and their idols that were among them—wood and stone, silver and gold), 18 lest there be any man or woman or family or tribe among you whose heart turns away this day from the Lord our God to go and serve the gods of these nations, lest there be a root among you that bears gall and wormwood 19 and it comes to pass, when he hears the words of this curse, that he blesses himself in his heart, saying, ‘I shall have peace, though I walk in the imagination of my heart to add drunkenness to thirst.’ 20 The Lord will not spare him, but then the anger of the Lord and His jealousy shall strike against that man, and all the curses that are written in this book shall lie on him, and the Lord shall blot out his name from under heaven. 21 “And the Lord shall separate him from all the tribes of Israel for evil, according to all the curses of the covenant that are written in this Book of the Law, 22 so that the generation to come of your children who shall rise up after you, and the foreigner who shall come from a far land, shall say, when they see the
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plagues of that land and the sicknesses that the Lord has laid on it— 23 and the whole land is brimstone and salt, and burning. It is not sown, it doesn’t bear anything, and no grass grows in it, like the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, Admah and Zeboiim, which the Lord overthrew in His anger and in His wrath— 24 even all nations shall say, ‘Why has the Lord done this to this land? What does the heat of this great anger mean?’ 25 “Then men shall say, ‘Because they have forsaken the covenant of the Lord God of their fathers, which He made with them when He brought them forth out of the land of Egypt. 26 For they went and served other gods and worshipped them, gods that they did not know and that He had not given to them. 27 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against this land, to bring on it all the curses that are written in this book. 28 And the Lord uprooted them from their land in anger and in wrath and in great indignation, and cast them into another land, as it is this day.’ 29 “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but those things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, so that we may do all the words of this law.” The Covenant Declared “And it shall come to pass, when all these things come on you, the blessing and the curse that I have set before you, and you call them to mind among all the nations where the Lord your God has
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driven you, 2 and return to the Lord your God and obey His voice, according to all that I command you this day, you and your children, with all your heart and with all your soul, 3 that then the Lord your God will turn your captivity, and have compassion on you, and will gather you again from all the nations where the Lord your God has scattered you. 4 If any of you are driven out to the outermost parts of heaven, from there the Lord your God will gather you, and from there He will bring you. 5 And the Lord your God will bring you into the land that your fathers possessed, and you shall possess it. And He will be good to you and multiply you above your fathers. 6 And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the hearts of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live. 7 “And the Lord your God will put all these curses on your enemies and on those who hate you, who persecuted you. 8 And you shall return and obey the voice of the Lord and do all His commandments that I command you this day. 9 And the Lord your God will make you plenteous in every work of your hand, in the fruit of your body, and in the fruit of your cattle, and in the fruit of your land for good. For the Lord will again rejoice over you for good, as He rejoiced over your fathers, 10 if you listen to the voice of the Lord your God, to keep His commandments and His statutes that are written in this Book of the Law, and if you turn to the Lord your God
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with all your heart and with all your soul.” The Final Warning 11 “For this commandment that I command you this day, it is not hidden from you, nor is it far off. 12 It is not in heaven, that you should say, ‘Who shall go up to heaven for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 13 Nor is it beyond the sea, that you should say, ‘Who shall go over the sea for us and bring it to us, that we may hear it and do it?’ 14 But the word is very near to you, in your mouth and in your heart, that you may do it. 15 “See, I have set before you this day life and good, and death and evil, 16 in that I command you this day to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, that you may live and multiply. And the Lord your God shall bless you in the land that you are going to possess. 17 But if your heart turns away so that you will not hear, and are drawn away, and worship other gods and serve them, 18 I announce to you this day that you shall surely perish and that you shall not prolong your days in the land that you are crossing over the Jordan to go to possess. 19 I call heaven and earth to witness this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing. Therefore choose life, that both you and your descendants may live, 20 that you may love the Lord your God and that you may obey His voice and that you may cling to Him, for He is your life and
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the length of your days, that you may dwell in the land that the Lord swore to give to your fathers—to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob.” Moses’ Last Counsel And Moses went and spoke these words to all Israel. 2 And he said to them: “I am a hundred and twenty years old this day. I can no longer go out and come in. Also the Lord has said to me, ‘You shall not cross over this Jordan.’ 3 The Lord your God, He will go over before you, and He will destroy these nations before you, and you shall possess them. And Joshua, he shall go over before you, as the Lord has said. 4 And the Lord shall do to them as He did to Sihon and to Og, kings of the Amorites whom He destroyed, and to their land. 5 And the Lord shall give them up in your presence, that you may do to them according to all the commandments that I have commanded you. 6 Be strong and of good courage. Do not fear or be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, it is He who goes with you. He will not fail you or forsake you.” 7 And Moses called to Joshua and said to him in the sight of all Israel, “Be strong and of good courage, for you must go with this people to the land that the Lord has sworn to their fathers to give them, and you shall cause them to inherit it. 8 And the Lord, it is He who goes before you. He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.” 9 And Moses wrote this law and delivered it to the priests, the sons
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of Levi, who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and to all the elders of Israel. 10 And Moses commanded them, saying: “At the end of every seven years, in the solemnity of the year of release, at the Feast of Tabernacles, 11 when all Israel has come to appear before the Lord your God in the place that He chooses, you shall read this law before all Israel in their hearing. 12 Gather the people together, men and women and children, and your foreigner who is within your gates, that they may hear and that they may learn and fear the Lord your God and be careful to do all the words of this law, 13 and that their children, who have not known anything, may hear and learn to fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land that you are crossing over the Jordan to possess.” Jehovah Warns Moses 14 And the Lord said to Moses, “Behold, your days approach when you must die. Call Joshua, and present yourselves in the tabernacle of the congregation, that I may give him a charge.” And Moses and Joshua went and presented themselves in the tabernacle of the congregation. 15 And the Lord appeared in the tabernacle in a pillar of cloud, and the pillar of cloud stood over the door of the tabernacle. 16 And the Lord said to Moses: “Behold, you shall sleep with your fathers. And this people will rise up and prostitute themselves with the gods of the foreigners of the land, where they are going to be among them, and will forsake Me and break
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My covenant that I have made with them. 17 Then My anger shall be kindled against them in that day, and I will forsake them and I will hide My face from them, and they shall be devoured. And many evils and troubles shall happen to them, so that they will say in that day, ‘Have not these evils come on us because our God is not among us?’ 18 And on that day I will surely hide My face for all the evils that they will have done, in that they will have turned to other gods. 19 “Now therefore, write this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel. Put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for Me against the children of Israel. 20 For when I have brought them into the land that flows with milk and honey that I swore to their fathers, and they have eaten and filled themselves and grown fat, then they will turn to other gods and serve them, and provoke Me and break My covenant. 21 And it shall come to pass, when many evils and troubles have happened to them, that this song shall testify against them as a witness, for it shall not be forgotten in the mouths of their descendants, for I know how they are inclined to behave, even now before I have brought them into the land that I swore to give them.” 22 Therefore Moses wrote this song the same day, and taught it to the children of Israel. 23 And he gave Joshua the son of Nun a charge and said, “Be strong and of good courage, for you shall bring the children of Israel into the land that I swore to them, and I will be with you.”
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Moses Instructs the Levites 24 And it came to pass, when Moses had come to the end of writing the words of this law in a book, until they were finished, 25 that Moses commanded the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, saying: 26 “Take this Book of the Law and put it in the side of the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, that it may be there as a witness against you. 27 For I know your rebellion and your stiff neck. Behold, while I am still alive with you this day, you have been rebellious against the Lord, and how much more after my death? 28 Gather to me all the elders of your tribes and your officers, that I may speak these words in their ears and call heaven and earth to witness against them. 29 For I know that after my death you will utterly corrupt yourselves and turn aside from the way that I have commanded you. And evil will happen to you in the latter days, because you will do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger through the work of your hands.” 30 And Moses spoke in the ears of all the congregation of Israel the words of this song, until they were finished: The Song of Moses Give ear, O you heavens, and I will speak, and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.
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showers on the grass, Because I will proclaim the name of the Lord; ascribe greatness to our God. He is the Rock. His work is perfect, for all His ways are judgment, a God of truth and without iniquity; just and right is He. They have corrupted themselves. Their blemish is not the blemish of His children: they are a perverse and crooked generation. Do you thus repay the Lord, O foolish and unwise people? Is He not your Father, who has bought you? Has He not made you and established you? Remember the days of old; consider the years of many generations. Ask your father and he will show you, your elders, and they will tell you. When the Most High divided their inheritance to the nations, when He separated the sons of Adam, He set the boundaries of the people according to the number of the children of Israel. For the Lord’s portion is His people; Jacob is the lot of His inheritance. He found him in a desert land, and in the desolate,
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howling wilderness; He led him around, He instructed him, He observed him as the apple of His eye. As an eagle stirs up her nest, flutters over her young, spreads out her wings, takes them, bears them on her wings, So the Lord alone led him, and there was no foreign god with him. He made him ride on the high places of the earth, that he might eat the increase of the fields, and He made him to suck honey out of the rock, and oil out of the flinty rock, Butter from cows, and milk from sheep, with fat of lambs and rams of the breed of Bashan, and goats, with the best kernels of wheat. And you drank the pure blood of the grape. But Jeshurun grew fat and kicked. You have grown fat; you have grown thick; you are covered with fatness. Then he forsook God who made him and neglected the Rock of his salvation. They provoked Him to jealousy with foreign gods; with abominations they provoked Him to anger. They sacrificed to
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devils, not to God, to gods whom they did not know, to new gods that newly appeared, whom your fathers did not fear. You are unmindful of the Rock who begot you and have forgotten God who formed you. And when the Lord saw it, He hated them, because of the provoking of His sons and of His daughters. And He said, “I will hide My face from them; I will see what their end shall be, for they are a very perverse generation, children in whom is no faith. They have moved Me to jealousy with what is not God; they have provoked Me to anger with their vanities. And I will move them to jealousy with those who are not a people; I will provoke them to anger with a foolish nation. For a fire is kindled in My anger, and shall burn to the lowest hell, and shall consume the earth with its increase, and set on fire the foundations of the mountains. I will heap misfortunes on them; I will spend My arrows on them. They shall be burned with hunger, and devoured with burning
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heat and with bitter destruction. I will also send the teeth of beasts on them, with the poison of serpents of the dust. The sword shall destroy outside, and terror within, both the young man and the virgin, also the nursing child with the man of gray hairs. I said I would scatter them into corners, I would make the remembrance of them to cease from among men, Had I not feared the wrath of the enemy, lest their adversaries behave themselves strangely, and lest they say, ‘Our hand is high, and the Lord has not done all this.’” For they are a nation void of counsel, nor is there any understanding in them. O that they were wise, that they understood this, that they would consider their end! How could one chase a thousand, and two put ten thousand to flight, unless their Rock had sold them, and the Lord had shut them up? For their rock is not like our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. For their vine is of the vine of Sodom and of
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the fields of Gomorrah. Their grapes are grapes of gall; their clusters are bitter. Their wine is the poison of dragons and the cruel venom of asps. “Is this not stored up with Me and sealed up among My treasures? To Me belong vengeance and recompense. Their foot shall slide in due time, for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come are coming quickly.” For the Lord shall judge His people, and change His mind for His servants, when He sees that their power is gone and there is no one imprisoned or left. And He shall say: “Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted? Who ate the fat of their sacrifices and drank the wine of their drink offerings? Let them rise up and help you and be your protection. See now that I, even I, am He, and there is no god besides Me. I kill and I make alive; I wound and I heal. There is no one who can deliver out of My hand. For I lift up My hand to heaven and say, ‘I live
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forever. If I sharpen My glittering sword, and My hand takes hold of judgment, I will render vengeance to My enemies and will reward those who hate Me. I will make My arrows drunk with blood, and My sword shall devour flesh, with the blood of the slain and of the captives, from the beginning of revenge on the enemy.’” Rejoice, O you nations, with His people, for He will avenge the blood of His servants, and will render vengeance to His adversaries, and will be merciful to His land and to His people. 44 And Moses came and spoke all
the words of this song in the ears of the people, he and Joshua the son of Nun.
The Exhortation 45 And Moses finished speaking all these words to all Israel. 46 And he said to them, “Set your hearts to all the words that I testify among you this day, which you shall command your children to be careful to do— all the words of this law. 47 For it is not a vain thing for you, because it is your life, and through this thing you shall prolong your days in the land that you are crossing over the Jordan to possess.” 48 And the Lord spoke to Moses
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the very same day, saying, 49 “Go up into this mountain Abarim, to Mount Nebo, which is in the land of Moab that is across from Jericho, and behold the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the children of Israel for a possession. 50 And die on the mount that you ascend, and be gathered to your people, as Aaron your brother died on Mount Hor and was gathered to his people, 51 because you trespassed against Me among the children of Israel at the waters of Meribah-Kadesh, in the wilderness of Zin, because you did not sanctify Me in the midst of the children of Israel. 52 Yet you shall see the land before you, but you shall not go there, to the land that I am giving the children of Israel.”
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And he said:
Hear, Lord, the voice of Judah, and bring him to his people. Let his hands be sufficient for him, and may You be a help to him from his enemies.
The Blessing of the Tribes And this is the blessing with which Moses the man of God blessed the children of Israel before his death. 2 And he said:
8 And of Levi he said:
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The Lord came from Sinai and rose up from Seir to them. He shone forth from Mount Paran, and He came with ten thousands of saints. From His right hand came a fiery law for them. Yes, He loved the people. All His saints are in Your hand, and they sit down at Your feet. Everyone shall receive Your words. Moses commanded a
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law to us, even the inheritance of the congregation of Jacob. And He was King in Jeshurun, when the heads of the people and the tribes of Israel were gathered together. Let Reuben live, and not die, and do not let his men be few.
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Let Your Thummim and Your Urim be with Your holy one, whom You tested at Massah, and with whom You quarreled at the waters of Meribah, Who said of his father and to his mother, “I have not seen them”; nor did he acknowledge his brothers or know his own children, for they have observed Your word and observed Your covenant. They shall teach Jacob Your judgments and Israel Your law. They shall put incense before
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You, and a whole burnt sacrifice on Your altar. Bless his substance, Lord, and accept the work of his hands. Strike through the loins of those who rise against him and of those who hate him, that they do not rise again.
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The beloved of the Lord shall dwell in safety by Him, and the Lord shall cover him all the day long, and he shall dwell between His shoulders. 19
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head of Joseph and on the top of the head of him who was separated from his brothers. His glory is like the firstborn of his bull, and his horns are like the horns of wild oxen. Together with them he shall push the people to the ends of the earth. And they are the ten thousands of Ephraim, and they are the thousands of Manasseh. 18 And of Zebulun he said:
13 And of Joseph he said:
Blessed of the Lord is his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that crouches beneath, And for the precious fruits brought forth by the sun, and for the precious things put forth by the moon, And for the chief things of the ancient mountains, and for the precious things of the lasting hills, And for the precious things of the earth and its fullness, and for the good will of him who dwelled in the bush. Let the blessing come on the
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Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and, Issachar, in your tents. They shall call the peoples to the mountain. There they shall offer sacrifices of righteousness, for they shall suck the abundance of the seas and of treasures hidden in the sand. 20 And of Gad he said:
Blessed is he who enlarges Gad. He dwells as a lion and tears the arm with the crown of the head. 21 And he provided the best part for himself, because there, in a portion of the lawgiver, he was seated. And he came with the leaders of the people. He executed
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the justice of the Lord and His judgments with Israel. 22 And of Dan he said:
Dan is a lion’s cub; he shall leap from Bashan. 23 And of Naphtali he said:
O Naphtali, satisfied with favor, and full with the blessing of the Lord, possess the west and the south. 24 And of Asher he said:
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Let Asher be blessed with children; let him be acceptable to his brothers, and let him dip his foot in oil. Your shoes shall be iron and brass, and as your days, so shall your strength be. There is no one similar to the God of Jeshurun, who rides on the heavens to your help, and in His excellency on the sky. 27 The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And He shall drive out the enemy from before you and shall say, “Destroy them.” Then Israel shall dwell in safety alone; the fountain of Jacob shall be in a land of grain and wine; His heavens shall also
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drop down dew. Happy are you, O Israel. Who is similar to you, O people saved by the Lord, the shield of your help and who is the sword of your excellency! And your enemies shall be found as liars before you, and you shall tread on their high places.
The Vision and Death of Moses And Moses went up from the plains of Moab to the mountain of Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which is across from Jericho. And the Lord showed him all the land of Gilead to Dan, 2 and all Naphtali and the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, and all the land of Judah to the farthest sea, 3 and the south and the plain of the Valley of Jericho, the city of palm trees, to Zoar. 4 And the Lord said to him, “This is the land that I swore to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, saying, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have caused you to see it with your eyes, but you shall not go over there.” 5 So Moses the servant of the Lord died there in the land of Moab, according to the word of the Lord. 6 And He buried him in a valley in the land of Moab, across from Beth-peor, but no man knows of his burial place to this day. 7 And Moses was a hundred and twenty years old when he died. His eyes were not dim and his strength was not weakened. 8 And the children of Israel wept for Moses in the plains of Moab for thirty days. So the days
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of weeping and mourning for Moses ended. After Moses, Joshua 9 And Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him. And the children of Israel listened to him and did as the Lord commanded Moses. 10 And since then
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no prophet has arisen in Israel similar to Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face, 11 in all the signs and the wonders—which the Lord sent him to do in the land of Egypt, to Pharaoh and to all his servants and to all his land— 12 and in all that mighty hand, and in all the great terror that Moses showed in the sight of all Israel.
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JOSHUA INTRODUCTION TO JOSHUA For centuries, the descendants of Abraham had anticipated possessing the land God had promised to the patriarch in the Abrahamic Covenant (Genesis 12:1–3; 15:5–8) and then reiterated to Isaac and Jacob. Joshua is the compelling history of the fulfillment of that promise. AUTHOR There is some tradition that claims Joshua as the author of this book. But the author is unknown, as is the date of writing. OCCASION This is an account written to reveal God’s faithfulness and how, by faith in God’s promises, God’s people can overcome and experience His life-changing deliverance.
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Joshua Commissioned Now after the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, it came to pass that the Lord spoke to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses’ minister, saying, 2 “Moses My servant is dead. Now therefore, arise, go over this Jordan, you and all this people, to the land that I am giving to them, even to the children of Israel. 3 Every place that the sole of your foot shall tread on I have given to you, as I said to Moses. 4 From the wilderness and this Lebanon, even to the great river, the river Euphrates, all the land of the Hittites, and to the Great Sea toward the going down of the sun shall be your territory. 5 No man shall be able to stand before you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not fail you or forsake you. 6 Be strong and of good courage, for to this people you shall divide the land for an inheritance, which I swore to their fathers to give them. 7 Only be strong and very courageous, that you may observe to do according to all the law that Moses My servant commanded you. Do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. 8 This Book of the Law shall not depart out of your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it, for then you shall make your way prosperous, and then you shall have good success. 9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage. Do not be afraid or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
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Joshua Assumes Command 10 Then Joshua commanded the officers of the people, saying: 11 “Pass through the camp and command the people, saying, ‘Prepare provisions, for within three days you shall cross over this Jordan to go in to possess the land that the Lord your God is giving you to possess.’” 12 And Joshua spoke to the Reubenites and to the Gadites and to half the tribe of Manasseh, saying, 13 “Remember the word that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you, saying, ‘The Lord your God has given you rest and has given you this land.’ 14 Your wives, your little ones, and your cattle shall remain in the land that Moses gave you on this side of the Jordan, but you shall pass before your brothers armed, all the mighty men of valor, and help them, 15 until the Lord has given your brothers rest, as He has given you, and they also have possessed the land that the Lord your God is giving them. Then you shall return to the land of your possession and enjoy it, which Moses the Lord’s servant gave you on this side of the Jordan toward the sunrise.” 16 And they answered Joshua, saying, “All that you command us we will do, and wherever you send us, we will go. 17 As we listened to Moses in all things, so will we listen to you. Only may the Lord your God be with you, as He was with Moses. 18 Whoever he is who rebels against your commandment and will not listen to your words in all that you command him, he shall be put to death. Only be strong and of good courage.”
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Rahab and the Spies And Joshua the son of Nun sent two men out of Shittim to spy secretly, saying, “Go view the land, even Jericho.” And they went, and came into the house of a harlot named Rahab, and lodged there. 2 And it was told to the king of Jericho, saying, “Behold, men came in here tonight from the children of Israel to search out the country.” 3 And the king of Jericho sent to Rahab, saying, “Bring forth the men who have come to you, who have entered into your house, for they have come to search out all the country.” 4 And the woman took the two men and hid them, and said this: “Men came to me, but I did not know who they were. 5 And it came to pass about the time the gate was being shut, when it was dark, that the men went out. I do not know where the men went. Pursue after them quickly, for you shall overtake them.” 6 But she had brought them up to the roof of the house and hidden them with the stalks of flax that she had laid in order on the roof. 7 And the men pursued after them on the way to the Jordan, to the fords. And as soon as those who pursued after them had gone out, they shut the gate. 8 And before they lay down, she came up to them on the roof, 9 and she said to the men, “I know that the Lord has given you the land, and that terror of you has fallen on us, and that all the inhabitants of the land faint because of you. 10 For we have heard how the Lord dried up the water of the Red Sea for you
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when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to the two kings of the Amorites who were on the other side of the Jordan, Sihon and Og, whom you utterly destroyed. 11 And as soon as we had heard these things, our hearts melted. No courage remained any longer in any man because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and in earth beneath. 12 Now therefore, I ask you, swear to me by the Lord, since I have shown you kindness, that you will also show kindness to my father’s house, and give me a true sign, 13 and that you will save alive my father and my mother and my brothers and my sisters and all that they have, and deliver our lives from death.” 14 And the men answered her, “Our life for yours, if you do not utter this business of ours. And it shall be, when the Lord has given us the land, that we will deal kindly and truly with you.” 15 Then she let them down by a cord through the window, for her house was on the town wall, and she dwelled on the wall. 16 And she said to them, “Go to the mountain, lest the pursuers meet you. And hide yourselves there three days, until the pursuers have returned, and afterward you may go your way.” 17 And the men said to her, “We will not be bound to this oath of yours that you have made us swear unless, 18 behold, when we come into the land, you bind this cord of scarlet thread in the window that you let us down by, and you bring into your home your father and your mother and your brothers and
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all your father’s household. 19 And it shall be that whoever goes out of the doors of your house into the street, his blood shall be on his head, and we will be guiltless. And whoever is with you in the house, his blood shall be on our head if any hand is laid on him. 20 And if you utter this business of ours, then we will be free from your oath that you have made us to swear.” 21 And she said, “According to your words, so be it.” And she sent them away, and they departed. And she bound the scarlet cord in the window. 22 And they went and came to the mountain, and remained there three days until the pursuers returned. And the pursuers sought them throughout the entire way but did not find them. 23 So the two men returned and descended from the mountain, and crossed over and came to Joshua the son of Nun, and told him all the things that happened to them. 24 And they said to Joshua, “Truly the Lord has delivered all the land into our hands, for even all the inhabitants of the country faint because of us.” The Crossing of the Jordan And Joshua rose early in the morning, and he and all the children of Israel moved from Shittim and came to the Jordan and lodged there before they crossed over. 2 And it came to pass, after three days, that the officers went through the camp, 3 and they commanded the people, saying, “When you see the ark of the covenant of the Lord your God, and the priests, the
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Levites, bearing it, then you shall move from your place and go after it. 4 Yet there shall be a space between you and it, about two thousand cubits by measure. Do not come near to it, that you may know the way by which you must go, for you have not passed this way before.” 5 And Joshua said to the people, “Sanctify yourselves, for tomorrow the Lord will do wonders among you.” 6 And Joshua spoke to the priests, saying, “Take up the ark of the covenant and cross over before the people.” And they took up the ark of the covenant and went before the people. 7 And the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I will begin to magnify you in the sight of all Israel, that they may know that as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. 8 And you shall command the priests who bear the ark of the covenant, saying, ‘When you come to the bank of the water of the Jordan, you shall stand still in the Jordan.’” 9 And Joshua said to the children of Israel, “Come here and hear the words of the Lord your God.” 10 And Joshua said, “By this you shall know that the living God is among you and that He will without fail drive out from before you the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Hivites and the Perizzites and the Girgashites and the Amorites and the Jebusites. 11 Behold, the ark of the covenant of the Lord of all the earth is crossing over before you into the Jordan. 12 Now therefore, take for yourselves twelve men from the tribes of Israel, a man from every tribe. 13 And it shall come to pass, as soon as the
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soles of the feet of the priests who bear the ark of the Lord, the Lord of all the earth, rest in the waters of the Jordan, that the waters of the Jordan shall be cut off from the waters that come down from above, and they shall stand in a heap.” 14 And it came to pass, when the people moved from their tents to cross over the Jordan, with the priests bearing the ark of the covenant before the people, 15 and as those who bore the ark came to the Jordan and the feet of the priests who bore the ark dipped in the brim of the water (for the Jordan overflows all its banks all during the time of harvest), 16 that the waters that came down from above stood and rose up in a heap very far from the city Adam that is beside Zaretan. And those that came down toward the sea of the plain, the Salt Sea, failed and were cut off, and the people crossed over right on the other side of Jericho. 17 And the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord stood firm on dry ground in the middle of the Jordan, and all the Israelites crossed over on dry ground, until all the people had crossed completely over the Jordan. The Two Memorials And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over the Jordan, that the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying: 2 “Take twelve men out from the people, one man from every tribe, 3 and command them, saying, ‘Take for yourselves twelve stones from here out of the middle of the Jordan, out of the place where the priests’
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feet stood firm, and you shall carry them over with you and leave them in the lodging place where you shall lodge this night.’” 4 Then Joshua called the twelve men whom he had prepared from the children of Israel, a man out of every tribe. 5 And Joshua said to them, “Cross over before the ark of the Lord your God into the middle of the Jordan. And each of you take up a stone on his shoulder, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, 6 that this may be a sign among you when your children ask their fathers in the future, saying, ‘What do you mean by these stones?’ 7 Then you shall answer them that the waters of the Jordan were cut off before the ark of the covenant of the Lord. When it crossed over the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan were cut off. And these stones shall be a memorial to the children of Israel forever.” 8 And the children of Israel did so, as Joshua commanded, and took up twelve stones out of the middle of the Jordan, as the Lord spoke to Joshua, according to the number of the tribes of the children of Israel, and carried them over with them to the place where they lodged, and laid them down there. 9 And Joshua set up twelve stones in the middle of the Jordan, in the place where the feet of the priests who bore the ark of the covenant stood. And they are there to this day. 10 For the priests who bore the ark stood in the middle of the Jordan until everything was finished that the Lord commanded Joshua to speak to the people, according
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to all that Moses commanded Joshua. And the people hastened and crossed over. 11 And it came to pass, when all the people had completely crossed over, that the ark of the Lord and the priests crossed over in the presence of the people. 12 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and half the tribe of Manasseh crossed over armed before the children of Israel, as Moses spoke to them. 13 About forty thousand prepared for war crossed over to battle before the Lord, to the plains of Jericho. 14 On that day the Lord magnified Joshua in the sight of all Israel. And they feared him, as they feared Moses, all the days of his life. 15 And the Lord spoke to Joshua, saying, 16 “Command the priests who bear the ark of the testimony to come up out of the Jordan.” 17 Therefore Joshua commanded the priests, saying, “Come up out of the Jordan.” 18 And it came to pass, when the priests who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord had come up out of the middle of the Jordan, and the soles of the priests’ feet were lifted up to the dry land, that the waters of the Jordan returned to their place and flowed over all its banks, as they did before. 19 And the people came up out of the Jordan on the tenth day of the first month and camped in Gilgal, on the east border of Jericho. 20 And Joshua set up in Gilgal those twelve stones that they took out of the Jordan. 21 And he spoke to the children of Israel, saying, “When your children ask their fathers in the future,
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saying, ‘What do these stones mean?’ 22 then you shall let your children know, saying, ‘Israel came over this Jordan on dry land.’ 23 For the Lord your God dried up the waters of the Jordan from before you until you had crossed over, as the Lord your God did to the Red Sea, which He dried up from before us until we had gone over, 24 that all the people of the earth might know the hand of the Lord, that it is mighty, that you might fear the Lord your God forever.”
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And it came to pass when all the kings of the Amorites who were on the side of the Jordan westward and all the kings of the Canaanites who were by the sea heard that the Lord had dried up the waters of the Jordan from before the children of Israel until we had crossed over, that their hearts melted; there was no spirit in them any longer because of the children of Israel. The Reproach of Egypt Rolled Away 2 At that time the Lord said to Joshua, “Make sharp knives and circumcise the children of Israel again the second time.” 3 And Joshua made himself sharp knives and circumcised the children of Israel at the hill of the foreskins. 4 And this is the reason why Joshua circumcised them: all the people who came out of Egypt who were males, even all the men of war, died in the wilderness on the way, after they came out of Egypt. 5 Now all the people who came out were circumcised, but all the people who were born in
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the wilderness on the way as they came forth out of Egypt had not been circumcised. 6 For the children of Israel walked forty years in the wilderness, until all the people who were men of war, who came out of Egypt, perished, because they did not obey the voice of the Lord, to whom the Lord swore that He would not show them the land that the Lord swore to their fathers that He would give us, a land that flows with milk and honey. 7 And Joshua circumcised their children whom He raised up in their place, for they were uncircumcised because they had not circumcised them on the way. 8 And it came to pass, when they were done circumcising all the people, that they remained in their places in the camp until they were healed. 9 And the Lord said to Joshua, “This day I have rolled away the reproach of Egypt from you.” Therefore the name of the place is called Gilgal to this day. 10 And the children of Israel camped in Gilgal and observed the Passover on the fourteenth day of the month in the evening in the plains of Jericho. The New Food for the New Place 11 And they ate of the old grain of the land on the next day after the Passover, unleavened cakes and roasted grain on the very same day. 12 And the manna ceased on the next day after they had eaten of the old grain of the land. The children of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate the fruit of the land of Canaan that year.
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The Unseen Captain 13 And it came to pass, when Joshua was by Jericho, that he lifted up his eyes and looked, and, behold, a man stood across from him with his sword drawn in his hand. And Joshua went to him and said to him, “Are you for us or for our adversaries?” 14 And he said, “No, but as captain of the army of the Lord, I have now come.” And Joshua fell on his face to the earth and worshipped, and said to him, “What does my lord say to his servant?” 15 And the captain of the Lord’s army said to Joshua, “Remove your shoe from your foot, for the place where you are standing is holy.” And Joshua did so. The Conquest of Jericho Now Jericho was tightly shut up because of the children of Israel. No one went out and no one came in. 2 And the Lord said to Joshua, “See, I have given into your hand Jericho, and its king, and the mighty men of valor. 3 And you shall surround the city, all you men of war, and go around the city once. You shall do this for six days. 4 And seven priests shall bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark, and the seventh day you shall surround the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets. 5 And it shall come to pass, that when they make a long blast with the ram’s horn, and when you hear the sound of the trumpet, all the people shall shout with a great shout, and the wall of the city shall fall down flat,
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and the people shall ascend, every man straight before him.” 6 And Joshua the son of Nun called the priests and said to them, “Take up the ark of the covenant, and let seven priests bear seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord.” 7 And he said to the people, “Pass on, and go around the city, and let him who is armed pass on before the ark of the Lord.” 8 And it came to pass, when Joshua had spoken to the people, that the seven priests bearing the seven trumpets of rams’ horns passed on before the Lord and blew with the trumpets, and the ark of the cov enant of the Lord followed them. 9 And the armed men went before the priests who blew with the trumpets, and the rear guard came after the ark, the priests going on and blowing with the trumpets. 10 And Joshua had commanded the people, saying, “You shall not shout or make any noise with your voice, nor shall any word proceed out of your mouth, until the day I tell you to shout. Then you shall shout.” 11 So the ark of the Lord went around the city, going around it once. And they came into the camp and lodged in the camp. 12 And Joshua rose early in the morning, and the priests took up the ark of the Lord. 13 And seven priests bearing seven trumpets of rams’ horns before the ark of the Lord went on continually and blew with the trumpets. And the armed men went before them, but the rear guard came after the ark of the Lord, while the priests continued blowing with the trumpets. 14 And
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the second day they went around the city once and returned to the camp. They did this for six days. 15 And it came to pass on the seventh day that they rose early, around the dawning of the day, and went around the city seven times in this way. Only on that day they went around the city seven times. 16 And it came to pass on the seventh time, when the priests blew with the trumpets, Joshua said to the people, “Shout, for the Lord has given you the city. 17 And the city shall be cursed by the Lord, even it and all who are in it. Only Rahab the harlot shall live, she and all who are with her in the house, because she hid the messengers that we sent. 18 And you, certainly keep yourselves from the accursed thing, lest you make yourselves accursed when you take of the accursed thing, and make the camp of Israel a curse, and trouble it. 19 But all the silver and gold and vessels of brass and iron are consecrated to the Lord. They shall come into the treasury of the Lord.” 20 So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets. And it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat, so that the people went up into the city, every man straight before him, and they took the city. 21 And they utterly destroyed all that was in the city—both man and woman, young and old, and ox and sheep and donkey—with the edge of the sword. 22 But Joshua had said to the two men who had spied out the country, “Go into the harlot’s house, and
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bring out from there the woman and all that she has, as you swore to her.” 23 And the young men who were spies went in and brought out Rahab and her father and her mother and her brothers and all that she had. And they brought out all her family and left them outside the camp of Israel. 24 And they burned the city and all that was in it with fire. Only the silver and the gold and the vessels of brass and of iron they put into the treasury of the house of the Lord. 25 And Joshua saved Rahab the harlot alive, and her father’s household and all that she had. And she dwells in Israel even to this day because she hid the messengers whom Joshua sent to spy out Jericho. 26 And Joshua solemnly charged them at that time, saying, “Cursed is the man before the Lord who rises up and builds this city Jericho. He shall lay its foundation with his firstborn, and he shall set up its gates with his youngest son.” 27 So the Lord was with Joshua, and his fame was reported throughout all the country. The Sin of Achan But the children of Israel committed a trespass in the accursed things, for Achan, the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, took of the accursed things, and the anger of the Lord was kindled against the children of Israel. 2 And Joshua sent men from Jericho to Ai, which is beside Bethaven, on the east side of Bethel, and spoke to them, saying, “Go up and
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view the country.” And the men went up and viewed Ai. 3 And they returned to Joshua and said to him, “Do not let all the people go up, but let about two or three thousand men go up and strike Ai. And do not make all the people to labor there, for they are but few.” 4 So about three thousand men from the people went up there, and they fled before the men of Ai. 5 And the men of Ai struck about thirty-six men, for they chased them from before the gate even to Shebarim and struck them as they were going down. Therefore the hearts of the people melted and became as water. 6 And Joshua tore his clothes and fell to the earth on his face before the ark of the Lord until the evening, he and the elders of Israel, and they put dust on their heads. 7 And Joshua said, “Alas, O Lord God, why have You brought this people across the Jordan at all, to deliver us into the hand of the Amorites, to destroy us? If only we had been content and dwelled on the other side of the Jordan! 8 O Lord, what shall I say when Israel turns their backs before their enemies! 9 For the Canaanites and all the inhabitants of the land shall hear of it, and shall surround us, and cut off our name from the earth. And what will You do to Your great name?” Achan’s Confession 10 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Get up. Why do you lie thus on your face? 11 Israel has sinned, and they have also transgressed My covenant that I commanded them. For they have
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even taken of the accursed things and have also stolen and also concealed, and they have even put it among their own belongings. 12 Therefore the children of Israel could not stand before their enemies but turned their backs before their enemies, because they were accursed. I will not be with you anymore, unless you destroy the accursed from among you. 13 Up, sanctify the people, and say, ‘Sanctify yourselves before tomorrow, for this is what the Lord God of Israel says: “There is an accursed thing in the midst of you, O Israel. You cannot stand before your enemies until you take away the accursed thing from among you.” 14 Therefore in the morning you shall be brought according to your tribes. And it shall be that the tribe that the Lord chooses shall come according to its families. And the family that the Lord chooses shall come by households. And the household that the Lord chooses shall come man by man. 15 And it shall be that he who has taken the accursed thing shall be burned with fire, he and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of the Lord and because he has worked folly in Israel.’” 16 So Joshua rose up early in the morning and brought Israel by their tribes, and the tribe of Judah was chosen. 17 And he brought the family of Judah, and he took the family of the Zerahites. And he brought the family of the Zerahites man by man, and Zabdi was chosen. 18 And he brought his household man by man, and Achan the son of Carmi, the son of Zabdi, the son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was chosen.
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Joshua 7:26 19 And Joshua said to Achan, “My
son, I ask you, give glory to the Lord God of Israel and make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done. Do not hide it from me.” 20 And Achan answered Joshua and said, “Indeed I have sinned against the Lord God of Israel, and this is what I have done. 21 When I saw among the spoils a beautiful Babylonish garment, and two hundred shekels of silver, and a wedge of gold weighing fifty shekels, then I coveted them and took them. And behold, they are hidden in the earth in the midst of my tent, and the silver is under it.” 22 So Joshua sent messengers, and they ran to the tent. And behold, it was hidden in his tent, and the silver was under it. 23 And they took them out of the midst of the tent and brought them to Joshua and to all the children of Israel, and laid them out before the Lord. 24 And Joshua, and all Israel with him, took Achan the son of Zerah, and the silver and the garment and the wedge of gold, and his sons and his daughters, and his oxen and his donkeys and his sheep, and his tent and all that he had, and they brought them to the Valley of Achor. 25 And Joshua said, “Why have you troubled us? The Lord shall trouble you this day.” And all Israel stoned him with stones and burned them with fire after they had stoned them with stones. 26 And they raised over him a great heap of stones that remains to this day. So the Lord turned from the fierceness of His anger. Therefore
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the name of that place has been called the Valley of Achor to this day. The Conquest of Ai And the Lord said to Joshua: “Don’t be afraid or be dismayed. Take all the people of war with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into your hand the king of Ai and his people and his city and his land. 2 And you shall do to Ai and its king as you did to Jericho and its king. You shall take only its spoil and its cattle as plunder for yourselves. Lay an ambush for the city behind it.” 3 So Joshua and all the people of war arose to go up against Ai, and Joshua chose thirty thousand mighty men of valor and sent them away by night. 4 And he commanded them, saying, “Behold, you shall lie in wait against the city, even behind the city. Do not go very far from the city, but all of you be ready. 5 And I and all the people who are with me will approach the city. And it shall come to pass, when they come out against us, as at the first, that we will flee before them 6 (for they will come out after us), until we have drawn them from the city. For they will say, ‘They are fleeing before us, as at the first.’ Therefore we will flee before them. 7 Then you shall rise up from the ambush and seize the city, for the Lord your God will deliver it into your hand. 8 And it shall be, when you have taken the city, that you shall set the city on fire. You shall do according to the commandment of the Lord. See, I have commanded you.”
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9 Therefore Joshua sent them out,
and they went to lie in ambush, and remained between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of Ai. But Joshua lodged that night among the people. 10 And Joshua rose up early in the morning, and numbered the people, and went up, he and the elders of Israel, before the people to Ai. 11 And all the people, even the people of war who were with him, went up and drew near, and came before the city, and camped on the north side of Ai. Now there was a valley between them and Ai. 12 And he took about five thousand men and set them to lie in ambush between Bethel and Ai, on the west side of the city. 13 And when they had set the people, even all the army that was on the north of the city and its liers in wait on the west of the city, Joshua went that night into the midst of the valley. 14 And it came to pass, when the king of Ai saw it, that they hastened and rose up early, and the men of the city went out against Israel to battle, he and all his people, at a time appointed before the plain. But he did not know that there were liers in ambush against him behind the city. 15 And Joshua and all Israel made as if they were beaten before them and fled by the way of the wilderness. 16 And all the people who were in Ai were called together to pursue after them, and they pursued after Joshua and were drawn away from the city. 17 And not a man was left in Ai or Bethel who did not go out after Israel, and they left the city open and pursued after Israel. 18 And the Lord said to Joshua,
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“Stretch out the spear that is in your hand toward Ai, for I will give it into your hand.” And Joshua stretched out the spear that he had in his hand toward the city. 19 And the ambush arose quickly out of their place, and they ran as soon as he had stretched out his hand, and they entered into the city and took it, and hastened and set the city on fire. 20 And when the men of Ai looked behind them, they saw, and, behold, the smoke of the city ascended up to heaven. And they had no power to flee this way or that way, and the people who fled to the wilderness turned back on the pursuers. 21 And when Joshua and all Israel saw that the ambush had taken the city and that the smoke of the city ascended, then they turned again and slew the men of Ai. 22 And the others came out of the city against them, so they were in the midst of Israel, some on this side and some on that side. And they struck them so that they let none of them remain or escape. 23 And they took the king of Ai alive and brought him to Joshua. 24 And it came to pass, when Israel had finished slaying all the inhabitants of Ai in the field, in the wilderness in which they chased them, and when they had all fallen on the edge of the sword until they were destroyed, that all the Israelites returned to Ai and struck it with the edge of the sword. 25 And so it was that all who fell that day, both men and women, were twelve thousand, even all the men of Ai. 26 For Joshua did not draw back his hand, with which he stretched out the spear,
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until he had utterly destroyed all the inhabitants of Ai. 27 Israel only took the cattle and the spoil of that city as a plunder for themselves, according to the word of the Lord that He commanded Joshua. 28 And Joshua burned Ai and made it a heap forever, even a desolation to this day. 29 And he hanged the king of Ai on a tree until evening. And as soon as the sun was down, Joshua commanded that they take his body down from the tree and cast it at the entry of the gate of the city, and raise on it a great heap of stones that remains to this day. The Blessings and Curses 30 Then Joshua built an altar to the Lord God of Israel on Mount Ebal, 31 as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: an altar of whole stones over which no man has lifted up any iron. And they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord and sacrificed peace offerings. 32 And he wrote there on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he wrote in the presence of the children of Israel. 33 And all Israel, and their elders and officers and their judges, stood on this side and on that side of the ark before the priests, the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, the foreigner as well as he who was born among them, half of them in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. 34 And afterward he read all
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the words of the law, the blessings and cursings, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses commanded that Joshua did not read before all the congregation of Israel, with the women and the little ones and the foreigners who were residing among them. The League with the Gibeonites And it came to pass, when all the kings who were on this side of the Jordan, in the hills and in the valleys and in all the coasts of the Great Sea near Lebanon—the Hittite and the Amorite, the Canaanite, the Perizzite, the Hivite, and the Jebusite—heard of it, 2 that they gathered themselves together with one accord to fight with Joshua and with Israel. 3 And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, 4 they worked deceitfully and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks on their donkeys, and old and torn and bound up wine bottles, 5 and old and patched shoes on their feet, and old garments on themselves. And all the bread of their provision was dry and moldy. 6 And they went to Joshua, to the camp at Gilgal, and said to him and to the men of Israel, “We have come from a far country. Now therefore, make an agreement with us.” 7 And the men of Israel said to the Hivites, “Perhaps you are dwelling among us. And how shall we make an agreement with you?” 8 And they said to Joshua, “We are your servants.”
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And Joshua said to them, “Who are you? And where do you come from?” 9 And they said to him, “Your servants have come from a very far country because of the name of the Lord your God. For we have heard the report of Him and all that He did in Egypt, 10 and all that He did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan, to Sihon king of Heshbon and to Og king of Bashan, who was at Ashtaroth. 11 Therefore our elders and all the inhabitants of our country spoke to us, saying, ‘Take provisions with you for the journey, and go to meet them, and say to them, “We are your servants; now therefore, make an agreement with us.”’ 12 This bread of ours we took hot for our provision out of our houses on the day we came forth to go to you. But now behold, it is dry and it is moldy. 13 And these bottles of wine that we filled were new. And behold, they are torn. And these garments of ours and our shoes have become old because of the very long journey.” 14 And the men took of their provisions and did not ask for counsel from the mouth of the Lord. 15 And Joshua made peace with them and made an agreement with them to let them live. And the princes of the congregation swore to them. 16 And it came to pass at the end of three days, after they had made an agreement with them, that they heard that they were their neighbors and that they dwelled among them. 17 And the children of Israel journeyed and came to their cities on the third day. Now their cities
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were Gibeon, and Chephirah, and Beeroth, and Kiriath-jearim. 18 And the children of Israel did not strike them because the princes of the congregation had sworn to them by the Lord God of Israel. And all the congregation murmured against the princes. 19 But all the princes said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the Lord God of Israel. Now therefore, we may not touch them. 20 We will do this to them: we will even let them live, lest wrath come on us because of the oath that we swore to them.” 21 And the princes said to them, “Let them live, but let them be woodcutters and drawers of water for all the congregation, as the princes had promised them.” 22 And Joshua called for them, and he spoke to them, saying, “Why have you deceived us, saying, ‘We are very far from you,’ when you dwell among us? 23 Now therefore, you are cursed, and none of you shall be freed from being bondmen and woodcutters and drawers of water for the house of my God.” 24 And they answered Joshua and said, “Because it was certainly told to your servants that the Lord your God commanded His servant Moses to give you all the land and to destroy all the inhabitants of the land before you, therefore we were greatly afraid for our lives because of you and have done this thing. 25 And now, behold, we are in your hands. Do to us what seems good and right for you to do.” 26 And so he did this to them, and delivered them
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out of the hand of the children of Israel, that they did not slay them. 27 And that day Joshua made them woodcutters and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the Lord, in the place that He would choose, even to this day. The Victory at Gibeon Now it came to pass, when Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem had heard how Joshua had taken Ai and had utterly destroyed it—as he had done to Jericho and her king, so he had done to Ai and her king—and how the inhabitants of Gibeon had made peace with Israel and were among them, 2 that they feared greatly, because Gibeon was a great city, as one of the royal cities, and because it was greater than Ai, and all its men were mighty. 3 Therefore Adoni-zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, and to Piram king of Jarmuth, and to Japhia king of Lachish, and to Debir king of Eglon, saying, 4 “Come up to me and help me, that we may strike Gibeon, for it has made peace with Joshua and with the children of Israel.” 5 Therefore the five kings of the Amorites—the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, the king of Eglon—gathered themselves together and went up, they and all their armies, and camped before Gibeon and made war against it. 6 And the men of Gibeon sent to Joshua at the camp at Gilgal, saying, “Do not slack your hand from your servants. Come up to us quickly and save us and help us, for all the kings
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of the Amorites who dwell in the mountains have gathered together against us.” 7 So Joshua ascended from Gilgal, he and all the people of war with him, and all the mighty men of valor. 8 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not fear them, for I have delivered them into your hand. Not a man of them shall stand before you.” 9 Therefore Joshua came to them suddenly and went up from Gilgal all night. 10 And the Lord discomfited them before Israel, and slew them with a great slaughter at Gibeon, and chased them along the way that goes up to Beth-horon, and struck them to Azekah and to Makkedah. 11 And it came to pass, as they fled from before Israel and were descending to Beth-horon, that the Lord cast down great stones from heaven on them to Azekah, and they died. There were more who died with hailstones than those whom the children of Israel slew with the sword. 12 Then Joshua spoke to the Lord on the day when the Lord delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel, and he said in the sight of Israel: “Sun, stand still on Gibeon, and you, Moon, in the Valley of Aijalon.” 13 And the sun stood still, and the moon stayed, until the people had avenged themselves of their enemies. Is this not written in the Book of Jashar? So the sun stood still in the midst of heaven and did not hasten to go down for about a whole day. 14 And there was no day like that before it or after it, when the Lord listened to the voice of a man, for the Lord fought for Israel.
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15 And Joshua and all Israel with
him returned to the camp at Gilgal.
Joshua Defeats Five Amorite Kings 16 But these five kings fled and hid themselves in a cave at Makkedah. 17 And it was told to Joshua, saying, “The five kings have been found hidden in a cave at Makkedah.” 18 And Joshua said, “Roll great stones on the mouth of the cave, and set men by it to guard them. 19 And do not stay, but pursue after your enemies and strike the last of them. Do not allow them to enter into their cities, for the Lord your God has delivered them into your hand.” 20 And it came to pass, when Joshua and the children of Israel had finished slaying them with a very great slaughter until they were consumed, that the rest of them who remained entered into fenced cities. 21 And all the people returned in peace to the camp, to Joshua at Makkedah. No one moved his tongue against any of the children of Israel. 22 Then Joshua said, “Open the mouth of the cave and bring out those five kings to me from the cave.” 23 And they did so and brought forth those five kings to him out of the cave: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of Lachish, and the king of Eglon. 24 And it came to pass, when they brought out those kings to Joshua, that Joshua called for all the men of Israel and said to the captains of the men of war who went with him, “Come near. Put your feet on
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the necks of these kings.” And they came near and put their feet on their necks. 25 And Joshua said to them, “Don’t be afraid or be dismayed. Be strong and of good courage, for this is what the Lord shall do to all your enemies against whom you fight.” 26 And afterward Joshua struck them and slew them and hanged them on five trees, and they were hanging on the trees until the evening. 27 And it came to pass at the time of the going down of the sun that Joshua commanded, and they took them down off the trees, and cast them into the cave in which they had been hidden, and laid great stones in the cave’s mouth, which remain until this very day. Victories at Makkedah 28 And that day Joshua took Makkedah and struck it and its king with the edge of the sword. And he utterly destroyed them—and all the souls who were in it. He let no one remain. And he did to the king of Makkedah as he had done to the king of Jericho. 29 Then Joshua and all Israel with him passed from Makkedah to Libnah and fought against Libnah. 30 And the Lord also delivered it and its king into the hand of Israel. And he struck it and all the souls that were in it with the edge of the sword. He let no one remain in it but did to its king as he had done to the king of Jericho. 31 And Joshua and all Israel with him passed from Libnah to Lachish and camped near it and fought against it. 32 And the Lord delivered Lachish into the hand of Israel,
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who took it on the second day and struck it and all the souls that were in it with the edge of the sword, according to all that he had done to Libnah. 33 Then Horam king of Gezer came up to help Lachish, and Joshua struck him and his people, until he left him no one remaining. 34 And from Lachish Joshua and all Israel with him passed to Eglon, and they camped near it and fought against it. 35 And they took it and struck it with the edge of the sword on that day, and he utterly destroyed all the souls that were in it that day, according to all that he had done to Lachish. 36 And Joshua and all Israel with him went up from Eglon to Hebron, and they fought against it. 37 And they took it and struck it with the edge of the sword—and its king, and all its cities, and all the souls who were in it. He left no one remaining, according to all that he had done to Eglon, but utterly destroyed it and all the souls who were in it. 38 And Joshua and all Israel with him returned to Debir and fought against it. 39 And he took it and its king and all its cities, and they struck them with the edge of the sword and utterly destroyed all the souls who were in it. He left no one remaining. As he had done to Hebron, so he did to Debir and to its king, as he had also done to Libnah and to its king. 40 So Joshua struck all the country of the hills and of the south and of the valley and of the springs, and all their kings. He left no one remaining but utterly destroyed all who breathed, as the Lord God of
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Israel commanded. 41 And Joshua struck them from Kadesh-barnea even to Gaza, and all the country of Goshen, even to Gibeon. 42 And all these kings and their land Joshua took at one time, because the Lord God of Israel fought for Israel. 43 And Joshua and all Israel with him returned to the camp to Gilgal. Final Conquest of Canaan And it came to pass, when Jabin king of Hazor had heard those things, that he sent to Jobab king of Madon, and to the king of Shimron and to the king of Achshaph, 2 and to the kings who were on the north of the mountains and of the plains—south of Chinneroth and in the valley and in the borders of Dor on the west, 3 and to the Canaanite on the east and on the west, and to the Amorite and the Hittite and the Perizzite and the Jebusite in the mountains, and to the Hivite under Hermon in the land of Mizpah. 4 And they went out, they and all their hosts with them, as many people even as the sand that is on the seashore in multitude, with very many horses and chariots. 5 And when all these kings had met together, they came and camped together at the waters of Merom to fight against Israel. 6 And the Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid because of them, for tomorrow about this time I will deliver all of them up slain before Israel. You shall hamstring their horses and burn their chariots with fire.” 7 So Joshua and all the people of war with him came against them suddenly by the waters of Merom,
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and they fell on them. 8 And the Lord delivered them into the hand of Israel, who struck them and chased them to Great Sidon, and to Misrephoth-maim, and to the Valley of Mizpah eastward. And they struck them until they left them no one remaining. 9 And Joshua did to them as the Lord commanded him. He hamstrung their horses and burned their chariots with fire. 10 And at that time Joshua turned back, and took Hazor, and struck its king with the sword, for Hazor was formerly the head of all those kingdoms. 11 And they struck all the souls who were in it with the edge of the sword, utterly destroying them. There was not anyone left to breathe. And he burned Hazor with fire. 12 And Joshua took all the cities of those kings, and all their kings, and struck them with the edge of the sword, and he utterly destroyed them, as Moses the servant of the Lord commanded. 13 But as for the cities that stood still in their strength, Israel burned none of them, except Hazor only, which Joshua burned. 14 And all the spoil of these cities and the cattle, the children of Israel took for a plunder for themselves. But they struck every man with the edge of the sword until they had destroyed them. They left no one to breathe. 15 As the Lord commanded Moses His servant, so Moses commanded Joshua, and so Joshua did. He left nothing undone of all that the Lord commanded Moses. 16 So Joshua took all that land: the hills and all the south country and all the land of Goshen and the
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valley and the plain and the mountain of Israel and the valley of the same, 17 even from the mount Halak that goes up to Seir, even to Baalgad in the Valley of Lebanon under Mount Hermon. And he took all their kings and struck them and slew them. 18 Joshua made war a long time with all those kings. 19 There was not a city that made peace with the children of Israel, except the Hivites, the inhabitants of Gibeon. All the others they took in battle. 20 For it was of the Lord to harden their hearts, that they should come against Israel in battle, that He might utterly destroy them, and that they might have no favor, but that He might destroy them, as the Lord commanded Moses. 21 And at that time Joshua came and cut off the Anakim from the mountains: from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the mountains of Judah, and from all the mountains of Israel. Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities. 22 There were none of the Anakim left in the land of the children of Israel; only in Gaza, in Gath, and in Ashdod some remained. 23 So Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the Lord said to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel according to their divisions by their tribes. And the land rested from war. The Roster of the Kings of Canaan Now these are the kings of the land, which the children of Israel struck and possessed their land on the other side of the Jordan
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toward the rising of the sun, from the river Arnon to Mount Hermon, and all the plain on the east: 2 Sihon king of the Amorites, who dwelled in Heshbon and ruled from Aroer, which is on the bank of the river Arnon, and from the middle of the river and from half of Gilead, even to the river Jabbok, which is the border of the children of Ammon, 3 and from the plain to the Sea of Chinnereth on the east and to the sea of the plain, even the Salt Sea on the east, on the way to Beth-jeshimoth, and from the south under Ashdoth-pisgah. 4 And the territory of Og king of Bashan, who was from the remnant of the giants, who dwelled at Ashtaroth and at Edrei 5 and reigned in Mount Hermon and in Salecah and in all Bashan, to the border of the Geshurites and the Maachathites, and half of Gilead, to the border of Sihon king of Heshbon. 6 Moses the servant of the Lord and the children of Israel struck them. And Moses the servant of the Lord gave it as a possession to the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh. Kings Defeated by Joshua 7 And these are the kings of the country that Joshua and the children of Israel struck on this side of the Jordan on the west, from Baalgad in the Valley of Lebanon even to the mount Halak that goes up to Seir, which Joshua gave to the tribes of Israel as a possession according to their divisions, 8 in the mountains and in the valleys and in the plains and in the springs and in the wilderness and in the south country,
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the Hittites, the Amorites and the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hi vites, and the Jebusites: 9 the king of Jericho, one; the king of Ai, which is beside Bethel, one; 10 the king of Jerusalem, one; the king of Hebron, one; 11 the king of Jarmuth, one; the king of Lachish, one; 12 the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one; 13 the king of Debir, one; the king of Geder, one; 14 the king of Hormah, one; the king of Arad, one; 15 the king of Libnah, one; the king of Adullam, one; 16 the king of Makkedah, one; the king of Bethel, one; 17 the king of Tappuah, one; the king of Hepher, one; 18 the king of Aphek, one; the king of Lasharon, one; 19 the king of Madon, one; the king of Hazor, one; 20 the king of Shimron-meron, one; the king of Achshaph, one; 21 the king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one; 22 the king of Kedesh, one; the king of Jokneam of Carmel, one; 23 the king of Dor in the territory of Dor, one; the king of the nations of Gilgal, one; 24 the king of Tirzah, one—all the kings, thirty-one. The Lord Instructs Joshua Now Joshua was old and advanced in years, and the Lord said to him, “You are old and advanced in years, and yet there remains very much land to be possessed. 2 This is the land that yet remains: all the borders of the Philistines, and all Geshuri, 3 from Sihor, which is before Egypt, even to the borders of Ekron northward (which is counted to the Canaanite); five lords of the Philistines: the Gazites, and the Ashdodites, the
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Ashkelonites, the Gittites, and the Ekronites; also the Avites 4 from the south, all the land of the Canaanites, and Mearah that is beside the Sidonians, to Aphek, to the borders of the Amorites; 5 and the land of the Gebalites, and all Lebanon, toward the sunrise, from Baal-gad under Mount Hermon to the entry into Hamath. 6 All the inhabitants of the hill country from Lebanon to Misrephoth-maim, and all the Sidonians, I will drive them out from before the children of Israel. Only divide it by lot to the Israelites as an inheritance, as I have commanded you. 7 Now therefore, divide this land as an inheritance to the nine tribes and the half tribe of Manasseh.” 8 With whom the Reubenites and the Gadites have received their inheritance, which Moses gave them beyond the Jordan eastward, even as Moses the servant of the Lord gave them: 9 from Aroer, which is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain of Medeba to Dibon; 10 and all the cities of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, to the border of the children of Ammon; 11 and Gilead, and the border of the Geshurites and Maachathites, and all Mount Hermon, and all Bashan to Salecah; 12 all the kingdom of Og in Bashan, which reigned in Ashtaroth and in Edrei, who remained of the remnant of the giants; for Moses struck these and cast them out. 13 Nevertheless the children of Israel did not expel the Geshurites or the Maachathites, but the Geshurites and the Maachathites dwell among the Israelites
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until this day. 14 Only to the tribes of Levi he gave no inheritance; the sacrifices of the Lord God of Israel made by fire are their inheritance, as He said to them. 15 And Moses gave to the tribe of the children of Reuben an inheritance according to their families. 16 And their territory was from Aroer, which is on the bank of the river Arnon, and the city that is in the midst of the river, and all the plain by Medeba; 17 Heshbon and all its cities that are on the plain: Dibon, and Bamoth-baal, and Beth-baal-meon, 18 and Jahaza, and Kedemoth, and Mephaath, 19 and Kiriathaim, and Sibmah, and Zereth-shahar in the mount of the valley, 20 and Bethpeor, and Ashdoth-pisgah, and Beth-jeshimoth, 21 and all the cities of the plain and all the kingdom of Sihon king of the Amorites, who reigned in Heshbon, whom Moses struck with the princes of Midian, Evi, and Rekem, and Zur, and Hur, and Reba, who were dukes of Sihon dwelling in the country. 22 The children of Israel also slayed with the sword Balaam the son of Beor, the soothsayer, among those who were slain by them. 23 And the border of the children of Reuben was the Jordan and its border. This was the inheritance of the children of Reuben according to their families, the cities and their villages. 24 And Moses gave an inheritance to the tribe of Gad, even to the children of Gad according to their families. 25 And their territory was Jazer, and all the cities of Gilead, and half the land of the children
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of Ammon to Aroer, which is before Rabbah, 26 and from Heshbon to Ramath-mizpah and Betonim, and from Mahanaim to the border of Debir, 27 and in the valley, Beth- haram, and Beth-nimrah, and Succoth, and Zaphon, the rest of the kingdom of Sihon king of Heshbon, the Jordan and its border, even to the edge of the Sea of Chinnereth on the other side of the Jordan eastward. 28 This is the inheritance of the children of Gad according to their families, the cities and their villages. 29 And Moses gave an inheritance to the half tribe of Manasseh, and this was the possession of the half tribe of the children of Manasseh by their families: 30 and their territory was from Mahanaim, all Bashan, all the kingdom of Og king of Bashan, and all the towns of Jair, which are in Bashan, sixty cities; 31 and half of Gilead, and Ashtaroth and Edrei, cities of the kingdom of Og in Bashan, were pertaining to the children of Machir the son of Manasseh, even to one half of the children of Machir by their families. 32 These are the countries that Moses distributed as an inheritance in the plains of Moab on the other side of the Jordan, by Jericho eastward. 33 But to the tribe of Levi, Moses did not give any inheritance; the Lord God of Israel was their inheritance, as He said to them. The Portion of Caleb And these are the countries that the children of Israel inherited in the land of Canaan, which Eleazar the priest, and Joshua the son of Nun, and the heads of the
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fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel distributed to them for inheritances. 2 Their inheritance was by lot, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses, for the nine tribes and for the half tribe. 3 For Moses had given the inheritance of two tribes and a half tribe on the other side of the Jordan, but to the Levites he gave no inheritance among them. 4 For the children of Joseph were two tribes: Manasseh and Ephraim. Therefore they gave no part to the Levites in the land, except cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for their cattle and for their substance. 5 As the Lord commanded Moses, so the children of Israel did, and they divided the land. 6 Then the children of Judah came to Joshua in Gilgal, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite said to him, “You know the thing that the Lord said to Moses the man of God concerning me and you in Kadesh-barnea. 7 I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh-barnea to spy out the land, and I brought him back word as it was in my heart. 8 Nevertheless my brothers who went up with me made the heart of the people melt, but I wholly followed the Lord my God. 9 And Moses swore on that day, saying, ‘Surely the land in which your feet have trampled shall be your inheritance and your children’s forever, because you have wholly followed the Lord my God.’ 10 And now, behold, the Lord has kept me alive, as He said, these forty-five years, even since the Lord spoke this word to Moses while the children of Israel
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wandered in the wilderness. And now, behold, I am eighty-five years old this day. 11 As yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me; as my strength was then, even so my strength is now for war, both to go out and to come in. 12 Now therefore, give me this mountain of which the Lord spoke in that day, for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and that the cities were great and fenced. If the Lord will be with me, then I shall be able to drive them out as the Lord said.” 13 And Joshua blessed him and gave Hebron to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for an inheritance. 14 Therefore Hebron became the inheritance of Caleb the son of Jephunneh the Kenizzite to this day, because he wholly followed the Lord God of Israel. 15 And before the name of Hebron was Kiriatharba; Arba was a great man among the Anakim. And the land had rest from war. The Portion of Judah This then was the lot of the tribe of the children of Judah by their families even to the border of Edom. The wilderness of Zin southward was the farthest part of the south border. 2 And their south border was from the shore of the Salt Sea, from the bay that looks southward. 3 And it went out to the south side to Maaleh-akrabbim, and passed along to Zin, and ascended up on the south side to Kadesh- barnea, and passed along to Hezron, and went up to Adar, and went around to Karkaa. 4 From there it
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passed toward Azmon and went out to the river of Egypt. And the end of that border was at the sea. This shall be your south border. 5 And the east border was the Salt Sea, even to the end of the Jordan. And their border in the north region was from the bay of the sea at the farthest part of the Jordan. 6 And the border went up to Beth-hoglah and passed along by the north of Beth-arabah. And the border went up to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. 7 And the border went up toward Debir from the Valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, which is before the ascent to Adummim, which is on the south side of the river. And the border passed toward the waters of En-shemesh, and the end of it was at En-rogel. 8 And the border went up by the Valley of the Son of Hinnom to the south side of the Jebusite (the same is Jerusalem). And the border went up to the top of the mountain that lies before the Valley of Hinnom westward, which is at the end of the valley of the giants northward. 9 And the border was drawn from the top of the hill to the fountain of the water of Nephtoah and went out to the cities of Mount Ephron. And the border was drawn to Baalah (which is Kiriath-jearim). 10 And the border went around from Baalah westward to Mount Seir and passed along to the side of Mount Jearim on the north side (which is Chesalon), and went down to Bethshemesh and passed on to Timnah. 11 And the border went out to the side of Ekron northward. And the border was drawn to Shicron, and
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passed along to Mount Baalah, and went out to Jabneel. And the end of the border was at the sea. 12 And the west border was to the Great Sea and its coast. This is the border of the children of Judah all around according to their families. 13 And he gave a part among the children of Judah to Caleb the son of Jephunneh, according to the commandment of the Lord to Joshua, even the city of Arba the father of Anak, which is Hebron. 14 And Caleb drove out from there the three sons of Anak: Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak. 15 And he went up from there to the inhabitants of Debir. And the name of Debir before was Kiriath-sepher. 16 And Caleb said, “He who strikes Kiriath-sepher and takes it, I will give to him Achsah my daughter as a wife.” 17 And Othniel the son of Kenaz, the brother of Caleb, took it. And he gave him Achsah his daughter as a wife. 18 And it came to pass, as she came to him, that she moved him to ask for a field from her father. And she descended off her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?” 19 She answered, “Give me a blessing. For you have given me a south land; also give me springs of water.” And he gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. 20 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Judah according to their families. 21 And the farthest cities of the tribe of the children of Judah, toward the border of Edom southward, were Kabzeel, and Eder, and Jagur, 22 and
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Kinah, and Dimonah, and Adadah, 23 and Kedesh, and Hazor, and Ithnan, 24 Ziph, and Telem, and Bealoth, 25 and Hazor, Hadattah, and Kerioth, and Hezron (which is Hazor), 26 Amam, and Shema, and Moladah, 27 and Hazar-gaddah, and Heshmon, and Beth-pelet, 28 and Hazar-shual, and Beer-sheba, and Bizjothjah, 29 Baalah, and Iim, and Ezem, 30 and Eltolad, and Chesil, and Hormah, 31 and Ziklag, and Madmannah, and San-sannah, 32 and Lebaoth, and Shilhim, and Ain, and Rimmon. All the cities are twenty-nine, with their villages. 33 And in the valley:
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Eshtaol, and Zorah, and Ashnah, 34 and Zanoah, and En-gannim, Tappuah, and Enam, 35 Jarmuth, and Adullam, Socoh, and Azekah, 36 and Sharaim, and Adithaim, and Gederah, and Gederothaim—fourteen cities with their villages; Zenan, and Hadashah, and Migdal-gad, 38 and Dilean, and Mizpah, and Joktheel, 39 Lachish, and Bozkath, and Eglon, 40 and Cabbon, and Lahmas, and Kithlish, 41 and Gederoth, Beth- dagon, and Naamah, and Makkedah—sixteen cities with their villages; Libnah, and Ether, and Ashan, 43 and Jiphtah, and Ashnah, and Nezib, 44 and Keilah, and
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Achzib, and Mareshah— nine cities with their villages; Ekron, with its towns and its villages; 46 from Ekron even to the sea, all that lay near Ashdod, with their villages; 47 Ashdod with its towns and its villages, Gaza with its towns and its villages, to the river of Egypt and the Great Sea and its border. 48 And in the mountains:
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Shamir, and Jattir, and Socoh, 49 and Dannah, and Kiriath-sannah (which is Debir), 50 and Anab, and Eshtemoh, and Anim, 51 and Go shen, and Holon, and Giloh—eleven cities with their villages; Arab, and Dumah, and Eshean, 53 and Janum, and Beth-tappuah, and Aphekah, 54 and Humtah, and Kiriath-arba (which is Hebron), and Zior— nine cities with their villages; Maon, Carmel, and Ziph, and Juttah, 56 and Jezreel, and Jokdeam, and Zanoah, 57 Kain, Gibeah, and Timnah—ten cities with their villages; Halhul, Beth-zur, and Gedor, 59 and Maarath, and Beth-anoth, and Eltekon—six cities with
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their villages; Kiriath-baal (which is Kiriath-jearim) and Rabbah—two cities with their villages. 61 In the wilderness:
Beth-arabah, Middin, and Secacah, 62 and Nibshan, and the City of Salt, and En-gedi—six cities with their villages. 63 As for the Jebusites, the inhab-
itants of Jerusalem, the children of Judah could not drive them out. But the Jebusites dwell with the children of Judah at Jerusalem to this day. The Portion of Manasseh and Ephraim And the lot of the children of Joseph fell from Jordan by Jericho, to the water of Jericho on the east, to the wilderness that goes up from Jericho throughout Mount Bethel, 2 and goes out from Bethel to Luz, and passes along to the borders of Archi to Ataroth, 3 and goes down westward to the coast of Japhleti, to the coast of Beth-horon the lower, and to Gezer; and the end of it is at the sea. 4 So the children of Joseph, Ma nasseh and Ephraim, took their inheritance. 5 And the border of the children of Ephraim, according to their families, was this: even the border of their inheritance on the east side was Ataroth-addar, to Beth-horon the upper. 6 And the border went out toward the
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sea to Michmethath on the north side, and the border went about eastward to Taanath-shiloh, and passed by it on the east to Janohah. 7 And it went down from Janohah to Ataroth, and to Naarah, and came to Jericho, and went out at the Jordan. 8 The border went out from Tappuah westward to the river Kanah. And it ended at the sea. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Ephraim by their families. 9 And the separate cities for the children of Ephraim were among the inheritance of the children of Manasseh, all the cities with their villages. 10 And they did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelled in Gezer. But the Canaanites dwell among the Ephraimites to this day and serve as forced laborers. The Separate Portion for Manasseh There was also a lot for the tribe of Manasseh, for he was the firstborn of Joseph: namely, for Machir the firstborn of Manasseh, the father of Gilead, because he was a man of war. Therefore he had Gilead and Bashan. 2 There was also a lot for the rest of the children of Manasseh by their families: for the children of Abiezer and for the children of Helek and for the children of Asriel and for the children of Shechem and for the children of Hepher and for the children of Shemida. These were the male children of Manasseh the son of Joseph by their families. 3 But Zelophehad the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of
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Machir, the son of Manasseh, had no sons but daughters. And these are the names of his daughters: Mahlah and Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah. 4 And they came near before Eleazar the priest and before Joshua the son of Nun and before the princes, saying, “The Lord commanded Moses to give us an inheritance among our brothers.” Therefore, according to the commandment of the Lord, he gave them an inheritance among the brothers of their father. 5 And ten portions fell to Manasseh, besides the land of Gilead and Bashan, which were on the other side of the Jordan, 6 because the daughters of Manasseh had an inheritance among his sons. And the rest of Manasseh’s sons had the land of Gilead. 7 And the territory of Manasseh was from Asher to Michmethath that lies before Shechem. And the border went along on the right hand to the inhabitants of En-tappuah. 8 Now Manasseh had the land of Tappuah, but Tappuah on the border of Manasseh belonged to the children of Ephraim. 9 And the border descended to the river Kanah, southward of the river. These cities of Ephraim are among the cities of Manasseh. The border of Manasseh was also on the north side of the river, and it ended at the sea. 10 Southward it was Ephraim’s, and northward it was Manasseh’s, and the sea is its border. And they met together in Asher on the north and in Issachar on the east. 11 And in Issachar and in Asher, Manasseh had Beth-shean and its towns and
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Ibleam and its towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns—even three countries. 12 Yet the children of Manasseh could not drive out the inhabitants of those cities, but the Canaanites would dwell in that land. 13 Yet it came to pass, when the children of Israel became strong, that they put the Canaanites to forced labor but did not utterly drive them out. 14 And the children of Joseph spoke to Joshua, saying, “Why have you given me but one lot and one portion to inherit, seeing that I am a great people, since the Lord has blessed me up to this point?” 15 And Joshua answered them, “If you are a great people, then go up to the wood country and cut down for yourself there in the land of the Perizzites and of the giants, if Mount Ephraim is too narrow for you.” 16 And the children of Joseph said, “The hill is not enough for us. And all the Canaanites who dwell in the land of the valley have chariots of iron, both those who are of Bethshean and its towns and those who are of the Valley of Jezreel.” 17 And Joshua spoke to the house of Joseph, even to Ephraim and to Manasseh, saying, “You are a great people and have great power. You shall not have only one lot, 18 but the mountain shall be yours. For it is a wood, and you shall cut it down, and its outer limits shall be yours. For you shall drive out the Canaanites,
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though they have iron chariots and though they are strong.” The Tabernacle Set Up at Shiloh And the whole congregation of the children of Israel assembled together at Shiloh and set up the tabernacle of the congregation there. And the land was subdued before them. 2 And seven tribes remained among the children of Israel who had not yet received their inheritance. 3 And Joshua said to the children of Israel, “How long will you delay to go to possess the land that the Lord God of your fathers has given you? 4 Choose from among you three men for each tribe, and I will send them. And they shall rise and go through the land and describe it according to their inheritance, and they shall come again to me. 5 And they shall divide it into seven parts: Judah shall remain in their territory on the south, and the house of Joseph shall remain in their territory on the north. 6 Therefore you shall describe the land in seven parts and bring the description here to me, that I may cast lots for you here before the Lord our God. 7 But the Levites have no part among you, for the priesthood of the Lord is their inheritance. And Gad and Reuben and half the tribe of Manasseh have received their inheritance beyond the Jordan on the east, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave them.” 8 And the men arose and went away. And Joshua charged those who went to describe the land, saying, “Go and walk through the land and describe it, and come again to
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me that I may cast lots for you here before the Lord in Shiloh.” 9 And the men went and passed through the land, and described it by cities in seven parts in a book, and came again to Joshua to the camp at Shiloh. 10 And Joshua cast lots for them in Shiloh before the Lord, and there Joshua divided the land for the children of Israel according to their divisions. Benjamin’s Inheritance 11 And the lot of the tribe of the children of Benjamin came up according to their families, and the territory of their lot came forth between the children of Judah and the children of Joseph. 12 And their border on the north side was from the Jordan, and the border went up to the side of Jericho on the north side, and went up through the mountains westward. And the end of it was at the wilderness of Beth-aven. 13 And the border went over from there toward Luz, to the side of Luz (which is Bethel) southward. And the border descended to Ataroth-addar, near the hill that lies on the south side of the lower Beth-horon. 14 And the border was drawn there and surrounded the corner of the sea southward, from the hill that lies before Beth-horon southward. And the end of it was at Kiriath-baal (which is Kiriath-jearim), a city of the children of Judah. This was the west region. 15 And the south region was from the end of Kiriath-jearim, and the border went out on the west and went out to the well of waters of Nephtoah. 16 And the border came down to the end of the mountain
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that lies before the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, which is in the valley of the giants on the north, and descended to the Valley of Hinnom, to the side of Jebus on the south, and descended to En-rogel, 17 and was drawn from the north, and went forth to En-shemesh, and went forth toward Geliloth, which is across from the ascent of Adummim, and descended to the stone of Bohan the son of Reuben. 18 And it passed along toward the side across from Arabah northward and went down to Arabah. 19 And the border passed along to the side of Beth-hoglah northward. And the end of the border was at the north bay of the Salt Sea, at the south end of the Jordan. This was the south border. 20 And the Jordan was its border on the east side. This was the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families, by its surrounding borders. 21 Now the cities of the tribe of the children of Benjamin according to their families were Jericho and Beth-hoglah and the Valley of Keziz, 22 and Beth-arabah and Zemaraim and Bethel, 23 and Avim and Parah and Ophrah, 24 and Chephar-ammoni and Ophni and Gaba—twelve cities with their villages; 25 Gibeon and Ramah and Beeroth 26 and Mizpah and Chephirah and Mozah, 27 and Rekem and Irpeel and Taralah, 28 and Zelah, Eleph, and Jebus (which is Jerusalem), Gibeath and Kiriath—fourteen cities with their villages. This is the inheritance of the children of Benjamin according to their families.
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Simeon’s Inheritance And the second lot came forth to Simeon, even for the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. And their inheritance was within the inheritance of the children of Judah. 2 And they had in their inheritance Beer-sheba (or Sheba) and Moladah, 3 and Hazarshual and Balah and Ezem, 4 and Eltolad and Bethul and Hormah, 5 and Ziklag and Beth-marcaboth and Hazar-susah, 6 and Beth-lebaoth and Sharuhen—thirteen cities and their villages; 7 Ain, Rimmon and Ether and Ashan—four cities and their villages; 8 and all the villages that were surrounding these cities to Baalath-beer, Ramah of the south. This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Simeon according to their families. 9 The inheritance of the children of Simeon was out of the portion of the children of Judah, for the part of the children of Judah was too much for them. Therefore the children of Simeon had their inheritance within the inheritance of them.
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Zebulun’s Inheritance 10 And the third lot came up for the children of Zebulun according to their families, and the border of their inheritance was to Sarid. 11 And their border went up toward the sea and Maralah, and reached to Dabbasheth, and reached to the river that is before Jokneam, 12 and turned eastward from Sarid toward the sunrise to the border of Chisloth- tabor, and then went out to Dabe rath, and went up to Japhia. 13 And from there it passed on along on
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the east to Gath-hepher, to Eth-kazin, and went out to Rimmon-methoar to Neah. 14 And the border surrounded it on the north side to Hannathon. And the end of it was in the Valley of Jiphthah-el. 15 And Kattath and Nahallal and Shimron and Idalah and Bethlehem—twelve cities with their villages. 16 This was the inheritance of the children of Zebulun according to their families, these cities with their villages. Issachar’s Inheritance 17 And the fourth lot came out to Issachar, for the children of Issachar according to their families. 18 And their border was toward Jezreel and Chesulloth and Shunem, 19 and Haphraim and Shion and Anaharath, 20 and Rabbith and Kishion and Abez, 21 and Remeth and En-gannim and En-haddah and Beth-pazzez. 22 And the border reached to Tabor and Shahazimah and Beth-shemesh. And the end of their border was at the Jordan—sixteen cities with their villages. 23 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Issachar according to their families, the cities and their villages.
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of Beth-emek and Neiel, and went out to Cabul on the left hand, 28 and Ebron and Rehob and Hammon and Kanah, even to Great Sidon. 29 And then the border turned to Ramah and to the strong city of Tyre, and the border turned to Hosah, and its outer limits were at the sea from the coast to Achzib. 30 Also Ummah and Aphek and Rehob—twenty-two cities with their villages. 31 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Asher according to their families, these cities with their villages.
Naphtali’s Inheritance 32 The sixth lot came out to the children of Naphtali, even for the children of Naphtali according to their families. 33 And their border was from Heleph, from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami-nekeb and Jabneel to Lakkum. And its outer limits were at the Jordan. 34 And then the border turned westward to Aznoth- tabor and went out from there to Hukkok, and reached to Zebulun on the south side, and reached to Asher on the west side, and to Judah on the Jordan toward the sunrise. 35 And the fenced cities are Ziddim, Zer and Hammath, Rakkath and Asher’s Inheritance Chinnereth, 36 and Adamah and Ra24 And the fifth lot came out for the mah and Hazor, 37 and Kedesh and tribe of the children of Asher accord- Edrei and En-hazor, 38 and Iron and ing to their families. 25 And their bor- Migdal-el, Horem and Beth-anath der was Helkath and Hali and Beten and Beth-shemesh—nineteen cities and Achshaph, 26 and Alammelech with their villages. 39 This is the inand Amad and Mishal, and reached heritance of the tribe of the children westward to Carmel and to Shihor- of Naphtali according to their familibnath, 27 and turned toward the lies, the cities and their villages. sunrise to Beth-dagon, and reached to Zebulun and to the Valley of Dan’s Inheritance Jiphthah-el toward the north side 40 And the seventh lot came out for
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the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families. 41 And the border of their inheritance was Zorah and Eshtaol and Ir-shemesh, 42 and Shaalabbin and Aijalon and Jethlah, 43 and Elon and Timnah and Ekron, 44 and Eltekeh and Gibbethon and Baalath, 45 and Jehud and Bene-berak and Gath-rimmon, 46 and Me-jarkon and Rakkon, with the border before Joppa. 47 And the territory of the children of Dan went out too little for them. Therefore the children of Dan went up to fight against Leshem and took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, and possessed it, and dwelled in it, and called Leshem Dan, after the name of Dan their father. 48 This is the inheritance of the tribe of the children of Dan according to their families, these cities with their villages. Joshua’s Inheritance 49 When they had finished dividing the land for inheritance by their borders, the children of Israel gave an inheritance among them to Joshua the son of Nun. 50 According to the word of the Lord they gave him the city that he asked for, even Timnath-serah in Mount Ephraim. And he built the city and dwelled in it. 51 These are the inheritances that Eleazar the priest and Joshua the son of Nun and the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel divided for an inheritance by lot in Shiloh before the Lord, at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. So they finished dividing the country.
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The Cities of Refuge The Lord also spoke to Joshua, saying: 2 “Speak to the children of Israel, saying, ‘Appoint cities of refuge for yourselves, of which I spoke to you by the hand of Moses, 3 that the slayer who kills any person unintentionally and unwittingly may flee there. And they shall be your refuge from the avenger of blood. 4 And when he who flees to one of those cities stands at the entry of the gate of the city and declares his reason in the ears of the elders of that city, they shall take him into the city to them and give him a place, that he may dwell among them. 5 And if the avenger of blood pursues after him, then they shall not deliver up the slayer into his hand, because he struck his neighbor unwittingly and did not formerly hate him. 6 And he shall dwell in that city until he stands before the congregation for judgment, and until the death of the high priest who shall be in those days. Then the slayer shall return and come to his own city and to his own house, to the city from which he fled.’” 7 And they appointed Kedesh in Galilee in Mount Naphtali, and Shechem in Mount Ephraim, and Kiriath-arba (which is Hebron) in the mountain of Judah. 8 And on the other side of the Jordan, by Jericho eastward, they assigned Bezer in the wilderness on the plain out of the tribe of Reuben, and Ramoth in Gilead out of the tribe of Gad, and Golan in Bashan out of the tribe of Manasseh. 9 These were the cities appointed for all the children of
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Israel and for the foreigner who sojourned among them, that whoever killed any person unintentionally might flee there and not die by the hand of the avenger of blood until he stood before the congregation. Division of the Land Then the heads of the fathers of the Levites came near to Eleazar the priest, and to Joshua the son of Nun, and to the heads of the fathers of the tribes of the children of Israel. 2 And they spoke to them at Shiloh in the land of Canaan, saying, “The Lord commanded by the hand of Moses to give us cities to dwell in, with their suburbs for our cattle.” 3 And the children of Israel gave to the Levites out of their inheritance, at the commandment of the Lord, these cities and their suburbs. 4 And the lot came out for the families of the Kohathites. And the children of Aaron the priest, who were of the Levites, had thirteen cities by lot out of the tribe of Judah and out of the tribe of Simeon and out of the tribe of Benjamin. 5 And the rest of the children of Kohath had ten cities by lot out of the families of the tribe of Ephraim and out of the tribe of Dan and out of the half tribe of Manasseh. 6 And the children of Gershon had thirteen cities by lot out of the families of the tribe of Issachar and out of the tribe of Asher and out of the tribe of Naphtali and out of the half tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. 7 The children of Merari by their families had twelve cities out of the tribe of Reuben and out of the tribe
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of Gad and out of the tribe of Zebulun. 8 And the children of Israel gave these cities with their suburbs by lot to the Levites, as the Lord commanded by the hand of Moses. 9 And out of the tribe of the children of Judah and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon they gave these cities that are here mentioned by name, 10 which the children of Aaron, being of the families of the Kohathites, who were of the children of Levi, had, for theirs was the first lot. 11 And they gave them the city of Arba, the father of Anak, which is the city of Hebron, in the hill country of Judah, with its surrounding suburbs. 12 But the fields of the city and its villages they gave to Caleb the son of Jephunneh for his possession. 13 Thus to the children of Aaron the priest they gave Hebron with its suburbs to be a city of refuge for the slayer, and Libnah with its suburbs, 14 and Jattir with its suburbs, and Eshtemoa with its suburbs 15 and Holon with its suburbs and Debir with its suburbs 16 and Ain with its suburbs, and Juttah with its suburbs, and Beth-shemesh with its suburbs—nine cities out of those two tribes; 17 and out of the tribe of Benjamin, Gibeon with its suburbs, Geba with its suburbs, 18 Anathoth with its suburbs, and Almon with its suburbs—four cities. 19 All the cities of the children of Aaron, the priests, were thirteen cities with their suburbs. 20 And the families of the children of Kohath, the Levites who remained of the children of Kohath,
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even they had the cities of their lot children of Merari, the rest of the out of the tribe of Ephraim. 21 For Levites, out of the tribe of Zebuthey gave them Shechem with its lun, Jokneam with its suburbs and suburbs to be a city of refuge for the Kartah with its suburbs, 35 Dimnah slayer in Mount Ephraim, and Gezer with its suburbs, Nahalal with its with its suburbs 22 and Kibzaim with suburbs—four cities; 36 and out of its suburbs and Beth-horon with its the tribe of Reuben, Bezer with its suburbs: four cities; 23 and out of suburbs and Jahaz with its suburbs, the tribe of Dan, Eltekeh with its 37 Kedemoth with its suburbs, and suburbs, Gibbethon with its sub- Mephaath with its suburbs—four urbs, 24 Aijalon with its suburbs, cities; 38 and out of the tribe of Gad, Gath-rimmon with its suburbs: four Ramoth in Gilead with its suburbs, cities; 25 and out of the half tribe of to be a city of refuge for the slayer, Manasseh, Tanach with its suburbs and Mahanaim with its suburbs, and Gath-rimmon with its suburbs: 39 Heshbon with its suburbs, Jazer two cities. 26 All the ten cities with with its suburbs—four cities in all. their suburbs were for the families 40 So all the cities for the children of of the children of Kohath who re- Merari by their families, who were mained. remaining of the families of the Le 27 And to the children of Gershon, vites, were by their lot twelve cities. 41 All the cities of the Levites within of the families of the Levites, out of the other half tribe of Manasseh, the possession of the children of they gave Golan in Bashan with its Israel were forty-eight cities with suburbs to be a city of refuge for the their suburbs. 42 Every one of these slayer, and Be-eshterah with its sub- cities was with its surrounding suburbs—two cities; 28 and out of the urbs; thus were all these cities. 43 And the Lord gave to Israel all tribe of Issachar, Kishion with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs, the land that He swore to give to 29 Jarmuth with its suburbs, En- their fathers, and they possessed it gannim with its suburbs—four cit- and dwelled in it. 44 And the Lord ies; 30 and out of the tribe of Asher, gave them rest all around, according Mishal with its suburbs, Abdon with to all that He swore to their fathers. its suburbs, 31 Helkath with its sub- And not a man of all their enemies urbs, and Rehob with its suburbs— stood before them. The Lord defour cities; 32 and out of the tribe of livered all their enemies into their Naphtali, Kedesh in Galilee with its hand. 45 Not any good thing that the suburbs, to be a city of refuge for Lord had spoken to the house of Isthe slayer, and Hammoth-dor with rael failed; all came to pass. its suburbs, and Kartan with its suburbs—three cities. 33 All the cities of The Schismatic Altar Then Joshua called the Reuthe Gershonites according to their benites and the Gadites and families were thirteen cities with the half tribe of Manasseh, 2 and their suburbs. 34 And to the families of the said to them: “You have kept all
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that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded you and have obeyed my voice in all that I commanded you. 3 You have not left your brothers these many days, to this day, but have kept the charge of the commandment of the Lord your God. 4 And now the Lord your God has given rest to your brothers, as He promised them. Therefore return now and go to your tents and to the land of your possession, which Moses the servant of the Lord gave you on the other side of the Jordan. 5 But be very careful to do the commandment and the law that Moses the servant of the Lord charged you, to love the Lord your God and to walk in all His ways, and to keep His commandments and to cling to Him, and to serve Him with all your heart and with all your soul.” 6 So Joshua blessed them and sent them away, and they went to their tents. 7 Now to the one half of the tribe of Manasseh Moses had given a possession in Bashan, but to the other half of it Joshua gave among their brothers on this side of the Jordan, westward. And also, when Joshua sent them away to their tents, then he blessed them, 8 and he spoke to them, saying, “Return to your tents with many riches, and with very many cattle, with silver and with gold and with brass and with iron and with very many garments. Divide the spoil of your enemies with your brothers.” 9 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh returned and departed from the children of Israel out of Shiloh, which is in the land of
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Canaan, to go to the country of Gilead, to the land of their possession, which they possessed according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses. The Eastern Tribes’ Altar 10 And when they came to the borders of the Jordan that are in the land of Canaan, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh built there an altar by the Jordan, a great altar to see. 11 And the children of Israel heard this: “Behold, the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh have built an altar near the land of Canaan, in the borders of the Jordan, at the passage of the children of Israel.” 12 And when the children of Israel heard of it, the whole congregation of the children of Israel gathered themselves together at Shiloh to go up to war against them. 13 And the children of Israel sent Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest to the children of Reuben and to the children of Gad and to the half tribe of Manasseh, into the land of Gilead, 14 and with him ten princes, a prince from each chief house throughout all the tribes of Israel. And each one was a head of the house of their fathers among the thousands of Israel. 15 And they came to the children of Reuben and to the children of Gad and to the half tribe of Manasseh, to the land of Gilead, and they spoke with them, saying, 16 “This is what the whole congregation of the Lord says: ‘What trespass is this that you have committed against the God of Israel, to
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turn away this day from following the Lord, in that you have built for yourselves an altar, that you might rebel this day against the Lord? 17 Is the iniquity of Peor too little for us, from which we are not cleansed until this day, although there was a plague in the congregation of the Lord, 18 but that you must turn away this day from following the Lord? And it will be, seeing that you rebelled today against the Lord, that tomorrow He will be wrathful with the whole congregation of Israel. 19 However, if the land of your possession is unclean, then cross over to the land of the possession of the Lord, in which the Lord’s tabernacle dwells, and take possession among us. But do not rebel against the Lord or rebel against us in building yourselves an altar besides the altar of the Lord our God. 20 Did Achan the son of Zerah not commit a trespass in the accursed thing, and wrath fell on all the congregation of Israel? And that man did not perish alone in his iniquity.’” 21 Then the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the half tribe of Manasseh answered and said to the heads of the thousands of Israel: 22 “The Lord God of gods, the Lord God of gods, He knows, and Israel itself shall know. If it is in rebellion or if in transgression against the Lord, do not save us this day. 23 If we have built an altar for ourselves to turn from following the Lord, or if to offer on it a burnt offering or grain offering, or if to offer peace offerings on it, let the Lord Himself require it. 24 And if we have not rather done it for fear of
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this thing, saying, ‘In time to come your children might speak to our children, saying, “What have you to do with the Lord God of Israel? 25 For the Lord has made the Jordan a border between us and you, you children of Reuben and children of Gad. You have no part in the Lord.” So shall your children make our children cease from fearing the Lord.’ 26 Therefore we said, ‘Let us now prepare to build ourselves an altar, not for burnt offering or for sacrifice, 27 but that it may be a witness between you and us and our generations after us, that we might do the service of the Lord before Him with our burnt offerings and with our sacrifices and with our peace offerings, that your children may not say to our children in time to come, “You have no part in the Lord.’’’ 28 Therefore we said that it shall be, when they should so say to us or to our generations in time to come, that we may say again, ‘Behold, the pattern of the altar of the Lord that our fathers made, not for burnt offerings or for sacrifices, but it is a witness between you and us.’ 29 God forbid that we should rebel against the Lord and turn from following the Lord this day, to build an altar for burnt offerings, for grain offerings, or for sacrifices, besides the altar of the Lord our God that is before His tabernacle.” 30 And when Phinehas the priest and the princes of the congregation and heads of the thousands of Israel who were with him heard the words that the children of Reuben and the children of Gad and the children of Manasseh spoke, it pleased them.
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the priest said to the children of Reuben and to the children of Gad and to the children of Manasseh, “This day we perceive that the Lord is among us, because you have not committed this trespass against the Lord. Now you have delivered the children of Israel out of the hand of the Lord.” 32 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest and the princes returned from the children of Reuben and from the children of Gad, out of the land of Gilead to the land of Canaan, to the children of Israel, and brought them word again. 33 And the thing pleased the children of Israel, and the children of Israel blessed God and did not intend to go up against them in battle to destroy the land in which the children of Reuben and Gad dwelled. 34 And the children of Reuben and the children of Gad called the altar Ed, “for it shall be a witness between us that the Lord is God.” The Last Counsels of Joshua And it came to pass, a long time after the Lord had given rest to Israel from all their surrounding enemies, that Joshua grew old and stricken in age. 2 And Joshua called for all Israel and for their elders and for their heads and for their judges and for their officers, and said to them: “I am old and stricken in age. 3 And you have seen all that the Lord your God has done to all these nations because of you, for the Lord your God is He who has fought for you. 4 Behold, I have divided to you by lot these nations
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that remain, to be an inheritance for your tribes, from the Jordan, with all the nations that I have cut off, even to the Great Sea westward. 5 And the Lord your God, He shall expel them from before you and drive them from out of your sight. And you shall possess their land, as the Lord your God has promised to you. 6 Therefore be very courageous to keep and to do all that is written in the Book of the Law of Moses, that you do not turn aside from it to the right hand or to the left, 7 that you do not come among these nations, these that remain among you, or make mention of the name of their gods, or cause to swear by them, or serve them, or bow yourselves to them. 8 But cling to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day. 9 For the Lord has driven out from before you great and strong nations. But as for you, no man has been able to stand before you to this day. 10 One man of you shall chase a thousand, for the Lord your God is He who fights for you, as He has promised you. 11 Therefore be careful that you love the Lord your God. 12 Otherwise, if you do in any way go back and cling to the remnant of these nations, even these who remain among you, and make marriages with them and go in to them and they to you, 13 know with certainty that the Lord your God will no longer drive out any of these nations from before you. But they shall be snares and traps to you, and scourges in your sides and thorns in your eyes, until you perish from off this good land that the Lord your God has given you.
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14 “And behold, this day I am go-
ing the way of all the earth. And you know in all your hearts and in all your souls that not one thing has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God spoke concerning you. All have come to pass to you, and not one thing of them has failed. 15 Therefore it shall come to pass, that as all good things have come on you that the Lord your God promised you, so the Lord shall bring on you all evil things, until He has destroyed you from off this good land that the Lord your God has given you. 16 When you have transgressed the covenant of the Lord your God, which He commanded you, and have gone and served other gods, and bowed yourselves to them, then the anger of the Lord shall be kindled against you, and you shall perish quickly from off the good land that He has given to you.” Joshua’s Last Charge to Israel And Joshua gathered all the tribes of Israel to Shechem and called for the elders of Israel and for their heads and for their judges and for their officers, and they presented themselves before God. 2 And Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘In old time your fathers dwelled on the other side of the flood, even Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, and they served other gods. 3 And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his descendants and gave him Isaac. 4 And to Isaac
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I gave Jacob and Esau. And to Esau I gave Mount Seir to possess it, but Jacob and his children went down into Egypt. 5 I also sent Moses and Aaron, and I plagued Egypt, according to what I did among them. And afterward I brought you out. 6 “‘And I brought your fathers out of Egypt, and you came to the sea. And the Egyptians pursued after your fathers with chariots and horsemen to the Red Sea. 7 And when they cried to the Lord, He put darkness between you and the Egyptians and brought the sea on them and covered them. And your eyes have seen what I have done in Egypt. And you dwelled in the wilderness a long season. 8 And I brought you into the land of the Amorites, who dwelled on the other side of the Jordan, and they fought with you. And I gave them into your hand, that you might possess their land, and I destroyed them from before you. 9 Then Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab, arose and warred against Israel, and sent and called Balaam the son of Beor to curse you. 10 But I would not listen to Balaam. Therefore, he blessed you still. So I delivered you out of his hand. 11 And you went over the Jordan and came to Jericho. And the men of Jericho fought against you, the Amorites and the Perizzites and the Canaanites and the Hittites and the Girgashites, the Hivites and the Jebusites. And I delivered them into your hand. 12 And I sent the hornet before you that drove them out from before you, even the two kings of the Amorites, but not with your sword or with your bow. 13 And I
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have given you a land for which you did not labor and cities that you did not build, and you dwell in them. You eat from the vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant.’” Serving the Lord 14 “Now therefore, fear the Lord, and serve Him in sincerity and in truth, and put away the gods that your fathers served on the other side of the flood and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. 15 And if it seems evil to you to serve the Lord, choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods that your fathers served who were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.” 16 And the people answered and said, “God forbid that we should forsake the Lord to serve other gods. 17 For the Lord our God is He who brought us and our fathers up out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage, and who did those great signs in our sight, and preserved us in all the way in which we went, and among all the people through whom we passed. 18 And the Lord drove out from before us all the people, even the Amorites who dwelled in the land. Therefore will we also serve the Lord, for He is our God.” 19 And Joshua said to the people, “You cannot serve the Lord, for He is a holy God. He is a jealous God. He will not forgive your transgressions or your sins. 20 If you forsake the Lord and serve foreign gods, then He will turn and do you harm
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and consume you, after He has done you good.” 21 And the people said to Joshua, “No, but we will serve the Lord.” 22 And Joshua said to the people, “You are witnesses against yourselves that you have chosen the Lord for yourselves, to serve Him.” And they said, “We are witnesses.” 23 “Now therefore,” he said, “put away the foreign gods that are among you and incline your hearts to the Lord God of Israel.” 24 And the people said to Joshua, “We will serve the Lord our God, and we will obey His voice.” 25 So Joshua made a covenant with the people that day and set them a statute and an ordinance in Shechem. 26 And Joshua wrote these words in the Book of the Law of God and took a great stone and set it up there under an oak that was by the sanctuary of the Lord. 27 And Joshua said to all the people, “Behold, this stone shall be a witness to us, for it has heard all the words of the Lord that He spoke to us. Therefore it shall be a witness to you, lest you deny your God.” 28 So Joshua let the people depart, every man to his inheritance. The Death of Joshua 29 And it came to pass after these things that Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died, being a hundred and ten years old. 30 And they buried him in the border of his inheritance in Timnath-serah, which is in Mount Ephraim, on the north side of the hill of Gaash. 31 And Israel served the Lord all the days of Joshua and all the days
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of the elders who outlived Joshua and who had known all the works of the Lord that He had done for Israel. 32 And the bones of Joseph, which the children of Israel brought up out of Egypt, they buried in Shechem, in a parcel of ground that Jacob bought from the sons of Hamor the
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father of Shechem for a hundred pieces of silver. And it became the inheritance of the children of Joseph. 33 And Eleazar the son of Aaron died, and they buried him in a hill that pertained to Phinehas his son, which was given to him in Mount Ephraim.
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JUDGES INTRODUCTION TO JUDGES The book of Judges gets its name from its main characters: the people God graciously selected to save ancient Israel from itself. It tells the stories of colorful and imperfect individuals with charismatic qualities God uses to break the yoke of oppression that Israel experienced, time after time, as a result of its own sinfulness. Through these types of saviors, God calls His children back to Himself. AUTHOR Although Samuel was traditionally thought to be the author of Judges, no one knows who put it together. Experts say it could have been a single author, because the material is well shaped into a coherent whole; or there may have been more than one compiler. OCCASION Judges is a compilation of selected independent stories, mostly centered on one individual. But there is one overall message: Israel’s repetitive cycle of sin, and God’s consistent and merciful response.
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The Incomplete Victory of Judah Now after the death of Joshua it came to pass that the children of Israel asked the Lord, saying, “Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?” 2 And the Lord said, “Judah shall go up. Behold, I have delivered the land into his hand.” 3 And Judah said to his brother Simeon, “Come up with me into my allotted territory, that we may fight against the Canaanites, and I likewise will go with you into your allotted territory.” So Simeon went with him. 4 And Judah went up, and the Lord delivered the Canaanites and the Perizzites into their hand. And they slew ten thousand men at Bezek. 5 And they found Adonibezek at Bezek, and they fought against him. And they slew the Canaanites and the Perizzites. 6 But Adoni-bezek fled, and they pursued after him and caught him and cut off his thumbs and his big toes. 7 And Adoni-bezek said, “Seventy kings, having their thumbs and their big toes cut off, gathered their food under my table; as I have done, so God repaid me.” And they brought him to Jerusalem and he died there. 8 Now the children of Judah had fought against Jerusalem and had taken it. They struck it with the edge of the sword and set the city on fire. 9 And afterward the children of Judah went down to fight against the Canaanites who dwelled in the mountain and in the south and in the valley. 10 And
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Judah went against the Canaanites who dwelled in Hebron (now before, the name of Hebron was Kiriath-arba), and they slew Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. 11 And from there they went against the inhabitants of Debir. (And before, the name of Debir was Kiriath-sepher.) 12 And Caleb said, “He who strikes Kiriath-sepher and takes it, to him I will give my daughter Achsah as a wife.” 13 And Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother, took it, and he gave him Achsah, his daughter, as a wife. 14 And it came to pass, when she came to him, that she moved him to ask for a field from her father. And she descended from off her donkey, and Caleb said to her, “What do you want?” 15 And she said to him, “Give me a blessing, for you have given me land in the south, and also give me springs of water.” And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs. 16 And the children of the Kenite, Moses’ father-in-law, went up with the children of Judah out of the city of palm trees into the wilderness of Judah, which lies in the south of Arad, and they went and dwelled among the people. 17 And Judah went with his brother Simeon, and they slew the Canaanites who inhabited Zephath, and utterly destroyed it. And the name of the city was called Hormah. 18 Also Judah took Gaza with its territory and Ashkelon with its territory and Ekron with its territory. 19 And the Lord was with Judah. And they drove out the inhabitants of the mountain but could
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not drive out the inhabitants of the valley because they had chariots of iron. 20 And they gave Hebron to Caleb, as Moses had said, and he expelled the three sons of Anak from there. The Incomplete Victory of Benjamin 21 And the children of Benjamin did not drive out the Jebusites who inhabited Jerusalem, but the Jebusites dwell with the children of Benjamin in Jerusalem to this day. 22 And the house of Joseph also went up against Bethel, and the Lord was with them. 23 And the house of Joseph sent spies to Bethel. (Now before, the name of the city was Luz.) 24 And the spies saw a man come out of the city, and they said to him, “Show us, we ask you, the entrance to the city, and we will show you mercy.” 25 And when he showed them the entrance to the city, they struck the city with the edge of the sword, but they let the man and all his family go. 26 And the man went into the land of the Hittites and built a city, and he called its name Luz, which is its name to this day. The Incomplete Victory of Manasseh 27 Manasseh did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shean and its towns, or Taanach and its towns, or the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, or the inhabitants of Ibleam and its towns, or the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns. But the Canaanites would dwell in that land. 28 And it came to pass, when Israel was strong, that they put the
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Canaanites to forced labor and did not utterly drive them out. 29 Ephraim did not drive out the Canaanites who dwelled in Gezer, but the Canaanites dwelled in Gezer among them. 30 Zebulun did not drive out the inhabitants of Kitron or the inhabitants of Nahalol, but the Canaanites dwelled among them and became forced laborers. 31 Asher did not drive out the inhabitants of Acco or the inhabitants of Sidon, or of Ahlab, or of Achzib, or of Helbah, or of Aphik, or of Rehob. 32 But the Asherites dwelled among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land, for they did not drive them out. 33 Naphtali did not drive out the inhabitants of Beth-shemesh or the inhabitants of Beth-anath, but they dwelled among the Canaanites, the inhabitants of the land. Nevertheless the inhabitants of Bethshemesh and of Beth-anath became forced laborers for them. 34 And the Amorites forced the children of Dan into the mountain, for they would not permit them to come down to the valley, 35 but the Amorites would dwell in Mount Heres, in Aijalon and in Shaalbim. Yet the hand of the house of Joseph prevailed, so that they became forced laborers. 36 And the border of the Amorites was from the ascent of Akrabbim, from the rock and upward. Review of the Israelite Invasion And an angel of the Lord came up from Gilgal to Bochim and said, “I delivered you out of Egypt
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and have brought you to the land that I swore to your fathers, and I said, ‘I will never break My covenant with you. 2 And you shall make no agreement with the inhabitants of this land. You shall throw down their altars.’ But you have not obeyed My voice. Why have you done this? 3 Therefore I also said, ‘I will not drive them out from before you. But they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare to you.’” 4 And it came to pass, when the angel of the Lord spoke these words to all the children of Israel, that the people lifted up their voices and wept. 5 And they called the name of that place Bochim, and there they sacrificed to the Lord. 6 And when Joshua had let the people go, the children of Israel went, every man to his inheritance, to possess the land. 7 And the people served the Lord all the days of Joshua and all the days of the elders who outlived Joshua, who had seen all the great works of the Lord that He did for Israel. 8 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of the Lord, died when he was one hundred and ten years old. 9 And they buried him in the territory of his inheritance in Timnath-heres, in the mount of Ephraim, on the north side of the hill Gaash. 10 And all that generation also were gathered to their fathers, and another generation arose after them who did not know the Lord or even the works that He had done for Israel. 11 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord and served
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the Baals. 12 And they abandoned the Lord God of their fathers, who had brought them out of the land of Egypt, and they followed other gods—gods of the people who were all around them. And they bowed down to them, and they provoked the Lord to anger. 13 And they abandoned the Lord and served Baal and Ashtaroth. 14 And the anger of the Lord burned against Israel. And He delivered them into the hands of plunderers who plundered them, and He sold them into the hands of their enemies all around, so that they could no longer stand against their enemies. 15 Wherever they went, the hand of the Lord was against them for misfortune, as the Lord had said and as the Lord had sworn to them. And they were greatly distressed. Institution of the Judges 16 Nevertheless, the Lord raised up judges who delivered them out of the hands of those who plundered them. 17 And yet they would not listen to their judges, but they prostituted themselves to other gods and bowed themselves to them. They turned quickly from the way that their fathers walked in obeying the commandments of the Lord; they did not do so. 18 And when the Lord raised up judges for them, then the Lord was with the judge and delivered them out of the hand of their enemies all the days of the judge, for the Lord pitied them because of their groaning, because of those who oppressed them and harassed them. 19 And it came to pass, when the judge was dead, that they
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returned and corrupted themselves more than their fathers in following other gods, to serve them and to bow down to them. They did not cease from their own doings or from their stubborn way. Israel’s Incomplete Obedience 20 And the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He said, “Because this people has transgressed My covenant that I commanded their fathers and has not listened to My voice, 21 from now on I also will not drive out from them any of the nations that Joshua left when he died, 22 so that through them I may test Israel, whether they will keep the way of the Lord, to walk in it, as their fathers kept it.” 23 Therefore the Lord left those nations, without driving them out hastily; He did not deliver them into the hand of Joshua.
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Now these are the nations that the Lord left, to test Israel by them (just as many of Israel who had not known all the wars of Canaan, 2 only that the generations of the children of Israel might know, to teach them war, at least those who before knew nothing of that)— 3 namely, five lords of the Philistines and all the Canaanites and the Sidonians and the Hivites who dwelled in Mount Lebanon, from Mount Baal-hermon to the border of Hamath. 4 And they were to test Israel, to know whether they would listen to the commandments of the Lord, which He commanded their fathers by the hand of Moses. 5 And the children of Israel dwelled
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among the Canaanites, Hittites, and Amorites, and Perizzites, and Hi vites, and Jebusites. 6 And they took their daughters to be their wives and gave their daughters to their sons, and they served their gods. 7 And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord, and they forgot the Lord their God and served the Baals and the groves. 8 Therefore the anger of the Lord was hot against Israel, and He sold them into the hand of Chushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, and the children of Israel served Chushan-rishathaim eight years. Othniel 9 And when the children of Israel cried to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for the children of Israel, who delivered them, Othniel the son of Kenaz, Caleb’s younger brother. 10 And the Spirit of the Lord came on him, and he judged Israel and went out to war. And the Lord delivered Chushan-rishathaim, king of Mesopotamia, into his hand, and his hand prevailed against Chushan-rishathaim. 11 And the land had rest for forty years. And Othniel the son of Kenaz died. 12 And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord. And the Lord strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done evil in the sight of the Lord. 13 And he gathered to himself the children of Ammon and Amalek and went and struck Israel and possessed the city of palm trees. 14 So the children of Israel served Eglon the king of Moab for eighteen years.
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Ehud 15 But when the children of Israel cried to the Lord, the Lord raised up a deliverer for them, Ehud the son of Gera, a Benjamite, a left-handed man. And the children of Israel sent a present with him to Eglon the king of Moab. 16 But Ehud made himself a dagger that had two edges, a cubit in length, and he girded it under his garment on his right thigh. 17 And he brought the present to Eglon, king of Moab. (And Eglon was a very fat man.) 18 And when he had finished offering the present, he sent away the people who bore the present, 19 but he himself turned back from the quarries that were by Gilgal and said, “I have a secret errand to you, O king.” He said, “Keep silent.” And all who stood by him went out from him. 20 And Ehud came to him (and he was sitting in a summer parlor, which he had for himself alone). And Ehud said, “I have a message from God to you.” And he arose out of his seat. 21 And Ehud stretched out his left hand and took the dagger from his right thigh and thrust it into his belly. 22 And the hilt also went in after the blade, and the fat closed on the blade, so that he could not draw the dagger out of his belly. And the excrement came out. 23 Then Ehud went out through the porch and shut the doors of the parlor behind him and locked them. 24 When he had gone out, his servants came, and when they saw that, behold, the doors of the parlor were locked, they said, “Surely he covers his feet in his summer
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chamber.” 25 And they waited until they were ashamed, and behold, he did not open the doors of the parlor. Therefore they took a key and opened them, and behold, their lord had fallen down dead on the earth. 26 And Ehud escaped while they waited and passed beyond the quarries and escaped to Seirah. 27 And it came to pass, when he had come, that he blew a trumpet in the mountain of Ephraim, and the children of Israel went down with him from the mount. And he went before them. 28 And he said to them, “Follow after me, for the Lord has delivered your enemies the Moabites into your hand.” And they went down after him and took the fords of the Jordan toward Moab, and did not permit a man to cross over. 29 And at that time they slew about ten thousand men of Moab, all fit and all men of valor, and not a man escaped. 30 So Moab was subdued that day under the hand of Israel. And the land had rest eighty years. Shamgar 31 And after him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who slew six hundred men of the Philistines with an oxgoad, and he also delivered Israel.
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And when Ehud was dead, the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of the Lord. 2 And the Lord sold them into the hand of Jabin, king of Canaan, who reigned in Hazor. The captain of his army was Sisera, who dwelled in Harosheth-hagoyim. 3 And the children of Israel cried to the Lord, for he had nine hundred
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chariots of iron, and he mightily oppressed the children of Israel for twenty years. Deborah and Barak 4 And Deborah, a prophetess, the wife of Lapidoth, judged Israel at that time. 5 And she dwelled under the palm tree of Deborah between Ramah and Bethel in Mount Ephraim. And the children of Israel came up to her for judgment. 6 And she sent and called Barak the son of Abinoam out of Kedesh-naphtali and said to him, “Has not the Lord God of Israel commanded, saying, ‘Go and march toward Mount Tabor and take with you ten thousand men from the children of Naphtali and of the children of Zebulun. 7 And I will draw to you Sisera, the captain of Jabin’s army, with his chariots and his multitude at the river Kishon, and I will deliver him into your hand’?” 8 And Barak said to her, “If you will go with me, then I will go, but if you will not go with me, then I will not go.” 9 And she said, “I will surely go with you. However the journey that you take shall not be for your honor, for the Lord shall deliver Sisera into the hand of a woman.” And Deborah arose and went with Barak to Kedesh. 10 And Barak called Zebulun and Naphtali to Kedesh, and he went up with ten thousand men at his feet. And Deborah went up with him. 11 Now Heber the Kenite, who was of the children of Hobab the fatherin-law of Moses, had severed himself from the Kenites and pitched
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his tent near the plain of Zaanaim, which is by Kedesh. 12 And they reported to Sisera that Barak the son of Abinoam had gone up to Mount Tabor. 13 And Sisera gathered together all his chariots, even nine hundred chariots of iron, and all the people who were with him, from Harosheth-hagoyim to the river Kishon. 14 And Deborah said to Barak, “Up, for this is the day on which the Lord has delivered Sisera into your hand. Has not the Lord gone out before you?” So Barak went down from Mount Tabor with ten thousand men after him. 15 And the Lord defeated Sisera and all his chariots and all his army with the edge of the sword before Barak, so that Sisera descended off his chariot and fled on foot. 16 But Barak pursued after the chariots and after the army to Harosheth-hagoyim, and Sisera’s entire army fell on the edge of the sword. And not a man was left. 17 However Sisera fled away on his feet to the tent of Jael the wife of Heber the Kenite, for there was peace between Jabin the king of Hazor and the house of Heber the Kenite. 18 And Jael went out to meet Sisera and said to him, “Turn in, my lord; turn in to me. Do not fear.” And when he had turned in to her into the tent, she covered him with a blanket. 19 And he said to her, “Give me, I ask you, a little water to drink, for I am thirsty.” And she opened a bottle of milk and gave him a drink and covered him. 20 Again he said to her, “Stand in the door of the tent, and it shall be that when any man comes
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and inquires of you and says, ‘Is there any man here?’ that you shall say, ‘No.’” 21 Then Jael, Heber’s wife, took a nail of the tent and took a hammer in her hand, and went softly to him and struck the nail into his temple and fastened it into the ground, for he was fast asleep and weary. So he died. 22 And behold, as Barak pursued Sisera, Jael came out to meet him and said to him, “Come, and I will show you the man whom you seek.” And when he came into her tent, behold, Sisera lay dead and the nail was in his temple. 23 So on that day God subdued Jabin the king of Canaan before the children of Israel. 24 And the hand of the children of Israel prospered and prevailed against Jabin the king of Canaan, until they had destroyed Jabin, king of Canaan. The Song of Deborah and Barak Then Deborah and Barak the son of Abinoam sang on that day, saying:
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Praise the Lord for the avenging of Israel, when the people willingly offered themselves. Hear, O you kings, give ear, O you princes. I, even I, will sing to the Lord. I will sing praise to the Lord God of Israel. Lord, when You went out of Seir, when You marched out of the field of Edom, the earth trembled and the heavens
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dropped; the clouds also dropped water. The mountains melted before the Lord, even that Sinai, before the Lord God of Israel. In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied, and the travelers walked through byways. The inhabitants of the villages ceased; they ceased in Israel, until I, Deborah, arose. I arose a mother in Israel. They chose new gods. Then war was in the gates. Was there a shield or spear seen among forty thousand in Israel? My heart is toward the governors of Israel, who offered themselves willingly among the people. Bless the Lord. Speak, you who ride on white donkeys, you who sit in judgment and walk by the way. Those who are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water, there they shall recount the righteous acts of the Lord, even the righteous acts toward the inhabitants of His villages in Israel. Then the people of the Lord shall go down to the gates. Awake, awake, Deborah!
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Awake, awake, utter a song. Arise, Barak, and lead your captives away, you son of Abinoam. Then He made those who remain to have dominion over the nobles among the people. The Lord made me have dominion over the mighty. Out of Ephraim there was a root of those against Amalek. After you, Benjamin, among your people, out of Machir governors came down, and out of Zebulun those who handle the pen of the writer. And the princes of Issachar were with Deborah, even Issachar, and also Barak. He was sent on foot into the valley. For the divisions of Reuben there were great thoughts of heart. Why did you remain among the sheepfolds, to hear the bleats of the flocks? For the divisions of Reuben there were great searchings of heart. Gilead remained beyond the Jordan, and why did Dan remain on ships? Asher continued on the seashore and remained in its harbors. Zebulun and Naphtali were a people who jeopardized their lives to the
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death in the high places of the field. The kings came and fought; then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo. They took no gain of money. They fought from heaven. The stars in their courses fought against Sisera. The river Kishon swept them away, that ancient river, the river Kishon. O my soul, you have trampled down strength. Then the horses’ hooves were broken by the means of the galloping, the galloping of their mighty ones. “Curse Meroz,” said the angel of the Lord, “Bitterly curse its inhabitants because they did not come to the help of the Lord, to the help of the Lord against the mighty.” Blessed above women shall be Jael, the wife of Heber the Kenite. She shall be blessed above women in the tent. He asked for water, and she gave him milk. She brought out butter in a noble dish. She put her hand to the nail and her right hand to the workmen’s hammer, and she struck
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Sisera with the hammer. She struck his head when she had pierced and stricken through his temple. At her feet he bowed, he fell, he lay down. At her feet he bowed, he fell. Where he bowed, there he fell down dead. The mother of Sisera looked out a window and cried through the lattice, “Why is his chariot so long in coming? Why do the wheels of his chariots remain?” Her wise ladies answered her; indeed, she repeated the answer to herself, “Have they not succeeded? Have they not divided the plunder: to every man a young woman or two, to Sisera a plunder of various colors, a plunder of various colors of needlework, of various colors of needlework on both sides, suitable for the necks of those who take the plunder?” So let all your enemies perish, O Lord, but let those who love Him be as the sun when it goes forth in its might.
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And the land had rest forty years. And the children of Israel did evil in the sight of the Lord. And the
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Lord delivered them into the hand of Midian for seven years. 2 And the hand of Midian prevailed against Israel. And because of the Midianites, the children of Israel made for themselves the dens and caves and strongholds that are in the mountains. 3 And so it was, whenever Israel had sown, that the Midianites came up, and the Amalekites and the children of the east, even they came up against them. 4 And they besieged them and destroyed the produce of the earth as far as Gaza, and left no sustenance for Israel, neither sheep nor ox nor donkey. 5 For they came up with their cattle and their tents, and they came as numerous as grasshoppers, for both they and their camels were without number. And they entered into the land to destroy it. 6 And Israel was greatly impoverished because of the Midianites, and the children of Israel cried out to the Lord. 7 And it came to pass, when the children of Israel cried out to the Lord because of the Midianites, 8 that the Lord sent a prophet to the children of Israel, who said to them, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I brought you up from Egypt and brought you out of the house of bondage. 9 And I delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of all who oppressed you, and drove them out from before you and gave you their land. 10 And I said to you, “I am the Lord your God; do not fear the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you dwell.” But you have not obeyed My voice.’”
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Gideon 11 And an angel of the Lord came and sat under an oak that was in Ophrah, which belonged to Joash the Abiezrite. And his son Gideon threshed wheat by the winepress to hide it from the Midianites. 12 And the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said to him, “The Lord is with you, you mighty man of valor.” 13 And Gideon said to Him, “Oh my lord, if the Lord is with us, then why has all this happened to us? And where are all His miracles that our fathers told us of, saying, ‘Did not the Lord bring us up from Egypt?’ But now the Lord has forsaken us and delivered us into the hands of the Midianites.” 14 And the Lord looked on him and said, “Go in this strength of yours, and you shall save Israel from the hand of the Midianites. Have I not sent you?” 15 And he said to Him, “Oh my Lord, with what shall I save Israel? Behold, my family is poor in Manasseh, and I am the least in my father’s house.” 16 And the Lord said to him, “Surely I will be with you, and you shall strike the Midianites as one man.” 17 And he said to Him, “If now I have found grace in Your sight, then show me a sign that it is You speaking with me. 18 Do not depart from here, I ask You, until I come to You and bring forth my offering and set it before You.” And He said, “I will remain until you come again.” 19 And Gideon went in and prepared a young goat and unleavened
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cakes from an ephah of flour. He put the meat in a basket, and he put the broth in a pot and brought them out to Him under the oak and presented them. 20 And the angel of God said to him, “Take the meat and the unleavened cakes and lay them on this rock and pour out the broth.” And he did so. 21 Then the angel of the Lord put forth the end of the staff that was in His hand and touched the meat and the unleavened cakes, and fire rose up out of the rock and consumed the flesh and the unleavened cakes. Then the angel of the Lord departed out of his sight. 22 And when Gideon perceived that He was an angel of the Lord, Gideon said, “Alas, O Lord God! For I have seen an angel of the Lord face to face.” 23 And the Lord said to him, “Peace be to you. Do not fear; you shall not die.” 24 Then Gideon built an altar there to the Lord and called it Jehovah-shalom. To this day it is still in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 25 And it came to pass the same night that the Lord said to him, “Take your father’s young bull, also the second bull of seven years old, and throw down the altar of Baal that your father has and cut down the grove that is by it. 26 And build an altar to the Lord your God on the top of this rock in the ordered place, and take the second bull and offer a burnt sacrifice with the wood of the grove that you shall cut down.” 27 Then Gideon took ten men from his servants and did as the Lord had said to him. And so it was, because he feared his father’s
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household and the men of the city, that he could not do it by day; he did it by night. 28 And when the men of the city arose early in the morning, behold, the altar of Baal was cast down, and the grove that was by it was cut down. And the second bull was offered on the altar that was built. 29 And they said to one another, “Who has done this thing?” And when they inquired and asked, they said, “Gideon the son of Joash has done this thing.” 30 Then the men of the city said to Joash, “Bring out your son that he may die because he has cast down the altar of Baal and because he has cut down the grove that was by it.” 31 And Joash said to all who stood against him, “Will you plead for Baal? Will you save him? He who will plead for him, let him be put to death while it is still morning. If he is a god, let him plead for himself because someone has cast down his altar.” 32 Therefore on that day he called him Jerubbaal, saying, “Let Baal plead against him because he has thrown down his altar.” 33 Then all the Midianites and the Amalekites and the children of the east gathered together and went over and camped in the Valley of Jezreel. 34 But the Spirit of the Lord came on Gideon, and he blew a trumpet. And the Abiezrites were gathered after him. 35 And he sent messengers throughout all Manasseh, who had also gathered after him, and he sent messengers to Asher and to Zebulun and to Naphtali. And they came up to meet them.
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Gideon said to God, “If You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said— 37 behold, I will put a fleece of wool on the threshing floor, and if the dew is on the fleece only, and it is dry on all the earth beside it, then I shall know that You will save Israel by my hand, as You have said.” 38 And it was so, for he rose up early on the next day and pushed the fleece together and wrung the dew out of the fleece—a bowl full of water. 39 And Gideon said to God, “Do not let Your anger be hot against me, and I will speak just once more. Let me test, I ask You, just once more with the fleece. Let it now be dry only on the fleece, and on all the ground let there be dew.” 40 And God did so that night, for it was dry on the fleece only, and there was dew on all the ground. The Preparation for Battle Then Jerubbaal (who is Gideon) and all the people who were with him rose up early and camped beside the well of Harod, so that the army of the Midianites was on the north side of them by the hill of Moreh in the valley. 2 And the Lord said to Gideon, “The people who are with you are too many for Me to give the Midianites into their hands, lest Israel boast against Me, saying, ‘My own hand has saved me!’ 3 Now therefore, go proclaim in the ears of the people, saying, ‘Whoever is fearful and afraid, let him return and depart early from Mount Gilead.’” And twenty-two thousand of the people returned, and ten thousand remained.
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the Lord said to Gideon, “The people are still too many. Bring them down to the water, and I will test them for you there. And it shall be that those of whom I say to you, ‘This one shall go with you,’ the same shall go with you. And of whomever I say to you, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ the same shall not go.” 5 So he brought down the people to the water. And the Lord said to Gideon, “Everyone who drinks from the water with his tongue, as a dog drinks, you shall set him by himself. Likewise everyone who bows down on his knees to drink.” 6 And the number of those who drank, putting their hand to their mouth, was three hundred men, but all the rest of the people bowed down on their knees to drink water. Gideon’s Three Hundred 7 And the Lord said to Gideon, “I will save you and deliver the Midianites into your hand by the three hundred men who drank, and let all the other people go, every man to his place.” 8 So the people took provisions and their trumpets in their hands. And he sent all the rest of Israel, every man to his tent, and retained those three hundred men. And the army of Midian was beneath him in the valley. 9 And it came to pass the same night that the Lord said to him, “Arise! Get down to the army, for I have delivered it into your hand. 10 But if you fear to go down, go down to the army with Purah your servant, 11 and you shall hear what they say. And afterward your hands shall be strengthened to go down
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to the army.” Then he went down with Purah his servant to the outside of the armed men who were in the army. 12 And the Midianites and the Amalekites and all the children of the east lay along in the valley as numerous as grasshoppers, and their camels were without number, as numerous as the sand by the seaside. 13 And when Gideon had come, behold, there was a man who told a dream to his companion and said, “Behold, I dreamed a dream, and behold, a cake of barley bread tumbled into the host of Midian and came to a tent and struck it; it fell and overturned it so that the tent collapsed.” 14 And his companion answered and said, “This is nothing other than the sword of Gideon the son of Joash, a man of Israel, for God has delivered Midian and all the army into his hand.” 15 And so it was, when Gideon heard the telling of the dream and its interpretation, he worshipped and returned to the camp of Israel and said, “Arise, for the Lord has delivered the camp of Midian into your hand.” The Victory over Midian 16 And he divided the three hundred men into three companies, and he put a trumpet in every man’s hand, with empty pitchers and lamps within the pitchers. 17 And he said to them, “Look at me and do likewise, and behold, when I come to the outside of the camp, it shall be that as I do, so you shall do. 18 When I blow with a trumpet, I and all who
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are with me, then you also blow the trumpets on every side of all the camp and say, ‘The sword of the Lord and of Gideon.’” 19 So Gideon and the hundred men who were with him came to the outside of the camp at the beginning of the middle watch, and they had just set the watch. And they blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers that were in their hands. 20 And the three companies blew the trumpets and broke the pitchers—and they held the lamps in their left hands and the trumpets in their right hands moreover to blow—and they cried, “The sword of the Lord and of Gideon!” 21 And every man stood in his place all around the camp, and all the army ran and cried and fled. 22 And the three hundred blew the trumpets, and the Lord set every man’s sword against one another throughout all the army. And the army fled to Beth-shittah in Zererah and to the border of Abel-meholah, by Tabbath. 23 And the men of Israel gathered themselves together out of Naphtali and out of Asher and out of all Manasseh and pursued after the Midianites. 24 And Gideon sent messengers throughout all Mount Ephraim, saying, “Come down against the Midianites and take before them the waters to Beth-barah and the Jordan.” Then all the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together and took the waters to Beth-barah and the Jordan. 25 And they took two princes of the Midianites, Oreb and Zeeb. And they slew Oreb on the rock of Oreb, and they slew Zeeb at the winepress of Zeeb and
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pursued Midian. And they brought the heads of Oreb and Zeeb to Gideon on the other side of the Jordan. Events to the Death of Gideon And the men of Ephraim said to him, “Why have you done this, that you did not call us when you went to fight with the Midianites?” And they scolded him sharply. 2 And he said to them, “What have I done now in comparison with you? Is the harvesting of the leftover grapes of Ephraim not better than the vintage of Abiezer? 3 God has delivered the princes of Midian, Oreb and Zeeb, into your hands. And what was I able to do in comparison with you?” Then their anger was abated toward him when he had said that. 4 And Gideon came to the Jordan and crossed over, he and the three hundred men who were with him, faint yet pursuing them. 5 And he said to the men of Succoth, “Give, I ask you, loaves of bread to the people who follow me, for they are faint, and I am pursuing after Zebah and Zalmunna, kings of Midian.” 6 And the princes of Succoth said, “Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your army?” 7 And Gideon said, “Therefore when the Lord has delivered Zebah and Zalmunna into my hand, then I will tear your flesh with the thorns of the wilderness and with briars.” 8 And he went up from there to Penuel and spoke to them likewise. And the men of Penuel answered him as the men of Succoth
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had answered him. 9 And he also spoke to the men of Penuel, saying, “When I come again in peace, I will break down this tower.” 10 Now Zebah and Zalmunna were in Karkor, and their armies with them, about fifteen thousand men, all who were left of all the armies of the children of the east, for a hundred and twenty thousand men who drew the sword had fallen. 11 And Gideon went up by the way of those who dwelled in tents on the east of Nobah and Jogbehah, and he struck the army, for the army was secure. 12 And when Zebah and Zalmunna fled, he pursued after them and took the two kings of Midian—Zebah and Zalmunna—and defeated the entire army. 13 And Gideon the son of Joash returned from battle before the sun was up 14 and caught a young man of the men of Succoth and inquired of him. And he described to him the princes of Succoth and the elders of it, seventy-seven men. 15 And he came to the men of Succoth and said, “Behold Zebah and Zalmunna with whom you ridiculed me, saying, ‘Are the hands of Zebah and Zalmunna now in your hand, that we should give bread to your men who are weary?’” 16 And he took the elders of the city, and thorns of the wilderness and briars, and he punished the men of Succoth with them. 17 And he beat down the tower of Penuel and slew the men of the city. 18 Then he said to Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men were those whom you slew at Tabor?” And they answered, “As you are,
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so they were. Each one resembled the children of a king.” 19 And he said, “They were my brothers, the sons of my mother. As the Lord lives, if you had saved them alive, I would not slay you.” 20 And he said to Jether his firstborn, “Rise up and slay them.” But the youth did not draw his sword, for he feared because he was still a youth. 21 Then Zebah and Zalmunna said, “Rise and fall on us, for as the man is, so is his strength.” And Gideon arose and slew Zebah and Zalmunna and took away the ornaments that were on their camels’ necks. Gideon’s Ephod 22 Then the men of Israel said to Gideon, “Rule over us, both you and your son and your son’s son also, for you have delivered us from the hand of Midian.” 23 And Gideon said to them, “I will not rule over you, nor shall my son rule over you. The Lord shall rule over you.” 24 And Gideon said to them, “I would desire a request of you, that every man would give me the earrings of his plunder.” (For they had golden earrings because they were Ishmaelites.) 25 And they answered, “We will willingly give them.” And they spread a garment, and every man cast in it the earrings of his plunder. 26 And the weight of the golden earrings that he requested was a thousand seven hundred shekels of gold, besides ornaments and collars and purple clothing that was on the kings of Midian, and besides the
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chains that were around their camels’ necks. 27 And Gideon made an ephod from it and put it in his city, Ophrah. And all Israel went there prostituting themselves after it. That thing became a snare to Gideon and to his house. 28 Thus Midian was subdued before the children of Israel, so that they lifted up their heads no more. And the country was in peace for forty years in the days of Gideon. 29 And Jerubbaal the son of Joash went and dwelled in his own house. 30 And Gideon had seventy sons born to him, for he had many wives. 31 And his concubine who was in Shechem also bore him a son, whose name he called Abimelech. 32 And Gideon the son of Joash died at a good old age and was buried in the tomb of Joash his father, in Ophrah of the Abiezrites. 33 And it came to pass, as soon as Gideon was dead, that the children of Israel turned again and prostituted themselves after the Baals and made Baal-berith their god. 34 And the children of Israel did not remember the Lord their God, who had delivered them out of the hands of all their enemies on every side, 35 nor did they show kindness to the house of Jerubbaal—namely, Gideon—according to all the goodness that he had done for Israel. The Conspiracy of Abimelech And Abimelech the son of Jer ubbaal went to Shechem, to his mother’s brothers, and spoke with them and with all the family of the house of his mother’s father, saying, 2 “Speak, I ask you, in the ears of all
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the men of Shechem: ‘Which is better for you, either that all the sons of Jerubbaal, who are seventy persons, reign over you, or that one reign over you?’ Remember also that I am your bone and your flesh.” 3 And his mother’s brothers spoke all these words about him in the ears of all the men of Shechem, and their hearts inclined to follow Abimelech, for they said, “He is our brother.” 4 And they gave him seventy pieces of silver out of the house of Baal-berith, with which Abimelech hired useless and reckless men who followed him. 5 And he went to his father’s house at Ophrah and slew his brothers, the sons of Jerubbaal, being seventy persons, on one stone. However, Jotham, the youngest son of Jerubbaal, was left, for he hid himself. 6 And all the men of Shechem and all Beth-millo gathered together and went and made Abimelech king by the plain of the pillar that was in Shechem. The Parable of the Trees 7 And when they told it to Jotham, he went and stood on the top of Mount Gerizim and lifted up his voice and cried and said to them: “Listen to me, you men of Shechem, that God may listen to you. 8 The trees went forth once to anoint a king over them. And they said to the olive tree, ‘Reign over us!’ 9 But the olive tree said to them, ‘Should I leave my oil, with which they honor God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?’ 10 “And the trees said to the fig tree, ‘Come and reign over us.’ 11 But the fig tree said to them, ‘Should I
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forsake my sweetness and my good fruit and go to be promoted over the trees?’ 12 “Then the trees said to the vine, ‘Come and reign over us.’ 13 And the vine said to them, ‘Should I leave my wine, which cheers God and man, and go to be promoted over the trees?’ 14 “Then all the trees said to the bramble, ‘Come and reign over us.’ 15 And the bramble said to the trees, ‘If in truth you anoint me king over you, then come and put your trust in my shadow. And if not, let fire come out of the bramble and devour the cedars of Lebanon.’ 16 “Now therefore, if you have done truly and sincerely in making Abimelech king, and if you have dealt well with Jerubbaal and his house and have done to him according to what he deserves— 17 for my father fought for you and risked his life and delivered you out of the hand of Midian, 18 and you have risen up against my father’s house this day and have slain his sons, seventy persons, on one stone and have made Abimelech, the son of his maidservant, king over the men of Shechem because he is your brother— 19 if then you have dealt truly and sincerely with Jerubbaal and with his house this day, then rejoice in Abimelech and let him also rejoice in you. 20 But if not, let fire come out from Abimelech and devour the men of Shechem and Beth-millo, and let fire come out from the men of Shechem and from Beth-millo and devour Abimelech.” 21 And Jotham ran away and fled and went to Beer
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and dwelled there for fear of Abim elech, his brother. Abimelech’s Downfall 22 When Abimelech had reigned over Israel three years, 23 then God sent an evil spirit between Abime lech and the men of Shechem, and the men of Shechem dealt treacherously with Abimelech, 24 that the cruelty done to the seventy sons of Jerubbaal might come and their blood be laid on Abimelech their brother, who slew them, and on the men of Shechem, who aided him in the killing of his brothers. 25 And the men of Shechem set an ambush for him on the tops of the mountains, and they robbed all who came by them along that way, and it was told to Abimelech. 26 And Gaal the son of Ebed came with his brothers and went over to Shechem, and the men of Shechem put their confidence in him. 27 And they went out into the fields and gathered their vineyards and trampled the grapes and made merry, and they went into the house of their god and ate and drank and cursed Abimelech. 28 And Gaal the son of Ebed said, “Who is Abime lech and who is Shechem, that we should serve him? Is he not the son of Jerubbaal? And is Zebul not his officer? Serve the men of Hamor the father of Shechem, for why should we serve him? 29 And I wish to God this people were under my hand! Then I would remove Abim elech.” And he said to Abimelech, “Increase your army and come out!” 30 And when Zebul, the ruler of the city, heard the words of Gaal the
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son of Ebed, his anger was kindled. 31 And he secretly sent messengers to Abimelech, saying, “Behold, Gaal the son of Ebed and his brothers have come to Shechem, and behold, they are fortifying the city against you. 32 Now therefore, get up by night, you and the people who are with you, and lie in wait in the field. 33 And it shall be that in the morning, as soon as the sun is up, you shall rise early and attack the city. And behold, when he and the people who are with him come out against you, then you may do to them as you shall find opportunity.” 34 And Abimelech and all the people who were with him rose up by night, and they lay in wait against Shechem in four companies. 35 And Gaal the son of Ebed went out and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city, and Abimelech and the people who were with him rose up from lying in wait. 36 And when Gaal saw the people, he said to Zebul, “Behold, people are coming down from the tops of the mountains.” And Zebul said to him, “You see the shadow of the mountains as if they were men.” 37 And Gaal spoke again and said, “See, people are coming down by the middle of the land and another company is coming along by the plain of Meonenim.” 38 Then Zebul said to him, “Where is your mouth now, with which you said, ‘Who is Abimelech, that we should serve him?’ Are these not the people whom you have despised? Go out, I pray now, and fight with them.” 39 And Gaal went out before the men
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of Shechem and fought with Abime lech. 40 And Abimelech chased him, and he fled before him. And many were overthrown and wounded, even to the entry of the gate. 41 And Abimelech dwelled at Arumah, and Zebul drove out Gaal and his brothers, so that they could not dwell in Shechem. 42 And it came to pass on the next day that the people went out into the field, and they told Abimelech. 43 And he took the people and divided them into three companies and lay in wait in the field. And he looked, and behold, the people were coming out of the city, and he rose up against them and struck them. 44 And Abimelech and the company that was with him rushed forward and stood in the entrance of the gate of the city, and the two other companies ran on all the people who were in the fields and slew them. 45 And Abimelech fought against the city all that day, and he took the city and slew the people who were in it. And he beat down the city and sowed it with salt. 46 And when all the men of the tower of Shechem heard that, they entered into a chamber of the house of the god Berith. 47 And it was told to Abimelech that all the men of the tower of Shechem were gathered together. 48 And Abimelech went up to Mount Zalmon, he and all the people who were with him, and Abim elech took an ax in his hand and cut down a bough from the trees and took it and laid it on his shoulder and said to the people who were with him, “What you have seen me do, hurry and do as I have done.”
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351 49 And every man—of
all the people—likewise cut down his bough and followed Abimelech and put them against the stronghold and set the stronghold on fire, so that all the men of the tower of Shechem also died, about a thousand men and women. 50 Then Abimelech went to Thebez and besieged Thebez and took it. 51 But there was a strong tower within the city, and all the men and women—and all those of the city— fled there and shut themselves in, and they went up to the top of the tower. 52 And Abimelech came to the tower and fought against it, and went as far as the door of the tower to burn it with fire. 53 And a certain woman cast a piece of a millstone on Abimelech’s head to break his skull. 54 Then he hastily called to the young man, his armor-bearer, and said to him, “Draw your sword and slay me, that men do not say of me, ‘A woman slew him.’” And his young man thrust him through, and he died. 55 And when the men of Israel saw that Abimelech was dead, they departed, every man to his place. 56 Thus God repaid the wickedness of Abimelech, which he had done to his father in slaying his seventy brothers. 57 And God repaid all the evil of the men of Shechem on their heads, and the curse of Jotham the son of Jerubbaal came on them. Tola and Jair And after Abimelech, Tola the son of Puah, the son of Dodo, a man of Issachar, arose to defend Israel, and he dwelled in Shamir on Mount Ephraim. 2 And he judged
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Israel twenty-three years and died and was buried in Shamir. 3 And after him, Jair, a Gileadite, arose and judged Israel twenty-two years. 4 And he had thirty sons who rode on thirty donkey colts, and they had thirty cities that are in the land of Gilead, which are called Havvoth-jair to this day. 5 And Jair died and was buried in Camon. 6 And the children of Israel did evil again in the sight of the Lord and served Baal and Ashtaroth, and the gods of Syria, and the gods of Sidon, and the gods of Moab, and the gods of the children of Ammon, and the gods of the Philistines, and they abandoned the Lord and did not serve Him. 7 And the anger of the Lord burned against Israel, and He sold them into the hands of the Philistines and into the hands of the children of Ammon. 8 And from that year they harassed and oppressed the children of Israel for eighteen years—all the children of Israel who were on the other side of the Jordan in the land of the Amorites, which is in Gilead. 9 Moreover the children of Ammon crossed over the Jordan to fight also against Judah and against Benjamin and against the house of Ephraim, so that Israel was greatly distressed. 10 And the children of Israel cried to the Lord, saying, “We have sinned against You, because we have both forsaken our God and also served Baal.” 11 And the Lord said to the children of Israel, “Did I not deliver you from the Egyptians and from the Amorites, from the children of Ammon and from the Philistines?
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12 Also the Sidonians and the Ama-
lekites and the Maonites oppressed you. And you cried to Me, and I delivered you out of their hand. 13 Yet you have abandoned Me and served other gods. Therefore, I will no longer deliver you. 14 Go and cry to the gods that you have chosen. Let them deliver you in the time of your tribulation.” 15 And the children of Israel said to the Lord, “We have sinned. Do to us whatever seems good to You. Only deliver us this day, we ask You.” 16 And they put away the foreign gods from among them and served the Lord. And His soul was grieved for the misery of Israel. 17 Then the children of Ammon gathered together and camped in Gilead. And the children of Israel assembled themselves together and camped in Mizpah. 18 And the people and princes of Gilead said to one another, “What man is he who will begin to fight against the children of Ammon? He shall be head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” Jephthah Now Jephthah the Gileadite was a mighty man of valor, and he was the son of a harlot. And Gilead fathered Jephthah. 2 And Gilead’s wife bore him sons. And his wife’s sons grew up, and they drove Jephthah out and said to him, “You shall not inherit in our father’s house, for you are the son of another woman.” 3 Then Jephthah fled from his brothers and dwelled in the land of Tob, and worthless men were gathered to Jephthah and went out with him.
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4 And it came to pass in time that
the children of Ammon made war against Israel. 5 And so it was that when the children of Ammon made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to fetch Jephthah out of the land of Tob. 6 And they said to Jephthah, “Come and be our captain, that we may fight with the children of Ammon.” 7 And Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “Did you not hate me and expel me out of my father’s house? And why have you come to me now when you are in distress?” 8 And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “Therefore we turn again to you now, that you may go with us and fight against the children of Ammon and be our head over all the inhabitants of Gilead.” 9 And Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, “If you bring me home again to fight against the children of Ammon, and the Lord delivers them before me, shall I be your head?” 10 And the elders of Gilead said to Jephthah, “The Lord is witness between us, if we do not do so according to your words.” 11 Then Jephthah went with the elders of Gilead, and the people made him head and captain over them, and Jephthah uttered all his words before the Lord in Mizpah. 12 And Jephthah sent messengers to the king of the children of Ammon, saying, “What have you to do with me, that you have come against me to fight in my land?” 13 And the king of the children of Ammon answered the messengers of Jephthah, “Because Israel took
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away my land when they came up out of Egypt, from Arnon as far as Jabbok, and to the Jordan. Now therefore, restore those lands again peaceably.” 14 And Jephthah sent messengers again to the king of the children of Ammon 15 and said to him, “This is what Jephthah says: ‘Israel did not take away the land of Moab or the land of the children of Ammon, 16 but when Israel came up from Egypt and walked through the wilderness to the Red Sea and came to Kadesh, 17 then Israel sent messengers to the king of Edom, saying, “Let me, I ask you, pass through your land.” But the king of Edom would not listen to it. And in the same manner they sent to the king of Moab, but he would not consent. And Israel remained in Kadesh. 18 Then they went along through the wilderness, and around the land of Edom and the land of Moab, and came by the east side of the land of Moab, and camped on the other side of the Arnon but did not come within the territory of Moab, for the Arnon was the border of Moab. 19 And Israel sent messengers to Sihon, king of the Amorites, the king of Heshbon, and Israel said to him, “Let us pass, we ask you, through your land into our place.” 20 But Sihon did not trust Israel to pass through his territory. But Sihon gathered all his people together and camped in Jahaz and fought against Israel. 21 And the Lord God of Israel delivered Sihon and all his people into the hand of Israel, and they struck them. So Israel possessed all the land of the Amorites, the inhabitants of that country. 22 And they
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possessed all the territory of the Amorites, from the Arnon as far as Jabbok and from the wilderness as far as the Jordan. 23 “‘So now the Lord God of Israel has dispossessed the Amorites from before His people Israel, so should you possess it? 24 Will you not possess what Chemosh your god gives you to possess? So we will possess whomever the Lord our God shall drive out from before us. 25 And now, are you anything better than Balak the son of Zippor, king of Moab? Did he ever contend with Israel, or did he ever fight against them? 26 While Israel dwelled for three hundred years in Heshbon and its towns and in Aroer and its towns and in all the cities that are along by the banks of the Arnon, why therefore did you not recover them within that time? 27 Therefore I have not sinned against you, but you do me wrong to war against me. May the Lord, the Judge, judge this day between the children of Israel and the children of Ammon.’” 28 However, the king of the children of Ammon did not listen to the words of Jephthah that he sent to him. 29 Then the Spirit of the Lord came on Jephthah, and he passed over Gilead and Manasseh and passed over Mizpah of Gilead. And from Mizpah of Gilead he passed over to the children of Ammon. Jephthah’s Awful Vow 30 And Jephthah made a vow to the Lord and said, “If You shall without fail deliver the children of Ammon into my hands, 31 then it shall be that whatever comes out of the doors of
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my house to meet me, when I return in peace from the children of Ammon, shall surely be the Lord’s, and I will offer it up for a burnt offering.” 32 So Jephthah passed over to the children of Ammon to fight against them, and the Lord delivered them into his hands. 33 And he struck them with a very great slaughter from Aroer as far as Minnith—twenty cities—and to the plain of the vineyards. Thus the children of Ammon were subdued before the children of Israel. 34 And Jephthah came to his house at Mizpah, and behold, his daughter came out to meet him with tambourines and with dances, and she was his only child. Besides her he had neither son nor daughter. 35 And it came to pass, when he saw her, that he tore his clothes and said, “Alas, my daughter! You have brought me very low. And you are one of those who trouble me, for I have opened my mouth to the Lord and I cannot go back.” 36 And she said to him, “My father, if you have opened your mouth to the Lord, do to me according to what has proceeded out of your mouth, since the Lord has taken vengeance for you on your enemies, the children of Ammon.” 37 And she said to her father, “Let this thing be done for me. Leave me alone two months, that I may go up and down on the mountains and lament my virginity, I and my companions.” 38 And he said, “Go.” And he sent her away for two months, and she went with her companions and lamented her virginity on the mountains. 39 And it came to pass
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at the end of two months that she returned to her father, who did with her according to his vow that he had made. And she knew no man. And it was a custom in Israel 40 that the daughters of Israel went yearly— four days in a year—to lament the daughter of Jephthah the Gileadite. The Second Jealousy of Ephraim And the men of Ephraim gathered themselves together and went northward and said to Jephthah, “Why did you cross over to fight against the children of Ammon and not call us to go with you? We will burn your house on you with fire.” 2 And Jephthah said to them, “My people and I were at great strife with the children of Ammon, and when I called you, you did not deliver me out of their hands. 3 And when I saw that you did not deliver me, I put my life in my hands and crossed over against the children of Ammon, and the Lord delivered them into my hand. Why then have you come up to me this day to fight against me?” 4 Then Jephthah gathered together all the men of Gilead and fought with Ephraim. And the men of Gilead struck Ephraim, because they said, “You Gileadites are fugitives of Ephraim among the Ephraimites and among the Manassites.” 5 And the Gileadites took the passages of the Jordan before the Ephraimites. And so it was, that when those Ephraimites who had escaped said, “Let me go over,” that the men of Gilead said to him, “Are you an Ephraimite?” If he said, “No,” 6 then they said to
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him, “Say now, ‘Shibboleth.’” And he said “Sibboleth,” for he could not manage to pronounce it right. Then they took him and slew him at the passages of the Jordan. And at that time forty-two thousand of the Ephraimites fell. 7 And Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead. Ibzan 8 And after him, Ibzan of Bethlehem judged Israel. 9 And he had thirty sons and thirty daughters, whom he sent abroad, and took in thirty daughters from abroad for his sons. And he judged Israel seven years. 10 Then Ibzan died and was buried at Bethlehem. Elon 11 And after him, Elon, a Zebulunite, judged Israel. And he judged Israel ten years. 12 And Elon the Zebulunite died and was buried in Aijalon in the country of Zebulun. Abdon 13 And after him, Abdon the son of Hillel, a Pirathonite, judged Israel. 14 And he had forty sons and thirty nephews, who rode on seventy donkey colts. And he judged Israel eight years. 15 And Abdon the son of Hillel the Pirathonite died and was buried in Pirathon in the land of Ephraim, in the mountains of the Amalekites. The Parents of Samson And the children of Israel again did evil in the sight of
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the Lord, and the Lord delivered them into the hand of the Philistines for forty years. 2 And there was a certain man from Zorah, of the family of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. And his wife was barren and had not given birth. 3 And the angel of the Lord appeared to the woman and said to her, “Behold now, you are barren and have not given birth, but you shall conceive and bear a son. 4 Now therefore, beware, I ask you, do not drink wine or strong drink and do not eat any unclean thing. 5 For behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And no razor shall come on his head, for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb. And he shall begin to deliver Israel out of the hand of the Philistines.” 6 Then the woman came and told her husband, saying, “A man of God came to me, and his appearance was like the appearance of an angel of God, very awesome. But I did not ask him where he was from, nor did he tell me his name, 7 but he said to me, ‘Behold, you shall conceive and bear a son. And now drink no wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing, for the child shall be a Nazarite to God from the womb to the day of his death.’” 8 Then Manoah entreated the Lord and said, “O my Lord, let the man of God whom You sent come again to us and teach us what we shall do for the child who shall be born.” 9 And God listened to the voice of Manoah, and the angel of God came again to the woman as she sat in the field. But her husband, Manoah,
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was not with her. 10 And the woman hastened and ran and showed her husband and said to him, “Behold, the man who came to me the other day has appeared to me.” 11 And Manoah arose and went after his wife and came to the man and said to him, “Are you the man who spoke to the woman?” And he said, “I am.” 12 And Manoah said, “Now let your words come to pass. How shall we order the child and what shall we do for him?” 13 And the angel of the Lord said to Manoah, “Let the woman beware of all that I said to her. 14 She may not eat from anything that comes from the vine, nor let her drink wine or strong drink, nor eat any unclean thing. Let her observe all that I commanded her.” 15 And Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, “I ask you, let us detain you until we shall have made a young goat ready for you.” 16 And the angel of the Lord said to Manoah, “Though you detain me, I will not eat of your bread. And if you will offer a burnt offering, you must offer it to the Lord.” For Manoah did not know that he was an angel of the Lord. 17 And Manoah said to the angel of the Lord, “What is your name, that when your sayings come to pass we may honor you?” 18 And the angel of the Lord said to him, “Why do you ask for my name, since it is a secret?” 19 So Manoah took a young goat with a grain offering and offered it on a rock to the Lord. And the angel did wondrously, and Manoah
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and his wife watched. 20 For it came to pass, when the flame went up toward heaven from off the altar, that the angel of the Lord ascended in the flame of the altar. And Manoah and his wife saw it and fell on their faces to the ground. 21 But the angel of the Lord did not appear anymore to Manoah and to his wife. Then Manoah knew that he was an angel of the Lord. 22 And Manoah said to his wife, “We shall surely die because we have seen God.” 23 But his wife said to him, “If the Lord had desired to kill us, He would not have received a burnt offering and a grain offering from our hands, nor would He have shown us all these things or would have told us such things as these at this time.” The Birth of Samson 24 And the woman bore a son and called his name Samson. And the child grew, and the Lord blessed him. 25 And the Spirit of the Lord began to move him at times in the camp of Dan between Zorah and Eshtaol. Samson, the Thirteenth Judge And Samson went down to Timnah and saw a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines. 2 And he came up and told his father and his mother and said, “I have seen a woman in Timnah of the daughters of the Philistines. Now therefore, get her for me as a wife.” 3 Then his father and his mother said to him, “Is there not a woman
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among the daughters of your brothers or among all my people, that you go to take a wife from the uncircumcised Philistines?” And Samson said to his father, “Get her for me, for she pleases me well.” 4 But his father and his mother did not know that it was from the Lord—that He sought an occasion against the Philistines. For at that time the Philistines had dominion over Israel. Samson and the Lion 5 Then Samson went down to Timnah, and his father and his mother, and came to the vineyards of Timnah. And behold, a young lion roared at him. 6 And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily on him, and he tore him as he would have torn a young goat. And he had nothing in his hand. But he did not tell his father or his mother what he had done. 7 And he went down and talked with the woman, and she pleased Samson well. Samson’s Riddle 8 And after a time he returned to take her, and he turned aside to see the carcass of the lion. And behold, a swarm of bees and honey were in the carcass of the lion. 9 And he took some of it in his hands and went on, eating. And he came to his father and mother, and he gave some to them and they ate it. But he did not tell them he had taken the honey out of the carcass of the lion. 10 So his father went down to the
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woman. And Samson made a feast there, for the young men used to do so. 11 And it came to pass, when they saw him, that they brought thirty companions to be with him. 12 And Samson said to them, “I will now put forth a riddle to you. If you can certainly figure it out and declare it to me within the seven days of the feast, then I will give you thirty sheets and thirty changes of clothing. 13 But if you cannot declare it to me, then you shall give me thirty sheets and thirty changes of clothing.” And they said to him, “Put forth your riddle, that we may hear it.” 14 And he said to them: “Out of the eater came forth food, and out of the strong came forth sweetness.” And in three days they could not explain the riddle. 15 And it came to pass on the seventh day that they said to Samson’s wife, “Entice your husband, that he may declare the riddle to us, lest we burn you and your father’s house with fire. Have you called us to take what we have? Is it not so?” 16 And Samson’s wife wept before him and said, “You hate me and do not love me. You have put forth a riddle to the children of my people and have not told it to me.” And he said to her, “Behold, I have not told it to my father or my mother, and shall I tell it to you?” 17 And she wept before him the seven days while their feast lasted. And it came to pass on the seventh day that he told her because she pressed him greatly. And she told the riddle to the children of her people. 18 And the men of the city said to
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him on the seventh day before the sun went down, “What is sweeter than honey? And what is stronger than a lion?” And he said to them, “If you had not plowed with my heifer, you would not have found out my riddle.” 19 And the Spirit of the Lord came on him, and he went down to Ashkelon and slew thirty men from there and took their loot and gave changes of clothing to those who explained the riddle. And his anger was kindled, and he went up to his father’s house. 20 But Samson’s wife was given to his companion, whom he had used as his friend.
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But after a while, in the time of wheat harvest, it came to pass that Samson visited his wife with a young goat. And he said, “I will go in to my wife in the chamber.” But her father would not permit him to go in. 2 And her father said, “I truly thought that you utterly hated her. Therefore I gave her to your companion. Is her younger sister not more beautiful than she? Take her, I ask you, instead of her.” The Foxes and Torches 3 And Samson said concerning them, “Now I shall be more blameless than the Philistines, though I do a displeasure to them.” 4 And Samson went and caught three hundred foxes and tied them tail to tail, and took firebrands and put a torch in the midst between two tails. 5 And when he had set the torches on fire, he let them go into the standing
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grain of the Philistines and burned up both the shocks and also the standing grain, with the vineyards and olives. 6 Then the Philistines said, “Who has done this?” And they answered, “Samson, the son-in-law of the Timnite, because he had taken his wife and given her to his companion.” And the Philistines came up and burned her and her father with fire. 7 And Samson said to them, “Because you have done this, yet I will take revenge on you, and after that I will cease.” 8 And he struck them ruthlessly with a great slaughter, and he went down and dwelled in the top of the rock Etam. 9 Then the Philistines went up and camped in Judah and spread themselves out in Lehi. 10 And the men of Judah said, “Why have you come up against us?” And they answered, “We have come up to bind Samson, to do to him as he has done to us.” 11 Then three thousand men of Judah went to the top of the rock Etam and said to Samson, “Do you not know that the Philistines are rulers over us? What is this that you have done to us?” And he said to them, “As they did to me, so I have done to them.” 12 And they said to him, “We have come down to bind you, that we may deliver you into the hand of the Philistines.” And Samson said to them, “Swear to me that you will not kill me yourselves.” 13 And they spoke to him, saying, “No, but we will bind you tightly
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and deliver you into their hand, but we surely will not kill you.” And they bound him with two new cords and brought him up from the rock. Samson Slays a Thousand Philistines 14 And when he came to Lehi, the Philistines shouted against him. And the Spirit of the Lord came mightily on him, and the cords that were on his arms became as flax that was burned with fire, and his bands loosed from off his hands. 15 And he found a new jawbone of a donkey and stretched out his hand and took it and slew a thousand men with it. 16 And Samson said, “With the jawbone of a donkey, heaps on heaps, with the jaw of a donkey I have slain a thousand men.” 17 And it came to pass, when he had finished speaking, that he cast away the jawbone out of his hand and called that place Ramath-lehi. 18 And he was very thirsty and called on the Lord and said, “You have given this great deliverance into the hand of Your servant, and now shall I die of thirst and fall into the hand of the uncircumcised?” 19 But God split a hollow place that was in the jaw, and water came out of it. And when he had drunk, his spirit came again and he revived. Therefore he called the name of it En-hakkore, which is in Lehi to this day. 20 And he judged Israel twenty years in the days of the Philistines. Samson at Gaza Then Samson went to Gaza and saw a harlot there and
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went in to her. 2 And it was told to the Gazites, saying, “Samson has come here.” And they surrounded him and lay in wait for him all night in the gate of the city. And they were quiet all night, saying, “In the morning, when it is day, we shall kill him.” 3 And Samson lay until midnight, and at midnight he arose and took the doors of the gate of the city and the two posts, bar and all, and put them on his shoulders, and went away with them and carried them up to the top of a hill that is before Hebron. Samson and Delilah 4 And afterward it came to pass that he loved a woman in the Valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah. 5 And the lords of the Philistines came up to her and said to her, “Entice him and see where his great strength lies and by what means we may prevail against him, that we may bind him to afflict him. And every one of us will give you eleven hundred pieces of silver.” 6 And Delilah said to Samson, “Tell me, I ask you, where your great strength lies, and with what you might be bound to afflict you.” 7 And Samson said to her, “If they bind me with seven green bowstrings that were never dried, then I shall be weak and be as another man.” 8 Then the lords of the Philistines brought up to her seven green bowstrings that had not been dried, and she bound him with them. 9 Now there were men lying in wait, staying with her in the chamber. And she said to him, “The Philistines are
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upon you, Samson.” And he broke the bowstrings, as a thread of yarn is broken when it touches the fire. So his strength was not known. 10 And Delilah said to Samson, “Behold, you have mocked me and told me lies. Now tell me, I ask you, with what you might be bound.” 11 And he said to her, “If they bind me tightly with new ropes that have never been used, then I shall be weak and be as another man.” 12 Therefore Delilah took new ropes and bound him with them and said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson.” And there were men in ambush staying in the chamber. And he broke them from off his arms like a thread. 13 And Delilah said to Samson, “Here you have mocked me and told me lies. Tell me with what you might be bound.” And he said to her, “If you weave the seven locks of my head with the fabric on the loom.” 14 And she fastened it with the pin and said to him, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson.” And he awoke out of his sleep and went away with the pin of the beam and with the fabric. 15 And she said to him, “How can you say, ‘I love you,’ when your heart is not with me? You have mocked me these three times and have not told me where your great strength lies.” 16 And it came to pass, when she pressed him daily with her words and urged him, so that his soul was troubled to death, 17 that he told her all his heart and said to her, “A razor has not come on my head, for
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I have been a Nazarite to God from my mother’s womb. If I am shaven, then my strength will go from me, and I shall become weak and be like any other man.” 18 And when Delilah saw that he had told her all his heart, she sent and called for the lords of the Philistines, saying, “Come up once more, for he has shown me all his heart.” Then the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought money in their hand. 19 And she made him sleep on her knees, and she called for a man. And she had him shave off the seven locks of his head. And she began to afflict him, and his strength went from him. 20 And she said, “The Philistines are upon you, Samson.” And he awoke out of his sleep and said, “I will go out as before, at other times, and shake myself free.” And he did not know that the Lord had departed from him. 21 But the Philistines took him and put out his eyes and brought him down to Gaza and bound him with shackles of brass. And he ground grain in the prison house. 22 However, the hair of his head began to grow again after he was shaven. The Death of Samson 23 Then the lords of the Philistines gathered together to offer a great sacrifice to Dagon their god and to rejoice. For they said, “Our god has delivered Samson our enemy into our hands!” 24 And when the people saw him, they praised their god, for they said, “Our god has delivered into our hands our enemy, and the destroyer
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of our country, who slew many of us.” 25 And it came to pass, when their hearts were merry, that they said, “Call for Samson, that he may entertain us.” And they called for Samson out of the prison house, and he entertained them. And they set him between the pillars. 26 And Samson said to the boy who held him by the hand, “Allow me to feel the pillars on which the house stands, that I may lean on them.” 27 Now the house was full of men and women. And all the lords of the Philistines were there. And on the roof there were about three thousand men and women who watched while Samson entertained. 28 And Samson called to the Lord and said, “O Lord God, remember me, I ask You. And strengthen me, I ask You, only this once, O God, that I may at once take vengeance on the Philistines for my two eyes.” 29 And Samson took hold of the two middle pillars on which the house stood, and on which it was held up, of the one with his right hand and of the other with his left. 30 And Samson said, “Let me die with the Philistines.” And he pushed with all his might, and the house fell on the lords and on all the people who were in it. So the dead whom he slew at his death were more than those whom he slew in his life. 31 Then his brothers and all the house of his father came down and took him and brought him up and buried him between Zorah and Esh taol in the burying place of his father Manoah. And he judged Israel twenty years.
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Civil and Religious Confusion And there was a man of Mount Ephraim whose name was Micah. 2 And he said to his mother, “The eleven hundred shekels of silver that were taken from you, those which you cursed and also spoke of in my ears, behold, the silver is with me. I took it.” And his mother said, “You are blessed of the Lord, my son.” 3 And when he had restored the eleven hundred shekels of silver to his mother, his mother said, “I had wholly dedicated the silver to the Lord from my hand for my son to make a carved image and a cast image. Now therefore, I will restore it to you.” 4 So he restored the money to his mother, and his mother took two hundred shekels of silver and gave them to the founder, who made a carved image and a cast image from it. And they were in the house of Micah. 5 And the man Micah had a house of gods and made an ephod and teraphim and consecrated one of his sons, who became his priest. 6 In those days there was no king in Israel, but every man did what was right in his own eyes. 7 And there was a young man out of Bethlehem in Judah, of the family of Judah, who was a Levite. And he was staying there. 8 And the man departed out of the city of Bethlehem in Judah to stay where he could find a place. And he came to Mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, as he journeyed. 9 And Micah said to him, “Where do you come from?” And he said to him, “I am a
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Levite from Bethlehem in Judah, and I go to stay where I may find a place.” 10 And Micah said to him, “Dwell with me, and be a father and a priest to me. And I will give you ten shekels of silver each year and a suit of apparel and your provisions.” So the Levite went in. 11 And the Levite was content to dwell with the man, and the young man was to him as one of his sons. 12 And Micah consecrated the Levite, and the young man became his priest and was in the house of Micah. 13 Then Micah said, “Now I know that the Lord will do good for me, since I have a Levite as my priest.” The Danite Invasion In those days there was no king in Israel. And in those days the tribe of the Danites sought an inheritance for themselves to dwell in, for to that day all their inheritance had not fallen to them among the tribes of Israel. 2 And the children of Dan sent from their family five men from their territory, men of valor from Zorah and from Eshtaol, to spy out the land and to search it. And they said to them, “Go, search the land.” So when they came to Mount Ephraim, to the house of Micah, they spent the night there. 3 When they were by the house of Micah, they recognized the voice of the young man, the Levite. And they turned in there and said to him, “Who brought you here? And what are you doing in this place? And what do you have here?” 4 And he said to them, “This is what Micah has done for me: he has
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hired me, and I am his priest.” 5 And they said to him, “Ask God for counsel, we ask you, that we may know whether the way on which we go shall be prosperous.” 6 And the priest said to them, “Go in peace. Your way in which you go is before the Lord.” 7 Then the five men departed and came to Laish and saw the people who were in it, how they dwelled safely, after the manner of the Sidonians—quiet and secure. And there was no magistrate in the land who might put them to shame for anything. And they were far from the Sidonians and had no dealings with any man. 8 And they came to their brothers at Zorah and Eshtaol, and their brothers said to them, “What do you say?” 9 And they said, “Arise, that we may go up against them. For we have seen the land, and behold, it is very good. And are you sitting still? Do not be slow to go and to enter to possess the land. 10 When you go, you shall come to a secure people and to a large land, for God has given it into your hands, a place where there is no lack of anything that is on the earth.” 11 And six hundred men of the family of the Danites went from there, out of Zorah and out of Eshtaol, equipped with weapons of war. 12 And they went up and camped in Kiriath-jearim in Judah. (Therefore they call that place Mahaneh-dan to this day. Behold, it is behind Kiriathjearim.) 13 And they passed from there to Mount Ephraim and came to the house of Micah.
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the five men who went to spy out the country of Laish answered and said to their brothers, “Do you know that in these houses there is an ephod and teraphim and a carved image and a cast image? Now therefore, consider what you have to do.” 15 And they turned there and came to the house of the young man, the Levite, to the house of Micah, and greeted him. 16 And the six hundred men equipped with their weapons of war, who were of the children of Dan, stood by the entrance of the gate. 17 And the five men who went to spy out the land went up and came in there, and took the carved image and the ephod and the teraphim and the cast image. And the priest stood in the entrance of the gate with the six hundred men who were equipped with weapons of war. 18 And these went into Micah’s house and took the carved image, the ephod, and the teraphim, and the cast image. Then the priest said to them, “What are you doing?” 19 And they said to him, “Be silent. Put your hand on your mouth and go with us, and be a father and a priest to us. Is it better for you to be a priest to the house of one man or for you to be a priest to a tribe and a family in Israel?” 20 And the priest’s heart was glad, and he took the ephod and the teraphim and the carved image and went in the midst of the people. 21 So they turned and departed and put the little ones and the cattle and the carriage in front of them. 22 And when they were a good way from the house of Micah, the men who were
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in the houses near Micah’s house gathered together and overtook the children of Dan. 23 And they cried out to the children of Dan. And they turned their faces and said to Micah, “What ails you, that you have joined such a company?” 24 And he said, “You have taken away my gods that I made, and the priest, and you have gone away. And what more do I have? And what is this that you say to me, ‘What ails you?’” 25 And the children of Dan said to him, “Do not let your voice be heard among us, lest angry men attack you and you lose your life, with the lives of your household.” 26 And the children of Dan went their way. And when Micah saw that they were too strong for him, he turned and went back to his house. 27 And they took the things that Micah had made and the priest that he had and came to Laish, to a people who were quiet and secure, and they struck them with the edge of the sword and burned the city with fire. 28 And there was no deliverer because it was far from Sidon, and they had no dealings with any man. And it was in the valley that lies by Beth-rehob. And they built a city and dwelled in it. 29 And they called the name of the city Dan, after the name of Dan their father, who was born to Israel. However, the previous name of the city was Laish. The Danite Idolatry 30 And the children of Dan set up the carved image, and Jonathan the son of Gershom, the son of Manasseh, and his sons were priests to the
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tribe of Dan until the day of the captivity of the land. 31 And they set up for themselves Micah’s carved image that he made, all the time that the house of God was in Shiloh. The Levite and His Concubine And it came to pass in those days, when there was no king in Israel, that there was a certain Levite staying on the side of Mount Ephraim, who took a concubine for himself out of Bethlehem in Judah. 2 And his concubine was unfaithful to him and went away from him to her father’s house to Bethlehem in Judah and was there four whole months. 3 And her husband arose and went after her to speak friendly to her and to bring her back again, having his servant and a couple of donkeys with him. And she brought him into her father’s house, and when the father of the young woman saw him, he rejoiced to meet him. 4 And his father-in-law, the young woman’s father, retained him, and he stayed with him three days. So they ate and drank and stayed there. 5 And it came to pass on the fourth day, when they arose early in the morning, that he rose up to depart, and the young woman’s father said to his son-in-law, “Comfort your heart with a bite of bread, and afterward go your way.” 6 And they sat down and ate and drank, both of them together, for the young woman’s father had said to the man, “Be content, I ask you, and remain all night, and let your heart be merry.” 7 And when the man rose up to depart, his father-in-law urged
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him. Therefore he stayed there again that night. 8 And he arose early in the morning on the fifth day to depart, and the young woman’s father said, “Comfort your heart, I ask you.” And they remained until the afternoon, and both of them ate. 9 And when the man rose up to depart—he and his concubine and his servant—his father-in-law, the young woman’s father, said to him, “Behold, now the day draws toward evening. I ask you, remain all night. Behold, the day grows to an end. Spend the night here, that your heart may be merry. And tomorrow get on your way early, that you may go home.” 10 But the man would not remain that night, but he rose up and departed and came near Jebus (which is Jerusalem). And with him there were two saddled donkeys. His concubine was also with him. 11 And when they were by Jebus, the day was far spent, and the servant said to his master, “Come, I ask you, and let us turn in into this city of the Jebusites and spend the night in it.” 12 And his master said to him, “We will not turn aside here into the city of a foreigner who is not of the children of Israel. We will pass over to Gibeah.” 13 And he said to his servant, “Come, and let us draw near to one of these places to spend the night, in Gibeah or in Ramah.” 14 And they passed on and went their way, and the sun went down on them when they were by Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin. 15 And they turned aside there to go in and to stay the night in Gibeah. And when he went in, he sat down in a
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street of the city, for there was no man who took them into his house to give them lodging. 16 And behold, an old man came from his work out of the field at evening, who was also from Mount Ephraim. And he was staying in Gibeah, but the men of the place were Benjamites. 17 And when he had lifted up his eyes, he saw a traveler in the street of the city, and the old man said, “Where are you going? And where do you come from?” 18 And he said to him, “We are passing from Bethlehem in Judah toward the side of Mount Ephraim. I am from there. And I went to Bethlehem in Judah, but I am now going to the house of the Lord. And there is no man who will receive me into his house. 19 Yet there is both straw and feed for our donkeys, and also there is bread and wine for me and for your handmaiden and for the young man who is with your servants. There is no lack of anything.” 20 And the old man said, “Peace be with you. However, let all your needs lie on me. Only do not spend the night in the street.” 21 So he brought him into his house and fed the donkeys. And they washed their feet and ate and drank. Gibeah’s Sin 22 Now as they were making their hearts merry, behold, the men of the city, certain sons of Belial, surrounded the house and beat at the door and spoke to the master of the house, the old man, saying, “Bring out the man who came into your
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house, that we may know him.” 23 And the man, the master of the house, went out to them and said to them, “No, my brothers, no. I ask you, do not act so wickedly. Seeing that this man has come into my house, do not do this evil. 24 Behold, here is my daughter—a maiden— and his concubine. I will bring them out now, and you humble them and do with them what seems good to you. But do not do so vile a thing to this man. 25 But the men would not listen to him. So the man took his concubine and brought her out to them. And they knew her and abused her all the night until the morning, and when the day began to break, they let her go. 26 Then the woman came in at the dawn of the day and fell down at the door of the man’s house where her master was, until it was light. 27 And her master rose up in the morning and opened the doors of the house and went out to go on his way. And behold, the woman, his concubine, had fallen down at the door of the house and her hands were on the threshold. 28 And he said to her, “Up, and let us be going.” But there was no answer. Then the man took her up on a donkey, and the man rose up and went to his place. 29 And when he had come into his house, he took a knife and took hold of his concubine and divided her, together with her bones, into twelve pieces, and sent her to all the territory of Israel. 30 And so it was that all who saw it said, “No such deed has been done or seen from the day that the children of Israel came up
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out of the land of Egypt to this day. Consider it, take counsel, and speak your minds.” The Civil War Then all the children of Israel, from Dan to Beer-sheba, with the land of Gilead, went out, and the congregation was gathered together as one man to the Lord in Mizpah. 2 And the leaders of all the people, of all the tribes of Israel, presented themselves in the assembly of the people of God, four hundred thousand footmen who drew the sword. 3 (Now the children of Benjamin heard that the children of Israel had gone up to Mizpah.) Then the children of Israel said, “Tell us, how did this wickedness happen?” 4 And the Levite, the husband of the woman who was slain, answered and said, “I came into Gibeah, which belongs to Benjamin, I and my concubine, to stay the night. 5 And the men of Gibeah rose against me and surrounded the house at night and intended to kill me. And they violated my concubine, so that she is dead. 6 And I took my concubine and cut her in pieces and sent her throughout all the country of the inheritance of Israel, for they have committed lewdness and evil in Israel. 7 Behold, you are all children of Israel. Give here your advice and counsel.” 8 And all the people arose as one man, saying, “We will not, any of us, go to our tents, nor will any of us return to our houses. 9 But now this shall be the thing that we will do to Gibeah. We will go up by lot against
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it, 10 and we will take ten men of a hundred throughout all the tribes of Israel and a hundred of a thousand and a thousand out of ten thousand to get provisions for the people, so that when they come to Gibeah of Benjamin, they may do according to all the evil that they have done in Israel.” 11 So all the men of Israel were gathered against the city, united together as one man. 12 And the tribes of Israel sent men through all the tribe of Benjamin, saying, “What wickedness is this that has been done among you? 13 Now therefore, deliver to us the men, the children of Belial who are in Gibeah, that we may put them to death and remove this evil from Israel.” But the children of Benjamin would not listen to the voice of their brothers, the children of Israel. 14 But the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together from the cities to Gibeah to go out to battle against the children of Israel. 15 And out of the cities at that time the children of Benjamin were numbered twenty- six thousand men who drew the sword, besides the inhabitants of Gibeah, who were numbered seven hundred chosen men. 16 Among all these people there were seven hundred chosen men who were left-handed. Every one could sling stones at a hair’s breadth and not miss. 17 And besides Benjamin, the men of Israel were numbered four hundred thousand men who drew the sword. All these were men of war. 18 And the children of Israel arose and went up to the house of God and asked counsel of God and said,
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“Which of us shall go up first to battle against the children of Benjamin?” And the Lord said, “Judah shall go up first.” 19 And the children of Israel rose up in the morning and camped near Gibeah. 20 And the men of Israel went out to battle against Benjamin, and the men of Israel arranged themselves to fight against them at Gibeah. 21 And the children of Benjamin came forth out of Gibeah and cut down twenty-two thousand men of the Israelites that day. 22 And the people, the men of Israel, encouraged themselves and again arranged themselves to fight in the place where they arranged themselves the first day. 23 And the children of Israel went up and wept before the Lord until evening and asked counsel of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up again to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother?” And the Lord said, “Go up against him.” 24 And the children of Israel came against the children of Benjamin the second day. 25 And Benjamin went forth against them out of Gibeah the second day and again cut down eighteen thousand men of the children of Israel. All these drew the sword. 26 Then all the children of Israel and all the people went up and came to the house of God. They wept and sat there before the Lord and fasted that day until evening and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. 27 And the children of Israel inquired of the Lord (for
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the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days, 28 and Phinehas the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron, stood before it in those days), saying, “Shall I yet again go out to battle against the children of Benjamin my brother, or shall I cease?” And the Lord said, “Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.” 29 And Israel set an ambush all around Gibeah. 30 And the children of Israel went up against the children of Benjamin on the third day and arranged themselves against Gibeah as at other times. 31 And the children of Benjamin went out against the people and were drawn away from the city. And they began to strike the people and kill some as at other times, in the highways (of which one goes up to the house of God, and the other to Gibeah) and in the field, about thirty men of Israel. 32 And the children of Benjamin said, “They are struck down before us, as at first.” But the children of Israel said, “Let us flee and draw them from the city to the highways.” 33 And all the men of Israel rose up out of their place and arranged themselves to fight at Baal-tamar, and the ambush from Israel came forth out of their places, from the meadows of Gibeah. 34 And ten thousand chosen men out of all Israel came against Gibeah, and the battle was great. But they did not know that evil was near them. 35 And the Lord struck Benjamin before Israel, and that day the children of Israel destroyed twenty-five thousand one hundred men of the Benjamites. All these drew the sword.
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the children of Benjamin saw that they had been defeated. For the men of Israel gave ground to the Benjamites because they trusted the ambush that they had set against Gibeah. 37 And the men in ambush hastened and rushed against Gibeah. And the men in ambush drew themselves along and struck all the city with the edge of the sword. 38 Now there was an appointed sign between the men of Israel and the men in ambush, that they should make a great flame with smoke to rise up out of the city. 39 And when the men of Israel retired in the battle, Benjamin began to strike and kill about thirty men of Israel, for they said, “Surely they are struck down before us, as in the first battle.” 40 But when the flame began to arise out of the city with a pillar of smoke, the Benjamites looked behind them, and behold, the flame of the city ascended to heaven. 41 And when the men of Israel turned again, the men of Benjamin were amazed, for they saw that evil had come on them. 42 Therefore they turned their backs before the men of Israel to the way of the wilderness, but the battle overtook them. And they destroyed those who came out of the cities in the midst of them. 43 Thus they surrounded the Benjamites all around and chased them and trampled them down with ease near Gibeah toward the rising sun. 44 And eighteen thousand men of Benjamin fell. All these were men of valor. 45 And they turned and fled toward the wilderness to the rock of Rimmon, and they captured five
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thousand men in the highways and pursued hard after them to Gidom and slew two thousand men. 46 So all who fell from Benjamin that day were twenty-five thousand men who drew the sword. All these were men of valor. 47 But six hundred men turned and fled to the wilderness to the rock Rimmon and remained in the rock Rimmon four months. 48 And the men of Israel turned again on the children of Benjamin and struck them with the edge of the sword— the men of every city as well as the beasts and all that they found. Also they set on fire all the cities that they came to. Mourning for a Lost Tribe Now the men of Israel had sworn in Mizpah, saying, “Not any of us shall give his daughter to Benjamin as a wife.” 2 And the people came to the house of God and remained there before God until evening and lifted up their voices and wept greatly 3 and said, “O Lord God of Israel, why has this come to pass in Israel, that today there should be one tribe lacking in Israel?” 4 And it came to pass on the next morning that the people rose early and built an altar there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. 5 And the children of Israel said, “Who is there among all the tribes of Israel who did not come up with the congregation to the Lord?” For they had made a great oath concerning him who did not come up to the Lord to Mizpah, saying, “He shall surely be put to death.” 6 And
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the children of Israel grieved for Benjamin their brother and said, “One tribe is cut off from Israel this day. 7 What shall we do for wives of those who remain, since we have sworn by the Lord that we will not give them of our daughters to be their wives?” 8 And they said, “What one is there of the tribes of Israel who did not come up to Mizpah to the Lord?” And behold, none came to the camp from Jabesh-gilead to the assembly. 9 For the people were numbered, and behold, none of the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead were there. 10 And the congregation sent twelve thousand of the most courageous men there and commanded them, saying, “Go and strike the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead with the edge of the sword, with the women and the children. 11 And this is the thing that you shall do: you shall utterly destroy every male and every woman who has lain with a man.” 12 And among the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead they found four hundred young virgins who had known no man by lying with any male, and they brought them to the camp at Shiloh, which is in the land of Canaan. 13 And the whole congregation sent some to speak to the children of Benjamin who were in the rock Rimmon and to proclaim peace to them. 14 And Benjamin came again at that time, and they gave them the wives whom they had kept alive from the women of Jabesh-gilead. And yet they were not enough for them. 15 And the people grieved for
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Benjamin because the Lord had made a breach in the tribes of Israel. 16 Then the elders of the congregation said, “What shall we do for wives for those who remain, since the women of Benjamin have been destroyed?” 17 And they said, “There must be an inheritance for those of Benjamin who have escaped, that a tribe is not destroyed out of Israel. 18 However, we may not give them wives from our daughters, for the children of Israel have sworn, saying, ‘He is cursed who gives a wife to Benjamin.’” 19 Then they said, “Behold, there is a yearly feast of the Lord in Shiloh, in a place that is on the north side of Bethel, on the east side of the highway that goes up from Bethel to Shechem, and on the south of Lebonah.” 20 Therefore they commanded the children of Benjamin, saying, “Go and lie in wait in the vineyards 21 and watch. And behold, if the daughters of Shiloh come out to perform their dances, then you come out of the vineyards, and every man catch for himself his wife from the daughters of Shiloh. And then go to the land of Benjamin. 22 And it shall be, when their fathers or their brothers come to us to complain, that we will say to them, ‘Be favorable to them for our sakes because we did not reserve for each man his wife in the war, for you did not give to them at this time, that you should be guilty.’” 23 And the children of Benjamin did so and took wives for themselves according to their number from those who danced, whom they caught. And they went and returned
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to their inheritance and repaired the cities and dwelled in them. 24 And the children of Israel departed from there at that time, every man to his tribe and to his family, and every
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man went out from there to his inheritance. 25 In those days there was no king in Israel. Every man did what was right in his own eyes.
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RUTH INTRODUCTION TO RUTH Ruth is a small book, only four chapters, that reveals God’s work of providence in the details of people’s lives. AUTHOR Even though there has been speculation about possible authors, no one knows who wrote the book of Ruth. We do believe, however, that the book was written during the time of King David. This seems reasonable because of the genealogy included at the end of the book, a genealogy that includes David’s ancestors. OCCASION One purpose of this book is to reveal how a Moabite—a nonJew—can become a faithful follower of Yahweh, Israel’s God. Another purpose is that it is meant to be a contribution to the genealogy of David, an ancestor to Jesus. The book of Ruth illustrates how simple, obedient people can be saved by God’s providence and become part of His larger plan.
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Ruth Deciding Now it came to pass in the days when the judges ruled that there was a famine in the land. And a certain man of Bethlehem, Judah, went to sojourn in the country of Moab—he and his wife and his two sons. 2 And the name of the man was Elimelech, and the name of his wife, Naomi, and the name of his two sons, Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehem, Judah. And they came to the country of Moab and continued there. 3 And Elimelech, Naomi’s husband, died, and she was left, and her two sons. 4 And they took wives of the women of Moab. The name of the one was Orpah, and the name of the other, Ruth. And they dwelled there about ten years. 5 And Mahlon and Chilion also died, both of them, and the woman was left without her two sons and her husband. 6 Then she arose with her daughters- in-law, that she might return from the country of Moab, for she had heard in the country of Moab how the Lord had visited His people in giving them bread. 7 Therefore she went forth out of the place where she was, and her two daughters-in-law with her, and they went on the way to return to the land of Judah. 8 And Naomi said to her two daughters-in-law, “Go, return each to her mother’s house. The Lord deal kindly with you, as you have dealt with the dead and with me. 9 The Lord grant that you may find rest, each of you in the house of her husband.” Then she kissed them, and they lifted up their voice and wept. 10And
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they said to her, “Surely we will return with you to your people.” 11 And Naomi said, “Turn back, my daughters. Why will you go with me? Are there still any sons in my womb, that they may be your husbands? 12 Turn back, my daughters. Go your way, for I am too old to have a husband. If I should say, ‘I have hope,’ if I should have a husband also tonight and should also bear sons, 13 would you wait for them until they were grown? Would you refrain from having husbands? No, my daughters, for it grieves me much for your sakes that the hand of the Lord has gone out against me.” 14 And they lifted up their voice and wept again, and Orpah kissed her mother-in-law, but Ruth clung to her. 15 And she said, “Behold, your sister-in-law has gone back to her people and to her gods. Return after your sister-in-law.” 16 And Ruth said, “Do not entreat me to leave you or to return from following after you, for where you go, I will go, and where you lodge, I will lodge. Your people shall be my people, and your God my God. 17 Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried. May the Lord do so to me, and more also, if anything but death parts you and me.” 18 When she saw that she was steadfastly determined to go with her, then she stopped speaking to her. 19 So the two went until they came to Bethlehem. And it came to pass, when they had come to Bethlehem, that all the city was moved about them, and they said, “Is this Naomi?”
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373 20 And she said to them, “Do not
call me Naomi. Call me Mara, for the Almighty has dealt very bitterly with me. 21 I went out full, and the Lord has brought me home again empty. Why then do you call me Naomi, seeing the Lord has testified against me and the Almighty has afflicted me?” 22 So Naomi returned, and Ruth the Moabitess, her daughter-in-law with her, who returned out of the country of Moab. And they came to Bethlehem in the beginning of barley harvest. Ruth Serving And Naomi had a kinsman of her husband, a mighty man of wealth, of the family of Elimelech, and his name was Boaz. 2 And Ruth the Moabitess said to Naomi, “Let me now go to the field and glean ears of grain after him in whose sight I shall find grace.” And she said to her, “Go, my daughter.” 3 And she went, and came, and gleaned in the field after the reapers. And she happened to descend on a part of the field belonging to Boaz, who was of the family of Elimelech. 4 And, behold, Boaz came from Bethlehem and said to the reapers, “The Lord be with you.” And they answered him, “The Lord bless you.” 5 Then Boaz said to his servant who was set over the reapers, “Whose young woman is this?” 6 And the servant who was set over the reapers answered and said, “It is the Moabite young woman
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who came back with Naomi out of the country of Moab. 7 And she said, ‘I ask you, let me glean and gather after the reapers among the sheaves.’ So she came and has continued even from the morning until now, that she remained a little in the house.” 8 Then Boaz said to Ruth, “Do you not hear, my daughter? Do not go to glean in another field. Do not go from here, but remain here nearby my maidens. 9 Let your eyes be on the field that they reap, and go after them. Have I not charged the young men that they shall not touch you? And when you are thirsty, go to the vessels and drink of what the young men have drawn.” 10 Then she fell on her face, and bowed herself to the ground, and said to him, “Why have I found grace in your eyes, that you should take knowledge of me, seeing I am a foreigner?” 11 And Boaz answered and said to her, “It has fully been shown me all that you have done for your mother-in-law since the death of your husband and how you have left your father and your mother, and the land of your nativity, and have come to a people whom you did not know up until now. 12 The Lord recompense your work, and a full reward be given you of the Lord God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to trust.” 13 Then she said, “Let me find favor in your sight, my lord, for you have comforted me, and you have spoken friendly to your handmaid, though I am not like one of your handmaidens.”
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daughter-in-law, “It is good, my time come here, and eat of the daughter, that you go out with his bread, and dip your morsel in the maidens, that they meet you not in vinegar.” And she sat beside the any other field.” 23 So she kept close reapers, and he passed her roasted to the maidens of Boaz to glean to grain, and she ate and was satisfied, the end of barley harvest and of wheat harvest and dwelled with her and left. 15 And when she rose up to glean, mother-in-law. Boaz commanded his young men, saying, “Let her glean even among Ruth Resting Then Naomi, her mother-in-law, the sheaves, and do not reproach 16 said to her, “My daughter, shall I her. And also let some of the handfuls fall on purpose for her, and leave not seek rest for you, that it may be them, that she may glean them, and well with you? 2 And now, isn’t Boaz of our family, with whose maidens do not rebuke her.” 17 So she gleaned in the field until you were? Behold, he winnows barevening and beat out what she had ley tonight in the threshing floor. 3 gleaned, and it was about an ephah Wash yourself, therefore, and anoint of barley. 18 And she took it up and yourself, and put on your clothing, went into the city, and her mother- and get down to the floor, but do not in-law saw what she had gleaned. make yourself known to the man And she brought forth and gave her until he is done eating and drinking. what she had reserved after she 4 And it shall be, when he lies down, was satisfied. 19 And her mother- that you shall mark the place where in-law said to her, “Where have he lies, and you shall go in and unyou gleaned today? And where did cover his feet and lie down. And he you work? Blessed be he who took will tell you what you shall do.” 5 And she said to her, “All that you knowledge of you.” And she told her mother-in-law say to me I will do.” 6 And she went down to the floor with whom she had worked and said, “The man’s name with whom and did according to all that her mother-in-law asked her. 7 And I worked today is Boaz.” 20 And Naomi said to her daughter- when Boaz had eaten and drunk, in-law, “Blessed be he of the Lord, and his heart was merry, he went to who has not left off His kindness lie down at the end of the heap of to the living and to the dead.” And grain. And she came softly and unNaomi said to her, “The man is near covered his feet and lay down. 8 And it came to pass at midnight of kin to us, one of our next kinsthat the man was afraid and turned men.” 21 And Ruth the Moabitess said, himself, and behold, a woman lay “He said to me also, ‘You shall keep at his feet. 9 And he said, “Who are close to my young men until they you?” And she answered, “I am Ruth, have ended all my harvest.’” 22 And Naomi said to Ruth, her your handmaid. Spread therefore 14 And Boaz said to her, “At meal-
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your garment over your handmaid, for you are a near kinsman.” 10 And he said, “Blessed be you of the Lord, my daughter, for you have shown more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, for you did not follow young men, whether poor or rich. 11 And now, my daughter, fear not. I will do for you all that you require, for all the city of my people know that you are a virtuous woman. 12 And now it is true that I am your near kinsman, although there is a kinsman nearer than I. 13 Remain this night, and it shall be in the morning that if he will perform for you the part of a kinsman, well, let him do the kinsman’s part. But if he will not do the part of a kinsman for you, then I will do the part of a kinsman for you, as the Lord lives. Lie down until the morning.” 14 And she lay at his feet until the morning, and she rose up before one could know another. And he said, “Let it not be known that a woman came to the floor.” 15 Also he said, “Bring the veil that you have on you and hold it. And when she held it, he measured six measures of barley and laid it on her, and she went into the city. 16 And when she came to her mother-in-law, she said, “Who are you, my daughter?” And she told her all that the man had done for her. 17 And she said, “These six measures of barley he gave me, for he said to me, ‘Do not go empty to your mother-in-law.’” 18 Then she said, “Sit still, my daughter, until you know how the matter will fall, for the man will not
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rest until he has finished the thing this day.” Ruth Rewarded Then Boaz went up to the gate and sat down there. And, behold, the kinsman of whom Boaz spoke came by, to whom he said, “Ho, such a one! Turn aside; sit down here.” And he turned aside and sat down. 2 And he took ten men of the elders of the city and said, “Sit down here.” And they sat down. 3 And he said to the kinsman, “Naomi, who has come back out of the country of Moab, sells a parcel of land, which was our brother Elimelech’s. 4 And I thought to inform you, saying, ‘Buy it before the inhabitants and before the elders of my people. If you will redeem it, redeem it. But if you will not redeem it, then tell me, that I may know, for there is no one to redeem it besides you, and I am after you.’” And he said, “I will redeem it.” 5 Then Boaz said, “The day you buy the field from the hand of Naomi, you must buy it also from Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of the dead, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance.” 6 And the kinsman said, “I cannot redeem it for myself, lest I mar my own inheritance. You redeem my right for yourself, for I cannot redeem it.” 7 Now this was the manner in former time in Israel concerning redeeming and concerning changing, for to confirm all things, a man plucked off his shoe and gave it to his neighbor. And this was a testimony in Israel.
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the kinsman said to Boaz, “Buy it for yourself.” So he drew off his shoe. 9 And Boaz said to the elders and to all the people, “You are witnesses this day that I have bought all that was Elimelech’s, and all that was Chilion’s and Mahlon’s, from the hand of Naomi. 10 Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, I have purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead will not be cut off from among his brothers and from the gate of his place. You are witnesses this day.” 11 And all the people who were in the gate and the elders said, “We are witnesses. The Lord make the woman who is coming into your house like Rachel and like Leah, two who built the house of Israel, and do worthily in Ephrathah, and be famous in Bethlehem. 12 And let your house be like the house of Perez, whom Tamar bore to Judah, of the offspring that the Lord shall give you from this young woman.” 13 So Boaz took Ruth, and she was his wife. And when he went in to her, the Lord gave her conception,
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and she bore a son. 14 And the women said to Naomi, “Blessed be the Lord, who has not left you this day without a kinsman, that his name may be famous in Israel. 15 And he shall be to you a restorer of your life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law, who loves you, who is better to you than seven sons, has borne him.” 16 And Naomi took the child, and laid it on her bosom, and became nurse to it. 17 And the women, her neighbors, gave it a name, saying, “There is a son born to Naomi,” and they called his name Obed. He is the father of Jesse, the father of David. 18
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Now these are the generations of Perez: Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram, and Ram begot Ammin adab, and Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon, and Salmon begot Boaz, and Boaz begot Obed, and Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David.
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1 SAMUEL INTRODUCTION TO 1 SAMUEL The book of 1 Samuel is best understood after a thorough review of the book of Judges. This was a dark era of history for the nation of Israel. God had delivered the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to the promised land in Canaan. The transition had not been a smooth one, yet under the leadership of Joshua the people had done reasonably well. However, after the death of Joshua, Israel went through repeated cycles of blessing and discipline—the result of their obedience or rebellion. Judges ends with the bleak statement: “In those days there was no king in Israel: every man did that which was right in his own eyes” (Judges 21:25). That is the situation as 1 Samuel begins. AUTHOR What we know as 1 Samuel and 2 Samuel were originally a single book (along with 1 and 2 Kings in its final form), and Jewish tradition credits Samuel as the author. But since Samuel’s death is included halfway through the (combined) book, other sources clearly were involved. OCCASION The books of 1 and 2 Samuel were recorded to provide historical accounts of a crucial period of Israel’s past. The book of 1 Samuel spans Samuel’s life from birth to death, chronicles Saul’s entire reign as the first king of Israel, and reveals the lengthy transition David underwent from shepherd boy to heir to the throne.
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The Mother of Samuel Now there was a certain man of Ramathaim-zophim, of Mount Ephraim, and his name was Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephraimite. 2 And he had two wives: the name of one was Hannah, and the name of the other, Peninnah. And Peninnah had children, but Hannah had no children. 3 And this man went up yearly out of his city to worship and to sacrifice to the Lord of hosts in Shiloh. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, the priests of the Lord, were there. 4 And when it was the time when Elkanah offered, he gave portions to Peninnah his wife and to all her sons and her daughters. 5 But to Hannah he gave a worthy portion, for he loved Hannah, but the Lord had closed up her womb. 6 And her adversary also provoked her greatly, to upset her, because the Lord had closed up her womb. 7 And as he did so year after year, when she went up to the house of the Lord, so she provoked her. Therefore she wept and did not eat. 8 Then Elkanah her husband said to her, “Hannah, why do you weep? And why do you not eat? And why is your heart grieved? Am I not better to you than ten sons?” 9 So Hannah rose up after they had eaten and after they had drunk in Shiloh. Now Eli the priest sat on a seat by a post of the temple of the Lord.
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The Vow of Hannah 10 And she was in bitterness of soul and prayed to the Lord and wept greatly. 11 And she vowed a vow and said, “O Lord of hosts, if You will indeed look on the affliction of Your handmaiden and remember me and not forget Your handmaiden, but will give to Your handmaiden a male child, then I will give him to the Lord all the days of his life, and no razor shall come on his head.” 12 And it came to pass, as she continued praying before the Lord, that Eli observed her mouth. 13 Now Hannah spoke in her heart; only her lips moved, but her voice was not heard. Therefore Eli thought she was drunk. 14 And Eli said to her, “How long will you be drunk? Put away your wine from you.” 15 And Hannah answered and said, “No, my lord, I am a woman of a sorrowful spirit. I have drunk neither wine nor strong drink but have poured out my soul before the Lord. 16 Do not consider your handmaiden a daughter of Belial, for I have spoken up to this point out of the abundance of my complaint and grief.” 17 Then Eli answered and said, “Go in peace, and may the God of Israel grant you your petition that you have asked of Him.” 18 And she said, “Let your handmaiden find grace in your sight.” So the woman went her way and ate, and her face was no longer sad. 19 And they rose up early in the morning and worshipped before the Lord, and came back to Ramah to their house. And Elkanah knew
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Hannah his wife, and the Lord remembered her. The Birth of Samuel 20 Therefore it came to pass, when the time had come about after Hannah had conceived, that she bore a son and called his name Samuel, saying, “Because I have asked for him from the Lord.” 21 And the man Elkanah and all his house went up to offer to the Lord the yearly sacrifice and his vow. 22 But Hannah did not go up, for she said to her husband, “I will not go up until the child is weaned, and then I will bring him, that he may appear before the Lord and remain there forever.” 23 And Elkanah her husband said to her, “Do what seems good to you; wait until you have weaned him. Only may the Lord establish His word.” So the woman stayed and nursed her son until she weaned him. 24 And when she had weaned him, she took him up with her, with three bulls and one ephah of flour and a bottle of wine, and brought him to the house of the Lord in Shiloh. And the child was young. 25 And they slew a bull and brought the child to Eli. 26 And she said, “Oh my lord, as your soul lives, my lord, I am the woman who stood by you here, praying to the Lord. 27 I prayed for this child, and the Lord has given me my petition that I asked of Him. 28 Therefore I have also lent him to the Lord; as long as he lives he shall be lent to the Lord.” And he worshipped the Lord there.
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Hannah’s Prophetic Prayer And Hannah prayed and said,
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My heart rejoices in the Lord; my horn is exalted in the Lord. My mouth is enlarged over my enemies, because I rejoice in Your salvation. There is no one holy like the Lord, for there is no one besides You, nor is there any rock like our God. Do not continue talking so exceedingly proudly; do not let arrogance come out of your mouth, for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by Him actions are weighed. The bows of the mighty men are broken, and those who stumbled are girded with strength. Those who were full have hired themselves out for bread, and those who were hungry ceased, so that the barren has born seven, and she who has many children has become feeble. The Lord kills and makes alive; He brings down to the grave and brings up. The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up. He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts
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up the beggar from the dunghill, to set them among princes and to make them inherit the throne of glory. For the pillars of the earth are the Lord’s, and He has set the world on them. He will watch over the feet of His saints, and the wicked shall be silent in darkness, for no man shall prevail by strength. The adversaries of the Lord shall be broken to pieces; out of heaven He shall thunder on them. The Lord shall judge the ends of the earth, and He shall give strength to His king and exalt the horn of His anointed. 11 And Elkanah went to Ramah to
his house. And the child ministered to the Lord before Eli the priest.
The Evil Sons of Eli 12 Now the sons of Eli were sons of Belial; they did not know the Lord. 13 And the priest’s custom with the people was that when any man offered a sacrifice, the priest’s servant came with a three-pronged fork in his hand while the meat was boiling. 14 And he thrust it into the pan or kettle or cauldron or pot. All that the fork brought up the priest took for himself. So they did in Shiloh to all the Israelites who came there. 15 Also, before they burned the fat, the priest’s servant came and said to the man who sacrificed, “Give
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the priest meat to roast, for he will not have boiled meat from you, but raw.” 16 And if any man said to him, “Do not let them fail to burn the fat at once, and then take as much as your soul desires,” then he would answer him, “No, but you shall give it to me now. And if not, I will take it by force.” 17 Therefore the sin of the young men was very great before the Lord, for men hated the offering of the Lord. The Child Samuel in the Tabernacle 18 But Samuel ministered before the Lord, being a child, girded with a linen ephod. 19 Moreover, his mother made him a little coat and brought it to him from year to year when she came up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. 20 And Eli blessed Elkanah and his wife, and said, “The Lord give you offspring from this woman for the loan that is lent to the Lord.” And they went to their own home. 21 And the Lord visited Hannah so that she conceived and bore three sons and two daughters. And the child Samuel grew before the Lord. 22 Now Eli was very old and heard all that his sons did to all Israel, and how they lay with the women who assembled at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 23 And he said to them, “Why do you do such things? For I hear of your evil dealings from all these people. 24 No, my sons. For it is not a good report that I hear. You make the Lord’s people transgress. 25 If one man sins against
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another, the judge shall judge him. But if a man sins against the Lord, who shall entreat for him?” However, they did not listen to the voice of their father, because the Lord willed to slay them. 26 And the child Samuel grew on and was in favor both with the Lord and also with men. The Warning to Eli 27 And a man of God came to Eli and said to him, “This is what the Lord says, ‘Did I plainly appear to the house of your father when they were in Egypt in Pharaoh’s house? 28 And did I choose him out of all the tribes of Israel to be My priest, to offer on My altar, to burn incense, to wear an ephod before Me? And did I give to the house of your father all the offerings made by fire from the children of Israel? 29 Why do you kick at My sacrifice and at My offering that I have commanded in My habitation and honor your sons above Me, to make yourselves fat with the best of all the offerings of My people Israel?’ 30 Therefore the Lord God of Israel says, ‘I said indeed that your house and the house of your father should walk before Me forever.’ But now the Lord says, ‘Far be it from Me, for those who honor Me I will honor, and those who despise Me shall be lightly regarded. 31 Behold, the days are coming when I will cut off your arm and the arm of your father’s house, that there shall not be an old man in your house. 32 And you shall see an enemy in My habitation, in all the wealth that God shall give Israel. And there shall
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not be an old man in your house forever. 33 And the man of yours whom I shall not cut off from My altar shall consume your eyes and grieve your heart. And all the increase of your house shall die in the flower of their life. 34 And this shall be a sign to you that shall come on your two sons, on Hophni and Phinehas: in one day both of them shall die. 35 And I will raise up for Myself a faithful priest who shall do according to what is in My heart and in My mind. And I will build him a secure house, and he shall walk before My anointed forever. 36 And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left in your house shall come and bow down to him for a piece of silver and a morsel of bread and shall say, “Put me, I ask you, into one of the priests’ offices, that I may eat a piece of bread.”’” Samuel Becomes Jehovah’s Prophet-Priest And the child Samuel ministered to the Lord before Eli. And the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there were no widespread visions. 2 And it came to pass at that time, when Eli was lying down in his place and his eyes began to grow dim so that he could not see, 3 and before the lamp of God went out in the temple of the Lord where the ark of God was and Samuel was lying down to sleep, 4 that the Lord called Samuel. And he answered, “Here I am.” 5 And he ran to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he said, “I did not call; lie down
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again.” And he went and lay down. 6 And the Lord called yet again, “Samuel.” And Samuel arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And he answered, “I did not call, my son; lie down again.” 7 Now Samuel did not yet know the Lord, nor was the word of the Lord yet revealed to him. 8 And the Lord called Samuel again the third time. And he arose and went to Eli and said, “Here I am, for you called me.” And Eli perceived that the Lord had called the child. 9 Therefore Eli said to Samuel, “Go, lie down, and it shall be, if He calls you, that you shall say, ‘Speak, Lord, for Your servant hears.’” So Samuel went and lay down in his place. 10 And the Lord came and stood and called as at other times, “Samuel, Samuel.” Then Samuel answered, “Speak, for Your servant hears.” 11 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Behold, I will do a thing in Israel at which both the ears of everyone who hears it shall tingle. 12 On that day I will perform against Eli all things that I have spoken concerning his house; when I begin, I will also make an end. 13 For I have told him that I will judge his house forever for the wickedness that he knows, because his sons made themselves vile, and he did not restrain them. 14 And therefore I have sworn to the house of Eli that the wickedness of Eli’s house shall not be purified with sacrifice or offering forever.”
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15 And Samuel lay until the morn-
ing and opened the doors of the house of the Lord. And Samuel was afraid to tell Eli the vision. 16 Then Eli called Samuel and said, “Samuel, my son.” And he answered, “Here I am.” 17 And he said, “What is the thing that the Lord has said to you? I ask you, do not hide it from me. God do so to you, and more also, if you hide anything from me of all the things that He said to you.” 18 And Samuel told him everything and hid nothing from him. And he said, “It is the Lord. Let Him do what seems good to Him.” 19 And Samuel grew, and the Lord was with him and let none of his words fall to the ground. 20 And all Israel from Dan even to Beer-sheba knew that Samuel was established to be a prophet of the Lord. 21 And the Lord appeared again in Shiloh. For the Lord revealed Himself to Samuel in Shiloh by the word of the Lord. The Ark Taken by the Philistines And the word of Samuel came to all Israel. Now Israel went out to battle against the Philistines and camped beside Ebenezer. And the Philistines camped in Aphek. 2 And the Philistines put themselves in formation against Israel. And when they joined the battle, Israel was defeated by the Philistines, and they slew about four thousand men of the army in the field. 3 And when the people had come into the camp, the elders of Israel said, “Why has the
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Lord defeated us today before the Philistines? Let us bring to us the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of Shiloh so that when it comes among us it may save us out of the hand of our enemies.” 4 So the people sent to Shiloh that they might bring from there the ark of the covenant of the Lord of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and Phinehas, were there with the ark of the covenant of God. 5 And when the ark of the covenant of the Lord came into the camp, all Israel shouted with a great shout so that the earth resounded. 6 And when the Philistines heard the noise of the shout, they said, “What does the noise of this great shout in the camp of the Hebrews mean?” And they understood that the ark of the Lord had come into the camp. 7 And the Philistines were afraid, for they said, “God has come into the camp.” And they said, “Woe to us! For there has not been such a thing before this. 8 Woe to us! Who shall deliver us out of the hand of these mighty gods? These are the gods who struck the Egyptians with all the plagues in the wilderness. 9 Be strong and conduct yourselves like men, O you Philistines, that you do not become servants to the Hebrews, as they have been to you. Conduct yourselves like men and fight.” 10 And the Philistines fought, and Israel was defeated, and they fled, every man into his tent. And there was a very great slaughter, for thirty thousand footmen of Israel fell. 11 And the ark of God was taken. And the two sons of Eli, Hophni and
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Phinehas, were slain. 12 And a man of Benjamin ran out of the army and came to Shiloh the same day with his clothes torn and with dirt on his head. 13 And when he came, behold Eli was sitting on a seat by the wayside watching, for his heart trembled for the ark of God. And when the man came into the city and told it, all the city cried out. 14 And when Eli heard the noise of the crying he said, “What does the noise of this tumult mean?” And the man came in hastily and told Eli. 15 Now Eli was ninety-eight years old, and his eyes were dim so that he could not see. 16 And the man said to Eli, “I am he who came out of the army. And I fled today out of the army.” And he said, “What happened, my son?” 17 And the messenger answered and said, “Israel has fled before the Philistines, and there has also been a great slaughter among the people. And also your two sons, Hophni and Phinehas, are dead. And the ark of God has been taken.” 18 And it came to pass, when he mentioned the ark of God, that he fell off the seat backward by the side of the gate, and his neck broke and he died, for he was an old and heavy man. And he had judged Israel forty years. 19 And his daughter-in-law, Phinehas’s wife, was with child, soon to be delivered. And when she heard the news that the ark of God was taken and that her father-in-law and her husband were dead, she bowed herself and went into labor, for her pains came on her. 20 And about the
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time of her death the women who stood by her said to her, “Do not fear, for you have given birth to a son.” But she did not answer, nor did she regard it. 21 And she named the child Ichabod, saying, “The glory has departed from Israel,” because the ark of God was taken and because of her father-in-law and her husband. 22 And she said, “The glory has departed from Israel, for the ark of God has been taken.” A Curse to the Philistines And the Philistines took the ark of God and brought it from Ebenezer to Ashdod. 2 When the Philistines took the ark of God, they brought it into the house of Dagon and set it by Dagon. 3 And when those of Ashdod arose early on the next day, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the earth before the ark of the Lord. And they took Dagon and set him in his place again. 4 And when they arose early on the next morning, behold, Dagon had fallen on his face to the ground before the ark of the Lord. And the head of Dagon and both the palms of his hands were cut off on the threshold; only the stump of Dagon was left to him. 5 Therefore neither the priests of Dagon nor any who come into Dagon’s house tread on the threshold of Dagon in Ashdod to this day. 6 But the hand of the Lord was heavy on those of Ashdod, and He destroyed them and struck them with tumors, even Ashdod and its territory. 7 And when the men of Ashdod saw that it was so, they said, “The ark of the God of Israel shall
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not remain with us, for His hand is greatly on us and on Dagon our god.” 8 Therefore they sent and gathered all the lords of the Philistines to them and said, “What shall we do with the ark of the God of Israel?” And they answered, “Let the ark of the God of Israel be carried away to Gath.” And they carried the ark of the God of Israel away. 9 And so it was, that after they had carried it away, the hand of the Lord was against the city with a very great destruction, and He struck the men of the city, both small and great, and they had tumors in their secret parts. 10 Therefore they sent the ark of God to Ekron. And it came to pass, as the ark of God came to Ekron, that the Ekronites cried out, saying, “They have brought the ark of the God of Israel to us to slay us and our people.” 11 So they sent and gathered together all the lords of the Philistines and said, “Send away the ark of the God of Israel, and let it go back to its own place so that it does not slay us and our people.” For there was a deadly destruction throughout all the city; the hand of God was very heavy there. 12 And the men who did not die were struck with the tumors, and the cry of the city went up to heaven. The Ark Brought to Joshua And the ark of the Lord was in the country of the Philistines for seven months. 2 And the Philistines called for the priests and the diviners, saying, “What shall we do to the ark of the Lord? Tell us how we shall send it to its place.”
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385 3 And they said, “If you send away
the ark of the God of Israel, do not send it empty, but in this way return to Him a trespass offering. Then you shall be healed, and it shall be known to you why His hand is not removed from you.” 4 Then said they, “What shall be the trespass offering that we shall return to Him?” They answered, “Five golden tumors and five golden mice, according to the number of the lords of the Philistines. For one plague was on you all and on your lords. 5 Therefore you shall make images of your tumors and images of your mice that are ruining the land, and you shall give glory to the God of Israel. Perhaps He will lighten His hand from off you and from off your gods and from off your land. 6 Why then do you harden your hearts as the Egyptians and Pharaoh hardened their hearts? When He had worked wonderfully among them, did they not let the people go, and they departed? 7 Now therefore, make a new cart, and take two milk cows on which there has come no yoke, and tie the cows to the cart, and bring their calves home, away from them. 8 And take the ark of the Lord and lay it on the cart, and put the jewels of gold, which you return to Him for a trespass offering, in a chest by its side. And send it away so that it may go. 9 And watch: if it goes up by the way of its own territory to Beth-shemesh, then He has done this great evil to us. But if not, then we shall know that it was not His hand that struck us; it happened to us by chance.”
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1 Samuel 6 :18 10 And the men did so, and took
two milk cows and tied them to the cart and kept their calves at home. 11 And they laid the ark of the Lord on the cart and the chest with the mice of gold and the images of their tumors. 12 And the cows took the straight way to Beth-shemesh and went along the highway, lowing as they went, and did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. And the lords of the Philistines went after them to the border of Bethshemesh. 13 And those of Beth-shemesh were reaping their wheat harvest in the valley. And they lifted up their eyes and saw the ark and rejoiced to see it. 14 And the cart came into the field of Joshua, a Beth-shemite, and stood there where there was a great stone. And they split the wood of the cart and offered the cows as a burnt offering to the Lord. 15 And the Levites took down the ark of the Lord and the chest that was with it, in which were the jewels of gold, and put them on the great stone. And the men of Beth-shemesh offered burnt offerings and sacrificed sacrifices the same day to the Lord. 16 And when the five lords of the Philistines had seen it, they returned to Ekron the same day. 17 And these are the golden tumors that the Philistines returned as a trespass offering to the Lord: one for Ashdod, one for Gaza, one for Ashkelon, one for Gath, one for Ekron. 18 And the golden mice were according to the number of all the cities of the Philistines belonging to the five lords, both of fortified cities and of country villages, even to the
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great stone of Abel on which they set down the ark of the Lord—this stone remains to this day in the field of Joshua the Beth-shemite. 19 And He struck the men of Bethshemesh because they had looked into the ark of the Lord. He even struck fifty thousand and seventy men of the people, and the people lamented because the Lord had struck many of the people with a great slaughter. 20 And the men of Beth-shemesh said, “Who is able to stand before this holy Lord God? And to whom shall He go up from us?” 21 And they sent messengers to the inhabitants of Kiriath-jearim, saying, “The Philistines have brought back the ark of the Lord; come down and take it up to you.” The Revival at Mizpah And the men of Kiriath-jearim came and brought up the ark of the Lord and brought it into the house of Abinadab on the hill and sanctified Eleazar his son to keep the ark of the Lord. 2 And it came to pass, while the ark remained in Kiriath-jearim, that the time was long, for it was twenty years. And all the house of Israel lamented after the Lord. 3 And Samuel spoke to all the house of Israel, saying, “If you return to the Lord with all your hearts, then put away the foreign gods and Ashtaroth from among you and prepare your hearts for the Lord and serve Him only. And He will deliver you out of the hand of the Philistines.” 4 Then the children of Israel put away the Baals and Ashtaroth
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and served the Lord only. 5 And Samuel said, “Gather all Israel to Mizpah, and I will pray to the Lord for you.” 6 And they gathered together to Mizpah and drew water and poured it out before the Lord and fasted on that day and said there, “We have sinned against the Lord.” And Samuel judged the children of Israel in Mizpah. 7 And when the Philistines heard that the children of Israel had gathered together to Mizpah, the lords of the Philistines went up against Israel. And when the children of Israel heard it, they were afraid of the Philistines. 8 And the children of Israel said to Samuel, “Do not cease to cry to the Lord our God for us, that He will save us out of the hand of the Philistines.” The Israelites Victorious 9 And Samuel took a nursing lamb and offered it as a burnt offering wholly to the Lord. And Samuel cried to the Lord for Israel, and the Lord heard him. 10 And as Samuel was offering up the burnt offering, the Philistines drew near to battle against Israel. But the Lord thundered with a great thunder on the Philistines on that day and confused them. And they were struck down before Israel. 11 And the men of Israel went out of Mizpah and pursued the Philistines and struck them, until they came below Bethcar. 12 Then Samuel took a stone and set it between Mizpah and Shen and called it Ebenezer, saying, “Up to this point the Lord has helped us.” 13 So the Philistines were subdued,
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and they did not come anymore into the territory of Israel. And the hand of the Lord was against the Philistines all the days of Samuel. 14 And the cities that the Philistines had taken from Israel were restored to Israel, from Ekron even to Gath. And Israel delivered its territory out of the hands of the Philistines. And there was peace between Israel and the Amorites. 15 And Samuel judged Israel all the days of his life. 16 And he went from year to year on a circuit to Bethel and Gilgal and Mizpah and judged Israel in all those places. 17 And he would make his return to Ramah, for his house was there. And he judged Israel there, and he built an altar to the Lord there. Israel Demands a King And it came to pass when Samuel was old that he made his sons judges over Israel. 2 Now the name of his firstborn was Joel, and the name of his second, Abijah; they were judges in Beer-sheba. 3 And his sons did not walk in his ways but turned aside to go after profit and took bribes and perverted judgment. 4 Then all the elders of Israel gathered themselves together and came to Samuel at Ramah 5 and said to him, “Behold, you are old and your sons do not walk in your ways. Now give us a king to judge us like all the nations.” 6 But it displeased Samuel when they said, “Give us a king to judge us.” And Samuel prayed to the Lord. 7 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to the voice of the people in all
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that they say to you, for they have not rejected you, but they have rejected Me, that I should not reign over them. 8 According to all the works that they have done since the day that I brought them up out of Egypt even to this day, by which they have forsaken Me and served other gods, so they also do to you. 9 Now therefore, listen to their voice; although still solemnly warn them and show them the manner of the king who shall reign over them.” 10 And Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who asked him for a king. 11 And he said, “This will be the manner of the king who shall reign over you: He will take your sons and appoint them for himself for his chariots and to be his horsemen, and some shall run before his chariots. 12 And he will appoint for himself captains over thousands and captains over fifties, and will set them to plow his ground and to reap his harvest, and to make his instruments of war and instruments of his chariots. 13 And he will take your daughters to be perfumers and to be cooks and to be bakers. 14 And he will take your fields and your vineyards and your olive yards, even the best of them, and give them to his servants. 15 And he will take a tenth of your seed and of your vineyards and give it to his officers and to his servants. 16 And he will take your menservants and your maidservants and your best young men and your donkeys and put them to his work. 17 He will take a tenth of your sheep. And you shall be his servants. 18 And you shall cry out on that day because of your
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king whom you shall have chosen for yourselves, and the Lord will not hear you on that day.” 19 Nevertheless the people refused to listen to the voice of Samuel. And they said, “No, but we will have a king over us, 20 that we also may be like all the nations, and that our king may judge us and go out before us and fight our battles.” 21 And Samuel heard all the words of the people, and he repeated them in the hearing of the Lord. 22 And the Lord said to Samuel, “Listen to their voice and give them a king.” And Samuel said to the men of Israel, “Every man go to his city.” Saul Chosen to Be King Now there was a man of Benjamin whose name was Kish, the son of Abiel, the son of Zeror, the son of Bechorath, the son of Aphiah, a Benjamite, a mighty man of power. 2 And he had a son whose name was Saul, a choice and handsome young man. And there was not a more handsome person among the children of Israel than he. From his shoulders and upward he was taller than any of the people. 3 And the donkeys of Kish, Saul’s father, were lost. And Kish said to his son Saul, “Take now one of the servants with you and arise, go seek the donkeys.” 4 And he passed through Mount Ephraim and passed through the land of Shalisha, but they did not find them. Then they passed through the land of Shaalim, and they were not there. And he passed through the land of the Benjamites, but they did not find them.
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5 And when they had come to the
land of Zuph, Saul said to his servant who was with him, “Come and let us return, lest my father stop caring about the donkeys and become worried about us.” 6 And he said to him, “Behold now, in this city there is a man of God, and he is an honorable man; all that he says surely comes to pass. Now let us go there; perhaps he can tell us our way that we should go.” 7 Then said Saul to his servant, “But behold, if we go, what shall we bring the man? For the bread in our vessels has all been used up, and there is no present to bring to the man of God. What do we have?” 8 And the servant answered Saul again and said, “Behold, I have here at hand one-fourth of a shekel of silver. I will give that to the man of God to tell us our way.” 9 (Formerly in Israel, when a man went to inquire of God, he would say this: “Come and let us go to the seer,” for he who is now called a prophet was formerly called a seer.) 10 Then Saul said to his servant, “Well said; come, let us go.” So they went to the city where the man of God was. 11 And as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water and said to them, “Is the seer here?” 12 And they answered them and said, “He is; behold, he is ahead of you. Make haste now, for he came today to the city, for there is a sacrifice of the people today in the high place. 13 As soon as you come into the city, you shall find him immediately before he goes up to the high
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place to eat. For the people will not eat until he comes because he blesses the sacrifice, and afterward those who are invited will eat. Now therefore, go up, for about this time you shall find him.” 14 And they went up into the city. And when they had come into the city, behold, Samuel came out toward them to go up to the high place. 15 Now the Lord had told Samuel in his ear a day before Saul came, saying, 16 “Tomorrow about this time I will send you a man out of the land of Benjamin, and you shall anoint him to be captain over My people Israel, that he may save My people out of the hand of the Philistines. For I have looked on My people because their cry has come to Me.” 17 And when Samuel saw Saul, the Lord said to him, “Behold the man whom I spoke of to you! This same man shall reign over My people.” 18 Then Saul drew near to Samuel at the gate and said, “Tell me, I ask you, where the seer’s house is.” 19 And Samuel answered Saul and said, “I am the seer. Go up before me to the high place, for you shall eat with me today. And tomorrow I will let you go and will tell you all that is in your heart. 20 And as for your donkeys that were lost three days ago, do not worry about them, for they have been found. And on whom is all the desire of Israel? Is it not on you and on all your father’s house?” 21 And Saul answered and said, “Am I not a Benjamite, of the smallest of the tribes of Israel? And is not my family the least of all the families
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of the tribe of Benjamin? Why then do you speak so to me?” 22 And Samuel took Saul and his servant and brought them into the parlor and made them sit in the best place among those who were invited, who were about thirty persons. 23 And Samuel said to the cook, “Bring the portion that I gave you, of which I said to you, ‘Set it aside.’” 24 And the cook took up the shoulder and what was on it and set it before Saul. And Samuel said, “Behold, what is left! Set it before you and eat, for until this time it has been kept for you, since I said I have invited the people.” So Saul ate with Samuel that day. 25 And when they had come down from the high place into the city, Samuel spoke with Saul on the top of the house. 26 And they arose early. And it came to pass around dawn that Samuel called Saul to the top of the house, saying, “Get up, that I may send you away.” And Saul arose, and they went out, both of them, he and Samuel. 27 And as they were going down to the end of the city, Samuel said to Saul, “Tell the servant to go on ahead of us.” And he went on. “But you stand still a while, that I may tell you the word of God.” Saul Anointed King Then Samuel took a vial of oil and poured it on his head and kissed him and said, “Is it not because the Lord has anointed you to be captain over His inheritance? 2 When you have departed from me today, then you shall find two men by Rachel’s sepulchre on the border
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of Benjamin at Zelzah, and they will say to you, ‘The donkeys that you went to seek were found. And behold, your father has stopped caring about the donkeys and is worrying about you, saying, “What shall I do about my son?”’ 3 Then you shall go on forward from there and you shall come to the plain of Tabor. And three men going up to God to Bethel shall meet you there, one carrying three young goats and another carrying three loaves of bread and another carrying a bottle of wine. 4 And they will greet you and give you two loaves of bread, which you shall receive from their hands. 5 After that you shall come to the hill of God where the garrison of the Philistines is. And it shall come to pass, when you have come there to the city, that you shall meet a group of prophets coming down from the high place with a stringed instrument and a tambourine and a pipe and a harp ahead of them. And they shall prophesy. 6 And the Spirit of the Lord will come on you, and you shall prophesy with them and shall be turned into a different man. 7 And let it be, when these signs have come to you, that you do as the occasion requires, for God is with you. 8 And you shall go down before me to Gilgal. And behold, I will come down to you to offer burnt offerings and to sacrifice sacrifices of peace offerings. You shall wait seven days until I come to you and show you what you shall do.” 9 And so it was, that when he had turned his back to leave Samuel, God gave him another heart.
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And all those signs came to pass that day. 10 And when they came there to the hill, behold, a group of prophets met him. And the Spirit of God came on him, and he prophesied among them. 11 And it came to pass, when all who knew him formerly saw that, behold, he prophesied among the prophets, then the people said to one another, “What is this that has come to the son of Kish? Is Saul also among the prophets?” 12 And someone from there answered and said, “But who is their father?” Therefore it became a proverb: “Is Saul also among the prophets?” 13 And when he had finished prophesying, he came to the high place. 14 And Saul’s uncle said to him and to his servant, “Where did you go?” And he said, “To seek the donkeys. And when we saw that they were nowhere, we came to Samuel.” 15 And Saul’s uncle said, “Tell me, I ask you, what Samuel said to you.” 16 And Saul said to his uncle, “He told us plainly that the donkeys had been found.” But he did not tell him of the matter of the kingdom of which Samuel had spoken. 17 And Samuel called the people together to the Lord to Mizpah 18 and said to the children of Israel, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I brought up Israel out of Egypt and delivered you out of the hand of the Egyptians and out of the hand of all kingdoms and of those who oppressed you.’ 19 And this day you have rejected your God, who Himself saved you out of all your adversities and your tribulations,
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and you have said to Him, ‘No, but set a king over us.’ Now therefore, present yourselves before the Lord by your tribes and by your thousands.” 20 And when Samuel had caused all the tribes of Israel to come near, the tribe of Benjamin was chosen. 21 When he had caused the tribe of Benjamin to come near by their families, the family of Matri was chosen. And Saul the son of Kish was chosen. And when they sought him, he could not be found. 22 Therefore they inquired of the Lord further if the man had come there yet. And the Lord answered, “Behold, he has hidden himself among the baggage.” 23 And they ran and brought him from there. And when he stood among the people, he was taller than any of the people from his shoulders and upward. 24 And Samuel said to all the people, “Do you see him whom the Lord has chosen, that there is no one like him among all the people?” And all the people shouted and said, “God save the king.” 25 Then Samuel told the people the manner of kings and wrote it in a book and placed it before the Lord. And Samuel sent all the people away, every man to his house. 26 And Saul also went home to Gibeah, and a group of men went with him whose hearts God had touched. 27 But the children of Belial said, “How shall this man save us?” And they despised him and brought him no presents. But he kept silent.
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Saul’s Victory at Jabesh-Gilead Then Nahash the Ammon ite came up and besieged Jabesh-gilead. And all the men of Jabesh said to Nahash, “Make a covenant with us, and we will serve you.” 2 And Nahash the Ammonite answered them, “On this condition I will make a covenant with you, that I may gouge out all of your right eyes and bring shame on all Israel.” 3 And the elders of Jabesh said to him, “Give us seven days’ respite, that we may send messengers to all the territory of Israel. And then, if there is no man to save us, we will come out to you.” 4 Then the messengers came to Gibeah of Saul and told the news in the hearing of the people. And all the people lifted up their voices and wept. 5 And behold, Saul came out of the field after the herd. And Saul said, “What ails the people, that they are weeping?” And they told him the news of the men of Jabesh. 6 And the Spirit of God came on Saul when he heard that news, and his anger was greatly kindled. 7 And he took a yoke of oxen and cut them in pieces and sent them by the hands of messengers throughout all the territory of Israel, saying, “Whoever does not come forth after Saul and after Samuel, so it shall be done to his oxen.” And the fear of the Lord fell on the people, and they came out with one consent. 8 And when he counted them in Bezek, the children of Israel were three hundred thousand, and the men of Judah thirty thousand. 9 And
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they said to the messengers who came, “You shall say this to the men of Jabesh-gilead: ‘Tomorrow, by the time the sun is hot, you shall have help.’” And the messengers came and told it to the men of Jabesh, and they were glad. 10 Therefore the men of Jabesh said, “Tomorrow we will come out to you, and you shall do with us all that seems good to you.” 11 And so it was, on the next day, that Saul put the people in three companies, and they came into the midst of the army in the morning watch and slew the Ammonites until the heat of the day. And it came to pass that those who remained were scattered so that two of them were not left together. 12 And the people said to Samuel, “Who is he who said, ‘Shall Saul reign over us?’ Bring the men, that we may put them to death.” 13 And Saul said, “Not a man shall be put to death this day, for today the Lord has worked salvation in Israel.” 14 Then Samuel said to the people, “Come, and let us go to Gilgal and renew the kingdom there.” The Kingdom Renewed at Gilgal 15 And all the people went to Gilgal, and there they made Saul king before the Lord in Gilgal. And there they sacrificed sacrifices of peace offerings before the Lord, and there Saul and all the men of Israel rejoiced greatly.
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And Samuel said to all Israel, “Behold, I have listened to your voice in all that you said to
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me and have put a king over you. 2 And now, behold, the king walks before you, and I am old and grayheaded. And behold, my sons are with you. And I have walked before you from my childhood to this day. 3 Behold, here I am. Witness against me before the Lord and before His anointed: Whose ox have I taken? Or whose donkey have I taken? Or whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Or from whose hand have I received any bribe with which to blind my eyes? And I will restore it you.” 4 And they said, “You have not defrauded us or oppressed us, nor have you taken anything from any man’s hand.” 5 And he said to them, “The Lord is witness against you, and His anointed is witness this day, that you have not found anything in my hand.” And they answered, “He is witness.” Samuel Tells of the Deliverance of Jehovah 6 And Samuel said to the people, “It is the Lord who raised up Moses and Aaron, and who brought your fathers up out of the land of Egypt. 7 Now therefore, stand still, that I may reason with you before the Lord of all the righteous acts of the Lord, which He did for you and for your fathers. 8 When Jacob had come into Egypt, and your fathers cried to the Lord, then the Lord sent Moses and Aaron, who brought forth your fathers out of Egypt and made them dwell in this place. 9 And when they forgot the
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Lord their God, He sold them into the hand of Sisera, captain of the army of Hazor, and into the hand of the Philistines, and into the hand of the king of Moab. And they fought against them. 10 And they cried to the Lord and said, ‘We have sinned because we have forsaken the Lord and have served the Baals and Ashtaroth. But now deliver us out of the hand of our enemies, and we will serve You.’ 11 And the Lord sent Jerubbaal and Bedan and Jephthah and Samuel and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and you dwelled safely. 12 And when you saw that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon came against you, you said to me, ‘No, but a king shall reign over us,’ when the Lord your God was your king. 13 “Now therefore, behold the king whom you have chosen and whom you have desired! And behold, the Lord has put a king over you. 14 If you will fear the Lord and serve Him and obey His voice and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then both you and also the king who reigns over you shall continue following the Lord your God. 15 But if you will not obey the voice of the Lord, but rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then the hand of the Lord shall be against you, as it was against your fathers.” The Sign of Thunder and Rain 16 “Now therefore, stand and see this great thing that the Lord will do before your eyes. 17 Is it not the wheat harvest today? I will call to the Lord,
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and He shall send thunder and rain, that you may perceive and see that your wickedness is great, which you have done in the sight of the Lord, in asking for a king for yourselves.” 18 So Samuel called to the Lord, and the Lord sent thunder and rain that day. And all the people greatly feared the Lord and Samuel. 19 And all the people said to Samuel, “Pray for your servants to the Lord your God, that we not die. For we have added this evil to all our sins, to ask for a king for ourselves.” 20 And Samuel said to the people, “Do not fear. You have done all this wickedness. Yet do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart. 21 And do not turn aside, for then you should go after useless things that cannot profit or deliver, for they are useless. 22 For the Lord will not forsake His people, for His great name’s sake, because it has pleased the Lord to make you His people. 23 Moreover, as for me, God forbid that I should sin against the Lord in ceasing to pray for you. But I will teach you the good and the right way. 24 Only fear the Lord and serve Him in truth with all your heart, for consider what great things He has done for you. 25 But if you shall still do wickedly, you shall be consumed, both you and your king.” The Self-Will of Saul Saul reigned one year. And when he had reigned two years over Israel, 2 Saul chose three thousand men of Israel, of whom two thousand were with Saul in Michmash and in Mount Bethel,
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and a thousand were with Jonathan in Gibeah of Benjamin. And the rest of the people he sent away, every man to his tent. 3 And Jonathan struck the garrison of the Philistines that was in Geba, and the Philistines heard of it. And Saul blew the trumpet throughout all the land, saying, “Let the Hebrews hear.” 4 And all Israel heard it said that Saul had struck a garrison of the Philistines, and also that Israel had become an abomination to the Philistines. And the people were called together after Saul to Gilgal. 5 And the Philistines gathered themselves together to fight with Israel, thirty thousand chariots and six thousand horsemen, and people in a multitude as the sand that is on the seashore. And they came up and camped in Michmash, eastward from Beth-aven. 6 When the men of Israel saw that they were in trouble (for the people were distressed), then the people hid themselves in caves and in thickets and in rocks and in high places and in pits. 7 And some of the Hebrews went over the Jordan to the land of Gad and Gilead. As for Saul, he was still in Gilgal, and all the people followed him trembling. Saul Intrudes into the Office of Priest 8 And he waited seven days, according to the set time that Samuel had appointed. But Samuel did not come to Gilgal. And the people were scattered from him. 9 And Saul said, “Bring a burnt offering and peace offerings here to me.” And he offered the burnt offering. 10 And it
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came to pass that as soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, behold, Samuel came, and Saul went out to meet him, that he might greet him. The Divine Rejection of Saul Announced 11 And Samuel said, “What have you done?” And Saul said, “Because I saw that the people were scattered from me, and that you did not come within the days appointed, and that the Philistines gathered themselves together at Michmash, 12 therefore I said, ‘The Philistines will come down now on me to Gilgal, and I have not made supplication to the Lord.’ Therefore I forced myself and offered a burnt offering.” 13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have acted foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of the Lord your God, which He commanded you. For now the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever. 14 But now your kingdom shall not continue. The Lord has sought for Himself a man after His own heart, and the Lord has commanded him to be captain over His people because you have not kept what the Lord commanded you.” 15 And Samuel arose and went up from Gilgal to Gibeah of Benjamin. And Saul counted the people who were present with him, about six hundred men. 16 And Saul and Jonathan his son and the people who were present with them remained in Gibeah of Benjamin, but the Philistines
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camped in Michmash. 17 And the raiders came out of the camp of the Philistines in three companies. One company turned to the way that leads to Ophrah, to the land of Shual, 18 and another company turned the way to Beth-horon, and another company turned to the way of the border that looks to the Valley of Zeboim toward the wilderness. 19 Now there was no blacksmith found throughout all the land of Israel, for the Philistines said, “Lest the Hebrews make themselves swords or spears.” 20 But all the Israelites went down to the Philistines for every man to sharpen his plowshare and his coulter and his axe and his mattock. 21 Yet they had a file for the mattocks and for the coulters and for the forks and for the axes, and to sharpen the goads. 22 So it came to pass, in the day of battle that there was neither sword nor spear found in the hand of any of the people who were with Saul and Jonathan. But they were found with Saul and with Jonathan his son. 23 And the garrison of the Philistines went out to the passage of Michmash. Jonathan’s Great Victory Now it came to pass on a day that Jonathan the son of Saul said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, and let us go over to the Philistines’ garrison that is on the other side.” But he did not tell his father. 2 And Saul stayed in the outskirts of Gibeah under a pomegranate tree that is in Migron. And the people who were with him were about six hundred men. 3 And
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Ahijah the son of Ahitub, Ichabod’s brother, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eli, the Lord’s priest in Shiloh, was wearing an ephod. And the people did not know that Jonathan was gone. 4 And between the passages, by which Jonathan sought to go over to the Philistines’ garrison, there was a sharp rock on the one side and a sharp rock on the other side. And the name of the one was Bozez, and the name of the other Seneh. 5 The forefront of the one was situated northward across from Michmash, and the other southward across from Gibeah. 6 And Jonathan said to the young man who bore his armor, “Come, and let us go over to the garrison of these uncircumcised; it may be that the Lord will work for us. For there is nothing that restrains the Lord from saving by many or by few.” 7 And his armor-bearer said to him, “Do all that is in your heart. Turn yourself; behold, I am with you according to your heart.” 8 Then Jonathan said, “Behold, we will cross over to these men, and we will reveal ourselves to them. 9 If they say to us, ‘Wait until we come to you,’ then we will stand still in our place and will not go up to them. 10 But if they say, ‘Come up to us,’ then we will go up, for the Lord has delivered them into our hand. And this shall be a sign to us.” 11 And both of them revealed themselves to the garrison of the Philistines. And the Philistines said, “Behold, the Hebrews have come forth out of the holes where they had hidden themselves.” 12 And the
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men of the garrison answered Jonathan and his armor-bearer and said, “Come up to us, and we will tell you something.” And Jonathan said to his armor-bearer, “Come up after me, for the Lord has delivered them into the hand of Israel.” 13 And Jonathan climbed up on his hands and feet, and his armor-bearer after him. And they fell before Jonathan, and his armor-bearer slew after him. 14 And that first slaughter, which Jonathan and his armor-bearer made, was about twenty men, within about half an acre of land, which a yoke of oxen might plow. 15 And there was trembling in the camp, in the field, and among all the people. The garrison and the raiders also trembled. And the earth quaked, so it was a very great trembling. 16 And the watchmen of Saul in Gibeah of Benjamin looked, and behold, the multitude melted away, and they went on beating down one another. 17 Then Saul said to the people who were with him, “Count now and see who has gone from us.” And when they had counted, behold, Jonathan and his armor-bearer were not there. 18 And Saul said to Ahijah, “Bring the ark of God here.” For the ark of God was at that time with the children of Israel. 19 And it came to pass, while Saul talked to the priest, that the noise that was in the camp of the Philistines went on and increased. And Saul said to the priest, “Withdraw your hand.” 20 And Saul and all the people who were with him assembled themselves, and they came to the battle. And behold, every man’s
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sword was against his neighbor, and there was a very great confusion. 21 Moreover, the Hebrews who were with the Philistines before that time, who went up with them into the camp from all around the country, even they also turned to be with the Israelites who were with Saul and Jonathan. 22 Likewise all the men of Israel who had hidden themselves in Mount Ephraim, when they heard that the Philistines fled, even they also followed close after them in the battle. 23 So the Lord saved Israel that day. And the battle passed over to Beth-aven. 24 And the men of Israel were distressed that day, for Saul had solemnly charged the people, saying, “Cursed is the man who eats any food until evening, that I may take vengeance on my enemies.” So none of the people tasted any food. 25 And all those of the land came to a wood, and there was honey on the ground. 26 And when the people had come into the wood, behold, the honey was dripping, but no man put his hand to his mouth, for the people feared the oath. 27 But Jonathan had not heard when his father charged the people with the oath; therefore he put out the end of the rod that was in his hand and dipped it in a honeycomb and put his hand to his mouth. And his eyes brightened. 28 Then one of the people answered and said, “Your father strictly charged the people with an oath, saying, ‘Cursed is the man who eats any food this day.’” And the people were faint. 29 Then Jonathan said, “My father has troubled the land. See, I ask you,
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how my eyes have brightened because I tasted a little of this honey. 30 How much more if by chance the people had eaten freely today of the plunder of their enemies that they found! For now would there not have been a much greater slaughter among the Philistines?” 31 And they struck the Philistines that day from Michmash to Aijalon. And the people were very faint. 32 And the people flew at the plunder, and took sheep and oxen and calves, and slew them on the ground. And the people ate them with the blood. 33 Then they told Saul, saying, “Behold, the people are sinning against the Lord in that they are eating with the blood.” And he said, “You have transgressed; roll a great stone to me this day.” 34 And Saul said, “Disperse yourselves among the people and say to them, ‘Bring to me here every man’s ox and every man’s sheep, and slay them here and eat. And do not sin against the Lord by eating with the blood.’” And every man of all the people brought his ox with him that night, and they slew them there. 35 And Saul built an altar to the Lord. This was the first altar that he built to the Lord. 36 And Saul said, “Let us go down after the Philistines by night and plunder them until the morning light, and let us not leave a man of them.” And they said, “Do whatever seems good to you.” Then the priest said, “Let us draw near to God here.” 37 And Saul asked counsel of God, “Shall I go down after the
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Philistines? Will You deliver them into the hand of Israel?” But He did not answer him that day. 38 And Saul said, “Draw near here, all you chiefs of the people, and know and see in which this sin has been this day. 39 For, as the Lord lives, who saves Israel, though it be in Jonathan my son, he shall surely die.” But there was not a man among all the people who answered him. 40 Then he said to all Israel, “You be on one side, and my son Jonathan and I will be on the other side.” And the people said to Saul, “Do what seems good to you.” 41 Therefore Saul said to the Lord God of Israel, “Give a perfect lot.” And Saul and Jonathan were chosen, but the people escaped. 42 And Saul said, “Cast lots between my son Jonathan and me.” And Jonathan was chosen. 43 Then Saul said to Jonathan, “Tell me what you have done.” And Jonathan told him and said, “I only tasted a little honey with the end of the rod that was in my hand, and behold, I must die.” 44 And Saul answered, “God do so and more also, for you shall surely die, Jonathan.” 45 And the people said to Saul, “Shall Jonathan die, who has worked this great salvation in Israel? God forbid! As the Lord lives, not one hair of his head shall fall to the ground, for he has worked with God this day.” So the people rescued Jonathan, and he did not die. 46 Then Saul went up from following the Philistines, and the Philistines went to their own place. 47 So Saul took control of the
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kingdom over Israel and fought against all his enemies on every side, against Moab and against the children of Ammon and against Edom and against the kings of Zobah and against the Philistines. And wherever he turned himself, he troubled them. 48 And he gathered an army and struck the Amalekites and delivered Israel out of the hands of those who plundered them. 49 Now the sons of Saul were Jonathan and Ishvi and Malchi-shua. And the names of his two daughters were these: the name of the firstborn, Merab, and the name of the younger, Michal. 50 And the name of Saul’s wife was Ahinoam, the daughter of Ahimaaz. And the name of the captain of his army was Abner, the son of Ner, Saul’s uncle. 51 And Kish was the father of Saul, and Ner, the father of Abner, was the son of Abiel. 52 And there was great war against the Philistines all the days of Saul. And when Saul saw any strong man or any valiant man, he took him for himself. Saul’s Incomplete Obedience Samuel also said to Saul, “The Lord sent me to anoint you to be king over His people, over Israel. Now therefore, listen to the voice of the words of the Lord. 2 This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘I remember what Amalek did to Israel, how he lay in wait for him on the way when he came up from Egypt. 3 Now go and strike Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and do not spare them. But slay both man and woman, infant and nursing child, ox
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and sheep, camel and donkey.’” 4 And Saul gathered the people together and counted them in Telaim: two hundred thousand footmen and ten thousand men of Judah. 5 And Saul came to a city of Amalek and lay in wait in the valley. 6 And Saul said to the Kenites, “Go, depart, get away from among the Amalekites, lest I destroy you with them. For you showed kindness to all the children of Israel when they came up out of Egypt.” So the Kenites departed from among the Amalekites. 7 And Saul struck the Amalekites from Havilah until you come to Shur, which is before Egypt. 8 And he took Agag the king of the Amalekites alive and utterly destroyed all the people with the edge of the sword. 9 But Saul and the people spared Agag and the best of the sheep and of the oxen and of the fattened cattle and the lambs and all that was good and would not utterly destroy them. But they utterly destroyed everything that was vile and worthless. 10 Then the word of the Lord came to Samuel, saying, 11 “I regret that I have set up Saul to be king, for he has turned back from following Me and has not performed My commandments.” And it grieved Samuel, and he cried to the Lord all night. 12 And when Samuel rose early to meet Saul in the morning, it was told to Samuel, saying, “Saul came to Carmel, and behold, he set up a place for himself and has gone around and passed by and gone down to Gilgal. 13 And Samuel came to Saul, and Saul said to him, “Blessed are you of the Lord. I have
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performed the commandment of the Lord.” 14 And Samuel said, “What then is the meaning of this bleating of the sheep in my ears and the lowing of the oxen that I hear?” 15 And Saul said, “They have brought them from the Amalekites. For the people spared the best of the sheep and of the oxen to sacrifice to the Lord your God, and the rest we have utterly destroyed.” 16 Then Samuel said to Saul, “Stop, and I will tell you what the Lord has said to me this night.” And he said to him, “Speak on.” 17 And Samuel said, “When you were little in your own sight, were you not made the head of the tribes of Israel, and the Lord anointed you king over Israel? 18 And the Lord sent you on a journey and said, ‘Go and utterly destroy the sinners, the Amalekites, and fight against them until they are consumed.’ 19 Why then did you not obey the voice of the Lord? You flew at the plunder and did evil in the sight of the Lord!” 20 And Saul said to Samuel, “Yes, I have obeyed the voice of the Lord and have gone the way that the Lord sent me and have brought Agag the king of Amalek and have utterly destroyed the Amalekites. 21 But the people took from the plunder sheep and oxen, the best of the things that should have been utterly destroyed, to sacrifice to the Lord your God in Gilgal.” 22 And Samuel said, “Has the Lord as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obeying the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey
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is better than sacrifice and to listen than the fat of rams. 23 For rebellion is like the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is like iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord He has also rejected you from being king.” 24 And Saul said to Samuel, “I have sinned, for I have transgressed the commandment of the Lord and your words, because I feared the people and obeyed their voice. 25 Now therefore, I ask you, pardon my sin, and return with me, that I may worship the Lord.” 26 And Samuel said to Saul, “I will not return with you, for you have rejected the word of the Lord, and the Lord has rejected you from being king over Israel.” 27 And as Samuel turned around to go away, he took hold of the edge of his cloak and it tore. 28 And Samuel said to him, “The Lord has torn the kingdom of Israel from you this day and has given it to a neighbor of yours who is better than you. 29 And also the Strength of Israel will not lie or relent. For He is not a man, that He should change His mind.” 30 Then he said, “I have sinned, yet honor me now, I ask you, before the elders of my people and before Israel, and return with me, that I may worship the Lord your God.” 31 So Samuel returned after Saul, and Saul worshipped the Lord. 32 Then Samuel said, “Bring Agag the king of the Amalekites here to me. And Agag came to him delicately. And Agag said, “Surely the bitterness of death is past.” 33 And Samuel said, “As your sword
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has made women childless, so shall your mother be childless among women.” And Samuel cut Agag in pieces before the Lord in Gilgal. 34 Then Samuel went to Ramah, and Saul went up to Gibeah of Saul to his house. 35 And Samuel did not go again to see Saul until the day of his death. Nevertheless, Samuel mourned for Saul, and the Lord regretted that He had made Saul king over Israel. The Choice of David to Be King And the Lord said to Samuel, “How long will you mourn for Saul because I have rejected him from reigning over Israel? Fill your horn with oil, and go; I will send you to Jesse the Bethlehemite. For I have provided for Myself a king among his sons.” 2 And Samuel said, “How can I go? If Saul hears of it, he will kill me.” And the Lord said, “Take a heifer with you and say, ‘I have come to sacrifice to the Lord.’ 3 And call Jesse to the sacrifice, and I will show you what you shall do. And you shall anoint for Me him whom I name to you.” 4 And Samuel did what the Lord said and came to Bethlehem. And the elders of the town trembled at his coming and said, “Do you come in peace?” 5 And he said, “In peace; I have come to sacrifice to the Lord. Sanctify yourselves and come with me to the sacrifice.” And he sanctified Jesse and his sons and called them to the sacrifice. 6 And it came to pass, when they had come, that he saw Eliab and
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said, “Surely the Lord’s anointed is before Him.” 7 But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not look at his appearance or at the height of his stature, because I have refused him. For the Lord does not see as man sees. For man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” 8 Then Jesse called Abinadab and made him pass before Samuel. And he said, “The Lord has not chosen this one either.” 9 Then Jesse made Shammah to pass by. And he said, “Nor has the Lord chosen this one.” 10 Again, Jesse made seven of his sons pass before Samuel. And Samuel said to Jesse, “The Lord has not chosen these.” 11 And Samuel said to Jesse, “Are all your children here?” And he said, “There still remains the youngest, and behold, he is keeping the sheep.” And Samuel said to Jesse, “Send and bring him here, for we will not sit down until he comes.” 12 And he sent and brought him in. Now he was ruddy and moreover had a beautiful face and was good-looking. And the Lord said, “Arise, anoint him, for this is he.” 13 Then Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the midst of his brothers. And the Spirit of the Lord came on David from that day forward. So Samuel rose up and went to Ramah. David Is Brought to Saul 14 But the Spirit of the Lord departed from Saul, and an evil spirit from the Lord troubled him. 15 And Saul’s servants said to him, “Behold now, an evil spirit from God troubles you. 16 Let our lord now command your
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servants who are before you to seek out a man who is a skillful player on a harp. And it shall come to pass, when the evil spirit from God is on you, that he shall play the harp with his hand, and you shall be well.” 17 And Saul said to his servants, “Provide for me now a man who can play well and bring him to me.” 18 Then one of the servants answered and said, “Behold, I have seen a son of Jesse the Bethlehemite who is skillful in playing and a mighty man of valor and a man of war and prudent in matters and a handsome person, and the Lord is with him.” 19 Therefore Saul sent messengers to Jesse and said, “Send me David your son, who is with the sheep.” 20 And Jesse took a donkey laden with bread and a bottle of wine and a young goat and sent them with David his son to Saul. 21 And David came to Saul and stood before him. And he loved him greatly, and he became his armor-bearer. 22 And Saul sent to Jesse, saying, “Let David, I ask you, stand before me, for he has found favor in my sight.” 23 And it came to pass, when the evil spirit from God was on Saul, that David took a harp and played music with his hand. So Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him. The Defiance of Israel by Goliath Now the Philistines gathered their armies together to battle and were gathered together at Socoh, which belongs to Judah, and camped between Socoh and Azekah, in Ephes-dammim. 2 And Saul
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and the men of Israel were gathered together and camped by the Valley of Elah and set the battle in formation against the Philistines. 3 And the Philistines stood on a mountain on the one side, and Israel stood on a mountain on the other side, and there was a valley between them. 4 And there went out from the camp of the Philistines a champion named Goliath, from Gath, whose height was six cubits and a span. 5 And he had a helmet of brass on his head, and he was armed with a coat of mail, and the weight of the coat was five thousand shekels of brass. 6 And he had greaves of brass on his legs and a target of brass between his shoulders. 7 And the staff of his spear was like a weaver’s beam, and his spear’s head of iron weighed six hundred shekels. And one bearing a shield went before him. 8 And he stood and cried to the armies of Israel and said to them, “Why have you come out to set your battle in formation? Am I not a Philistine, and you servants of Saul? Choose a man for yourselves, and let him come down to me. 9 If he is able to fight with me and to kill me, then we will be your servants. But if I prevail against him and kill him, then you shall be our servants and serve us.” 10 And the Philistine said, “I defy the armies of Israel this day; give me a man, that we may fight together.” 11 When Saul and all Israel heard those words of the Philistine, they were dismayed and greatly afraid. 12 Now David was the son of that Ephrathite of Bethlehem in Judah, whose name was Jesse, and who
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had eight sons. And the man was old in the days of Saul. 13 And the three eldest sons of Jesse went and followed Saul to the battle. And the names of his three sons who went to the battle were Eliab the firstborn, and next to him Abinadab, and the third Shammah. 14 And David was the youngest. And the three eldest followed Saul. 15 But David went and returned from Saul to feed his father’s sheep at Bethlehem. 16 And the Philistine drew near morning and evening and presented himself for forty days. 17 And Jesse said to his son David, “Take now for your brothers an ephah of this roasted grain and these ten loaves and run to the camp of your brothers. 18 And carry these ten cheeses to the captain of their thousand, and see how your brothers fare, and take their pledge.” 19 Now Saul and they and all the men of Israel were in the Valley of Elah, fighting with the Philistines. 20 And David rose up early in the morning and left the sheep with a keeper, and took and went as Jesse had commanded him. And he came to the trench as the army was going out to the fight and shouted for the battle. 21 For Israel and the Philistines had put the battle in formation, army against army. 22 And David left his supplies in the hand of the keeper of the supplies, and ran into the army, and came and greeted his brothers. 23 And as he talked with them, behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, Goliath by name, came up out of the armies of the Philistines and spoke according to the same words. And David
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heard them. 24 And all the men of Israel, when they saw the man, fled from him and were greatly afraid. 25 And the men of Israel said, “Have you seen this man who has come up? Surely he has come up to defy Israel. And it shall be that the king will enrich the man who kills him with great riches and will give him his daughter and make his father’s house free in Israel.” 26 And David spoke to the men who stood by him, saying, “What shall be done to the man who kills this Philistine and takes away the shame from Israel? For who is this uncircumcised Philistine, that he should defy the armies of the living God?” 27 And the people answered him in this way, saying, “So shall it be done to the man who kills him.” 28 And Eliab his eldest brother heard when he spoke to the men. And Eliab’s anger was kindled against David, and he said, “Why did you come down here? And with whom have you left those few sheep in the wilderness? I know your pride and the wickedness of your heart, for you have come down so that you might see the battle.” 29 And David said, “What have I done now? Is there not a cause?” 30 And he turned from him toward another and said the same thing, and the people answered him again as they had before. David’s Victory over Goliath 31 And when the words that David spoke were heard, they repeated them before Saul. And he sent for him. 32 And David said to Saul, “Let
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no man’s heart fail because of him; your servant will go and fight with this Philistine.” 33 And Saul said to David, “You are not able to go against this Philistine to fight with him. For you are only a youth, and he has been a man of war from his youth.” 34 And David said to Saul, “Your servant kept his father’s sheep, and a lion and a bear came and took a lamb out of the flock, 35 and I went out after it and struck him and delivered it out of its mouth. And when he arose against me, I caught him by his beard, and struck him, and slew him. 36 Your servant slew both the lion and the bear. And this uncircumcised Philistine shall be like one of them because he has defied the armies of the living God.” 37 Moreover, David said, “The Lord who delivered me out of the paw of the lion and out of the paw of the bear, He will deliver me out of the hand of this Philistine.” And Saul said to David, “Go, and the Lord be with you.” 38 And Saul armed David with his armor, and he put a helmet of brass on his head; he also armed him with a coat of mail. 39 And David girded his sword on his armor and he attempted to go, for he had not tested it. And David said to Saul, “I cannot go with these, for I have not tested them.” And David took them off. 40 And he took his staff in his hand and chose five smooth stones out of the brook and put them in a shepherd’s bag that he had, even in a small bag, and his sling was in his hand. And he drew near to the Philistine. 41 And the Philistine
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came and drew near to David, and the man who bore the shield went ahead of him. 42 And when the Philistine looked around and saw David, he disdained him, for he was only a youth, and ruddy and had a handsome face. 43 And the Philistine said to David, “Am I a dog, that you come to me with sticks?” And the Philistine cursed David by his gods. 44 And the Philistine said to David, “Come to me, and I will give your flesh to the birds of the air and to the beasts of the field.” 45 Then David said to the Philistine, “You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a shield. But I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts, the God of the armies of Israel, whom you have defied. 46 This day the Lord will deliver you into my hand, and I will strike you and take your head from you. And this day I will give the carcasses of the army of the Philistines to the birds of the air and to the wild beasts of the earth, so that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel. 47 And all this assembly shall know that the Lord does not save with sword and spear. For the battle is the Lord’s, and He will give you into our hands.” 48 And it came to pass, when the Philistine arose and came and drew near to meet David, that David hastened and ran toward the army to meet the Philistine. 49 And David put his hand in his bag and took a stone from there and slung it and struck the Philistine on his forehead so that the stone sunk into his forehead, and he fell on his face to the earth. 50 So David prevailed over the Philistine
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with a sling and with a stone, and struck the Philistine and slew him. But there was no sword in the hand of David. 51 Therefore David ran and stood on the Philistine, and took his sword and drew it out of the sheath and slew him, and cut off his head with it. And when the Philistines saw that their champion was dead, they fled. 52 And the men of Israel and of Judah arose and shouted and pursued the Philistines as far as the valley and to the gates of Ekron. And the wounded of the Philistines fell down by the road to Shaaraim, even to Gath and to Ekron. 53 And the children of Israel returned from chasing after the Philistines, and they plundered their tents. 54 And David took the head of the Philistine and brought it to Jerusalem, but he put his armor in his tent. 55 And when Saul saw David go out against the Philistine, he said to Abner, the captain of the army, “Abner, whose son is this youth?” And Abner said, “As your soul lives, O king, I cannot tell.” 56 And the king said, “Inquire whose son the youth is.” 57 And as David returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, Abner took him and brought him before Saul with the head of the Philistine in his hand. 58 And Saul said to him, “Whose son are you, young man?” And David answered, “I am the son of your servant Jesse the Bethlehemite.” The Love-Covenant And it came to pass, when he had finished speaking to Saul, that the soul of Jonathan was knit
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with the soul of David, and Jonathan loved him like his own soul. 2 And Saul took him that day and would not let him go home to his father’s house anymore. 3 Then Jonathan and David made a covenant, because he loved him like his own soul. 4 And Jonathan stripped himself of the robe that was on him and gave it to David, and his garments, even to his sword and to his bow and to his belt. 5 And David went out wherever Saul sent him and behaved wisely. And Saul set him over the men of war, and he was accepted in the sight of all the people and also in the sight of Saul’s servants. 6 And it came to pass as they came, when David had returned from the slaughter of the Philistine, that the women came out of all cities of Israel to meet King Saul, singing and dancing, with tambourines, with joy, and with instruments of music. 7 And the women answered one another as they played and said, “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.” Saul’s Jealousy of David 8 And Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him. And he said, “They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. And what more can he have but the kingdom?” 9 And Saul eyed David from that day on. 10 And it came to pass on the next day that the evil spirit from God came on Saul, and he prophesied inside the house. And David played the harp with his hand, as at other
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times. And there was a javelin in Saul’s hand. 11 And Saul cast the javelin, for he said, “I will strike David even to the wall with it.” And David escaped from his presence twice. 12 And Saul was afraid of David because the Lord was with him and had departed from Saul. 13 Therefore Saul removed him from himself and made him his captain over a thousand. And he went out and came in before the people. 14 And David behaved wisely in all his ways, and the Lord was with him. 15 Therefore, when Saul saw that he behaved very wisely, he was afraid of him. 16 But all Israel and Judah loved David because he went out and came in before them. 17 And Saul said to David, “Behold my older daughter, Merab; I will give her to you to be your wife. Only be valiant for me and fight the Lord’s battles.” For Saul said, “Do not let my hand be on him, but let the hand of the Philistines be on him.” 18 And David said to Saul, “Who am I? And what is my life or my father’s family in Israel, that I should be son-in-law to the king?” 19 But it came to pass at the time when Saul’s daughter Merab should have been given to David that she was given to Adriel the Meholathite to be his wife. Michal Given to David 20 And Saul’s daughter Michal loved David. And they told Saul, and it pleased him. 21 And Saul said, “I will give her to him, that she may be a snare to him, and so that the hand of the Philistines may be against him.” Therefore, Saul said to David
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a second time, “You shall this day be my son-in-law.” 22 And Saul commanded his servants, saying, “Speak with David secretly and say, ‘Behold, the king has delight in you, and all his servants love you. Now therefore, be the king’s son-in-law.’” 23 And Saul’s servants spoke those words in the ears of David. And David said, “Does it seem to you a small thing to be a king’s son-in-law, seeing that I am a poor man and lightly regarded?” 24 And the servants of Saul told him, saying, “This is what David said.” 25 And Saul said, “You shall say this to David: ‘The king does not desire any dowry except a hundred foreskins of the Philistines, to take vengeance on the king’s enemies.’” But Saul thought to make David fall by the hand of the Philistines. 26 And when his servants told David these words, it pleased David well to be the king’s son-in-law. And the time had not expired; 27 therefore David arose and went, he and his men, and slew two hundred men of the Philistines. And David brought their foreskins, and they gave them in full count to the king, that he might be the king’s son-in-law. And Saul gave him his daughter Michal to be his wife. 28 And Saul saw and knew that the Lord was with David, and that Michal, Saul’s daughter, loved him. 29 And Saul was still more afraid of David. And Saul became David’s enemy continually. 30 Then the princes of the Philistines went out. And it came to pass, after they went out, that David behaved more wisely
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than all the servants of Saul, so that his name was held in high esteem. Saul’s Third Attempt to Kill David And Saul said to his son Jonathan and to all his servants that they should kill David. 2 But Saul’s son Jonathan delighted greatly in David. And Jonathan told David, saying, “My father, Saul, seeks to kill you. Now therefore, I ask you, be careful until the morning, and stay in a secret place and hide yourself. 3 And I will go out and stand beside my father in the field where you are, and I will speak with my father about you. And I will tell you what I find out.” 4 And Jonathan spoke good of David to his father, Saul, and said to him, “Do not let the king sin against his servant, against David, because he has not sinned against you, and because his works have been very good toward you. 5 For he took his life in his hands and slew the Philistine, and the Lord worked a great salvation for all Israel. You saw it and rejoiced. Why then will you sin against innocent blood, to slay David without a cause?” 6 And Saul listened to the voice of Jonathan, and Saul swore, “As the Lord lives, he shall not be slain.” 7 And Jonathan called David, and Jonathan told him all these things. And Jonathan brought David to Saul, and he was in his presence as in times past. 8 And there was war again. And David went out and fought with the Philistines and slew them with a great slaughter, and they fled from him.
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9 And the evil spirit from the Lord
was on Saul as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand. And David played with his hand. 10 And Saul sought to strike David even to the wall with the javelin, but he slipped away out of Saul’s presence; and he struck the javelin into the wall. And David fled and escaped that night. 11 Saul also sent messengers to David’s house to watch him and to slay him in the morning. And Michal, David’s wife, told him, saying, “If you do not save your life tonight, tomorrow you shall be slain.” 12 So Michal let David down through a window. And he went and fled and escaped. 13 And Michal took an image and laid it in the bed and put a pillow of goats’ hair for his head and covered it with a cloth. 14 And when Saul sent messengers to take David, she said, “He is sick.” 15 And Saul sent the messengers again to see David, saying, “Bring him up to me in the bed, that I may slay him.” 16 And when the messengers had come in, behold, there was an image in the bed, with a pillow of goats’ hair for his head. 17 And Saul said to Michal, “Why have you deceived me so and sent my enemy away, that he has escaped?” And Michal answered Saul, “He said to me, ‘Let me go. Why should I kill you?’” The Spirit of God Protects David 18 So David fled and escaped and came to Ramah to Samuel and told him all that Saul had done to him. And he and Samuel went and dwelled in Naioth. 19 And it was told
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to Saul, saying, “Behold, David is at Naioth in Ramah.” 20 And Saul sent messengers to take David. And when they saw the group of prophets prophesying and Samuel standing as the one appointed over them, the Spirit of God was on the messengers of Saul, and they also prophesied. 21 And when it was told to Saul, he sent other messengers, and they likewise prophesied. And Saul sent messengers again the third time, and they also prophesied. 22 Then he also went to Ramah and came to a great well that is in Secu. And he asked and said, “Where are Samuel and David?” And one said, “Behold, they are at Naioth in Ramah.” 23 And he went there to Naioth in Ramah. And the Spirit of God was on him also, and he went on and prophesied until he came to Naioth in Ramah. 24 And he also stripped off his clothes and prophesied before Samuel in the same way, and lay down naked all that day and all that night. For that reason they say, “Is Saul also among the prophets?” Jonathan Protects David And David fled from Naioth in Ramah and came and said before Jonathan, “What have I done? What is my iniquity? And what is my sin before your father, that he seeks my life?” 2 And he said to him, “God forbid! You shall not die. Behold, my father will do nothing either great or small without telling me. And why should my father hide this thing from me? It is not so.”
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1 Samuel 20:12 3 And David swore moreover and
said, “Your father certainly knows that I have found grace in your eyes, and he said, ‘Do not let Jonathan know this, lest he be grieved.’ But truly, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, there is only a step between me and death.” 4 Then Jonathan said to David, “Whatever your soul desires, I will even do it for you.” 5 And David said to Jonathan, “Behold, tomorrow is the New Moon, and I should not fail to sit with the king at the table. But let me go, that I may hide myself in the field until the third day at evening. 6 If your father misses me at all, then say, ‘David earnestly asked my permission that he might run to Bethlehem, his city, for there is a yearly sacrifice there for all the family.’ 7 If he says, ‘It is well,’ your servant shall have peace. But if he is very angry, then know for sure that evil is determined by him. 8 Therefore you shall deal kindly with your servant, for you have brought your servant into a covenant of the Lord with you. However, if there is guilt in me, slay me yourself, for why should you bring me to your father?” 9 And Jonathan said, “Far be it from you. For if I knew for certain that evil was determined by my father to come on you, then would I not tell you?” 10 Then David said to Jonathan, “Who shall tell me? Or what if your father answers you roughly?” 11 And Jonathan said to David, “Come and let us go out into the field.” And both of them went out into the field. 12 And Jonathan said
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to David, “O Lord God of Israel. When I try to find out my father’s intentions sometime tomorrow or the third day, behold, if there is good toward David and then I do not send to you and tell it to you, 13 the Lord do so and much more to Jonathan. But if it pleases my father to do you evil, then I will tell it to you and send you away, that you may go in peace. And the Lord be with you as He has been with my father. 14 And you shall not only show me the kindness of the Lord while I still live, that I might not die, 15 but also you shall not cut off your kindness from my house forever. No, not when the Lord has cut off every one of the enemies of David from the face of the earth.” 16 So Jonathan made a covenant with the house of David, saying, “Let the Lord even require it at the hand of David’s enemies.” 17 And Jonathan caused David to swear again because he loved him. For he loved him like he loved his own soul. 18 Then Jonathan said to David, “Tomorrow is the New Moon, and you shall be missed because your seat will be empty. 19 And when you have stayed three days, then you shall go down quickly and come to the place where you hid yourself when the business was at hand and shall remain by the stone Ezel. 20 And I will shoot three arrows on the side of it, as though I shot at a target. 21 And behold, I will send a boy, saying, ‘Go, find the arrows.’ If I specifically say to the boy, ‘Behold, the arrows are on this side of you; take them,’ then come—for there is peace to you and no harm, as
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the Lord lives. 22 But if I say to the young man, ‘Behold, the arrows are beyond you’—go your way, for the Lord has sent you away. 23 And as for the matter that you and I have spoken of, behold, the Lord be between you and me forever.” 24 So David hid himself in the field. And when the New Moon had come, the king sat down to eat food. 25 And the king sat on his seat, as at other times, even on a seat by the wall. And Jonathan arose, and Abner sat by Saul’s side, and David’s place was empty. 26 Nevertheless, Saul did not say anything that day, for he thought, “Something has happened to him. He is not clean; surely he is not clean.” 27 And it came to pass on the next day, which was the second day of the month, that David’s place was empty. And Saul said to his son Jonathan, “Why has the son of Jesse not come to the table, neither yesterday nor today?” 28 And Jonathan answered Saul, “David earnestly asked my permission to go to Bethlehem. 29 And he said, ‘Let me go, I ask you, for our family has a sacrifice in the city, and my brother, he has commanded me to be there. And now, if I have found favor in your eyes, let me get away, I ask you, and see my brothers.’ Therefore he has not come to the king’s table.” 30 Then Saul’s anger was kindled against Jonathan, and he said to him, “You son of a perverse, rebellious woman. Do I not know that you have chosen the son of Jesse to your own shame and to the shame of your mother’s nakedness? 31 For as long as the son of Jesse lives
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on the earth, you shall not be established, nor your kingdom. Now therefore send and bring him to me, for he shall surely die.” 32 And Jonathan answered his father, Saul, and said to him, “Why shall he be slain? What has he done?” 33 And Saul threw a javelin at him to strike him, by which Jonathan knew that it was determined by his father to slay David. 34 So Jonathan arose from the table in fierce anger and ate no food the second day of the month, for he was grieved for David because his father had treated him shamefully. 35 And it came to pass in the morning that Jonathan and a little boy with him went out into the field at the time appointed with David. 36 And he said to his boy, “Now run; find the arrows that I shoot.” And as the boy ran, he shot an arrow beyond him. 37 And when the boy had come to the place of the arrow that Jonathan had shot, Jonathan cried after the boy and said, “Is not the arrow beyond you?” 38 And Jonathan cried after the boy, “Be quick; hurry, do not stay.” And Jonathan’s boy gathered up the arrows and came to his master. 39 But the boy did not know anything: only Jonathan and David knew about the matter. 40 And Jonathan gave his weapons to his boy and said to him, “Go, carry them to the city.” 41 And as soon as the boy had gone, David arose out of a place toward the south and fell on his face to the ground and bowed down three times. And they kissed one another and wept with one another until David had wept exceedingly. 42 And
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Jonathan said to David, “Go in peace, since we have sworn, both of us, in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘The Lord be between me and you, and between my descendants and your descendants forever.’” And he arose and departed, and Jonathan went into the city. David Flees Then David came to Nob, to Ahimelech the priest. And Ahimelech was afraid when he met David and said to him, “Why are you alone, and no man with you?” 2 And David said to Ahimelech the priest, “The king has commanded me to do some business and has said to me, ‘Let no man know anything about the business on which I send you and what I have commanded you.’ And I have appointed my servants to such and such a place. 3 Now therefore, what do you have on hand? Give me five loaves of bread in my hand, or whatever you have.” 4 And the priest answered David and said, “There is no ordinary bread on hand. But there is holy bread—if the young men have kept themselves at least from women.” 5 And David answered the priest and said to him, “Truly, women have been kept from us about these three days since I came out. And the vessels of the young men are holy, and the bread is in a way common, yes, though it was sanctified in the vessel this day.” 6 So the priest gave him holy bread. For there was no bread there but the showbread that was taken from before the Lord to replace it
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with hot bread on the day when it was taken away. 7 Now a certain man of the servants of Saul was there that day, detained before the Lord. And his name was Doeg, an Edomite, the chief of the herdsmen who belonged to Saul. 8 And David said to Ahimelech, “And is there not here spear or sword on hand? For I have brought neither my sword nor my weapons with me because the king’s business required urgency.” 9 And the priest said, “The sword of Goliath the Philistine, whom you slew in the Valley of Elah, behold, it is wrapped here in a cloth behind the ephod. If you will take that, take it. For there is no other here except that.” And David said, “There is none like that; give it to me.” 10 And David arose and fled that day for fear of Saul and went to Achish the king of Gath. 11 And the servants of Achish said to him, “Is this not David, the king of the land? Did they not sing to one another of him in dances, saying, ‘Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” 12 And David stored up these words in his heart and was greatly afraid of Achish the king of Gath. 13 And he changed his behavior before them and pretended to be mad in their hands and scratched on the doors of the gate and let his saliva fall down on his beard. 14 Then Achish said to his servants, “Look, you see the man is insane. Why then have you brought him to me? 15 Have I need of insane people, that you have brought this fellow to
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behave like an insane person in my presence? Shall this fellow come into my house?” David Gathers His Mighty Men Therefore David departed from there and escaped to the cave Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father’s house heard of it, they went down there to him. 2 And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered themselves to him. And he became a captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him.
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David’s Wanderings and Dangers 3 And David went from there to Mizpah of Moab. And he said to the king of Moab, “Let my father and my mother, I ask you, come forth and be with you until I know what God will do for me.” 4 And he brought them before the king of Moab, and they dwelled with him all the time that David was in the stronghold. 5 And the prophet Gad said to David, “Do not remain in the stronghold; depart, and go into the land of Judah.” Then David departed and came into the forest of Hereth. 6 When Saul heard that David and the men who were with him were discovered—now Saul was staying in Gibeah under a tree in Ramah with his spear in his hand, and all his servants were standing around him— 7 then Saul said to his servants who stood around him, “Hear now, you Benjamites. Will the son of Jesse give every one of you fields
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and vineyards, and make you all captains of thousands and captains of hundreds, 8 that all of you have conspired against me? And is there no one who tells me that my son has made an agreement with the son of Jesse? And is there not one of you who is sorry for me or tells me that my son has stirred up my servant against me to lie in wait, as it is this day?” 9 Then Doeg the Edomite, who was set over the servants of Saul, answered and said, “I saw the son of Jesse coming to Nob, to Ahimelech the son of Ahitub. 10 And he inquired of the Lord for him and gave him provisions and gave him the sword of Goliath the Philistine.” 11 Then the king sent to call Ahimelech the priest, the son of Ahitub, and all his father’s house, the priests who were in Nob. And all of them came to the king. 12 And Saul said, “Hear now, you son of Ahitub.” And he answered, “Here I am, my lord.” 13 And Saul said to him, “Why have you conspired against me, you and the son of Jesse, in that you have given him bread and a sword and have inquired of God for him, that he should rise against me to lie in wait, as it is this day?” 14 Then Ahimelech answered the king and said, “And who is so faithful among all your servants as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, and goes at your bidding, and is honorable in your house? 15 Did I then begin to inquire of God for him? Far be it from me! Do not let the king impute anything to his servant, nor to
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all the house of my father. For your servant knew nothing of all this, less or more.” 16 And the king said, “You shall surely die, Ahimelech, you and all your father’s house.” 17 And the king said to the footmen who stood about him, “Turn and slay the priests of the Lord, because their hand is also with David, and because they knew when he fled and did not tell it to me.” But the servants of the king would not put out their hand to fall on the priests of the Lord. 18 And the king said to Doeg, “You turn and attack the priests.” And Doeg the Edomite turned, and he attacked the priests and on that day slew eighty-five persons who wore a linen ephod. 19 And he struck Nob, the city of the priests, with the edge of the sword, both men and women, children and nursing infants, and oxen and donkeys and sheep, with the edge of the sword. 20 And one of the sons of Ahime lech the son of Ahitub, named Abia thar, escaped and fled after David. 21 And Abiathar told David that Saul had slain the Lord’s priests. 22 And David said to Abiathar, “I knew it that day, when Doeg the Edomite was there, that he would surely tell Saul. I have caused the death of all the persons of your father’s house. 23 Stay with me; do not fear. For he who seeks my life seeks your life, but you shall be safe with me.” David’s Wanderings and Adventures Then they told David, saying, “Behold, the Philistines are fighting against Keilah, and they are
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robbing the threshing floors.” 2 Therefore David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go and strike these Philistines?” And the Lord said to David, “Go and strike the Philistines and save Keilah.” 3 And David’s men said to him, “Behold, we are afraid here in Judah. How much more then if we come to Keilah against the armies of the Philistines?” 4 Then David inquired of the Lord yet again. And the Lord answered him and said, “Arise, go down to Keilah. For I will deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 5 So David and his men went to Keilah and fought with the Philistines and struck them with a great slaughter and took away their cattle. So David saved the inhabitants of Keilah. 6 And it came to pass, when Abiathar the son of Ahimelech fled to Keilah to David, that he came down with an ephod in his hand. 7 And it was told to Saul that David had come to Keilah. And Saul said, “God has delivered him into my hand, for he is shut in by entering into a town that has gates and bars.” 8 And Saul called all the people together to war to go down to Keilah to besiege David and his men. 9 And David knew that Saul secretly plotted evil against him, and he said to Abiathar the priest, “Bring the ephod here.” 10 Then David said, “O Lord God of Israel, Your servant has certainly heard that Saul seeks to come to Keilah to destroy the city for my sake. 11 Will the men of Keilah deliver me into his hand? Will Saul come down, as Your servant
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has heard? O Lord God of Israel, I beseech You, tell Your servant.” And the Lord said, “He will come down.” 12 Then David said, “Will the men of Keilah deliver me and my men into the hand of Saul?” And the Lord said, “They will deliver you up.” 13 Then David and his men, who were about six hundred, arose and departed out of Keilah and went wherever they could go. And it was told to Saul that David had escaped from Keilah, and he ceased to go forth. 14 And David stayed in strongholds in the wilderness and remained on a mountain in the wilderness of Ziph. And Saul sought him every day, but God did not deliver him into his hand. 15 And David saw that Saul had come out to seek his life. And David was in a wood in the wilderness of Ziph. 16 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, arose and went to David in the wood and strengthened his hand in God. 17 And he said to him, “Do not fear, for the hand of my father, Saul, shall not find you. And you shall be king over Israel, and I shall be next to you. And my father, Saul, also knows that.” 18 And the two of them made a covenant before the Lord. And David stayed in the wood, and Jonathan went to his house. 19 Then the Ziphites came up to Saul to Gibeah, saying, “Does David not hide himself with us in strongholds in the wood, on the hill of Hachilah, which is on the south of Jeshimon? 20 Now therefore, O king, come down according to all the
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desire of your soul to come down. And our part shall be to deliver him into the king’s hand.” 21 And Saul said, “Blessed are you by the Lord, for you have compassion on me. 22 Go, I ask you, prepare and know and see the place where his hideout is and who has seen him there. For it was told to me that he acts very cleverly. 23 See, therefore, and find out all the hiding places where he hides himself, and return to me with certainty, and I will go with you. And it shall come to pass, if he is in the land, that I will search him out throughout all the thousands of Judah.” 24 And they arose and went to Ziph ahead of Saul. But David and his men were in the wilderness of Maon, in the plain on the south of Jeshimon. 25 Saul and his men also went to seek him, and they told David. Therefore he came down to a rock and stayed in the wilderness of Maon. And when Saul heard that, he pursued David in the wilderness of Maon. 26 And Saul went on this side of the mountain, and David and his men on that side of the mountain. And David hastened to get away for fear of Saul, for Saul and his men surrounded David and his men to take them. 27 But a messenger came to Saul, saying, “Hurry and come, for the Philistines have invaded the land.” 28 Therefore Saul returned from pursuing David and went against the Philistines; therefore they called that place Sela-hammahlekoth. 29 And David went up from there and dwelled in strongholds at Engedi.
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David’s Mercy to Saul And it came to pass, when Saul had returned from following the Philistines, that it was told to him, saying, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of En-gedi.” 2 Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men on the Rocks of the Wild Goats. 3 And he came to the sheepfolds by the road where there was a cave. And Saul went in to relieve himself. And David and his men remained in the recesses of the cave. 4 And the men of David said to him, “Behold the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will deliver your enemy into your hand, that you may do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and secretly cut off the edge of Saul’s robe. 5 And it came to pass afterward that David’s heart struck him because he had cut off the edge of Saul’s robe. 6 And he said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, to stretch out my hand against him, since he is the anointed of the Lord.” 7 So David stopped his servants with these words and did not allow them to rise against Saul. But Saul rose up out of the cave and went on his way. 8 David also arose afterward and went out of the cave and cried after Saul, saying, “My lord the king.” And when Saul looked behind him, David stooped with his face to the earth and bowed down. 9 And David said to Saul, “Why do you listen to men’s words, saying, ‘Behold, David seeks to hurt you’? 10 Behold, this day your eyes have seen how the
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Lord had delivered you today into my hand in the cave. And some told me to kill you. But my eye spared you, and I said, ‘I will not put out my hand against my lord, for he is the Lord’s anointed.’ 11 Moreover, my father, look. Yes, see the edge of your robe in my hand. For in that I cut off the edge of your robe and did not kill you, you know and see that there is neither evil nor transgression in my hand, and I have not sinned against you. Yet you hunt my soul to take it. 12 The Lord judge between you and me, and the Lord take vengeance on you for me, but my hand shall not be on you. 13 As the proverb of the ancients says, ‘Wickedness proceeds from the wicked.’ But my hand shall not be on you. 14 After whom has the king of Israel come out? Whom do you pursue? A dead dog? A flea? 15 Therefore let the Lord be judge, and judge between you and me, and see and plead my cause and deliver me out of your hand.” 16 And it came to pass, when David had finished speaking these words to Saul, that Saul said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And Saul lifted up his voice and wept. 17 And he said to David, “You are more righteous than I; for you have rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded you evil. 18 And you have shown this day how you have dealt well with me because when the Lord had delivered me into your hand, you did not kill me. 19 For if a man finds his enemy, will he let him go away well? Therefore let the Lord reward you good for what you have done to me this day. 20 And now, behold,
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I know well that you shall surely be king and that the kingdom of Israel shall be established in your hand. 21 Therefore swear now to me by the Lord that you will not cut off my descendants after me, and that you will not destroy my name out of my father’s house.” 22 And David swore to Saul. And Saul went home, but David and his men went up to the stronghold. The Death of Samuel And Samuel died. And all the Israelites were gathered together and mourned for him and buried him in his house at Ramah. And David arose and went down to the wilderness of Paran. 2 And there was a man in Maon whose possessions were in Carmel, and the man was very great. And he had three thousand sheep and a thousand goats. And he was shearing his sheep in Carmel. 3 Now the name of the man was Nabal, and the name of his wife was Abigail. And she was a woman of good understanding and had a beautiful face, but the man was surly and evil in his actions. And he was of the house of Caleb. 4 And David heard in the wilderness that Nabal was shearing his sheep. 5 And David sent out ten young men, and David said to the young men, “Go up to Carmel, and go to Nabal and greet him in my name. 6 And you shall say this to him who lives in prosperity: ‘Peace be both to you and to your house, and peace be to all that you have. 7 And now I have heard that you have shearers. Now we did not
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hurt your shepherds who were with us, nor was anything missing from them all the while they were in Carmel. 8 Ask your young men, and they will tell you. Therefore let the young men find favor in your eyes, for we come on a good day. Give, I ask you, whatever comes to your hand to your servants and to your son David.’” 9 And when David’s young men came, they spoke to Nabal according to all those words in the name of David, and waited. 10 And Nabal answered David’s servants and said, “Who is David? And who is the son of Jesse? There are many servants nowadays who break away, every man from his master. 11 Shall I then take my bread and my water and my meat that I have killed for my shearers and give it to men whose origins I do not know?” 12 So David’s young men turned around, and went back, and came, and told him all these sayings. 13 And David said to his men, “Every man gird on his sword.” And every man girded on his sword, and David also girded on his sword. And about four hundred men went up after David, and two hundred stayed by the belongings. 14 But one of the young men told Abigail, Nabal’s wife, saying, “Behold, David sent messengers out of the wilderness to greet our master, and he spoke harshly to them. 15 But the men were very good to us, and we were not hurt, nor were we missing anything as long as we were with them when we were in the fields. 16 They were a wall to us
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both by night and day all the while we were with them keeping the sheep. 17 Now therefore know and consider what you will do, for evil is determined against our master and against all his household. For he is such a son of Belial that a man cannot speak to him.” 18 Then Abigail hastened and took two hundred loaves and two bottles of wine and five sheep already dressed and five measures of roasted grain and a hundred clusters of raisins and two hundred cakes of figs and laid them on donkeys. 19 And she said to her servants, “Go on ahead of me; behold, I will come after you.” But she did not tell her husband, Nabal. 20 And so it was, as she rode on the donkey, that she came down by the cover of the hill. And behold, David and his men came down toward her, and she met them. 21 Now David had said, “Surely in vain I have kept all that this fellow has in the wilderness, so that nothing was missing of all that belonged to him, and he has repaid me evil for good. 22 God do so to the enemies of David and more also, if by the morning light I leave of all who belong to him any who urinates against the wall." 23 And when Abigail saw David, she hastened and descended from the donkey, and fell before David on her face and bowed herself to the ground, 24 and fell at his feet and said, “On me, my lord, let this guilt be on me alone. And let your handmaiden, I ask you, speak in your audience, and hear the words of your handmaiden. 25 Do not, my lord, I ask you, regard this man of Belial, Nabal.
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For as his name is, so is he. Nabal is his name, and foolishness is with him. But I your handmaiden did not see the young men of my lord whom you sent. 26 Now therefore, my lord, as the Lord lives and as your soul lives, since the Lord has withheld you from coming to shed blood and from avenging yourself with your own hand, now let your enemies and those who seek evil to my lord be like Nabal. 27 And now this blessing that your handmaiden has brought to my lord, let it even be given to the young men who follow my lord. 28 I ask you, forgive the trespass of your handmaiden. For the Lord will certainly make for my lord a secure house, because my lord fights the battles of the Lord, and evil has not been found in you all your days. 29 Yet a man has risen to pursue you and to seek your soul, but the soul of my lord shall be bound in the bundle of the living with the Lord your God, and the souls of your enemies, He shall sling out as out of the middle of a sling. 30 And it shall come to pass, when the Lord has done to my lord according to all the good that He has spoken concerning you, and has appointed you ruler over Israel, 31 that this shall be no grief to you, nor offense of heart to my lord, either that you have shed blood without cause, or that my lord has avenged himself. But when the Lord has dealt well with my lord, then remember your handmaiden.” 32 And David said to Abigail, “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who sent you to meet me this day. 33 And blessed is your advice and blessed are you, who have kept me
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this day from coming to shed blood and from avenging myself with my own hand. 34 For indeed, as the Lord God of Israel lives, who has kept me from hurting you, if you had not hastened and come to meet me, surely by the morning light there would not have been left to Nabal any who urinates against the wall.” 35 So David received from her hand what she had brought him and said to her, “Go up in peace to your house. See, I have listened to your voice and have shown you favor.” 36 And Abigail came to Nabal, and behold, he held a feast in his house like the feast of a king. And Nabal’s heart was merry within him, for he was very drunk; therefore she told him nothing, less or more, until the morning light. 37 But it came to pass in the morning, when the wine had gone out of Nabal, and his wife had told him these things, that his heart died within him, and he became like a stone. 38 And it came to pass, after about ten days, that the Lord struck Nabal so that he died. David Takes Additional Wives 39 And when David heard that Nabal was dead, he said, “Blessed is the Lord who has pleaded the cause of my shame from the hand of Nabal and has kept His servant from evil. For the Lord has returned the wickedness of Nabal on his own head.” And David sent and discussed with Abigail to take her as a wife. 40 And when the servants of David had come to Carmel to Abigail, they spoke to her, saying, “David sent us to you, to take you to him to be his wife.”
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self on her face to the earth and said, “Behold, let your handmaiden be a servant to wash the feet of the servants of my lord.” 42 And Abigail hastened and arose and rode on a donkey, with five young women of hers who went after her, and she went after the messengers of David and became his wife. 43 David also took Ahinoam of Jezreel, and they both were his wives. 44 But Saul had given his daughter Michal, David’s wife, to Palti the son of Laish, who was from Gallim. David Spares Saul the Second Time And the Ziphites came to Gibeah to Saul, saying, “Does David not hide himself on the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon?” 2 Then Saul arose and went down to the wilderness of Ziph, having three thousand chosen men of Israel with him, to seek David in the wilderness of Ziph. 3 And Saul camped on the hill of Hachilah, which is before Jeshimon, by the road. But David was staying in the wilderness, and he saw that Saul came after him into the wilderness. 4 Therefore David sent out spies and understood that indeed Saul had come. 5 And David arose and came to the place where Saul had camped. And David saw the place where Saul lay, and Abner the son of Ner, the captain of his army. And Saul lay in the trench, and the people camped all around him. 6 Then David answered and said to Ahimelech the Hittite, and to Abishai the son of Zeruiah,
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brother to Joab, saying, “Who will go down with me to the camp to Saul?” And Abishai said, “I will go down with you.” 7 So David and Abishai came to the people by night. And behold, Saul lay sleeping within the trench, and his spear stuck in the ground at his pillow. But Abner and the people lay all around him. 8 Then Abishai said to David, “God has delivered your enemy into your hand this day. Now therefore, let me strike him, I ask you, at once with the spear even to the ground, and I will not strike him a second time.” 9 And David said to Abishai, “Do not destroy him, for who can stretch out his hand against the Lord’s anointed and be guiltless?” 10 David said furthermore, “As the Lord lives, the Lord shall strike him, or his day shall come to die, or he shall descend into battle and perish. 11 The Lord forbid that I should stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. But, I ask you, take now the spear that is at his pillow and the jar of water, and let us go.” 12 So David took the spear and the jar of water that were at Saul’s pillow, and they went away. And no man saw it or knew it or awoke. For they were all asleep, because a deep sleep from the Lord had fallen on them. 13 Then David went over to the other side and stood far off on the top of a hill, a great space being between them. 14 And David cried to the people and to Abner the son of Ner, saying, “Do you not answer, Abner?”
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Then Abner answered and said, “Who are you who cries to the king?” 15 And David said to Abner, “Are you not a valiant man? And who is like you in Israel? Why then have you not guarded your lord the king? For one of the people came in to destroy the king your lord. 16 This thing that you have done is not good. As the Lord lives, you are worthy to die, because you have not guarded your master, the Lord’s anointed. And now see where the king’s spear is and the jar of water that was at his pillow.” 17 And Saul knew David’s voice and said, “Is this your voice, my son David?” And David said, “It is my voice, my lord, O king.” 18 And he said, “Why does my lord thus pursue after his servant? For what have I done? Or what evil is in my hand? 19 Now therefore, I ask you, let my lord the king hear the words of his servant. If the Lord has stirred you up against me, let Him accept an offering. But if they are the children of men, cursed are they before the Lord, for they have driven me out this day from abiding in the inheritance of the Lord, saying, ‘Go, serve other gods.’ 20 Now therefore, do not let my blood fall to the earth before the face of the Lord. For the king of Israel has come out to seek a flea, as when one hunts a partridge in the mountains.” 21 Then Saul said, “I have sinned. Return, my son David. For I will not harm you anymore, because my soul was precious in your eyes this day. Behold, I have played the fool and
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have made a very great mistake.” 22 And David answered and said, “Behold the king’s spear! And let one of the young men come over and take it. 23 May the Lord repay every man for his righteousness and his faithfulness. For the Lord delivered you into my hand today, but I would not stretch out my hand against the Lord’s anointed. 24 And behold, as your life was set apart this day in my eyes, so let my life be set apart in the eyes of the Lord, and let Him deliver me out of all tribulation.” 25 Then Saul said to David, “Blessed are you, my son David. You shall both do great things and also still prevail.” So David went on his way, and Saul returned to his place. David’s Lapse of Faith And David said in his heart, “Now I shall perish one day by the hand of Saul. There is nothing better for me than that I should speedily escape into the land of the Philistines, and Saul shall lose hope of seeking me anymore in any territory of Israel. So I shall escape out of his hand.” 2 And David arose with the six hundred men who were with him, and he passed over to Achish the son of Maoch, king of Gath. 3 And David dwelled with Achish at Gath, he and his men, every man with his household, even David with his two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the Carmelitess, Nabal’s wife. 4 And it was told to Saul that David had fled to Gath, and he did not search for him anymore.
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have now found grace in your eyes, let them give me a place in some town in the country, that I may dwell there. For why should your servant dwell in the royal city with you?” 6 Then Achish gave him Ziklag that day. Therefore Ziklag belongs to the kings of Judah to this day. 7 And the time that David dwelled in the country of the Philistines was a full year and four months. 8 And David and his men went up and invaded the Geshurites and the Girzites and the Amalekites. For those nations were from old times the inhabitants of the land, as far as Shur, even to the land of Egypt. 9 And David struck the land and left neither man nor woman alive, and took away the sheep and the oxen and the donkeys and the camels and the apparel, and returned and came to Achish. 10 And Achish said, “Where have you made a raid today?” And David said, “Against the south of Judah, and against the south of the Jerahmeelites, and against the south of the Kenites.” 11 And David left neither man nor woman alive to bring tidings to Gath, saying, “Lest they should tell on us, saying, ‘This is what David has done, and this will be his manner all the time he dwells in the country of the Philistines.’” 12 And Achish believed David, saying, “He has made his people Israel utterly hate him; therefore he shall be my servant forever.” David among Israel’s Enemies And it came to pass in those days that the Philistines
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gathered their armies together for warfare to fight with Israel. And Achish said to David, “Know assuredly that you shall go out with me to battle, you and your men.” 2 And David said to Achish, “Surely you shall know what your servant can do.” And Achish said to David, “Therefore I will make you keeper of my head forever.” 3 Now Samuel was dead, and all Israel had mourned for him and buried him in Ramah, in his own city. And Saul had put out from the land the mediums and the spiritists. 4 And the Philistines gathered themselves together and came and camped in Shunem. And Saul gathered all Israel together, and they camped in Gilboa. 5 And when Saul saw the army of the Philistines, he was afraid, and his heart trembled greatly. 6 And when Saul inquired of the Lord, the Lord did not answer him, neither by dreams nor by Urim nor by prophets. Saul and the Witch of Endor 7 Then Saul said to his servants, “Seek for me a woman who is a medium, that I may go to her and inquire of her.” And his servants said to him, “Behold, there is a woman who is a medium at Endor.” 8 And Saul disguised himself and put on other clothing, and he went, along with two men, and they came to the woman by night. And he said, “I ask you, divine to me by the familiar spirit, and bring up for me whom I shall name to you.” 9 And the woman said to him,
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“Behold, you know what Saul has done, how he has cut off from the land the mediums and the spiritists. Why then do you lay a snare for my life, to cause me to die?” 10 And Saul swore to her by the Lord, saying, “As the Lord lives, no punishment shall happen to you for this thing.” 11 Then the woman said, “Whom shall I bring up for you?” And he said, “Bring up Samuel for me.” 12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried out with a loud voice. And the woman spoke to Saul, saying, “Why have you deceived me? For you are Saul.” 13 And the king said to her, “Do not be afraid, for what did you see?” And the woman said to Saul, “I saw gods ascending out of the earth.” 14 And he said to her, “What form is he in?” And she said, “An old man is coming up, and he is covered with a cloak.” And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground and bowed himself. 15 And Samuel said to Saul, “Why have you disturbed me, to bring me up?” And Saul answered, “I am greatly distressed, for the Philistines are making war against me, and God has departed from me and does not answer me anymore, neither by prophets nor by dreams. Therefore I have called you, that you may make known to me what I shall do.” 16 Then Samuel said, “Why then
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do you ask of me, since the Lord has departed from you and has become your enemy? 17 And the Lord has done for Himself as He spoke by me. For the Lord has torn the kingdom out of your hand and given it to your neighbor, even to David. 18 Because you did not obey the voice of the Lord or execute His fierce wrath on Amalek, therefore the Lord has done this thing to you this day. 19 Moreover, the Lord will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines. And tomorrow you and your sons shall be with me. The Lord shall also deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.” 20 Then Saul immediately fell full length on the ground and was greatly afraid because of the words of Samuel. And there was no strength in him, for he had eaten no bread all day or all night. 21 And the woman came to Saul and saw that he was greatly troubled and said to him, “Behold, your handmaiden has obeyed your voice, and I have put my life in my hands and have listened to your words that you spoke to me. 22 Now therefore, I ask you, listen also to the voice of your handmaiden and let me set a morsel of bread before you, and eat, that you may have strength when you go on your way.” 23 But he refused and said, “I will not eat.” But his servants, together with the woman, compelled him, and he listened to their voice. So he arose from the ground and sat on the bed. 24 And the woman had a fattened calf in the house, and she hastened and killed it, and took
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flour and kneaded it and baked unleavened bread from it. 25 And she brought it before Saul and his servants, and they ate. Then they rose up and went away that night. David Providentially Saved Now the Philistines gathered together all their armies to Aphek, and the Israelites camped by a fountain that is in Jezreel. 2 And the lords of the Philistines proceeded on by hundreds and by thousands, but David and his men proceeded on in the rear guard with Achish. 3 Then the princes of the Philistines said, “What are these Hebrews doing here?” And Achish said to the princes of the Philistines, “Is this not David, the servant of Saul the king of Israel, who has been with me these days or these years, and I have found no fault in him since he came to me to this day?” 4 And the princes of the Philistines were angry with him. And the princes of the Philistines said to him, “Make this fellow return, that he may go back to his place that you have appointed to him. And do not let him go down to battle with us, lest in the battle he become an adversary to us. For how should he reconcile himself to his master? Should it not be with the heads of these men? 5 Is this not David, of whom they sang to one another in dances, saying, ‘Saul slew his thousands, and David his ten thousands’?” 6 Then Achish called David and said to him, “Surely, as the Lord lives, you have been upright, and
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your going out and your coming in with me in the army is good in my sight. For I have not found evil in you since the day of your coming to me to this day. Nevertheless, the lords do not favor you. 7 Therefore return now, and go in peace, that you may not displease the lords of the Philistines.” 8 And David said to Achish, “But what have I done? And to this day what have you found in your servant so long as I have been with you, that I may not go fight against the enemies of my lord the king?” 9 And Achish answered and said to David, “I know that you are good in my sight, like an angel of God; however, the princes of the Philistines have said, ‘He shall not go up with us to the battle.’ 10 Now therefore, rise up early in the morning with your master’s servants who have come with you. And depart as soon as you are up early in the morning and have light.” 11 So David and his men rose up early in the morning to depart to return into the land of the Philistines. And the Philistines went up to Jezreel. David Avenges the Destruction of Ziklag And it came to pass, when David and his men came to Ziklag on the third day, that the Amalekites had invaded the south and Ziklag, and struck Ziklag and burned it with fire, 2 and had taken captive the women who were in it; they did not slay any, either great or small, but carried them away and went on their way. 3 So David
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and his men came to the city, and behold, it was burned with fire, and their wives and their sons and their daughters had been taken captive. 4 Then David and the people who were with him lifted up their voices and wept until they had no more power to weep. 5 And David’s two wives, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite, were taken captive. 6 And David was greatly distressed, for the people spoke of stoning him because the soul of all the people was grieved, every man for his sons and for his daughters. But David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. 7 And David said to Abiathar the priest, Ahimelech’s son, “I ask you, bring the ephod here to me.” And Abiathar brought the ephod there to David. 8 And David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I pursue this troop? Shall I overtake them?” And He answered him, “Pursue, for you shall surely overtake them and recover all without fail.” 9 So David went, he and the six hundred men who were with him, and came to the brook Besor, where those who were left behind stayed. 10 But David pursued, he and four hundred men. For two hundred stayed behind, who were so faint that they could not go over the brook Besor. 11 And they found an Egyptian in the field and brought him to David and gave him bread. And he ate, and they made him drink water. 12 And they gave him a piece of a cake of figs and two clusters of raisins. And when he had eaten, his spirit came
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to him again, for he had not eaten any bread or drunk any water for three days and three nights. 13 And David said to him, “To whom do you belong? And where are you from?” And he said, “I am a young man of Egypt, servant to an Amalekite. And my master left me because three days ago I fell sick. 14 We made an invasion on the south of the Cherethites and on the territory that belongs to Judah and on the south of Caleb, and we burned Ziklag with fire.” 15 And David said to him, “Can you bring me down to this company?” And he said, “Swear to me by God that you will neither kill me nor deliver me into the hands of my master, and I will bring you down to this company.” 16 And when he had brought him down, behold, they were spread out on all the land, eating and drinking and dancing because of all the great plunder that they had taken out of the land of the Philistines and out of the land of Judah. 17 And David struck them from twilight even to the evening of the next day. And none of the men escaped, except four hundred young men who rode on camels and fled. 18 And David recovered all that the Amalekites had carried away. And David rescued his two wives. 19 And nothing was missing from them, neither small nor great, neither sons nor daughters, neither plunder nor anything that they had taken for themselves. David recovered all. 20 And David took all the flocks and the herds that they drove before those other cattle and said, “This is David’s plunder.”
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dred men who were so faint that they could not follow David, whom they had also made to stay at the brook Besor. And they went out to meet David and to meet the people who were with him. And when David came near to the people, he greeted them. 22 Then all the wicked men and men of Belial from those who went with David answered and said, “Because they did not go with us, we will not give them anything of the plunder that we have recovered, except to every man his wife and his children, that they may lead them away and depart.” 23 Then David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us, who has preserved us and delivered into our hand the company that came against us. 24 For who will listen to you in this matter? But as his part is who goes down to the battle, so shall his part be who stays by the belongings; they shall share alike.” 25 And it was so, from that day forward, that he made it a statute and an ordinance for Israel to this day. 26 And when David came to Ziklag, he sent some of the plunder to the elders of Judah, even to his friends, saying, “Behold a present for you from the plunder of the enemies of the Lord”— 27 to those who were in Bethel, and to those who were in south Ramoth, and to those who were in Jattir, 28 and to those who were in Aroer, and to those who were in Siphmoth, and to those who were in Eshtemoa, 29 and to those who were in Racal, and to those who were in the
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cities of the Jerahmeelites, and to those who were in the cities of the Kenites, 30 and to those who were in Hormah, and to those who were in Chor-ashan, and to those who were in Athach, 31 and to those who were in Hebron, and to all the places where David himself and his men were accustomed to frequent. The Death of Saul Now the Philistines fought against Israel. And the men of Israel fled from before the Philistines and fell down slain on Mount Gilboa. 2 And the Philistines closely followed Saul and his sons. And the Philistines slew Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, Saul’s sons. 3 And the battle went greatly against Saul. And the archers hit him, and he was greatly wounded by the archers. 4 Then Saul said to his armor- bearer, “Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, lest these uncircumcised come and thrust me through and abuse me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. Therefore Saul took a sword and fell on it. 5 And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell on his sword and died with him. 6 So Saul and his three sons and his armor-bearer and all his men died together that same day. 7 And when the men of Israel who were on the other side of the valley and those who were on the other side of the Jordan saw that the men of Israel fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, they left the cities and fled, and the Philistines came
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and dwelled in them. 8 And it came to pass on the next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his three sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9 And they cut off his head and stripped off his armor and proclaimed it all around in the land of the Philistines, in the house of their idols and among the people. 10 And they put his armor in the house of Ashtaroth, and they fastened his body to the
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wall of Beth-shan. 11 And when the inhabitants of Jabesh-gilead heard what the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 all the valiant men arose and traveled all night, and took the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons from the wall of Beth-shan, and came to Jabesh and burned them there. 13 And they took their bones and buried them under a tree at Jabesh and fasted seven days.
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2 SAMUEL INTRODUCTION TO 2 SAMUEL This book tells the story of how David sets out to establish his throne with God’s blessing following King Saul’s death. David is a man after God’s own heart, but he is still simply a man with real shortcomings, and his sin with Bathsheba has a myriad of truly tragic consequences. The text recounts the events of the second half of King David’s life during which his reign unites Israel and testifies to God’s faithfulness to His servant David and to all His children. AUTHOR There is no mention of the author in the books of Samuel, though Jewish tradition states that Samuel wrote the first twenty-four chapters of what was originally one book of Samuel. In fact, 1 and 2 Samuel and 1 and 2 Kings are thought to be a single historical work edited by the same theological circle during the exile. OCCASION The book of 1 Samuel ends tragically, with King Saul a virtual madman. He turns against David, his loyal servant and friend, and seeks to kill David as though he is a traitor. He fails to obey God’s Word and so brings about his own downfall and demise. Saul even goes so far as to consult with a medium. The closing chapter of 1 Samuel is the account of his death at the hand of the Philistines and his own hand as well. As sad as it is, we breathe a sigh of relief, for now David’s days of fleeing from Saul as a fugitive are over. Second Samuel starts immediately afterward to tell how David will reign in Saul’s place.
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David Hears of Saul’s Death Now it came to pass after the death of Saul, when David had returned from the slaughter of the Amalekites, that David had stayed two days in Ziklag. 2 It came to pass on the third day that, behold, a man came out of Saul’s camp with his clothes torn and dust on his head. And so it was when he came to David, that he fell to the ground and bowed down. 3 And David said to him, “Where have you come from?” And he said to him, “I have escaped from the camp of Israel.” 4 And David said to him, “How did the matter go? I pray you, tell me.” And he answered, “The people have fled from the battle, and many of the people have also fallen and died, and Saul and his son Jonathan are also dead.” 5 And David said to the young man who told him, “How do you know that Saul and his son Jonathan are dead?” 6 And the young man who told him said, “As I happened by chance on Mount Gilboa, behold, Saul leaned on his spear, and indeed, the chariots and horsemen followed closely after him. 7 And when he looked behind him, he saw me and called to me. And I answered, ‘Here I am.’ 8 And he said to me, ‘Who are you?’ And I answered him, ‘I am an Amalekite.’ 9 He said to me again, ‘I ask you, stand on me and slay me, for anguish has come on me because my life still remains in me.’ 10 So I stood on him and slew him because I was sure that he could not live after he had fallen. And I took the
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crown that was on his head and the bracelet that was on his arm and have brought them here to my lord.” 11 Then David took hold of his clothes and tore them, and all the men who were with him did likewise. 12 And they mourned and wept and fasted until evening for Saul and for his son Jonathan and for the people of the Lord and for the house of Israel because they had fallen by the sword. 13 And David said to the young man who told him, “Where are you from?” And he answered, “I am the son of a foreigner, an Amalekite.” 14 And David said to him, “How were you not afraid to stretch out your hand to destroy the Lord’s anointed?” 15 And David called one of the young men and said, “Go near and kill him.” And he struck him so that he died. 16 And David said to him, “Your blood is on your head, for your mouth has testified against you, saying, ‘I have slain the Lord’s anointed.’” David Laments Saul’s Death 17 And David lamented with this lamentation over Saul and over his son Jonathan, 18 and he also asked them to teach the children of Judah the use of the bow. Behold, it is written in the Book of Jashar: 19
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The beauty of Israel is slain on your high places. How the mighty have fallen! Do not tell it in Gath. Do not proclaim it in the streets of Ashkelon,
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lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph. You mountains of Gilboa, let there be no dew, nor let there be rain on you, nor fields of offerings. For there the shield of the mighty was despicably cast away, the shield of Saul, as though he had not been anointed with oil. From the blood of the slain, from the fat of the mighty, the bow of Jonathan did not turn back, and the sword of Saul did not return empty. Saul and Jonathan were lovely and pleasant in their lives, and in their deaths they were not divided. They were swifter than eagles. They were stronger than lions. You daughters of Israel, weep over Saul, who clothed you in scarlet, with other delights, who put ornaments of gold on your apparel. How the mighty have fallen in the midst of the battle! O Jonathan, you were slain on your high places. I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan. You have been very pleasant to me. Your love was wonderful to me, surpassing the love
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of women. How the mighty have fallen and the weapons of war perished!
David Received as King And it came to pass after this that David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I go up to any of the cities of Judah?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up.” And David said, “Where shall I go up?” And He said, “To Hebron.” 2 So David went up there, and his two wives also, Ahinoam the Jezreelitess and Abigail the Carmelite, Nabal’s wife. 3 And David brought up his men who were with him, every man with his household, and they dwelled in the cities of Hebron. 4 And the men of Judah came, and there they anointed David king over the house of Judah. And they told David, saying, “The men of Jabesh-gilead were those who buried Saul.” 5 And David sent messengers to the men of Jabesh-gilead and said to them, “You are blessed of the Lord that you have shown this kindness to your lord, even to Saul, and have buried him. 6 And now may the Lord show kindness and truth to you. And I also will repay you this kindness because you have done this thing. 7 Now therefore, let your hands be strengthened and be valiant, for your master Saul is dead, and also the house of Judah has anointed me king over them.” 8 But Abner the son of Ner, captain of Saul’s army, took Ish-bosheth the
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son of Saul and brought him over to Mahanaim 9 and made him king over Gilead and over the Ashurites and over Jezreel and over Ephraim and over Benjamin and over all Israel. 10 Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, was forty years old when he began to reign over Israel, and he reigned two years. But the house of Judah followed David. 11 And the time that David was king in Hebron over the house of Judah was seven years and six months. War between Israel and Judah 12 And Abner the son of Ner and the servants of Ish-bosheth the son of Saul went out from Mahanaim to Gibeon. 13 And Joab the son of Zeruiah and the servants of David went out and met together by the pool of Gibeon, and they sat down, one on one side of the pool and another on the other side of the pool. 14 And Abner said to Joab, “Let the young men now arise and compete before us.” And Joab said, “Let them arise.” 15 Then there arose and went by number twelve from Benjamin for Ish-bosheth the son of Saul and twelve from the servants of David. 16 And each man seized his opponent by the head and thrust his sword in his opponent’s side, so they fell down together. Therefore that place was called Helkath-hazzurim, which is in Gibeon. 17 And there was a very great battle that day, and Abner and the men of Israel were defeated by the servants of David. 18 And there were three sons of Zeruiah there, Joab and Abishai and Asahel. And Asahel was as light
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of foot as a gazelle. 19 And Asahel pursued after Abner, and as he went he did not turn to the right hand or to the left from following Abner. 20 Then Abner looked behind him and said, “Are you Asahel?” And he answered, “I am.” 21 And Abner said to him, “Turn aside to your right hand or to your left and lay hold of one of the young men and take his armor.” But Asahel would not turn aside from following him. 22 And Abner said again to Asahel, “Turn aside from following me. Why should I strike you to the ground? How then could I show my face to Joab your brother?” 23 However, he refused to turn aside. Therefore Abner struck him under the fifth rib with the back end of the spear so that the spear came out behind him. And he fell down there and died in the same place. And it came to pass that all who came to the place where Asahel fell down and died stood still. 24 Joab and Abishai also pursued after Abner. And the sun went down when they had come to the hill of Ammah, which lies before Giah by the way of the wilderness of Gibeon. 25 And the children of Benjamin gathered themselves together after Abner and became one unit and stood on the top of a hill. 26 Then Abner called to Joab and said, “Shall the sword devour forever? Do you not know that it will be bitter in the end? How long shall it be then before you command the people to return from following their brothers?” 27 And Joab said, “As God lives, unless you had spoken, surely then
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in the morning the people would have gone up, every one from following his brother.” 28 So Joab blew a trumpet, and all the people stood still and no longer pursued Israel, nor did they fight any longer. 29 And Abner and his men walked all that night through the plain and crossed over the Jordan and went through all Bithron, and they came to Maha naim. 30 And Joab returned from following Abner. And when he had gathered all the people together, there lacked nineteen men of David’s servants and Asahel. 31 But the servants of David had struck down three hundred sixty men of Benjamin and of Abner’s men. 32 And they took up Asahel and buried him in the sepulchre of his father, which was in Bethlehem. And Joab and his men went all night, and they came to Hebron at daybreak. David’s Family in Hebron Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker. 2 And sons were born to David in Hebron, and his firstborn was Amnon by Ahinoam the Jezreelitess; 3 and his second, Chileab, by Abigail the wife of Nabal the Carmelite; and the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; 4 and the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; and the fifth, Shephatiah the son of Abital; 5 and the sixth, Ithream, by David’s wife Eglah. These were born to David in Hebron.
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David Allies with Abner 6 And it came to pass, while there was war between the house of Saul and the house of David, that Abner was becoming powerful in the house of Saul. 7 And Saul had a concubine whose name was Rizpah, the daughter of Aiah. And Ish-bosheth said to Abner, “Why have you gone in to my father’s concubine?” 8 Then Abner became very angry at the words of Ish-bosheth and said, “Am I a dog’s head for Judah? This day I show kindness to the house of your father, Saul, to his brothers, and to his friends and have not delivered you into the hand of David, but you charge me today with a fault concerning this woman? 9 God do so to Abner, and more also, if as the Lord has sworn to David, I do not accomplish this for him, 10 to transfer the kingdom from the house of Saul and to set up the throne of David over Israel and over Judah, from Dan even to Beer-sheba.” 11 And he could not answer another word to Abner because he feared him. 12 And Abner sent messengers to David on his behalf, saying, “Whose is the land?” also saying, “Make your agreement with me, and behold, my hand shall be with you to bring all Israel to you.” 13 And he said, “Well, I will make an agreement with you, but one thing I require of you—that is, you shall not see my face unless you first bring Michal, Saul’s daughter, when you come to see my face.” 14 And David sent messengers to Ish-bosheth, Saul’s son, saying, “Deliver to me my wife Michal, whom
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I betrothed to myself for a hundred foreskins of the Philistines.” 15 And Ish-bosheth sent and took her from her husband, even from Paltiel the son of Laish. 16 And her husband went along with her to Bahurim, weeping behind her. Then Abner said to him, “Go, return.” And he returned. 17 And Abner communicated with the elders of Israel, saying, “In times past you sought for David to be king over you. 18 Now then, do it. For the Lord has spoken of David, saying, ‘By the hand of My servant David I will save My people Israel out of the hand of the Philistines and out of the hand of all their enemies.’” 19 And Abner also spoke in the ears of Benjamin. And Abner went also to speak in the ears of David in Hebron all that seemed good to Israel and that seemed good to the whole house of Benjamin. 20 So Abner and twenty men with him came to David at Hebron. And David made Abner and the men who were with him a feast. 21 And Abner said to David, “I will arise and go and will gather all Israel to my lord the king, that they may make an agreement with you and that you may reign over all that your heart desires.” And David sent Abner away, and he went in peace. Joab Murders Abner 22 And behold, the servants of David and Joab returned from raiding and brought much plunder with them. But Abner was not with David in Hebron, for he had sent him away, and he had gone in peace. 23 When Joab and all the troops who were
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with him arrived, they told Joab, saying, “Abner the son of Ner came to the king, and he has sent him away. And he has gone in peace.” 24 Then Joab came to the king and said, “What have you done? Behold, Abner came to you. Why is it that you have sent him away, and he is already gone? 25 You know Abner the son of Ner came to deceive you and to know your going out and your coming in and to know all that you do.” 26 And when Joab left David, he sent messengers after Abner, who brought him back again from the well of Sirah. But David did not know it. 27 And when Abner had returned to Hebron, Joab took him aside in the gate to speak with him quietly and there struck him under the fifth rib so that he died for the blood of his brother Asahel. 28 And afterward, when David heard it, he said, “My kingdom and I are guiltless before the Lord forever from the blood of Abner the son of Ner. 29 Let it rest on the head of Joab and on all his father’s house, and let there never fail to be someone from the house of Joab who has a discharge or is a leper or leans on a staff or falls on the sword or lacks bread.” 30 So Joab and Abishai his brother slew Abner because he had slain their brother Asahel in the battle at Gibeon. 31 And David said to Joab and to all the people who were with him, “Tear your clothes and gird yourselves with sackcloth and mourn for Abner.” And King David himself followed the bier. 32 And they buried Abner in Hebron, and the king lifted
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up his voice and wept at the grave of Abner. And all the people wept. 33 And the king lamented over Abner and said, “Did Abner die as a fool dies? 34 Your hands were not bound nor your feet put into shackles. As a man falls before the wicked, so you fell.” And all the people wept over him again. 35 And when all the people came to press David to eat while it was yet day, David swore, saying, “God do so to me, and more also, if I taste bread or anything else until the sun is down.” 36 And all the people took notice of it, and it pleased them since whatever the king did pleased all the people. 37 For all the people and all Israel understood that day that it was not from the king to slay Abner the son of Ner. 38 And the king said to his servants, “Do you not know that a prince and a great man has fallen this day in Israel? 39 And I am weak this day, though anointed king, and these men, the sons of Zeruiah, are too hard for me. The Lord shall reward the evildoer according to his wickedness.” The Murder of Ish-Bosheth And when Saul’s son heard that Abner was dead in Hebron, his hands were feeble, and all the Israelites were troubled. 2 And Saul’s son had two men who were captains of troops. The name of the one was Baanah, and the name of the other was Rechab, the sons of Rimmon, a Beerothite, of the children of Benjamin (for Beeroth also belonged to Benjamin, 3 and the Beerothites fled to Gittaim and were sojourners
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there until this day). 4 And Jonathan, Saul’s son, had a son who was lame in his feet. He was five years old when the news of Saul and Jonathan came from Jezreel, and his nurse took him up and fled. And it came to pass, as she hastened to flee, that he fell and became lame. And his name was Mephibosheth. 5 And the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, Rechab and Baanah, went and came to the house of Ishbosheth in the heat of the day while he lay on his bed at noon. 6 And they came there into the house, as if to get wheat, and they struck him under the fifth rib. And Rechab and Baanah his brother escaped. 7 For when they came into the house, he lay on his bed in his bedchamber. And they struck him and slew him and beheaded him and took his head. And they fled through the plain all night. 8 And they brought the head of Ish-bosheth to David at Hebron and said to the king, “Behold the head of Ish-bosheth, the son of Saul your enemy, who sought your life. And the Lord has avenged my lord the king this day of Saul and of his descendants.” 9 And David answered Rechab and Baanah his brother, the sons of Rimmon the Beerothite, and said to them, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my soul from all adversity, 10 when someone told me, saying, ‘Behold, Saul is dead,’ thinking to have brought good news, I took hold of him and slew him in Ziklag—the one who thought that I would have given him a reward for his news. 11 How much more when
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wicked men have slain a righteous person in his own house on his bed? Therefore, shall I not now require his blood from your hand and take you away from the earth?” 12 And David commanded his young men, and they slew them and cut off their hands and their feet and hung them up over the pool in Hebron. But they took the head of Ish-bosheth and buried it in the sepulchre of Abner in Hebron. David Becomes King over Israel Then all the tribes of Israel came to David at Hebron and spoke, saying, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 2 Also, in time past, when Saul was king over us, you were the one who led out and brought in Israel, and the Lord said to you, ‘You shall feed My people Israel, and you shall be a captain over Israel.’” 3 So all the elders of Israel came to the king at Hebron, and King David made an agreement with them at Hebron before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel. 4 David was thirty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years. 5 In Hebron he reigned over Judah seven years and six months, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years over all Israel and Judah. 6 And the king and his men went to Jerusalem to the Jebusites, the inhabitants of the land, who spoke to David, saying, “Unless you take away the blind and the lame, you shall not come in here,” thinking, “David cannot come in here.” 7 Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion (that is, the city of David).
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David said on that day, “Whoever gets up to the gutter and strikes the Jebusites (the lame and the blind, who are hated by David’s soul), he shall be chief and captain.” Therefore they said, “The blind and the lame shall not come into the house.” 9 So David dwelled in the fort and called it the city of David. And David built all around from Millo and inward. 10 And David went on and grew great, and the Lord God of hosts was with him. 11 And Hiram king of Tyre sent messengers to David and cedar trees and carpenters and masons. And they built David a house. 12 And David perceived that the Lord had established him king over Israel and that He had exalted His kingdom for His people Israel’s sake. 13 And David took for himself more concubines and wives out of Jerusalem after he had come from Hebron. And more sons and daughters were born to David. 14 And these are the names of those who were born to him in Jerusalem: Shammua and Shobab and Nathan and Solomon, 15 also Ibhar and Elishua and Nepheg and Japhia, 16 and Elishama and Eliada and Eliphelet. The Defeat of the Philistines 17 But when the Philistines heard that they had anointed David king over Israel, all the Philistines came up to seek out David. And David heard of it and went down to the stronghold. 18 The Philistines also came and spread themselves through the Valley of Rephaim. 19 And David inquired of the Lord, saying, “Shall I
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go up to the Philistines? Will You deliver them into my hand?” And the Lord said to David, “Go up, for I will certainly deliver the Philistines into your hand.” 20 And David came to Baal-perazim, and David struck them there and said, “The Lord has broken forth on my enemies before me like a breakthrough of water.” Therefore he called the name of that place Baal-perazim. 21 And they left their images there, and David and his men burned them. 22 And the Philistines came up yet again and spread themselves through the Valley of Rephaim. 23 And when David inquired of the Lord, He said, “You shall not go up, but circle around behind them and come on them in front of the mulberry trees. 24 And let it be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall set out, for the Lord shall go out before you then to strike the army of the Philistines.” 25 And David did as the Lord had commanded him and struck the Philistines from Geba as far as Gezer. David Seeks to Bring the Ark to Jerusalem David again gathered together all the chosen men of Israel, thirty thousand. 2 And David arose and went with all the people who were with him from Baale of Judah to bring up from there the ark of God, whose name is called by the name of the Lord of hosts, who dwells between the cherubim. 3 And they set the ark of God on a new cart and brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was in
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Gibeah, and Uzzah and Ahio, the sons of Abinadab, drove the new cart. 4 And they brought it out of the house of Abinadab, which was at Gibeah, accompanying the ark of God, and Ahio went before the ark. 5 And David and all the house of Israel played before the Lord on all kinds of instruments made of fir wood, on harps and on lyres and on tambourines and on cornets and on cymbals. 6 And when they came to Nacon’s threshing floor, Uzzah stretched out his hand to the ark of God and took hold of it, for the oxen shook it. 7 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and God struck him there for his error. And he died there by the ark of God. 8 And David was displeased because the Lord had made an outburst against Uzzah, and he called the name of the place Perez-uzzah to this day. 9 And David was afraid of the Lord that day and said, “How shall the ark of the Lord come to me?” 10 So David would not move the ark of the Lord to him into the city of David, but David carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 11 And the ark of the Lord continued in the house of Obededom the Gittite for three months. And the Lord blessed Obed-edom and all his household. 12 And it was told to King David, saying, “The Lord has blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that belongs to him because of the ark of God.” So David went and brought up the ark of God from the house of Obed-edom into the city of David
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with gladness. 13 And so it was, that when those who bore the ark of the Lord had gone six paces, he sacrificed oxen and fattened cattle. 14 And David danced before the Lord with all his might, and David was girded with a linen ephod. 15 So David and all the house of Israel brought up the ark of the Lord with shouting and with the sound of the trumpet. 16 And as the ark of the Lord came into the city of David, Michal, Saul’s daughter, looked through a window and saw King David leaping and dancing before the Lord, and she despised him in her heart. 17 And they brought in the ark of the Lord and set it in its place, in the middle of the tabernacle that David had pitched for it. And David offered burnt offerings and peace offerings before the Lord. 18 And as soon as David had finished offering burnt offerings and peace offerings, he blessed the people in the name of the Lord of hosts. 19 And he distributed among all the people, among the whole multitude of Israel, to the women as well as the men, to each one a cake of bread and a good piece of meat and a flagon of wine. So all the people departed, each one to his house. 20 Then David returned to bless his household. And Michal the daughter of Saul came out to meet David and said, “How glorious was the king of Israel today, who uncovered himself today in the eyes of the handmaidens of his servants, as one of the vain fellows shamelessly uncovers himself!” 21 And David said to Michal, “It was before the Lord, who chose
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me before your father and before all his house, to appoint me ruler over the people of the Lord, over Israel. Therefore I will celebrate before the Lord. 22 And I will yet be more vile than this and will be humbled in my own sight. And by the maidservants that you have spoken of, I shall be held in honor by them.” 23 Therefore Michal the daughter of Saul had no child to the day of her death. David’s Desire to Build the Lord’s House And it came to pass when the king sat in his house and the Lord had given him rest from all his enemies all around, 2 that the king said to Nathan the prophet, “See now, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of God dwells within curtains.” 3 And Nathan said to the king, “Go, do all that is in your heart, for the Lord is with you.” 4 And it came to pass that night that the word of the Lord came to Nathan, saying, 5 “Go and tell My servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Shall you build Me a house for Me to dwell in? 6 Whereas I have not dwelled in any house since the time that I brought the children of Israel up out of Egypt even to this day, but have walked in a tent and in a tabernacle. 7 In all the places in which I have walked with all the children of Israel, did I speak a word with any of the tribes of Israel, whom I commanded to feed My people Israel, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’”’ 8 Now therefore, you shall
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say to My servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts says, “I took you from the sheepfold, from following the sheep, to be ruler over My people, over Israel. 9 And I was with you wherever you went, and have cut off all your enemies out of your sight and have made you a great name, similar to the name of the great men who are on the earth. 10 Moreover I will appoint a place for My people Israel and will plant them, that they may dwell in a place of their own and move no more. Nor shall the children of wickedness afflict them anymore, as previously 11 and since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel and have caused you to rest from all your enemies. Also the Lord tells you that He will make you a house. 12 “‘“And when your days are fulfilled and you sleep with your fathers, I will set up your offspring after you, who shall proceed out of your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. 14 I will be his Father and he shall be My son. If he commits iniquity, I will discipline him with the rod of men and with the beatings of the children of men. 15 But My mercy shall not depart away from him, as I took it from Saul, whom I put away before you. 16 And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever.”’” 17 So Nathan spoke to David according to all these words and according to all this vision.
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David’s Worship and Prayer 18 Then King David went in and sat before the Lord, and he said, “Who am I, O Lord God? And what is my house that You have brought me here? 19 And yet this was a small thing in Your sight, O Lord God, but You have also spoken of Your servant’s house for a great while to come. And is this the manner of man, O Lord God? 20 And what more can David say to You? For You, Lord God, know Your servant. 21 For Your word’s sake and according to Your own heart, You have done all these great things, to make Your servant know them. 22 Therefore You are great, O Lord God. For there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You according to all that we have heard with our ears. 23 And what one nation on the earth is like Your people, even like Israel, whom God went to redeem as a people for Himself and to make Himself a name, and to do for Yourself great and awesome things for Your land before Your people whom You redeemed to Yourself from Egypt, from the nations and their gods? 24 For You have confirmed to Yourself Your people Israel to be a people to You forever. And You, Lord, have become their God. 25 “And now, O Lord God, the word that You have spoken concerning Your servant and concerning his house, establish it forever and do as You have said. 26 And let Your name be magnified forever, saying, ‘The Lord of hosts is the God over Israel.’ And let the house of Your servant David be established before You. 27 For You, O Lord of hosts,
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God of Israel, have revealed this to Your servant, saying, ‘I will build you a house.’ Therefore Your servant has found in his heart to pray this prayer to You. 28 “And now, O Lord God, You are that God. And Your words are true, and You have promised this goodness to Your servant. 29 Now therefore, let it please You to bless the house of Your servant, that it may continue before You forever. For You, O Lord God, have spoken it, and with Your blessing let the house of Your servant be blessed forever.” The Full Establishment of David’s Kingdom And after this it came to pass that David struck the Philistines and subdued them. And David took Metheg-ammah out of the hand of the Philistines. 2 And he struck Moab and measured them with a line, casting them down to the ground. Even with two lines he measured those to put to death, and with one full line those to keep alive. And so the Moabites became David’s servants and brought gifts. 3 David struck also Hadadezer the son of Rehob, king of Zobah, as he went to recover his territory at the river Euphrates. 4 And David took from him a thousand chariots and seven hundred horsemen and twenty thousand footmen. And David hamstrung all the chariot horses but reserved some of them for a hundred chariots. 5 And when the Syrians of Damascus came to help Hadadezer, king of Zobah, David slew twenty-two
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thousand men of the Syrians. 6 Then David put garrisons in Syria of Damascus, and the Syrians became servants to David and brought gifts. And the Lord preserved David wherever he went. 7 And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 And from Betah and from Berothai, cities of Hadadezer, King David took an exceedingly large amount of brass. 9 When Toi, king of Hamath, heard that David had struck all the army of Hadadezer, 10 then Toi sent Joram his son to King David, to greet him and to bless him, because he had fought against Hadadezer and struck him (for Hadadezer had wars with Toi). And Joram brought with him vessels of silver and vessels of gold and vessels of brass, 11 which King David also dedicated to the Lord, along with the silver and gold that he had dedicated from all nations that he subdued— 12 from Syria and from Moab and from the children of Ammon and from the Philistines and from Amalek and from the spoil of Hadadezer son of Rehob, king of Zobah. 13 And David made a name for himself when he returned from striking the Syrians, being eighteen thousand men, in the Valley of Salt. 14 And he put garrisons in Edom. He put garrisons throughout all Edom, and all those of Edom became David’s servants. And the Lord preserved David wherever he went. 15 And David reigned over all Israel, and David executed judgment and justice to all his people. 16 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over
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the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder. 17 And Zadok the son of Ahitub and Ahime lech the son of Abiathar were the priests, and Seraiah was the scribe. 18 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over both the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and David’s sons were chief rulers. David and Mephibosheth And David said, “Is there still anyone who is left of the house of Saul, that I may show him kindness for Jonathan’s sake?” 2 And there was of the house of Saul a servant whose name was Ziba. And when they had called him to David, the king said to him, “Are you Ziba?” And he said, “I am your servant.” 3 And the king said, “Is there not still anyone of the house of Saul, that I may show the kindness of God to him?” And Ziba said to the king, “Jonathan had yet another son, who is lame in both feet.” 4 And the king said to him, “Where is he?” And Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he is in the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, in Lo-debar.” 5 Then King David sent and got him out of the house of Machir the son of Ammiel, from Lo-debar. 6 Now when Mephibosheth the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, had come to David, he fell on his face and prostrated himself. And David said, “Mephibosheth?” And he answered, “Behold your servant!” 7 And David said to him, “Do not
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fear, for I will surely show you kindness for Jonathan your father’s sake and will restore to you all the land of Saul your grandfather. And you shall eat bread at my table regularly.” 8 And he bowed himself and said, “What is your servant, that you should look on such a dead dog as I am?” 9 Then the king called to Ziba, Saul’s servant, and said to him, “I have given to your master’s son all that belonged to Saul and to all his house. 10 Therefore you and your sons and your servants shall till the land for him, and you shall bring in the fruit, that your master’s son may have food to eat. But Mephibosheth your master’s son shall always eat bread at my table.” Now Ziba had fifteen sons and twenty servants. 11 Then Ziba said to the king, “According to all that my lord the king has commanded his servant, so your servant shall do.” “As for Mephibosheth,” said the king, “he shall eat at my table as one of the king’s sons.” 12 And Mephibosheth had a young son whose name was Mica. And all who dwelled in the house of Ziba were servants to Mephibosheth. 13 So Mephibosheth dwelled in Jerusalem, for he ate regularly at the king’s table. And he was lame in both his feet. The Ammonite-Syrian War And it came to pass after this that the king of the children of Ammon died, and Hanun his son reigned in his place. 2 Then David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, as his father
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showed kindness to me.” And David sent by the hand of his servants to comfort him for his father. And David’s servants came into the land of the children of Ammon. 3 And the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun their lord, “Do you think that David honors your father, that he has sent comforters to you? Has David not rather sent his servants to you to search the city and to spy it out and to overthrow it?” 4 Therefore Hanun took David’s servants and shaved off half of their beards, and cut off their garments in the middle, to their buttocks, and sent them away. 5 When they told this to David, he sent to meet them because the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown back and then return.” 6 And when the children of Ammon saw that they had become repulsive to David, the children of Ammon sent and hired the Syrians of Beth-rehob and the Syrians of Zobah, twenty thousand footmen and a thousand men from King Maacah and twelve thousand men from Ishtob. 7 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and the entire army of the mighty men. 8 And the children of Ammon came out and arranged themselves for battle at the entrance of the gate. And the Syrians of Zobah and of Rehob, and Ish-tob, and Maacah were by themselves in the field. 9 When Joab saw that the front of the battle was against him before and behind, he chose of all the choice men of Israel and put them
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in formation against the Syrians. 10 And he delivered the rest of the people into the hand of Abishai his brother, that he might put them in formation against the children of Ammon. 11 And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the children of Ammon are too strong for you, then I will come and help you. 12 Be of good courage, and let us act like men for our people and for the cities of our God. And may the Lord do what seems good to Him.” 13 And Joab and the people who were with him drew near to the battle against the Syrians, and they fled before him. 14 And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians had fled, then they also fled before Abishai and entered into the city. So Joab returned from the children of Ammon and came to Jerusalem. 15 And when the Syrians saw that they had been struck by Israel, they gathered themselves together. 16 And Hadadezer sent and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the river, and they came to Helam. And Shobach the captain of the army of Hadadezer went before them. 17 And when it was told to David, he gathered all Israel together and crossed over the Jordan and came to Helam. And the Syrians set themselves in formation against David and fought with him. 18 And the Syrians fled before Israel, and David slew seven hundred chariots and forty thousand horsemen of the Syrians and struck Shobach the captain of their army, who died there. 19 And when all the kings who were servants to Hadadezer saw
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that they had been defeated by Israel, they made peace with Israel and served them. So the Syrians were afraid to help the children of Ammon anymore. David’s Great Sin And it came to pass in the new year, at the time when kings go out to battle, that David sent Joab and his servants with him and all Israel, and they destroyed the children of Ammon and besieged Rabbah. But David still remained at Jerusalem. 2 And it came to pass one evening that David arose from his bed and walked on the roof of the king’s house. And from the roof he saw a woman washing herself, and the woman was very beautiful to look at. 3 And David sent and inquired after the woman. And one said, “Is this not Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam, the wife of Uriah the Hittite?” 4 And David sent messengers and took her, and she came in to him. And he lay with her, for she was purified from her uncleanness, and she returned to her house. 5 And the woman conceived and sent and told David and said, “I am with child.” 6 And David sent to Joab, saying, “Send me Uriah the Hittite.” And Joab sent Uriah to David. 7 And when Uriah had come to him, David inquired how Joab was doing and how the people were doing and how the war prospered. 8 And David said to Uriah, “Go down to your house and wash your feet.” And Uriah departed out of the king’s house, and a gift of food from the king followed
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him. 9 But Uriah slept at the door of the king’s house with all the servants of his lord and did not go down to his house. 10 And when they had told David, saying, “Uriah did not go down to his house,” David said to Uriah, “Did you not come from a journey? Why then did you not go down to your house?” 11 And Uriah said to David, “The ark and Israel and Judah are dwelling in tents, and my lord Joab and the servants of my lord are camped in the open fields. Shall I then go into my house to eat and to drink and to lie with my wife? As you live, and as your soul lives, I will not do this thing.” 12 And David said to Uriah, “Remain here today also, and tomorrow I will let you depart.” So Uriah stayed in Jerusalem that day and the next day. 13 And when David called him, he ate and drank with him, and he made him drunk. And at evening he went out to lie on his bed with the servants of his lord but did not go down to his house. 14 And it came to pass in the morning that David wrote a letter to Joab and sent it with Uriah. 15 And he wrote in the letter, saying, “Set Uriah in the forefront of the hottest battle and fall back from him, that he may be struck and die.” 16 And it came to pass, when Joab observed the city, that he assigned Uriah to a place where he knew that valiant men were. 17 And the men of the city went out and fought with Joab. And some of the people of the servants of David fell, and Uriah the Hittite also died. 18 Then Joab sent and told David
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all the things concerning the war 19 and ordered the messenger, saying, “When you have finished telling the matters of the war to the king, 20 and if it so happens that the king’s wrath rises and he says to you, ‘Why did you approach so near to the city when you fought? Did you not know that they would shoot from the wall? 21 Who struck Abimelech the son of Jerubbesheth? Did a woman not cast a piece of a millstone on him from the wall, so that he died in Thebez? Why did you go near the wall?’—then you say, ‘Your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead.’” 22 So the messenger went and came and told David all that Joab had sent him for. 23 And the messenger said to David, “Surely the men prevailed against us and came out to us in the field, and we were upon them even to the entrance of the gate. 24 And the archers shot from the wall on your servants, and some of the king’s servants are dead. And your servant Uriah the Hittite is also dead.” 25 Then David said to the messenger, “This is what you shall say to Joab, ‘Do not let this thing displease you, for the sword devours one as well as another. Make your battle stronger against the city and overthrow it.’ And you encourage him.” 26 And when the wife of Uriah heard that Uriah her husband was dead, she mourned for her husband. 27 And when the mourning was past, David sent and brought her to his house, and she became his wife and bore him a son. But the thing that David had done displeased the Lord.
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David’s Repentance And the Lord sent Nathan to David. And he came to him and said to him, “There were two men in one city, the one rich, and the other poor. 2 The rich man had exceedingly many flocks and herds, 3 but the poor man had nothing except one little ewe lamb that he had bought and nourished. And it grew up together with him and with his children. It ate of his own food and drank from his own cup and lay in his bosom and was like a daughter to him. 4 And a traveler came to the rich man. And he refrained from taking of his own flock and of his own herd to prepare for the traveler who had come to him, but he took the poor man’s lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him.” 5 And David’s anger was greatly kindled against the man, and he said to Nathan, “As the Lord lives, the man who has done this thing shall surely die. 6 And he shall restore the lamb four times over because he did this thing and because he had no pity.” 7 And Nathan said to David, “You are the man! This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you out of the hand of Saul. 8 And I gave you your master’s house and your master’s wives into your embrace and gave you the house of Israel and of Judah. And if that had been too little, I would have given to you many more such things. 9 Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword and have taken his wife to be
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your wife and have slain him with the sword of the children of Ammon. 10 Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house because you have despised Me and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.’ 11 This is what the Lord says: ‘Behold, I will raise up evil against you out of your own house, and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor. And he shall lie with your wives in the sight of the sun, 12 for you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel and before the sun.’” 13 And David said to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.” And Nathan said to David, “The Lord has also put away your sin. You shall not die. 14 However, because by this deed you have given great occasion for the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, also the child who is born to you shall surely die.” 15 And Nathan departed to his house. And the Lord struck the child that Uriah’s wife bore to David, and he was very sick. 16 Therefore David begged God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. 17 And the elders of his house arose and went to him to raise him up from the ground. But he would not, nor did he eat bread with them. 18 And on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead, for they said, “Behold, while the child was still alive, we spoke to him, and he would not listen to our voice. How then will he
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harm himself if we tell him that the child is dead?” 19 But when David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore David said to his servants, “Is the child dead?” And they said, “He is dead.” 20 Then David arose from the ground and washed and anointed himself and changed his apparel, and he came into the house of the Lord and worshipped. Then he came to his own house. And when he requested, they set bread before him, and he ate. 21 Then his servants said to him, “What is this thing that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you rose and ate bread.” 22 And he said, “While the child was still alive, I fasted and wept, for I said, ‘Who can tell whether God will be gracious to me, that the child may live?’ 23 But now he is dead. Why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me.” The Birth of Solomon 24 And David comforted his wife Bathsheba and went in to her and lay with her, and she bore a son. And he called his name Solomon, and the Lord loved him. 25 And He sent word by the hand of Nathan the prophet, and he called his name Jedidiah because of the Lord. 26 And Joab fought against Rabbah of the children of Ammon and took the royal city. 27 And Joab sent messengers to David and said, “I have fought against Rabbah, and
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I have taken the city of waters. 28 Now therefore, gather the rest of the people together and camp opposite the city and take it, lest I take the city and it be called after my name.” 29 And David gathered all the people together and went to Rabbah and fought against it and took it. 30 And he took their king’s crown from off his head, the weight of which was a talent of gold, with the precious stones, and it was set on David’s head. And he brought out the plunder of the city in great abundance. 31 And he brought out the people who were in it and put them to work with saws and with picks of iron and with axes of iron and made them work at the brick kiln. And he did this to all the cities of the children of Ammon. So David and all the people returned to Jerusalem. Amnon’s Crime And it came to pass after this that Absalom the son of David had a beautiful sister whose name was Tamar, and Amnon the son of David loved her. 2 And Amnon was so troubled that he fell sick for his sister Tamar, for she was a virgin, and Amnon thought it improper for him to do anything to her. 3 But Amnon had a friend whose name was Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother. And Jonadab was a very clever man. 4 And he said to him, “Why are you, being the king’s son, downcast from day to day? Will you not tell me?” And Amnon said to him, “I love Tamar, my brother Absalom’s sister.”
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5 And
Jonadab said to him, “Lie down on your bed and pretend to be sick. And when your father comes to see you, say to him, ‘I ask you, let my sister Tamar come and give me food, and prepare the food in my sight, that I may see it and eat it from her hand.’” 6 So Amnon lay down and pretended to be sick, and when the king had come to see him, Amnon said to the king, “I ask you, let Tamar my sister come and make me a couple of cakes in my sight, that I may eat from her hand.” 7 Then David sent home to Tamar, saying, “Go now to your brother Amnon’s house and prepare food for him.” 8 So Tamar went to her brother Amnon’s house, and he was lying down. And she took flour and kneaded it and made cakes in his sight and baked the cakes. 9 And she took a pan and poured them out before him, but he refused to eat. And Amnon said, “Have all the men leave me.” And every man went out from him. 10 And Amnon said to Tamar, “Bring the food into the chamber that I may eat from your hand.” And Tamar took the cakes that she had made and brought them into the chamber to her brother Amnon. 11 And when she had brought them to him to eat, he took hold of her and said to her, “Come, lie with me, my sister.” 12 And she answered him, “No, my brother, do not force me, for no such thing ought to be done in Israel. Do not do this evil. 13 And I, where shall I take my shame? And as for you, you shall be as one of the fools in
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Israel. Now therefore, I ask you, speak to the king, for he will not withhold me from you.” 14 However, he would not listen to her voice but, being stronger than she, forced her and lay with her. 15 Then Amnon hated her exceedingly, so that the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her. And Amnon said to her, “Arise, be gone.” 16 And she said to him, “There is no sufficient reason for this. This evil in sending me away is greater than the other that you did to me.” But he would not listen to her. 17 Then he called his servant who ministered to him and said, “Send this woman away from me now and bolt the door after her.” 18 And she had on her a garment of various colors, for the king’s daughters who were virgins were dressed with such robes. Then his servant brought her out and bolted the door after her. 19 And Tamar put ashes on her head and tore her garment of various colors that was on her and laid her hand on her head and went on crying. 20 And Absalom her brother said to her, “Has your brother Amnon been with you? But now keep quiet, my sister. He is your brother. Do not regard this thing.” So Tamar remained desolate in her brother Absalom’s house. 21 But when King David heard of all these things, he was very angry. 22 And Absalom spoke to his brother Amnon neither good nor bad, for Absalom hated Amnon because he had raped his sister Tamar.
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Absalom’s Vengeance for Tamar’s Wrong 23 And it came to pass after two full years that Absalom had sheepshearers in Baal-hazor, which is beside Ephraim, and Absalom invited all the king’s sons. 24 And Absalom came to the king and said, “Behold now, your servant has sheepshearers. I beseech you, let the king and his servants go with your servant.” 25 And the king said to Absalom, “No, my son, do not let us all go now, lest we are burdensome to you.” And he pressed him; however, he would not go but blessed him. 26 Then Absalom said, “If not, I ask you, let my brother Amnon go with us.” And the king said to him, “Why should he go with you?” 27 But Absalom pressed him, so that he let Amnon and all the king’s sons go with him. 28 Now Absalom had commanded his servants, saying, “Watch now when Amnon’s heart is merry with wine, and when I say to you, ‘Strike Amnon,’ then kill him. Do not fear. Have I not commanded you? Be courageous and be valiant.” 29 And the servants of Absalom did to Amnon as Absalom had commanded. Then all the king’s sons arose, and every man mounted his mule and fled. 30 And it came to pass, while they were on their way, that news came to David, saying, “Absalom has slain all the king’s sons and not one of them is left.” 31 Then the king arose and tore his garments and lay on the
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ground, and all his servants stood by with their clothes torn. 32 And Jonadab the son of Shimeah, David’s brother, answered and said, “Do not let my lord suppose that they have slain all the young men, the king’s sons, for only Amnon is dead. For by the arrangement of Absalom this has been determined from the day that he raped his sister Tamar. 33 Now therefore, do not let my lord the king take this thing to heart, to think that all the king’s sons are dead. For only Amnon is dead.” 34 But Absalom fled. And the young man who kept watch lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, many people came by the way of the hillside behind him. 35 And Jonadab said to the king, “Behold, the king’s sons are coming. As your servant said, so it is.” 36 And it came to pass, as soon as he had finished speaking, that behold, the king’s sons came and lifted up their voices and wept. And the king and all his servants also wept very greatly. 37 But Absalom fled and went to Talmai the son of Ammihud, king of Geshur. And David mourned for his son every day. 38 So Absalom fled and went to Geshur and was there three years. 39 And the soul of King David longed to go out to Absalom, for he was comforted concerning Amnon because he was dead. The Recall of Absalom Now Joab the son of Zeruiah perceived that the king’s heart was toward Absalom. 2 And Joab sent to Tekoa and brought a wise woman from there and said
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to her, “I ask you, pretend to be a mourner and put on mourning apparel now, and do not anoint yourself with oil. But be as a woman who has mourned for the dead for a long time. 3 And come to the king and speak to him on this manner.” So Joab put the words in her mouth. 4 And when the woman of Tekoa spoke to the king, she fell on her face to the ground and bowed down and said, “Help, O king!” 5 And the king said to her, “What troubles you?” And she answered, “I am indeed a widow woman, and my husband is dead. 6 And your handmaiden had two sons, and the two fought together in the field. And there was no one to part them, but the one struck the other and slew him. 7 And behold, the whole family has risen against your handmaiden, and they said, ‘Deliver him who struck his brother, that we may kill him for the life of his brother whom he slew, and we will destroy the heir also.’ And so they shall extinguish my coal that is left and shall not leave to my husband neither name nor remnant on the earth.” 8 And the king said to the woman, “Go to your house, and I will give orders concerning you.” 9 And the woman of Tekoa said to the king, “My lord, O king, the guilt is on me and on my father’s house, and the king and his throne are guiltless.” 10 And the king said, “Whoever says anything to you, bring him to me, and he shall not touch you anymore.” 11 Then she said, “I ask you, let
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the king remember the Lord your God, that you would not permit the avenger of blood to destroy any longer, lest they destroy my son.” And he said, “As the Lord lives, not one hair of your son shall fall to the earth.” 12 Then the woman said, “I ask you, let your handmaiden speak another word to my lord the king.” And he said, “Speak.” 13 And the woman said, “Why then have you planned such a thing against the people of God? For the king speaks this thing as one who is guilty, in that the king does not bring home again his banished one. 14 For we will surely die and are like water spilled on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again. Nor does God favor any person, yet He devises plans that His banished ones are not expelled from Him. 15 Now therefore, I have come to speak of this thing to my lord the king. It is because the people have made me afraid. And your handmaiden said, ‘I will now speak to the king. It may be that the king will perform the request of his handmaiden. 16 For the king will hear, to deliver his handmaiden out of the hand of the man who would destroy me and my son together out of the inheritance of God.’ 17 Then your handmaiden said, ‘The word of my lord the king shall now be comforting, for as an angel of God, so is my lord the king to discern good and bad. Therefore the Lord your God will be with you.’” 18 Then the king answered and said to the woman, “I ask you, do not hide from me the thing that I shall ask you.”
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And the woman said, “Let my lord the king speak now.” 19 And the king said, “Is not the hand of Joab with you in all this?” And the woman answered and said, “As your soul lives, my lord the king, none can turn to the right or to the left from anything that my lord the king has spoken. For your servant Joab, he commanded me and he put all these words in the mouth of your handmaiden. 20 Your servant Joab has done this thing to bring about this form of conversation, and my lord is wise, according to the wisdom of an angel of God, to know all things that are on the earth.” 21 And the king said to Joab, “Behold now, I have done this thing. Go therefore, bring back the young man Absalom.” 22 And Joab fell to the ground on his face and bowed himself and thanked the king. And Joab said, “Today your servant knows that I have found grace in your sight, my lord, O king, in that the king has fulfilled the request of his servant.” 23 So Joab arose and went to Geshur and brought Absalom to Jerusalem. 24 And the king said, “Let him return to his own house, and do not let him see my face.” So Absalom returned to his own house and did not see the king’s face. 25 But in all Israel there was no one who was praised as much as Absalom for his beauty. From the sole of his foot even to the crown of his head there was no blemish on him. 26 And when he cut the hair of his head (for it was at the end of every
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year that he cut it because his hair was heavy on him; therefore he cut it), he weighed the hair of his head at two hundred shekels after the king’s weight. 27 And there were born to Absalom three sons and one daughter whose name was Tamar. She was a woman of a fair countenance. 28 So Absalom dwelled two full years in Jerusalem and did not see the king’s face. 29 Therefore Absalom sent for Joab to send him to the king, but he would not come to him. And when he sent again the second time, he would not come. 30 Therefore he said to his servants, “See, Joab’s field is near mine, and he has barley there. Go and set it on fire.” And Absalom’s servants set the field on fire. 31 Then Joab arose and came to Absalom, to his house, and said to him, “Why have your servants set my field on fire?” 32 And Absalom answered Joab, “Behold, I sent to you, saying, ‘Come here, that I may send you to the king, to say, “Why have I come from Geshur? It would have been good for me to have been there still.”’ Now therefore, let me see the king’s face, and if there is any guilt in me, let him kill me.” 33 So Joab came to the king and told him. And when he had called for Absalom, he came to the king and bowed himself on his face to the ground before the king. And the king kissed Absalom. Absalom Steals the Love of the Ten Tribes And it came to pass after this that Absalom prepared for
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himself chariots and horses and fifty men to run ahead of him. 2 And Absalom rose up early and stood beside the way to the gate. And so it was, that when any man who had a controversy came to the king for judgment, then Absalom called to him and said, “What city are you from?” And he said, “Your servant is from one of the tribes of Israel.” 3 And Absalom said to him, “See, your matters are good and right, but there is no deputy of the king to hear you.” 4 Moreover Absalom said, “Oh that I were made judge in the land, that every man who has any lawsuit or case might come to me, and I would give him justice!” 5 And so it was, that when any man came near to him to bow down to him, he stretched out his hand and took him and kissed him. 6 And in this manner Absalom treated all Israel who came to the king for judgment. So Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. 7 And it came to pass after forty years that Absalom said to the king, “I ask you, let me go to Hebron and pay my vow that I have made to the Lord. 8 For your servant made a vow while I dwelled at Geshur in Syria, saying, ‘If the Lord indeed shall bring me again to Jerusalem, then I will serve the Lord.’” 9 And the king said to him, “Go in peace.” So he arose and went to Hebron. 10 But Absalom sent spies throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “As soon as you hear the sound of the trumpet, then you shall say, ‘Absalom reigns in Hebron.’” 11 And two hundred men who were called went
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out of Jerusalem with Absalom, and they went innocently. And they did not know anything. 12 And Absalom sent for Ahithophel the Gilo nite, David’s counselor, from his city, even from Giloh, while he offered sacrifices. And the conspiracy was strong, for the people continually increased with Absalom. 13 And a messenger came to David, saying, “The hearts of the men of Israel are with Absalom.” Flight of David from Jerusalem 14 And David said to all his servants who were with him at Jerusalem, “Arise and let us flee, for we shall not escape from Absalom. Make speed to depart, lest he suddenly overtake us and bring evil on us and strike the city with the edge of the sword.” 15 And the king’s servants said to the king, “Behold, your servants are ready to do whatever my lord the king shall command.” 16 And the king went forth, and all his household after him. And the king left ten women, who were concubines, to maintain the house. 17 And the king went forth and all the people after him and remained in a place that was far off. 18 And all his servants passed by beside him, and all the Cherethites and all the Pelethites and all the Gittites, six hundred men who came with him from Gath, passed by before the king. 19 Then the king said to Ittai the Gittite, “Why are you also going with us? Return to your place and remain with the king, for you are a foreigner and also an exile. 20 You came only yesterday, so should I
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this day make you go up and down with us, seeing I go where I may? Return and take your brothers back. Mercy and truth be with you.” 21 And Ittai answered the king and said, “As the Lord lives and as my lord the king lives, surely in whatever place my lord the king shall be, whether in death or life, even there your servant will also be.” 22 And David said to Ittai, “Go and cross over.” And Ittai the Gittite and all his men and all the little ones who were with him crossed over. 23 And the whole country wept with a loud voice, and all the people crossed over. Also the king himself crossed over the brook Kidron, and all the people crossed over toward the way of the wilderness. 24 And behold, Zadok also, and all the Levites were with him, bearing the ark of the covenant of God. And they set down the ark of God, and Abiathar went up until all the people were done leaving the city. 25 And the king said to Zadok, “Carry the ark of God back into the city. If I shall find favor in the eyes of the Lord, He will bring me back and show me both it and His dwelling place. 26 But if He says this, ‘I have no delight in you,’ behold, here I am, let Him do to me as seems good to Him.” 27 The king also said to Zadok the priest, “Are you not a seer? Return to the city in peace, and your two sons with you, your son Ahimaaz and Jonathan the son of Abiathar. 28 See, I will wait in the plains of the wilderness until word comes from you to inform me.” 29 Therefore Zadok
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and Abiathar carried the ark of God back to Jerusalem. And they remained there. 30 And David went up by the ascent of the Mount of Olives and wept as he went up and had his head covered, and he went barefoot. And all the people who were with him covered their heads, and they went up, weeping as they went. 31 And one told David, saying, “Ahithophel is among the conspirators with Absalom.” And David said, “O Lord, I ask you, turn the counsel of Ahithophel into foolishness.” 32 And it came to pass that when David had come to the top of the mount, where he worshipped God, behold, Hushai the Archite came to meet him with his coat torn and dust on his head. 33 David said to him, “If you go with me, then you shall be a burden to me. 34 But if you return to the city and say to Absalom, ‘I will be your servant, O king; as I have been your father’s servant until now, so now I will also be your servant,’ then you may defeat the counsel of Ahithophel for me. 35 And do you not have Zadok and Abiathar the priests with you there? Therefore it shall be that whatever you hear out of the king’s house, you shall tell it to Zadok and Abiathar the priests. 36 Behold, they have their two sons there with them, Ahimaaz, Zadok’s son, and Jonathan, Abiathar’s son, and by them you shall send to me everything that you can hear.” 37 So Hushai, David’s friend, came into the city. And Absalom came into Jerusalem.
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Absalom Enters Jerusalem And when David was a little past the top of the hill, behold, Ziba the servant of Mephib osheth met him with a couple of saddled donkeys, and on them were two hundred loaves of bread and a hundred bunches of raisins and a hundred summer fruits and a bottle of wine. 2 And the king said to Ziba, “What do you mean by these?” And Ziba said, “The donkeys are for the king’s household to ride on, and the bread and summer fruit for the young men to eat, and the wine that those who are faint in the wilderness may drink.” 3 And the king said, “And where is your master’s son?” And Ziba said to the king, “Behold, he remains in Jerusalem. For he said, ‘Today the house of Israel shall restore the kingdom of my father to me.’” 4 Then the king said to Ziba, “Behold, all that belongs to Mephib osheth is yours.” And Ziba said, “I humbly beg you that I may find grace in your sight, my lord, O king.” 5 And when King David came to Bahurim, behold, a man from the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei the son of Gera, came out. He came forth and was cursing as he came. 6 And he cast stones at David and at all the servants of King David. And all the people and all the mighty men were on his right hand and on his left. 7 And this is what Shimei said when he cursed: “Come out, come out, you man of bloodshed and you man of Belial. 8 The Lord has returned to you all
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the blood of the house of Saul, in whose place you have reigned. And the Lord has delivered the kingdom into the hand of your son Absalom. And behold, you have been caught in your own evil, because you are a man of bloodshed.” 9 Then Abishai the son of Zeruiah said to the king, “Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over, I ask you, and take off his head.” 10 And the king said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah? So let him curse because the Lord has said to him, ‘Curse David.’ Who then shall say, ‘Why have you done so?’” 11 And David said to Abishai and to all his servants, “Behold, my son who came from my body seeks my life. How much more now may this Benjamite do it? Leave him alone and let him curse, for the Lord has commanded him. 12 It may be that the Lord will look on my affliction and that the Lord will repay me with good for his cursing this day.” 13 And as David and his men went along the way, Shimei went along on the hillside opposite him and cursed as he went and threw stones at him and cast dust. 14 And the king and all the people who were with him became weary and refreshed themselves there. Ahithophel’s Advice 15 And Absalom and all the people, the men of Israel, came to Jerusalem, and Ahithophel with him. 16 And it came to pass, when Hushai the Archite, David’s friend, came to Absalom, that Hushai said to
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Absalom, “God save the king! God save the king!” 17 And Absalom said to Hushai, “Is this your kindness to your friend? Why did you not go with your friend?” 18 And Hushai said to Absalom, “No, but whomever the Lord and this people and all the men of Israel choose, I will be his, and I will remain with him. 19 And again, whom should I serve? Should I not serve in the presence of his son? As I have served in your father’s presence, so will I be in your presence.” 20 Then Absalom said to Ahithophel, “Give counsel among us about what we should do.” 21 And Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Go in to your father’s concubines, whom he has left to maintain the house, and all Israel shall hear that you are hated by your father. Then the hands of all who are with you shall be strong.” 22 So they pitched Absalom a tent on the top of the house, and Absalom went in to his father’s concubines in the sight of all Israel. 23 And the counsel of Ahithophel, which he gave in those days, was as if a man had inquired of the word of God. So was all the counsel of Ahithophel both with David and with Absalom. The Diverse Counsel of Ahithophel and Hushai Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Now let me choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David this night. 2 And I will come on him while he is weary and weak
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and will make him afraid. And all the people who are with him shall flee, and I will strike only the king. 3 And I will bring back all the people to you. Like the return of all is the man whom you are seeking, so all the people shall be in peace.” 4 And these words pleased Absalom well and all the elders of Israel. The Advice of Hushai 5 Then Absalom said, “Now call Hushai the Archite also and let us hear likewise what he says.” 6 And when Hushai had come to Absalom, Absalom spoke to him, saying, “Ahithophel has spoken in this manner. Shall we do what he says? If not, speak.” 7 And Hushai said to Absalom, “The counsel that Ahithophel has given is not good at this time. 8 For,” Hushai said, “you know your father and his men, that they are mighty men, and they are agitated in their minds, like a bear robbed of her cubs in the field. And your father is a man of war and will not spend the night with the people. 9 Behold, he is now hidden in some pit or in some other place. And it will come to pass, when some of them are overthrown first, that whoever hears it will say, ‘There has been a slaughter among the people who follow Absalom.’ 10 And also he who is valiant, whose heart is like the heart of a lion, shall utterly melt, for all Israel knows that your father is a mighty man, and those who are with him are valiant men. 11 Therefore I counsel that all Israel be fully gathered to you, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, like the sand that is by the sea in
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abundance, and that you go to battle in person. 12 So we shall come on him in some place where he shall be found, and we will descend on him as the dew falls on the ground. And not one of him and of all the men who are with him shall be left. 13 Moreover, if he withdraws into a city, then all Israel shall bring ropes to that city, and we will drag it into the river, until there is not one small stone found there.” 14 And Absalom and all the men of Israel said, “The counsel of Hushai the Archite is better than the counsel of Ahithophel.” For the Lord had arranged to defeat the good counsel of Ahithophel, to the intent that the Lord might bring evil on Absalom. Hushai Warns David 15 Then Hushai said to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, “Ahithophel counseled Absalom and the elders of Israel this, and I have counseled this. 16 Now therefore, send quickly and tell David, saying, ‘Do not spend the night in the plains of the wilderness, but speedily cross over, lest the king and all the people who are with him be swallowed up.’” 17 Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz stayed by En-rogel, so they might not be seen coming into the city. And a maidservant went and told them, and they went and told King David. 18 Nevertheless a boy saw them and told Absalom. But both of them went away quickly and came to a man’s house in Bahurim, who had a well in his court, where they went down. 19 And the woman took and spread a covering over the well’s mouth and spread ground grain on it, and the thing
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was not known. 20 And when Absalom’s servants came to the woman at the house, they said, “Where are Ahimaaz and Jonathan?” And the woman said to them, “They have gone over the brook of water.” And when they had sought and could not find them, they returned to Jerusalem. 21 And it came to pass, after they had departed, that they came up out of the well and went and told King David and said to David, “Arise and cross over the water quickly, for Ahithophel has counseled this against you.” 22 Then David and all the people who were with him arose, and they crossed over the Jordan. By the morning light not one of them remained who had not gone over the Jordan. 23 And when Ahithophel saw that his counsel was not followed, he saddled his donkey and arose and went home to his house, to his city, and put his household in order and hanged himself and died and was buried in the sepulchre of his father. 24 Then David came to Mahanaim. And Absalom crossed over the Jordan, he and all the men of Israel with him. 25 And Absalom made Amasa captain of the army instead of Joab. Amasa was the son of a man whose name was Ithra, an Israelite, who went in to Abigail the daughter of Nahash, sister to Zeruiah, Joab’s mother. 26 So Israel and Absalom camped in the land of Gilead. 27 And it came to pass, when David had come to Mahanaim, that Shobi the son of Nahash from Rabbah of the children of Ammon, and Machir the son of Ammiel from Lo-debar,
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and Barzillai the Gileadite from Rogelim 28 brought beds and basins and earthen vessels, and wheat and barley and flour and roasted grain and beans and lentils and roasted seeds, 29 and honey and butter and sheep and cheese of cows for David and for the people who were with him to eat. For they said, “The people are hungry and exhausted and thirsty in the wilderness.” The Slaying of Absalom And David counted the people who were with him and set captains of thousands and captains of hundreds over them. 2 And David sent out a third of the people under the hand of Joab and a third under the hand of Abishai the son of Zeruiah, Joab’s brother, and a third under the hand of Ittai the Gittite. And the king said to the people, “I will surely also go out with you myself.” 3 But the people answered, “You shall not go out. For if we flee away, they will not care about us. Nor will they care about us if half of us die. But now you are worth ten thousand of us. Therefore, now it is better that you help us out of the city.” 4 And the king said to them, “I will do whatever seems best to you.” And the king stood beside the gate, and all the people came out by hundreds and by thousands. 5 And the king commanded Joab and Abishai and Ittai, saying, “Deal gently with the young man, even with Absalom, for my sake.” And all the people heard when the king gave all the captains orders concerning Absalom.
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6 So the people went out into the
field against Israel. And the battle was in the woods of Ephraim, 7 where the people of Israel were slain before the servants of David, and there was a great slaughter there that day of twenty thousand men. 8 For the battle there was scattered over the face of all the country, and the woods devoured more people that day than the sword devoured. 9 And Absalom met the servants of David. And Absalom rode on a mule. And the mule went under the thick boughs of a great oak, and his head caught hold of the oak, and he was taken up between the heaven and the earth. And the mule that was under him went away. 10 And a certain man saw it and told Joab and said, “Behold, I saw Absalom hanging in an oak.” 11 And Joab said to the man who told him, “And behold, you saw him. And why did you not strike him there to the ground? And I would have given you ten shekels of silver and a belt.” 12 And the man said to Joab, “Though I were to receive a thousand shekels of silver in my hand, yet I would not stretch out my hand against the king’s son. For in our hearing the king commanded you and Abishai and Ittai, saying, ‘Beware that no one touches the young man Absalom.’ 13 Otherwise I would have dealt falsely against my own life. For there is no matter hidden from the king, and you yourself would have set yourself against me.” 14 Then Joab said, “I may not remain like this with you.” And he took three spears in his hand and thrust
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them through the heart of Absalom while he was still alive in the midst of the oak. 15 And ten young men who bore Joab’s armor surrounded Absalom and struck and slew him. 16 And Joab blew the trumpet, and the people returned from pursuing Israel. For Joab held back the people. 17 And they took Absalom and threw him into a great pit in the woods and laid a very great heap of stones on him. And all Israel fled, each one to his tent. 18 Now in his lifetime Absalom had taken and set up for himself a pillar, which is in the King’s Valley. For he said, “I have no son to keep my name in remembrance.” And he called the pillar after his own name. And it is called Absalom’s place to this day. The News of Absalom’s Death Reaches David 19 Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said, “Let me run now and bring the king the news, how the Lord has avenged him from his enemies.” 20 And Joab said to him, “You shall not bring the news this day, but you shall bring the news another day. But this day you shall bring no news because the king’s son is dead.” 21 Then Joab said to the Cushite, “Go, tell the king what you have seen.” And the Cushite bowed himself to Joab and ran. 22 Then Ahimaaz the son of Zadok said yet again to Joab, “But whatever the case, I ask you, let me also run after the Cushite.” And Joab said, “Why will you run, my son, seeing that you have no news ready?”
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“let me run.” And he said to him, “Run.” Then Ahimaaz ran by the way of the plain and overran the Cushite. 24 And David sat between the two gates. And the watchman went up to the roof over the gate, to the wall, and lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, a man running alone. 25 And the watchman cried out and told the king. And the king said, “If he is alone, there is news in his mouth.” And he came swiftly and drew near. 26 And the watchman saw another man running, and the watchman called to the gatekeeper and said, “Behold another man running alone.” And the king said, “He also brings news.” 27 And the watchman said, “I think the running of the first is like the running of Ahimaaz the son of Zadok.” And the king said, “He is a good man and comes with good news.” 28 And Ahimaaz called and said to the king, “All is well.” And he fell down to the earth on his face before the king, and said, “Blessed be the Lord your God, who has delivered the men who lifted up their hand against my lord the king.” 29 And the king said, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” And Ahimaaz answered, “When Joab sent the king’s servant and me your servant, I saw a great commotion, but I did not know what it was.” 30 And the king said to him, “Turn aside and stand here.” And he turned aside and stood still. 31 And behold, the Cushite came,
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and the Cushite said, “News, my lord the king. For the Lord has avenged you this day of all those who rose up against you.” 32 And the king said to the Cushite, “Is the young man Absalom safe?” And the Cushite answered, “The enemies of my lord the king and all who rise against you to harm you be as that young man is.” 33 And the king was very moved and went up to the chamber over the gate and wept. And as he went, he said this, “O my son Absalom, my son, my son Absalom! I wish to God I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!” Joab Reproaches David And it was told to Joab, “Behold, the king is weeping and mourning for Absalom.” 2 And the victory that day was turned into mourning for all the people. For the people heard it said that day how the king was grieving for his son. 3 And that day the people went into the city by stealth, as people who are ashamed steal away when they flee in battle. 4 But the king covered his face, and the king cried with a loud voice, “O my son Absalom. O Absalom, my son, my son!” 5 And Joab came into the house to the king and said, “This day you have shamed all your servants, who this day have saved your life and the lives of your sons and of your daughters and the lives of your wives and the lives of your concubines, 6 in that you love your enemies and hate your friends, for you have declared this day that you regard neither princes nor servants. For this day I perceive
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that if Absalom had lived and we all had died this day, then it would have pleased you well. 7 Now therefore arise, go out, and speak comfort to your servants, for I swear by the Lord, if you do not go out, not one will remain with you this night. And that will be worse to you than all the evil that has befallen you from your youth until now.” 8 Then the king arose and sat in the gate. And they told all the people, saying, “Behold, the king sits in the gate.” And all the people came before the king. For every man of Israel had fled to his tent. David Goes to Jerusalem 9 And all the people were in conflict throughout all the tribes of Israel, saying, “The king saved us out of the hand of our enemies, and he delivered us out of the hand of the Philistines. And now he has fled from the land for Absalom. 10 And Absalom, whom we anointed over us, has died in battle. Now therefore, why do you not speak a word of bringing the king back?” 11 And King David sent to Zadok and to Abiathar the priests, saying, “Speak to the elders of Judah, saying, ‘Why are you the last to bring the king back to his house, since the speech of all Israel has come to the king, even to his house? 12 You are my brothers. You are my bones and my flesh. Why then are you the last to bring back the king?’ 13 And you say to Amasa, ‘Are you not of my bone and of my flesh? God do so to me, and more also, if you are not captain of the army before me continually instead of Joab.’” 14 And he turned the hearts of all
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the men of Judah, even as the heart of one man, so that they sent this word to the king: “Return, you and all your servants.” 15 So the king returned and came to the Jordan. And Judah came to Gilgal to go to meet the king, to escort the king over the Jordan. 16 And Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite, who was from Bahurim, hastened and came down with the men of Judah to meet King David. 17 And there were a thousand men of Benjamin with him and Ziba the servant of the house of Saul and his fifteen sons and his twenty servants with him, and they went over the Jordan before the king. 18 And a ferry boat went over to carry over the king’s household and to do what he thought good. And Shimei the son of Gera fell down before the king as he came over the Jordan. 19 And he said to the king, “Do not let my lord regard me as guilty or remember what your servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart. 20 For your servant knows that I have sinned. Therefore behold, I have come this day, the first of all the house of Joseph to go down to meet my lord the king.” 21 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, “Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the Lord’s anointed?” 22 And David said, “What have I to do with you, you sons of Zeruiah, that this day you should be adversaries to me? Shall any man be put to death this day in Israel? For do I not know that I am king over Israel this day?” 23 Therefore the king said
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to Shimei, “You shall not die.” And the king swore to him. 24 And Mephibosheth the son of Saul came down to meet the king, and he had neither dressed his feet nor trimmed his beard nor washed his clothes from the day the king departed until the day he came back in peace. 25 And it came to pass, when he had come to Jerusalem to meet the king, that the king said to him, “Why did you not go with me, Mephibosheth?” 26 And he answered, “My lord, O king, my servant deceived me. For your servant said, ‘I will saddle a donkey, that I may ride on it and go to the king,’ because your servant is lame. 27 And he has slandered your servant to my lord the king, but my lord the king is as an angel of God. Therefore do what is good in your eyes. 28 For all of my father’s house were only dead men before my lord the king. Yet you set your servant among those who ate at your own table. Therefore what right have I still to cry any longer to the king?” 29 And the king said to him, “Why do you speak anymore of your matters? I have said, ‘You and Ziba divide the land.’” 30 And Mephibosheth said to the king, “Yes, let him take it all because my lord the king has come back in peace to his own house.” 31 And Barzillai the Gileadite came down from Rogelim and went over the Jordan with the king, to escort him over the Jordan. 32 Now Barzillai was a very old man, even eighty years old. And he had provided the king food while he lay at Mahanaim, for he was a very great man. 33 And
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the king said to Barzillai, “Come over with me, and I will provide for you with me in Jerusalem.” 34 And Barzillai said to the king, “How long have I to live that I should go up with the king to Jerusalem? 35 I am this day eighty years old. And can I discern between good and evil? Can your servant taste what I eat or what I drink? Can I hear any longer the voices of singing men and singing women? Why then should your servant be yet a burden to my lord the king? 36 Your servant will go a little way over the Jordan with the king. And why should the king repay me with such a reward? 37 Let your servant, I ask you, turn back again, that I may die in my own city and be buried by the grave of my father and of my mother. But behold your servant Chimham. Let him go over with my lord the king and do to him what shall seem good to you.” 38 And the king answered, “Chimham shall go over with me, and I will do to him what shall seem good to you. And whatever you shall require of me, I will do that for you.” 39 And all the people went over the Jordan. And when the king had come over, the king kissed Barzillai and blessed him, and he returned to his own place. 40 Then the king went on to Gilgal, and Chimham went on with him. And all the people of Judah escorted the king and also half the people of Israel. The Old Strife Begins Anew 41 And behold, all the men of Israel came to the king and said to
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the king, “Why have our brothers, the men of Judah, stolen you away and have brought the king and his household and all David’s men with him over the Jordan?” 42 And all the men of Judah answered the men of Israel, “Because the king is a close relative to us. Why then are you angry about this matter? Have we ever eaten at the king’s expense? Or has he given us any gift?” 43 And the men of Israel answered the men of Judah and said, “We have ten shares in the king, and we also have more right to David than you. Why then did you despise us, that our advice should have not been first in bringing back the king?” And the words of the men of Judah were fiercer than the words of the men of Israel.
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And there happened to be there a man of Belial whose name was Sheba, the son of Bichri, a Benjamite, and he blew a trumpet and said: “We have no part in David, nor do we have an inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to his tents, O Israel.” 2 So every man of Israel went up from after David and followed Sheba the son of Bich ri. But the men of Judah clung to their king, from the Jordan as far as Jerusalem. 3 And David came to his house at Jerusalem. And the king took the ten women, his concubines whom he had left to maintain the house, and put them in confinement and fed them but did not go in to them. So they were confined to the day of their death, living in widowhood.
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4 Then
the king said to Amasa, “Assemble the men of Judah for me within three days and be present here yourself.” 5 So Amasa went to assemble the men of Judah. But he delayed longer than the set time that he had designated for him. 6 And David said to Abishai, “Now Sheba the son of Bichri shall do us more harm than Absalom did. You take your lord’s servants and pursue him, lest he get for himself fortified cities and escape us.” 7 And Joab’s men and the Cherethites and the Pelethites and all the mighty men went out after him. And they went out of Jerusalem to pursue after Sheba the son of Bichri. 8 When they were at the great stone that is in Gibeon, Amasa went before them. And Joab’s garment that he had put on was girded to him, and on it was a belt with a sword in the sheath, fastened on his loins. And as he went it fell out. 9 And Joab said to Amasa, “Are you well, my brother?” And Joab took Amasa by the beard with the right hand to kiss him. 10 But Amasa took no heed to the sword that was in Joab’s hand. So he struck him with it in the fifth rib and spilled out his intestines on the ground and did not strike him again, and he died. So Joab and Abishai his brother pursued after Sheba the son of Bichri. 11 And one of Joab’s men stood by him and said, “He who favors Joab and he who is for David, let him go after Joab.” 12 And Amasa wallowed in blood in the middle of the highway. And when the man saw that all the people stood still, he moved
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Amasa from the highway into the field and threw a cloth on him, when he saw that everyone who came by him stood still. 13 When he was removed from the highway, all the people went on after Joab to pursue Sheba the son of Bichri. 14 And he went through all the tribes of Israel to Abel and to Beth-maacah and all the Berites. And they were gathered together and went also after him. 15 And they came and besieged him in Abel of Beth-maacah, and they built up an assault ramp against the city, and it stood in the trench. And all the people who were with Joab battered the wall to throw it down. 16 Then a wise woman cried out of the city, “Hear, hear. Say, to Joab, I ask you, ‘Come near here that I may speak with you.’” 17 And when he had come near to her, the woman said, “Are you Joab?” And he answered, “I am he.” Then she said to him, “Hear the words of your handmaiden.” And he answered, “I am listening.” 18 Then she spoke, saying, “In old time they were accustomed to speak, saying, ‘They shall surely ask for guidance at Abel,’ and so they ended the matter. 19 I am one of those who are peaceful and faithful in Israel. You seek to destroy a city and a mother in Israel. Why will you swallow up the inheritance of the Lord?” 20 And Joab answered and said, “Far be it, far be it from me that I should swallow up or destroy. 21 The matter is not so. But a man from Mount Ephraim, Sheba the son of Bichri by name, has lifted up his
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hand against the king, even against David. Deliver him only, and I will depart from the city.” And the woman said to Joab, “Behold, his head shall be thrown to you over the wall.” 22 Then the woman in her wisdom went to all the people. And they cut off the head of Sheba the son of Bichri and threw it out to Joab. And he blew a trumpet, and they retired from the city, every man to his tent. And Joab returned to Jerusalem to the king. 23 Now Joab was over all the army of Israel, and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and over the Pelethites, 24 and Adoram was over the forced labor, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud was recorder, 25 and Sheva was scribe, and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests, 26 and also Ira the Jairite was a chief ruler under David. The Three Years’ Famine Then there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year, and David inquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, “It is because of Saul and his bloodthirsty house because he slew the Gibeonites.” 2 And the king called the Gibeonites and spoke to them. (Now the Gibeonites were not of the children of Israel but of the remnant of the Amorites, and the children of Israel had sworn to them. And Saul sought to slay them in his zeal for the children of Israel and Judah.) 3 Therefore David said to the Gibeonites, “What shall I do for you? And with what shall I make atonement, that
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you might bless the inheritance of the Lord?” 4 And the Gibeonites said to him, “We will have no silver or gold from Saul or from his house, nor shall you kill any man in Israel for us.” And he said, “What you shall say, that I will do for you.” 5 And they answered the king, “The man who destroyed us and plotted against us, that we should be eliminated from remaining in any of the territory of Israel, 6 let seven men of his sons be delivered to us, and we will hang them before the Lord in Gibeah of Saul, whom the Lord chose.” And the king said, “I will give them.” 7 But the king spared Mephib osheth, the son of Jonathan, the son of Saul, because of the Lord’s oath that was between them, between David and Jonathan the son of Saul. 8 But the king took Armoni and Mephibosheth, the two sons of Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, whom she bore to Saul, and the five sons of Michal the daughter of Saul, whom she brought up for Adriel the son of Barzillai the Meholathite. 9 And he delivered them into the hands of the Gibeonites, and they hanged them on the hill before the Lord. And they fell, all seven together, and were put to death in the days of harvest, in the first days, in the beginning of barley harvest. 10 And Rizpah the daughter of Aiah took sackcloth and spread it for herself on the rock from the beginning of harvest until rain dropped down on them out of heaven and permitted neither the birds of the air to
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rest on them by day nor the beasts of the field by night. 11 And David was told what Rizpah the daughter of Aiah, the concubine of Saul, had done. 12 And David went and took the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan from the men of Jabesh-gilead, who had stolen them from the street of Beth-shan, where the Philistines had hung them when the Philistines had slain Saul in Gilboa. 13 And he brought up the bones of Saul and the bones of his son Jonathan from there, and they gathered the bones of those who had been hanged. 14 And they buried the bones of Saul and his son Jonathan in the country of Benjamin in Zela, in the sepulchre of his father, Kish, and they performed all that the king commanded. And after that God heard their prayer for the land. A War with the Philistines 15 Moreover the Philistines had war with Israel yet again. And David went down and his servants with him and fought against the Philistines, and David grew faint. 16 And Ishbi-benob, who was one of the sons of the giant, the weight of whose spear weighed three hundred shekels of brass in weight, being girded with a new sword, intended to slay David. 17 But Abishai the son of Zeruiah helped him and struck the Philistine and killed him. Then the men of David swore to him, saying, “You shall no longer go out to battle with us, so that you do not quench the light of Israel.” 18 And it came to pass after this that there was a battle again with the
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Philistines at Gob. Then Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Saph, who was one of the sons of the giant. 19 And again there was a battle in Gob with the Philistines, where Elhanan the son of Jaare-oregim, a Bethlehemite, slew the brother of Goliath the Gittite, the staff of whose spear was like a weaver’s beam. 20 And there was yet a battle in Gath, where there was a man of great stature who had six fingers on every hand, and six toes on every foot, twenty-four in number, and he was also born to the giant. 21 And when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimei, the brother of David, slew him. 22 These four were born to the giant in Gath and fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his servants. David’s Song of Deliverance And David spoke the words of this song to the Lord on the day that the Lord had delivered him out of the hand of all his enemies and out of the hand of Saul. 2 And he said:
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The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, The God of my rock, in Him I will trust. He is my shield and the horn of my salvation, my high tower and my refuge. My Savior; You save me from violence. I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be
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praised, so I shall be saved from my enemies. When the waves of death surrounded me, the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. The sorrows of hell surrounded me; the snares of death confronted me. In my distress I called on the Lord and cried to my God, and He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry entered into His ears. Then the earth shook and trembled; the foundations of heaven moved and shook because He was angry. A smoke went up out of His nostrils, and fire from out of His mouth devoured; coals were kindled by it. He bowed the heavens also and came down, and darkness was under His feet. And He rode on a cherub and flew, and He was seen on the wings of the wind. And He made darkness pavilions all around Him, dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. Through the brightness before Him coals of fire were kindled. The Lord thundered from heaven, and the Most High uttered His voice.
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And He sent out arrows and scattered them, lightning, and confused them. And the channels of the sea appeared, the foundations of the world were discovered at the rebuke of the Lord, at the blast of the breath of His nostrils. He sent from above, He took me, He drew me out of many waters. He delivered me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me. They confronted me on the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He also brought me out into a large place. He delivered me because He delighted in me. The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness. He has repaid me according to the cleanness of my hands. For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from my God. For all His judgments were before me, and as for His statutes, I did not depart from them. I was also upright before Him and have kept myself from my iniquity. Therefore the Lord has
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repaid me according to my righteousness, according to my cleanness in His eye sight. With the merciful You will show Yourself merciful, and with the upright man You will show Yourself upright. With the pure You will show Yourself pure, and with the perverse You will show Yourself unpleasant. And You will save the afflicted people, but Your eyes are on the haughty, that You may bring them down. For You are my lamp, O Lord, and the Lord will illuminate my darkness. For by You I have run through a troop. By my God I have leaped over a wall. As for God, His way is perfect. The word of the Lord is found good. He is a shield to all those who trust in Him. For who is God, except the Lord? And who is a rock, except our God? God is my strength and power, and He makes my way perfect. He makes my feet like deer’s feet and sets me on my high places. He teaches my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by my arms.
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You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your gentleness has made me great. You have enlarged my steps under me, so that my feet did not slip. I have pursued my enemies and destroyed them and did not turn back until I had defeated them. And I have defeated them and wounded them, that they could not arise. Yes, they have fallen under my feet. For You have girded me with strength to battle. You have subdued under me those who rose up against me. You have also given me the necks of my enemies, that I might destroy those who hate me. They looked, but there was no one to save— even to the Lord, but He did not answer them. Then I beat them as small as the dust of the earth. I trampled them as the mud of the street and spread them out. You also have delivered me from the disputes of my people. You have kept me to be head of the nations. A people whom I did not know shall serve me.
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Foreigners shall submit themselves to me. As soon as they hear, they shall be obedient to me. Foreigners shall fade away, and they shall come frightened out of their enclosed places. The Lord lives, and blessed is my Rock, and exalted be the God of the rock of my salvation. It is God who avenges me and who brings down the people under me, And who brings me out from my enemies. You also have lifted me up on high above those who rose up against me. You have delivered me from the violent man. Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the nations, and I will sing praises to Your name. He is the tower of salvation for His king and shows mercy to His anointed, to David and to his descendants forever.
The Last Words of David Now these are the last words of David. David the son of Jesse said, and the man who was raised up on high, the anointed of the God of Jacob and the sweet psalmist of Israel, said: 2 “The Spirit of the Lord spoke through me, and His word was on my tongue. 3 The
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God of Israel said, the Rock of Israel spoke to me: ‘He who rules over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God. 4 And he shall be as the light of the morning when the sun rises, even a morning without clouds, as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear sunshine after rain.’ 5 Although my house is not so with God, yet He has made an everlasting covenant with me, ordered in all things and secure. For this is all my salvation and all my desire, although He makes it not to grow. 6 But the sons of Belial shall be, all of them, as thorns that are thrown away because they cannot be taken with hands. 7 But the man who shall touch them must be armed with iron and the shaft of a spear, and they shall be utterly burned with fire in the same place.” The Mighty Men of David 8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had. The Tahchemonite who sat in the seat, chief among the captains, this was Adino the Eznite. He lifted up his spear against eight hundred, whom he slew at one time. 9 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo the Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David when they defied the Philistines who were gathered there together to battle, and the men of Israel had gone away. 10 He arose and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand clung to the sword. And the Lord worked a great victory that day, and the people returned after him only to plunder.
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after him was Shammah the son of Agee the Hararite. And the Philistines had gathered together into a troop where there was a piece of ground full of lentils. And the people fled from the Philistines. 12 But he stood in the middle of the ground and defended it and slew the Philistines. And the Lord worked a great victory. 13 And three of the thirty chiefs went down in the harvest time and came to David to the cave of Adullam. And the troop of the Philistines camped in the Valley of Rephaim. 14 And David was then in a stronghold, and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem. 15 And David had a craving and said, “Oh that someone would give me a drink of the water from the well of Bethlehem that is by the gate!” 16 And the three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate and took it and brought it to David. Nevertheless he would not drink it but poured it out to the Lord. 17 And he said, “Far be it from me, O Lord, that I should do this. Is this not the blood of the men who went in jeopardizing their lives?” Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by these three mighty men. 18 And Abishai the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief among three. And he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them and had a name among three. 19 Was he not most honorable of three? Therefore he was their captain. However, he did not attain to the first three.
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Benaiah was the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man from Kabzeel, who had done many acts. He slew two lionlike men of Moab. He also went down and slew a lion in the middle of a pit in a time of snow. 21 And he slew an Egyptian, a fine man. And the Egyptian had a spear in his hand, but he went down to him with a club and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand and slew him with his own spear. 22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada did these things and had a name among three mighty men. 23 He was more honorable than the thirty, but he did not attain to the first three. And David set him over his guard. 24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty: Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 25 Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite, 26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, 27 Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushath ite, 28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite, 29 Heleb the son of Baanah, a Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai out of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin, 30 Benaiah the Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash, 31 Abi-albon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite, 32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, of the sons of Jashen, Jonathan, 33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Hararite, 34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maac athite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite, 35 Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite, 36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite, 37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor-bearer to Joab
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the son of Zeruiah, 38 Ira an Ithrite, Gareb an Ithrite, 39 Uriah the Hittite—thirty-seven in all. David’s Sin in Counting the People And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel again, and He moved David against them to say, “Go, count Israel and Judah.” 2 For the king said to Joab, the captain of the army who was with him, “Now go through all the tribes of Israel, from Dan even to Beersheba, and count the people, that I may know the number of the people.” 3 And Joab said to the king, “Now the Lord your God add to the people, however many they are, a hundred times over, and that the eyes of my lord the king may see it. But why does my lord the king delight in this thing?” 4 However the king’s word prevailed against Joab and against the captains of the army. And Joab and the captains of the army went out from the presence of the king to count the people of Israel. 5 And they crossed over the Jordan and camped in Aroer, on the right side of the city that lies in the midst of the river of Gad and toward Jazer. 6 Then they came to Gilead and to the land of Tahtim- hodshi, and they came to Dan-jaan and around to Sidon 7 and came to the stronghold of Tyre and to all the cities of the Hivites and of the Canaanites. And they went out to the south of Judah, even to Beer-sheba. 8 So when they had gone through all the land, they came to Jerusalem at
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the end of nine months and twenty days. 9 And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to the king. And in Israel there were eight hundred thousand valiant men who drew the sword, and the men of Judah were five hundred thousand men. David’s Choice of Punishment 10 And David’s heart struck him after he had counted the people. And David said to the Lord, “I have sinned greatly in what I have done, and now, I beg You, O Lord, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have done very foolishly.” 11 For when David was up in the morning, the word of the Lord came to the prophet Gad, David’s seer, saying, 12 “Go and say to David, ‘This is what the Lord says: “I offer you three things. Choose one of them for yourself that I may do it to you.”’” 13 So Gad came to David and told him and said to him, “Shall seven years of famine come to you in your land? Or will you flee three months before your enemies while they pursue you? Or shall there be three days of pestilence in your land? Now consider and see what answer I shall return to Him who sent me.” 14 And David said to Gad, “I am in great distress. Let us now fall into the hand of the Lord, for His mercies are great, and let me not fall into the hand of man.” 15 So the Lord sent a pestilence on Israel from the morning even to the appointed time. And seventy thousand men of the people died from
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Dan even to Beer-sheba. 16 And when the angel stretched out his hand on Jerusalem to destroy it, the Lord relented from the calamity and said to the angel who destroyed the people, “It is enough. Now hold back your hand.” And the angel of the Lord was by the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite. 17 And David spoke to the Lord when he saw the angel who struck the people and said, “Behold, I have sinned, and I have done wickedly. But these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I ask You, be against me and against my father’s house.” 18 And Gad came that day to David and said to him, “Go up, erect an altar to the Lord on the threshing floor of Araunah the Jebusite.” 19 And David, according to the word of Gad, went up as the Lord commanded. 20 And Araunah looked and saw the king and his servants coming toward him. And Araunah went out and bowed himself before the king on his face on the ground. 21 And Araunah said, “Why has my lord the king come to his servant?” And David said, “To buy the threshing floor from you, to build an altar to the Lord, that the plague may be withdrawn from the people.” 22 And Araunah said to David, “Let my lord the king take and offer up whatever seems good to him. Behold, here are oxen for burnt sacrifice and threshing instruments and other instruments of the oxen for wood.” 23 All these things Araunah, as a king, gave to the king. And Araunah said to the king, “The Lord your God accept you.”
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“No, but I will surely buy it from you at a price, nor will I offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing.” So David bought the threshing floor and the oxen for
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fifty shekels of silver. 25 And David built an altar to the Lord there and offered burnt offerings and peace offerings. So the Lord listened to the prayers for the land, and the plague was stopped in Israel.
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1 KINGS INTRODUCTION TO 1 KINGS First Kings was originally joined with 2 Kings in one book. The narrative covers almost five hundred years, tracing the history of Israel and Judah from the last days of the monarchy under David to the disintegration and capture of the divided kingdoms. AUTHOR The author of this book is unknown. While there is a Jewish tradition that points to the prophet Jeremiah as the author, there is more evidence that the book evolved over a long period of time. OCCASION The purpose of 1 Kings is not explicitly stated. However, the fact that Kings doesn’t mention the return of the exiles to Jerusalem suggests that the book is written in order to answer the question, “Why are we in exile?” This book serves as a kind of warning about the consequences of falling away from faith and the practice of that faith. In the same way, it serves as an encouragement toward consistent obedience. Many scholars believe that the exilic author(s) of Kings is looking at the history of Israel and Judah through the prism of Deuteronomy. He is evaluating how well they have observed the law, and of course the answer is not well at all.
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David’s Declining Strength Now King David was old and stricken in years, and they covered him with clothes, but he could not get warm. 2 Therefore his servants said to him, “Let a young virgin be sought for my lord the king, and let her stand before the king, and let her care for him, and let her lie on your chest, that my lord the king may get heat.” 3 So they sought a beautiful young woman throughout all the territory of Israel and found Abishag, a Shunammite, and brought her to the king. 4 And the young woman was very beautiful, and she cared for the king and ministered to him. But the king did not know her. 5 Then Adonijah the son of Haggith exalted himself, saying, “I will be king!” And he prepared for himself chariots and horsemen and fifty men to run before him. 6 And his father had not displeased him at any time in saying, “Why have you done so?” And he was also a very good-looking man, and his mother bore him after Absalom. 7 And he conferred with Joab the son of Zeruiah and with Abiathar the priest. And those following Adonijah helped him. 8 But Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and Nathan the prophet and Shimei and Rei and the mighty men who belonged to David were not with Adonijah. 9 And Adonijah slew sheep and oxen and fattened cattle by the stone of Zoheleth, which is by En-rogel, and called all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants. 10 But he did not call Nathan the prophet and
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Benaiah and the mighty men and his brother Solomon. 11 Therefore Nathan spoke to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon, saying, “Have you not heard that Adonijah the son of Haggith reigns, and David our lord does not know it? 12 Now therefore come, I ask you. Let me give you counsel that you may save your own life and the life of your son Solomon. 13 Go to King David and say to him, ‘Did you not, my lord, O king, swear to your handmaiden, saying, “As suredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne”? Why then does Adonijah reign?’ 14 Behold, while you are still talking there with the king, I will also come in after you and confirm your words.” 15 And Bathsheba went in to the king into the chamber. And the king was very old, and Abishag the Shunammite ministered to the king. 16 And Bathsheba bowed and prostrated herself before the king. And the king said, “What do you wish?” 17 And she said to him, “My lord, you swore by the Lord your God to your handmaiden, saying, ‘As suredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne.’ 18 And now, behold, Adonijah reigns! And now, my lord the king, you do not know it. 19 And he has slain oxen and fattened cattle and sheep in abundance, and has called all the sons of the king and Abiathar the priest and Joab the captain of the army, but he has not called Solomon your servant. 20 And you, my lord, O king, the eyes of all Israel are on you, that you should
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tell them who shall sit on the throne of my lord the king after him. 21 Otherwise it shall come to pass, when my lord the king shall sleep with his fathers, that I and my son Solomon shall be counted as offenders.” 22 And behold, while she was still talking with the king, Nathan the prophet also came in. 23 And they told the king, saying, “Behold, Nathan the prophet.” And when he had come in before the king, he bowed himself before the king with his face to the ground. 24 And Nathan said, “My lord, O king, have you said, ‘Adonijah shall reign after me, and he shall sit on my throne?’ 25 For he has gone down this day and has slain oxen and fattened cattle and sheep in abundance, and has called all the king’s sons, and the captains of the army, and Abiathar the priest. And behold, they are eating and drinking before him and saying, ‘God save King Adonijah!’ 26 But he has not called me, even me your servant, and Zadok the priest and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and your servant Solomon. 27 Has this thing been done by my lord the king, and you have not told your servant who should sit on the throne of my lord the king after him?” 28 Then King David answered and said, “Call Bathsheba to me.” And she came into the king’s presence and stood before the king. 29 And the king swore and said, “As the Lord lives, who has redeemed my soul out of all distress, 30 even as I swore to you by the Lord God of Israel, saying, ‘Assuredly Solomon your son shall reign after me, and he
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shall sit on my throne in my place,’ I will certainly do so this day.” 31 Then Bathsheba bowed with her face to the earth, and showed reverence to the king, and said, “Let my lord King David live forever!” 32 And King David said, “Call to me Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada.” And they came before the king. 33 The king also said to them, “Take with you the servants of your lord, and have Solomon my son ride on my own mule, and bring him down to Gihon. 34 And let Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet anoint him there as king over Israel. And blow the trumpet and say, ‘God save King Solomon!’ 35 Then you shall come up after him, that he may come and sit on my throne, for he shall be king in my place. And I have appointed him to be ruler over Israel and over Judah.” 36 And Benaiah the son of Jehoiada answered the king and said, “Amen! May the Lord God of my lord the king say so too. 37 As the Lord has been with my lord the king, even so may He be with Solomon and make his throne greater than the throne of my lord King David.” 38 So Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and the Cherethites and the Pelethites went down, and had Solomon ride on King David’s mule, and brought him to Gihon. Solomon Anointed King 39 And Zadok the priest took a horn of oil out of the tabernacle and anointed Solomon. And they blew the trumpet, and all the people said,
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“God save King Solomon!” 40 And all the people came up after him, and the people piped with pipes and rejoiced with great joy, so that the earth split from the sound of them. 41 And Adonijah and all the guests who were with him heard it as they finished eating. And when Joab heard the sound of the trumpet, he said, “Why is the city in an uproar?” 42 And while he was still speaking, behold, Jonathan the son of Abiathar the priest came. And Adonijah said to him, “Come in, for you are a valiant man and bring good news.” 43 And Jonathan answered and said to Adonijah, “Truly our lord King David has made Solomon king. 44 And the king has sent with him Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada and the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and they have had him ride on the king’s mule. 45 And Zadok the priest and Nathan the prophet have anointed him king in Gihon, and they are coming up from there rejoicing, so that the city resounded. This is the noise that you have heard. 46 And also Solomon sits on the throne of the kingdom. 47 And, moreover, the king’s servants came to bless our lord King David, saying, ‘May God make the name of Solomon better than your name and make his throne greater than your throne.’ And the king bowed himself on the bed. 48 And also the king said this: ‘Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who has given one to sit on my throne this day, my eyes even seeing it.’” 49 And all the guests who were with Adonijah were afraid and rose
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up, and every man went his way. 50 And Adonijah was afraid because of Solomon and arose and went and took hold of the horns of the altar. 51 And it was told to Solomon, saying, “Behold, Adonijah fears King Solomon. For behold, he has taken hold of the horns of the altar, saying, ‘Let King Solomon swear to me today that he will not slay his servant with the sword.’” 52 And Solomon said, “If he will show himself a worthy man, not a hair of his shall fall to the earth. But if wickedness shall be found in him, he shall die.” 53 So King Solomon sent, and they brought him down from the altar. And he came and bowed down to King Solomon, and Solomon said to him, “Go to your house.” David’s Charge to Solomon Now the days of David drew near that he should die, and he charged his son Solomon, saying, 2 “I am going the way of all the earth. Therefore be strong, and show yourself a man. 3 And keep the charge of the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, to keep His statutes and His commandments and His judgments and His testimonies, as it is written in the law of Moses, that you may prosper in all that you do and wherever you turn yourself, 4 that the Lord may continue His word that He spoke concerning me, saying, ‘If your children take heed to their way, to walk before Me in truth with all their heart and with all their soul,’ He said, ‘you shall not fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’
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Joab the son of Zeruiah did to me and what he did to the two captains of the armies of Israel, to Abner the son of Ner and to Amasa the son of Jether, whom he slew, and shed the blood of war in peace, and put the blood of war on his belt that was around his loins and in his shoes that were on his feet. 6 Therefore do according to your wisdom, and do not let his white head go down to the grave in peace. 7 “But show kindness to the sons of Barzillai the Gileadite, and let them be among those who eat at your table, for so they came to me when I fled because of Absalom your brother. 8 “And behold, you have with you Shimei the son of Gera, a Benjamite of Bahurim, who cursed me with a grievous curse on the day when I went to Mahanaim. But he came down to meet me at the Jordan, and I swore to him by the Lord, saying, ‘I will not put you to death with the sword.’ 9 Now therefore, do not hold him guiltless, for you are a wise man and know what you ought to do to him, but bring his white head down to the grave with blood.” 10 So David slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. 11 And the days that David reigned over Israel were forty years; in Hebron he reigned seven years, and in Jerusalem he reigned thirty-three years. Solomon’s Accession 12 Then Solomon sat on the throne of his father, David, and his kingdom was greatly established.
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Adonijah the son of Haggith came to Bathsheba the mother of Solomon. And she said, “Do you come peacefully?” And he said, “Peacefully.” 14 Moreover, he said, “I have something to say to you.” And she said, “Speak on.” 15 And he said, “You know that the kingdom was mine and that all Israel set their faces on me, that I should reign. However, the kingdom has turned around and has become my brother’s, for it was his from the Lord. 16 And now I ask one petition from you; do not deny me.” And she said to him, “Speak on.” 17 And he said, “Speak, I ask you, to Solomon the king, for he will not say no to you, that he may give me Abishag the Shunammite to be my wife.” 18 And Bathsheba said, “Good. I will speak to the king for you.” 19 Therefore Bathsheba went to King Solomon, to speak to him for Adoni jah. And the king rose up to meet her and bowed to her, and sat down on his throne and had a seat set for the king’s mother, and she sat on his right hand. 20 Then she said, “I desire one small petition from you; I ask you, do not say no to me.” And the king said to her, “Ask on, my mother, for I will not say no to you.” 21 And she said, “Let Abishag the Shunammite be given to Adonijah your brother to be his wife.” 22 And King Solomon answered and said to his mother, “And why do you ask for Abishag the Shunammite for Adonijah? Ask for him the kingdom also—for he is my elder
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brother—even for him, and for Abiathar the priest and for Joab the son of Zeruiah.” 23 Then King Solomon swore by the Lord, saying, “God do so to me, and more also, if Adonijah has not spoken this word against his own life. 24 Now therefore, as the Lord lives, who has established me and set me on the throne of my father, David, and who has made me a house, as He promised, Adonijah shall be put to death this day.” 25 And King Solomon sent by the hand of Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and he struck him down so that he died. 26 And the king said to Abiathar the priest, “Get yourself to Anathoth, to your own fields, for you are worthy of death. But I will not at this time put you to death, because you bore the ark of the Lord God before my father, David, and because you have been afflicted in everything in which my father was afflicted.” 27 So Solomon thrust out Abiathar from being priest to the Lord, that he might fulfill the word of the Lord that He spoke concerning the house of Eli in Shiloh. The Flight and Death of Joab 28 Then news came to Joab, for Joab had turned after Adonijah, though he had not turned after Absalom. And Joab fled to the tabernacle of the Lord and took hold of the horns of the altar. 29 And it was told to King Solomon that Joab had fled to the tabernacle of the Lord, and behold, he was by the altar. Then Solomon sent Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, saying, “Go, strike him down.”
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1 Kings 2 :37 30 And Benaiah came to the taber-
nacle of the Lord and said to him, “This is what the king says: ‘Come forth.’” And he said, “No, but I will die here.” And Benaiah brought word to the king again, saying, “This is what Joab said and what he answered me.” 31 And the king said to him, “Do as he has said, and strike him down and bury him, that you may take away from me and from the house of my father the innocent blood that Joab shed. 32 And the Lord shall return his blood on his own head, who struck down two men more righteous and better than he, and slew them with the sword—namely Abner the son of Ner, captain of the army of Israel, and Amasa the son of Jether, captain of the army of Judah—though my father David did not know of it. 33 Their blood shall therefore return on the head of Joab and on the head of his descendants forever. But on David and on his descendants, and on his house and on his throne, there shall be peace forever from the Lord.” 34 So Benaiah the son of Jehoiada went up and attacked him and slew him. And he was buried in his own house in the wilderness. 35 And the king put Benaiah the son of Jehoiada in his place over the army, and the king put Zadok the priest in place of Abiathar. 36 And the king sent and called for Shimei and said to him, “Build yourself a house in Jerusalem and dwell there, and do not go out anywhere from there. 37 For it shall be, that on
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the day you go out and cross over the brook Kidron, you shall know for certain that you shall surely die. Your blood shall be on your own head.” 38 And Shimei said to the king, “The saying is good. As my lord the king has said, so your servant will do.” And Shimei dwelled in Jerusalem many days. 39 And it came to pass at the end of three years that two of the servants of Shimei ran away to Achish son of Maachah, king of Gath. And they told Shimei, saying, “Behold, your servants are in Gath.” 40 And Shimei arose and saddled his donkey and went to Gath to Achish, to seek his servants. And Shimei went and brought his servants from Gath. 41 And it was told to Solomon that Shimei had gone from Jerusalem to Gath and had returned. 42 And the king sent and called for Shimei and said to him, “Did I not make you swear by the Lord and warn you, saying, ‘Know for certain that on the day you go out and walk about anywhere, you shall surely die’? And you said to me, ‘The word that I have heard is good.’ 43 Why then have you not kept the oath of the Lord and the commandment that I have charged you with?” 44 Moreover, the king said to Shimei, “You know all the wickedness, that your heart is aware of, that you did to my father, David; therefore, the Lord shall return your wickedness on your own head. 45 And King Solomon shall be blessed, and the throne of David shall be established before the Lord forever!”
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46 So the king commanded Bena-
iah the son of Jehoiada, who went out and struck him down so that he died. And the kingdom was established in the hand of Solomon. Solomon Makes an Alliance with Pharaoh And Solomon made a marriage alliance with Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and took Pharaoh’s daughter and brought her into the city of David until he had finished building his own house, and the house of the Lord, and the surrounding wall of Jerusalem. 2 However, the people sacrificed in the high places because there was no house built for the name of the Lord until those days. 3 And Solomon loved the Lord, walking in the statutes of his father, David, except that he sacrificed and burned incense in high places. 4 And the king went to Gibeon to sacrifice there, for that was the great high place; Solomon offered a thousand burnt offerings on that altar.
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Solomon’s Prayer for Wisdom 5 In Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night. And God said, “Ask. What shall I give you?” 6 And Solomon said, “You have shown great mercy to Your servant David, my father, as he walked before You in truth and in righteousness and in uprightness of heart with You, and You have kept for him this great kindness, that You have given him a son to sit on his throne, as it is this day. 7 And now, O Lord my God, You have made Your
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servant king in place of my father, David, and I am only a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. 8 And Your servant is in the midst of Your people whom You have chosen, a great people who cannot be numbered or counted because of their number. 9 Therefore give Your servant an understanding heart to judge Your people, that I may discern between good and bad. For who is able to judge this great people of Yours?” 10 And the speech pleased the Lord, that Solomon had asked for this thing. 11 And God said to him, “Because you have asked for this thing, and have not asked for yourself long life, nor have asked for riches for yourself, nor have asked for the life of your enemies, but have asked for yourself understanding to discern judgment, 12 behold, I have done according to your words. Behold, I have given you a wise and understanding heart so that there has been none like you before you, nor shall any arise like you after you. 13 And I have also given you what you have not asked for, both riches and honor, so that there shall not be any among the kings like you all your days. 14 And if you will walk in My ways, keeping My statutes and My commandments, as your father, David, walked, then I will lengthen your days.” 15 And Solomon awoke, and behold, it was a dream. And he came to Jerusalem and stood before the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and offered up burnt offerings and offered peace offerings, and made a feast for all his servants.
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The Wisdom of Solomon 16 Then two women who were harlots came to the king and stood before him. 17 And the one woman said, “O my lord, I and this woman dwell in one house, and I gave birth to a child with her in the house. 18 And it came to pass on the third day after I gave birth, that this woman also gave birth, and we were together; there was no stranger with us in the house, but only us two in the house. 19 And this woman’s child died in the night because she lay on him. 20 And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me while your handmaiden slept and laid him on her chest, and laid her dead child on my chest. 21 And when I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead, but when I had considered it in the morning, behold, he was not my son whom I had borne.” 22 And the other woman said, “No, but the living one is my son, and the dead one is your son.” And this one said, “No, but the dead one is your son and the living one is my son.” Thus they spoke before the king. 23 Then the king said, “The one says, ‘This is my son who lives and your son is the dead one,’ and the other says, ‘No, but your son is the dead one and my son is the living one.’” 24 And the king said, “Bring me a sword.” And they brought a sword before the king. 25 And the king said, “Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other.” 26 Then the woman whose child was the living one spoke to the king, for her heart yearned for her son,
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and she said, “O my lord, give her the living child and in no way slay him.” But the other said, “Let him be neither mine nor yours, but divide him.” 27 Then the king answered and said, “Give her the living child, and in no way slay him; she is his mother.” 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had judged, and they feared the king. For they saw that the wisdom of God was in him to do judgment. The Princes of Israel in Solomon’s Reign So King Solomon was king over all Israel. 2 And these were the princes that he had: Azariah the son of Zadok, the priest; 3 Elihoreph and Ahijah, the sons of Shisha, scribes; Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, the recorder; 4 and Benaiah the son of Jehoiada was over the army; and Zadok and Abiathar were the priests; 5 and Azariah the son of Nathan was over the officers; and Zabud the son of Nathan was principal officer and the king’s friend; 6 and Ahishar was over the household; and Adoniram the son of Abda was over the forced labor.
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The Twelve Officers 7 And Solomon had twelve officers over all Israel who provided provisions for the king and his household; each man made provision for his month in a year. 8 And these are their names: the son of Hur, in Mount Ephraim; 9 the son of Dekar, in Makaz and in Shaalbim and Beth-shemesh and
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Elon-beth-hanan; 10 the son of Hesed, in Arubboth (Socoh and all the land of Hepher belonged to him); 11 the son of Abinadab, in all the region of Dor, who had Taphath the daughter of Solomon as his wife; 12 Baana the son of Ahilud (to him belonged Taanach and Megiddo and all Beth-shean, which is by Zarethan below Jezreel, from Bethshean to Abel-meholah, even to the place that is beyond Jokmeam); 13 the son of Geber, in Ramoth-gilead (the towns of Jair the son of Manasseh, which are in Gilead, and the region of Argob, which is in Bashan—sixty great cities with walls and brazen bars—belonged to him); 14 Ahinadab the son of Iddo had Mahanaim; 15 Ahimaaz was in Naphtali, and he also took Basemath the daughter of Solomon to be his wife; 16 Baanah the son of Hushai was in Asher and in Aloth; 17 Jehoshaphat the son of Paruah, in Issachar; 18 Shimei the son of Elah, in Benjamin; 19 Geber the son of Uri was in the country of Gilead, in the country of Sihon, king of the Amorites, and of Og, king of Bashan. And he was the only officer who was in the land. 20 Judah and Israel were many, like the sand that is by the sea in number, eating and drinking and making merry. 21 And Solomon reigned over all kingdoms from the river to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. They brought presents and served Solomon all the days of his life. 22 And Solomon’s provision for one day was thirty measures of fine flour and sixty measures of meal, 23 ten
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fat oxen, and twenty oxen out of the pastures, and a hundred sheep, besides deer and gazelles and fallow deer and fattened fowl. 24 For he had dominion over all the region on this side of the river, from Tiphsah even to Gaza, over all the kings on this side of the river. And he had peace on all sides all around him. 25 And Judah and Israel dwelled safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beer-sheba, all the days of Solomon. 26 And Solomon had forty thousand stalls of horses for his chariots and twelve thousand horsemen. 27 And those officers, every man in his month, provided provisions for King Solomon and for all who came to King Solomon’s table. They lacked nothing. 28 They also brought barley and straw for the horses and dromedaries to the place where the officers were, every man according to his charge. The Wisdom of Solomon 29 And God gave Solomon exceedingly great wisdom and understanding, and largeness of heart, even like the sand that is on the seashore. 30 And Solomon’s wisdom excelled the wisdom of all the children of the East and all the wisdom of Egypt. 31 For he was wiser than all men—than Ethan the Ezrahite and Heman and Calcol and Darda, the sons of Mahol. And his fame was in all the surrounding nations. 32 And he spoke three thousand proverbs, and his songs were a thousand and five. 33 And he spoke of trees, from the cedar tree that is in Lebanon
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even to the hyssop that springs out of the wall; he also spoke of beasts and of birds and of creeping things and of fish. 34 And all people came to hear the wisdom of Solomon, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom. Solomon Prepares to Build the Temple And Hiram king of Tyre sent his servants to Solomon, for he had heard that they had anointed him king in place of his father, for Hiram had always loved David. 2 And Solomon sent to Hiram, saying, 3 “You know how my father, David, could not build a house for the name of the Lord his God because of the wars that were around him on every side, until the Lord put them under the soles of his feet. 4 But now the Lord my God has given me rest on every side, so that there is neither adversary nor evil occurrence. 5 And behold, I intend to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, as the Lord spoke to my father, David, saying, ‘Your son, whom I will set on your throne in your place, he shall build a house for My name.’ 6 Now therefore, command that they cut down cedar trees out of Lebanon for me. And my servants shall be with your servants, and I will give wages for your servants according to all that you shall appoint. For you know that there is not any among us who has the skill to cut down timber like the Sidonians.” 7 And it came to pass, when Hiram heard the words of Solomon, that he rejoiced greatly and said, “Blessed is the Lord this day, who has given to
5
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David a wise son over this great people.” 8 And Hiram sent to Solomon, saying, “I have considered the things that you sent to me for, and I will do all that you desire concerning timber of cedar and concerning timber of fir. 9 My servants shall bring them down from Lebanon to the sea. And I will convey them by sea in floats to the place that you shall appoint for me, and will have them discharged there, and you shall receive them. And you shall accomplish my desire in giving food for my household.” 10 So Hiram gave Solomon cedar trees and fir trees according to all his desire. 11 And Solomon gave Hiram twenty thousand measures of wheat for food for his household and twenty measures of pure oil. Thus Solomon gave to Hiram year by year. 12 And the Lord gave Solomon wisdom, as He had promised him. And there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two made an agreement together. Preparations for Building the Temple 13 And King Solomon conscripted laborers out of all Israel, and the laborers numbered thirty thousand men. 14 And he sent them to Lebanon, ten thousand a month by divisions; they were in Lebanon a month, and at home two months. And Adoniram was over the laborers. 15 And Solomon had seventy thousand who bore burdens, and eighty thousand who quarried stone in the mountains, 16 besides the three thousand three hundred chiefs of Solomon’s officers who were over the work, who ruled over
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the people who did the work. 17 And the king commanded, and they brought great stones, costly stones, and cut stones, to lay the foundation of the house. 18 And Solomon’s builders and Hiram’s builders and those who quarried stone cut them; so they prepared timber and stones to build the house. Solomon Begins to Build the Temple And it came to pass in the four hundred and eightieth year after the children of Israel had come out of the land of Egypt, in the fourth year of Solomon’s reign over Israel, in the month of Ziv, which is the second month, that he began to build the house of the Lord. 2 And the house that King Solomon built for the Lord: its length was sixty cubits, and its breadth twenty cubits, and its height thirty cubits. 3 And the porch in front of the temple of the house: its length was twenty cubits, according to the breadth of the house, and its breadth was ten cubits in front of the house. 4 And for the house he made windows of narrow lights. 5 And against the wall of the house he built chambers all around, against the walls of the house all around, both of the temple and of the inner sanctuary, and he made chambers all around. 6 The lowermost chamber was five cubits broad, and the middle was six cubits broad, and the third was seven cubits broad. For outside on the wall of the house he made narrowed ledges all around, so that the beams would not be fastened into the walls of the
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house. 7 And the house, when it was being built, was built of stone made ready before it was brought there so that there was neither hammer nor axe nor any tool of iron heard in the house while it was being built. 8 The door for the middle chamber was on the right side of the house. And they went up with winding stairs into the middle chamber, and out of the middle into the third. 9 So he built the house and finished it, and covered the house with beams and boards of cedar. 10 And then he built chambers against the entire house, each five cubits high, and they rested on the house with timbers of cedar. 11 And the word of the Lord came to Solomon, saying, 12 “Concerning this house that you are building, if you will walk in My statutes and execute My judgments and keep all My commandments and walk in them, then I will fulfill My word with you, which I spoke to David, your father. 13 And I will dwell among the children of Israel and will not forsake My people Israel.” 14 So Solomon built the house and finished it. 15 And he built the inside walls of the house with boards of cedar, and both the floor of the house and the walls of the ceiling he covered on the inside with wood, and covered the floor of the house with planks of fir. 16 And he built twenty cubits on the sides of the house, both the floor and the walls, with boards of cedar; he even built them inside for it, even for the inner sanctuary, even for the Most Holy Place. 17 And the house—that is, the temple in front of it—was forty cubits
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long. 18 And the cedar of the inside of the house was carved with knobs and open flowers. All was cedar; no stone was seen. 19 And he prepared the inner sanctuary inside the house, to set the ark of the covenant of the Lord there. 20 And the inner sanctuary in the front part was twenty cubits in length and twenty cubits in breadth and twenty cubits in its height. And he overlaid it with pure gold, and so covered the altar that was of cedar. 21 So Solomon overlaid the inside of the house with pure gold. And he made a partition with chains of gold in front of the inner sanctuary, and he overlaid it with gold. 22 And the whole house he overlaid with gold, until he had finished all the house. He also overlaid with gold the whole altar that was by the inner sanctuary. 23 And inside the inner sanctuary he made two cherubim of olive wood, each ten cubits high. 24 And the one wing of the cherub was five cubits, and the other wing of the cherub was five cubits: from the farthest part of the one wing to the farthest part of the other was ten cubits. 25 And the other cherub was ten cubits; both the cherubim were of the same measure and size. 26 The height of the one cherub was ten cubits, and so it was of the other cherub. 27 And he set the cherubim inside the inner house. And they stretched out the wings of the cherubim so that the wing of the one touched the one wall, and the wing of the other cherub touched the other wall. And their wings touched one another in the middle of the
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house. 28 And he overlaid the cherubim with gold. 29 And he carved all the walls of the house all around, inside and outside, with carved figures of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers. 30 And the floors of the house he overlaid with gold, inside and outside. 31 And for entering the inner sanctuary he made doors of olive wood; the lintel and side posts were onefifth of the wall. 32 The two doors also were of olive wood, and he carved on them carvings of cherubim and palm trees and open flowers, and overlaid them with gold, and spread gold on the cherubim and on the palm trees. 33 So also he made for the door of the temple posts of olive wood, one-fourth of the wall. 34 And the two doors were of fir wood; the two leaves of the one door were folding, and the two leaves of the other door were folding. 35 And he carved cherubim and palm trees and open flowers on them, and covered them with gold fitted on the carved work. 36 And he built the inner court with three rows of cut stone and a row of cedar beams. 37 In the fourth year the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid, in the month of Ziv. 38 And in the eleventh year, in the month of Bul, which is the eighth month, the house was finished throughout all its parts and according to all its form. So he was seven years in building it.
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But Solomon was building his own house for thirteen years, and he finished all of his house.
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2 He built also the House of
the Forest of Lebanon. Its length was a hundred cubits, and its breadth fifty cubits, and its height thirty cubits, on four rows of cedar pillars with cedar beams on the pillars. 3 And it was covered with cedar above on the beams that lay on forty-five pillars, fifteen in a row. 4 And there were windows in three rows, and light was opposite light in three rows. 5 And all the doors and posts were square, with the windows, and light was opposite light in three rows. 6 And he made a porch of pillars; its length was fifty cubits, and its breadth thirty cubits. And the porch was in front of them, and the other pillars and the thick beam were in front of them. 7 Then he made a porch for the throne, even the Porch of Judgment, where he might judge. And it was covered with cedar from one side of the floor to the other. 8 And his house where he dwelled had another court inside the porch, which was of the same workmanship. Solomon also made a house, like this porch, for Pharaoh’s daughter, whom he had taken to be his wife. 9 All these were made of costly stones, according to the measures of cut stones, sawed with saws, inside and outside, even from the foundation to the coping, and also on the outside toward the great court. 10 And the foundation was of costly stones, even great stones, stones of ten cubits and stones of eight cubits. 11 And above were costly stones, according to the measures of cut stones, and cedar. 12 And the
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great surrounding court had three rows of cut stones and a row of cedar beams, both for the inner court of the house of the Lord and for the porch of the house. 13 And King Solomon sent and brought Hiram out of Tyre. 14 He was a widow’s son from the tribe of Naphtali, and his father was a man of Tyre, a worker in brass. And he was filled with wisdom and understanding and skill for doing all kinds of work in brass. And he came to King Solomon and did all his work. 15 For he cast two pillars of brass, of eighteen cubits high apiece, and a line of twelve cubits surrounded each of them. 16 And he made two capitals of cast brass to set on the tops of the pillars; the height of the one capital was five cubits, and the height of the other capital was five cubits. 17 And networks of checker work and wreaths of chain work for the capitals that were on the top of the pillars: seven for the one capital and seven for the other capital. 18 And he made the pillars and two rows with pomegranates on the one network all around to cover the capitals that were on the top. And so he did for the other capital. 19 And the capitals that were on the top of the pillars in the porch were made like lilies, four cubits. 20 And the capitals on the two pillars also had pomegranates above, near the rounded surface that was by the network. And there were two hundred pomegranates in rows all around on the other capital. 21 And he set up the pillars in the porch of the temple. And he set up the right pillar and called its name
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Jachin. And he set up the left pillar and called its name Boaz. 22 And the tops of the pillars were made like lilies. So the work of the pillars was finished. 23 And he made a cast metal Sea, ten cubits from the one brim to the other. It was round all around, and its height was five cubits, and a line of thirty cubits surrounded it. 24 And under its brim all around were knobs surrounding it, ten in a cubit, surrounding the Sea. The knobs were cast in two rows when it was cast. 25 It stood on twelve oxen: three looking toward the north and three looking toward the west and three looking toward the south and three looking toward the east. And the Sea was set on them, and all their rear parts were inward. 26 And it was a handbreadth thick, and its brim was worked like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies. It contained two thousand baths. 27 And he made ten bases of brass; four cubits was the length of one base and four cubits its breadth and three cubits its height. 28 And the work of the bases was in this manner: they had borders, and the borders were between the ledges. 29 And on the borders that were between the ledges were lions, oxen, and cherubim. And there was a base above the ledges. And beneath the lions and oxen were certain additions made of thin work. 30 And every base had four brazen wheels and plates of brass, and its four corners had supports. Under the laver were cast metal supports on the side of every addition. 31 And
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its mouth inside the capital and above was a cubit. But its mouth was round, like the work of the base, a cubit and a half. And also on its mouth were engravings with their borders square, not round. 32 And under the borders were four wheels, and the axles of the wheels were joined to the base. And the height of a wheel was a cubit and a half. 33 And the workmanship of the wheels was like the workmanship of a chariot wheel. The axles and their hubs and their rims and their spokes were all of cast metal. 34 And there were four supports at the four corners of one base. And the supports were part of the very base itself. 35 And on the top of the base there was a circular form of half a cubit high, and on the top of the base its ledges and its borders were part of it. 36 For on the plates of its ledges and on its borders he engraved cherubim, lions, and palm trees, according to the proportion of every one, and additions all around. 37 In this way he made the ten bases. All of them had one casting, one measure, and one size. 38 Then he made ten lavers of brass; one laver contained forty baths, and every laver was four cubits. And on every one of the ten bases was one laver. 39 And he put five bases on the right side of the house and five on the left side of the house. And he set the Sea on the right side of the house eastward, next to the south. 40 And Hiram made the lavers and the shovels and the basins. So Hiram finished doing all the work that he had done for King Solomon
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for the house of the Lord: 41 the two pillars and the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the two pillars; and the two networks to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars; 42 and four hundred pomegranates for the two networks, even two rows of pomegranates for one network to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars; 43 and the ten bases, and ten lavers on the bases; 44 and one Sea, and twelve oxen under the Sea; 45 and the pots and the shovels and the basins. And all these vessels that Hiram made for King Solomon for the house of the Lord were of bright brass. 46 The king cast them in the plain of the Jordan, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zarethan. 47 And Solomon left all the vessels unweighed, because there were so many; nor was the weight of the bronze found out. 48 And Solomon made all the vessels that belonged to the house of the Lord: the altar of gold and the table of gold on which was the showbread; 49 and the candlesticks of pure gold, five on the right side and five on the left in front of the inner sanctuary, with the flowers and the lamps and the tongs of gold, 50 and the bowls and the snuffers and the basins and the spoons and the censers of pure gold; and the hinges of gold, both for the doors of the inner house, the Most Holy Place, and for the doors of the house—namely, of the temple. 51 So all the work that King Solomon had done for the house of the
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Lord was finished. And Solomon brought in the things that David, his father, had dedicated, even the silver and the gold and the vessels, and he put them among the treasures of the house of the Lord. The Ark Brought In Then Solomon assembled the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the leaders of the fathers of the children of Israel, to King Solomon in Jerusalem, that they might bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. 2 And all the men of Israel assembled themselves to King Solomon at the feast in the month Ethanim, which is the seventh month. 3 And all the elders of Israel came, and the priests took up the ark. 4 And they brought up the ark of the Lord and the tabernacle of the congregation and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle, even those the priests and the Levites brought up. 5 And King Solomon, and all the congregation of Israel who were assembled to him, were with him before the ark, sacrificing sheep and oxen that could not be told or counted because of their number. 6 And the priests brought in the ark of the covenant of the Lord to its place, into the inner sanctuary of the house, to the Most Holy Place, even under the wings of the cherubim. 7 For the cherubim spread out their two wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered the ark and the poles above it. 8 And they drew out the poles, so that the ends of the poles were seen out in
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the Holy Place, in front of the inner sanctuary, but they were not seen outside. And there they are to this day. 9 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets of stone that Moses put there at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel when they came out of the land of Egypt. 10 And it came to pass, when the priests had come out of the Holy Place, that the cloud filled the house of the Lord, 11 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud. For the glory of the Lord had filled the house of the Lord. The Sermon of Solomon 12 Then Solomon spoke: “The Lord said that He would dwell in the thick darkness. 13 I have surely built You a house to dwell in, a settled place for You to abide in forever.” 14 And the king turned his face around and blessed all the congregation of Israel, and all the congregation of Israel was standing. 15 And he said, “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who spoke with His mouth to my father, David, and has with His hand fulfilled it, saying, 16 ‘Since the day that I brought forth My people Israel out of Egypt, I chose no city out of all the tribes of Israel to build a house that My name might be in it, but I chose David to be over My people Israel.’ 17 And it was in the heart of my father, David, to build a house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. 18 And the Lord said to my father, David, ‘Whereas it was in your heart to build a house for My name, you did well that it was
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in your heart. 19 Nevertheless you shall not build the house, but your son who shall be descended from you, he shall build the house for My name.’ 20 And the Lord has fulfilled His word that He spoke, and I have risen up in the place of my father, David, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and have built a house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. 21 And there I have set a place for the ark, in which is the covenant of the Lord that He made with our fathers when He brought them out of the land of Egypt.” Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication 22 And Solomon stood in front of the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven. 23 And he said, “Lord God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven above or on earth beneath, who keeps covenant and mercy with Your servants who walk before You with all their heart, 24 who has kept for Your servant, my father, David, what You promised him. You also spoke with Your mouth and have fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day. 25 Therefore now, Lord God of Israel, keep for Your servant, my father, David, what You promised him, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man to sit on the throne of Israel in My sight, if your children take heed to their way, that they walk before Me as you have walked before Me.’ 26 And now I ask You, O God of Israel, let Your word be verified, which You spoke to Your servant, my father, David.
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27 “But will God indeed dwell on
the earth? Behold, the heavens and heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this house that I have built? 28 Yet have respect for the prayer of Your servant and his supplication, O Lord my God, and listen to the cry and to the prayer that Your servant prays before You today, 29 that Your eyes may be open toward this house night and day, even toward the place of which You have said, ‘My name shall be there,’ that You may listen to the prayer that Your servant shall make toward this place. 30 And listen to the supplication of Your servant and of Your people Israel when they pray toward this place. And hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and when You hear, forgive. 31 “If any man trespasses against his neighbor and an oath is laid on him to cause him to swear, and the oath comes before Your altar in this house, 32 then hear in heaven, and act, and judge Your servants, condemning the wicked, to bring his way on his own head, and justifying the righteous, to give to him according to his righteousness. 33 “When Your people Israel are struck down before the enemy because they have sinned against You, and return to You and confess Your name, and pray and make supplication to You in this house, 34 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and bring them back to the land that You gave to their fathers. 35 “When heaven is closed up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, if they pray
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toward this place and confess Your name and turn from their sin when You afflict them, 36 then hear in heaven, and forgive the sin of Your servants and of Your people Israel, that You teach them the good way in which they should walk, and give rain on Your land that You have given to Your people as an inheritance. 37 “If there is famine in the land; if there is pestilence, blight, mildew, locust, or if there are caterpillars; if their enemy besieges them in the land of their cities; whatever plague, whatever sickness there is, 38 whatever prayer and supplication is made by any man or by all Your people Israel, when every man shall know the plague of his own heart, and spreads out his hands toward this house, 39 then hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and forgive, and act, and give to every man according to his ways, whose heart You know (for You, even You alone, know the hearts of all the children of men), 40 that they may fear You all the days that they live in the land that You gave to our fathers. 41 “Moreover, concerning a foreigner who is not of Your people Israel, but who comes out of a far country for Your name’s sake 42 (for they shall hear of Your great name and of Your strong hand and of Your outstretched arm), when he comes and prays toward this house, 43 hear in heaven, Your dwelling place, and do according to all for which the foreigner calls to You, that all peoples of the earth may know Your name, to fear You, as do Your people Israel, and that they may know that
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this house that I have built is called by Your name. 44 “If Your people go out to battle against their enemy, wherever You shall send them, and shall pray to the Lord toward the city that You have chosen and toward the house that I have built for Your name, 45 then hear in heaven their prayer and their supplication, and maintain their cause. 46 If they sin against You (for there is no man who does not sin) and You are angry with them and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away as captives to the land of the enemy, far or near; 47 yet if they come to themselves in the land where they were carried captive and repent, and make supplication to You in the land of those who carried them captive, saying, ‘We have sinned and have acted perversely; we have committed wickedness,’ 48 and so return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their enemies who led them away captive, and pray to You toward their land that You gave to their fathers, the city that You have chosen and the house that I have built for Your name— 49 then hear their prayer and their supplication in heaven, Your dwelling place, and maintain their cause, 50 and forgive Your people who have sinned against You, and all their transgressions that they have transgressed against You, and give them compassion before those who carried them away as captives, that they may have compassion on them 51 (for they are Your people and Your inheritance, whom You brought forth out of Egypt, from the
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midst of the furnace of iron), 52 that Your eyes may be open to the supplication of Your servant and to the supplication of Your people Israel, to listen to them whenever they call to You. 53 For You separated them from among all the people of the earth to be Your inheritance, as You spoke by the hand of Your servant Moses when You brought our fathers out of Egypt, O Lord God.” 54 And so it was, that when Solomon had finished praying all this prayer and supplication to the Lord, he arose from in front of the altar of the Lord, from kneeling on his knees with his hands spread up to heaven. 55 And he stood and blessed all the congregation of Israel with a loud voice, saying: 56 “Blessed is the Lord, who has given rest to His people Israel, according to all that He promised. Not one word has failed of all His good promise, which He promised by the hand of His servant Moses. 57 The Lord our God be with us, as He was with our fathers; let Him not leave us or forsake us, 58 that He may incline our hearts to Himself to walk in all His ways and to keep His commandments and His statutes and His judgments, which He commanded our fathers. 59 And let these words of mine, with which I have made supplication before the Lord, be near to the Lord our God day and night, that He may maintain the cause of His servant and the cause of His people Israel at all times, as the matter shall require, 60 that all the people of the earth may know that the Lord is God, and that there is no other. 61 Therefore let your
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hearts be perfect with the Lord our God, to walk in His statutes and to keep His commandments, as at this day.” Sacrifice and Rejoicing 62 And the king and all Israel with him offered sacrifices before the Lord. 63 And Solomon offered a sacrifice of peace offerings, which he offered to the Lord: twenty-two thousand oxen and a hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the children of Israel dedicated the house of the Lord. 64 The same day the king consecrated the middle of the courtyard that was before the house of the Lord. For there he offered burnt offerings and grain offerings and the fat of the peace offerings, because the brazen altar that was before the Lord was too small to receive the burnt offerings and grain offerings and the fat of the peace offerings. 65 And at that time Solomon held a feast, and all Israel with him, a great congregation from the entrance of Hamath to the river of Egypt, before the Lord our God, seven days and seven more days, even fourteen days. 66 On the eighth day he sent the people away. And they blessed the king and went to their tents joyful and glad of heart for all the goodness that the Lord had done for His servant David and for His people Israel. Jehovah Appears the Second Time to Solomon And it came to pass, when Solomon had finished building the house of the Lord and the king’s
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house, and all Solomon’s desire that he was pleased to do, 2 that the Lord appeared to Solomon the second time, as He had appeared to him at Gibeon. 3 And the Lord said to him, “I have heard your prayer and your supplication that you have made before Me; I have made this house holy that You have built, to put My name there forever, and My eyes and My heart shall be there perpetually. 4 And if you will walk before Me as your father David walked, in integrity of heart and in uprightness, to do according to all that I have commanded you, and will keep My statutes and My judgments, 5 then I will establish the throne of your kingdom over Israel forever, as I promised to your father, David, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.’ 6 But if you or your children shall at all turn from following Me and will not keep My commandments and My statutes that I have set before you, but go and serve other gods and worship them, 7 then I will cut off Israel from the land that I have given them, and this house that I have made holy for My name I will cast out of My sight. And Israel shall be a proverb and a byword among all peoples. 8 And at this house, which is exalted, everyone who passes by it shall be astonished and shall hiss, and they shall say, ‘Why has the Lord done this to this land and to this house?’ 9 And they shall answer, ‘Because they abandoned the Lord their God, who brought forth their fathers out of the land of Egypt, and have taken hold of other gods and have
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worshipped them and served them; therefore the Lord has brought all this evil on them.’” The Energy and Fame of Solomon 10 And it came to pass at the end of twenty years, when Solomon had built the two houses, the house of the Lord and the king’s house 11 (now Hiram the king of Tyre had furnished Solomon with cedar trees and fir trees and with gold, according to all his desire), that King Solomon then gave Hiram twenty cities in the land of Galilee. 12 And Hiram came out from Tyre to see the cities that Solomon had given him, and they did not please him. 13 And he said, “What cities are these that you have given me, my brother?” And he called them the land of Cabul to this day. 14 And Hiram sent to the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold. 15 And this is the reason for the laborers that King Solomon conscripted to build the house of the Lord and his own house and Millo and the wall of Jerusalem and Hazor and Megiddo and Gezer. 16 For Pharaoh, king of Egypt, had gone up and taken Gezer and burned it with fire, and slain the Canaanites who dwelled in the city, and had given it as a present to his daughter, Solomon’s wife. 17 And Solomon built Gezer and Beth-horon the lower, 18 and Baalath and Tadmor in the wilderness, in the land, 19 and all the storage cities that Solomon had, and cities for his chariots and cities for his horsemen, and whatever Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem
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and in Lebanon and in all the land of his dominion. 20 And all the people who were left of the Amorites, Hittites, Perizzites, Hivites, and Jebusites, who were not of the children of Israel— 21 their children who were left in the land after them, whom the children of Israel also were not able to utterly destroy—from those Solomon collected a tribute of forced labor, as it is to this day. 22 But Solomon did not make forced laborers of the children of Israel, but they were men of war and his servants and his princes and his captains and rulers of his chariots and his horsemen. 23 These were the chief officers who were over Solomon’s work, five hundred and fifty, who ruled over the people who did the work. 24 But Pharaoh’s daughter came up out of the city of David to her house that Solomon had built for her. Then he built Millo. 25 And three times in a year Solomon offered burnt offerings and peace offerings on the altar that he built to the Lord, and he burned incense on the altar that was before the Lord. So he finished the house. 26 And King Solomon made a navy of ships in Ezion-geber, which is beside Eloth on the shore of the Red Sea, in the land of Edom. 27 And Hiram sent his servants in the navy, shipmen who had knowledge of the sea, with the servants of Solomon. 28 And they came to Ophir and took from there gold, four hundred and twenty talents, and brought it to King Solomon.
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Solomon and the Queen of Sheba And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon concerning the name of the Lord, she came to test him with hard questions. 2 And she came to Jerusalem with a very great entourage, with camels that bore spices and very much gold and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she spoke with him of all that was in her heart. 3 And Solomon answered all her questions; nothing was hidden from the king that he did not explain to her. 4 And when the queen of Sheba had seen all of Solomon’s wisdom, and the house that he had built, 5 and the food of his table, and the seating of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers and their apparel, and his cupbearers, and his ascent by which he went up to the house of the Lord, she was breathless. 6 And she said to the king, “It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts and of your wisdom. 7 However, I did not believe the words until I came and my eyes had seen it, and behold, the half of it was not told to me. Your wisdom and prosperity exceed the report that I heard. 8 Happy are your men, happy are these your servants, who stand before you continually and who hear your wisdom. 9 Blessed is the Lord your God who delighted in you to set you on the throne of Israel. Because the Lord has loved Israel forever, therefore He made you king to do judgment and justice.” 10 And she gave the king a hundred and twenty talents of gold, and a very great supply of spices, and
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precious stones; there never again came such an abundance of spices as these that the queen of Sheba gave to King Solomon. 11 And also the navy of Hiram, who brought gold from Ophir, brought in a great abundance of algum trees and precious stones from Ophir. 12 And from the algum trees the king made pillars for the house of the Lord and for the king’s house, and also harps and stringed instruments for singers. There never again came, nor were seen, such algum trees to this day. 13 And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all she desired, whatever she asked, besides what Solomon gave her from his royal bounty. So she turned and went to her own country, she and her servants. Solomon’s Revenue and Splendor 14 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold, 15 besides that from the merchants, and from the trading of the spice merchants, and from all the kings of Arabia, and from the governors of the country. 16 And King Solomon made two hundred shields of beaten gold; six hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. 17 And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold; three pounds of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. 18 Moreover, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with the best gold. 19 The throne had six
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steps, and the top of the throne was round at the back. And there were armrests on either side of the seat, and two lions stood beside the armrests. 20 And twelve lions stood there on the one side and on the other on the six steps; nothing like this was made in any other kingdom. 21 And all King Solomon’s drinking vessels were of gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. None were of silver; it was accounted as nothing in the days of Solomon. 22 For the king had a navy of Tarshish at sea with the navy of Hiram. Once in three years the navy of Tarshish came bringing gold and silver, ivory, and apes and peacocks. 23 So King Solomon exceeded all the kings of the earth in riches and in wisdom. 24 And all the earth sought out Solomon to hear his wisdom, which God had put in his heart. 25 And every man brought his present: vessels of silver and gold, and garments and armor and spices, horses and mules, at a fixed rate year by year. 26 And Solomon gathered together chariots and horsemen. And he had one thousand and four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 27 And the king made silver as common as stones in Jerusalem, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamore trees that are in the valley. 28 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt and linen yarn; the king’s merchants received the linen yarn for a price. 29 And a chariot
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came up and went out of Egypt for six hundred shekels of silver, and a horse for a hundred and fifty. And so they brought them out by their means for all the kings of the Hittites and for the kings of Syria. Solomon’s Heart Turned Away from Jehovah But King Solomon loved many foreign women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh: women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Sidonians, and Hittites, 2 from the nations concerning which the Lord said to the children of Israel, “You shall not go in to them, nor shall they come in to you. For surely they will turn your heart away after their gods.” Solomon clung to these in love. 3 And he had seven hundred wives, princesses, and three hundred concubines. And his wives turned away his heart. 4 For it came to pass, when Solomon was old, that his wives turned away his heart after other gods. And his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God, as was the heart of his father, David. 5 For Solomon went after Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, and after Milcom the abomination of the Ammonites. 6 And Solomon did evil in the sight of the Lord and did not go fully after the Lord, as his father, David, did. 7 Then Solomon built a high place for Chemosh, the abomination of Moab, on the hill that is in front of Jerusalem, and for Molech, the abomination of the children of Ammon. 8 And he did likewise for all his foreign wives, who burned incense and sacrificed to their gods. 9 And the Lord was angry with
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Solomon because his heart had turned from the Lord God of Israel, who had appeared to him twice, 10 and had commanded him concerning this thing, that he should not go after other gods. But he did not keep what the Lord had commanded. 11 Therefore the Lord said to Solomon, “Because you have done this, and you have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom from you and will give it to your servant. 12 However, I will not do it in your days, for your father David’s sake. But I will tear it out of the hand of your son. 13 However, I will not tear away all of the kingdom, but will give one tribe to your son for My servant David’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake, which I have chosen.” 14 And the Lord stirred up an adversary against Solomon, Hadad the Edomite; he was a descendant of the king in Edom. 15 For it came to pass, when David was in Edom and Joab the captain of the army had gone up to bury the slain, after he had struck every male in Edom 16 (Joab remained there with all Israel for six months, until he had cut off every male in Edom), 17 that Hadad fled to go into Egypt, he and certain Edomites of his father’s servants with him, while Hadad was still a little child. 18 And they arose out of Midian and came to Paran. And they took men with them out of Paran and came to Egypt, to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who gave him a house and assigned him provisions and gave him land. 19 And Hadad found great favor in the
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sight of Pharaoh, so that he gave him for a wife the sister of his own wife, the sister of Tahpenes the queen. 20 And the sister of Tahpenes bore him Genubath his son, whom Tahpenes weaned in Phar aoh’s house. And Genubath was in Pharaoh’s household among the sons of Pharaoh. 21 And when Hadad heard in Egypt that David slept with his fathers, and that Joab the captain of the army was dead, Hadad said to Pharaoh, “Let me depart, that I may go to my own country.” 22 Then Pharaoh said to him, “But what have you lacked with me, that behold, you seek to go to your own country?” And he answered, “Nothing; nevertheless, let me go anyway.” 23 And God stirred up another adversary against him, Rezon the son of Eliada, who fled from his lord Hadadezer, king of Zobah. 24 And he gathered men to himself and became captain over a band, when David slew those of Zobah. And they went to Damascus and dwelled there and reigned in Damascus. 25 And he was an adversary to Israel all the days of Solomon (besides the mischief that Hadad did). And he hated Israel and reigned over Syria. The Rise of Jeroboam 26 And Solomon’s servant, Jeroboam the son of Nebat—an Ephraimite of Zereda, whose mother’s name was Zeruah, a widow—even he lifted up his hand against the king. 27 And this was the reason that he lifted up his hand against the king: Solomon built Millo and repaired
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the breaches of the city of David, his father. 28 And the man Jeroboam was a mighty man of valor. And Solomon, seeing that the young man was industrious, made him ruler over all the responsibilities of the house of Joseph. 29 And it came to pass at that time when Jeroboam went out of Jerusalem that the prophet Ahijah the Shilonite found him on the road. And he had clad himself with a new garment, and the two were alone in the field. 30 And Ahijah caught the new garment that was on him and tore it in twelve pieces. 31 And he said to Jeroboam, “Take ten pieces, for this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will tear the kingdom out of the hand of Solomon and will give ten tribes to you 32 (but he shall have one tribe for My servant David’s sake, and for Jerusalem’s sake, the city that I have chosen out of all the tribes of Israel), 33 because they have forsaken Me, and have worshipped Ashtoreth the goddess of the Sidonians, Chemosh the god of the Moabites, and Milcom the god of the children of Ammon, and have not walked in My ways to do what is right in My eyes and to keep My statutes and My judgments, as did his father, David. 34 However, I will not take the whole kingdom out of his hand, but I will make him prince all the days of his life for My servant David’s sake, whom I chose because he kept My commandments and My statutes. 35 But I will take the kingdom out of his son’s hand and will give it to you, even ten tribes. 36 And I will give to his son one tribe, that My
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servant David may always have a light before Me in Jerusalem, the city that I have chosen for Myself to put My name there. 37 And I will take you, and you shall reign according to all that your soul desires, and shall be king over Israel. 38 And it shall be, if you will listen to all that I command you, and will walk in My ways and do what is right in My sight, to keep My statutes and My commandments, as My servant David did, that I will be with you and build you a secure house, as I built for David, and will give Israel to you. 39 And I will afflict the descendants of David for this, but not forever.’” 40 Therefore Solomon sought to kill Jeroboam. And Jeroboam arose and fled into Egypt, to Shishak king of Egypt, and was in Egypt until the death of Solomon. The Death of Solomon 41 And the rest of the acts of Solomon and all that he did, and his wisdom, are they not written in the book of the acts of Solomon? 42 And the time that Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel was forty years. 43 And Solomon slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David, his father. And his son Rehoboam reigned in his place. Accession and Folly of Rehoboam And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. 2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who was still in Egypt, heard of it (for he
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had fled from the presence of King Solomon, and Jeroboam dwelled in Egypt), 3 that they sent and called him. And Jeroboam and all the congregation of Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying, 4 “Your father made our yoke heavy; now therefore, make the heavy service of your father and his heavy yoke that he put on us lighter, and we will serve you.” 5 And he said to them, “Depart for three days, then come again to me.” And the people departed. 6 And King Rehoboam consulted with the old men who stood before his father, Solomon, while he still lived, and said, “How do you advise that I answer these people?” 7 And they spoke to him, saying, “If you will be a servant to these people this day, and will serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever.” 8 But he ignored the counsel that the old men had given him and consulted with the young men who had grown up with him, and who stood before him. 9 And he said to them, “What counsel do you give that we may answer these people who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Make lighter the yoke that your father put on us’?” 10 And the young men who had grown up with him spoke to him, saying, “This is what you shall say to this people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but make it lighter on us’— you shall say this to them: ‘My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins. 11 And now, whereas my
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father burdened you with a heavy yoke, I will add to your yoke; my father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” 12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam the third day, as the king had appointed, saying, “Come to me again on the third day.” 13 And the king answered the people roughly, and ignored the old men’s counsel that they gave him, 14 and spoke to them according to the counsel of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, and I will add to your yoke. My father also disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” 15 Therefore the king did not listen to the people, for the cause was from the Lord, that He might fulfill His saying that the Lord spoke by Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat. Division of the Kingdom 16 So when all Israel saw that the king did not listen to them, the people answered the king, saying, “What portion do we have in David? Nor do we have an inheritance in the son of Jesse. To your tents, O Israel. Now see to your own house, David.” So Israel departed to their tents. 17 But as for the children of Israel who dwelled in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. 18 Then King Rehoboam sent Adoram, who was over the forced labor, and all Israel stoned him with stones so that he died. Therefore, King Rehoboam hurried to get himself up to his chariot to flee to Jerusalem. 19 So Israel has rebelled
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against the house of David to this day. 20 And it came to pass, when all Israel heard that Jeroboam had returned, that they sent and called him to the congregation and made him king over all Israel. No one except the tribe of Judah alone followed the house of David. 21 And when Rehoboam had come to Jerusalem, he assembled all the house of Judah with the tribe of Benjamin, a hundred and eighty thousand chosen men who were warriors, to fight against the house of Israel to bring the kingdom again to Rehoboam the son of Solomon. 22 But the word of God came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, 23 “Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all the house of Judah and Benjamin, and to the remnant of the people, saying, 24 ‘This is what the Lord says: “You shall not go up or fight against your brothers, the children of Israel. Return, every man to his house, for this thing is from Me.”’” Therefore they listened to the word of the Lord and returned, according to the word of the Lord. The Religious Unity of the Nation Destroyed 25 Then Jeroboam built Shechem in Mount Ephraim and dwelled there, and went out from there and built Penuel. 26 And Jero boam said in his heart, “Now the kingdom shall return to the house of David. 27 If these people go up to sacrifice in the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, then the heart of this people shall turn again to their lord, even
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to Rehoboam, king of Judah, and they shall kill me and go back to Rehoboam, king of Judah.” 28 Because of this the king took counsel, and made two calves of gold, and said to them, “It is too much for you to go up to Jerusalem; behold your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.” 29 And he set the one in Bethel, and he put the other in Dan. 30 And this thing became a sin, for the people went to worship before the one even to Dan. 31 And he made a house of high places and made priests from the lowest of the people, who were not of the sons of Levi. 32 And Jeroboam ordained a feast in the eighth month, on the fifteenth day of the month, similar to the feast that is in Judah, and he offered sacrifices on the altar. So he did in Bethel, sacrificing to the calves that he had made. And in Bethel he placed the priests of the high places that he had made. 33 So he offered on the altar that he had made in Bethel on the fifteenth day of the eighth month, even in the month that he had devised in his own heart, and ordained a feast for the children of Israel. And he offered sacrifices on the altar and burned incense. Prophecy against Jeroboam’s False Altar And behold, a man of God came out of Judah to Bethel, by the word of the Lord, and Jero boam stood by the altar to burn incense. 2 And he cried against the altar in the word of the Lord and said, “O altar, altar, this is what the
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Lord says, ‘Behold, a child shall be born to the house of David, Josiah by name, and on you he shall offer the priests of the high places who burn incense on you, and men’s bones shall be burned on you.’” 3 And he gave a sign the same day, saying, “This is the sign that the Lord has spoken: ‘Behold, the altar shall be torn apart, and the ashes that are on it shall be poured out.’” 4 And it came to pass, when King Jeroboam heard the saying of the man of God, who had cried against the altar in Bethel, that he put out his hand from the altar, saying, “Take hold of him.” And his hand, which he put out against him, dried up, so that he could not pull it in again to himself. 5 The altar was also torn apart, and the ashes poured out from the altar, according to the sign that the man of God had given by the word of the Lord. 6 And the king answered and said to the man of God, “Entreat now the face of the Lord your God and pray for me, that my hand may be restored to me again.” And the man of God implored the Lord, and the king’s hand was restored to him again and became as it was before. 7 And the king said to the man of God, “Come home with me and refresh yourself, and I will give you a reward.” 8 And the man of God said to the king, “If you gave me half your house, I would not go in with you; nor will I eat bread or drink water in this place. 9 For so was it commanded me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Do not eat bread or drink water or return by the same
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way that you came.’” 10 So he went another way and did not return by the way that he came to Bethel. Disobedience and Death of the Man of God 11 Now an old prophet dwelled in Bethel, and his sons came and told him all the works that the man of God had done that day in Bethel; they also told to their father the words that he had spoken to the king. 12 And their father said to them, “Which way did he go?” For his sons had seen which way the man of God who came from Judah went. 13 And he said to his sons, “Saddle the donkey for me.” So they saddled the donkey for him. And he rode on it 14 and went after the man of God and found him sitting under an oak. And he said to him, “Are you the man of God who came from Judah?” And he said, “I am.” 15 Then he said to him, “Come home with me and eat bread.” 16 And he said, “I may not return with you or go in with you; nor will I eat bread or drink water with you in this place, 17 for it was said to me by the word of the Lord, ‘You shall not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way that you came.’” 18 He said to him, “I am also a prophet as you are, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, ‘Bring him back with you into your house, that he may eat bread and drink water.’” But he lied to him. 19 So he went back with him and ate bread in his house and drank water.
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20 And
it came to pass, as they sat at the table, that the word of the Lord came to the prophet who brought him back. 21 And he cried to the man of God who came from Judah, saying, “This is what the Lord says, ‘Because you have disobeyed the mouth of the Lord and have not kept the commandment that the Lord your God commanded you, 22 but came back and have eaten bread and drunk water in the place of which the Lord said to you, “Do not eat bread and do not drink water,” your body shall not come to the sepulchre of your fathers.’” 23 And it came to pass, after he had eaten bread and after he had drunk, that he saddled the donkey for him—namely, for the prophet whom he had brought back. 24 And when he had gone, a lion met him on the road and slew him. And his body was thrown on the road, and the donkey stood by it. The lion also stood by the body. 25 And behold, men passed by and saw the body thrown on the road and the lion standing by the road, and they came and told it in the city where the old prophet dwelled. 26 And when the prophet who brought him back from the way heard of it, he said, “It is the man of God who was disobedient to the word of the Lord. Therefore the Lord has delivered him to the lion, which has torn him and slain him, according to the word of the Lord that He spoke to him.” 27 And he spoke to his sons, saying, “Saddle the donkey for me.” And they saddled it. 28 And he went and found his body thrown on the road and
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the donkey and the lion standing by the body. The lion had not eaten the body or torn the donkey. 29 And the prophet took up the body of the man of God and laid it on the donkey and brought it back. And the old prophet came to the city to mourn and to bury him. 30 And he laid his body in his own grave, and they mourned over him, saying, “Alas, my brother!” 31 And it came to pass, after he had buried him, that he spoke to his sons, saying, “When I am dead, then bury me in the sepulchre in which the man of God is buried; lay my bones beside his bones. 32 For the saying that he cried by the word of the Lord against the altar in Bethel, and against all the houses of the high places that are in the cities of Samaria, shall surely come to pass.” Jeroboam Persists in Evil 33 After this thing, Jeroboam did not return from his evil way but again made priests of the high places from the lowest of the people; whoever wanted it, he consecrated him, and he became one of the priests of the high places. 34 And this thing became sin to the house of Jeroboam, even to cut it off and to destroy it from off the face of the earth. Prophecy against Jeroboam: Partial Fulfillment At that time Abijah the son of Jeroboam fell sick. 2 And Jer oboam said to his wife, “Arise, I ask you, and disguise yourself, that you not be known to be the wife of Jero boam, and get to Shiloh. Behold, Ahijah the prophet is there, who
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told me that I should be king over this people. 3 And take with you ten loaves and brittle biscuits and a jar of honey, and go to him. He shall tell you what shall become of the child.” 4 And Jeroboam’s wife did so, and arose and went to Shiloh, and came to the house of Ahijah. But Ahijah could not see, for his eyes were set because of his age. 5 And the Lord said to Ahijah, “Behold, the wife of Jeroboam is coming to ask something of you for her son, for he is sick. Such and such you shall say to her, for it shall be, when she comes in, that she shall pretend to be another woman.” 6 And it was so, when Ahijah heard the sound of her feet as she came in at the door, that he said, “Come in, you wife of Jeroboam. Why do you pretend to be another? For I am sent to you with heavy news. 7 Go, tell Jeroboam, ‘This is what the Lord God of Israel says: “Because I exalted you from among the people and made you prince over My people Israel, 8 and tore the kingdom away from the house of David and gave it you—and still you have not been like My servant David, who kept My commandments and followed Me with all his heart, to do only what was right in My eyes, 9 but have done evil above all who were before you, for you have gone and made for yourself other gods and cast metal images to provoke Me to anger, and have thrown Me behind your back— 10 therefore, behold, I will bring evil on the house of Jeroboam and will cut off from Jeroboam him who urinates against the wall and him who is shut up and
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left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man takes away dung until it is all gone. 11 The dogs shall eat him who dies of Jeroboam in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat him who dies in the field. For the Lord has spoken it.”’ 12 Arise therefore, get to your own house. And when your feet enter into the city, the child shall die. 13 And all Israel shall mourn for him and bury him, for he alone of Jeroboam shall come to the grave, because in him is found some good thing toward the Lord God of Israel in the house of Jeroboam. 14 “Moreover the Lord shall raise up for Himself a king over Israel who shall cut off the house of Jero boam that day. But what? Even now. 15 For the Lord shall strike Israel, as a reed is shaken in the water. And He shall uproot Israel out of this good land that He gave to their fathers and shall scatter them beyond the river because they have made their groves, provoking the Lord to anger. 16 And He shall give up Israel because of the sins of Jeroboam, who sinned and caused Israel to sin.” 17 And Jeroboam’s wife arose and departed and came to Tirzah. And when she came to the threshold of the door, the child died. 18 And they buried him, and all Israel mourned for him, according to the word of the Lord that He spoke by the hand of His servant Ahijah the prophet. 19 And the rest of the acts of Jero boam, how he warred and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 20 And the days that
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Jeroboam reigned were twenty-two years. And he slept with his fathers. And his son Nadab reigned in his place. Judah’s Apostasy under Rehoboam 21 And Rehoboam the son of Solomon reigned in Judah. Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city that the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel to put His name there. And his mother’s name was Naamah, an Ammonitess. 22 And Judah did evil in the sight of the Lord, and they provoked Him to jealousy with their sins that they had committed, above all that their fathers had done. 23 For they also built for themselves high places and images and groves on every high hill and under every green tree. 24 And there were also sodomites in the land. And they did according to all the abominations of the nations that the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. 25 And it came to pass in the fifth year of King Rehoboam that Shishak, king of Egypt, came up against Jerusalem. 26 And he took away the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house; he even took away everything. And he took away all the shields of gold that Solomon had made. 27 And King Rehoboam made brazen shields in their place and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, who kept the door of the king’s house. 28 And it was so, when the king went into the
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house of the Lord, that the guard bore them and then brought them back into the guard chamber. 29 Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 30 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all their days. Death of Rehoboam 31 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his mother’s name was Naamah, an Ammonitess. And his son Abijah reigned in his place. Accession of Abijah Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam the son of Nebat, Abijah reigned over Judah. 2 He reigned three years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Maacah the daughter of Abishalom. 3 And he walked in all the sins of his father that he had done before him. And his heart was not perfect with the Lord his God like the heart of his father David. 4 Nevertheless, for David’s sake the Lord his God gave him a lamp in Jerusalem, to set up his son after him and to establish Jerusalem, 5 because David did what was right in the eyes of the Lord and did not turn aside from anything that He commanded him all the days of his life, except only in the matter of Uriah the Hittite. 6 And there was war between Rehoboam and Jeroboam all the days of his life. 7 Now the rest of the acts of Abijah and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of
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the kings of Judah? And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. 8 And Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David. And his son Asa reigned in his place. Accession of Asa 9 And in the twentieth year of Jero boam king of Israel, Asa reigned over Judah. 10 And he reigned in Jerusalem forty-one years. And his mother’s name was Maacah, the daughter of Abishalom. 11 And Asa did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, as his father David did. 12 And he took away the sodomites out of the land and removed all the idols that his fathers had made. 13 And also his mother Maacah, he even removed her from being queen because she had made an idol in a grove. And Asa destroyed her idol and burned it by the brook Kidron. 14 But the high places were not removed. Nevertheless Asa’s heart was perfect with the Lord all his days. 15 And he brought into the house of the Lord the things that his father had dedicated and the things that he himself had dedicated: silver and gold and vessels. 16 And there was war between Asa and Baasha, king of Israel, all their days. 17 And Baasha, king of Israel, went up against Judah and built Ramah, that he might not allow any to go out or come in to Asa, king of Judah. 18 Then Asa took all the silver and the gold that was left in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and the treasuries of the king’s house and delivered them into the hand of his servants. And King Asa
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sent them to Ben-hadad the son of Tabrimmon, the son of Hezion, king of Syria, who dwelled at Damascus, saying, 19 “There is an agreement between you and me, and between your father and my father. Behold, I have sent to you a present of silver and gold. Come and break your agreement with Baasha, king of Israel, that he may depart from me.” 20 So Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the captains of the armies that he had against the cities of Israel, and struck Ijon and Dan and Abel-beth-maacah and all Chinneroth, with all the land of Naphtali. 21 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard of it, that he stopped building Ramah and dwelled in Tirzah. 22 Then King Asa made a proclamation throughout all Judah; none was exempted. And they took away the stones of Ramah, and its timber with which Baasha had built, and with them King Asa built Geba of Benjamin and Mizpah. 23 The rest of all the acts of Asa and all his might, and all that he did and the cities that he built, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? Nevertheless, in the time of his old age he was diseased in his feet. 24 And Asa slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father. And his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place. Accession of Nadab over Israel 25 And Nadab the son of Jeroboam began to reign over Israel in the second year of Asa, king of Judah, and reigned over Israel two years. 26 And he did evil in the sight of the Lord
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and walked in the way of his father and in his sin by which he caused Israel to sin. Rebellion and Accession of Baasha over Israel 27 And Baasha the son of Ahijah, of the house of Issachar, conspired against him. And Baasha struck him at Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines, for Nadab and all Israel laid siege to Gibbethon. 28 Baasha slew him in the third year of Asa, king of Judah, and reigned in his place. 29 And it came to pass, when he reigned, that he struck all the house of Jeroboam. He did not leave to Jeroboam any who breathed, until he had destroyed him, according to the saying of the Lord that he spoke by his servant Ahijah the Shilonite, 30 because of the sins of Jeroboam that he sinned and that he made Israel sin, because of his provocation by which he provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger. 31 Now the rest of the acts of Nadab and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? War between Asa and Baasha 32 And there was war between Asa and Baasha, king of Israel, all their days. 33 In the third year of Asa, king of Judah, Baasha the son of Ahijah began to reign over all Israel in Tirzah, and he reigned twenty-four years. 34 And he did evil in the sight of the Lord and walked in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin by which he caused Israel to sin.
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Prophecy against Baasha: His Death Then the word of the Lord came to Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha, saying, 2 “Since I exalted you out of the dust and made you prince over My people Israel, and you have walked in the way of Jeroboam and have caused My people Israel to sin, to provoke Me to anger with their sins, 3 behold, I will take away the posterity of Baasha and the posterity of his house, and will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat. 4 The dogs shall eat him who dies of Baasha in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat him who dies of his in the fields.” 5 Now the rest of the acts of Baasha and what he did and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 6 So Baasha slept with his fathers and was buried in Tirzah. And his son Elah reigned in his place. 7 And also the word of the Lord came by the hand of the prophet Jehu the son of Hanani against Baasha and against his house, even for all the evil that he did in the sight of the Lord in provoking Him to anger with the work of his hands, in being like the house of Jeroboam, and because he killed him.
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Accession of Elah over Israel 8 In the twenty-sixth year of Asa king of Judah, Elah the son of Baasha began to reign over Israel in Tirzah, and he reigned for two years. 9 And his servant Zimri, captain of half his chariots, conspired against him as he was in Tirzah, drinking himself
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drunk in the house of Arza, steward of his house in Tirzah. 10 And Zimri went in and struck him and killed him in the twenty-seventh year of Asa, king of Judah, and reigned in his place. The Reign of Zimri over Israel 11 And it came to pass, when he began to reign, as soon as he sat on his throne, that he slew all the house of Baasha. He did not leave him one who urinates against a wall, neither of his relatives nor of his friends. 12 Thus Zimri destroyed all the house of Baasha, according to the word of the Lord that He spoke against Baasha by Jehu the prophet, 13 for all the sins of Baasha and the sins of his son Elah, by which they sinned and by which they caused Israel to sin, in provoking the Lord God of Israel to anger with their idols. 14 Now the rest of the acts of Elah and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 15 In the twenty-seventh year of Asa, king of Judah, Zimri reigned seven days in Tirzah. And the people were camped against Gibbethon, which belonged to the Philistines. 16 And the people who were camped heard it said, “Zimri has conspired and has also slain the king!” Therefore all Israel made Omri, the captain of the army, king over Israel that day in the camp. 17 And Omri and all Israel with him went up from Gibbethon, and they besieged Tirzah. 18 And it came to pass, when Zimri saw that the city was taken, that he went into the palace of the king’s
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house and burned the king’s house over himself with fire, and died 19 because of his sins that he sinned in doing evil in the sight of the Lord, in walking in the way of Jeroboam, and in his sin that he did to cause Israel to sin. 20 Now the rest of the acts of Zimri and his treason that he worked, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? Death of Tibni 21 Then the people of Israel were divided into two parts: half the people followed Tibni the son of Ginath, to make him king, and half followed Omri. 22 But the people who followed Omri prevailed against the people who followed Tibni the son of Ginath. So Tibni died and Omri reigned. 23 In the thirty-first year of Asa, king of Judah, Omri began to reign over Israel, and he reigned twelve years; he reigned for six years in Tirzah. 24 And he bought the hill of Samaria from Shemer for two talents of silver, and built on the hill and called the name of the city that he built Samaria, after the name of Shemer, owner of the hill. 25 But Omri worked evil in the eyes of the Lord and did worse than all who were before him. 26 For he walked in all the ways of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and in his sin by which he caused Israel to sin, to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger with their idols. 27 Now the rest of the acts of Omri that he did and his might that he showed, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel?
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Accession of Ahab over Israel 28 So Omri slept with his fathers and was buried in Samaria. And his son Ahab reigned in his place. 29 And in the thirty-eighth year of Asa, king of Judah, Ahab the son of Omri began to reign over Israel. And Ahab the son of Omri reigned over Israel in Samaria twenty-two years. 30 And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the Lord above all who were before him. 31 And it came to pass, as if it had been a light thing for him to walk in the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, that he took to be his wife Jezebel the daughter of Ethbaal king of the Sidonians, and went and served Baal and worshipped him. 32 And he raised up an altar for Baal in the house of Baal, which he had built in Samaria. 33 And Ahab made a grove. And Ahab did more to provoke the Lord God of Israel to anger than all the kings of Israel who were before him. 34 In his days Hiel the Bethelite built Jericho; he laid its foundation in Abiram, his firstborn, and set up its gates in his youngest son, Segub, according to the word of the Lord, which He spoke by Joshua the son of Nun. Elijah’s Prediction of Three Years’ Drought And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew or rain these years, except according to my word.” 2 And the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 3 “Get away from here
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and turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is before the Jordan. 4 And it shall be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there.” 5 So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and dwelled by the brook Cherith, which is before the Jordan. 6 And the ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he drank from the brook. 7 And it came to pass after a while that the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land. 8 And the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 9 “Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there. Behold, I have commanded a widow there to sustain you.” 10 So he arose and went to Zarephath. And when he came to the gate of the city, behold, the widow was there gathering sticks. And he called to her and said, “Bring me, I ask you, a little water in a vessel, that I may drink.” 11 And as she was going to get it, he called to her, and said, “Bring me, I ask you, a morsel of bread in your hand.” 12 And she said, “As the Lord your God lives, I do not have a cake, but only a handful of flour in a barrel and a little oil in a jar. And behold, I am gathering two sticks that I may go in and prepare it for me and my son, that we may eat it, and die.” 13 And Elijah said to her, “Do not fear; go and do as you have said, but make me a little cake from it first and bring it to me, and afterward make
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some for yourself and for your son. 14 For this is what the Lord God of Israel says, ‘The barrel of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil be empty, until the day that the Lord sends rain on the earth.’” 15 And she went and did according to what Elijah said. And she and he and her household ate for many days. 16 And the barrel of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil become empty, according to the word of the Lord, which He spoke by Elijah. Elijah Raises the Widow’s Son 17 And it came to pass after these things that the son of the woman, the mistress of the house, became sick. And his sickness was so great that there was no breath left in him. 18 And she said to Elijah, “What have I to do with you, O man of God? Have you come to me to call my sin to remembrance and to slay my son?” 19 And he said to her, “Give me your son.” And he took him from her chest and carried him up into a loft where he was staying, and laid him on his own bed. 20 And he cried to the Lord and said, “O Lord my God, have You also brought evil on the widow with whom I am staying by slaying her son?” 21 And he stretched himself over the child three times, and cried to the Lord, and said, “O Lord my God, I ask You, let this child’s soul come into him again.” 22 And the Lord heard the voice of Elijah, and the soul of the child came into him again, and he revived. 23 And Elijah took the child and
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brought him down out of the room into the house, and delivered him to his mother. And Elijah said, “See, your son lives.” 24 And the woman said to Elijah, “Now by this I know that you are a man of God and that the word of the Lord in your mouth is truth.” Elijah Goes to Meet Ahab And it came to pass after many days that the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year, saying, “Go, present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain on the earth.” 2 And Elijah went to present himself to Ahab. And there was a great famine in Samaria. 3 And Ahab called Obadiah, who was the governor of his house. (Now Obadiah feared the Lord greatly. 4 For it was so, when Jezebel cut off the prophets of the Lord, that Obadiah took a hundred prophets and hid them by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water.) 5 And Ahab said to Obadiah, “Go into the land to all fountains of water and to all brooks; perhaps we may find grass to keep the horses and mules alive so that we do not lose all the beasts.” 6 So they divided the land between them to pass throughout it; Ahab went one way by himself, and Obadiah went another way by himself. 7 And as Obadiah was on the way, behold, Elijah met him, and he recognized him and fell on his face and said, “Is that you, my lord Elijah?” 8 And he answered him, “I am. Go, tell your lord, ‘Behold, Elijah is here.’” 9 And he said, “What have I sinned,
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that you would deliver your servant into the hand of Ahab, to slay me? 10 As the Lord your God lives, there is no nation or kingdom where my lord has not sent to seek you. And when they said, ‘He is not there,’ he took an oath from the kingdom and nation that they could not find you. 11 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your lord, “Behold, Elijah is here.’’’ 12 And it shall come to pass, as soon as I have gone from you, that the Spirit of the Lord shall carry you where I do not know, and so when I come and tell Ahab, and he cannot find you, he shall slay me. But I your servant have feared the Lord from my youth. 13 Was it not told to my lord what I did when Jezebel slew the prophets of the Lord, how I hid a hundred men of the Lord’s prophets by fifties in a cave and fed them with bread and water? 14 And now you say, ‘Go, tell your lord, “Behold, Elijah is here.”’ And he shall slay me.” 15 And Elijah said, “As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, I will surely present myself to him today.” 16 So Obadiah went to meet Ahab and told him. And Ahab went to meet Elijah. Elijah Meets Ahab 17 And it came to pass, when Ahab saw Elijah, that Ahab said to him, “Are you he who troubles Israel?” 18 And he answered, “I have not troubled Israel, but you and your father’s house have, in that you have forsaken the commandments of the Lord and you have followed the Baals. 19 Now therefore, send and
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gather to me all Israel to Mount Carmel, and the four hundred and fifty prophets of Baal and the four hundred prophets of the groves who eat at Jezebel’s table.” 20 So Ahab sent to all the children of Israel and gathered the prophets together to Mount Carmel. 21 And Elijah came to all the people and said, “How long will you halt between two opinions? If the Lord is God, follow Him, but if Baal, then follow him.” And the people did not answer him a word. 22 Then Elijah said to the people, “I, even I alone, remain a prophet of the Lord, but Baal’s prophets are four hundred and fifty men. 23 Therefore let them give us two bulls, and let them choose one bull for themselves and cut it in pieces and lay it on wood and put no fire under it. And I will prepare the other bull and lay it on wood and put no fire under it. 24 And call on the name of your gods, and I will call on the name of the Lord. And the God who answers by fire, let Him be God.” And all the people answered and said, “It is well spoken.” Jehovah versus Baal 25 And Elijah said to the prophets of Baal, “Choose one bull for yourselves and prepare it first, for you are many, and call on the name of your gods, but put no fire under it.” 26 And they took the bull that was given to them, and they prepared it and called on the name of Baal from morning until noon, saying, “O Baal, hear us!” But there was no voice, nor anyone who answered. And they leaped
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on the altar that was made. 27 And it came to pass, at noon, that Elijah mocked them and said, “Cry aloud, for he is a god; either he is talking, or he is pursuing, or he is on a journey, or perhaps he is sleeping and must be awakened.” 28 And they cried aloud and cut themselves with knives and spears, according to their custom, until the blood gushed out on them. 29 And it came to pass, when midday was past and they prophesied until the time of the offering of the evening sacrifice, that there was neither voice, nor anyone to answer, nor anyone who paid attention. 30 And Elijah said to all the people, “Come near to me.” And all the people came near to him. And he repaired the altar of the Lord that was broken down. 31 And Elijah took twelve stones, according to the number of the tribes of the sons of Jacob, to whom the word of the Lord came, saying, “Israel shall be your name.” 32 And with the stones he built an altar in the name of the Lord. And he made a trench around the altar, as great as would contain two measures of seed. 33 And he put the wood in order and cut the bull in pieces and laid it on the wood and said, “Fill four barrels with water and pour it on the burnt sacrifice and on the wood.” 34 And he said, “Do it a second time.” And they did it a second time. And he said, “Do it a third time.” And they did it a third time. 35 And the water ran all around the altar, and he also filled the trench with water. 36 And it came to pass, at the time of the offering of the evening
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sacrifice, that Elijah the prophet came near and said, “Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant, and that I have done all these things at Your word. 37 Hear me, O Lord, hear me, that this people may know that You are the Lord God and that You have turned their hearts back again.” 38 Then the fire of the Lord fell and consumed the burnt sacrifice and the wood and the stones and the dust, and licked up the water that was in the trench. 39 And when all the people saw it, they fell on their faces. And they said, “The Lord, He is God; the Lord, He is God.” 40 And Elijah said to them, “Take the prophets of Baal; do not let one of them escape.” And they took them. And Elijah brought them down to the brook Kishon and slew them there. 41 And Elijah said to Ahab, “Get up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of an abundance of rain.” 42 So Ahab went up to eat and drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel, and he cast himself down on the ground, and put his face between his knees, 43 and said to his servant, “Go up now, look toward the sea.” And he went up and looked and said, “There is nothing.” And seven times he said, “Go again.” 44 And it came to pass on the seventh time that he said, “Behold, a little cloud arises out of the sea, like a man’s hand.” And he said, “Go up. Say to Ahab, ‘Prepare your chariot and go down so that the
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rain does not stop you.’” 45 And it came to pass in the meantime that the sky was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain. And Ahab rode and went to Jezreel. 46 And the hand of the Lord was on Elijah, and he fastened his cloak into his belt and ran before Ahab to the entrance of Jezreel. Jehovah’s Tender Care of His Prophet And Ahab told Jezebel all that Elijah had done, and moreover how he had slain all the prophets with the sword. 2 Then Jezebel sent a messenger to Elijah, saying, “So let the gods do to me, and more also, if I do not make your life as the life of one of them by tomorrow about this time.” 3 And when he saw that, he arose and ran for his life and came to Beer-sheba, which belongs to Judah, and left his servant there. 4 But he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness and came and sat down under a juniper tree. And he requested for himself that he might die, and said, “It is enough. Now, O Lord, take away my life, for I am not better than my fathers.” 5 And as he lay and slept under a juniper tree, behold, then an angel touched him and said to him, “Arise and eat.” 6 And he looked, and behold, there was a cake baked on the coals and a jar of water at his head. And he ate and drank and lay down again. 7 And the angel of the Lord came again the second time and touched him and said, “Arise and eat, because the journey is too great for you.”
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Elijah on Horeb 8 And he arose and ate and drank, and went in the strength of that food for forty days and forty nights to Horeb, the mount of God. 9 And there he came to a cave and spent the night there. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and He said to him, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 10 And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts. For the children of Israel have abandoned Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and slain Your prophets with the sword. And I, even I alone, am left, and they seek to take my life.” 11 And He said, “Go out and stand on the mount before the Lord.” And behold, the Lord passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains and broke the rocks in pieces before the Lord, but the Lord was not in the wind. And after the wind there was an earthquake, but the Lord was not in the earthquake. 12 And after the earthquake there was a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire a still small voice. 13 And it was so, when Elijah heard it, that he wrapped his face in his cloak and went out and stood in the entrance of the cave. And behold, a voice came to him and said, “What are you doing here, Elijah?” 14 And he said, “I have been very zealous for the Lord God of hosts because the children of Israel have abandoned Your covenant, thrown down Your altars, and slain Your prophets with the sword. And I, even I alone, am left, and they seek to take my life.”
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15 And the Lord said to him, “Go,
return on your way to the wilderness of Damascus. And when you arrive, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria. 16 And you shall anoint Jehu the son of Nimshi to be king over Israel. And you shall anoint Elisha the son of Shaphat of Abel-meholah to be prophet in your place. 17 And it shall come to pass that he who escapes the sword of Hazael, Jehu shall slay. And he who escapes from the sword of Jehu, Elisha shall slay. 18 Yet I have left for Myself seven thousand in Israel—all the knees that have not bowed to Baal and every mouth that has not kissed him.” The Call of Elisha 19 So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen before him, and he was with the twelfth. And Elijah passed by him and threw his cloak on him. 20 And he left the oxen and ran after Elijah, and said, “Let me, I ask you, kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” And he said to him, “Go back again, for what have I done to you?” 21 And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen and slew them, and boiled their meat using the instruments of the oxen, and gave to the people, and they ate. Then he arose and went after Elijah and ministered to him. Ahab’s First Syrian Campaign And Ben-hadad the king of Syria gathered all his army together. And there were thirty-two
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kings with him, and horses and chariots. And he went up and besieged Samaria and warred against it. 2 And he sent messengers into the city to Ahab, king of Israel, and said to him, “This is what Ben-hadad says: 3 ‘Your silver and your gold are mine; your wives and your children, even the best of them, are also mine.’” 4 And the king of Israel answered and said, “My lord, O king, according to your saying, I am yours, and all that I have.” 5 And the messengers returned and said, “This is what Ben-hadad speaks, saying, ‘Although I have sent to you, saying, “You shall deliver to me your silver and your gold and your wives and your children,” 6 yet I will send my servants to you about this time tomorrow, and they shall search your house and the houses of your servants. And it shall be, that whatever is pleasant in your eyes, they shall put it in their hands and take it away.’” 7 Then the king of Israel called all the elders of the land and said, “Take note, I ask you, and see how this man seeks harm, for he sent to me for my wives and for my children and for my silver and for my gold, and I did not deny him.” 8 And all the elders and all the people said to him, “Do not listen to him or consent.” 9 Therefore he said to the messengers of Ben-hadad, “Tell my lord the king, ‘All that you sent for to your servant the first time I will do, but this thing I may not do.’” And the messengers departed and brought him word again.
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1 Kings 20:17 10 And Ben-hadad sent to him and
said, “The gods do so to me, and more also, if the dust of Samaria shall be enough for handfuls for all the people who follow me.” 11 And the king of Israel answered and said, “Tell him, ‘Do not let him who girds on his armor boast of himself like he who takes it off.’” 12 And it came to pass when Ben-hadad heard this message, as he was drinking, he and the kings in the pavilions, that he said to his servants, “Set yourselves in formation.” And they set themselves in formation against the city. 13 And behold, a prophet came to Ahab, king of Israel, saying, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Have you seen all this great multitude? Behold, I will deliver it into your hand this day, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” 14 And Ahab said, “By whom?” And he said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Even by the young men of the princes of the provinces.’” Then he said, “Who shall order the battle?” And he answered, “You.” 15 Then he counted the young men of the princes of the provinces, and they were two hundred and thirty- two. And after them he counted all the people, even all the children of Israel: seven thousand. 16 And they went out at noon. But Ben-hadad was drinking himself drunk in the pavilions, he and the kings, the thirty-two kings who helped him. 17 And the young men of the princes of the provinces went out first. And Ben-hadad sent out men, and they told him, saying, “Men are coming out of Samaria.”
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18 And he said, “If they are coming
out for peace, take them alive, or if they are coming out for war, take them alive.” 19 So these young men of the princes of the provinces and the army that followed them came out of the city. 20 And every one slew his man. And the Syrians fled and Israel pursued them. And Ben-hadad the king of Syria escaped on a horse with the horsemen. 21 And the king of Israel went out and struck the horses and chariots and slew the Syrians with a great slaughter. The Prophet Warns Ahab 22 And the prophet came to the king of Israel and said to him, “Go, strengthen yourself, and take note of and see what you should do, for in the spring the king of Syria will come up against you.” 23 And the servants of the king of Syria said to him, “Their gods are gods of the hills; therefore they were stronger than we were, but let us fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they. 24 And do this thing: take the kings away, every man out of his place, and put captains in their places. 25 And number an army like the army that you have lost, horse for horse and chariot for chariot. And we will fight against them in the plain, and surely we shall be stronger than they.” And he listened to their voice and did so. 26 And it came to pass in the spring that Ben-hadad numbered the Syrians and went up to Aphek to fight against Israel. 27 And the children of Israel were numbered, and were
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all present, and went against them. And the children of Israel camped before them like two little flocks of young goats, but the Syrians filled the country. 28 And a man of God came and spoke to the king of Israel and said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Because the Syrians have said, “The Lord is God of the hills, but He is not God of the valleys,” therefore I will deliver all this great multitude into your hand, and you shall know that I am the Lord.’” 29 And they camped opposite each other for seven days. And so it was that on the seventh day the battle was joined. And the children of Israel slew a hundred thousand footmen of the Syrians in one day. 30 But the rest fled to Aphek, into the city, and there a wall fell on twenty-seven thousand of the men who were left. And Ben-hadad fled and came into the city, into an inner chamber. 31 And his servants said to him, “Behold now, we have heard that the kings of the house of Israel are merciful kings. Let us, I ask you, put sackcloth on our loins and ropes on our heads and go out to the king of Israel; perhaps he will save your life.” 32 So they girded sackcloth on their loins and put ropes on their heads and came to the king of Israel and said, “Your servant Ben-hadad says, ‘I ask you, let me live.’” And he said, “Is he still alive? He is my brother.” 33 Now the men diligently observed whether anything would come from him, and they hastily caught it, and said, “Your brother Ben-hadad.”
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Then he said, “Go, bring him.” Then Ben-hadad came out to him, and he had him come up into the chariot. 34 And Ben-hadad said to him, “I will restore the cities that my father took from your father, and I shall make streets for you in Damascus, as my father made in Samaria.” Then Ahab said, “I will send you away with this covenant.” So he made a covenant with him and sent him away. Ahab’s Sin in Sparing Ben-Hadad 35 And a certain man of the sons of the prophets said to his neighbor in the word of the Lord, “Strike me, I ask you.” And the man refused to strike him. 36 Then he said to him, “Because you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord, behold, as soon as you have departed from me, a lion shall slay you.” And as soon as he had departed from him, a lion found him and slew him. 37 Then he found another man and said, “Strike me, I ask you.” And the man struck him, so that in striking he wounded him. 38 So the prophet departed, and waited for the king by the road, and disguised himself with ashes on his face. 39 And as the king passed by, he cried to the king and he said, “Your servant went out into the midst of the battle, and behold, a man turned aside and brought a man to me and said, ‘Keep this man; if by any means he is missing, then your life shall be for his life, or else you shall pay a talent of silver.’ 40 And as your servant was busy here and there, he was gone.” And the king of Israel said to him,
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“So shall your judgment be; you yourself have decided it.” 41 And he hastened and took the ashes away from his face, and the king of Israel discerned that he was one of the prophets. 42 And he said to him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Because you have let go out of your hand a man whom I appointed to utter destruction, therefore your life shall go for his life, and your people for his people.’” 43 And the king of Israel went to his house heavy and displeased, and came to Samaria. Ahab Covets Naboth’s Vineyard And it came to pass after these things that Naboth the Jezreelite had a vineyard that was in Jezreel, next to the palace of Ahab, king of Samaria. 2 And Ahab spoke to Naboth, saying, “Give me your vineyard, that I may have it for a garden of vegetables, because it is near to my house. And for it I will give you a better vineyard than it. Or, if it seems good to you, I will give you its worth in money.” 3 And Naboth said to Ahab, “The Lord forbid that I should give the inheritance from my fathers to you.” 4 And Ahab came into his house heavy and displeased because of the word that Naboth the Jezreelite had spoken to him. For he had said, “I will not give you the inheritance of my fathers.” And he lay down on his bed and turned away his face, and would eat no bread. 5 But his wife Jezebel came to him and said to him, “Why is your spirit so sad that you do not eat bread?” 6 And he said to her, “Because I
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spoke to Naboth the Jezreelite and said to him, ‘Give me your vineyard for money, or else, if it pleases you, I will give you another vineyard for it.’ And he answered, ‘I will not give you my vineyard.’” 7 And his wife Jezebel said to him, “Do you now govern the kingdom of Israel? Arise and eat bread, and let your heart be merry. I will give you the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite.” 8 So she wrote letters in Ahab’s name and sealed them with his seal, and sent the letters to the elders and to the nobles who were dwelling with Naboth in his city. 9 And she wrote in the letters, saying, “Proclaim a fast and set Naboth on high among the people. 10 And set two men before him, sons of Belial, to bear witness against him, saying, ‘You blasphemed God and the king.’ And then carry him out and stone him so that he may die.” 11 And the men of his city, even the elders and the nobles who were the inhabitants in his city, did as Jezebel had sent to them, and as it was written in the letters that she had sent to them. 12 They proclaimed a fast and set Naboth on high among the people. 13 And two men, children of Belial, came in and sat before him. And the men of Belial witnessed against him, even against Naboth, in the presence of the people, saying, “Naboth blasphemed God and the king.” Then they carried him forth out of the city and stoned him with stones so that he died. 14 Then they sent to Jezebel, saying, “Naboth has been stoned and is dead.” 15 And it came to pass, when
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Jezebel heard that Naboth had been stoned and was dead, that Jezebel said to Ahab, “Arise, take possession of the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite, which he refused to give you for money. For Naboth is not alive, but dead.” 16 And it came to pass, when Ahab heard that Naboth was dead, that Ahab rose up to go down to the vineyard of Naboth the Jezreelite to take possession of it. Elijah Announces Ahab’s Doom 17 And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 18 “Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria. Behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone down to possess it. 19 And you shall speak to him, saying, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Have you killed and also taken possession?”’ And you shall speak to him, saying, ‘This is what the Lord says: “In the place where dogs licked the blood of Naboth, dogs shall lick your blood, even yours.”’” 20 And Ahab said to Elijah, “Have you found me, O my enemy?” And he answered, “I have found you, because you have sold yourself to work evil in the sight of the Lord: 21 ‘Behold, I will bring evil on you, and will take away your posterity and will cut off from Ahab him who urinates against the wall and him who is shut up and left in Israel. 22 And I will make your house like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah, because of the provocation with which you have provoked Me to anger and caused Israel to sin.’ 23 And of Jezebel the
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Lord also spoke, saying, ‘The dogs shall eat Jezebel by the wall of Jezreel.’ 24 The dogs shall eat him who dies of Ahab in the city, and the birds of the air shall eat him who dies in the field.” 25 But there was none like Ahab who sold himself to work wickedness in the sight of the Lord, whom his wife Jezebel stirred up. 26 And he acted very abominably in following idols, according to all things such as the Amorites did, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. Ahab’s Repentance Gains Him a Respite 27 And it came to pass when Ahab heard those words, that he tore his clothes and put sackcloth on his body and fasted, and lay in sackcloth and went about quietly. 28 And the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite, saying, 29 “See how Ahab humbles himself before Me? Because he humbles himself before Me, I will not bring the evil in his days. But I will bring the evil on his house in his son’s days.” Three Years’ Peace And they continued for three years without war between Syria and Israel. 2 And it came to pass, in the third year, that Jehoshaphat the king of Judah came down to the king of Israel. 3 And the king of Israel said to his servants, “Do you know that Ramoth in Gilead is ours, and we are still and do not take it out of the hand of the king of Syria?” 4 And he said to Jehoshaphat, “Will you go to battle with me to Ramoth-gilead?”
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And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “I am as you are, my people as your people, my horses as your horses.” 5 And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire, I ask you, for the word of the Lord today.” 6 Then the king of Israel gathered the prophets together, about four hundred men, and said to them, “Shall I go to battle against Ramoth- gilead, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.” 7 And Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not a prophet of the Lord here besides these, that we might inquire of him?” 8 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “There is still one man, Micaiah the son of Imlah, by whom we may inquire of the Lord. But I hate him, for he does not prophesy good concerning me, but evil.” And Jehoshaphat said, “Let the king not say so.” 9 Then the king of Israel called an officer and said, “Bring Micaiah the son of Imlah here quickly.” 10 And the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah each sat on his throne, having put on their robes, in an empty place at the entrance of the gate of Samaria, and all the prophets prophesied before them. 11 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah made horns of iron for himself, and he said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘With these you shall push the Syrians until you have consumed them.’” 12 And all the prophets prophesied so, saying, “Go up to Ramoth-gilead
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and prosper, for the Lord shall deliver it into the king’s hand.” 13 And the messenger who had gone to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, “Behold now, the words of the prophets declare good to the king with one mouth. Let your word, I ask you, be like the word of one of them, and speak what is good.” 14 And Micaiah said, “As the Lord lives, what the Lord says to me, that I will speak.” 15 So he came to the king. And the king said to him, “Micaiah, shall we go against Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall we refrain?” And he answered him, “Go and prosper, for the Lord shall deliver it into the hand of the king.” 16 And the king said to him, “How many times shall I solemnly charge you that you tell me nothing but what is true in the name of the Lord?” 17 And he said, “I saw all Israel scattered on the hills, as sheep that do not have a shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no master. Let every man return to his house in peace.’” 18 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that he would prophesy no good concerning me, but evil?” 19 And he said, “Therefore hear the word of the Lord. I saw the Lord sitting on His throne, and all the host of heaven standing by Him, on His right hand and on His left. 20 And the Lord said, ‘Who shall persuade Ahab that he may go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ And one said in this manner and another said in that manner. 21 And a
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spirit came forth and stood before the Lord and said, ‘I will persuade him.’ 22 And the Lord said to him, ‘With what?’ And he said, ‘I will go forth, and I will be a lying spirit in the mouth of all his prophets.’ And He said, ‘You shall persuade him, and also prevail. Go forth and do so.’ 23 Now therefore, behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of all these prophets of yours, and the Lord has spoken evil concerning you.” 24 But Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah went near and struck Mica iah on the cheek and said, “Which way did the Spirit of the Lord go from me to speak to you?” 25 And Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day when you shall go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.” 26 And the king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son 27 and say, ‘This is what the king says: “Put this fellow in prison, and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction until I come in peace.”’” 28 And Micaiah said, “If you return at all in peace, the Lord has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Listen, O people, every one of you.” Defeat and Death of Ahab 29 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. 30 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself and enter into the battle, but you put on your robes.” And the king of Israel disguised himself and went into the battle.
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the king of Syria commanded his thirty-two captains who had rule over his chariots, saying, “Fight with neither small nor great, except only with the king of Israel.” 32 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, “Surely it is the king of Israel.” And they turned aside to fight against him, and Jehoshaphat cried out. 33 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, that they turned back from pursuing him. 34 And a certain man drew a bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the joints of his armor. Therefore he said to the driver of his chariot, “Turn your hand and carry me out of the army, for I am wounded.” 35 And the battle increased that day. And the king was propped up in his chariot in front of the Syrians, and died at evening. And the blood ran out of the wound into the midst of the chariot. 36 And around sunset a proclamation went throughout the army, saying, “Every man to his city and every man to his own country.” 37 So the king died and was brought to Samaria, and they buried the king in Samaria. 38 And one man washed the chariot in the pool of Samaria, and the dogs licked up his blood, and they washed his armor, according to the word of the Lord that He had spoken. 39 Now the rest of the acts of Ahab and all that he did, and the ivory house that he made and all the cities that he built, are they not written
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in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? Accession of Ahaziah over Israel 40 So Ahab slept with his fathers. And his son Ahaziah reigned in his place. Accession of Jehoshaphat over Judah 41 And Jehoshaphat the son of Asa began to reign over Judah in the fourth year of Ahab king of Israel. 42 Jehoshaphat was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 43 And he walked in all the ways of his father, Asa. He did not turn aside from them, doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord. Nevertheless the high places were not taken away, for the people still offered sacrifices and burned incense on the high places. 44 And Jehoshaphat made peace with the king of Israel. 45 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, and his might that he showed and how he warred, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 46 And he took out of the land the remnant of the sodomites who remained in the days of his father, Asa. 47 There was no king in Edom then; only a deputy was king. 48 Jehoshaphat made ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they did not go, for the ships were broken at Ezion-geber. 49 Then Ahaziah the son of Ahab said to Jehoshaphat, “Let my servants go with your servants in the ships.” But Jehoshaphat would not.
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Death of Jehoshaphat 50 And Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father. And his son Jehoram reigned in his place. The Character of Ahaziah 51 Ahaziah the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria in the seventeenth year of Jehoshaphat
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king of Judah, and reigned two years over Israel. 52 And he did evil in the sight of the Lord, and walked in the way of his father and in the way of his mother and in the way of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who caused Israel to sin. 53 For he served Baal and worshipped him, and provoked the Lord God of Israel to anger, according to all that his father had done.
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2 KINGS INTRODUCTION TO 2 KINGS The books of 1 and 2 Kings were originally joined in one book. The narrative covers almost five hundred years, tracing the history of Israel and Judah from the last days of the monarchy under David to the disintegration and capture of the divided kingdoms. AUTHOR The author of this book is unknown. While there is a Jewish tradition that points to the prophet Jeremiah as the author, there is more evidence that the book evolved over a long period of time. OCCASION First and Second Kings were written to the people of the southern kingdom of Judah to explain that the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel was God’s judgment on their idolatry, to call the southern kingdom to repentance for following Israel’s example, and to remind them of the hope promised through the royal—and ultimately messianic—line of David.
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Rebellion of Moab Then Moab rebelled against Israel after the death of Ahab. 2 And Ahaziah fell down through a lattice in his upper chamber that was in Samaria and was sick, and he sent messengers and said to them, “Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this disease.”
And he said, “It is Elijah the Tishbite.” 9 Then the king sent to him a captain of fifty with his fifty. And he went up to him, and behold, he was sitting on the top of a hill. And he spoke to him, “Man of God, the king has said, ‘Come down.’” 10 And Elijah answered and said to the captain of fifty, “If I am a man of God, then let fire come Elijah’s Deliverance down from heaven and consume 3But the angel of the Lord said to you and your fifty.” And fire came Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to down from heaven and consumed meet the messengers of the king of him and his fifty. 11 Again he also Samaria and say to them, ‘Is it be- sent to him another captain of fifty cause there is no God in Israel that with his fifty. you are going to inquire of Baal- And he answered and said to zebub, the god of Ekron?’ 4 Now him, “O man of God, this is what therefore, this is what the Lord the king has said: ‘Come down says, ‘You shall not come down quickly.’” 12 And Elijah answered and said to from that bed on which you have lain but shall surely die.’” And Eli- them, “If I am a man of God, let fire jah departed. come down from heaven and con5 And when the messengers sume you and your fifty.” And the turned back to him, he said to them, fire of God came down from heaven “Why have you now turned back?” and consumed him and his fifty. 6 And they said to him, “A man 13 And again he sent a third captain came up to meet us and said to us, of fifty with his fifty. And the third ‘Go, return to the king who sent captain of fifty went up and came you, and say to him, “This is what and fell on his knees before Elijah the Lord says: ‘Is it because there is and begged him and said to him, “O no God in Israel that you are send- man of God, I ask you, let my life ing messengers to inquire of Baal- and the lives of these fifty servants zebub, the god of Ekron? Therefore of yours be precious in your sight. you shall not come down from that 14 Behold, fire came down from bed on which you have lain but shall heaven and burned up the two capsurely die.’”’” tains of the former fifties with their 7 And he said to them, “What kind fifties. Therefore, let my life now be of man was he who came up to meet precious in your sight.” 15 And the angel of the Lord said you and told you these words?” 8 And they answered him, “He was to Elijah, “Go down with him. Do a hairy man and girded with a belt not be afraid of him.” And he arose of leather around his loins.” and went down with him to the
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king. 16 And he said to him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Because you have sent messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, is it because there is no God in Israel to inquire of His word? Therefore you shall not come down off that bed on which you have lain but shall surely die.’” Death of Ahaziah 17 So he died according to the word of the Lord that Elijah had spoken. And because he had no son, Jehoram reigned in his place, in the second year of Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah. 18 Now the rest of the acts of Ahaziah that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? The Translation of Elijah And it came to pass, when the Lord was about to take up Elijah into heaven by a whirlwind, that Elijah went with Elisha from Gilgal. 2 And Elijah said to Elisha, “Stay here, I ask you, for the Lord has sent me to Bethel.” And Elisha said to him, “As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they went down to Bethel. 3 And the sons of the prophets who were at Bethel came forth to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from your head today?” And he said, “Yes, I know it. Keep silent.” 4 And Elijah said to him, “Elisha, stay here, I ask you, for the Lord has sent me to Jericho.”
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And he said, “As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” So they came to Jericho. 5 And the sons of the prophets who were at Jericho came to Elisha and said to him, “Do you know that the Lord will take away your master from your head today?” And he answered, “Yes, I know it. Keep silent.” 6 And Elijah said to him, “Stay here, I ask you, for the Lord has sent me to the Jordan.” And he said, “As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” And the two went on. 7 And fifty men of the sons of the prophets went and stood to watch from far off, and the two stood by the Jordan. 8 And Elijah took his cloak and wrapped it together and struck the waters, and they were divided here and there, so that the two went over on dry ground. 9 And it came to pass, when they had crossed over, that Elijah said to Elisha, “Ask what I should do for you before I am taken away from you.” And Elisha said, “I ask you, let a double portion of your spirit be upon me.” 10 And he said, “You have asked a hard thing. Nevertheless, if you see me when I am taken from you, it shall be so for you, but if not, it shall not be so.” 11 And it came to pass, as they still went on and talked, that behold, a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and parted them both apart, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.
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The Spirit Comes on Elisha 12 And Elisha saw it, and he cried, “My father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen.” And he saw him no more. And he took hold of his own clothes and tore them in two pieces. 13 He also took up the cloak of Elijah that fell from him and went back and stood by the bank of the Jordan. 14 And he took the cloak of Elijah that fell from him and struck the waters and said, “Where is the Lord God of Elijah?” And when he also had struck the waters, they parted here and there, and Elisha went over. 15 And when the sons of the prophets who were there to watch at Jericho saw him, they said, “The spirit of Elijah rests on Elisha.” And they came to meet him and bowed themselves to the ground before him. 16 And they said to him, “Behold now, there are fifty strong men with your servants. Let them go, we ask you, and seek your master, lest perhaps the Spirit of the Lord has taken him up and cast him on some mountain or into some valley.” And he said, “You shall not send them.” 17 And when they urged him until he was ashamed, he said, “Send them.” Therefore they sent fifty men, and they searched for three days but did not find him. 18 And when they came again to him, for he remained at Jericho, he said to them, “Did I not say to you, ‘Do not go’?” 19 And the men of the city said to Elisha, “Behold, I ask you, the location of this city is pleasant, as my
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lord sees, but the water is bad and the ground barren.” 20 And he said, “Bring me a new jar and put salt in it.” And they brought it to him. 21 And he went out to the spring of the waters and cast the salt in there and said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘I have healed these waters. There shall not come from there any more death or barren land.’” 22 So the waters have been healed to this day, according to the saying of Elisha that he spoke. Irreverence Cursed 23 And he went up from there to Bethel, and as he was going up by the way, little children came forth out of the city and mocked him and said to him, “Go up, you baldhead! Go up, you baldhead!” 24 And he turned back and looked on them and cursed them in the name of the Lord. And two female bears came forth out of the woods and mauled forty-two of the children. 25 And he went from there to Mount Carmel, and from there he returned to Samaria. Accession of Jehoram over Israel Now Jehoram the son of Ahab began to reign over Israel in Samaria the eighteenth year of Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, and reigned twelve years. 2 And he worked evil in the sight of the Lord, but not like his father and like his mother, for he put away the image of Baal that his father had made. 3 Nevertheless he clung to the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. He did not depart from them.
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sheep breeder and paid the king of Israel one hundred thousand lambs and one hundred thousand rams, with the wool. 5 But it came to pass, when Ahab was dead, that the king of Moab rebelled against the king of Israel. 6 And King Jehoram went out of Samaria at that time and numbered all Israel. 7 And he went and sent to Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, saying, “The king of Moab has rebelled against me. Will you go with me to battle against Moab?” And he said, “I will go up. I am as you are, my people as your people, and my horses as your horses.” 8 And he said, “Which way shall we go up?” And he answered, “The way through the wilderness of Edom.” Elisha Reproves the Alliance with Jehoram 9 So the king of Israel and the king of Judah and the king of Edom went, and they made a circuit of seven days’ journey. And there was no water for the army or for the cattle that followed them. 10 And the king of Israel said, “Alas, that the Lord has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab!” 11 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there not a prophet of the Lord here, that we may inquire of the Lord by him?” And one of the servants of the king of Israel answered and said, “Here is Elisha the son of Shaphat, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.”
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12 And
Jehoshaphat said, “The word of the Lord is with him.” So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat and the king of Edom went down to him. 13 And Elisha said to the king of Israel, “What have I to do with you? Go to the prophets of your father and to the prophets of your mother.” And the king of Israel said to him, “No, for the Lord has called these three kings together to deliver them into the hand of Moab.” 14 And Elisha said, “As the Lord of hosts lives, before whom I stand, surely if I did not regard the presence of Jehoshaphat the king of Judah, I would not look toward you or see you. 15 But now bring me a musician.” And it came to pass, when the musician played, that the hand of the Lord came on him. Elisha’s Promise of Water and Victory 16 And he said, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Make this valley full of ditches.’ 17 For this is what the Lord says, ‘You shall not see wind, nor shall you see rain, yet that valley shall be filled with water, that you may drink, both you and your cattle and your beasts.’ 18 And this is but a simple matter in the sight of the Lord. He will also deliver the Moabites into your hand. 19 And you shall strike every fortified city and every choice city and shall cut down every good tree and stop up all wells of water and ruin every good piece of land with stones.” 20 And it came to pass in the
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morning, when the grain offering was offered, that behold, water came by the way of Edom, and the country was filled with water. 21 And when all the Moabites heard that the kings had come up to fight against them, they gathered all who were able to put on armor, and older, and stood at the border. 22 And they rose up early in the morning, and the sun shone on the water. And the Moabites saw the water on the other side as red as blood. 23 And they said, “This is blood. The kings are surely slain, and they have struck one another. Now therefore, Moab, to the plunder!” 24 And when they came to the camp of Israel, the Israelites rose up and struck the Moabites, so that they fled before them. But they went forward striking the Moabites even in their country. 25 And they beat down the cities, and every man cast his stone on every good piece of land and filled it. And they stopped up all the wells of water and cut down all the good trees. Only in Kir-hareseth they left its stones, but the slingers surrounded it and struck it. 26 And when the king of Moab saw that the battle was too great for him, he took with him seven hundred men who drew swords to break through even to the king of Edom, but they could not. 27 Then he took his eldest son who should have reigned in his place and offered him as a burnt offering on the wall. And there was great indignation against Israel, and they departed from him and returned to their own land.
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The Increase of the Widow’s Oil Now a certain woman of the wives of the sons of the prophets cried to Elisha, saying, “Your servant my husband is dead, and you know that your servant feared the Lord. And the creditor is coming to take my two sons for himself to be slaves.” 2 And Elisha said to her, “What shall I do for you? Tell me, what do you have in the house?” And she said, “Your handmaiden does not have anything in the house except a pot of oil.” 3 Then he said, “Go around and borrow vessels from all your neighbors—even empty vessels. Do not borrow a few. 4 And when you have come in, you shall shut the door on you and on your sons and shall pour out into all those vessels. And you shall set aside what is full.” 5 So she went from him and shut the door on her and on her sons, who brought the vessels to her, and she poured out. 6 And it came to pass, when the vessels were full, that she said to her son, “Bring me yet a vessel.” And he said to her, “There is not one vessel more.” And the oil stopped. 7 Then she came and told the man of God. And he said, “Go, sell the oil and pay your debt, and you and your children live on the rest.”
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The Great Woman of Shunem 8 And it happened one day that Eli sha went to Shunem, where there was a great woman, and she compelled him to eat bread. And so it
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was, that as often as he passed by, he turned in there to eat bread. 9 And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I perceive that this is a holy man of God who passes by us continually. 10 Let us make a little chamber, I ask you, on the wall, and let us set for him there a bed and a table and a stool and a candlestick. And it shall be, when he comes to us, that he shall turn in there.” 11 And it happened one day that he came there, and he turned into the chamber and lay there. 12 And he said to his servant Gehazi, “Call this Shunammite.” And when he had called her, she stood before him. 13 And he said to him, “Now say to her, ‘Behold, you have troubled yourself for us with all this care. What is to be done for you? Do you want to be spoken for to the king or to the captain of the army?’” And she answered, “I dwell among my own people.” 14 And he said, “What then is to be done for her?” And Gehazi answered, “Truly she has no child, and her husband is old.” 15 And he said, “Call her.” And when he had called her, she stood in the door. 16 And he said, “Around this season, according to the time of life, you shall embrace a son.” And she said, “No, my lord. Man of God, do not lie to your handmaiden.” 17 And the woman conceived and bore a son at that season that Elisha had said to her, according to the time of life.
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Elisha Raises the Dead 18 And when the child was grown, it happened one day that he went out to his father, to the reapers. 19 And he said to his father, “My head, my head!” And he said to a youth, “Carry him to his mother.” 20 And when he had taken him and brought him to his mother, he sat on her knees until noon and then died. 21 And she went up and laid him on the bed of the man of God and shut the door on him and went out. 22 And she called to her husband and said, “Send me, I ask you, one of the young men and one of the donkeys, that I may run to the man of God and return.” 23 And he said, “Why will you go to him today? It is neither New Moon nor Sabbath.” And she said, “It shall be well.” 24 Then she saddled a donkey and said to her servant, “Drive and go forward. Do not delay your pace for me unless I tell you.” 25 So she went and came to the man of God at Mount Carmel. And it came to pass, when the man of God saw her from far off, that he said to his servant Gehazi, “Behold, over there is that Shunammite. 26 Run now, I ask you, to meet her and say to her, ‘Is it well with you? Is it well with your husband? Is it well with the child?’” And she answered, “It is well.” 27 And when she came to the hill to the man of God, she caught him by the feet, but Gehazi came near to push her away. And the man of God said, “Leave her alone, for her soul is troubled within her, and the Lord
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has hidden it from me and has not told me.” 28 Then she said, “Did I ask for a son from my lord? Did I not say, ‘Do not deceive me’?” 29 Then he said to Gehazi, “Gird up your loins and take my staff in your hand and go your way. If you meet any man, do not greet him, and if any greet you, do not answer him. And lay my staff on the face of the child.” 30 And the mother of the child said, “As the Lord lives and as your soul lives, I will not leave you.” And he arose and followed her. 31 And Gehazi passed on before them and laid the staff on the face of the child, but there was neither a sound nor a response. Therefore he went again to meet him and told him, saying, “The child has not awakened.” 32 And when Elisha came into the house, behold, the child was dead and laid on his bed. 33 Therefore he went in and shut the door on the two of them and prayed to the Lord. 34 And he went up and lay on the child and put his mouth on his mouth and his eyes on his eyes and his hands on his hands, and stretched himself on the child. And the flesh of the child grew warm. 35 Then he returned and walked back and forth in the house and went up and stretched himself on him. And the child sneezed seven times, and the child opened his eyes. 36 And he called Gehazi and said, “Call this Shunammite.” So he called her. And when she came in to him, he said, “Take up your son.” 37 Then she went in and fell at his feet and
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bowed herself to the ground and took up her son and went out. Elisha Cures Poisonous Soup 38 And Elisha came again to Gilgal, and there was a famine in the land. And the sons of the prophets were sitting before him, and he said to his servant, “Put on the large pot and boil stew for the sons of the prophets.” 39 And one went out into the field to gather herbs and found a wild vine and gathered from it a lapful of wild gourds and came and shred them into the pot of stew, for they did not know what they were. 40 So they poured it out for the men to eat. And it came to pass, as they were eating the stew, that they cried out and said, “O man of God, there is death in the pot!” And they could not eat from it. 41 But he said, “Then bring flour.” And he cast it into the pot, and he said, “Pour it out for the people, that they may eat.” And then there was nothing harmful in the pot. 42 And a man from Baal-shalisha came and brought the man of God bread of the firstfruits, twenty loaves of barley and full ears of grain in the husk. And he said, “Give to the people, that they may eat.” 43 And his attendant said, “What? Should I set this before one hundred men?” He said again, “Give it to the people, that they may eat, for this is what the Lord says: ‘They shall eat and shall leave some of it.’” 44 So he set it before them, and they ate and had some of it left, according to the word of the Lord.
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The Healing of Naaman Now Naaman, captain of the army of the king of Syria, was a great man with his master and honorable because by him the Lord had given deliverance to Syria. He was also a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. 2 And the Syrians had gone out by companies and had taken captive a young girl out of the land of Israel, and she waited on Naaman’s wife. 3 And she said to her mistress, “I wish to God my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! For he would heal him of his leprosy.” 4 And one went in and told his lord, saying, “This is what the young girl who is from the land of Israel said.” 5 And the king of Syria said, “Go to him. Go, and I will send a letter to the king of Israel.” And he departed and took with him ten talents of silver and six thousand pieces of gold and ten changes of clothing. 6 And he brought the letter to the king of Israel, saying, “Now when this letter comes to you, behold, I have sent it to you with Naaman my servant, that you may heal him of his leprosy.” 7 And it came to pass, when the king of Israel had read the letter, that he tore his clothes and said, “Am I God, to kill and to make alive, that this man sends to me a man to heal his leprosy? Therefore consider, I ask you, and see how he seeks a quarrel against me.” 8 And it was so, when Elisha the man of God had heard that the king of Israel had torn his clothes, that he sent to the king, saying, “Why have you torn your clothes?
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Let him now come to me, and he shall know that there is a prophet in Israel.” 9 So Naaman came with his horses and with his chariot and stood at the door of the house of Elisha. 10 And Elisha sent a messenger to him, saying, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times. And your skin shall come back to you, and you shall be clean.” 11 But Naaman was angry and went away and said, “Behold, I thought, ‘He will surely come out to me and stand and call on the name of the Lord his God and wave his hand over the place and heal the leper.’ 12 Are not the Abanah and the Pharpar, rivers of Damascus, better than all the waters of Israel? May I not wash in them and be clean?” So he turned and went away in a rage. 13 And his servants came near and spoke to him and said, “My father, if the prophet had told you to do some great thing, would you not have done it? How much more, then, when he says to you, ‘Wash and be clean’?” 14 Then he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God, and his skin came back like the skin of a little child, and he was clean. 15 And he returned to the man of God, he and all his company, and came and stood before him. And he said, “Behold, now I know that there is no God in all the earth except in Israel. Now therefore, I ask you, take a gift from your servant.” 16 But he said, “As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive nothing.” And he urged him to take it, but he refused.
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17 And Naaman said, “Shall there
not then, I pray you, be given to your servant two mules’ burden of earth? For from now on your servant will offer neither burnt offering nor sacrifice to other gods, but to the Lord. 18 In this thing the Lord pardon your servant, that when my master goes into the house of Rimmon to worship there and he leans on my hand, and I bow myself in the house of Rimmon—when I bow down myself in the house of Rimmon, may the Lord pardon your servant for this.” 19 And he said to him, “Go in peace.” So he departed from him a little way. Gehazi’s Sin and Its Penalty 20 But Gehazi, the servant of Elisha the man of God, said, “Behold, my master has spared Naaman this Syrian in not receiving from his hands what he brought, but as the Lord lives, I will run after him and take something from him.” 21 So Gehazi followed after Naaman. And when Naaman saw him running after him, he descended from the chariot to meet him and said, “Is all well?” 22 And he said, “All is well. My master has sent me, saying, ‘Behold, even now two young men of the sons of the prophets have come to me from Mount Ephraim. Give them, I ask you, a talent of silver and two changes of garments.’” 23 And Naaman said, “Be content; take two talents.” And he urged him and bound two talents of silver in two bags with two changes of garments and laid them on two of his
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servants, and they bore them before him. 24 And when he came to the tower, he took them from their hand and stored them in the house. And he let the men go, and they departed. 25 But he went in and stood before his master. And Elisha said to him, “Where have you come from, Gehazi?” And he said, “Your servant went nowhere.” 26 And he said to him, “Did my heart not go with you when the man turned back from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money and to receive garments and olive groves and vineyards and sheep and oxen and male and female slaves? 27 Therefore the leprosy of Naaman shall cling to you and to your offspring forever.” And he went out from his presence a leper, as white as snow. Elisha Recovers the Lost Ax-Head And the sons of the prophets said to Elisha, “Behold now, the place where we dwell with you is too cramped for us. 2 Let us go, we ask you, to the Jordan, and every man take a beam from there, and let us make for ourselves a place there where we may dwell.” And he answered, “Go.” 3 And one said, “Be pleased, I ask you, and go with your servants.” And he answered, “I will go.” 4 So he went with them. And when they came to the Jordan, they cut down trees. 5 But as one was cutting down a beam, the ax-head fell into the water, and he cried and said, “Alas, master! For it was borrowed.”
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did it fall?” And he showed him the place. And he cut down a stick and cast it in there, and the iron floated. 7 Therefore he said, “Take it up to yourself.” And he put out his hand and took it.
Elisha Reveals Ben-Hadad’s Plans 8 Then the king of Syria made war against Israel and took counsel with his servants, saying, “My camp shall be at such and such a place.” 9 And the man of God sent to the king of Israel, saying, “Beware that you do not pass such a place, for the Syrians are coming down there.” 10 And the king of Israel sent to the place that the man of God told him and warned him of, and saved himself there, not once or twice. 11 Therefore the heart of the king of Syria was greatly troubled by this, and he called his servants and said to them, “Will you not tell me which of us is for the king of Israel?” 12 And one of his servants said, “None, my lord, O king, but Elisha, the prophet who is in Israel, tells the king of Israel the words that you speak in your bedroom.” 13 And he said, “Go and spy where he is, that I may send and take him.” And it was told him, saying, “Behold, he is in Dothan.” 14 Therefore he sent horses and chariots and a great army there, and they came by night and surrounded the city. 15 And when the servant of the man of God had risen early and gone forth, behold, an army with both horses and chariots
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surrounded the city. And his servant said to him, “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” 16 And he answered, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 17 And Elisha prayed and said, “Lord, I ask You, open his eyes that he may see.” And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha. 18 And when they came down to him, Elisha prayed to the Lord and said, “Strike this people, I ask You, with blindness.” And He struck them with blindness according to the word of Elisha. 19 And Elisha said to them, “This is not the way, nor is this the city. Follow me, and I will bring you to the man whom you seek.” But he led them to Samaria. 20 And it came to pass, when they had come to Samaria, that Elisha said, “Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see.” And the Lord opened their eyes, and they saw. And behold, they were in the midst of Samaria. 21 And when he saw them, the king of Israel said to Elisha, “My father, shall I strike them? Shall I strike them?” 22 And he answered, “You shall not strike them. Would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? Set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink and go to their master.” 23 And he prepared great provision for them, and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away and they went to their
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master. So the raiding parties of Syria no longer came into the land of Israel. The Syrian Siege of Samaria 24 And it came to pass after this that Ben-hadad, king of Syria, gathered all his army and went up and besieged Samaria. 25 And there was a great famine in Samaria, and behold, they besieged it until a donkey’s head was sold for eighty pieces of silver and a fourth of a kab of dove’s dung for five pieces of silver. 26 And as the king of Israel was passing by on the wall, a woman there cried to him, saying, “Help, my lord, O king.” 27 And he said, “If the Lord does not help you, from what place shall I help you? From the threshing floor or from the winepress?” 28 And the king said to her, “What is troubling you?” And she answered, “This woman said to me, ‘Give your son that we may eat him today, and tomorrow we will eat my son.’ 29 So we boiled my son and ate him. And on the next day I said to her, ‘Give your son, that we may eat him,’ and she has hidden her son.” 30 And it came to pass, when the king heard the words of the woman, that he tore his clothes, and he passed by on the wall. And the people looked, and behold, he had sackcloth underneath on his flesh. 31 Then he said, “God do so to me and more also if the head of Elisha the son of Shaphat shall stand on him this day.” 32 But Elisha sat in his house, and the elders sat with him. And the king sent a man from before him,
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but before the messenger came to him, he said to the elders, “Do you see how this son of a murderer has sent someone to cut off my head? Look, when the messenger comes, shut the door and hold him firmly at the door. Is the sound of his master’s feet not behind him?” 33 And while he was still talking with them, behold, the messenger came down to him, and he said, “Behold, this evil is from the Lord. Why should I wait for the Lord any longer?” Elisha’s Promise of Food Then Elisha said, “Hear the word of the Lord. This is what the Lord says: ‘Tomorrow about this time a measure of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel at the gate of Samaria.’” 2 Then a lord on whose hand the king leaned answered the man of God and said, “Behold, if the Lord would make windows in heaven, might this thing be?” And he said, “Behold, you shall see it with your eyes but shall not eat of it.” 3 And there were four leprous men at the entrance of the gate, and they said to one another, “Why are we sitting here until we die? 4 If we say, ‘We will enter the city,’ then the famine is in the city, and we shall die there. And if we sit still here, we will also die. Now therefore, come and let us fall to the army of the Syrians. If they save us alive, we shall live, and if they kill us, we shall but die.” 5 And they rose up in the twilight to go to the camp of the Syrians, and when they had come to the outskirts
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of the camp of Syria, behold, there was no man there. 6 For the Lord had made the army of the Syrians to hear a noise of chariots and a noise of horses—even the noise of a great army. And they said to one another, “Behold, the king of Israel has hired against us the kings of the Hittites and the kings of the Egyptians to come upon us.” 7 Therefore they arose and fled in the twilight and left their tents and their horses and their donkeys—even the camp as it was—and fled for their life. 8 And when these lepers came to the outskirts of the camp, they went into one tent and ate and drank and carried silver and gold and clothing from there and went and hid it, and came back and entered into another tent and also carried from there and went and hid it. 9 Then they said to one another, “We are not doing well. This day is a day of good news, and we keep silent. If we delay until the morning light, some evil will come on us. Now therefore, come, that we may go and tell the king’s household.” 10 So they came and called to the gatekeepers of the city, and they told them, saying, “We came to the camp of the Syrians, and behold, there was no man there, nor voice of man, but horses tied and donkeys tied, and the tents as they were.” 11 And he called the gatekeepers, and they told it to the king’s house inside. 12 And the king arose in the night and said to his servants, “I will now tell you what the Syrians have done to us. They know that we are hungry. Therefore they have gone out
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of the camp to hide themselves in the field, saying, ‘When they come out of the city, we shall catch them alive and get into the city.’” 13 And one of his servants answered and said, “Let some take, I ask you, five of the horses that remain that are left in the city. Behold, they are like all the multitude of Israel who are left in it. Behold, I say, they are even like all the multitude of the Israelites who are consumed. And let us send them and see.” 14 Therefore they took two chariot horses, and the king sent them after the army of the Syrians, saying, “Go and see.” 15 And they went after them to the Jordan, and behold, all the way was full of garments and vessels that the Syrians had cast away in their haste. And the messengers returned and told the king. Elisha’s Promise Fulfilled 16 And the people went out and plundered the tents of the Syrians. So a measure of fine flour was sold for a shekel and two measures of barley for a shekel according to the word of the Lord. 17 And the king appointed the lord on whose hand he leaned to have the charge of the gate. And the people trampled him at the gate, and he died, as the man of God had said, who spoke when the king came down to him. 18 And it came to pass as the man of God had spoken to the king, saying, “Two measures of barley for a shekel and a measure of fine flour for a shekel shall be tomorrow about this time at the gate of Samaria.” 19 And that lord answered the man
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of God and said, “Now behold, if the Lord should make windows in heaven, might such a thing be?” And he said, “Behold, you shall see it with your eyes but shall not eat of it.” 20 And so it happened to him, for the people trampled him at the gate and he died. Elisha Predicts the Seven Years’ Famine Then Elisha spoke to the woman whose son he had restored to life, saying, “Arise, and you and your household go and sojourn wherever you can sojourn, for the Lord has called for a famine. And it shall also come on the land seven years.” 2 And the woman arose and did according to the word of the man of God, and she went with her household and sojourned in the land of the Philistines seven years. 3 And it came to pass, at the seven years’ end, that the woman returned out of the land of the Philistines, and she went forth to cry to the king for her house and for her land. 4 And the king talked with Gehazi, the servant of the man of God, saying, “Tell me, I ask you, all the great things that Elisha has done.” 5 And it came to pass, as he was telling the king how he had restored a dead body to life, that behold, the woman whose son he had restored to life cried to the king for her house and for her land. And Gehazi said, “My lord, O king, this is the woman, and this is her son, whom Elisha restored to life.” 6 And when the king asked the woman, she told him. So the king appointed a certain officer for her, saying, “Restore all
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that was hers and all the fruits of the field since the day that she left the land even until now.” 7 And Elisha came to Damascus, and Ben-hadad the king of Syria was sick. And it was told to him, saying, “The man of God has come here.” 8 And the king said to Hazael, “Take a present in your hand and go meet the man of God and inquire of the Lord by him, saying, ‘Shall I recover from this disease?’” 9 So Hazael went to meet him and took a present with him—forty camels’ loads even of every good thing of Damascus—and came and stood before him and said, “Your son Ben-hadad, king of Syria, has sent me to you, saying, ‘Shall I recover from this disease?’” 10 And Elisha said to him, “Go, say to him, ‘You may certainly recover.’ However the Lord has shown me that he shall surely die.” 11 And he steadfastly set his countenance until he was ashamed, and the man of God wept. 12 And Hazael said, “Why do you weep, my lord?” And he answered, “Because I know the evil that you will do to the children of Israel. You will set their strongholds on fire, and you will slay their young men with the sword. And you will dash their children and rip up their pregnant women.” 13 And Hazael said, “But what is your servant—a dog—that he should do this great thing?” And Elisha answered, “The Lord has shown me that you shall be king over Syria.” 14 So he departed from Elisha and
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came to his master, who said to him, “What did Elisha say to you?” And he answered, “He told me that you should surely recover.” 15 And it came to pass on the next day, that he took a thick cloth and dipped it in water and spread it on his face so that he died. And Hazael reigned in his place. 16 And in the fifth year of Joram the son of Ahab, king of Israel, and Jehoshaphat being then king of Judah, Jehoram the son of Jehoshaphat king of Judah began to reign. 17 He was thirty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. 18 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, as the house of Ahab had done, for the daughter of Ahab was his wife, and he did evil in the sight of the Lord. 19 Yet the Lord would not destroy Judah, for David His servant’s sake, as He promised him to give a light to him and to his children always. The Revolts of Edom and Libnah 20 In his days Edom revolted from under the hand of Judah and made a king over themselves. 21 So Joram went over to Zair and all the chariots with him. And he rose at night and struck the Edomites who surrounded him and the captains of the chariots. And the people fled into their tents. 22 Yet Edom has revolted from under the hand of Judah to this day. Then Libnah revolted at the same time. 23 And the rest of the acts of Joram and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 24 And Joram
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slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And Ahaziah his son reigned in his place. Accession of Ahaziah over Judah 25 In the twelfth year of Joram the son of Ahab, king of Israel, Ahaziah the son of Jehoram, king of Judah, began to reign. 26 Ahaziah was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Athaliah, the granddaughter of Omri, king of Israel. 27 And he walked in the way of the house of Ahab and did evil in the sight of the Lord, as did the house of Ahab, for he was the son-in-law of the house of Ahab. 28 And he went with Joram the son of Ahab to the war against Hazael, king of Syria, in Ramoth-gilead, and the Syrians wounded Joram. 29 And King Joram went back to be healed in Jezreel from the wounds that the Syrians had given him at Ramah when he fought against Hazael, king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram, king of Judah, went down to see Joram the son of Ahab in Jezreel, because he was sick. Jehu Anointed King And Elisha the prophet called one of the children of the prophets and said to him, “Gird up your loins and take this box of oil in your hand and go to Ramoth-gilead. 2 And when you arrive there, look out for Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, and go in and make him rise up from among his brothers, and carry him to an inner
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chamber. 3 Then take the box of oil and pour it on his head and say, ‘This is what the Lord says: “I have anointed you king over Israel.”’ Then open the door and flee, and do not delay.” 4 So the young man, even the young man the prophet, went to Ramoth-gilead. 5 And when he came, behold, the captains of the army were sitting, and he said, “I have a message for you, O captain.” And Jehu said, “For which one of us?” And he said, “For you, O captain.” 6 And he arose and went into the house. And he poured the oil on his head and said to him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘I have anointed you king over the people of the Lord, even over Israel. 7 And you shall strike the house of Ahab your master, that I may avenge the blood of My servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of the Lord at the hand of Jezebel. 8 For the whole house of Ahab shall perish, and I will cut off from Ahab him who urinates against the wall and him who is shut up and left in Israel. 9 And I will make the house of Ahab like the house of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, and like the house of Baasha the son of Ahijah. 10 And the dogs shall eat Jezebel in the territory of Jezreel, and there shall be no one to bury her.’” And he opened the door and fled. 11 Then Jehu came forth to the servants of his lord, and one said to him, “Is all well? Why did this madman come to you?” And he said to them, “You know the man and his talk.”
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12 And they said, “It is false. Tell us
now.” And he said, “He spoke such and such to me, saying, ‘This is what the Lord says: “I have anointed you king over Israel.”’” 13 Then they hastened, and every man took his garment and put it under him on the top of the stairs, and blew with trumpets, saying, “Jehu is king!” 14 So Jehu the son of Jehoshaphat, the son of Nimshi, conspired against Joram. (Now Joram had defended Ramoth-gilead, he and all Israel, because of Hazael, king of Syria. 15 But King Joram had returned to Jezreel to be healed of the wounds that the Syrians had given him when he fought with Hazael, king of Syria.) And Jehu said, “If it is in your minds, then let no one go forth or escape out of the city to go tell it in Jezreel.” 16 So Jehu rode in a chariot and went to Jezreel, for Joram lay there, and Ahaziah, king of Judah, had come down to see Joram. 17 And a watchman stood on the tower in Jezreel, and he saw the company of Jehu as he came and said, “I see a company.” And Joram said, “Take a horseman and send to meet them, and let him say, ‘Is it peace?’” 18 So one went on horseback to meet him and said, “This is what the king says: ‘Is it peace?’” And Jehu said, “What do you have to do with peace? Turn and follow me.” And the watchman reported, saying, “The messenger came to them, but he is not coming back.”
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horseback, who came to them and said, “This is what the king says: ‘Is it peace?’” And Jehu answered, “What do you have to do with peace? Turn and follow me.” 20 And the watchman reported, saying, “He came even to them and is not coming back, and the driving is like the driving of Jehu the son of Nimshi, for he drives furiously.” 21 And Joram said, “Make ready.” And his chariot was made ready. And Joram, king of Israel, and Ahaziah, king of Judah, went out, each in his chariot, and they went out against Jehu and met him on the property of Naboth the Jezreelite. 22 And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, “Is it peace, Jehu?” And he answered, “What peace, so long as the prostitution of your mother, Jezebel, and her witchcrafts are so many?” 23 And Joram turned his hands and fled and said to Ahaziah, “There is treachery, O Ahaziah!” 24 And Jehu drew a bow with his full strength and struck Joram between his arms. And the arrow went out at his heart, and he sank down in his chariot. 25 Then Jehu said to Bidkar, his captain, “Take up and cast him on the property of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite, for remember how, when I and you rode together after his father, Ahab, the Lord laid this burden on him: 26 ‘Surely I saw yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will repay you on this property,’ says the Lord. Now therefore,
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take and cast him on the property, according to the word of the Lord.” Ahaziah Slain 27 But when Ahaziah the king of Judah saw this, he fled by the way of the garden house. And Jehu followed after him and said, “Strike him also in the chariot.” And they did so at the ascent of Gur, which is by Ibleam. And he fled to Megiddo and died there. 28 And his servants carried him in a chariot to Jerusalem and buried him in his sepulchre with his fathers in the city of David. 29 And in the eleventh year of Joram the son of Ahab, Ahaziah began to reign over Judah. The Slaying of Jezebel 30 And when Jehu had come to Jezreel, Jezebel heard about it, and she painted her face and adorned her head and looked out at a window. 31 And as Jehu entered in at the gate, she said, “Did Zimri, who slew his master, have peace?” 32 And he lifted up his face to the window and said, “Who is on my side? Who?” And two or three eunuchs looked out at him. 33 And he said, “Throw her down.” So they threw her down, and some of her blood spattered on the wall and on the horses. And he trampled her underfoot. 34 And when he had come in, he ate and drank, and said, “Go, see now this cursed woman and bury her, for she is a king’s daughter.” 35 And they went to bury her, but they found no more of her than the skull and the feet and the palms of her hands. 36 Therefore they came
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back and told him. And he said, “This is the word of the Lord, which He spoke by His servant Elijah the Tishbite, saying, ‘On the property of Jezreel dogs shall eat the flesh of Jezebel, 37 and the corpse of Jezebel shall be as dung on the surface of the field on the property of Jezreel, so that they shall not say, “This is Jezebel.”’” Judgment on the House of Ahab And Ahab had seventy sons in Samaria. And Jehu wrote and sent letters to Samaria, to the rulers of Jezreel, to the elders, and to those who brought up Ahab’s children, saying, 2 “Now as soon as this letter comes to you, since your master’s sons are with you and the chariots and horses are with you, a fortified city also, and armor, 3 select the best and most capable of your master’s sons and set him on his father’s throne and fight for your master’s house.” 4 But they were exceedingly afraid and said, “Behold, two kings did not stand before him. How then shall we stand?” 5 And he who was over the house and he who was over the city, the elders also, and the guardians of the children sent to Jehu, saying, “We are your servants and will do all that you shall tell us. We will not make anyone king. Do what is good in your eyes.” 6 Then he wrote a letter to them a second time, saying, “If you are mine and if you will listen to my voice, take the heads of the men, your master’s sons, and come to me to Jezreel by this time tomorrow.” Now the king’s sons, being seventy
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persons, were with the great men of the city who brought them up. 7 And it came to pass, when the letter came to them, that they took the king’s sons and slew seventy persons, and put their heads in baskets, and sent them to him at Jezreel. 8 And a messenger came and told him, saying, “They have brought the heads of the king’s sons.” And he said, “Lay them in two heaps at the entrance of the gate until morning.” 9 And it came to pass in the morning that he went out and stood and said to all the people, “You are righteous. Behold, I conspired against my master and slew him, but who slew all these? 10 Know now that nothing of the word of the Lord, which the Lord spoke concerning the house of Ahab, shall fall to the earth, for the Lord has done what He spoke through His servant Elijah.” 11 So Jehu slew all who remained of the house of Ahab in Jezreel and all his great men and his relatives and his priests, until he left him none remaining. 12 And he arose and departed and came to Samaria. And as he was at the shearing house on the way, 13 Jehu met with the brothers of Ahaziah, king of Judah, and said, “Who are you?” And they answered, “We are the brothers of Ahaziah, and we go down to greet the children of the king and the children of the queen.” 14 And he said, “Take them alive.” And they took them alive and slew them at the pit of the shearing house, even forty-two men. He did not leave any of them.
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when he departed from there, he happened on Jehonadab the son of Rechab coming to meet him, and he greeted him and said to him, “Is your heart right, as my heart is with your heart?” And Jehonadab answered, “It is.” “If it is, give me your hand.” And he gave him his hand, and he took him up to him into the chariot. 16 And he said, “Come with me and see my zeal for the Lord.” So they made him ride in his chariot. 17 And when he came to Samaria, he slew all who remained to Ahab in Samaria, until he had destroyed them, according to the word of the Lord, which He spoke to Elijah. Jehu Exterminates Baal Worship 18 And Jehu gathered all the people together and said to them, “Ahab served Baal a little, but Jehu shall serve him much. 19 Now therefore, call to me all the prophets of Baal, all his servants, and all his priests. Let no one be missing, for I have a great sacrifice to do to Baal. Whoever shall be missing, he shall not live.” But Jehu did it in subtlety, to the intent that me might destroy the worshippers of Baal. 20 And Jehu said, “Proclaim a solemn assembly for Baal.” And they proclaimed it. 21 And Jehu sent through all Israel, and all the worshippers of Baal came, so that there was not a man left who did not come. And they came into the house of Baal, and the house of Baal was full from one end to another. 22 And he said to him who was over the wardrobe, “Bring forth garments for all the worshippers of Baal.”
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And he brought forth garments for them. 23 And Jehu went, and Jehonadab the son of Rechab, into the house of Baal and said to the worshippers of Baal, “Search and look, that there be here with you none of the servants of the Lord, but only the worshippers of Baal.” 24 And when they went in to offer sacrifices and burnt offerings, Jehu appointed eighty men outside and said, “If any of the men whom I have brought into your hands escapes, he who lets him go, his life shall be for the life of him.” 25 And it came to pass, as soon as he had finished offering the burnt offering, that Jehu said to the guard and to the captains, “Go in and slay them! Let no one come out!” And they struck them with the edge of the sword, and the guard and the captains cast them out and went to the city of the house of Baal. 26 And they brought forth the images out of the house of Baal and burned them. 27 And they broke down the image of Baal and broke down the house of Baal and made it a latrine to this day. 28 Thus Jehu destroyed Baal out of Israel. 29 However Jehu did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin— namely, from the golden calves that were in Bethel and that were in Dan. 30 And the Lord said to Jehu, “Because you have done well in executing what is right in My eyes and have done to the house of Ahab according to all that was in My heart, your children to the fourth generation shall sit on the throne of Israel.” 31 But Jehu took no heed to walk in
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the law of the Lord God of Israel with all his heart, for he did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam, who made Israel to sin. Power of Israel Diminished 32 In those days the Lord began to cut Israel short, and Hazael struck them in all the territory of Israel 33 from the Jordan eastward, all the land of Gilead, the Gadites and the Reubenites and the Manassites, from Aroer, which is by the river Arnon, even Gilead and Bashan. 34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehu and all that he did and all his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 35 And Jehu slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria. And his son Jehoahaz reigned in his place. 36 And the time that Jehu reigned over Israel in Samaria was twenty-eight years. The Seed of Judah Destroyed, Except Joash And when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal heirs. 2 But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him from among the king’s sons who were slain, and they hid him, even him and his nurse, in the bedroom from Athaliah, so that he was not slain. 3 And he was hidden with her in the house of the Lord for six years. And Athaliah reigned over the land.
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Joash Becomes King over Judah 4 And the seventh year Jehoiada
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sent and brought the rulers over hundreds, with the captains and the guard, and brought them to him into the house of the Lord. And he made a covenant with them, and took an oath from them in the house of the Lord, and showed them the king’s son. 5 And he commanded them, saying, “This is the thing that you shall do. A third of you who enter on the Sabbath shall be keepers of the watch of the king’s house, 6 and a third shall be at the gate of Sur, and a third at the gate behind the guard. So you shall keep watch of the house, that it not be broken down. 7 And two parts of all you who go forth on the Sabbath, even they shall keep the watch of the house of the Lord for the king. 8 And you shall surround the king, every man with his weapons in his hand, and he who comes within range, let him be slain. And you are to be with the king when he goes out and when he comes in.” 9 And the captains over the hundreds did according to all that Jehoiada the priest commanded. And every man took his men who were to come in on the Sabbath with those who were to go out on the Sabbath and came to Jehoiada the priest. 10 And the priest gave to the captains over hundreds King David’s spears and shields that were in the temple of the Lord. 11 And the guard stood around the king, every man with his weapons in his hand, from the right corner of the temple to the left corner of the temple, by the altar and the temple. 12 And he brought out the king’s son and put the crown on him and gave him
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the testimony, and they made him king and anointed him. And they clapped their hands and said, “God save the king!” 13 And when Athaliah heard the noise of the guard and of the people, she came to the people into the temple of the Lord. 14 And when she looked, behold, the king stood by a pillar, as the manner was, and the princes and the trumpeters were by the king. And all the people of the land rejoiced and blew with trumpets. And Athaliah tore her clothes and cried, “Treason! Treason!” 15 But Jehoiada the priest commanded the captains of the hundreds, the officers of the army, and said to them, “Take her out between the ranks, and kill with the sword him who follows her.” For the priest had said, “Do not let her be slain in the house of the Lord.” 16 And they laid hands on her, and she went by the way where the horses came into the king’s house, and there she was slain. The Revival through Jehoiada 17 And Jehoiada made a covenant between the Lord and the king and the people, that they should be the Lord’s people, and also between the king and the people. 18 And all the people of the land went into the house of Baal and broke it down. They thoroughly broke in pieces his altars and his images and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. And the priest appointed officers over the house of the Lord. 19 And he took the rulers over hundreds, and the captains, and the guard, and all the people of the
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land, and they brought the king down from the house of the Lord and came by the way of the gate of the guard to the king’s house. And he sat on the throne of the kings. 20 And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was quiet. And they slew Athaliah with the sword beside the king’s house. 21 Jehoash was seven years old when he began to reign. The Reign of Jehoash In the seventh year of Jehu, Jehoash began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Zibiah of Beer-sheba. 2 And Jehoash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all his days that Jehoiada the priest instructed him. 3 But the high places were not taken away. The people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. 4 And Jehoash said to the priests, “All the money of the dedicated things that is brought into the house of the Lord—even the money of every one who passes the account, the money that every man is set at, and all the money that comes into any man’s heart to bring into the house of the Lord— 5 let the priests take it for themselves, every man from his acquaintance, and let them repair the breaches of the house, wherever any breach shall be found.” 6 But it was so, in the twenty-third year of King Jehoash, that the priests had not repaired the breaches of the house. 7 Then King Jehoash called for Jehoiada the priest and the other priests and
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said to them, “Why have you not repaired the breaches of the house? Now therefore, do not receive any more money from your acquaintance, but deliver it for the breaches of the house.” 8 And the priests consented to receive no more money from the people and to not repair the damages to the house. The Temple Repaired 9 But Jehoiada the priest took a chest and drilled a hole in its lid and set it beside the altar on the right side as one comes into the house of the Lord. And the priests who guarded the door put in it all the money that was brought into the house of the Lord. 10 And so it was, when they saw that there was much money in the chest, that the king’s scribe and the high priest came up, and they put it in bags and counted the money that was found in the house of the Lord. 11 And they gave the money that had been counted into the hands of those who did the work, who had the oversight of the house of the Lord, and they paid it out to the carpenters and builders who worked on the house of the Lord, 12 and to masons and stonecutters, and to buy timber and cut stone to repair the breaches of the house of the Lord, and for all that was laid out for the house to repair it. 13 However there were not made for the house of the Lord silver bowls, snuffers, basins, trumpets, any vessels of gold or vessels of silver, from the money that was brought into the house of the Lord. 14 But they gave that to the workmen and repaired the house of the Lord
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with it. 15 Moreover they did not require an account from the men into whose hand they delivered the money to be paid to the workmen, for they dealt faithfully. 16 The trespass money and sin money was not brought into the house of the Lord; it was the priests’. The Syrians Take Gath 17 Then Hazael, king of Syria, went up and fought against Gath and took it, and Hazael set his face to go up to Jerusalem. 18 And Jehoash, king of Judah, took all the sacred things that his fathers Jehoshaphat and Jehoram and Ahaziah, kings of Judah, had dedicated and his own sacred things and all the gold that was found in the treasuries of the house of the Lord and in the king’s house and sent it to Hazael, king of Syria. And he went away from Jerusalem. 19 And the rest of the acts of Joash and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 20 And his servants arose and made a conspiracy and slew Joash in the house of Millo, which goes down to Silla. 21 For his servants Jozacar the son of Shimeath and Jehozabad the son of Shomer struck him. And he died, and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David. And his son Amaziah reigned in his place. The Reign of Jehoahaz over Israel In the twenty-third year of Joash the son of Ahaziah, king of Judah, Jehoahaz the son of Jehu began to reign over Israel in Samaria
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and reigned seventeen years. 2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord and followed the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin. He did not depart from them. 3 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and He delivered them into the hand of Hazael, king of Syria, and into the hand of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael all their days. 4 And Jehoahaz pleaded with the Lord, and the Lord listened to him, for He saw the oppression of Israel because the king of Syria oppressed them. 5 And the Lord gave Israel a savior, so that they went out from under the hand of the Syrians. And the children of Israel dwelled in their tents as before. 6 Nevertheless they did not depart from the sins of the house of Jeroboam, who made Israel sin, but walked in them. And the grove also remained in Samaria. 7 Nor did he leave people for Jehoahaz except fifty horsemen and ten chariots and ten thousand footmen, for the king of Syria had destroyed them and had made them like the dust at threshing. 8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoahaz and all that he did and his might, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 9 And Jehoahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in Samaria. And his son Joash reigned in his place. Accession of Jehoash over Israel 10 In the thirty-seventh year of Joash, king of Judah, Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz began to reign over Israel in Samaria and reigned sixteen
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years. 11 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel sin, but he walked in them. 12 And the rest of the acts of Joash and all that he did and his might with which he fought against Amaziah king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 13 And Joash slept with his fathers. And Jeroboam sat on his throne. And Joash was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. Illness of Elisha; Visit of Joash 14 Now Elisha had fallen sick with the illness of which he died. And Joash the king of Israel came down to him and wept over his face and said, “O my father, my father, the chariot of Israel and its horsemen.” 15 And Elisha said to him, “Take a bow and arrows.” And he took for himself a bow and arrows. 16 And he said to the king of Israel, “Put your hand on the bow.” And he put his hand on it, and Elisha put his hands on the king’s hands. 17 And he said, “Open the east window.” And he opened it. Then Elisha said, “Shoot.” And he shot. And he said, “The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance and the arrow of deliverance from Syria, for you shall strike the Syrians in Aphek until you have consumed them.” 18 And he said, “Take the arrows.” And he took them. And he said to the king of Israel, “Strike the ground.” And he struck three times and stopped. 19 And the man of God was angry with him and said, “You should have struck five or six times; then you would have struck Syria
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until you had consumed it. But now you shall strike Syria only three times.”
to reign and reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 3 And he did what was right Death of Elisha; the Miracle in the sight of the Lord, yet not like at His Tomb his father David. He did according 20 And Elisha died, and they buried to all things as his father, Joash, had him. And the bands of the Moabites done. 4 However the high places invaded the land in the spring of the were not taken away, as the people year. 21 And it came to pass, as they still sacrificed and burned incense were burying a man, that behold, on the high places. 5 And it came to pass, as soon as they spied a band of men, and they threw the man into the sepulchre of the kingdom was confirmed in his Elisha. And when the man was let hand, that he slew his servants who down and touched the bones of Eli- had slain his father the king. 6 But he sha, he revived and stood up on his did not slay the children of the murfeet. derers according to what is written 22 But Hazael, king of Syria, opin the Book of the Law of Moses in pressed Israel all the days of Jeho- which the Lord commanded, sayahaz. 23 And the Lord was gracious ing, “The fathers shall not be put to to them, and had compassion on death for the children, nor the chilthem, and had respect for them be- dren be put to death for the fathers. cause of His covenant with Abra- But every man shall be put to death ham, Isaac, and Jacob, and would for his own sin.” 7 He slew ten thousand from Edom not destroy them. Nor did He cast them from His presence up to this in the Valley of Salt and took Sela by point. war and called its name Joktheel to 24 So Hazael, king of Syria, died. this day. 8 Then Amaziah sent messengers And his son Ben-hadad reigned in 25 his place. And Jehoash the son of to Jehoash the son of Jehoahaz, Jehoahaz again took out of the hand son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, of Ben-hadad the son of Hazael the “Come, let us look one another in cities that he had taken in war out the face.” 9 And Jehoash the king of Israel of the hand of his father, Jehoahaz. Joash beat him three times and re- sent to Amaziah, king of Judah, saycovered the cities of Israel. ing, “The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in LebaThe Reign of Amaziah non, saying, ‘Give your daughter to over Judah my son to be his wife.’ And a wild In the second year of Joash beast that was in Lebanon passed son of Jehoahaz, king of Is- by and trampled the thistle. 10 You rael, Amaziah the son of Joash, king have indeed struck Edom, and your of Judah, reigned. 2 He was twenty- heart has lifted you up. Glory in this five years old when he began and remain at home, for why should
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you meddle with trouble, that you should fall—even you and Judah with you?” 11 But Amaziah would not listen. Therefore Jehoash, king of Israel, went up, and he and Amaziah, king of Judah, looked one another in the face at Beth-shemesh, which belongs to Judah. 12 And Judah was defeated by Israel, and they fled, every man, to their tents. 13 And Jehoash, king of Israel, took Amaziah, king of Judah, the son of Jehoash, the son of Ahaziah, at Bethshemesh and came to Jerusalem and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate—four hundred cubits. 14 And he took all the gold and silver, and all the vessels that were found in the house of the Lord and in the treasuries of the king’s house, and hostages and returned to Samaria. 15 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoash that he did and his might and how he fought with Amaziah, king of Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 16 And Jehoash slept with his fathers and was buried in Samaria with the kings of Israel. And his son Jeroboam reigned in his place. Death of Amaziah 17 And Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, lived fifteen years after the death of Jehoash son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. 18 And the rest of the acts of Amaziah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 19 Now they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But they sent after him to
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Lachish and slew him there. 20 And they brought him on horses, and he was buried in Jerusalem with his fathers in the city of David. Azariah Succeeds Amaziah as King of Judah 21 And all the people of Judah took Azariah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king instead of his father, Amaziah. 22 He built Elath and restored it to Judah after the king slept with his fathers. Reign of Jeroboam II over Israel 23 In the fifteenth year of Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, began to reign in Samaria and reigned forty-one years. 24 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not depart from all the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 25 He restored the border of Israel from the entrance of Hamath to the sea of the plain, according to the word of the Lord God of Israel, which He spoke by the hand of His servant Jonah the son of Amittai, the prophet who was from Gath-hepher. 26 For the Lord saw the affliction of Israel, that it was very bitter, for there were none who were imprisoned, nor any left, nor any helper for Israel. 27 And the Lord did not say that He would blot out the name of Israel from under heaven, but He saved them by the hand of Jeroboam the son of Joash. Death of Jeroboam II 28 Now the rest of the acts of Jero boam and all that he did and his
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might, how he fought and how he recovered for Israel Damascus and Hamath, which had belonged to Judah, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 29 And Jeroboam slept with his fathers, even with the kings of Israel. And his son Zechariah reigned in his place. Reign of Azariah over Judah In the twenty-seventh year of Jeroboam, king of Israel, Azariah son of Amaziah, king of Judah, began to reign. 2 He was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. 3 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father, Amaziah, had done, 4 except that the high places were not removed. The people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. 5 And the Lord struck the king, so that he was a leper to the day of his death and dwelled in a separate house. And the king’s son Jotham was over the house, judging the people of the land.
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Death of Azariah 6 And the rest of the acts of Azariah and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 7 So Azariah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the city of David. And his son Jotham reigned in his place. Reign of Zechariah over Israel 8 In the thirty-eighth year of Azariah,
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king of Judah, Zechariah the son of Jeroboam reigned over Israel in Samaria six months. 9 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his fathers had done. He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. Death of Zechariah 10 And Shallum the son of Jabesh conspired against him and struck him before the people and slew him and reigned in his place. 11 And the rest of the acts of Zechariah, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. 12 This was the word of the Lord that He spoke to Jehu, saying, “Your sons shall sit on the throne of Israel to the fourth generation.” And so it came to pass. Reign of Shallum: His Death 13 Shallum the son of Jabesh began to reign in the thirty-ninth year of Uzziah, king of Judah, and he reigned a full month in Samaria. 14 For Menahem the son of Gadi went up from Tirzah and came to Samaria and struck Shallum the son of Jabesh in Samaria and slew him and reigned in his place. 15 And the rest of the acts of Shallum and his conspiracy that he made, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel. Reign of Menahem over Israel 16 Then Menahem struck Tiphsah and all who were in it and its borders from Tirzah because they did not open to him. Therefore he
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struck it, and he ripped open all its pregnant women. 17 In the thirty-ninth year of Azariah king of Judah, Menahem the son of Gadi began to reign over Israel and reigned ten years in Samaria. 18 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not depart all his days from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
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An Assyrian Invasion of Israel 19 And Pul the king of Assyria came against the land, and Menahem gave Pul a thousand talents of silver, that his hand might be with him to confirm the kingdom in his hand. 20 And Menahem exacted the money from Israel, even from all the mighty men of wealth, from each man fifty shekels of silver to give to the king of Assyria. So the king of Assyria turned back and did not stay there in the land.
Rebellion of Moab; Reign of Pekah over Israel: His Death 27 In the fifty-second year of Azariah, king of Judah, Pekah the son of Remaliah began to reign over Israel in Samaria and reigned twenty years. 28 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin. 29 In the days of Pekah, king of Israel, Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, came and took Ijon and Abel-beth-maacah and Janoah and Kedesh and Hazor and Gilead and Galilee, all the land of Naphtali. And he carried them captive to Assyria. 30 And Hoshea the son of Elah made a conspiracy against Pekah the son of Remaliah and struck him and slew him and reigned in his place in the twentieth year of Jotham the son of Uzziah. 31 And the rest of the acts of Pekah and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
Death of Menahem 21 And the rest of the acts of Menahem and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel? 22 And Menahem slept with his fathers. And his son Pekahiah reigned in his place. Death of Pekahiah 23 In the fiftieth year of Azariah, king of Judah, Pekahiah the son of Menahem began to reign over Israel in Samaria and reigned two years. 24 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. He did not depart from the sins of Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin.
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Pekah the son of Remaliah, a captain of his, conspired against him and struck him in Samaria in the palace of the king’s house with Argob and Arieh, and with him fifty men of the Gileadites. And he killed him and reigned in his place. 26 And the rest of the acts of Pekahiah and all that he did, behold, they are written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Israel.
Reign of Jotham over Judah 32 In the second year of Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, Jotham the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, began to reign. 33 He was
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twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jerusha the daughter of Zadok. 34 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord. He did according to all that his father, Uzziah, had done. 35 However, the high places were not removed. The people still sacrificed and burned incense on the high places. He built the upper gate of the house of the Lord. 36 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 37 In those days the Lord began to send Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah against Judah. 38 And Jotham slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David his father. And his son Ahaz reigned in his place. Reign of Ahaz over Judah In the seventeenth year of Pekah the son of Remaliah, Ahaz the son of Jotham, king of Judah, began to reign. 2 Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem, and he did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord his God, like his father David. 3 But he walked in the way of the kings of Israel. Yes, he made his son pass through the fire, according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out from before the children of Israel. 4 And he sacrificed and burned incense on the high places and on the hills and under every green tree.
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Invasion of Judah by Syria and Israel 5 Then Rezin, king of Syria, and Pekah, son of Remaliah, king of Israel, came up to Jerusalem for war, and they besieged Ahaz but could not overcome him. 6 At that time Rezin, king of Syria, restored Elath to Syria and drove the people of Judah from Elath. And the Syrians came to Elath and have dwelled there to this day. 7 So Ahaz sent messengers to Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, saying, “I am your servant and your son. Come up and save me from the hand of the king of Syria and from the hand of the king of Israel, who are rising up against me.” 8 And Ahaz took the silver and gold that was found in the house of the Lord and in the treasuries of the king’s house and sent it as a present to the king of Assyria. The Assyrians Take Damascus 9 And the king of Assyria listened to him, for the king of Assyria went up against Damascus and took it, and carried its people captive to Kir and slew Rezin. 10 And King Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglath-pileser, king of Assyria, and saw an altar that was at Damascus. And King Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the design of the altar and its pattern, according to all its workmanship. 11 And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that King Ahaz had sent from Damascus. So Urijah the priest made it before King Ahaz returned from Damascus. 12 And when the king came from Damascus, the king saw the altar, and the king approached
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the altar and offered on it. 13 And he burned his burnt offering and his grain offering, and poured his drink offering, and sprinkled the blood of his peace offerings on the altar. 14 And he also brought the brazen altar that was before the Lord from the forefront of the house—from between the altar and the house of the Lord—and put it on the north side of the altar. 15 And King Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, “On the great altar burn the morning burnt offering and the evening grain offering and the king’s burnt sacrifice and his grain offering with the burnt offering of all the people of the land and their grain offering and their drink offerings. And sprinkle on it all the blood of the burnt offering and all the blood of the sacrifice, and the brazen altar shall be for me to inquire by.” 16 Thus Urijah the priest did according to all that King Ahaz commanded. 17 And King Ahaz cut off the borders of the bases, and removed the laver from them, and took down the Sea from off the brazen oxen that were under it, and put it on the pavement of stones. 18 And the covered place for the Sabbath that they had built in the house and the king’s outside entrance, he removed from the house of the Lord for the king of Assyria. Death of Ahaz: Accession of Hezekiah 19 Now the rest of the acts of Ahaz that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 20 And Ahaz slept with his fathers and was buried
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with his fathers in the city of David. And his son Hezekiah reigned in his place. Reign of Hoshea over Israel In the twelfth year of Ahaz, king of Judah, Hoshea the son of Elah began to reign over Israel in Samaria nine years. 2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, but not as the kings of Israel who were before him. 3 Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came up against him, and Hoshea became his servant and gave him tribute.
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Israel Carried Away into Assyria 4 And the king of Assyria found that Hoshea had a conspiracy, for he had sent messengers to So, king of Egypt, and brought no tribute to the king of Assyria, as he had done year by year. Therefore the king of Assyria shut him up and bound him in prison. 5 Then the king of Assyria came up throughout all the land and went up to Samaria and besieged it three years. 6 In the ninth year of Hoshea, the king of Assyria took Samaria and carried Israel away into Assyria and placed them in Halah and in Habor by the river of Gozan and in the cities of the Medes. 7 For so it was that the children of Israel had sinned against the Lord their God—who had brought them up out of the land of Egypt from under the hand of Pharaoh, king of Egypt—and had feared other gods 8 and had walked in the statutes of the nations, whom the Lord cast out from before the children of Israel, and of the kings of Israel,
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which they had made. 9 And the children of Israel secretly did those things that were not right against the Lord their God, and they built for themselves high places in all their cities, from the watchtower to the fortified city. 10 And they set up for themselves images and groves on every high hill and under every green tree. 11 And there they burned incense in all the high places as the nations, whom the Lord carried away before them, had done and did wicked things to provoke the Lord to anger. 12 For they served idols of which the Lord had said to them, “You shall not do this thing.” 13 Yet the Lord testified against Israel and against Judah through all the prophets and through all the seers, saying, “Turn from your evil ways and keep My commandments and My statutes, according to all the law that I commanded your fathers and that I sent to you by My servants the prophets.” 14 However, they would not listen but hardened their necks like the necks of their fathers, who did not believe in the Lord their God. 15 And they rejected His statutes and His covenant that He made with their fathers and His testimonies that He had testified against them. And they followed idols and became worthless and went after the nations who surrounded them, concerning whom the Lord had charged them that they should not do like them. 16 And they left all the commandments of the Lord their God and made for themselves cast images—even two calves—and made a grove and worshipped all the host of heaven and
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served Baal. 17 And they caused their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire and used divination and enchantments and sold themselves to do evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger. 18 Therefore the Lord was very angry with Israel and removed them from His sight. There was none left but the tribe of Judah alone. 19 Also Judah did not keep the commandments of the Lord their God but walked in the statutes of Israel, which they made. 20 And the Lord rejected all the descendants of Israel and afflicted them and delivered them into the hand of plunderers, until He had cast them out of His sight. 21 For He tore Israel from the house of David, and they made Jeroboam the son of Nebat king. And Jeroboam drove Israel from following the Lord and made them sin a great sin. 22 For the children of Israel walked in all the sins that Jeroboam did. They did not depart from them, 23 until the Lord removed Israel out of His sight, as He had said by all His servants the prophets. So Israel was carried away out of their own land to Assyria, as it is to this day. Repopulating the Cities of Israel 24 And the king of Assyria brought men from Babylon and from Cuthah and from Avva and from Hamath and from Sepharvaim and placed them in the cities of Samaria instead of the children of Israel. And they possessed Samaria and dwelled in its cities. 25 And so it was, at the beginning of their dwelling there, that they did not fear the
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Lord. Therefore the Lord sent lions among them that slew some of them. 26 Therefore they spoke to the king of Assyria, saying, “The nations that you have removed and placed in the cities of Samaria do not know the custom of the God of the land. Therefore He has sent lions among them, and behold, they are slaying them because they do not know the custom of the God of the land.” 27 Then the king of Assyria commanded, saying, “Carry one of the priests there whom you brought from there, and let him go and dwell there. And let him teach them the custom of the God of the land.” 28 Then one of the priests whom they had carried away from Samaria came and dwelled in Bethel and taught them how they should fear the Lord. 29 However, every nation still made gods of their own and put them in the houses of the high places that the Samaritans had made, every nation in their cities in which they dwelled. 30 And the men of Babylon made Succoth-benoth, and the men of Cuth made Nergal, and the men of Hamath made Ashima, 31 and the Avvites made Nibhaz and Tartak, and the Sephar vites burned their children in fire to Adrammelech and Anamme lech, the gods of Sepharvaim. 32 So they feared the Lord and made for themselves, of the lowest of them, priests of the high places, who sacrificed for them in the houses of the high places. 33 They feared the Lord and served their own gods— according to the custom of the
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nations from which they had been carried away. 34 To this day they practice the former custom. They do not fear the Lord, nor do they follow the statutes or the ordinances or the law and commandment that the Lord commanded the children of Jacob, whom He named Israel, 35 with whom the Lord had made a covenant and commanded them, saying, “You shall not fear other gods or bow yourselves to them or serve them or sacrifice to them. 36 But the Lord, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt with great power and an outstretched arm, Him you shall fear. And you shall worship Him, and you shall sacrifice to Him. 37 And the statutes and the ordinances and the law and the commandment that He wrote for you, you shall observe forever. And you shall not fear other gods. 38 And you shall not forget the covenant that I have made with you, nor shall you fear other gods. 39 But you shall fear the Lord your God, and He shall deliver you out of the hand of all your enemies.” 40 However, they did not listen, but they did according to their former custom. 41 So these nations feared the Lord and served their carved images, both their children and their children’s children. As their fathers did, so they do to this day. Reign of Hezekiah and Revival Now it came to pass in the third year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, that Hezekiah the son of Ahaz, king of Judah, began to reign. 2 He was twenty-five
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years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. Also his mother’s name was Abi the daughter of Zechariah. 3 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done. 4 He removed the high places and broke the images and cut down the groves and broke in pieces the brazen serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the children of Israel burned incense to it and called it Nehushtan. 5 He trusted in the Lord God of Israel, so that after him there was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor any who were before him. 6 For he clung to the Lord and did not depart from following Him but kept His commandments, which the Lord commanded Moses. 7 And the Lord was with him, and he prospered wherever he went. And he rebelled against the king of Assyria and did not serve him. 8 He struck the Philistines, even to Gaza and its borders, from the watchtower to the fortified city. 9 And it came to pass in the fourth year of King Hezekiah, which was the seventh year of Hoshea son of Elah, king of Israel, that Shalmaneser, king of Assyria, came up against Samaria and besieged it. 10 And at the end of three years they took it. Even in the sixth year of Hezekiah, that is in the ninth year of Hoshea, king of Israel, Samaria was taken. 11 And the king of Assyria carried Israel away to Assyria and put them in Halah and in Habor, by the river of Gozan, and in the cities of the Medes 12 because they did
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not obey the voice of the Lord their God but transgressed His covenant and all that Moses the servant of the Lord commanded. And they would not listen to them or do them. Sennacherib Invades Judah 13 Now in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them. 14 And Hezekiah king of Judah sent to the king of Assyria to Lachish, saying, “I have offended. Return from me. Whatever you put on me I will bear.” And the king of Assyria appointed to Hezekiah, king of Judah, three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold. 15 And Hezekiah gave him all the silver that was found in the house of the Lord and in the treasuries of the king’s house. 16 At that time Hezekiah cut off the gold from the doors of the temple of the Lord and from the pillars that Hezekiah, king of Judah, had overlaid and gave it to the king of Assyria. 17 And the king of Assyria sent Tartan and Rabsaris and Rab-shakeh from Lachish to King Hezekiah with a great army against Jerusalem. And they went up and came to Jerusalem. And when they had come up, they came and stood by the conduit of the upper pool, which is on the highway of the fuller’s field. 18 And when they had called to the king, Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder went out to them. 19 And Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘This is what the
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great king, the king of Assyria, says: “What confidence is this in which you trust? 20 You say (but they are only empty words), ‘I have counsel and strength for the war.’ Now on whom do you trust, that you rebel against me? 21 Now behold, you are trusting in the staff of this bruised reed, even in Egypt, which will go into the hand and pierce a man who leans on it. So is Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to all who trust in him. 22 But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the Lord our God,’ is it not He whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah has taken away and who has said to Judah and Jerusalem, ‘You shall worship before this altar in Jerusalem’?”’ 23 Now therefore, I ask you, give pledges to my lord the king of Assyria, and I will give you two thousand horses—if you are able on your part to set riders on them. 24 How then will you turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master’s servants and put your trust in Egypt for chariots and for horsemen? 25 Have I now come up without the Lord against this place to destroy it? The Lord said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’” The Jewish Answer to Threats 26 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and Shebna, and Joah said to Rabshakeh, “Speak, I ask you, to your servants in the Syrian language, for we understand it. And do not talk with us in the Jews’ language in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.” 27 But Rabshakeh said to them, “Has my master sent me to your
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master and to you to speak these words? Has he not sent me to the men who sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung and drink their own urine with you?” 28 Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ language and spoke, saying, “Hear the word of the great king, the king of Assyria. 29 This is what the king says: ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he shall not be able to deliver you out of his hand. 30 Do not let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord, saying, “The Lord will surely deliver us, and this city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.”’ 31 Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: ‘Make an agreement with me with a present and come out to me. And then every man eat from his own vine and every one from his own fig tree, and every one drink the waters of his cistern, 32 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards, a land of olive oil and of honey, that you may live and not die. And do not listen to Hezekiah when he persuades you, saying, “The Lord will deliver us.” 33 Have any of the gods of the nations ever delivered his land out of the hand of the king of Assyria? 34 Where are the gods of Hamath and of Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand? 35 Who are they among all the gods of the countries that have delivered their country out of my hand, that the Lord should deliver
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Jerusalem out of my hand?’” 36 But the people were silent and did not answer him a word, for the king’s commandment was “Do not answer him.” 37 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph the recorder came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and told him the words of Rabshakeh. Hezekiah’s Message to Isaiah And it came to pass, when King Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord. 2 And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. 3 And they said to him, “This is what Hezekiah says: ‘This day is a day of trouble and of rebuke and blasphemy, for the children have come to the birth, and there is no strength to bring forth. 4 It may be that the Lord your God will hear all the words of Rabshakeh, whom his master the king of Assyria has sent to dishonor the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant who are left.’” 5 So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. 6 And Isaiah said to them, “This is what you shall say to your master: ‘This is what the Lord says: “Do not be afraid of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me.
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7 Behold, I will send a spirit upon
him, and he shall hear a rumor and shall return to his own land. And I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.”’” 8 So Rabshakeh returned and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah, for he had heard that he had departed from Lachish. 9 And when he heard it said of Tirhakah, king of Ethiopia, “Behold, he has come out to fight against you,” he sent messengers again to Hezekiah, saying, 10 “This is what you shall say to Hezekiah, king of Judah: ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, “Jerusalem shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.” 11 Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by utterly destroying them, and shall you be delivered? 12 Have the gods of the nations delivered those whom my fathers have destroyed, such as Gozan and Haran and Rezeph and the children of Eden who were in Telassar? 13 Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?’” Hezekiah’s Prayer 14 And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it, and Hezekiah went up into the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed before the Lord and said, “O Lord God of Israel who dwells between the cherubim, You are the God, even You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 16 Bow
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down Your ear, Lord, and hear. Open Your eyes, Lord, and see. And hear the words of Sennacherib, who has sent him to dishonor the living God. 17 Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have destroyed the nations and their lands 18 and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods but the work of men’s hands— wood and stone. Therefore they have destroyed them. 19 Now therefore, O Lord our God, I beseech You: save us out of his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord God, even You alone.” 20 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘I have heard what you have prayed to Me against Sennacherib, king of Assyria.’ 21 This is the word that the Lord has spoken concerning him: ‘The virgin, the daughter of Zion, has despised you and laughed you to scorn. The daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at you. 22 “‘Whom have you dishonored and blasphemed? And against whom have you exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes on high? Even against the Holy One of Israel. 23 By your messengers you have dishonored the Lord and have said, “With the multitude of my chariots I have come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and will cut down its tall cedar trees and its choice fir trees. And I will enter into the lodgings of his borders and into the forest of his Carmel. 24 I have dug and drunk foreign waters, and with the soles of my feet I have dried up all the
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rivers of besieged places.” 25 “‘Have you not heard long ago how I did it, and from ancient times that I have formed it? Now I have brought it to pass, that you would turn fortified cities into ruinous heaps. 26 Therefore their inhabitants had little power. They were dismayed and confounded. They were like the grass of the field, and like the green herb, like the grass on the housetops, and like grain that has withered before it has grown up. 27 “‘But I know your dwelling place, and your going out and your coming in, and your rage against Me. 28 Because your rage against Me and your tumult has come up to My ears, therefore I will put My hook in your nose and My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way by which you came. 29 “‘And this shall be a sign for you: this year you shall eat what grows by itself and in the second year what springs from the same. And in the third year sow and reap and plant vineyards and eat their fruit. 30 And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward and bear fruit upward. 31 For a remnant shall go forth out of Jerusalem, and those who escape out of Mount Zion. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this.’ 32 “Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria: ‘He shall not come into this city, or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with a shield, or build a siege ramp against it. 33 He shall return by the same way that he came, and he shall not come into this city,’ says
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the Lord. 34 ‘For I will defend this city, to save it for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.’” Jehovah Destroys the Assyrian Army 35 And it came to pass that night that the angel of the Lord went out and struck one hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians, and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. 36 So Sennacherib, king of Assyria, departed and went and returned and remained in Nineveh. 37 And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer killed him with the sword, and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And his son Esar-haddon reigned in his place. Hezekiah’s Illness and Recovery In those days Hezekiah was deathly sick. And the prophet Isaiah the son of Amoz came to him and said to him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die, and not live.’” 2 Then he turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, saying, 3 “I beseech You, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before You in truth and with a perfect heart and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept sorely. 4 And it came to pass, before Isaiah had gone out into the middle court, that the word of the Lord came to him, saying, 5 “Return and tell Hezekiah the captain of My people, ‘This
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is what the Lord, the God of David your father says: “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will heal you. On the third day you shall go up to the house of the Lord. 6 And I will add fifteen years to your days, and I will deliver you and this city out of the hand of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city for My own sake and for My servant David’s sake.”’” 7 And Isaiah said, “Take a lump of figs.” And they took it and laid it on the boil, and he recovered. 8 And Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “What shall be the sign that the Lord will heal me, and that I shall go up into the house of the Lord the third day?” 9 And Isaiah said, “This sign you shall have from the Lord, that the Lord will do the thing that He has spoken: Shall the shadow go forward ten degrees or go back ten degrees?” 10 And Hezekiah answered, “It is a light thing for the shadow to go down ten degrees; no, but let the shadow return backward ten degrees.” 11 And Isaiah the prophet cried to the Lord, and He brought the shadow ten degrees backward, by which it had gone down on the sundial of Ahaz. Hezekiah Exposes His Treasures 12 At that time Berodach-baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he had heard that Hezekiah had been sick. 13 And Hezekiah listened to them and showed them all the house of his precious
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things—the silver and the gold, and the spices, and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armor—and all that was found in his treasuries. There was nothing in his house or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. 14 Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah and said to him, “What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?” And Hezekiah said, “They have come from a far country, even from Babylon.” 15 And he said, “What have they seen in your house?” And Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all the things that are in my house. There is nothing among my treasuries that I have not shown them.” 16 And Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord: 17 ‘Behold, the days are coming that all that is in your house and what your fathers have laid up in store to this day shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left,’ says the Lord. 18 ‘And they shall take away some of your sons who shall come from you, whom you shall father, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’” 19 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah, “The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” And he said, “Is it not good, if peace and truth will be in my days?” Death of Hezekiah 20 And the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, and all his might, and how he made a pool and a conduit and brought water into the city, are they
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not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 21 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers. And his son Manasseh reigned in his place. Accession and Reign of Manasseh Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hephzibah. 2 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to the abominations of the nations, whom the Lord cast out before the children of Israel. 3 For he built up again the high places that his father, Hezekiah, had destroyed, and he built altars for Baal and made a grove, just as Ahab, king of Israel, had done, and worshipped all the host of heaven and served them. 4 And he built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord said, “In Jerusalem I will put My name.” 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courts of the house of the Lord. 6 And he made his son pass through the fire, and observed times, and used enchantments, and dealt with familiar spirits and wizards. He did much wickedness in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger. 7 And he set a carved image of the grove that he had made in the house of which the Lord said to David and to Solomon his son, “In this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen out of all tribes of Israel, I will put My name forever. 8 I will not make the feet of Israel move anymore out of the land that
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I gave their fathers—only if they will observe to do according to all that I have commanded them and according to all the law that My servant Moses commanded them.” 9 But they did not listen, and Manasseh seduced them to do more evil than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel. Jehovah’s Message about Manasseh’s Idolatries 10 And the Lord spoke by his servants the prophets, saying, 11 “Because Manasseh, king of Judah, has done these abominations and has done more wickedly than all that the Amorites who were before him did, and has also made Judah sin with his idols, 12 therefore this is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘Behold, I am bringing such evil on Jerusalem and Judah that whoever hears about it, both his ears shall tingle. 13 And I will stretch over Jerusalem the line of Samaria and the plumb line of the house of Ahab, and I will wipe Jerusalem as a man wipes a dish, wiping it and turning it upside down. 14 And I will forsake the remnant of My inheritance and deliver them into the hand of their enemies, and they shall become a prey and plunder for all their enemies 15 because they have done what was evil in My sight and have provoked Me to anger since the day their fathers came forth out of Egypt, even to this day.’” Manasseh’s Continued Reign and Death 16 Moreover Manasseh shed very
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much innocent blood, until he had filled Jerusalem from one end to another, besides his sin with which he made Judah to sin, in doing what was evil in the sight of the Lord. 17 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh, and all that he did, and his sin that he sinned, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 18 And Manasseh slept with his fathers and was buried in the garden of his own house, in the garden of Uzza. And his son Amon reigned in his place. Reign of Amon over Judah 19 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned two years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Meshullemeth the daughter of Haruz of Jotbah. 20 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his father, Manasseh, did. 21 And he walked in all the ways that his father walked and served the idols that his father served and worshipped them. 22 And he abandoned the Lord God of his fathers and did not walk in the way of the Lord. 23 And the servants of Amon conspired against him and slew the king in his own house. 24 And the people of the land slew all those who had conspired against King Amon. And the people of the land made his son Josiah king in his place. 25 Now the rest of the acts of Amon that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 26 And he was buried in his sepulchre in the garden of Uzza. And his son Josiah reigned in his place.
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2 Kings 22:16
Reign of Josiah Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned thirty-one years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jedidah the daughter of Adaiah of Bozkath. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, and walked in all the ways of his father David, and did not turn aside to the right hand or to the left. 3 And it came to pass, in the eighteenth year of King Josiah, that the king sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, the son of Meshullam the scribe, to the house of the Lord, saying: 4 “Go up to Hilkiah the high priest, that he may count the silver that is brought into the house of the Lord, which the doorkeepers have gathered from the people. 5 And let them deliver it into the hand of the workers who have the oversight of the house of the Lord, and let them give it to the workers who are in the house of the Lord to repair the breaches of the house— 6 to carpenters and builders and masons— and to buy timber and cut stone to repair the house. 7 However no accounting shall be made with them for the money that was delivered into their hand, because they deal faithfully.”
have gathered the money that was found in the house and have delivered it into the hand of those who do the work, who have the oversight of the house of the Lord.” 10 And Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has delivered a book to me.” And Shaphan read it before the king. 11 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the Book of the Law, that he tore his clothes. 12 And the king commanded Hilkiah the priest, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Achbor the son of Micaiah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah, a servant of the king, saying, 13 “Go, inquire of the Lord for me and for the people and for all Judah concerning the words of this book that has been found, for great is the wrath of the Lord that is kindled against us because our fathers have not listened to the words of this book, to do according to all that is written concerning us.” 14 So Hilkiah the priest and Ahikam and Achbor and Shaphan and Asaiah went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tikvah, the son of Harhas, keeper of the wardrobe. (Now she dwelled in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter.) And they spoke to her.
The Law of Moses Discovered 8 And Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah gave the book to Shaphan, and he read it. 9 And Shaphan the scribe came to the king, and brought back word to the king, and said, “Your servants
The Words of Huldah the Prophetess 15 And she said to them, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘Tell the man who sent you to Me, 16 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Behold, I will bring evil on this place and on its inhabitants—even all the words of the book that the king of Judah has
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read— 17 because they have forsaken Me and have burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands. Therefore My wrath shall be kindled against this place and shall not be quenched.’” 18 But to the king of Judah, who sent you to inquire of the Lord, you shall say this to him: “This is what the Lord God of Israel says, ‘Concerning the words that you have heard, 19 because your heart was tender and you have humbled yourself before the Lord when you heard what I spoke against this place and against its inhabitants, that they should become a desolation and a curse, and you have torn your clothes and wept before Me, I also have heard you,’ says the Lord.” 20 Therefore, behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace. And your eyes shall not see all the evil that I will bring on this place.’” And they brought back word to the king. The Law Read to the People And the king sent, and they gathered all the elders of Judah and of Jerusalem to him. 2 And the king went up into the house of the Lord, and all the men of Judah and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem with him, and the priests and the prophets and all the people, both small and great. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that was found in the house of the Lord. 3 And the king stood by a pillar and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to
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keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all their heart and all their soul, to perform the words of this covenant that were written in this book. And all the people agreed to the cov enant. Josiah’s Further Reformations 4 And the king commanded Hilkiah the high priest and the priests of the second order and the doorkeepers to bring forth out of the temple of the Lord all the vessels that were made for Baal and for the grove and for all the host of heaven, and he burned them outside Jerusalem in the fields of Kidron and carried their ashes to Bethel. 5 And he put down the idolatrous priests whom the kings of Judah had ordained to burn incense on the high places in the cities of Judah and in the places all around Jerusalem, as well as those who burned incense to Baal, to the sun and to the moon and to the planets, and to all the host of heaven. 6 And he brought out the grove from the house of the Lord to the brook Kidron outside Jerusalem, and burned it at the brook Kidron, and stamped it to fine powder, and cast the powder on the graves of the children of the people. 7 And he broke down the houses of the sodomites that were by the house of the Lord, where the women wove hangings for the grove. 8 And he brought all the priests out of the cities of Judah and defiled the high places where the priests had burned incense, from Geba to Beer-sheba, and broke down the high places of the
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gates that were in the entrance of the gate of Joshua the governor of the city, which were on a man's left hand at the gate of the city. 9 Nevertheless the priests of the high places did not come up to the altar of the Lord in Jerusalem, but they ate of the unleavened bread among their brothers. 10 And he defiled Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech. 11 And he took away the horses that the kings of Judah had given to the sun, at the entrance of the house of the Lord, by the chamber of Nathan-melech the official, which was in the suburbs, and burned the chariots of the sun with fire. 12 And the altars that were on the top of the upper chamber of Ahaz, which the kings of Judah had made, and the altars that Manasseh had made in the two courts of the house of the Lord—the king beat them down and broke them down from there and cast their dust into the brook Kidron. 13 And the king defiled the high places that were before Jerusalem, which were on the right hand of the mount of corruption, which Solomon the king of Israel had built for Ashtoreth, the abomination of the Sidonians, and for Chemosh, the abomination of the Moabites, and for Milcom, the abomination of the children of Ammon. 14 And he broke in pieces the images and cut down the groves and filled their places with the bones of men. 15 Moreover, the altar that was at Bethel and the high place that
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Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made—he broke down both that altar and the high place, and he burned the high place and stamped it to fine powder and burned the grove. 16 And as Josiah turned himself, he saw the sepulchres that were there on the mount, and sent, and took the bones out of the sepulchres, and burned them on the altar, and defiled it according to the word of the Lord that the man of God proclaimed, who proclaimed these words. 17 Then he said, “What is this inscription that I see?” And the men of the city told him, “It is the sepulchre of the man of God who came from Judah and proclaimed these things that you have done against the altar of Bethel.” 18 And he said, “Leave him alone. Let no man move his bones.” So they left his bones alone, with the bones of the prophet who came out of Samaria. 19 And Josiah also took away all the houses of the high places that were in the cities of Samaria, which the kings of Israel had made to provoke the Lord to anger, and did to them according to all the acts that he had done in Bethel. 20 And he slew all the priests of the high places who were there on the altars, and burned men’s bones on them, and returned to Jerusalem. 21 And the king commanded all the people, saying, “Keep the Passover to the Lord your God, as it is written in the Book of the Cov enant.” 22 Surely such a Passover had not been held since the days of
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the judges who judged Israel, nor in all the days of the kings of Israel, nor of the kings of Judah. 23 But in the eighteenth year of King Josiah this Passover was held before the Lord in Jerusalem. 24 Moreover Josiah put away the workers with familiar spirits, and the wizards, and the images, and the idols, and all the abominations that were seen in the land of Judah and in Jerusalem, that he might perform the words of the law that were written in the book that Hilkiah the priest found in the house of the Lord. 25 And before him there was no king like him who turned to the Lord with all his heart and with all his soul and with all his might, according to all the law of Moses, nor did any like him arise after him. 26 However the Lord did not turn from the fierceness of His great wrath, with which His anger was kindled against Judah because of all the provocations with which Manasseh had provoked Him. 27 And the Lord said, “I will also remove Judah from My sight, as I have removed Israel, and will cast off this city Jerusalem that I have chosen and the house of which I said, ‘My name shall be there.’” 28 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah? 29 In his days Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates, and King Josiah went against him. And when he saw him, he slew him at Megiddo. 30 And his servants carried his dead body in a chariot from Megiddo, and
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brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah and anointed him and made him king in his father’s place. Reign and Dethronement of Jehoahaz 31 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 32 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done. 33 And Pharaoh Neco put him in chains at Riblah in the land of Hamath, that he might not reign in Jerusalem, and put the land to a tribute of a hundred talents of silver and a talent of gold. Jehoiakim Made King 34 And Pharaoh Neco made Eliakim the son of Josiah king in the place of his father, Josiah, and changed his name to Jehoiakim, and took Jehoahaz away. And he came to Egypt and died there. 35 And Jehoiakim gave the silver and the gold to Pharaoh, but he taxed the land to give the money according to the commandment of Pharaoh. He exacted the silver and the gold from the people of the land, from every one according to his taxation, to give it to Pharaoh Neco. 36 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Zebidah the daughter of Pedaiah of
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Rumah. 37 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his fathers had done. Jehoiakim Tributary to Nebuchadnezzar In his days Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up, and Jehoiakim became his servant three years. Then he turned and rebelled against him. 2 And the Lord sent against him bands of the Chaldeans and bands of the Syrians and bands of the Moabites and bands of the children of Ammon, and sent them against Judah to destroy it, according to the word of the Lord that He spoke by His servants the prophets. 3 Surely this came on Judah at the commandment of the Lord, to remove them out of His sight for the sins of Manasseh, according to all that he did, 4 and also for the innocent blood that he shed, for he filled Jerusalem with innocent blood, which the Lord would not pardon. 5 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim and all that he did, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Judah?
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Death of Jehoiakim: Reign of Jehoiachin 6 So Jehoiakim slept with his fathers. And his son Jehoiachin reigned in his place. 7 And the king of Egypt did not come out of his land again, for the king of Babylon had taken all that belonged to the king of Egypt from the river of Egypt to the river Euphrates. 8 Jehoiachin was eighteen years old when he began to reign, and he
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reigned in Jerusalem three months. And his mother’s name was Ne hushta the daughter of Elnathan of Jerusalem. 9 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father had done. 10 At that time the servants of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came up against Jerusalem, and the city was besieged. The First Deportation to Babylon 11 And Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came against the city, and his servants besieged it. 12 And Jehoiachin the king of Judah went out to the king of Babylon—he and his mother and his servants and his princes and his officers—and the king of Babylon took him in the eighth year of his reign. 13 And he carried out from there all the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house and cut in pieces all the vessels of gold that Solomon, king of Israel, had made in the temple of the Lord, as the Lord had said. 14 And he carried away all Jerusalem and all the princes and all the mighty men of valor, even ten thousand captives, and all the craftsmen and metalworkers. None remained except the poorest sort of the people of the land. 15 And he carried Jehoiachin away to Babylon. And he carried into captivity from Jerusalem to Babylon the king’s mother and the king’s wives and his officers and the mighty of the land. 16 And the king of Babylon brought captive to Babylon all the men of might—even seven thousand—and
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a thousand craftsmen and metalworkers, all who were strong and apt for war.
toward the plain. 5 And the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king and overtook him in the plains of Jericho, and his entire army was Zedekiah Made King scattered from him. 6 So they took 17 And the king of Babylon made the king and brought him up to the Mattaniah, his father’s brother, king king of Babylon at Riblah, and they in his place, and changed his name passed judgment on him. 7 And they to Zedekiah. 18 Zedekiah was twenty- slew the sons of Zedekiah b efore one years old when he began to reign, his eyes, and put out the eyes of and he reigned eleven years in Jeru- Zed ekiah, and bound him with salem. And his mother’s name was brass shackles, and carried him to Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah Babylon. 8 And in the fifth month, on the of Libnah. 19 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, accord- seventh day of the month, which ing to all that Jehoiakim had done. was the nineteenth year of King 20 For through the anger of the Lord Nebuchadnezzar, king of Bab it came to pass in Jerusalem and Ju- ylon, Nebuzaradan, captain of the dah, until He had cast them out from guard, a servant of the king of BabHis presence, that Zedekiah rebelled ylon, came to Jerusalem. 9 And he against the king of Babylon. burned the house of the Lord and the king’s house and all the houses Siege of Jerusalem and Final of Jerusalem, and every great Deportation man’s house he burned with fire. And it came to pass in the 10 And the entire army of the Chalninth year of his reign, in the deans who were with the captain tenth month, on the tenth day of of the guard broke down the walls the month, that Nebuchadnezzar, around Jerusalem. 11 Now Nebuzaradan the captain king of Babylon, came against Jerusalem, he and all his army, and of the guard carried away the rest camped against it, and they built of the people who were left in the forts all around it. 2 And the city was city and the fugitives who fell away besieged until the eleventh year of to the king of Babylon, with the King Zedekiah. 3 And on the ninth rest of the multitude. 12 But the capday of the fourth month the famine tain of the guard left some of the prevailed in the city, and there was poor of the land to be vinedressers no bread for the people of the land. and farmers. 13 And the Chaldeans 4 And the city was broken up, and broke in pieces the pillars of brass all the men of war fled at night by that were in the house of the Lord, the way of the gate between two and the bases, and the brazen Sea walls, which is by the king’s garden that was in the house of the Lord (now the Chaldeans were all around and carried their brass to Babylon. the city), and the king went the way 14 And they took away the pots and
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the shovels and the snuffers and the spoons and all the brass vessels with which they ministered. 15 And the captain of the guard took away the firepans and the bowls, things that were pure gold and pure silver. 16 The two pillars, one Sea, and the bases that Solomon had made for the house of the Lord—the brass of all these vessels was too heavy to weigh. 17 The height of the one pillar was eighteen cubits, and the capital on it was brass. And the height of the capital, three cubits, and the latticework and pomegranates on the capital all around, all of brass. And the second pillar was the same, with latticework. 18 And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest and Zephaniah the second priest and the three doorkeepers. 19 And he took out of the city an officer who was set over the men of war and five men of those who were in the king’s presence, who were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the army who mustered the people of the land and sixty men of the people of the land who were found in the city. 20 And Nebuzaradan, captain of the guard, took them and brought them to the king of Bab ylon at Riblah. 21 And the king of Babylon struck them and slew them at Riblah in the land of Hamath. So Judah was carried away out of their land. 22 And as for the people who remained in the land of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had left, he made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, ruler
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over them. 23 And when all the captains of the armies, they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah governor, they came to Gedaliah at Mizpah—even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Seraiah the son of Tanhumeth the Netophathite, and Jaazaniah the son of a Maacathite, they and their men. 24 And Gedaliah swore to them and to their men and said to them, “Do not be afraid to be the servants of the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you.” Murder of Gedaliah 25 But it came to pass in the seventh month that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal family, came, and ten men with him, and struck Gedaliah, that he died, and the Jews and the Chaldeans who were with him at Mizpah. 26 And all the people, both small and great, and the captains of the armies arose and came to Egypt, for they were afraid of the Chaldeans. Jehoiachin Released 27 And it came to pass in the thirty- seventh year of the captivity of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty- seventh day of the month, that Evil-merodach, king of Babylon, in the year that he began to reign, lifted up the head of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, out of prison. 28 And he spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the throne of the
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kings who were with him in Bab ylon 29 and changed his prison garments, and he ate bread regularly before him all the days of his life.
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30 And his allowance was a contin-
ual allowance given to him by the king, a daily rate for every day, all the days of his life.
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1 CHRONICLES INTRODUCTION TO 1 CHRONICLES In the Hebrew, 1 and 2 Chronicles are one single book. The title means “the events of the times.” The book of 1 Chronicles covers the same time period and many of the same events as portions of 1 and 2 Samuel and the first chapters of 1 Kings, but it has a unique perspective. While the books of Samuel and Kings focus more on the political history of Israel and Judah, the Chronicles dwell more on the religious history and stay focused primarily on Judah. The information included in the Chronicles helps the people of Judah understand their history so they can live well in the present. AUTHOR Many scholars believe that Ezra wrote 1 and 2 Chronicles, which is quite possible. The book of 2 Chronicles flows smoothly into the book of Ezra, and the time frame (450 to 430 BC) is reasonable. However, the author’s identity cannot be proven beyond reasonable doubt, so it has become traditional to refer to him as “the Chronicler.” OCCASION The Israelites are captives of a powerful foreign empire, but some of the citizens are being allowed to return home. Their current status seems uncertain, so the Chronicler goes back to Adam (1:1) and reviews their history up to the current time (2 Chronicles 26:23). In doing so, he supports his outlook with various citations from the books of law, the Psalms, the pro phetic books, and other sources. His repeated emphasis is on the covenants, the temple, and other reminders of how God has always provided for and delivered His people. As they look to return home and rebuild the temple that the Babylonians left in ruins, the Chronicler wants to assure them that God will continue to be with them.
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Adam’s Line to Abraham Adam, Seth, Enosh, 2 Ke nan, Mahalalel, Jared, 3 Enoch, Methuselah, Lamech, 4 Noah, Shem, Ham, and Japheth. 5 The sons of Japheth: Gomer and Magog and Madai and Javan and Tubal and Meshech and Tiras. 6 And the sons of Gomer: Ashkenaz and Diphath and Togarmah. 7 And the sons of Javan: Elishah and Tarshish, Kittim and Rodanim. 8 The sons of Ham: Cush and Mizraim, Put and Canaan. 9 And the sons of Cush: Seba and Havilah and Sabta and Raamah and Sabteca. And the sons of Raamah: Sheba and Dedan. 10 And Cush begot Nimrod; he began to be mighty on the earth. 11 And Mizraim begot Ludim and Anamim and Lehabim and Naphtuhim 12 and Pathrusim and Casluhim (from whom came the Philistines) and Caphthorim. 13 And Canaan begot Sidon his firstborn and Heth; 14 also the Jebusites and the Amorites and the Girgashites 15 and the Hivites and the Arkites and the Sinites 16 and
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the Arvadites and the Zemarites and the Ha mathites. The sons of Shem: Elam and Asshur and Arphaxad and Lud and Aram and Uz and Hul and Gether and Meshech. And Arphaxad begot Shelah, and Shelah be got Eber. And to Eber were born two sons: the name of the one was Peleg, because in his days the earth was divided, and his brother’s name was Joktan. And Joktan begot Almo dad and Sheleph and Hazarmaveth and Jerah, 21 also Hadoram and Uzal and Diklah 22 and Ebal and Abimael and Sheba 23 and Ophir and Havilah and Jobab. All these were the sons of Joktan. Shem, Arphaxad, Shelah, Eber, Peleg, Reu, Serug, Nahor, Terah, 27 Abram—that is, Abra ham. The sons of Abraham: Isaac and Ishmael. These are their gener ations: the firstborn of Ishmael, Nebaioth, then Kedar and Adbeel and Mibsam, 30 Mishma and Dumah, Massa, Ha dad and Tema, 31 Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah.
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These are the sons of Ishmael. The Sons of Keturah 32 Now the sons of Keturah, Abraham’s con cubine: she bore Zimran and Jokshan and Medan and Midian and Ishbak and Shuah. And the sons of Jokshan: Sheba and Dedan. 33 And the sons of Midian: Ephah and Epher and Hanoch and Abida and Eldaah. All these are the sons of Keturah. Sons of Abraham and Isaac 34 And Abraham begot Isaac. The sons of Isaac: Esau and Israel. 35 The sons of Esau: Eli phaz, Reuel and Jeush and Jalam and Korah. 36 The sons of Eliphaz: Teman and Omar, Zephi and Gatam, Kenaz and Timna and Amalek. 37 The sons of Reuel: Na hath, Zerah, Shammah, and Mizzah. 38 And the sons of Seir: Lotan and Shobal and Zibeon and Anah and Dishon and Ezer and Dishan. 39 And the sons of Lotan: Hori and Homam, and Timna was Lotan’s sister. 40 The sons of Shobal: Alian and Manahath and Ebal, Shephi and Onam.
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And the sons of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. The son of Anah: Di shon. And the sons of Dishon: Hemdan and Eshban and Ithran and Cheran. The sons of Ezer: Bilhan and Zaavan and Jaakan. The sons of Dishan: Uz and Aran.
Early Kings and Dukes of Edom 43 Now these are the kings who reigned in the land of Edom before any king reigned over the children of Israel:
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Bela the son of Beor, and the name of his city was Dinhabah. And when Bela was dead, Jobab the son of Zerah of Bozrah reigned in his place. And when Jobab was dead, Husham of the land of the Temanites reigned in his place. And when Husham was dead, Hadad the son of Bedad, who struck Mid ian in the field of Moab, reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Avith. And when Hadad was dead, Samlah of Mas rekah reigned in his place. And when Samlah was dead, Shaul of Rehoboth by the river reigned in his place.
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And when Shaul was dead, Baal-hanan the son of Achbor reigned in his place. And when Baal-hanan was dead, Hadad reigned in his place. And the name of his city was Pai. And his wife’s name was Mehetabel, the daughter of Matred, the daughter of Mezahab. 51 Hadad died also. And the dukes of Edom were duke Timna, duke Aliah, duke Jetheth, 52 duke Oholibamah, duke Elah, duke Pinon, 53 duke Kenaz, duke Teman, duke Mibzar, 54 duke Magdiel, duke Iram. These are the dukes of Edom.
The Sons of Jacob (Israel) These are the sons of Israel:
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Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, 2 Dan, Joseph, and Benjamin, Naphtali, Gad, and Asher. The sons of Judah: Er and Onan and Shelah; these three were born to him by the daughter of Shua, the Canaanitess. And Er, the firstborn of Judah, was evil in the sight of the Lord, and He slew him. 4 And Tamar, his daughter-inlaw, bore him Perez and
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Zerah. All the sons of Judah were five. The sons of Perez: Hez ron and Hamul. 6 And the sons of Zerah: Zimri and Ethan and Heman and Calcol and Dara— five of them in all. And the son of Carmi: Achan, the troubler of Israel, who transgressed in the accursed thing. 8 And the son of Ethan: Azariah. Also the sons of Hezron who were born to him: Jerahmeel and Ram and Chelubai. And Ram begot Ammin adab, and Amminadab begot Nahshon, prince of the children of Judah; 11 and Nahshon begot Salma, and Salma begot Boaz, 12 and Boaz begot Obed, and Obed begot Jesse. And Jesse begot Eliab his firstborn, and Abinadab the second, and Shimma the third, 14 Nethanel the fourth, Raddai the fifth, 15 Ozem the sixth, David the seventh. 16 Their sisters were Zeruiah and Ab igail. And the sons of Zeruiah: Abishai and Joab and Asahel—three. 17 And Abigail bore Amasa, and the father of Amasa was Jether the Ishmaelite. And Caleb the son of
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Hezron begot children by his wife Azubah, and by Jerioth. These were her sons: Jesher and Shobab and Ardon. 19 And when Azubah was dead, Caleb took for himself Ephrath, who bore him Hur. 20 And Hur begot Uri, and Uri begot Bezalel. The Posterity of Hezron 21 And afterward Hezron went in to the daughter of Machir the father of Gilead, whom he married when he was sixty years old, and she bore him Segub. 22 And Segub begot Jair, who had twenty-three cities in the land of Gilead. 23 And he took Geshur and Aram from them, with the towns of Jair, with Kenath and its towns, even sixty cities. All these belonged to the sons of Machir the father of Gilead. 24 And after Hezron was dead in Caleb-ephra thah, then Hezron’s wife Abijah bore him Ashhur, the father of Tekoa. 25 And the sons of Jerah meel, the firstborn of Hezron, were Ram the firstborn, and Bunah and Oren and Ozem and Ahijah. 26 Jerahmeel also had another wife, whose name was Atarah;
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she was the mother of Onam. And the sons of Ram, the firstborn of Jerah meel, were Maaz and Jamin and Eker. And the sons of Onam were Shammai and Jada. And the sons of Shammai: Nadab and Abishur. And the name of the wife of Abishur was Abi hail, and she bore him Ahban and Molid. And the sons of Nadab: Seled and Appaim, but Seled died without chil dren. And the son of Appaim: Ishi. And the son of Ishi: Sheshan. And the son of Sheshan: Ahlai. And the sons of Jada, the brother of Shammai: Jether and Jonathan, and Jether died without children. 33 And the sons of Jonathan: Peleth and Zaza. These were the sons of Jerahmeel.
Sheshan’s Posterity 34 Now Sheshan had no sons, but daughters. And Sheshan had a servant, an Egyptian, whose name was Jarha. 35 And Sheshan gave his daugh ter to Jarha his servant as a wife, and she bore him Attai. 36 And Attai begot Na than, and Nathan begot
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Zabad, 37 and Zabad begot Ephlal, and Eph lal begot Obed, 38 and Obed begot Jehu, and Jehu begot Azariah, 39 and Azariah begot Helez, and Helez begot Eleasah, 40 and Eleasah begot Sismai, and Sismai begot Shallum, 41 and Shallum begot Jekamiah, and Jekamiah begot Elishama. Another Branch of Caleb’s Posterity 42 Now the sons of Caleb the brother of Jerahmeel were Mesha, his first born, who was the father of Ziph, and the sons of Mareshah the father of Hebron. 43 And the sons of Hebron: Korah and Tappuah and Rekem and Shema. 44 And Shema begot Raham the father of Jorkeam, and Rekem begot Shammai. 45 And the son of Sham mai was Maon, and Maon was the father of Beth-zur. 46 And Ephah, Caleb’s con cubine, bore Haran and Moza and Gazez, and Haran begot Gazez. 47 And the sons of Jahdai: Regem and Jotham and Geshan and Pelet and Ephah and Shaaph. 48 Maacah, Caleb’s concu bine, bore Sheber and
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Tirhanah. 49 She also bore Shaaph the father of Madmannah, Sheva the father of Machbenah and the father of Gibea. And the daughter of Caleb was Achsah. Posterity of Caleb the Son of Hur 50 These were the sons of Caleb.
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The sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephra thah: Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim, 51 Salma the father of Bethlehem, Hareph the father of Bethgader. And Shobal the father of Kiriath-jearim had sons: Haroeh and half of the Manahathites. 53 And the families of Kiriath-jearim: the Ith rites and the Puthites and the Shumathites and the Mishraites. From them came the Zorathites and the Esh taolites. The sons of Salma: Bethlehem and the Ne tophathites, Atroth the house of Joab, and half of the Manahathites, the Zorites. 55 And the families of the scribes who dwelled at Jabez: the Tirathites, the Shimeathites, and Su cathites. These are the Kenites who came
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from Hammath, the father of the house of Rechab. Line of David, Born in Hebron Now these were the sons of Da vid who were born to him in He bron: the firstborn Amnon, by Ahinoam the Jezreeli tess; the second Daniel, by Abigail the Carmelitess; 2 the third, Absalom the son of Maacah, the daughter of Talmai, king of Geshur; the fourth, Adonijah the son of Haggith; 3 the fifth, Shephatiah by Abital; the sixth, Ithream, by his wife E glah. 4 These six were born to him in Hebron. And he reigned there seven years and six months.
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sons of the concubines and Tamar their sister. 10
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And Solomon’s son was Rehoboam; Abi jah his son, Asa his son, Jehoshaphat his son, 11 Joram his son, Ahaziah his son, Joash his son, 12 Amaziah his son, Azariah his son, Jotham his son, 13 Ahaz his son, Hezekiah his son, Manasseh his son, 14 Amon his son, Josiah his son. And the sons of Jo siah were Johanan the firstborn, the second Jehoiakim, the third Zedekiah, the fourth Shallum. And the sons of Je hoiakim: Jeconiah his son, Zedekiah his son.
The Successors And he reigned in Jerusalem thirty- of Jeconiah three years. 5 And these were born 17 And the sons of Jeco to him in Jerusalem: niah: Assir, Shealtiel his son, 18 also Malchi ram and Pedaiah and Shimea and Shobab and Shenazzar, Jecamiah, Nathan and Solomon— Hoshama, and Neda four by Bath-shua the biah. daughter of Ammiel. 19 6 And the sons of Pedaiah Also Ibhar and Elishama 7 were Zerubbabel and and Eliphelet and Shimei. And the sons of Nogah and Nepheg and Zerubbabel: Meshullam Japhia 8 and Elishama and Hananiah and She and Eliada and Eliph lomith their sister, 20 and elet—nine. Hashubah and Ohel and 9 Berechiah and Hasadiah These were all the sons and Jushab-hesed—five. of David, besides the
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And the sons of Hana niah: Pelatiah and Jeshaiah, the sons of Rephaiah, the sons of Arnan, the sons of Oba diah, the sons of Sheca niah. And the sons of Shec aniah: Shemaiah. And the sons of Shemaiah: Hattush and Igal and Bariah and Neariah and Shaphat—six. And the sons of Nea riah: Elioenai and Heze kiah and Azrikam— three. And the sons of Elioe nai were Hodaviah and Eliashib and Pelaiah and Akkub and Johanan and Delaiah and Anani— seven.
The Posterity of Judah The sons of Judah:
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Perez, Hezron and Carmi and Hur and Sho bal. And Reaiah the son of Shobal begot Jahath, and Jahath begot Ahu mai and Lahad. These are the families of the Zorathites. And these were of the father of Etam: Jezreel and Ishma and Idbash, and the name of their sister was Hazzelelponi. 4 And Penuel the father of Gedor, and Ezer the father of Hushah.
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These are the sons of Hur, the firstborn of Ephrathah, the father of Bethlehem. And Ashhur the father of Tekoa had two wives: Helah and Naarah. And Naarah bore him Ahuzzam and Hepher and Temeni and Haa hashtari. These were the sons of Naarah. And the sons of Helah were Zereth and Zohar and Ethnan. And Koz begot Anub and Zobebah and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum.
Of Jabez, and His Prayer 9 And Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him with sorrow.” 10 And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, “Oh that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, and that Your hand might be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me!” And God granted him what he requested. 11
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And Chelub the brother of Shuhah begot Mehir, who was the father of Esh ton. 12 And Eshton begot Beth-rapha and Paseah and Tehinnah the father of Ir-nahash. These are the men of Recah. And the sons of Kenaz: Othniel and Seraiah.
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And the sons of Oth niel: Hathath 14 and Meonothai, who begot Ophrah. And Seraiah begot Joab the father of the Valley of Charashim, for they were craftsmen. And the sons of Caleb the son of Jephunneh: Iru, Elah, and Naam. And the son of Elah: Kenaz. And the sons of Jehal lelel: Ziph and Ziphah, Tiria and Asarel. And the sons of Ezrah were Jether and Mered and Epher and Jalon. And she bore Miriam and Shammai and Ishbah the father of Eshtemoa. 18 And his wife Jehudijah bore Jered the father of Gedor, and Heber the father of Soco, and Jekuthiel the father of Zanoah. And these are the sons of Bithiah the daughter of Pharaoh, whom Mered took. And the sons of his wife Hodiah, the sister of Naham, the father of Keilah the Garmite and Eshtemoa the Maacha thite. 20 And the sons of Shimon were Amnon and Rinnah, Ben-hanan and Tilon. And the sons of Ishi were Zoheth and Ben-zoheth.
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The Posterity of Shelah 21 The sons of Shelah the son of Ju dah were Er the father of Lecah, and Laadah the father of Mareshah, and the families of the house of those who worked with fine linen, of the house of Ashbea, 22 and Jokim and the men of Cozeba and Joash and Saraph, who had the dominion in Moab, and Jashubi-lehem. And these are ancient things. 23 These were the potters and those who dwelled among plants and hedges; they dwelled there with the king for his work. The Posterity and Cities of Simeon 24 The sons of Simeon were Nemuel and Jamin, Jarib, Zerah, and Shaul, 25 Shallum his son, Mibsam his son, Mishma his son. 26 And the sons of Mishma: Hammuel his son, Zac cur his son, Shimei his son. 27 And Shim ei had sixteen sons and six daughters, but his brothers did not have many children, nor did all their family multiply like the children of Judah. 28 And they dwelled at Beer-sheba and Moladah and Hazar-shual, 29 and at Bilhah and at Ezem and at Tolad, 30 and at Bethuel and at Hormah and at Ziklag, 31 and at Beth-marcaboth and Hazar-susim, and at Beth-biri and at Shaaraim. These were their cities until the reign of David. 32 And their villages were Etam and Ain, Rimmon and Tochen and Ashan— five cities— 33 and all their villages that were all around the same cities, to Baal. These were their dwellings and their genealogy. 34 And Mesho bab and Jamlech and Joshah the
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son of Amaziah, 35 and Joel and Jehu the son of Joshibiah, the son of Se raiah, the son of Asiel, 36 and Elio enai and Jaakobah and Jeshohaiah and Asaiah and Adiel and Jesimiel and Benaiah, 37 and Ziza the son of Shiphi, the son of Allon, the son of Jedaiah, the son of Shimri, the son of Shemaiah— 38 these mentioned by their names were princes in their families, and the house of their fa thers increased greatly. 39 And they went to the entrance of Gedor, even to the east side of the valley, to seek pasture for their flocks. 40 And they found rich and good pasture, and the land was wide and quiet and peaceful, for those of Ham had formerly dwelled there. 41 And these written by name came in the days of Hezekiah, king of Judah, and struck their tents and the habitations that were found there, and utterly destroyed them to this day, and dwelled in their place, because there was pasture there for their flocks. 42 And some of them, even five hundred men of the sons of Simeon, went to Mount Seir, hav ing for their captains Pelatiah and Neariah and Rephaiah and Uzziel, the sons of Ishi. 43 And they struck the rest of the Amalekites who had escaped and have dwelled there to this day. The Line of Reuben to the Captivity Now the sons of Reuben the firstborn of Israel (for he was the firstborn, but because he defiled his father’s bed, his birthright was given to the sons of Joseph, the son
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of Israel, and the genealogy is not to be considered after the birth right, 2 for Judah prevailed above his brothers, and from him came the chief ruler, but the birthright was Joseph’s). 3 The sons, I say, of Reuben, the firstborn of Israel, were Hanoch and Pallu, Hezron and Carmi. 4 The sons of Joel: Shemaiah his son, Gog his son, Shimei his son, 5 Micah his son, Reaiah his son, Baal his son, 6 Beerah his son, whom Til gath-pileser, king of Assyria, carried away captive. He was prince of the Reubenites. 7 And his brothers by their families, when the genealogy of their generations was recorded, were Jeiel the chief and Zechariah 8 and Bela, the son of Azaz, the son of Shema, the son of Joel, who dwelled in Aroer, even to Nebo and Baal-meon. 9 And he inhabited east ward to the entrance of the wilder ness from the river Euphrates, be cause their cattle had multiplied in the land of Gilead. 10 And in the days of Saul they made war with the Hagrites, who fell by their hand. And they dwelled in their tents throughout all the land east of Gilead. The Chief Men and Dwellings of Gad 11 And the children of Gad dwelled next to them in the land of Bashan to Salecah: 12 Joel the chief, and Shapham the next, and Janai and Shaphat in Bashan. 13 And their brothers of the house of their fa thers were Michael and Meshullam and Sheba and Jorai and Jacan and Zia and Eber—seven. 14 These are
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the children of Abihail, the son of Huri, the son of Jaroah, the son of Gilead, the son of Michael, the son of Jeshishai, the son of Jahdo, the son of Buz. 15 Ahi the son of Abdiel, the son of Guni, was chief of the house of their fathers. 16 And they dwelled in Gilead in Bashan, and in its towns, and in all the suburbs of Sharon as far as their borders. 17 All these were recorded in genealogies in the days of Jotham, king of Ju dah, and in the days of Jeroboam, king of Israel. 18 The sons of Reuben and the Gad ites and half the tribe of Manasseh— men able to bear shield and sword, and to shoot with bow, and skillful in war—were forty-four thousand seven hundred and sixty valiant men, who went out to the war. 19 And they made war with the Hagrites, with Je tur and Naphish and Nodab. 20 And they were helped against them, and the Hagrites and all who were with them were delivered into their hand, for they cried to God in the battle, and He heard their prayers because they put their trust in Him. 21 And they took away their cattle—fifty thousand of their camels and two hundred and fifty thousand sheep and two thousand donkeys—and a hundred thousand of their men. 22 For many fell down slain, because the war was of God. And they dwelled in their places until the captivity. 23 And the children of the half tribe of Manasseh dwelled in the land. They increased from Bashan to Baal-hermon and Senir, and to Mount Hermon. 24 And these were the heads of the house of their fa thers: even Epher and Ishi and Eliel
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and Azriel and Jeremiah and Hoda viah and Jahdiel—mighty men of valor, famous men, and heads of the house of their fathers. Their Captivity for Their Sins 25 And they transgressed against the God of their fathers and pros tituted themselves with the gods of the people of the land, whom God destroyed before them. 26 And the God of Israel stirred up the spirit of Pul, king of Assyria, and the spirit of Tilgath-pileser, king of Assyria, and he carried them away, even the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh, and brought them to Halah and Habor and Hara and to the river Gozan, to this day. The Sons of Levi The sons of Levi: Gershon, Ko hath, and Merari.
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And the sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, and He bron and Uzziel. And the children of Am ram: Aaron and Moses and Miriam. Also the sons of Aaron: Nadab and Abihu, Elea zar and Ithamar.
The Line of the Priests up to the Captivity 4 Eleazar begot Phinehas, Phinehas begot Abishua, 5 and Abishua begot Bukki, and Bukki begot Uzzi, 6 and Uzzi begot
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Zerahiah, and Zerahiah begot Meraioth; Meraioth begot Ama riah, and Amariah begot Ahitub, and Ahitub begot Za dok, and Zadok begot Ahimaaz, and Ahimaaz begot Aza riah, and Azariah begot Johanan, and Johanan begot Azariah (it was he who carried out the priest’s office in the temple that Solomon built in Jerusa lem), and Azariah begot Ama riah, and Amariah begot Ahitub, and Ahitub begot Za dok, and Zadok begot Shallum, and Shallum begot Hilkiah, and Hilkiah begot Azariah, and Azariah begot Se raiah, and Seraiah begot Jehozadak; and Jehozadak went into captivity when the Lord carried away Judah and Jerusalem by the hand of Nebuchad nezzar. The sons of Levi: Ger shom, Kohath, and Merari. And these are the names of the sons of Gershom: Libni and Shimei. And the sons of Kohath were Amram and Izhar and Hebron and Uzziel.
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The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. And these are the families of the Levites according to their fathers. Of Gershom: Libni his son, Jahath his son, Zimmah his son, 21 Joah his son, Iddo his son, Zerah his son, Jeatherai his son. The sons of Kohath: Amminadab his son, Korah his son, Assir his son, 23 Elkanah his son, and Ebiasaph his son, and Assir his son, 24 Tahath his son, Uriel his son, Uzziah his son, and Shaul his son. And the sons of El kanah: Amasai and Ahimoth. 26 As for Elkanah, the sons of Elkanah: Zophai his son and Nahath his son, 27 Eliab his son, Jeroham his son, Elkanah his son. And the sons of Samuel: the firstborn Vashni and Abijah. The sons of Merari: Mahli, Libni his son, Shimei his son, Uzzah his son, 30 Shimea his son, Haggiah his son, Asaiah his son. 31 And these are those whom Da
vid set over the service of song in the house of the Lord, after the ark came to rest. 32 And they min istered before the dwelling place of the tabernacle of the congregation
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with singing, until Solomon had built the house of the Lord in Je rusalem, and then they served in their office according to their or der. 33 And these are those who served with their children.
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Of the sons of the Kohathites: Heman a singer, the son of Joel, the son of Samuel, 34 the son of Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Eliel, the son of Toah, 35 the son of Zuph, the son of Elkanah, the son of Mahath, the son of Amasai, 36 the son of Elkanah, the son of Joel, the son of Azariah, the son of Zephaniah, 37 the son of Tahath, the son of Assir, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, 38 the son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, the son of Israel. And on his right hand stood his brother Asaph, even Asaph the son of Berechiah, the son of Shimea, 40 the son of Michael, the son of Baaseiah, the son of Malchijah, 41 the son of Ethni, the son of Zerah, the son of Adaiah, 42 the son of Ethan, the son of Zimmah, the son of Shimei, 43 the son of Jahath, the son of Ger shom, the son of Levi.
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And their brothers the sons of Merari stood on the left hand: Ethan the son of Kishi, the son of Abdi, the son of Mal luch, 45 the son of Hash abiah, the son of Ama ziah, the son of Hilkiah, 46 the son of Amzi, the son of Bani, the son of Shemer, 47 the son of Mahli, the son of Mushi, the son of Merari, the son of Levi. 48 Their brothers the Levites were
also appointed to all manner of ser vice of the tabernacle of the house of God. The Office of Aaron 49 But Aaron and his sons offered on the altar of the burnt offering and on the altar of incense, and were appointed for all the work of the Most Holy Place and to make an atonement for Israel, according to all that Moses the servant of God had commanded. 50 And these are the sons of Aaron: Eleazar his son, Phinehas his son, Abishua his son, 51 Bukki his son, Uzzi his son, Zerahiah his son, 52 Meraioth his son, Amariah his son, Ahitub his son, 53 Zadok his son, Ahimaaz his son. 54 Now these are their dwelling places throughout their settlements within their territory, for theirs was the lot of the sons of Aaron, of the families of the Kohathites. 55 And they gave them Hebron in the land of Judah, and its suburbs all around
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it. 56 But they gave the fields of the city and its villages to Caleb the son of Jephunneh. 57 And they gave to the sons of Aaron the cities of Judah—namely, Hebron, the city of refuge, and Libnah with its sub urbs, and Jattir and Eshtemoa with their suburbs, 58 and Hilen with its suburbs, Debir with its suburbs, 59 and Ashan with its suburbs, and Beth-shemesh with its suburbs. 60 And out of the tribe of Benjamin: Geba with its suburbs and Alemeth with its suburbs and Anathoth with its suburbs. All their cities through out their families were thirteen cit ies. 61 And to the sons of Kohath who were left of the family of that tribe were given cities by lot out of the half tribe—namely, ten cities out of the half tribe of Manasseh. 62 And to the sons of Gershom, throughout their families, thirteen cities were given out of the tribe of Issachar and out of the tribe of Asher and out of the tribe of Naphtali and out of the tribe of Manasseh in Bashan. 63 To the sons of Merari, twelve cities were given by lot, through out their families, out of the tribe of Reuben and out of the tribe of Gad and out of the tribe of Zebu lun. 64 And the children of Israel gave these cities with their suburbs to the Levites. 65 And they gave by lot these cities, which are called by their names, out of the tribe of the children of Judah and out of the tribe of the children of Simeon and out of the tribe of the children of Benjamin. 66 And the rest of the families of the sons of Kohath had cities of
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their territory out of the tribe of Ephraim. 67 And of the cities of ref uge, they gave to them Shechem in Mount Ephraim with its sub urbs; they also gave Gezer with its suburbs, 68 and Jokmeam with its suburbs, and Beth-horon with its suburbs, 69 and Aijalon with its suburbs, and Gath-rimmon with its suburbs. 70 And out of the half tribe of Manasseh: Aner with its suburbs and Bileam with its suburbs, for the rest of the family of the sons of Ko hath. 71 To the sons of Gershom were given Golan in Bashan with its sub urbs and Ashtaroth with its suburbs out of the family of the half tribe of Manasseh. 72 And out of the tribe of Issachar: Kedesh with its suburbs, Daberath with its suburbs, 73 and Ramoth with its suburbs, and Anem with its suburbs. 74 And out of the tribe of Asher: Mashal with its sub urbs and Abdon with its suburbs, 75 and Hukok with its suburbs and Rehob with its suburbs. 76 And out of the tribe of Naphtali: Kedesh in Galilee with its suburbs and Ham mon with its suburbs and Kiria thaim with its suburbs. 77 To the rest of the children of Merari were given out of the tribe of Zebulun: Rimmon with its suburbs, Tabor with its suburbs, 78 and out of the tribe of Reuben they were given on the other side of the Jordan, on the east side of Jordan by Jericho, Bezer in the wilderness with its sub urbs and Jahzah with its suburbs, 79 also Kedemoth with its suburbs and Mephaath with its suburbs. 80 And out of the tribe of Gad: Ra moth in Gilead with its suburbs, and
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Mahanaim with its suburbs, 81 and Heshbon with its suburbs and Jazer with its suburbs. The Sons of Issachar Now the four sons of Issachar were Tola and Puah, Jashub and Shimron.
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And the sons of Tola: Uzzi and Rephaiah and Jeriel and Jahmai and Ibsam and Samuel, heads of their father’s house—namely, of Tola. They were valiant men of might in their genera tions, whose number in the days of David was twenty-two thousand six hundred. And the son of Uzzi: Izrahiah. And the sons of Izrahiah: Michael and Obadiah and Joel, Ishiah—all five of them chief men. 4 And with them, by their genera tions, according to the house of their fathers, were bands of soldiers for war, thirty-six thou sand men, for they had many wives and sons. And their brothers among all the families of Issachar were valiant men of might, eightyseven thousand in all, recorded in their geneal ogies.
The Sons of Benjamin 6 The three sons of Benjamin: Bela
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and Becher and Jediael. 7 And the five sons of Bela: Ezbon and Uzzi and Uzziel and Jerimoth and Iri— heads of the house of their fathers, and they were recorded by their genealogies, twenty-two thousand thirty-four mighty men of valor. 8 And the sons of Becher: Zemirah and Joash and Eliezer and Elioenai and Omri and Jeremoth and Abi jah and Anathoth and Alemeth. All these are the sons of Becher. 9 And their number was twenty thou sand two hundred mighty men of valor, according to their genealogy by their generations, heads of the house of their fathers. 10 Also the sons of Jediael: Bil han. And the sons of Bilhan: Jeush and Benjamin and Ehud and Che naanah and Zethan and Tarshish, and Ahishahar. 11 All these the sons of Jediael, by the heads of their fa thers, were seventeen thousand two hundred soldiers, mighty men of valor fit to go out for war and battle. 12 Also Shuppim and Huppim, the children of Ir, and Hushim, the sons of Aher. The Sons of Naphtali 13 The sons of Naphtali: Jahziel and Guni and Jezer and Shallum, the sons of Bilhah. The Sons of Manasseh 14 The sons of Manasseh: Asriel, whom she bore, but his concubine the Aramitess bore Machir the father of Gilead. 15 And Machir took as wife the sister of Huppim and Shuppim, whose sister’s name was Maacah. And the name of the second was Zelophehad, and Zelophehad had
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daughters. 16 And Maacah the wife of Machir bore a son, and she called his name Peresh. And the name of his brother was Sheresh, and his sons were Ulam and Rakem. 17 And the son of Ulam: Bedan. These were the sons of Gilead the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh. 18 And his sister Hammoleketh bore Ishod and Abiezer and Mahlah. 19 And the sons of Shemida were Ahian and Shechem and Likhi and Aniam. The Sons of Ephraim 20 And the sons of Ephraim: Shuthelah and Bered his son, and Tahath his son, and Eleadah his son, and Tahath his son, 21 and Zabad his son, and Shuthelah his son, and Ezer and Elead, whom the men of Gath who were born in that land slew because they came down to take away their cattle. 22 And Ephraim, their father, mourned many days, and his brothers came to comfort him. 23 And when he went in to his wife, she conceived and bore a son, and he called his name Beriah, because evil had come to his house. 24 And his daughter was Sheerah, who built the lower and the upper Bethhoron, and Uzzen-sheerah. 25 And Rephah was his son, also Resheph, and Telah his son, and Tahan his son, 26 Ladan his son, Ammihud his son, Elishama his son, 27 Nun his son, Joshua his son. 28 And their possessions and hab itations were Bethel and its towns, and in the east Naaran, and in the west Gezer with its towns, also Shechem and its towns, to Gaza
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and its towns, 29 and by the borders of the children of Manasseh, Bethshean and its towns, Taanach and its towns, Megiddo and its towns, Dor and its towns. In these dwelled the children of Joseph the son of Is rael. The Sons of Asher 30 The sons of Asher: Im nah and Ishvah and Ishvi and Beriah and their sister Serah. 31 And the sons of Beriah: Heber and Malchiel, who is the father of Bir zaith. 32 And Heber begot Japh let and Shomer and Hotham and their sister Shua. 33 And the sons of Japhlet: Pasach and Bimhal and Ashvath. These are the children of Japhlet. 34 And the sons of Shemer: Ahi and Rohgah, Jehub bah and Aram. 35 And the sons of his brother Helem: Zophah and Imna and Shelesh and Amal. 36 The sons of Zophah: Suah and Harnepher and Shual and Beri and Imrah, 37 Bezer and Hod and Shamma and Shilshah and Ithran and Beera. 38 And the sons of Jether: Jephunneh and Pispa and Ara. 39 And the sons of Ulla: Arah and Han niel and Rizia.
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these were the children of Asher, heads of their father’s house, choice and mighty men of valor, chiefs of the princes. And their number throughout the genealogy, of those who were suited for war and to battle, was twenty-six thou sand men. The Sons and Chief Men of Benjamin Now Benjamin begot Bela his firstborn, Ashbel the second, and Aharah the third, 2 Nohah the fourth, and Rapha the fifth.
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And the sons of Bela were Addar and Gera and Abihud, 4 and Abishua and Naaman and Ahoah, 5 and Gera and Shephuphan and Huram. And these are the sons of Ehud (these are the heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Geba, and they took them to Manahath): 7 Naaman and Ahijah and Gera, he exiled them and begot Uzza and Ahihud. And Shaharaim begot children in the country of Moab, after he had sent away Hushim and Baara, who were his wives. 9 And by Hodesh his wife he begot Jobab and Zibia and Mesha and Malcam 10 and Jeuz and Sachia and Mir mah. These were his
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sons, heads of the fa thers. 11 And by Hushim he begot Abitub and Elpaal. The sons of Elpaal: Eber and Misham and Shemed, who built Ono and Lod, with its towns, 13 also Beriah and Shema, who were heads of the fathers of the inhabitants of Aijalon, who drove away the inhabitants of Gath. And Ahio, Shashak, and Jeremoth 15 and Zebadiah and Arad and Eder 16 and Michael and Ishpah and Joha, the sons of Beriah. And Zebadiah and Me shullam and Hizki and Heber, 18 also Ishmerai and Izliah and Jobab, the sons of Elpaal. And Jakim and Zichri and Zabdi, 20 and Elienai and Zillethai and Eliel, 21 and Adaiah and Beraiah and Shimrath, the sons of Shimei. And Ishpan and Eber and Eliel, 23 and Abdon and Zichri and Hanan, 24 and Hananiah and Elam and Antothijah, 25 and Iphdeiah and Penuel, the sons of Sha shak. And Shamsherai and Shehariah and Athaliah, 27 and Jaareshiah and Eli jah and Zichri, the sons of Jeroham.
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28 These were heads of the fathers
by their generations, chief men. These dwelled in Jerusalem. 29 And the father of Gibeon, whose wife’s name was Maacah, dwelled in Gibeon. 30 And his firstborn son, Abdon, and Zur and Kish and Baal and Nadab, 31 and Gedor and Ahio and Zecher. 32 And Mikloth begot Shimeah. And these also dwelled with their brothers in Jerusalem, opposite them. The Family of Saul and Jonathan 33 And Ner begot Kish, and Kish begot Saul, and Saul begot Jonathan and Mal chi-shua and Abinadab and Esh-baal. 34 And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal begot Micah. 35 And the sons of Micah were Pithon and Melech and Tarea and Ahaz. 36 And Ahaz begot Jehoaddah, and Jehoaddah begot Alemeth and Azmaveth and Zimri. And Zimri begot Moza. 37 And Moza begot Binea; Raphah was his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 38 And Azel had six sons whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael and Sheariah and Oba diah and Hanan. All these were the sons of Azel.
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And the sons of Eshek his brother were Ulam his firstborn, Jeush the second, and Eliphelet the third. And the sons of Ulam were mighty men of valor, archers, and had many sons and sons’ sons, a hundred and fifty. All these are of the sons of Benjamin.
Israel’s and Judah’s Genealogies So all Israel was recorded in genealogies, and behold, they were written in the book of the kings of Israel. And Judah was car ried away to Babylon for their trans gression. 2 Now the first inhabitants who dwelled in their property in their cities were the Israelites, the priests, Levites, and the Nethinim. 3 And some of the children of Ju dah and of the children of Benjamin and of the children of Ephraim and Manasseh dwelled in Jerusalem: 4 Uthai the son of Ammihud, the son of Omri, the son of Imri, the son of Bani, of the children of Pe rez, the son of Judah. 5 And of the Shilonites: Asaiah the firstborn and his sons. 6 And of the sons of Zerah: Jeuel and their brothers—six hun dred and ninety. 7 And of the sons of Benjamin: Sallu the son of Me shullam, the son of Hodaviah, the son of Hassenuah, 8 and Ibneiah the son of Jeroham, and Elah the son of Uzzi, the son of Michri, and Meshul lam the son of Shephatiah, the son of Reuel, the son of Ibnijah, 9 and their brothers, according to their
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generations—nine hundred and fifty-six. All these men were chiefs of the fathers in the house of their fathers. 10 And of the priests: Jedaiah and Jehoiarib and Jachin, 11 and Aza riah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, the ruler of the house of God; 12 and Adaiah the son of Jeroham, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchijah, and Maasai the son of Adiel, the son of Jahzerah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Meshillemith, the son of Immer; 13 and their brothers, heads of the house of their fathers—one thousand seven hundred and sixty very able men for the work of the service of the house of God. 14 And of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Az rikam, the son of Hashabiah, of the sons of Merari; 15 and Bakbakkar, Heresh, and Galal, and Mattaniah the son of Micah, the son of Zichri, the son of Asaph; 16 and Obadiah the son of Shemaiah, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun, and Berechiah the son of Asa, the son of Elkanah, who dwelled in the villages of the Netophathites. 17 And the gatekeepers were Shal lum and Akkub and Talmon and Ahiman and their brothers. Shal lum was the chief, 18 who until now served in the king’s gate eastward. They were gatekeepers in the com panies of the children of Levi. 19 And Shallum the son of Kore, the son of Ebiasaph, the son of Korah, and his brothers, of the house of his father, the Korahites, were over the work of the service, keepers of the
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gates of the tabernacle. And their fathers, being over the camp of the Lord, were keepers of the entrance. 20 And Phinehas the son of Eleazar was the ruler over them in time past, and the Lord was with him. 21 And Zechariah the son of Meshelemiah was gatekeeper of the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. 22 All these who were chosen to be gatekeepers in the gates were two hundred and twelve. These were recorded in their genealogy in their villages, whom David and Samuel the seer ordained in their appointed office. 23 So they and their children had the oversight of the gates of the house of the Lord—namely, the house of the tabernacle, by di visions. 24 The gatekeepers were in four quarters, toward the east, west, north, and south. 25 And their brothers who were in their villages were to come with them from time to time after seven days. 26 For these Levites, the four chief gatekeepers, were in their appointed office and were over the chambers and trea suries of the house of God. 27 And they spent the night all around the house of God because the charge was on them, and its opening every morning pertained to them. 28 And certain ones of them were in charge of the ministering vessels, that they should bring them in and out by count. 29 Some of them were also appointed to oversee the ves sels and all the instruments of the sanctuary and the fine flour and the wine and the oil and the frankin cense and the spices. 30 And some of the sons of the priests made the ointment from the spices.
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31 And Mattithiah, one of the Le
vites who was the firstborn of Shal lum the Korahite, had the appointed office over the things that were made in the pans. 32 And others of their brothers from the sons of the Kohathites were over the show bread, to prepare it every Sabbath. 33 And these are the singers, chiefs of the fathers of the Levites, who, remaining in the chambers, were free, for they were employed in that work day and night. 34 These chief fathers of the Levites were chiefs throughout their generations; these dwelled in Jerusalem. 35 And Jeiel the father of Gibeon, whose wife’s name was Maacah, dwelled in Gibeon. 36 And his first born son, Abdon, then Zur, and Kish and Baal and Ner and Nadab, 37 and Gedor and Ahio and Zech ariah and Mikloth. 38 And Mikloth begot Shimeam. And they also dwelled with their brothers in Je rusalem, opposite their brothers. 39 And Ner begot Kish, and Kish be got Saul, and Saul begot Jonathan and Malchi-shua and Abinadab and Esh-baal. 40 And the son of Jonathan was Merib-baal, and Merib-baal begot Micah. 41 And the sons of Mi cah were Pithon and Melech and Tahrea and Ahaz. 42 And Ahaz begot Jarah, and Jarah begot Alemeth and Azmaveth and Zimri. And Zimri be got Moza, 43 and Moza begot Binea, and Rephaiah his son, Eleasah his son, Azel his son. 44 And Azel had six sons whose names are these: Azrikam, Bocheru, and Ishmael and Sheariah and Oba diah and Hanan; these were the sons of Azel.
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Saul’s Overthrow and Death Now the Philistines fought against Israel, and the men of Israel fled from the Philistines and fell down slain on Mount Gil boa. 2 And the Philistines followed closely after Saul and after his sons. And the Philistines slew Jonathan and Abinadab and Malchi-shua, the sons of Saul. 3 And the bat tle went greatly against Saul, and the archers hit him, and he was wounded by the archers. 4 Then said Saul to his armor-bearer, “Draw your sword and thrust me through with it, lest these uncir cumcised come and abuse me.” But his armor-bearer would not, for he was greatly afraid. So Saul took a sword and fell on it. 5 And when his armor-bearer saw that Saul was dead, he likewise fell on the sword and died. 6 So Saul and his three sons died, and all his house died together. 7 And when all the men of Israel who were in the valley saw that they had fled and that Saul and his sons were dead, then they abandoned their cities and fled, and the Philistines came and dwelled in them. 8 And it came to pass on the next day, when the Philistines came to strip the slain, that they found Saul and his sons fallen on Mount Gilboa. 9 And when they had stripped him, they took his head and his armor, and sent into the land of the Philis tines all around to carry news to their idols and to the people. 10 And they put his armor in the house of their gods and fastened his head in the temple of Dagon.
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The Kindness of Jabesh-Gilead 11 And when all Jabesh-gilead heard all that the Philistines had done to Saul, 12 they arose, all the valiant men, and took away the body of Saul and the bodies of his sons, and brought them to Jabesh, and buried their bones under the oak in Jabesh, and fasted seven days. 13 So Saul died for his transgres sion that he committed against the Lord, even against the word of the Lord, which he did not keep, and also for asking counsel from a me dium, to inquire of her. 14 And he did not inquire of the Lord; there fore He slew him and turned the kingdom to David the son of Jesse. David Becomes King over Israel Then all Israel gathered themselves to Hebron to Da vid, saying, “Behold, we are your bone and your flesh. 2 And more over, in time past, even when Saul was king, you were he who led out and brought in Israel. And the Lord your God said to you, ‘You shall feed My people Israel, and you shall be ruler over My people Israel.’” 3 Therefore all the elders of Israel came to the king to Hebron, and David made a covenant with them in Hebron before the Lord. And they anointed David king over Israel, according to the word of the Lord by Samuel.
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Jerusalem Made Capital of United Kingdom 4 And David and all Israel went to Jerusalem, which is Jebus, where the Jebusites were, the inhabitants of the land. 5 And the inhabitants of
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Jebus said to David, “You shall not come here.” Nevertheless David took the stronghold of Zion, which is the city of David. 6 And David said, “Whoever strikes the Jebusites first shall be chief and captain.” So Joab the son of Zeruiah went up first, and was chief. 7 And David dwelled in the stronghold; therefore they called it the city of David. 8 And he built the city all around, even from Millo all around. And Joab repaired the rest of the city. 9 So David grew greater and greater, for the Lord of hosts was with him. David’s Mighty Men 10 These are also the chiefs of the mighty men whom David had, who strengthened themselves with him in his kingdom, and with all Israel, to make him king, according to the word of the Lord concerning Israel. 11 And this is the number of the mighty men whom David had: Jashobeam, a Hachmonite, the chief of the captains; he lifted up his spear against three hundred, slain by him at one time. 12 And after him was Eleazar the son of Dodo, the Ahohite, who was one of the three mighty men. 13 He was with Da vid at Pas-dammim. And the Phi listines were gathered together to battle there, where there was a plot of ground full of barley, and the people fled from before the Philis tines. 14 And they set themselves in the midst of that plot and delivered it and slew the Philistines. And the Lord saved them by a great deliv erance. 15 Now three of the thirty captains went down to the rock to David,
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into the cave of Adullam. And the army of the Philistines camped in the Valley of Rephaim. 16 And David was then in the hold, and the Philis tines’ garrison was then at Bethle hem. 17 And David longed, and said, “Oh that one would give me a drink of the water of the well of Bethle hem that is at the gate!” 18 And the three broke through the army of the Philistines and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem that was by the gate, and took it and brought it to David. But David would not drink it but poured it out to the Lord. 19 And he said, “My God for bid that I should do this thing! Shall I drink the blood of these men who have put their lives in jeopardy? For at the jeopardy of their lives they brought it.” Therefore he would not drink it. These things were done by these mightiest three. 20 And Abishai the brother of Joab was chief of the three. Because he lifted up his spear against three hundred and slew them, he had a name among the three. 21 Of the three he was more honorable than the two. For he was their captain, although he did not attain to the first three. 22 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done many acts, slew two lionlike men of Moab. He also went down and slew a lion in a pit on a snowy day. 23 And he slew an Egyp tian, a man of great stature, five cubits high. And in the Egyptian’s hand was a spear like a weaver’s beam, and he went down to him with a staff and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian’s hand and slew
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him with his own spear. 24 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada did these things and had a name among the three mighty men. 25 Behold, he was hon orable among the thirty but did not attain to the first three. And David set him over his guard. 26 Also the valiant men of the armies were Asahel the brother of Joab, Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem, 27 Shammoth the Haro rite, Helez the Pelonite, 28 Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite, Abiezer the Anathothite, 29 Sibbecai the Hushathite, Ilai the Ahohite, 30 Ma harai the Netophathite, Heled the son of Baanah the Netophathite, 31 Ithai the son of Ribai of Gibeah, who belonged to the children of Benjamin, Benaiah the Pirathonite, 32 Hurai of the brooks of Gaash, Abiel the Arbathite, 33 Azmaveth the Baharumite, Eliahba the Shaalbo nite, 34 the sons of Hashem the Gi zonite, Jonathan the son of Shagee the Hararite, 35 Ahiam the son of Sacar the Hararite, Eliphal the son of Ur, 36 Hepher the Mecherathite, Ahijah the Pelo nite, 37 Hezro the Carmelite, Naarai the son of Ezbai, 38 Joel the brother of Nathan, Mib har the son of Hagri, 39 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Berothite, the armor-bearer of Joab the son of Zeruiah, 40 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite, 41 Uriah the Hittite, Zabad the son of Ahlai, 42 Adina the son of Shiza the Reubenite, a captain of the Reubenites, and thirty with him, 43 Hanan the son of Maacah, and Joshaphat the Mithnite, 44 Uzzia the Ashterathite, Shama and Jeiel the sons of Hotham the Aroerite, 45 Je diael the son of Shimri, and Joha his
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brother, the Tizite, 46 Eliel the Ma havite, and Jeribai and Joshaviah the sons of Elnaam, and Ithmah the Moabite, 47 Eliel, and Obed, and Jaasiel the Mezobaite. The Companies That Came to David Now these are those who came to Ziklag to David, while he still kept himself hidden because of Saul the son of Kish. And they were among the mighty men, help ers of the war. 2 They were armed with bows and could use both the right hand and the left in hurling stones and shooting arrows out of a bow; they were of Saul’s brothers of Benjamin. 3 The chief was Ahiezer, then Joash, the sons of Shemaah the Gibeathite; and Jeziel and Pelet, the sons of Azmaveth; and Beracah, and Jehu the Anathothite. 4 And Ishmaiah the Gibeonite, a mighty man among the thirty, and over the thirty; and Jeremiah and Jaha ziel and Johanan and Jozabad the Ge derathite; 5 Eluzai and Jerimoth and Bealiah and Shemariah and Sheph atiah the Haruphite; 6 Elkanah and Isshiah and Azarel and Joezer and Jashobeam, the Korahites; 7 and Jo elah and Zebadiah the sons of Jero ham of Gedor. 8 And some from the Gadites sep arated themselves to David into the stronghold in the wilderness, men of might and men of war, fit for the battle, who could handle shield and buckler, whose faces were like the faces of lions and were as swift as the gazelles on the mountains: 9 Ezer the first, Obadiah the second,
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Eliab the third, 10 Mishmannah the fourth, Jeremiah the fifth, 11 Attai the sixth, Eliel the seventh, 12 Jo hanan the eighth, Elzabad the ninth, 13 Jeremiah the tenth, Machbannai the eleventh. 14 These were of the sons of Gad, captains of the army; one of the least was over a hundred, and the greatest over a thousand. 15 These are those who went over the Jordan in the first month, when it had overflown all its banks, and they put to flight all those of the valleys, both toward the east and to ward the west. 16 And some of the children of Benjamin and Judah came to the stronghold to David. 17 And David went out to meet them, and an swered, and said to them, “If you have come to me in peace to help me, my heart shall be knit to you, but if you have come to betray me to my enemies, seeing there is no wrong in my hands, may the God of our fathers look on it and rebuke it.” 18 Then the Spirit came on Amasai, who was chief of the captains, and he said, “We are yours, David, and on your side, you son of Jesse. Peace, peace be to you, and peace be to your helpers. For your God helps you.” Then David received them and made them captains of the troops. 19 And some from Manasseh de fected to David when he came with the Philistines to battle against Saul, but they did not help them, for the lords of the Philistines were advised to send him away, saying, “To the jeopardy of our heads he will fall to his master Saul.” 20 As he went to Ziklag, these defected
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to him from Manasseh: Adnah and Jozabad and Jediael and Michael and Jozabad and Elihu and Zil lethai, captains of the thousands who were from Manasseh. 21 And they helped David against the band of raiders, for they were all mighty men of valor and were captains in the army. 22 For at that time they came to David day by day to help him, until it was a great army, like the army of God. 23 And these are the numbers of the troops that were armed and ready for war and came to David to Hebron to turn the kingdom of Saul to him, according to the word of the Lord: 24
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the children of Judah who bore shield and spear were six thousand eight hundred, armed and ready for war. From the children of Simeon, mighty men of valor for the war, seven thousand one hundred. From the children of Levi, four thousand six hundred. 27 And Jehoiada was the leader of the Aaronites, and with him were three thousand seven hundred, 28 and Zadok, a young man mighty of valor, and twenty-two captains from his father’s house. And from the children of Benjamin, the relatives of Saul, three thousand, for until now the ma jority of them had kept
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guard over the house of Saul. And from the children of Ephraim, twenty thousand eight hundred, men of valor, famous throughout the house of their fathers. And from the half tribe of Manasseh, eighteen thousand, who were designated by name to come and make David king. And from the children of Issachar, who were men who had understanding of the times, to know what Israel ought to do, the heads of them were two hundred, and all their brothers were at their commandment. From Zebulun, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, with all instruments of war, fifty thousand who could keep rank; they were not of double heart. And from Naphtali a thousand captains, and with them thirty-seven thousand with shield and spear. And from the Danites, expert in war, twen ty-eight thousand six hundred. And from Asher, such as went forth to battle, expert in war, forty thou sand. And on the other side of
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the Jordan, a hundred and twenty thousand from the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half tribe of Manasseh, with all kinds of instruments of war for the battle. 38 All these men of war, who could
keep rank, came to Hebron with a perfect heart to make David king over all Israel. And all the rest of Israel were also of one heart to make David king. 39 And they were there with David for three days, eat ing and drinking, for their brothers had prepared for them. 40 Moreover, those who were near them, even to Issachar and Zebulun and Naphtali, brought food on donkeys and on camels and on mules and on oxen— an abundance of meat, flour, cakes of figs and bunches of raisins, and wine and oil, and oxen and sheep. For there was joy in Israel. Doing a Right Thing in the Wrong Way And David consulted with the captains of thousands and hundreds, and with every leader. 2 And David said to all the congre gation of Israel, “If it seems good to you, and if it is of the Lord our God, let us send out to our brothers ev erywhere who are left in all the land of Israel, and also to the priests and Levites who are with them in their cities and suburbs, that they may gather themselves to us. 3 And let us bring back the ark of our God to us, for we did not inquire at it in the days of Saul. 4 And all the congrega tion said that they would do so, for
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the thing was right in the eyes of all the people. 5 So David gathered all Israel to gether, from Shihor of Egypt even to the entrance of Hamath, to bring the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim. 6 And David and all Israel went up to Baalah—that is, to Kiriath-jearim, which belonged to Judah—to bring up from there the ark of God the Lord, who dwells between the cherubim, whose name is called on it. 7 And they carried the ark of God in a new cart out of the house of Abinadab, and Uzzah and Ahio drove the cart. 8 And David and all Israel played before God with all their might, and with singing and with harps and with lyres and with tambourines and with cymbals and with trumpets. 9 And when they came to the threshing floor of Chidon, Uzzah put out his hand to hold the ark, for the oxen stumbled. 10 And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah, and He struck him because he put his hand to the ark. And he died there before God. 11 And David was displeased because the Lord had broken forth on Uzzah; there fore that place is called Perez-uzza to this day. 12 And David was afraid of God that day, saying, “How shall I bring the ark of God home to me?” 13 So David did not bring the ark home to himself to the city of David but carried it aside into the house of Obed-edom the Gittite. 14 And the ark of God remained with the fam ily of Obed-edom in his house three months. And the Lord blessed the house of Obed-edom and all that he had.
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The Prosperity of King David Now Hiram, king of Tyre, sent messengers to David and tim ber of cedars, with masons and car penters, to build him a house. 2 And David perceived that the Lord had confirmed him king over Israel, for his kingdom was lifted up on high because of his people Israel. 3 And David took more wives at Jerusalem, and David begot more sons and daughters. 4 Now these are the names of his children whom he had in Jerusalem: Shammua and Shobab, Nathan and Solomon, 5 and Ibhar and Elishua and Elpalet, 6 and Nogah and Nepheg and Japhia, 7 and Elishama and Beeliada and Eliphelet. 8 And when the Philistines heard that David was anointed king over all Israel, all the Philistines went up to seek David. And David heard of it and went out against them. 9 And the Philistines came and spread themselves in the Valley of Reph aim. 10 And David inquired of God, saying, “Shall I go up against the Philistines? And will You deliver them into my hand?” And the Lord said to him, “Go up, for I will deliver them into your hand.” 11 So they came up to Baal-per azim, and David struck them there. Then David said, “God has bro ken in on my enemies by my hand like the breaking forth of waters.” Therefore they called the name of that place Baal-perazim. 12 And when they had left their gods there, David gave a commandment, and they were burned with fire. 13 And the Philistines yet again
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spread themselves out in the valley. 14 Therefore David inquired again of God, and God said to him, “Do not go up after them; turn away from them, and come at them in front of the mulberry trees. 15 And it shall be, when you hear a sound of marching in the tops of the mulberry trees, that then you shall go out to battle, for God has gone forth before you to strike the army of the Philistines.” 16 Therefore David did as God com manded him, and they struck the army of the Philistines from Gibeon even to Gezer. 17 And the fame of David went out into all lands, and the Lord brought the fear of him on all nations. Doing a Right Thing in the Right Way And David made houses for himself in the city of David, and prepared a place for the ark of God, and pitched a tent for it. 2 Then David said, “No one ought to carry the ark of God but the Levites, for the Lord has chosen them to carry the ark of God and to minister to Him forever.” 3 And David gathered all Israel together to Jerusalem, to bring up the ark of the Lord to its place, which he had prepared for it. 4 And David as sembled the children of Aaron and the Levites: 5 of the sons of Kohath, Uriel the chief, and a hundred and twenty of his brothers; 6 of the sons of Merari, Asaiah the chief, and two hundred and twenty of his broth ers; 7 of the sons of Gershom, Joel the chief, and a hundred and thirty of his brothers; 8 of the sons of Elizaphan, Shemaiah the chief, and
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two hundred of his brothers; 9 of the sons of Hebron, Eliel the chief, and eighty of his brothers; 10 of the sons of Uzziel, Amminadab the chief, and a hundred and twelve of his brothers. 11 And David called for Zadok and Abiathar the priests, and for the Levites: for Uriel, Asaiah and Joel, Shemaiah and Eliel, and Ammin adab, 12 and said to them, “You are the chiefs of the fathers of the Le vites. Sanctify yourselves, both you and your brothers, that you may bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel to the place that I have pre pared for it. 13 For because you did not do it at the first, the Lord our God made an outburst against us, since we did not seek Him accord ing to due order.” 14 So the priests and the Levites sanctified themselves to bring up the ark of the Lord God of Israel. 15 And the children of the Levites bore the ark of God on their shoul ders, with the poles on them, as Moses commanded according to the word of the Lord. 16 And David spoke to the chiefs of the Levites to appoint their brothers to be the singers with instruments of music—lyres and harps and cymbals sounding—by lifting up the voice with joy. 17 So the Levites appointed Heman the son of Joel; and of his brothers Asaph the son of Berechiah; and of the sons of Merari, their broth ers, Ethan the son of Kushaiah; 18 and with them their brothers of the second degree: Zechariah, Ben and Jaaziel and Shemiramoth and Jehiel and Unni, Eliab and Benaiah
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and Maaseiah and Mattithiah and Eliphelehu and Mikneiah and Obed-edom and Jeiel, the gate keepers. 19 So the singers, Heman, Asaph, and Ethan, were appointed to sound with cymbals of brass; 20 and Zechariah and Aziel and Shemiramoth and Jehiel and Unni and Eliab and Maaseiah and Bena iah, with lyres on Alamoth; 21 and Mattithiah and Eliphelehu and Mik neiah and Obed-edom and Jeiel and Azaziah, to excel with harps on the Sheminith. 22 And Chenaniah, chief of the Levites, was in charge of singing; he instructed about the song, because he was skillful. 23 And Berechiah and Elkanah were door keepers for the ark. 24 And Sheba niah and Joshaphat and Nethanel and Amasai and Zechariah and Be naiah and Eliezer, the priests, blew with the trumpets before the ark of God. And Obed-edom and Jehiah were doorkeepers for the ark. 25 So David and the elders of Is rael and the captains over thou sands went to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the house of Obed-edom with joy. 26 And it came to pass, when God helped the Levites who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, that they offered seven bulls and seven rams. 27 And David was clothed with a robe of fine linen, and all the Levites who bore the ark, and the singers and Chenaniah the mas ter of the singing with the singers. Also David had an ephod of linen on him. 28 Thus all Israel brought up the ark of the covenant of the Lord with shouting and with sound of the cornet and with trumpets and
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with cymbals, making a noise with lyres and harps. 29 And it came to pass, as the ark of the covenant of the Lord came to the city of David, that Michal, the daughter of Saul, was looking out a window and saw King David danc ing and playing, and she despised him in her heart. David’s Festival Sacrifice So they brought the ark of God and set it in the midst of the tent that David had pitched for it. And they offered burnt sacrifices and peace offerings before God. 2 And when David had finished of fering the burnt offerings and the peace offerings, he blessed the peo ple in the name of the Lord. 3 And he gave to everyone of Israel, both man and woman, to each one a loaf of bread and a good piece of meat and a flagon of wine. 4 And he appointed some of the Levites to minister before the ark of the Lord, and to record, and to thank and praise the Lord God of Israel: 5 Asaph the chief, and next to him Zechariah, Jeiel and Shemiramoth and Jehiel and Mattithiah and Eliab and Benaiah and Obed-edom, and Jeiel with lyres and with harps. But Asaph made a sound with cymbals; 6 also Benaiah and Jahaziel the priests blew continually with trumpets be fore the ark of the covenant of God. 7 Then on that day David first de livered this psalm into the hand of Asaph and his brothers to thank the Lord:
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name; make known His deeds among the peo ple. Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; tell of all His wondrous works. Glory in His holy name; let the hearts of those who seek the Lord re joice. Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face continually. Remember His marvel ous works that He has done, His wonders and the judgments of His mouth, O descendants of Israel His servant, you children of Jacob, His chosen ones. He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth. Always be mindful of His covenant, the word that He commanded to a thousand generations, even of the covenant that He made with Abra ham, and of His oath to Isaac, and has confirmed the same to Jacob for a law, and to Israel for an ever lasting covenant, saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan, the allotment of your inheritance,” when you were but few, even a few, and strang ers in it.
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And when they went from nation to nation, and from one kingdom to another people, He did not allow any man to do them wrong; yes, He rebuked kings for their sakes, saying, “Do not touch My anointed, and do no harm to My prophets.” Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim His sal vation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His mar velous works among all nations. For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised. He is also to be feared above all gods. For all the gods of the people are idols, but the Lord made the heav ens. Glory and honor are in His presence; strength and gladness are in His place. Give to the Lord, you families of the people, give to the Lord glory and strength. Give to the Lord the glory due to His name; bring an offering, and come before Him. Wor ship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. Fear before Him, all the earth. The world also shall be stable, that it not be moved.
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Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice, and let men say among the nations, “The Lord reigns.” Let the sea roar, and its fullness; let the fields rejoice, and all that is in them. Then the trees of the wood shall sing out at the presence of the Lord, because He comes to judge the earth. O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. And say, “Save us, O God of our salvation, and gather us together and deliver us from the nations, that we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in Your praise.” Blessed is the Lord God of Israel forever and ever.
And all the people said “Amen” and praised the Lord. David Appoints Many to Minister before the Ark 37 So he left Asaph and his brothers there before the ark of the covenant of the Lord to minister before the ark continually, as every day’s work required; 38 and Obed-edom with his sixty-eight brothers; also Obed-edom the son of Jeduthun, and Hosah to be gatekeepers; 39 and
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Zadok the priest and his brothers the priests, before the tabernacle of the Lord in the high place that was at Gibeon, 40 to offer burnt offerings continually to the Lord on the altar of the burnt offering morning and evening, and to do according to all that is written in the law of the Lord, which He commanded Israel; 41 and with them Heman and Jeduthun and the rest who were chosen, who were designated by name, to give thanks to the Lord, because His mercy endures forever; 42 and with them Heman and Jeduthun, for those who should make a sound with trumpets and cymbals and with musical instruments for God. And the sons of Jeduthun were gatekeepers. 43 And all the people departed, ev ery man to his house. And David re turned to bless his house. David’s Desire to Build the Lord’s House Now it came to pass, as Da vid sat in his house, that Da vid said to Nathan the prophet, “Be hold, I dwell in a house of cedar, but the ark of the covenant of the Lord remains under curtains.” 2 Then Nathan said to David, “Do all that is in your heart, for God is with you.” 3 And it came to pass the same night that the word of God came to Nathan, saying, 4 “Go and tell My servant David, ‘This is what the Lord says: “You shall not build Me a house to dwell in. 5 For I have not dwelled in a house since the day that I brought up Israel to this day, but have gone from tent to tent and
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from one tabernacle to another. 6 Wherever I have walked with all Israel, did I speak a word to any of the judges of Israel, whom I com manded to feed My people, saying, ‘Why have you not built Me a house of cedar?’”’” The Great Davidic Covenant 7 “Now, therefore, you shall say this to My servant David, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts says: “I took you from the sheepfold, even from following the sheep, that you should be ruler over My people Israel. 8 And I have been with you wherever you have walked, and have cut off all your enemies from before you, and have made you a name like the name of the great men who are in the earth. 9 Also I will ordain a place for My people Israel and will plant them, and they shall dwell in their place and shall no longer be moved; nor shall the children of wickedness consume them anymore, as at the begin ning, 10 and since the time that I commanded judges to be over My people Israel. Moreover, I will sub due all your enemies. Furthermore, I tell you that the Lord will build you a house. 11 And it shall come to pass, when your days are expired that you must go to be with your fathers, that I will raise up your de scendant after you, who shall be from your sons, and I will estab lish his kingdom. 12 He shall build Me a house, and I will establish his throne forever. 13 I will be his Fa ther, and he shall be My son. And I will not take My mercy away from him, as I took it from him who was
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before you, 14 but I will settle him in My house and in My kingdom for ever. And his throne shall be estab lished forevermore.”’” 15 Nathan spoke to David accord ing to all these words and according to all this vision. David’s Worship and Prayer 16 And David the king came and sat before the Lord and said, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that You have brought me this far? 17 And yet this was a small thing in Your eyes, O God, for You have also spoken of Your servant’s house for a great while to come and have regarded me according to the position of a man of high degree, O Lord God. 18 What more can David speak to You for the honor of Your servant? For You know Your ser vant. 19 O Lord, for Your servant’s sake, and according to Your own heart, You have done all this great ness, in making known all these great things. 20 O Lord, there is none like You, nor is there any God besides You, according to all that we have heard with our ears. 21 And what one nation on the earth is like Your people Israel, whom God went to redeem to be His own people, to make You a great and awesome name, by driving out nations from before Your people whom You have redeemed out of Egypt? 22 For You made Your people Israel Your own people forever, and You, Lord, be came their God. 23 “Therefore now, Lord, let the thing that You have spoken concern ing Your servant and concerning his house be established forever, and
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do as You have said. 24 Let it even be established, that Your name may be magnified forever, saying, ‘The Lord of hosts is the God of Israel, even a God to Israel,’ and let the house of Your servant David be es tablished before You. 25 For You, O my God, have told Your servant that You will build him a house. There fore Your servant has found it in his heart to pray before You. 26 And now, Lord, You are God, and have promised this goodness to Your ser vant. 27 Now therefore let it please You to bless the house of Your ser vant, that it may be before You for ever. For You have blessed, O Lord, and it shall be blessed forever.” The Full Establishment of David’s Kingdom Now after this it came to pass that David struck the Philis tines and subdued them and took Gath and its towns out of the hand of the Philistines. 2 And he struck Moab, and the Moabites became David’s servants and brought trib ute. 3 And David struck Hadadezer, king of Zobah, to Hamath, as he went to establish his dominion by the river Euphrates. 4 And David took from him a thousand chari ots and seven thousand horsemen and twenty thousand footmen. Da vid also hamstrung all the chariot horses but reserved of them a hun dred chariots. 5 And when the Syrians of Da mascus came to help Hadadezer, king of Zobah, David slew twen ty-two thousand men of the Syri ans. 6 Then David put garrisons in
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Syria of Damascus, and the Syri ans became David’s servants and brought tribute. Thus the Lord preserved David wherever he went. 7 And David took the shields of gold that were on the servants of Hadadezer and brought them to Jerusalem. 8 Likewise from Tibhath and from Cun, cities of Hadadezer, David brought very much brass, with which Solomon made the bra zen Sea and the pillars and the ves sels of brass. 9 Now when Tou, king of Hamath, heard how David had struck all the army of Hadadezer, king of Zobah, 10 he sent his son Hadoram to King David to inquire of his welfare, and to congratulate him because he had fought against Hadadezer and struck him (for Hadadezer had been at war with Tou), and with him all kinds of vessels of gold and sil ver and brass. 11 These King David also dedicated to the Lord with the silver and the gold that he brought from all these nations—from Edom and from Moab and from the chil dren of Ammon and from the Phi listines and from Amalek. 12 Moreover, Abishai the son of Zeruiah slew eighteen thousand of the Edomites in the Valley of Salt. 13 And he put garrisons in Edom, and all the Edomites became Da vid’s servants. Thus the Lord pre served David wherever he went. 14 So David reigned over all Israel and carried out judgment and jus tice among all his people. 15 And Joab the son of Zeruiah was over the army, and Jehoshaphat the son of Ahilud, recorder, 16 and Zadok the son of Ahitub and Abimelech
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the son of Abiathar were the priests, and Shavsha was scribe, 17 and Be naiah the son of Jehoiada was over the Cherethites and the Pelethites, and the sons of David were chiefs around the king. The Ammonite-Syrian War Now it came to pass after this that Nahash the king of the children of Ammon died, and his son reigned in his place. 2 And David said, “I will show kindness to Hanun the son of Nahash, be cause his father showed kindness to me.” And David sent messengers to comfort him concerning his father. So the servants of David came into the land of the children of Ammon to Hanun to comfort him. 3 But the princes of the children of Ammon said to Hanun, “Do you think that David honors your father because he has sent comforters to you? Did not his servants come to you to search and to overthrow and to spy out the land?” 4 Therefore Hanun took David’s servants and shaved them, and cut off their garments in the middle, at their buttocks, and sent them away. 5 Then certain men went and told David how the men were treated. And he sent to meet them, for the men were greatly ashamed. And the king said, “Remain at Jericho until your beards have grown, and then return.” 6 And when the children of Am mon saw that they had made them selves repulsive to David, Hanun and the children of Ammon sent a thousand talents of silver to hire for themselves chariots and horsemen
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out of Mesopotamia and out of Syria-maacah and out of Zobah. 7 So they hired thirty-two thousand chariots and the king of Maacah and his people, who came and camped before Medeba. And the children of Ammon gathered themselves to gether from their cities and came to battle. 8 And when David heard of it, he sent Joab and all the army of the mighty men. 9 And the children of Ammon came out and put them selves in battle formation before the gate of the city. And the kings who had come were by themselves in the field. 10 Now when Joab saw that the battle was set against him in front and behind, he chose some of the best men of Israel and put them in formation against the Syrians. 11 And he delivered the rest of the people to the hand of Abishai his brother, and they set themselves in forma tion against the children of Ammon. 12 And he said, “If the Syrians are too strong for me, then you shall help me, but if the children of Am mon are too strong for you, then I will help you. 13 Be of good courage, and let us behave valiantly for our people and for the cities of our God. And let the Lord do what is good in His sight.” 14 So Joab and the people who were with him drew near before the Syrians to the battle, and they fled before him. 15 And when the children of Ammon saw that the Syrians had fled, they likewise fled before Abishai his brother and en tered into the city. Then Joab came to Jerusalem.
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16 And when the Syrians saw that
they had been defeated by Israel, they sent messengers and brought out the Syrians who were beyond the river, and Shophach the captain of the army of Hadadezer went be fore them. 17 And it was told to Da vid, and he gathered all Israel, and crossed over the Jordan, and came on them, and set the battle in for mation against them. So when Da vid had put the battle in formation against the Syrians, they fought with him. 18 But the Syrians fled be fore Israel, and of the Syrians Da vid slew seven thousand men who fought in chariots and forty thou sand footmen, and killed Shophach the captain of the army. 19 And when the servants of Hadadezer saw that they were defeated by Israel, they made peace with David and became his servants. The Syrians would not help the children of Ammon any more. Joab and David Take Rabbah And it came to pass that af ter the year had expired, at the time that kings go out to battle, Joab led forth the power of the army and consumed the country of the children of Ammon, and came and besieged Rabbah. But David stayed in Jerusalem. And Joab struck Rab bah and destroyed it. 2 And David took the crown of their king from off his head and found it to weigh a talent of gold, and there were pre cious stones in it. And it was set on David’s head. And he also brought an exceedingly large amount of plunder out of the city. 3 And he brought out the people who were in
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it and cut them with saws and with iron picks and with axes. So David did the same with all the cities of the children of Ammon. And David and all the people returned to Jeru salem. War with the Philistines 4 And it came to pass after this, that there arose war at Gezer with the Philistines, at which time Sibbecai the Hushathite slew Sippai, who was of the children of the giant. And they were subdued. 5 And there was war again with the Philistines, and Elhanan the son of Jair slew Lahmi the brother of Go liath the Gittite, whose spear shaft was like a weaver’s beam. 6 And yet again there was war at Gath, where there was a man of great stature, whose fingers and toes were twenty-four—six on each hand and six on each foot. And he also was the son of the giant. 7 But when he defied Israel, Jonathan the son of Shimea, David’s brother, slew him. 8 These were born to the giant in Gath, and they fell by the hand of David and by the hand of his ser vants. David Sins in Counting the People And Satan stood up against Israel and provoked David to count Israel. 2 And David said to Joab and to the rulers of the people, “Go, count Israel from Beer-sheba even to Dan, and bring the number of them to me, that I may know it.” 3 And Joab answered, “May the Lord make His people a hundred
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times as many as they are. But, my lord the king, are they not all my lord’s servants? Why then does my lord require this thing? Why will he be a cause of guilt to Israel?” 4 Nevertheless the king’s word pre vailed against Joab. Therefore Joab departed and went throughout all Israel and came to Jerusalem. 5 And Joab gave the sum of the number of the people to David. And all those of Israel were one million one hundred thousand men who drew the sword. And Judah was four hundred and seventy thousand men who drew the sword. 6 But he did not count Levi and Benjamin among them, for the king’s word was abominable to Joab. 7 And God was displeased with this thing; therefore He struck Is rael. 8 And David said to God, “I have sinned greatly, because I have done this thing. But now, I beseech You, take away the iniquity of Your servant, for I have acted very fool ishly.” 9 And the Lord spoke to Gad, David’s seer, saying, 10 “Go and tell David, saying, ‘This is what the Lord says: “I offer you three things; choose one of them, that I may do it to you.”’” 11 So Gad came to David and said to him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Choose 12 either three years’ famine, or three months to be de stroyed before your foes while the sword of your enemies overtakes you, or else three days of the sword of the Lord—even the pestilence— in the land, and the angel of the Lord destroying throughout all the territory of Israel.’ Now therefore
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advise, yourself, what word I shall bring again to Him who sent me.” 13 And David said to Gad, “I am in a great distress. Let me fall now into the hand of the Lord, for His mer cies are very great. But do not let me fall into the hand of man.” 14 So the Lord sent pestilence on Israel, and seventy thousand men of Israel fell. 15 And God sent an an gel to Jerusalem to destroy it. And as he was destroying, the Lord saw, and He felt sorrowful about the di saster and said to the angel who destroyed, “It is enough; now hold back your hand.” And the angel of the Lord stood by the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 16 And David lifted up his eyes and saw the angel of the Lord stand be tween the earth and heaven, having a drawn sword in his hand stretched out over Jerusalem. Then David and the elders of Israel, who were clothed in sackcloth, fell on their faces. 17 And David said to God, “Is it not I who commanded the people to be counted? Indeed it is I who has sinned and done evil, but as for these sheep, what have they done? Let Your hand, I ask You, O Lord my God, be on me and on my fa ther’s house but not on Your people that they should be plagued.” David Buys Ornan’s Threshing Floor 18 Then the angel of the Lord com manded Gad to say to David that David should go up and set up an altar to the Lord in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 19 And David went up at the saying of Gad, which he spoke in the name of the
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Lord. 20 And Ornan turned back and saw the angel, and his four sons who were with him hid themselves. Now Ornan was threshing wheat. 21 And as David came to Ornan, Ornan looked and saw David and went out of the threshing floor and bowed himself to David with his face to the ground. 22 Then David said to Ornan, “Grant me the place of this threshing floor, that I may build an altar in it to the Lord. You shall grant it to me for the full price, that the plague may be held back from the people.” 23 And Ornan said to David, “Take it for yourself, and let my lord the king do what is good in his eyes. Behold, I also give you the oxen for burnt offerings and the threshing in struments for wood and the wheat for the grain offering; I give it all.” 24 And King David said to Ornan, “No, but I will truly buy it for the full price, for I will not take what is yours for the Lord, nor offer burnt offerings without cost.” 25 So David gave to Ornan six hundred shek els of gold by weight for the place. 26 And David built there an altar to the Lord, and offered burnt offer ings and peace offerings, and called on the Lord. And He answered him from heaven by fire on the altar of burnt offering. 27 And the Lord commanded the angel, and he put up his sword again into its sheath. 28 At that time, when David saw that the Lord had answered him in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jeb usite, then he sacrificed there. 29 For the tabernacle of the Lord, which Moses made in the wilderness,
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and the altar of the burnt offering were at that time in the high place at Gibeon. 30 But David could not go before it to inquire of God, for he was afraid because of the sword of the angel of the Lord. David Prepares Material for the Temple Then David said, “This is the house of the Lord God, and this is the altar of the burnt offering for Israel.” 2 And David commanded to gather together the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, and he set masons to cut stones to build the house of God. 3 And David pre pared iron in abundance for the nails for the doors of the gates and for the joints, and brass in abun dance without weight, 4 also cedar trees in abundance, for the Sido nians and those from Tyre brought much cedar wood to David. 5 And David said, “Solomon my son is young and tender, and the house that is to be built for the Lord must be exceedingly magnificent, of fame and of glory throughout all countries. Therefore I will now make preparation for it.” So David pre pared abundantly before his death.
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David Instructs Solomon in God’s Promises 6 Then he called for his son Solo mon and charged him to build a house for the Lord God of Israel. 7 And David said to Solomon, “My son, as for me, it was in my mind to build a house for the name of the Lord my God, 8 but the word of the Lord came to me, saying, ‘You have shed blood abundantly and have
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made great wars; you shall not build a house for My name because you have shed much blood on the earth in My sight. 9 Behold, a son shall be born to you, who shall be a man of rest, and I will give him rest from all his surrounding enemies. For his name shall be Solomon, and I will give peace and quiet to Israel in his days. 10 He shall build a house for My name, and he shall be My son, and I will be his Father. And I will estab lish the throne of his kingdom over Israel forever.’ 11 Now, my son, the Lord be with you and prosper you, and build the house of the Lord your God, as He has said to you. 12 Only may the Lord give you wis dom and understanding, and give you charge concerning Israel, that you may keep the law of the Lord your God. 13 Then you shall prosper, if you take heed to fulfill the statutes and judgments with which the Lord charged Moses concerning Israel. Be strong and of good courage; do not fear or be dismayed. 14 Now, be hold, in my trouble I have prepared for the house of the Lord a hundred thousand talents of gold and a mil lion talents of silver, and brass and iron without weight, for it is in abun dance. I have also prepared timber and stone, and you may add to them. 15 Moreover, there are work men with you in abundance: cutters and workers of stone and timber, and all kinds of skillful men for ev ery kind of work. 16 Of the gold, the silver, and the brass and the iron, there is no number. Arise, therefore, and get to work, and the Lord be with you.” 17 David also commanded all the
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princes of Israel to help Solomon his son, saying, 18 “Is not the Lord your God with you? And has He not given you rest on every side? For He has given the inhabitants of the land into my hand, and the land is subdued before the Lord and before His people. 19 Now set your heart and your soul to seek the Lord your God. Therefore arise and build the sanctuary of the Lord God, to bring the ark of the covenant of the Lord and the holy vessels of God into the house that is to be built for the name of the Lord.”
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David Makes Solomon King So when David was old and full of days, he made Solo mon his son king over Israel.
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The Number and Distribution of the Levites 2 And he gathered together all the princes of Israel, with the priests and the Levites. 3 Now the Levites were counted from the age of thirty years and upward. And their num ber by their head count, man by man, was thirty-eight thousand, 4 of which twenty-four thousand were to oversee the work of the house of the Lord, and six thousand were officers and judges. 5 More over four thousand were gatekeep ers, and four thousand praised the Lord with the instruments, “which I made,” said David, “to praise with them.” 6 And David divided them into di visions among the sons of Levi— namely, Gershon, Kohath, and Me rari.
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Of the Gershonites were Ladan and Shimei. 8 The three sons of Ladan: the chief was Jehiel, and Zetham and Joel. 9 The three sons of Shimei: Shelomoth and Haziel and Haran. These were the chiefs of the fathers of Ladan. And the sons of Shimei were Jahath, Zina, and Jeush and Beriah. These four were the sons of Shimei. 11 And Jahath was the chief, and Zizah the second. But Jeush and Beriah did not have many sons; therefore they were in one ac counting, according to their father’s house. The four sons of Kohath: Amram, Izhar, Hebron, and Uzziel. The sons of Amram: Aaron and Moses. And Aaron was separated, that he should sanctify the most holy things, he and his sons forever, to burn incense before the Lord, to minister to Him, and to bless in His name forever. 14 Now concerning Moses the man of God, his sons were named of the tribe of Levi. The sons of Moses were Gershom and Eliezer. Of the sons of Gershom, Shebuel was the chief. And the son of Eliezer
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was Rehabiah the chief. And Eliezer had no other sons, but the sons of Rehabiah were very many. Of the sons of Izhar, Shelomith the chief. Of the sons of Hebron, Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, and Jekameam the fourth. Of the sons of Uzziel, Micah the first and Is shiah the second. The sons of Merari: Mahli and Mushi. The sons of Mahli: Eleazar and Kish. 22 And Eleazar died, and had no sons, but daughters, and their brothers the sons of Kish took them. The three sons of Mushi: Mahli and Eder and Jeremoth. 24 These
were the sons of Levi according to the house of their fa thers—even the chiefs of the fathers as they were counted by number of names by head count, who did the work for the service of the house of the Lord, from the age of twenty years and upward. 25 For David said, “The Lord God of Israel has given rest to His people, that they may dwell in Je rusalem forever. 26 And also to the Levites: they shall no longer carry the tabernacle or any of its vessels for its service.” 27 For by the last words of David the Levites were counted from twenty years old and
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above— 28 because their duty was to serve the sons of Aaron for the service of the house of the Lord, in the courts and in the chambers and in the purifying of all holy things and the work of the service of the house of God, 29 both for the show bread and for the fine flour for grain offerings and for the unleavened cakes and for what is baked in the pan and for what is fried and for all kinds of measure and size, 30 and to stand every morning to thank and praise the Lord, and likewise at evening, 31 and to offer all burnt sacrifices to the Lord on the Sab baths, on the New Moons, and on the set feasts, by number according to the order commanded to them, continually before the Lord, 32 and that they should fulfill the responsi bilities of the tabernacle of the con gregation, and the responsibilities of the Holy Place, and the respon sibilities of the sons of Aaron their brothers in the service of the house of the Lord. The Divisions of the Sons of Aaron Now these are the divisions of the sons of Aaron. The sons of Aaron: Nadab and Abihu, Elea zar and Ithamar. 2 But Nadab and Abihu died before their father and had no children; therefore Eleazar and Ithamar executed the priest’s office. 3 And David distributed them according to their offices in their service, both Zadok of the sons of Eleazar, and Ahimelech of the sons of Ithamar. 4 And there were more chief men found of the sons of Eleazar than
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of the sons of Ithamar, and thus they were divided. Among the sons of Eleazar there were sixteen chief men of the house of their fa thers, and eight among the sons of Ithamar according to the house of their fathers. 5 Thus they were di vided by lot, one sort with another, for the governors of the sanctuary and governors of the house of God were of the sons of Eleazar and of the sons of Ithamar. 6 And the scribe Shemaiah, the son of Nethanel, one of the Levites, wrote them down before the king and the princes and Zadok the priest and Ahimelech the son of Abiathar and before the chiefs of the fathers of the priests and Le vites, one principal house hold being taken for Eleazar and one taken for Ithamar. 7
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Now the first lot came forth for Jehoiarib, the second for Jedaiah, the third for Harim, the fourth for Seorim, the fifth for Malchijah, the sixth for Mijamin, the seventh for Hakkoz, the eighth for Abijah, the ninth for Jeshua, the tenth for Shecaniah, the eleventh for Eliashib, the twelfth for Jakim, the thirteenth for Hup pah, the fourteenth for Jeshebeab, the fifteenth for Bilgah, the sixteenth for Immer, the seventeenth for He zir,
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the eighteenth for Aphses, the nineteenth for Pethahiah, the twentieth for Jehezkel, the twenty-first for Jachin, the twenty-second for Gamul, the twenty-third for Delaiah, the twenty-fourth for Maaziah. 19 This was the ordering of those in
their service to come into the house of the Lord according to their man ner under Aaron their father, as the Lord God of Israel had com manded him. The Kohathites and Merarites Each Divided 20 And these were the rest of the sons of Levi:
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of the sons of Amram, Shubael; of the sons of Shubael, Jehdeiah. 21 Concerning Rehabiah, of the sons of Rehabiah, the first was Isshiah. Of the Izharites, Shelomoth; of the sons of Shelomoth, Jahath. And the sons of Hebron, Jeriah the first, Amariah the second, Jahaziel the third, Jekameam the fourth. Of the sons of Uzziel, Micah; of the sons of
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Micah, Shamir. 25 The brother of Micah was Isshiah; of the sons of Isshiah, Zechariah. The sons of Merari were Mahli and Mushi; the son of Jaaziah, Beno. The sons of Merari by Jaaziah: Beno and Sho ham and Zaccur and Ibri. Of Mahli came Eleazar, who had no sons. Concerning Kish: the son of Kish was Jerahmeel. Also the sons of Mushi: Mahli and Eder and Jerimoth.
These were the sons of the Levites after the houses of their fathers. 31 These likewise cast lots, just as their brothers the sons of Aaron did, in the presence of David the king and Zadok and Ahimelech and the chiefs of the fathers of the priests and Levites, even the principal fa thers just as their younger brothers. The Number and Offices of the Singers Moreover, David and the cap tains of the army separated for the service some of the sons of Asaph and of Heman and of Jeduthun, who should prophesy with harps, with lyres, and with cymbals. And the number of the workmen according to their service was this:
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Of the sons of Asaph: Zaccur and Joseph and Nethaniah and
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Asharelah; the sons of Asaph under the direction of Asaph, who prophesied according to the order of the king. Of Jeduthun, the sons of Jeduthun: Gedaliah and Zeri and Jeshaiah, Shimei and Hashabiah and Mattithiah, six, under the direction of their father Jeduthun, who prophesied with a harp to give thanks and to praise the Lord. Of Heman, the sons of Heman: Bukkiah, Mattaniah, Uzziel, Shebuel and Jerimoth, Hananiah, Hanani, Eliathah, Giddalti, and Romamti-ezer, Josh bekashah, Mallothi, Hothir, and Mahazioth. 5 All these were the sons of Heman the king’s seer in the words of God, to lift up the horn. And God gave fourteen sons and three daughters to Heman. 6 All these were under the direc
tion of their father for song in the house of the Lord, with cymbals, lyres, and harps, for the service of the house of God, according to the king’s order to Asaph, Jeduthun, and Heman. 7 So the number of them, with their brothers who were instructed in the songs of the Lord, even all who were skillful, was two hundred eighty-eight.
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ties, the small as well as the great, the teacher as the scholar. 9
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Now the first lot came forth for Asaph to Jo seph; the second to Gedaliah, who with his brothers and sons were twelve; the third to Zaccur—he, his sons, and his broth ers were twelve; the fourth to Izri—he, his sons, and his broth ers were twelve; the fifth to Nethaniah— he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the sixth to Bukkiah— he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the seventh to Jesh arelah—he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the eighth to Jeshaiah— he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the ninth to Mattaniah— he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the tenth to Shimei—he, his sons, and his broth ers were twelve; the eleventh to Azarel— he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the twelfth to Hash abiah—he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the thirteenth to Shu bael—he, his sons,
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and his brothers were twelve; the fourteenth to Mat tithiah—he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the fifteenth to Jere moth—he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the sixteenth to Hana niah—he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the seventeenth to Josh bekashah—he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the eighteenth to Hanani—he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the nineteenth to Mal lothi—he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the twentieth to Eli athah—he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the twenty-first to Hothir—he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the twenty-second to Giddalti—he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the twenty-third to Ma hazioth—he, his sons, and his brothers were twelve; the twenty-fourth to Romamti-ezer—he, his
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sons, and his brothers were twelve. The Division of the Gatekeepers Concerning the divisions of the gatekeepers:
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of the Korahites was Meshelemiah the son of Kore, of the sons of Asaph. And the sons of Meshel emiah were Zechariah the firstborn, Jediael the second, Zebadiah the third, Jathniel the fourth, 3 Elam the fifth, Jeho hanan the sixth, Eliehoe nai the seventh. Moreover, the sons of Obed-edom were Shema iah the firstborn, Jehoz abad the second, Joah the third, and Sacar the fourth, and Nethanel the fifth, 5 Ammiel the sixth, Issachar the seventh, Peullethai the eighth; for God blessed him. Also to his son Shem aiah sons were born who ruled throughout the house of their father, for they were mighty men of valor. 7 The sons of Shemaiah: Othni and Rephael and Obed, El zabad, whose brothers Elihu and Semachiah were strong men. 8 All these were of the sons of Obed-edom, they and their sons and their brothers, able men for
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strength for the service: sixty-two of Obededom. And Meshelemiah had sons and brothers, eigh teen strong men. Also Hosah, of the children of Merari, had sons: Shimri the chief (for though he was not the firstborn, yet his father made him the chief ), 11 Hilkiah the sec ond, Tebaliah the third, Zechariah the fourth; all the sons and brothers of Hosah were thirteen. 12 Among these were the divisions
of the gatekeepers, even among the chief men, having duties like the others, to minister in the house of the Lord. 13 And they cast lots for every gate, the small as well as the great, according to the house of their fathers. 14 And the east lot fell to Shelemiah. Then they cast lots for Zechariah his son, a wise counselor, and his lot came out to the north. 15 To Obed-edom south, and to his sons the house of Asup pim. 16 To Shuppim and Hosah the lot came out for the west, with the gate Shallecheth, by the road that goes up—guard facing guard. 17 On the east were six Levites, on the north four a day, on the south four a day, and toward Asuppim two by two. 18 At Parbar on the west, four at the highway and two at Parbar. 19 These are the divisions of the gatekeepers among the sons of Korah and among the sons of Me rari.
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The Levites Who Had Charge of Treasures 20 And of the Levites, Ahijah was over the treasuries of the house of God and over the treasuries of the ded icated things. 21 As concerning the sons of Ladan, the sons of the Ger shonite Ladan, chief fathers, even of Ladan the Gershonite, was Jehieli. 22 The sons of Jehieli: Zetham and Joel his brother, who were over the treasuries of the house of the Lord. 23 Of the Amramites and the Izharites, the Hebronites and the Uzzielites. 24 And Shebuel the son of Gershom, the son of Moses, was ruler of the treasuries. 25 And his brothers by Eliezer: Rehabiah his son and Jeshaiah his son and Joram his son and Zichri his son and She lomoth his son. 26 This Shelomith and his brothers were over all the treasuries of the dedicated things that David the king and the chief fathers, the captains over thousands and hundreds, and the captains of the army, had ded icated. 27 They dedicated out of the plunder won in battles to maintain the house of the Lord. 28 And all that Samuel the seer and Saul the son of Kish and Abner the son of Ner and Joab the son of Zeruiah had dedi cated, and whoever had dedicated anything, it was under the direction of Shelomoth and of his brothers. Officers and Judges 29 Of the Izharites, Chenaniah and his sons were in charge of the out side business over Israel, as officers and judges. 30 And of the Hebronites, Hasha biah and his brothers, one thousand
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seven hundred men of valor, were officers among those of Israel on the west side of the Jordan in all the business of the Lord and in the ser vice of the king. 31 Among the He bronites, Jerijah was the chief, even among the Hebronites according to the generations of his fathers. In the fortieth year of the reign of David they were sought, and mighty men of valor were found among them at Jazer of Gilead. 32 And his brothers, two thousand seven hundred men of valor, were chief fathers whom King David made rulers over the Reubenites, the Gadites, and the half tribe of Manasseh, for every matter pertaining to God and affairs of the king. The Twelve Captains for Every Month Now the children of Israel according to their number— namely, the chief fathers and cap tains of thousands and hundreds, and their officers who served the king in any matter of the divisions, who came in and went out month by month throughout all the months of the year. In every division were twenty-four thousand.
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Over the first division for the first month was Jashobeam the son of Zabdiel, and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 3 Of the children of Perez, he was the chief of all the captains of the army for the first month.
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And over the division of the second month was Dodai an Ahohite, and of his division Mikloth was also the ruler; in his division likewise were twenty-four thousand. The third captain of the army for the third month was Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, a chief priest, and in his division were twenty-four thousand. 6 This is that Benaiah who was mighty among the thirty and above the thirty, and in his division was Ammizabad his son. The fourth captain for the fourth month was Asahel the brother of Joab, and Zebadiah his son after him. And in his division were twenty- four thousand. The fifth captain for the fifth month was Sham huth the Izrahite, and in his division were twenty- four thousand. The sixth captain for the sixth month was Ira the son of Ikkesh the Te koite, and in his division were twenty-four thou sand. The seventh captain for the seventh month was Helez the Pelonite, of the children of Ephraim, and in his division were twenty-four thousand. The eighth captain for the eighth month was
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Sibbecai the Hushathite, of the Zerahites, and in his division were twenty- four thousand. The ninth captain for the ninth month was Abiezer the Anathothite, of the Benjamites, and in his di vision were twenty-four thousand. The tenth captain for the tenth month was Ma harai the Netophathite, of the Zerahites, and in his division were twenty- four thousand. The eleventh captain for the eleventh month was Benaiah the Pirathonite, of the children of Ephraim, and in his di vision were twenty-four thousand. The twelfth captain for the twelfth month was Heldai the Netophathite, of Othniel, and in his di vision were twenty-four thousand.
The Princes of the Twelve Tribes 16 Furthermore, over the tribes of Is rael:
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the ruler of the Reu benites was Eliezer the son of Zichri; of the Simeonites, Shephatiah the son of Maacah; of the Levites, Hasha biah the son of Kemuel; of the Aaronites, Zadok;
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of Judah, Elihu, one of the brothers of David; of Issachar, Omri the son of Michael; of Zebulun, Ishmaiah the son of Obadiah; of Naphtali, Jeremoth the son of Azriel; of the children of Ephraim, Hoshea the son of Azaziah; of the half tribe of Manasseh, Joel the son of Pedaiah; of the half tribe of Manasseh in Gilead, Iddo the son of Zecha riah; of Benjamin, Jaasiel the son of Abner; of Dan, Azarel the son of Jeroham. These were the princes of the tribes of Israel.
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from twenty years old and under, because the Lord had said He would increase Israel like the stars of the heavens. 24 Joab the son of Zeruiah began to count, but he did not finish, because wrath fell against Israel for it; nor was the number put in the account of the chronicles of King David. David’s Several Officers 25 And Azmaveth the son of Adiel was over the king’s treasuries. And Jonathan the son of Uzziah was over the storehouses in the fields, in the cities, and
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in the villages and in the strongholds. And Ezri the son of Chelub was over those who did the work of the field by tilling the ground. And Shimei the Ra mathite was over the vineyards. Zabdi the Shiphmite was over the produce of the vineyards for the wine cellars. And Baal-hanan the Gederite was over the olive trees and the syca more trees that were in the low plains. And Joash was over the cellars of oil. And Shitrai the Sharonite was over the herds that fed in Sharon. And Shaphat the son of Adlai was over the herds that were in the valleys. Obil the Ishmaelite was also over the camels. And Jehdeiah the Meronothite was over the donkeys. And Jaziz the Hagrite was over the flocks.
All these were the rulers of the property that was King David’s. 32 Also Jonathan, David’s un cle, was a counselor, a wise man, and a scribe, and Jehiel the son of Hachmoni was with the king’s sons. 33 And Ahithophel was the king’s counselor, and Hushai the Archite
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was the king’s companion. 34 And after Ahithophel was Jehoiada the son of Benaiah, and Abiathar. And Joab was the general of the king’s army. David Gives Counsel to Israel and to Solomon And David assembled to Je rusalem all the princes of Is rael, the princes of the tribes, and the captains of the companies who ministered to the king by division and the captains over the thousands and captains over the hundreds and the stewards over all the property and possessions of the king and of his sons, with the officers and with the mighty men and with all the val iant men. 2 Then David the king stood up on his feet and said, “Hear me, my brothers, and my people: As for me, I had in my heart to build a house of rest for the ark of the covenant of the Lord, and for the footstool of our God, and had made prepa rations to build it. 3 But God said to me, ‘You shall not build a house for My name because you have been a man of war and have shed blood.’ 4 However, the Lord God of Israel chose me before all the house of my father to be king over Israel forever, for He has chosen Judah to be the ruler. And of the house of Judah, the house of my father, and among the sons of my father, He was pleased with me to make me king over all Israel. 5 And of all my sons (for the Lord has given me many sons) He has chosen Solomon my son to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the Lord over Israel. 6 And He said
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to me, ‘Solomon your son, he shall build My house and My courts, for I have chosen him to be My son, and I will be his Father. 7 Moreover I will establish his kingdom forever, if he is steadfast to do My com mandments and My judgments, as at this day.’ 8 Now therefore in the sight of all Israel, the congregation of the Lord, and in the audience of our God, keep and seek all the com mandments of the Lord your God, that you may possess this good land and leave it as an inheritance for your children after you forever. 9 “And you, Solomon, my son, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a perfect heart and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches all hearts and understands all the intentions of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever. 10 Take heed now, for the Lord has chosen you to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it.” 11 Then David gave to his son Sol omon the plan for the porch and for its houses and for its treasuries and for its upper chambers and for its inner parlors and for the place of the mercy seat, 12 and the plans for all that he had by the Spirit for the courts of the house of the Lord and for all the chambers all around, for the treasuries of the house of God and for the treasuries of the dedi cated things, 13 also for the divisions of the priests and the Levites and for all the work of the service of the house of the Lord and for all the vessels of service in the house of the Lord. 14 He gave gold by weight
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for things of gold, for all instru ments of all kinds of service, also silver for all instruments of silver by weight, for all instruments of every kind of service, 15 even the weight for the candlesticks of gold, and for their lamps of gold, by weight for every candlestick and for its lamps, and for the candlesticks of silver by weight, both for the candlestick and also for its lamps, according to the use of every candlestick. 16 And by weight he gave gold for the tables of showbread, for every table, and likewise silver for the tables of sil ver, 17 also pure gold for the forks and the bowls and the cups. And for the golden basins he gave gold by weight for every basin, and likewise silver by weight for every basin of silver, 18 and refined gold by weight for the altar of incense, and gold for the plan for the chariot of the cheru bim that spread out their wings and covered the ark of the covenant of the Lord. 19 “All this,” said David, “the Lord made me understand in writing, by His hand on me, even all the works of these plans.” David Encourages Solomon to Build the Temple 20 And David said to Solomon his son, “Be strong and of good cour age and do it. Do not fear or be dis mayed, for the Lord God, even my God, will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you, until you have finished all the work for the service of the house of the Lord. 21 And be hold the divisions of the priests and the Levites; even they shall be with you for all the service of the house of God, and every willing skillful
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man shall be with you for all kinds of workmanship, for any kind of service. Also the princes and all the people will be wholly at your com mandment.” David Exhorts the People Furthermore David the king said to all the congregation, “Solomon my son, whom alone God has chosen, is still young and ten der, and the work is great, for the palace is not for man but for the Lord God. 2 Now for the house of my God I have prepared with all my might the gold for things to be made of gold, and the silver for things of silver, and the bronze for things of bronze, the iron for things of iron, and wood for things of wood, onyx stones and stones to be set, and glistening stones of various colors, and all kinds of precious stones and marble stones in abundance. 3 Moreover, because I have set my affection on the house of my God, I have given to the house of my God gold and silver from my own trea sure, over and above all that I have prepared for the holy house: 4 even three thousand talents of gold, of the gold of Ophir, and seven thou sand talents of refined silver to overlay the walls of its houses; 5 the gold for things of gold and the silver for things of silver and for all kinds of work to be made by the hands of craftsmen. And who then is willing to consecrate his service this day to the Lord?” 6 Then the chiefs of the fathers and princes of the tribes of Israel and the captains of thousands and of hundreds, with the rulers of the
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king’s work, offered willingly 7 and gave for the service of the house of God five thousand talents and ten thousand drams of gold, and ten thousand talents of silver, and eighteen thousand talents of brass, and one hundred thousand talents of iron. 8 And those with whom pre cious stones were found gave them to the treasury of the house of the Lord, by the hand of Jehiel the Ger shonite. 9 Then the people rejoiced, for they offered willingly, because with perfect heart they offered will ingly to the Lord. And David the king also rejoiced with great joy. David’s Thanksgiving and Prayer 10 Therefore David blessed the Lord before all the congregation. And David said: “Blessed are You, Lord God of Israel, our Father, forever and ever. 11 Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the maj esty, for all that is in heaven and on the earth is Yours. Yours is the king dom, O Lord, and You are exalted as head above all. 12 Both riches and honor come from You, and You reign over all. And in Your hand is power and might, and in Your hand it is to make great and to give strength to all. 13 “Now therefore, our God, we thank You and praise Your glorious name. 14 But who am I, and who are my people, that we should be able to offer as willingly as this? For all things come from You, and of Your own we have given You. 15 For we are strangers before You, and so journers, as all our fathers were. Our
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days on the earth are as a shadow, and there is no one remaining. 16 “O Lord our God, all this abun dance that we have prepared to build You a house for Your holy name comes from Your hand and is all Your own. 17 I know also, my God, that You test the heart and have pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things. And now with joy I have seen Your people, who are present here, willingly offering to You. 18 O Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and of Is rael, our fathers, keep this forever in the intentions of the thoughts of the heart of Your people, and pre pare their heart for You. 19 And give to my son Solomon a perfect heart to keep Your commandments, Your testimonies, and Your statutes, and to do all these things, and to build the palace for which I have made provision.” 20 And David said to all the con gregation, “Now bless the Lord your God.” And all the congregation blessed the Lord God of their fa thers and bowed down their heads and worshipped the Lord and the king. 21 And they sacrificed sacrifices to the Lord and offered burnt offer ings to the Lord on the next day af ter that day, even a thousand bulls, a thousand rams, and a thousand lambs, with their drink offerings and sacrifices in abundance for all Israel. 22 And they ate and drank be fore the Lord on that day with great gladness. And they made Solomon the son of David king the second time, and anointed him to the Lord
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to be the chief governor, and Zadok to be priest. Accession of Solomon 23 Then Solomon sat on the throne of the Lord as king instead of Da vid, his father, and prospered. And all Israel obeyed him. 24 And all the princes and the mighty men, and likewise all the sons of King David, submitted themselves to Solomon the king. 25 And the Lord magnified Solomon exceedingly in the sight of all Israel and bestowed on him such royal majesty as had not been on any king before him in Israel. 26 Thus David the son of Jesse
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reigned over all Israel. 27 And the time that he reigned over Israel was forty years; he reigned seven years in Hebron, and he reigned thir ty-three years in Jerusalem. 28 And he died at a good old age, full of days, riches, and honor. And Solomon his son reigned in his place. 29 Now the acts of David the king, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Samuel the seer and in the book of Nathan the prophet and in the book of Gad the seer, 30 with all his reign and his might, and the times that came over him and over Israel and over all the kingdoms of the countries.
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2 CHRONICLES INTRODUCTION TO 2 CHRONICLES The books of 1 and 2 Chronicles were originally written not as two books but as one continuous history. The majority of 2 Chronicles describes the history of Israel after Solomon’s reign as the kingdom divided into northern Israel and southern Judah. This is not a history written as it was happening, however. Instead, it is a history written long after the fact to remind the people of Judah of the journey of their ancestors. AUTHOR The author of the books of 1 and 2 Chronicles is not explicitly stated in the text. Many scholars ascribe the work to Ezra, citing a unified authorship of the Chronicles and the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. However, there are parts of the book that are obvious additions and expansions on the original work, and it is difficult to date the entire book within Ezra’s lifetime. The author was a wise and God-fearing person, writing with tremendous knowledge and insight into the significance of the community of God’s people during this period. OCCASION While the accounts recorded in 2 Chronicles describe Israel’s history during Solomon’s reign and the fall of Israel afterward, the occasion of the writing is much later. It was written after the Jews had been exiled away from their homeland and had been given permission to return again. Therefore, it begins with Solomon, but it ends with Cyrus’s decree that allowed the people passage back to Jerusalem.
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Solomon Established in His Kingdom And Solomon the son of David was strengthened in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and magnified him exceedingly. 2 Then Solomon spoke to all Israel, to the captains of thousands and of hundreds, and to the judges and to every governor in all Israel, the chiefs of the fathers. 3 So Solomon and all the congregation with him went to the high place that was at Gibeon, for the tabernacle of the congregation of God was there, which Moses the servant of the Lord had made in the wilderness. 4 But David had brought up the ark of God from Kiriath-jearim to the place that David had prepared for it, for he had pitched a tent for it at Jerusalem. 5 Moreover the brazen altar that Bezalel the son of Uri, the son of Hur, had made, he put before the tabernacle of the Lord, and Solomon and the congregation sought it out. 6 And Solomon went up there to the brazen altar before the Lord, which was at the tabernacle of the congregation, and offered a thousand burnt offerings on it.
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Solomon’s Vision of God 7 On that night God appeared to Solomon and said to him, “Ask what I shall give you.” 8 And Solomon said to God, “You have shown great mercy to my father, David, and have made me to reign in his place. 9 Now, O Lord God, let Your promise to my father, David, be established, for You have made me king over a people as
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numerous as the dust of the earth. 10 Now give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people, for who can judge this people of Yours, who are so great?” 11 And God said to Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for riches, wealth, or honor, or for the life of your enemies, nor have you asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself, that you may judge My people over whom I have made you king, 12 wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. And I will give you riches and wealth and honor, such as none of the kings have had who have been before you, nor shall anyone after you have the like.” 13 Then Solomon came to Jerusalem from his journey to the high place that was at Gibeon, from before the tabernacle of the congregation, and reigned over Israel. 14 And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen, and he had fourteen hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he placed in the chariot cities and with the king at Jerusalem. 15 And the king made silver and gold as plentiful in Jerusalem as stones, and he made cedars as abundant as the sycamores that are in the lowland. 16 And Solomon had horses brought out of Egypt, and linen yarn; the king’s merchants received the linen yarn for a price. 17 And they acquired and brought out of Egypt a chariot for six hundred shekels of silver and a horse for one hundred and fifty, and by the same means they brought
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out horses for all the kings of the Hittites and for the kings of Syria. Solomon Prepares to Build the Temple And Solomon determined to build a house for the name of the Lord and a royal house for his kingdom. 2 And Solomon selected seventy thousand men to carry loads and eighty thousand to quarry in the mountains and three thousand six hundred to oversee them. 3 And Solomon sent to Huram the king of Tyre, saying, “As you dealt with my father, David, and sent him cedars to build himself a house to dwell in, even so deal with me. 4 Behold, I am building a house for the name of the Lord my God, to dedicate it to Him, and to burn sweet incense before Him, and for the continual showbread, and for the burnt offerings in the morning and evening, on the Sabbaths, and on the New Moons, and on the solemn feasts of the Lord our God. This is an ordinance forever in Israel. 5 “And the house that I build will be great, for great is our God above all gods. 6 But who is able to build Him a house, since the heavens and the heaven of heavens cannot contain Him? Who am I then, that I should build Him a house, except only to burn sacrifices before Him? 7 “Therefore send me now a man skilled to work in gold and in silver and in brass and in iron and in purple and crimson and blue and who has skill to engrave with the skilled men who are with me in Judah and in Jerusalem, whom my father, David, provided. 8 Also send me cedar
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trees, fir trees, and algum trees from Lebanon, for I know that your servants can skillfully cut timber in Lebanon. And behold, my servants shall be with your servants 9 even to prepare timber in abundance for me, for the house that I am about to build shall be wonderful and great. 10 “And behold, I will give to your servants, the woodcutters, twenty thousand measures of beaten wheat, and twenty thousand measures of barley, and twenty thousand baths of wine, and twenty thousand baths of oil.” 11 Then Huram the king of Tyre answered in writing, which he sent to Solomon: “Because the Lord has loved His people, He has made you king over them.” 12 Moreover, Huram said, “Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, who made heaven and earth, who has given to David the king a wise son, endowed with prudence and understanding, who might build a house for the Lord and a house for his kingdom. 13 “And now I have sent a skilled man, endowed with understanding of Huram my father, 14 the son of a woman of the daughters of Dan. And his father was a man of Tyre, skillful to work in gold and in silver, in brass, in iron, in stone, and in timber, in purple, in blue, and in fine linen, and in crimson, also to make any kind of engraving, and to carry out any plan that shall be given to him, with your skilled men and with the skilled men of my lord David, your father. 15 “Now therefore, the wheat and the barley and the oil and the wine, which my lord has spoken of,
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let him send them to his servants. 16 And we will cut wood from Lebanon, as much as you shall need, and we will bring it to you as rafts by sea to Joppa, and you shall carry it up to Jerusalem.” 17 And Solomon counted all the foreigners who were in the land of Israel, according to the census by which David, his father, had numbered them, and one hundred fifty-three thousand six hundred were found. 18 And he appointed seventy thousand of them to carry loads and eighty thousand to be stonecutters in the mountain and three thousand six hundred overseers to set the people to work. Solomon Begins to Build the Temple Then Solomon began to build the house of the Lord in Jerusalem on Mount Moriah, where the Lord appeared to his father, David, in the place that David had prepared in the threshing floor of Ornan the Jebusite. 2 And he began to build on the second day of the second month in the fourth year of his reign. 3 Now these are the things in which Solomon was instructed for the building of the house of God. The length in cubits (according to the first measure) was sixty cubits, and the breadth twenty cubits. 4 And the porch that was in the front of the house, its length was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the height was a hundred and twenty. And he overlaid the inside with pure gold. 5 And he paneled the greater house with fir tree, which he overlaid with fine gold,
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and set on it palm trees and chains. 6 And he garnished the house with precious stones for beauty, and the gold was gold from Parvaim. 7 He also overlaid the house with gold— the beams, the posts, and its walls and its doors—and engraved cherubim on the walls. 8 And he made the Most Holy Place, the length of which was according to the breadth of the house, twenty cubits, and the breadth of it twenty cubits. And he overlaid it with fine gold, amounting to six hundred talents. 9 And the weight of the nails was fifty shekels of gold. And he overlaid the upper chambers with gold. 10 And in the Most Holy Place he made two carved cherubim and overlaid them with gold. 11 And the wings of the cherubim were twenty cubits long. One wing of the one cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house, and the other wing was likewise five cubits, reaching to the wing of the other cherub. 12 And one wing of the other cherub was five cubits, reaching to the wall of the house, and the other wing was also five cubits, joining to the wing of the other cherub. 13 The wings of these cherubim spread themselves out twenty cubits, and they stood on their feet, and their faces were inward. 14 And he made the veil of blue and purple and crimson and fine linen, and he worked cherubim into it. 15 He also made two pillars for the front of the house, thirty-five cubits high, and the capital that was on the top of each of them was five cubits. 16 And he made chains, as in the inner sanctuary, and put them on the
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tops of the pillars. And he made a hundred pomegranates and put them on the chains. 17 And he set up the pillars in front of the temple, one on the right hand and the other on the left, and named the one on the right hand Jachin, and the one on the left Boaz. Building the Temple, Continued Moreover he made an altar of brass, twenty cubits in length and twenty cubits in breadth and ten cubits in height. 2 He also made the Sea of cast metal, ten cubits from brim to brim, circular in form, and its height was five cubits. And a line of thirty cubits measured its circumference. 3 And under it was the likeness of oxen that surrounded it, ten to a cubit, surrounding the Sea all around. Two rows of oxen were cast, when it was cast. 4 It stood on twelve oxen, three looking toward the north, and three looking toward the west, and three looking toward the south, and three looking toward the east, and the Sea was set on top of them. And all their back parts were inward. 5 And its thickness was a handbreadth, and its brim was made like the brim of a cup, with flowers of lilies. And it received and held three thousand baths. 6 He made also ten lavers and put five on the right hand and five on the left, to wash in them. They washed the things for the burnt offering in them, but the Sea was for the priests to wash in. 7 And he made ten golden candlesticks according to their design and set them in the temple, five on the
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right hand and five on the left. 8 He also made ten tables and placed them in the temple, five on the right side and five on the left. And he made a hundred golden basins. 9 Furthermore he made the courtyard of the priests and the great courtyard and doors for the courtyard, and overlaid their doors with brass. 10 And he set the Sea on the right side of the east end, toward the south. 11 And Huram made the pots and the shovels and the basins. And Huram finished the work that he was to do for King Solomon for the house of God— 12 namely, the two pillars and the bowls and the capitals that were on the top of the two pillars, and the two wreaths to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the top of the pillars, 13 and four hundred pomegranates on the two wreaths (two rows of pomegranates on each wreath, to cover the two bowls of the capitals that were on the pillars). 14 He also made bases, and he made lavers on the bases 15 and one Sea with twelve oxen under it. 16 Also Huram his father made the pots and the shovels and the forks and all their instruments of bright brass for King Solomon for the house of the Lord. 17 The king cast them on the plain of the Jordan, in the clay ground between Succoth and Zeredah. 18 So Solomon made all these vessels in great abundance, for the weight of the brass could not be found out. 19 And Solomon also made all the vessels that were for the house of God: the golden altar and the tables on which the showbread was set; 20 moreover the candlesticks with
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their lamps of pure gold, to burn in the inner sanctuary according to the manner; 21 and he made the flowers and the lamps and the tongs of gold, of purest gold; 22 and the snuffers and the basins and the spoons and the censers, of pure gold. And the entrance of the house: its inner doors for the Most Holy Place and the doors of the house of the temple were of gold. The Ark Brought In Thus all the work that Solomon did for the house of the Lord was finished, and Solomon brought in all the things that his father, David, had dedicated. And he put the silver and the gold and all the instruments in the treasuries of the house of God. 2 Then Solomon assembled at Jerusalem the elders of Israel and all the heads of the tribes, the chiefs of the fathers of the children of Israel, to bring up the ark of the covenant of the Lord out of the city of David, which is Zion. 3 Therefore all the men of Israel assembled themselves before the king at the feast, which was in the seventh month. 4 And all the elders of Israel came, and the Levites took up the ark. 5 And they brought up the ark and the tabernacle of the congregation and all the holy vessels that were in the tabernacle. The priests and the Levites brought these up. 6 Also King Solomon and all the congregation of Israel who were assembled with him before the ark sacrificed sheep and oxen, the number of which could not be counted or numbered. 7 And the priests brought in the ark of the
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covenant of the Lord to its place, to the inner sanctuary of the house, into the Most Holy Place, under the wings of the cherubim. 8 For the cherubim spread out their wings over the place of the ark, and the cherubim covered above the ark and its poles. 9 And they drew out the poles of the ark, that the ends of the poles were seen from the ark in front of the inner sanctuary, but they could not be seen outside. And it is there to this day. 10 There was nothing in the ark except the two tablets that Moses put in it at Horeb, when the Lord made a covenant with the children of Israel, when they came out of Egypt. 11 And it came to pass when the priests had come out of the Holy Place (for all the priests who were present were sanctified and did not wait by division), 12 also the Levites who were the singers—all those of Asaph, of Heman, of Jeduthun, with their sons and their brothers, being clothed in white linen, having cymbals and lyres and harps—stood at the east end of the altar, and with them a hundred and twenty priests sounding with trumpets, 13 it even came to pass when the trumpeters and singers were as one, to make one sound to be heard in praising and thanking the Lord, and when they lifted up their voice with the trumpets and cymbals and instruments of music and praised the Lord, saying, “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever,” that the house, even the house of the Lord, was then filled with a cloud, 14 so that the priests could not stand to minister because of the cloud, for
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the glory of the Lord had filled the house of God. The Sermon of Solomon Then Solomon said, “The Lord has said that He would dwell in the thick darkness. 2 But I have built a house of habitation for You and a place for Your dwelling forever.” 3 And the king turned his face and blessed the whole congregation of Israel, and all the congregation of Israel stood. 4 And he said, “Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, who with His hands has fulfilled what He spoke with His mouth to my father, David, saying, 5 ‘Since the day that I brought forth My people out of the land of Egypt, I chose no city among all the tribes of Israel to build a house in, that My name might be there, nor did I choose any man to be a ruler over My people Israel. 6 But I have chosen Jerusalem, that My name might be there, and have chosen David to be over My people Israel.’ 7 Now it was in the heart of my father, David, to build a house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. 8 But the Lord said to my father, David, ‘Because it was in your heart to build a house for My name, you did well in that it was in your heart. 9 However you shall not build the house, but your son who shall come from your loins, he shall build the house for My name.’ 10 Therefore the Lord has fulfilled His word that He has spoken, for I have risen up in the place of my father, David, and sit on the throne of Israel, as the Lord promised, and have built the house for the name of the Lord God of Israel. 11 And in it I have put
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the ark, in which is the covenant of the Lord that He made with the children of Israel.” Solomon’s Prayer of Dedication 12 And he stood before the altar of the Lord in the presence of all the congregation of Israel and spread out his hands 13 (for Solomon had made a brazen platform of five cubits long and five cubits wide and three cubits high and had set it in the midst of the courtyard, and he stood on it and knelt down on his knees before all the congregation of Israel and spread out his hands toward heaven) 14 and said, “O Lord God of Israel, there is no God like You in heaven or on earth, who keeps Your covenant and shows mercy to Your servants who walk before You with all their hearts. 15 You who have kept with Your servant David, my father, what You have promised him and spoke with Your mouth and have fulfilled it with Your hand, as it is this day. 16 Now therefore, O Lord God of Israel, keep with Your servant David, my father, what You have promised him, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man in My sight to sit on the throne of Israel, only if your children take heed to their way, to walk in My law as you have walked before Me.’ 17 Now then, O Lord God of Israel, let Your word be verified that You have spoken to Your servant David. 18 “But will God indeed dwell with men on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain You. How much less this house that I have built! 19 Therefore, consider the prayer of Your servant
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and his supplication, O Lord my God, and listen to the cry and the prayer that Your servant prays before You, 20 that Your eyes may be open on this house day and night, on the place where You have said that You would put Your name, to listen to the prayer that Your servant prays toward this place. 21 Listen therefore to the supplications of Your servant and of Your people Israel, which they shall make toward this place. Hear from Your dwelling place, even from heaven, and when You hear, forgive. 22 “If a man sins against his neighbor and an oath is laid on him to make him swear, and the oath comes before Your altar in this house, 23 then hear from heaven and act, and judge Your servants by punishing the wicked by repaying his way on his own head and by justifying the righteous by giving him according to his righteousness. 24 “And if Your people Israel are defeated before the enemy because they have sinned against You, and shall return and confess Your name and pray and make supplication before You in this house, 25 then hear from the heavens and forgive the sin of Your people Israel, and bring them again to the land that You gave to them and to their fathers. 26 “When the heavens are shut up and there is no rain because they have sinned against You, and if they pray toward this place and confess Your name and turn from their sin when You afflict them, 27 then hear from heaven and forgive the sin of Your servants and of Your people Israel, when You have taught them
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the good way in which they should walk, and send rain on Your land, which You have given to Your people as an inheritance. 28 “If there is famine in the land, if there is pestilence, if there is blight or mildew, locusts or caterpillars, if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land, whatever affliction or whatever sickness there is, 29 then whatever prayer or supplication shall be made by any man or by all Your people Israel, when everyone shall know his own affliction and his own grief and shall spread out his hands in this house, 30 then hear from heaven, Your dwelling place, and forgive and render to every man according to all his ways, whose heart You know (for only You know the hearts of the children of men), 31 that they may fear You, to walk in Your ways so long as they live in the land that You gave to our fathers. 32 “Moreover, concerning the foreigner who is not from Your people Israel but has come from a faraway country for Your great name’s sake and Your mighty hand and Your outstretched arm, if they come and pray in this house, 33 then hear from the heavens, even from Your dwelling place, and do according to all that the foreigner call to You for, that all people of the earth may know Your name and fear You, as Your people Israel do, and may know that this house that I have built is called by Your name. 34 “If your people go out to war against their enemies, by the way that You shall send them, and they pray to You toward this city that
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You have chosen and the house that I have built for Your name, 35 then hear from the heavens their prayer and their supplication and maintain their cause. 36 “If they sin against You (for there is no man who does not sin), and You are angry with them and deliver them over to their enemies, and they carry them away captive to a land far off or near, 37 yet if they come to themselves in the land where they are carried captive and turn and pray to You in the land of their captivity, saying, ‘We have sinned. We have done wrong and have done wickedly,’ 38 if they return to You with all their heart and with all their soul in the land of their captivity, where they have been carried as captives, and pray toward their land that You gave to their fathers and toward the city that You have chosen and toward the house that I have built for Your name, 39 then hear from the heavens, even from Your dwelling place, their prayer and their supplications and maintain their cause and forgive Your people who have sinned against You. 40 Now, my God, let, I beseech You, Your eyes be open, and let Your ears be attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 41 “Now therefore, O Lord God, arise into Your resting place, You and the ark of Your strength. Let Your priests, O Lord God, be clothed with salvation, and let Your saints rejoice in goodness. 42 “O Lord God, do not turn away the face of Your anointed. Remember the mercies of Your servant David.”
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The Divine Acceptance Now when Solomon had finished praying, the fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the house. 2 And the priests could not enter into the house of the Lord because the glory of the Lord had filled the Lord’s house. 3 And when all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down and the glory of the Lord on the house, they bowed themselves with their faces to the ground on the pavement and worshipped and praised the Lord, saying, “For He is good, for His mercy endures forever!” 4 Then the king and all the people offered sacrifices before the Lord. 5 And king Solomon offered a sacrifice of twenty-two thousand oxen and one hundred and twenty thousand sheep. So the king and all the people dedicated the house of God. 6 And the priests served in their offices, the Levites also with instruments of music for the Lord, which David the king had made to praise the Lord (because His mercy endures forever) when David praised by their ministry. And the priests sounded trumpets before them, and all Israel stood. 7 Moreover, Solomon consecrated the middle of the courtyard that was before the house of the Lord, for he offered burnt offerings and the fat of the peace offerings there because the brazen altar that Solomon had made was not able to receive the burnt offerings and the grain offerings and the fat. 8 At the same time Solomon also
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held the feast seven days and all Israel with him, a very great congregation from the entrance of Hamath to the river of Egypt. 9 And on the eighth day they made a solemn assembly, for they kept the dedication of the altar seven days and the feast seven days. 10 And on the twenty-third day of the seventh month he sent the people away into their tents, glad and merry in heart for the goodness that the Lord had shown to David and to Solomon and to His people Israel. 11 Thus Solomon finished the house of the Lord and the king’s house, and all that came into Solomon’s heart to make in the house of the Lord and in his own house, he prosperously accomplished. Jehovah Appears to Solomon 12 And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night and said to him, “I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice. 13 If I shut up heaven so that there is no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people, 14 if My people who are called by My name shall humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land. 15 Now My eyes shall be open and My ears attentive to the prayer that is made in this place. 16 For now I have chosen and sanctified this house, that My name may be there forever, and My eyes and My heart shall be there perpetually. 17 And as for you, if you
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will walk before Me as your father, David, walked and do according to all that I have commanded you and shall observe My statutes and My judgments, 18 then I will establish the throne of your kingdom according to what I have covenanted with your father, David, saying, ‘You shall not fail to have a man as ruler in Israel.’ 19 “But if you turn away and forsake My statutes and My commandments that I have set before you and go and serve other gods and worship them, 20 then I will pluck them up by the roots out of My land that I have given them, and this house that I have sanctified for My name I will cast out of My sight and will make it to be a proverb and a byword among all nations. 21 “And this house, which is exalted, shall be an astonishment to everyone who passes by it, so that he shall say, ‘Why has the Lord done this to this land and to this house?’ 22 And it shall be answered, ‘Because they abandoned the Lord God of their fathers, who brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, and they laid hold of other gods and worshipped them and served them. Therefore He has brought all this evil on them.’” The Energy and Report of Solomon And it came to pass at the end of the twenty years, in which Solomon had built the house of the Lord and his own house, 2 that the cities that Huram had restored to Solomon, Solomon built them and caused the children of Israel to
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dwell there. 3 And Solomon went to Hamath- zobah and prevailed against it. 4 And he built Tadmor in the wilderness and all the storage cities, which he built in Hamath. 5 He also built upper Beth-horon and lower Beth-horon—fortified cities with walls, gates, and bars— 6 and Baalath and all the storage cities that Solomon had and all the chariot cities and the cities for the horsemen and all that Solomon desired to build in Jerusalem and in Lebanon and throughout all the land of his dominion. 7 As for all the people who were left of the Hittites and the Amo rites and the Perizzites and the Hivites and the Jebusites, who were not of Israel 8 but of their children who were left in the land after them, whom the children of Israel had not consumed, Solomon made them pay tribute until this day. 9 But Solomon did not make servants for his work from the children of Israel, but they were men of war and chiefs of his captains and captains of his chariots and horsemen. 10 And these were the chief officers of King Solomon, even two hundred and fifty who ruled over the people. 11 And Solomon brought up the daughter of Pharaoh out of the city of David to the house that he had built for her, for he said, “My wife shall not dwell in the house of David, king of Israel, because the places where the ark of the Lord has come are holy.” 12 Then Solomon offered burnt offerings to the Lord on the altar of the Lord that he had built in front of the porch, 13 even according to
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a certain rate every day, offering according to the commandment of Moses on the Sabbaths and on the New Moons and on the solemn feasts, three times in the year— even on the Feast of Unleavened Bread, and on the Feast of Weeks, and on the Feast of Tabernacles. 14 And according to the ordinance of his father, David, he appointed the divisions of the priests for their service and the Levites for their duties (to praise and minister before the priests), as the duty of every day required, and also the gatekeepers by their divisions at every gate, for so David the man of God had commanded. 15 And they did not depart from the commandment of the king to the priests and Levites concerning any matter or concerning the treasuries. 16 Now all the work of Solomon was prepared from the day of the foundation of the house of the Lord and until it was finished. So the house of the Lord was completed. 17 Then Solomon went to Ezion- geber and to Eloth at the seaside in the land of Edom. 18 And Huram sent him by the hands of his servants ships and servants who had knowledge of the sea, and they went with the servants of Solomon to Ophir and took four hundred and fifty talents of gold from there and brought them to King Solomon. Solomon and the Queen of Sheba And when the queen of Sheba heard of the fame of Solomon, she came to test Solomon with hard questions at Jerusalem, with a very
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great company and camels that carried spices and gold in abundance and precious stones. And when she came to Solomon, she discussed with him about all that was in her heart. 2 And Solomon answered all her questions, and there was nothing hidden from Solomon that he did not tell her. 3 And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, and the house that he had built, 4 and the food of his table, and the seating of his servants, and the attendance of his ministers and their apparel, also his cupbearers and their apparel, and his ascent by which he went up into the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her. 5 And she said to the king, “It was a true report that I heard in my own land of your acts and of your wisdom. 6 However, I did not believe their words until I came and my eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told to me, for you exceed the report that I heard. 7 Happy are your men and happy are these your servants, who stand before you continually and hear your wisdom. 8 Blessed be the Lord your God, who delighted in you to set you on His throne to be king for the Lord your God. Because your God loved Israel, to establish them forever, therefore He made you king over them, to do judgment and justice.” 9 And she gave the king one hundred and twenty talents of gold and spices of great abundance and precious stones. There never had been any spice like what the queen of Sheba gave King Solomon.
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10 And
the servants of Huram and the servants of Solomon, who brought gold from Ophir, also brought algum trees and precious stones. 11 And from the algum trees the king made steps to the house of the Lord and to the king’s palace, and harps and lyres for singers, and nothing like them had ever been seen before in the land of Judah. 12 And King Solomon gave to the queen of Sheba all she desired, whatever she asked, besides what she had brought to the king. So she turned and went away to her own land, she and her servants. Solomon’s Revenue and Splendor 13 Now the weight of gold that came to Solomon in one year was six hundred and sixty-six talents of gold, 14 besides what the traders and merchants brought. And all the kings of Arabia and governors of the country brought gold and silver to Solomon. 15 And King Solomon made two hundred shields of beaten gold— six hundred shekels of beaten gold went to one shield. 16 And he made three hundred shields of beaten gold—three hundred shekels of gold went to one shield. And the king put them in the House of the Forest of Lebanon. 17 Moreover, the king made a great throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold. 18 And there were six steps to the throne with a footstool of gold, which were fastened to the throne, and armrests on each side of the sitting place, and two lions standing by the armrests. 19 And twelve lions stood there on the six
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steps on the one side and on the other. There was nothing like this made in any kingdom. 20 And all the drinking vessels of King Solomon were of gold, and all the vessels of the House of the Forest of Lebanon were of pure gold. None were of silver; it was not considered as anything in the days of Solomon. 21 For the king’s ships went to Tarshish with the servants of Huram. Once every three years the ships of Tarshish came bringing gold and silver, ivory, and apes and peacocks. 22 And King Solomon surpassed all the kings of the earth in riches and wisdom. 23 And all the kings of the earth sought the presence of Solomon, to hear his wisdom that God had put in his heart. 24 And they brought, every man his present, a rate year by year: vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, and clothing, armor and spices, horses, and mules. 25 And Solomon had four thousand stalls for horses and chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem. 26 And he reigned over all the kings from the river to the land of the Philistines and to the border of Egypt. 27 And the king made silver in Jerusalem as common as stones, and he made cedar trees as the sycamore trees that are in the low plains in abundance. 28 And they brought horses to Solomon out of Egypt and out of all lands. The Death of Solomon 29 Now the rest of the acts of Solomon, first and last, are they not
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written in the book of Nathan the prophet, and in the prophecy of Ahijah the Shilonite, and in the visions of Iddo the seer against Jeroboam the son of Nebat? 30 And Solomon reigned in Jerusalem over all Israel forty years. 31 And Solomon slept with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David, his father. And his son Rehoboam reigned in his place. Accession and Folly of Rehoboam And Rehoboam went to Shechem, for all Israel had come to Shechem to make him king. 2 And it came to pass, when Jeroboam the son of Nebat heard about it (he was in Egypt, where he had fled from the presence of Solomon the king), that Jeroboam returned from Egypt. 3 And they sent and called him. So Jeroboam and all Israel came and spoke to Rehoboam, saying, 4 “Your father made our yoke heavy. Now therefore, ease somewhat the harsh servitude of your father and his heavy yoke that he put on us, and we will serve you.” 5 And he said to them, “Come back to me after three days.” And the people departed. 6 And King Rehoboam took counsel with the old men who had stood before Solomon, his father, while he still lived, saying, “What advice can you give me to answer this people?” 7 And they spoke to him, saying, “If you are kind to this people and please them and speak good words to them, they will be your servants forever.”
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old men gave him and took counsel with the young men who were brought up with him, who stood before him. 9 And he said to them, “What advice do you give, that we may answer this people, who have spoken to me, saying, ‘Ease somewhat the yoke that your father put on us’?” 10 And the young men who were brought up with him spoke to him, saying, “This is what you shall answer the people who spoke to you, saying, ‘Your father made our yoke heavy, but make it somewhat lighter for us.’ This is what you shall say to them: ‘My little finger shall be thicker than my father’s loins. 11 For while my father put a heavy yoke on you, I will put more to your yoke. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.’” Division of the Kingdom 12 So Jeroboam and all the people came to Rehoboam on the third day, as the king asked, saying, “Come back to me on the third day.” 13 And the king answered them roughly. And King Rehoboam ignored the advice of the old men 14 and answered them according to the advice of the young men, saying, “My father made your yoke heavy, but I will add to it. My father disciplined you with whips, but I will discipline you with scorpions.” 15 So the king did not listen to the people—for the reason was from God, that the Lord might fulfill His word that He spoke by the hand of Ahijah the Shilonite to Jeroboam the son of Nebat.
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16 And when all Israel saw that the
king would not listen to them, the people answered the king, saying, “What portion do we have in David? And we have no inheritance in the son of Jesse. Every man to your tents, O Israel. And now, David, see to your own house.” So all Israel went to their tents. 17 But as for the children of Israel who dwelled in the cities of Judah, Rehoboam reigned over them. 18 Then King Rehoboam sent Hadoram, who was over the forced labor, and the children of Israel stoned him with stones, that he died. But King Rehoboam hurried to get himself up into his chariot to flee to Jerusalem. 19 And Israel has rebelled against the house of David to this day. Rehoboam Returns to Jerusalem And when Rehoboam had come to Jerusalem, he gathered from the house of Judah and Benjamin one hundred and eighty thousand chosen men, who were warriors, to fight against Israel, that he might restore the kingdom to Rehoboam. 2 But the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah the man of God, saying, 3 “Speak to Rehoboam the son of Solomon, king of Judah, and to all Israel in Judah and Benjamin, saying, 4 ‘This is what the Lord says, “You shall not go up or fight against your brothers. Let every man return to his house, for this thing is done by Me.”’” And they obeyed the words of the Lord and returned from going against Jeroboam. 5 And Rehoboam dwelled in
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Jerusalem and built cities for defense in Judah. 6 He even built Bethlehem and Etam and Tekoa, 7 and Beth-zur and Soco and Adullam, 8 and Gath and Mareshah and Ziph, 9 and Adoraim and Lachish and Azekah, 10 and Zorah and Aijalon and Hebron, which are fortified cities in Judah and in Benjamin. 11 And he fortified the strongholds and put captains in them and stores of provisions, and of oil and wine. 12 And he put shields and spears in every city and made them exceedingly strong, having Judah and Benjamin on his side. 13 And the priests and the Levites who were in all Israel came to him from all their territories. Jeroboam Rejects the Worship of Jehovah 14 For the Levites left their suburbs and their property and came to Judah and Jerusalem, for Jeroboam and his sons had cast them off from carrying out the priest’s office to the Lord. 15 And he ordained for himself priests for the high places and for the demons and for the calves that he had made. 16 And after them, those out of all the tribes of Israel who had set their hearts to seek the Lord God of Israel came to Jerusalem to sacrifice to the Lord God of their fathers. 17 So they strengthened the kingdom of Judah and made Rehoboam the son of Solomon strong, three years. For three years they walked in the way of David and Solomon. Rehoboam’s Family 18 And Rehoboam took for himself
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as wife Mahalath the daughter of Jerimoth the son of David and Abihail the daughter of Eliab, the son of Jesse. 19 She bore him children: Jeush and Shemariah and Zaham. 20 And after her he took Maacah the daughter of Absalom, who bore him Abijah and Attai and Ziza and Shelomith. 21 And Rehoboam loved Maacah the daughter of Absalom above all his wives and his concubines, for he took eighteen wives and sixty concubines, and fathered twenty-eight sons and sixty daughters. 22 And Rehoboam made Abijah the son of Maacah the chief, to be the ruler among his brothers, for he intended to make him king. 23 And he acted wisely and dispersed all his children throughout all the territories of Judah and Benjamin, to every fortified city, and he gave them provisions in abundance. And he desired many wives. Rehoboam’s Apostasy And it came to pass, when Rehoboam had established the kingdom and had strengthened himself, that he and all Israel with him abandoned the law of the Lord.
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Invasion of Shishak 2 And it came to pass in the fifth year of King Rehoboam, because they had transgressed against the Lord, that Shishak, king of Egypt, came up against Jerusalem 3 with twelve hundred chariots and sixty thousand horsemen. And the people who came with him from Egypt were without number: the Lubim and the Sukkiim and the Ethiopians. 4 And he took the fortified cities that
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belonged to Judah and came to Jerusalem. 5 Then Shemaiah the prophet came to Rehoboam and to the princes of Judah, who had gathered together in Jerusalem because of Shishak, and said to them, “This is what the Lord says: ‘You have abandoned Me, and therefore I also have left you in the hand of Shishak.’” 6 Because of this the princes of Israel and the king humbled themselves, and they said, “The Lord is righteous.” 7 And when the Lord saw that they humbled themselves, the word of the Lord came to Shemaiah, saying, “They have humbled themselves. Therefore I will not destroy them, but I will grant them some deliverance. And My wrath shall not be poured out on Jerusalem by the hand of Shishak. 8 Nevertheless they shall be his servants, that they may know My service and the service of the kingdoms of the countries.” 9 So Shishak, king of Egypt, came up against Jerusalem and took away the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king’s house. He took everything. He also carried away the shields of gold that Solomon had made. 10 King Rehoboam made shields of brass instead and committed them to the hands of the chief of the guard, who guarded the entrance of the king’s house. 11 And when the king entered the house of the Lord, the guard came and brought them and brought them back into the guard chamber. 12 And when he humbled himself, the wrath of the Lord turned from him, that He would not
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destroy him completely. And things also went well in Judah. Death of Rehoboam 13 So King Rehoboam strengthened himself in Jerusalem and reigned. For Rehoboam was forty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned seventeen years in Jerusalem, the city that the Lord had chosen out of all the tribes of Israel, to put His name there. And his mother’s name was Naamah, an Ammonitess. 14 And he did evil, because he did not prepare his heart to seek the Lord. 15 Now the acts of Rehoboam, first and last, are they not written in the book of Shemaiah the prophet and of Iddo the seer concerning genealogies? And there were wars between Rehoboam and Jeroboam continually. 16 And Rehoboam slept with his fathers and was buried in the city of David. And his son Abijah reigned in his place. Accession of Abijah over Judah Now in the eighteenth year of King Jeroboam, Abijah began to reign over Judah. 2 He reigned three years in Jerusalem. Also his mother’s name was Micaiah the daughter of Uriel of Gibeah. And there was war between Abijah and Jeroboam. 3 And Abijah set the battle in formation with an army of valiant men of war: even four hundred thousand chosen men. Jero boam also set the battle in formation against him with eight hundred thousand chosen men who were mighty men of valor. 4 And Abijah stood up on Mount Zemaraim, which is in Mount
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Ephraim, and said, “Hear me, Jer oboam and all Israel. 5 Do you not know that the Lord God of Israel gave the kingship over Israel to David forever, even to him and to his sons by a covenant of salt? 6 Yet Jeroboam the son of Nebat, the servant of Solomon the son of David, has risen up and has rebelled against his lord. 7 And worthless men are gathered to him, the children of Belial, and have strengthened themselves against Rehoboam the son of Solomon, when Rehoboam was young and tenderhearted and could not withstand them. 8 And now you think to withstand the kingdom of the Lord in the hand of the sons of David, and you are a great multitude and with you are golden calves that Jer oboam made you for gods. 9 Have you not cast out the priests of the Lord, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites, and made priests for yourselves according to the manner of the nations of other lands, so that whoever comes to consecrate himself with a young bull and seven rams, the same may be a priest of things that are not gods? 10 But as for us, the Lord is our God, and we have not abandoned Him. And the priests who minister to the Lord are the sons of Aaron, and the Levites serve them in their duties. 11 And they burn to the Lord every morning and every evening burnt sacrifices and sweet incense. They also set the showbread in order on the pure table and the candlestick of gold with its lamps, to burn every evening, for we keep the charge of the Lord our God. But
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you have abandoned Him. 12 And behold, God Himself is with us as our captain, and His priests with sounding trumpets to sound the alarm against you. O children of Israel, do not fight against the Lord God of your fathers, for you shall not succeed.” 13 But Jeroboam caused an ambush to come around behind them, so they were in front of Judah. And the ambush was behind them. 14 And when Judah looked back, behold, the battle was in front and behind. And they cried to the Lord, and the priests sounded the trumpets. 15 Then the men of Judah gave a shout, and as the men of Judah shouted, it came to pass that God struck Jeroboam and all Israel before Abijah and Judah. 16 And the children of Israel fled before Judah, and God delivered them into their hand. 17 And Abijah and his people slew them with a great slaughter, so five hundred thousand chosen men of Israel fell down slain. 18 Thus the children of Israel were subdued at that time, and the children of Judah prevailed because they relied on the Lord God of their fathers. 19 And Abijah pursued after Jer oboam and took cities from him: Bethel with its towns and Jeshanah with its towns and Ephron with its towns. Death of Jeroboam 20 Jeroboam did not recover strength again in the days of Abijah, and the Lord struck him and he died. 21 But Abijah grew mighty and married fourteen wives and fathered twenty-two sons and sixteen
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daughters. 22 And the rest of the acts of Abijah and his ways and his sayings are written in the story of the prophet Iddo. Death of Abijah and Accession of Asa So Abijah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David. And his son Asa reigned in his place. In his days the land was quiet ten years. 2 And Asa did what was good and right in the eyes of the Lord his God, 3 for he took away the altars of the foreign gods and the high places, and broke down the images, and cut down the groves, 4 and commanded Judah to seek the Lord God of their fathers and to do the law and the commandment. 5 He also removed the high places and the images out of all the cities of Judah, and the kingdom was quiet under him. 6 And he built fortified cities in Judah, for the land had rest, and he had no war in those years because the Lord had given him rest. 7 Therefore he said to Judah, “Let us build these cities and make walls around them and towers, gates, and bars, while the land is yet before us because we have sought the Lord our God. We have sought Him, and He has given us rest on every side.” So they built and prospered. 8 And Asa had an army of three hundred thousand men out of Judah who carried shields and spears and two hundred and eighty thousand out of Benjamin who carried shields and drew bows. All these were mighty men of valor.
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Asa’s Victory over Zerah 9 And Zerah the Ethiopian came out against them with an army of one million, and three hundred chariots, and came to Mareshah. 10 Then Asa went out against him, and they set the battle in formation in the Valley of Zephathah at Mareshah. 11 And Asa cried to the Lord his God and said, “Lord, it is nothing for You to help, whether with many or with those who have no power. Help us, O Lord our God, for we rest in You, and in Your name we go against this multitude. O Lord, You are our God. Let no man prevail against You.” 12 So the Lord struck the Ethiopians before Asa and before Judah, and the Ethiopians fled. 13 And Asa and the people who were with him pursued them to Gerar. And the Ethiopians were overthrown, that they could not recover themselves, for they were destroyed before the Lord and before His army. And they carried away very much plunder. 14 And they struck all the cities around Gerar, for the fear of the Lord came on them. And they plundered all the cities, for there was exceedingly much plunder in them. 15 They also struck the tents of cattle, and carried away sheep and camels in abundance, and returned to Jerusalem. The Warning of the Prophet Azariah And the Spirit of God came on Azariah the son of Oded. 2 And he went out to meet Asa and said to him, “Hear me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin. The Lord is with you while you are with Him.
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And if you seek Him, He will be found by you, but if you abandon Him, He will abandon you. 3 Now for a long time Israel was without the true God and without a teaching priest and without law. 4 But when in their trouble they turned to the Lord God of Israel and sought Him, He was found by them. 5 And in those times there was no peace for him who went out or for him who came in, but great troubles were on all the inhabitants of the countries. 6 And nation was destroyed by nation and city by city, for God afflicted them with all adversity. 7 Therefore be strong and do not let your hands be weak, for your work shall be rewarded.” The Reform under Asa 8 And when Asa heard these words and the prophecy of Oded the prophet, he took courage and put away the abominable idols out of all the land of Judah and Benjamin and out of the cities that he had taken from Mount Ephraim, and renewed the altar of the Lord that was before the porch of the Lord. 9 And he gathered all Judah and Benjamin, and the foreigners with them out of Ephraim and Manasseh and out of Simeon, for they deserted to him in abundance from Israel when they saw that the Lord his God was with him. 10 So they gathered themselves together in Jerusalem in the third month, in the fifteenth year of the reign of Asa. 11 And they offered to the Lord at the same time seven hundred oxen and seven thousand sheep from the plunder that
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they had brought. 12 And they entered into a covenant to seek the Lord God of their fathers with all their heart and with all their soul, 13 that whoever would not seek the Lord God of Israel should be put to death, whether young or old, whether man or woman. 14 And they swore to the Lord with a loud voice, and with shouting and with trumpets and with cornets. 15 And all Judah rejoiced at the oath, for they had sworn with all their heart and sought Him with their whole desire, and He was found by them. And the Lord gave them rest all around. 16 And also concerning Maacah, the mother of Asa the king, he removed her from being queen because she had made an idol in a grove, and Asa cut down her idol and stamped it and burned it at the brook Kidron. 17 But the high places were not taken away out of Israel. Nevertheless the heart of Asa was pure all his days. 18 And he brought into the house of God the things that his father had dedicated and that he himself had dedicated: silver and gold and vessels. 19 And there was no more war until the thirty-fifth year of the reign of Asa. Wars between Asa and Baasha In the thirty-sixth year of the reign of Asa, Baasha, king of Israel, came up against Judah and built Ramah with the intent that he might not let anyone go out or come in to Asa, king of Judah. 2 Then Asa brought silver and gold out of the treasuries of the house of the
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Lord and of the king’s house and sent it to Ben-hadad, king of Syria, who dwelled in Damascus, saying, 3 “There is a treaty between me and you, as there was between my father and your father. Behold, I have sent you silver and gold. Go, break your treaty with Baasha, king of Israel, that he may depart from me.” 4 And Ben-hadad listened to King Asa and sent the captains of his armies against the cities of Israel. And they struck Ijon and Dan and Abel-maim and all the storage cities of Naphtali. 5 And it came to pass, when Baasha heard it, that he stopped building Ramah and let his work cease. 6 Then Asa the king took all Judah, and they carried away the stones of Ramah and its timber with which Baasha was building. And with it he built Geba and Mizpah. Asa Rebuked by Hanani 7 And at that time Hanani the seer came to Asa, king of Judah, and said to him, “Because you have relied on the king of Syria and not relied on the Lord your God, therefore the army of the king of Syria has escaped out of your hand. 8Were the Ethiopians and the Lubim not a huge army with very many chariots and horsemen? Yet because you relied on the Lord, He delivered them into your hand. 9 For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is pure toward Him. In this you have done foolishly. Therefore from now on you shall have wars.” 10 Then Asa was angry with the seer
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and put him in a prison house, for he was enraged at him because of this thing. And Asa oppressed some of the people at the same time. 11 And, behold, the acts of Asa, first and last, see, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. Asa’s Illness and Death 12 And in the thirty-ninth year of his reign Asa was diseased in his feet, until his disease was exceedingly great. Yet in his disease he did not seek the Lord but sought the physicians. 13 And Asa slept with his fathers and died in the forty-first year of his reign. 14 And they buried him in his own sepulchre, which he had made for himself in the city of David, and laid him in the bed that was filled with sweet odors and various kinds of spices prepared by the perfumers’ art. And they made a very great fire for him. Accession of Jehoshaphat And his son Jehoshaphat reigned in his place and strengthened himself against Israel. 2 And he placed forces in all the fortified cities of Judah and set garrisons in the land of Judah and in the cities of Ephraim that his father, Asa, had taken. 3 And the Lord was with Jehoshaphat because he walked in the former ways of his father David and did not seek the Baals 4 but sought the Lord God of his father and walked in His commandments and not according to the deeds of Israel. 5 Therefore the Lord established the kingdom in
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his hand, and all Judah brought presents to Jehoshaphat, and he had riches and honor in abundance. 6 And his heart was lifted up in the ways of the Lord. Moreover, he removed the high places and groves out of Judah. 7 Also in the third year of his reign he sent to his princes, even to Benhail and to Obadiah and to Zechariah and to Nethanel and to Micaiah, to teach in the cities of Judah. 8 And with them he sent Levites—even Shemaiah and Nethaniah and Zeb adiah and Asahel and Shemiramoth and Jehonathan and Adonijah and Tobijah and Tob-adonijah, Le vites—and with them the priests Elishama and Jehoram. 9 And they taught in Judah and had the Book of the Law of the Lord with them and went around throughout all the cities of Judah and taught the people.
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Jehoshaphat’s Growing Power 10 And the fear of the Lord fell on all the kingdoms of the lands that were around Judah, so that they did not make war against Jehoshaphat. 11 Also some of the Philistines brought Jehoshaphat presents and tribute silver. And the Arabs brought him flocks: seven thousand seven hundred rams and seven thousand seven hundred male goats. 12 And Jehoshaphat grew exceedingly great, and he built fortresses and storage cities in Judah. 13 And he had much business in the cities of Judah, and the men of war, mighty men of valor, were in Jerusalem. 14 And these are their numbers according to the house of their fathers.
The Lying Prophets of Ahab 4 And Jehoshaphat said to the king of Israel, “Inquire, I ask you, for the word of the Lord today.”
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Of Judah, the captains of thousands: Adnah the chief, and with him three hundred thousand mighty men of valor, 15 and next to him was Jehohanan the captain with two hundred and eighty thousand. 16 And next to him was Amasiah the son of Zichri, who willingly offered himself to the Lord, and with him two hundred thousand mighty men of valor. 17 And of Benjamin: Eliada, a mighty man of valor, and with him two hundred thousand men armed with bow and shield. 18 And next to him was Jehozabad, and with him one hundred and eighty thousand prepared for war. 19 These served the king, besides those whom the king put in the fortified cities throughout all Judah. Jehoshaphat’s Alliance with Ahab Now Jehoshaphat had riches and honor in abundance, and by marriage he allied himself with Ahab. 2 And after some years he went down to Ahab in Samaria, and Ahab killed an abundance of sheep and oxen for him and for the people that he had with him and persuaded him to go up with him to Ramoth-gilead. 3 And Ahab, king of Israel, said to Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, “Will you go with me to Ramoth-gilead?” And he answered him, “I am as you are, and my people as your people, and we will be with you in the war.”
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good for the king. Therefore let ered together four hundred men your word, I ask you, be like one of of the prophets and said to them, theirs, and speak good.” 13 And Micaiah said, “As the Lord “Shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to lives, whatever my God says, I will battle, or shall I refrain?” And they said, “Go up, for God speak it.” 14 And when he had come to the will deliver it into the king’s hand.” 6 But Jehoshaphat said, “Is there king, the king said to him, “Micaiah, not still a prophet of the Lord here, shall we go to Ramoth-gilead to battle, or shall I refrain?” that we might inquire of him?” 7 And the king of Israel said to JeAnd he said, “Go up and be suchoshaphat, “There is still one man cessful, and they shall be delivered by whom we may inquire of the into your hand.” 15 And the king said to him, “How Lord, but I hate him, for he never prophesied good to me, but always many times shall I charge you to say evil. He is Micaiah the son of Imla.” nothing but the truth to me in the And Jehoshaphat said, “Do not let name of the Lord?” 16 Then he said, “I saw all Israel the king say so.” 8 And the king of Israel called for scattered on the mountains, as one of his officers and said, “Quickly sheep who have no shepherd. And the Lord said, ‘These have no masbring Micaiah the son of Imlah” 9 And the king of Israel and Jeter. Therefore let every man return hoshaphat king of Judah were sit- to his house in peace.’” 17 And the king of Israel said to Jeting, clothed in their robes, each of them on his throne, and they sat in hoshaphat, “Did I not tell you that an empty place at the entrance of the he would not prophesy good to me, gate of Samaria, and all the proph- but evil?” 18 Again he said, “Therefore hear ets prophesied before them. 10 And Zedekiah the son of Chenaanah had the word of the Lord. I saw the made horns of iron for himself and Lord sitting on His throne and all said, “This is what the Lord says: the host of heaven standing on His ‘With these you shall push Syria un- right hand and on His left. 19 And the Lord said, ‘Who shall entice til they are consumed.’” 11 And all the prophets prophesied Ahab, king of Israel, that he may this, saying, “Go up to Ramoth- go up and fall at Ramoth-gilead?’ gilead and be successful, for the And one spoke in this manner and Lord shall deliver it into the hand another in that manner. 20 Then a spirit came out and stood before the of the king.” Lord and said, ‘I will entice him.’ And the Lord said to him, ‘How?’ Micaiah’s True Prophecy 21 And he said, ‘I will go out and be 12 And the messenger who went to call Micaiah spoke to him, saying, a lying spirit in the mouth of all his “Behold, the words of the proph- prophets.’ And the Lord said, ‘You ets are in agreement in declaring shall entice him, and you shall also 5 Therefore the king of Israel gath-
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prevail. Go out and do so.’ 22 Now therefore, behold, the Lord has put a lying spirit in the mouth of these prophets of yours, and the Lord has spoken evil against you.” 23 Then Zedekiah, the son of Chenaanah came near and struck Mica iah on the cheek and said, “Which way did the Spirit of the Lord go from me to speak to you?” 24 And Micaiah said, “Behold, you shall see on that day when you shall go into an inner chamber to hide yourself.” 25 Then the king of Israel said, “Take Micaiah and carry him back to Amon the governor of the city and to Joash the king’s son, 26 and say, ‘This is what the king says: “Put this fellow in the prison and feed him with bread of affliction and with water of affliction until I return in peace.”’” 27 And Micaiah said, “If you certainly return in peace, then the Lord has not spoken by me.” And he said, “Listen, all you people.” 28 So the king of Israel and Jehoshaphat the king of Judah went up to Ramoth-gilead. 29 And the king of Israel said to Jehoshaphat, “I will disguise myself, and I will go to the battle. But you put on your robes.” So the king of Israel disguised himself, and they went to the battle. 30 Now the king of Syria had commanded the captains of the chariots who were with him, saying, “Do not fight with small or great, but only with the king of Israel.” 31 And it came to pass, when the captains of the chariots saw Jehoshaphat, that they said, “It is the king of Israel.” Therefore they
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surrounded him to fight. But Jehoshaphat cried out, and the Lord helped him. And God moved them to depart from him. 32 For it came to pass that when the captains of the chariots perceived that it was not the king of Israel, they turned back from pursuing him. 33 And a certain man drew a bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the joints of the armor. Therefore he said to his chariot man, “Turn your hand, that you may carry me out of the army, for I am wounded.” 34 And the battle increased that day. However, the king of Israel propped himself up in his chariot in front of the Syrians until the evening. And about the time of sunset he died. Jehu Rebukes Jehoshaphat’s Alliance with Ahab And Jehoshaphat the king of Judah returned in peace to his house in Jerusalem. 2 And Jehu the son of Hanani the seer went out to meet him and said to King Jehoshaphat, “Should you help the ungodly and love those who hate the Lord? Therefore wrath is on you from before the Lord. 3 Nevertheless there are good things found in you, in that you have taken the groves out of the land and have prepared your heart to seek God.”
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Jehoshaphat Restores Order in Worship 4 And Jehoshaphat dwelled in Jerusalem, and he went out again through the people from Beer-sheba to Mount Ephraim and brought them back to the Lord God of their
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fathers. 5 And he set judges in the land throughout all the fortified cities of Judah, city by city, 6 and said to the judges, “Take heed what you do, for you judge not for man but for the Lord, who is with you in the judgment. 7 Now therefore, let the fear of the Lord be upon you. Take heed and do it, for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, or partiality, or taking of bribes.” 8 Moreover, in Jerusalem Jehoshaphat set some of the Levites and the priests and the chiefs of the fathers of Israel for the judgment of the Lord and for disputes, when they returned to Jerusalem. 9 And he charged them, saying, “This is what you shall do in the fear of the Lord, faithfully and wholeheartedly. 10 And whatever case comes to you from your brothers who dwell in your cities, between blood and blood, between law and commandment, statutes and judgments, you shall even warn them, that they will not be guilty before the Lord and so wrath will not come on you and on your brothers. Do this and you shall not be guilty. 11 And behold, Amariah the chief priest is over you in all matters of the Lord, and Zebadiah the son of Ishmael, the ruler of the house of Judah, for all the king’s matters. Also the Levites shall be officers before you. Deal courageously, and the Lord shall be with the good.” Judah Invaded by Moab It also came to pass after this that the children of Moab and the children of Ammon, and others with them besides the Ammonites,
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came to battle against Jehoshaphat. 2 Then there came some who told Jehoshaphat, saying, “A great multitude is coming against you from beyond the sea on this side of Syria, and behold, they are in Hazazon- tamar (which is En-gedi).” 3 And Jehoshaphat was afraid and set himself to seek the Lord and proclaimed a fast throughout all Judah. 4 And Judah gathered themselves together to ask help from the Lord. They came from all the cities of Judah to seek the Lord. 5 And Jehoshaphat stood in the congregation of Judah and Jerusalem, in the house of the Lord before the new court, 6 and said, “O Lord God of our fathers, are You not God in heaven? And do You not rule over all the kingdoms of the nations? And in Your hand is there not power and might, so that no one is able to withstand You? 7 Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel and gave it to the descendants of Your friend Abraham forever? 8 And they dwelled in it and have built You a sanctuary in it for Your name, saying, 9 ‘If, when evil comes on us—as the sword, judgment, or pestilence, or famine—we stand before this house and in Your presence (for Your name is in this house), and cry to You in our affliction, then You will hear and help.’ 10 And now, behold, the children of Ammon and Moab and Mount Seir—whom You would not let Israel invade when they came out of the land of Egypt, but they turned from them and did not destroy them— 11 behold, I say, how they are rewarding us, coming
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to cast us out of Your possession that You have given us to inherit. 12 O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no might against this great company that comes against us, nor do we know what to do. But our eyes are on You.” 13 And all Judah stood before the Lord, with their little ones, their wives, and their children. Jehovah Answers through Jahaziel 14 Then in the midst of the congregation the Spirit of the Lord came on Jahaziel the son of Zechariah, the son of Benaiah, the son of Jeiel, the son of Mattaniah, a Levite of the sons of Asaph. 15 And he said, “Listen, all you of Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem and you, King Jehoshaphat. This is what the Lord says to you: ‘Do not be afraid or dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours but God’s. 16 Tomorrow, go down against them. Behold, they come up by the cliff of Ziz, and you shall find them at the end of the brook before the wilderness of Jeruel. 17 You shall not need to fight in this battle. Position yourselves. Stand still and see the salvation of the Lord with you, O Judah and Jerusalem.’ Do not fear or be dismayed. Tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord will be with you.” 18 And Jehoshaphat bowed his head with his face to the ground, and all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem fell before the Lord, worshipping the Lord. 19 And the Levites, from the children of the Kohathites and from the children
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of the Korahites, stood up to praise the Lord God of Israel with a loud voice on high. 20 And they rose early in the morning and went out into the wilderness of Tekoa, and as they went out, Jehoshaphat stood and said, “Hear me, O Judah and you inhabitants of Jerusalem. Believe in the Lord your God, so you shall be established. Believe His prophets, so you shall succeed.” 21 And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed singers to the Lord and those who should praise the beauty of holiness as they went out before the army to say, “Praise the Lord, for His mercy endures forever.” 22 And when they began to sing and to praise, the Lord set ambushes against the children of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah, and they were struck down. 23 For the children of Ammon and Moab stood up against the inhabitants of Mount Seir to utterly slay and destroy them. And when they had finished with the inhabitants of Seir, everyone helped to destroy one another. 24 And when Judah came toward the watchtower in the wilderness, they looked to the multitude, and behold, there were dead bodies, fallen to the ground, and none had escaped. 25 And when Jehoshaphat and his people came to take away the plunder from them, they found in abundance among them both riches and precious jewels with the dead bodies, which they stripped off for themselves, more than they could carry away. And because it was so
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much they were gathering the plunder for three days. The Triumphant Return to Jerusalem 26 And on the fourth day they assembled themselves in the Valley of Beracah, for they blessed the Lord there. Therefore the name of the same place has been called the Valley of Beracah to this day. 27 Then they returned, every man of Judah and Jerusalem and Jehoshaphat in front of them, to go back to Jerusalem with joy, for the Lord had made them to rejoice over their enemies. 28 And they came to Jerusalem, to the house of the Lord, with lyres and harps and trumpets. 29 And the fear of God was on all the kingdoms of those countries, when they had heard that the Lord fought against the enemies of Israel. 30 So the realm of Jehoshaphat was at peace, for his God gave him rest on all sides. 31 And Jehoshaphat reigned over Judah. He was thirty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-five years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Azubah the daughter of Shilhi. 32 And he walked in the way of his father, Asa, and did not depart from it, doing what was right in the sight of the Lord. 33 However, the high places were not taken away, for the people had not yet prepared their hearts for the God of their fathers. 34 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoshaphat, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of Jehu the son of Hanani, who is mentioned in the book of the kings of Israel.
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35 And after this Jehoshaphat king
of Judah joined himself with Ahaziah, king of Israel, who acted very wickedly. 36 And he joined himself with him to make ships to go to Tarshish, and they made the ships in Ezion-geber. 37 Then Eliezer the son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have joined yourself with Ahaziah, the Lord has broken your works.” And the ships were broken, that they were not able to go to Tarshish. Jehoram’s Reign over Judah Now Jehoshaphat slept with his fathers and was buried with his fathers in the city of David. And his son Jehoram reigned in his place. 2 And he had brothers, the sons of Jehoshaphat, Azariah and Jehiel and Zechariah and Azaryahu and Michael and Shephatiah. All these were the sons of Jehoshaphat king of Israel. 3 And their father gave them great gifts of silver and of gold and of precious things, with fortified cities in Judah, but he gave the kingdom to Jehoram, because he was the firstborn. 4 Now when Jehoram had ascended to the kingdom of his father, he strengthened himself and slew all his brothers with the sword and also some of the princes of Israel. 5 Jehoram was thirty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eight years in Jerusalem. 6 And he walked in the way of the kings of Israel, like the house of Ahab did, for he had the daughter of Ahab as his wife, and he did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord.
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7 However, the Lord would not de-
stroy the house of David because of the covenant that He had made with David and because He promised to give a light to him and to his sons forever. 8 In his days the Edomites revolted from under the dominion of Judah and made a king for themselves. 9 Then Jehoram went out with his princes and all his chariots with him. And he rose up by night and struck the Edomites who had surrounded him and the captains of the chariots. 10 So the Edomites revolted from under the hand of Judah to this day. Also at the same time Libnah revolted from under his hand because he had abandoned the Lord God of his fathers. 11 Moreover, he made high places in the mountains of Judah, and caused the inhabitants of Jerusalem to commit fornication, and compelled Judah to it. The Message of Elijah 12 And a writing came to him from Elijah the prophet, saying, “This is what the Lord God of David your father says: ‘Because you have not walked in the ways of your father, Jehoshaphat, or in the ways of Asa, king of Judah, 13 but have walked in the way of the kings of Israel and have made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to prostitute themselves like the prostitution of the house of Ahab, and you have also slain your brothers from your father’s house, who were better than you, 14 behold, the Lord will strike your people and your children and your wives and all your goods with
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a great plague, 15 and you shall have great sickness with disease of your bowels, until your bowels fall out because of the sickness, day by day.’” 16 Moreover, the Lord stirred up against Jehoram the spirit of the Philistines and of the Arabs who were near the Ethiopians. 17 And they came up into Judah and broke into it and carried away all the possessions that were found in the king’s house and also his sons and his wives, so that there was no son left to him except Jehoahaz, the youngest of his sons. Jehoram’s Incurable Disease 18 And after all this the Lord struck him in his bowels with an incurable disease. 19 And it came to pass in the course of time, after the end of two years, that his bowels fell out because of his sickness, so he died of painful diseases. And his people made no fire for him, like the fire of his fathers. 20 He was thirty-two years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem eight years and departed without being desired. However, they buried him in the city of David, but not in the sepulchres of the kings. Accession of Ahaziah over Judah And the inhabitants of Jerusalem made Ahaziah, his youngest son, king in his place, for the band of men who came with the Arabs to the camp had slain all the older sons. So Ahaziah the son of Jehoram, king of Judah, reigned. 2 Ahaziah was forty-two years old
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when he began to reign, and he reigned one year in Jerusalem. His mother’s name also was Athaliah the daughter of Omri. 3 He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor to act wickedly. 4 Therefore he did evil in the sight of the Lord like the house of Ahab, for they were his counselors after the death of his father, to his destruction. 5 He also walked according to their counsel and went with Jehoram the son of Ahab, king of Israel, to war against Hazael, king of Syria, at Ramoth-gilead. And the Syrians struck Joram. 6 And he returned to be healed in Jezreel because of the wounds he had received at Ramah, when he fought with Hazael, king of Syria. And Ahaziah the son of Jehoram, king of Judah, went down to see Jehoram the son of Ahab at Jezreel, because he was sick. 7 And the destruction of Ahaziah was from God because of his coming to Joram. For when he had come, he went out with Jehoram against Jehu the son of Nimshi, whom the Lord had anointed to cut off the house of Ahab. 8 And it came to pass that when Jehu was executing judgment on the house of Ahab and found the princes of Judah and the sons of the brothers of Ahaziah who ministered to Ahaziah, he slew them. Ahaziah Slain 9 And he sought Ahaziah, and they caught him (for he was hiding in Samaria) and brought him to Jehu. And when they had slain him, they buried him, “because,” they said,
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“he is the son of Jehoshaphat, who sought the Lord with all his heart.” So the house of Ahaziah had no power to retain the kingdom. The Offspring of Judah Destroyed, Save Joash 10 But when Athaliah the mother of Ahaziah saw that her son was dead, she arose and destroyed all the royal family of the house of Judah. 11 But Jehoshabeath, the daughter of the king, took Joash the son of Ahaziah, and stole him from among the king’s sons who were slain, and put him and his nurse in a bedroom. So Jehoshabeath, the daughter of King Jehoram, the wife of Jehoiada the priest (for she was the sister of Ahaziah), hid him from Athaliah so that she did not slay him. 12 And he was hidden with them in the house of God for six years, and Athaliah reigned over the land. Joash Becomes King over Judah And in the seventh year Jehoiada strengthened himself and took the captains of hundreds into covenant with him: Azariah the son of Jeroham, and Ishmael the son of Jehohanan, and Azariah the son of Obed, and Maaseiah the son of Adaiah, and Elishaphat the son of Zichri. 2 And they went throughout Judah and gathered the Levites from all the cities of Judah and the chiefs of the fathers of Israel, and they came to Jerusalem. 3 And all the congregation made a covenant with the king in the house of God. And he said to them, “Behold, the king’s son shall reign, as the Lord has said of the sons of
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David. 4 This is what you shall do: A third of you, of the priests and of the Levites entering on the Sabbath, shall be doorkeepers; 5 and a third shall be at the king’s house; and a third at the Gate of the Foundation. And all the people shall be in the courtyards of the house of the Lord. 6 But let no one come into the house of the Lord except the priests and those of the Levites who minister. They shall go in, for they are holy, but all the people shall keep the watch of the Lord. 7 And the Levites shall surround the king on all sides, every man with his weapons in his hand, and whoever comes into the house, he shall be put to death. But you are to be with the king when he comes in and when he goes out.” 8 So the Levites and all Judah did according to all things that Jehoiada the priest had commanded. And every man took his men who were to come in on the Sabbath, with those who were to go out on the Sabbath, for Jehoiada the priest did not dismiss the divisions. 9 Moreover, Jehoiada the priest delivered to the captains of hundreds spears and bucklers and shields that had been King David’s, which were in the house of God. 10 And he set all the people, every man having his weapon in his hand, from the right side of the temple to the left side of the temple, along by the altar and the temple, all around the king. 11 Then they brought out the king’s son, and put the crown on him, and gave him the testimony, and made him king. And Jehoiada and his sons anointed him and said, “God save the king!”
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Execution of Athaliah 12 Now when Athaliah heard the noise of the people running and praising the king, she came to the people into the house of the Lord. 13 And she looked, and behold, the king stood at his pillar at the entrance. And the princes and the trumpets were by the king. And all the people of the land rejoiced and sounded with trumpets, also the singers with musical instruments, who instructed in singing praise. Then Athaliah tore her clothes and said, “Treason! Treason!” 14 Then Jehoiada the priest brought out the captains of hundreds who were set over the army and said to them, “Take her outside between the ranks, and whoever follows her, let him be slain with the sword.” For the priest said, “Do not slay her in the house of the Lord.” 15 So they laid hands on her, and when she had come to the entrance of the Horse Gate by the king’s house, they slew her there. The Revival through Jehoiada 16 And Jehoiada made a covenant between himself and between all the people and between the king, that they should be the Lord’s people. 17 Then all the people went to the house of Baal and broke it down, and broke his altars and his images in pieces, and slew Mattan the priest of Baal before the altars. 18 Jehoiada also appointed the offices of the house of the Lord by the hand of the priests, the Levites, whom David had distributed in the house of the Lord, to offer the burnt offerings of the Lord, as it is written
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in the law of Moses, with rejoicing and with singing, as it was ordained by David. 19 And he set the gatekeepers of the house of the Lord, that no one who was unclean in any way could enter. 20 And he took the captains of hundreds, and the nobles, and the governors of the people, and all the people of the land and brought the king down from the house of the Lord, and they came through the upper gate to the king’s house and set the king on the throne of the kingdom. 21 And all the people of the land rejoiced, and the city was at peace, for they had slain Athaliah with the sword. Reign of Joash Joash was seven years old when he began to reign, and he reigned forty years in Jerusalem. Also his mother’s name was Zibiah of Beer-sheba. 2 And Joash did what was right in the sight of the Lord all the days of Jehoiada the priest. 3 And Jehoiada took two wives for him, and he fathered sons and daughters. 4 And it came to pass after this that Joash set his mind to repair the house of the Lord. 5 And he gathered together the priests and the Levites and said to them, “Go out to the cities of Judah and gather money from all Israel to repair the house of your God from year to year, and see that you do it hastily.” However, the Levites did not hasten. 6 And the king called for Jehoiada the chief and said to him, “Why have you not required the Levites to bring in the collection
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from Judah and from Jerusalem, according to the commandment of Moses the servant of the Lord and of the congregation of Israel, for the tabernacle of witness?” 7 For the sons of Athaliah, that wicked woman, had broken up the house of God, and they also gave all the dedicated things of the house of the Lord to the Baals. The Temple Repaired 8 And at the king’s commandment they made a chest and set it outside at the gate of the house of the Lord. 9 And they made a proclamation through Judah and Jerusalem to bring to the Lord the collection that Moses the servant of God laid on Israel in the wilderness. 10 And all the princes and all the people rejoiced and brought in their contributions and cast them into the chest, until they had finished. 11 Now it came to pass that at the time the chest was brought to the king’s office by the hand of the Levites, and they saw that there was much money, the king’s scribe and the high priest’s officer came and emptied the chest and took it and carried it to its place again. They did this day by day and gathered money in abundance. 12 And the king and Jehoiada gave it to those who did the work of the service of the house of the Lord and hired masons and carpenters to repair the house of the Lord and also those who worked in iron and brass to repair the house of the Lord. 13 So the workmen worked, and the work was finished by them. And they set up the house of God in its state and strengthened it.
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14 And
when they had finished it, they brought the rest of the money before the king and Jehoiada, with which vessels were made for the house of the Lord, vessels for ministering and for offering, and spoons and vessels of gold and silver. And they offered burnt offerings in the house of the Lord continually, all the days of Jehoiada. 15 But Jehoiada grew old and was full of days when he died. He was one hundred and thirty years old when he died. 16 And they buried him in the city of David among the kings because he had done good in Israel, both toward God and toward His house. 17 Now after the death of Jehoiada the princes of Judah came and bowed to the king. Then the king listened to them. 18 And they left the house of the Lord God of their fathers and served groves and idols, and wrath came on Judah and Jerusalem for their guilt. 19 Yet He sent prophets to them to bring them back to the Lord. And they testified against them, but they would not listen. Zechariah Stoned 20 And the Spirit of God came on Zechariah the son of Jehoiada the priest, who stood above the people and said to them, “This is what God says: ‘Why do you transgress the commandments of the Lord, so that you cannot prosper? Because you have abandoned the Lord, He has also abandoned you.’” 21 And they conspired against him, and at the commandment of the king they stoned him with stones in the
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courtyard of the house of the Lord. 22 Thus Joash the king did not remember the kindness that Jehoiada his father had done to him but slew his son. And when he died, he said, “The Lord look on it and require it!” A Syrian Invasion, Judah Defeated 23 And it came to pass at the end of the year that the army of Syria came up against him, and they came to Judah and Jerusalem and destroyed all the princes of the people from among the people and sent all their plunder to the king of Damascus. 24 For the army of the Syrians came with a small company of men, and the Lord delivered a very great army into their hand because they had abandoned the Lord God of their fathers. So they executed judgment against Joash. 25 And when they had departed from him (for they left him in great sickness), his own servants conspired against him for the blood of the sons of Jehoiada the priest and slew him on his bed, and he died. And they buried him in the city of David, but they did not bury him in the sepulchres of the kings. 26 And these are those who conspired against him: Zabad the son of Shimeath an Ammonitess and Jehozabad the son of Shimrith a Moabitess. 27 Now concerning his sons and the greatness of the burdens laid on him, and the repairing of the house of God, behold, they are written in the story of the book of the kings. And his son Amaziah reigned in his place.
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The Reign of Amaziah over Judah Amaziah was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Jehoaddan of Jerusalem. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord but not wholeheartedly. 3 Now it came to pass, when the kingdom was established for him, that he slew his servants who had killed his father the king. 4 But he did not slay their children but did as it is written in the Law, in the Book of Moses, where the Lord commanded, saying, “The fathers shall not die for the children, nor shall the children die for the fathers, but every man shall die for his own sin.” 5 Moreover, Amaziah gathered Judah together and made them captains over thousands and captains over hundreds, according to the houses of their fathers, throughout all Judah and Benjamin. And he counted them from twenty years old and above and found them to be three hundred thousand choice men, able to go to war, who could handle spear and shield. 6 He also hired one hundred thousand mighty men of valor from Israel for a hundred talents of silver. 7 But a man of God came to him, saying, “O king, do not let the army of Israel go with you, for the Lord is not with Israel—that is, with all the children of Ephraim. 8 But if you go, do it. Be strong for the battle. God shall make you fall before the enemy, for God has power to help and to cast down.” 9 And Amaziah said to the man of
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God, “But what shall we do about the hundred talents that I have given to the army of Israel?” And the man of God answered, “The Lord is able to give you much more than this.” 10 Then Amaziah dismissed them—that is, the army that had come to him from Ephraim—to return home. Therefore their anger was greatly kindled against Judah, and they returned home in great anger. 11 And Amaziah strengthened himself and led his people out and went to the Valley of Salt and struck ten thousand of the children of Seir. 12 And the children of Judah carried away captive another ten thousand who were left alive, and brought them to the top of the rock, and cast them down from the top of the rock so that they were all broken in pieces. 13 But the soldiers of the army that Amaziah sent back, that they should not go with him to battle, attacked the cities of Judah, from Samaria to Beth-horon, and struck three thousand of them and took much plunder. 14 Now it came to pass, after Amaziah had come from the slaughter of the Edomites, that he brought the gods of the children of Seir, and set them up to be his gods, and bowed himself down before them, and burned incense to them. 15 Therefore the anger of the Lord was kindled against Amaziah, and He sent a prophet to him who said to him, “Why have you sought after the gods of the people, which could not deliver their own people out of your hand?”
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16 And it came to pass as he talked
with him, that the king said to him, “Have you been made counselor of the king? Stop! Why should you be struck?” Then the prophet stopped and said, “I know that God has determined to destroy you because you have done this and have not listened to my counsel.” War between Judah and Israel 17 Then Amaziah, king of Judah, took advice and sent to Joash the son of Jehoahaz the son of Jehu, king of Israel, saying, “Come, let us face one another.” 18 And Joash, king of Israel, sent to Amaziah, king of Judah, saying, “The thistle that was in Lebanon sent to the cedar that was in Lebanon, saying, ‘Give your daughter to my son to be his wife.’ And a wild beast that was in Lebanon passed by and trampled the thistle. 19 You say, ‘Behold, you have struck the Edomites,’ and your heart lifts you up to boast. Stay at home now. Why should you meddle to your harm that you should fall—even you, and Judah with you?” 20 But Amaziah would not listen, for it came from God, that He might deliver them into the hand of their enemies because they sought after the gods of Edom. 21 So Joash the king of Israel went up, and he and Amaziah, king of Judah, looked one another in the face at Bethshemesh, which belongs to Judah. 22 And Judah was defeated by Israel, and every man fled to his tent. 23 And Joash the king of Israel took Amaziah, king of Judah, the
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son of Joash, the son of Jehoahaz, at Beth-shemesh and brought him to Jerusalem, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem from the Gate of Ephraim to the Corner Gate—four hundred cubits. 24 And he took all the gold and the silver and all the vessels that were found in the house of God with Obed-edom, and the treasures of the king’s house, and also the hostages, and returned to Samaria. 25 And Amaziah the son of Joash, king of Judah, lived fifteen years after the death of Joash, son of Jehoahaz, king of Israel. 26 Now the rest of the acts of Amaziah, first and last, behold, are they not written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel? 27 Now after the time that Amaziah turned away from following the Lord, they made a conspiracy against him in Jerusalem, and he fled to Lachish. But they sent after him to Lachish and slew him there. 28 And they brought him on horses and buried him with his fathers in the city of Judah. Accession of Uzziah Then all the people of Judah took Uzziah, who was sixteen years old, and made him king in the place of his father, Amaziah. 2 He built Eloth and restored it to Judah after the king slept with his fathers. 3 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-two years in Jerusalem. Also his mother’s name was Jecoliah of Jerusalem. 4 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord according to all that his father,
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Amaziah, had done. 5 And he sought God in the days of Zechariah, who had understanding in the visions of God, and as long as he sought the Lord, God made him prosper. Uzziah Successful in War 6 And he went out and made war against the Philistines, and broke down the wall of Gath and the wall of Jabneh and the wall of Ashdod, and built cities around Ashdod and among the Philistines. 7 And God helped him against the Philistines and against the Arabs who dwelled in Gur-baal and against the Meunites. 8 And the Ammonites gave tribute to Uzziah, and his name spread out even to the entrance of Egypt, for he strengthened himself exceedingly. 9 Moreover, Uzziah built towers in Jerusalem at the Corner Gate and at the Valley Gate and at the turning of the wall, and fortified them. 10 He also built towers in the desert and dug many wells, for he had much cattle, both in the low country and in the plains, and also farmers and vinedressers in the mountains and in Carmel, for he loved farming. 11 Moreover Uzziah had an army of fighting men who went out to war by bands, according to the number of their account by the hand of Jeiel the scribe and Maaseiah the ruler, under the direction of Hananiah, one of the king’s captains. 12 The total number of the chiefs of the fathers of the mighty men of valor was two thousand six hundred. 13 And under their direction was an army, three hundred seven thousand five hundred, that made war
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with mighty power, to help the king against the enemy. 14 And Uzziah prepared for them, throughout all the army, shields and spears and helmets and coats of mail and bows and slings to cast stones. 15 And he made war machines in Jerusalem, invented by skilled men, to be on the towers and on the battlements, to shoot arrows and great stones with them. And his name spread far, for he was marvelously helped until he was strong. Uzziah’s Intrusion into the Priest’s Office 16 But when he was strong, his heart was proud, to his destruction, for he transgressed against the Lord his God and went into the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense. 17 And Azariah the priest went in after him, and with him eighty priests of the Lord who were valiant men. 18 And they opposed Uzziah the king and said to him, “It is not for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord but for the priests, the sons of Aaron, who are consecrated to burn incense. Go out of the sanctuary, for you have trespassed. It shall not be for your honor from the Lord God.” 19 Then Uzziah was angry and had a censer in his hand to burn incense, and while he was angry with the priests, leprosy broke out on his forehead before the priests in the house of the Lord, beside the incense altar. 20 And Azariah the chief priest and all the priests looked at him, and behold, he was leprous on his forehead. And they thrust him out of there. Indeed he himself
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also hastened to go out because the Lord had struck him. 21 And Uzziah the king was a leper to the day of his death and dwelled in a separate house, being a leper, for he was cut off from the house of the Lord. And his son Jotham was over the king’s house, judging the people of the land. 22 Now the rest of the acts of Uzziah, first and last, the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, wrote. 23 So Uzziah slept with his fathers, and they buried him with his fathers in the field of burial that belonged to the kings, for they said, “He is a leper.” And his son Jotham reigned in his place. Reign of Jotham over Judah Jotham was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. Also his mother’s name was Jerushah the daughter of Zadok. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father, Uzziah, had done, although he did not enter into the temple of the Lord. But still the people acted corruptly. 3 He built the upper gate of the house of the Lord, and he did much building on the wall of Ophel. 4 Moreover, he built cities in the mountains of Judah, and he built fortresses and towers in the forests. 5 He also fought with the king of the Ammonites and prevailed against them. And the same year the children of Ammon gave him one hundred talents of silver and ten thousand measures of wheat and ten thousand of barley. The children
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of Ammon paid this to him in both the second year and the third. 6 So Jotham became mighty because he prepared his ways before the Lord his God. 7 Now the rest of the acts of Jotham and all his wars and his ways, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. 8 He was twenty-five years old when he began to reign and reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. 9 And Jotham slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city of David. And his son Ahaz reigned in his place. Reign of Ahaz Ahaz was twenty years old when he began to reign, and he reigned sixteen years in Jerusalem. But he did not do what was right in the sight of the Lord, like his father David. 2 For he walked in the ways of the kings of Israel and also made cast metal images for the Baals. 3 Moreover, he burned incense in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom and burned his children in the fire according to the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. 4 He also sacrificed and burned incense in the high places and on the hills and under every green tree.
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War between Ahaz and Pekah 5 Therefore the Lord his God delivered him into the hand of the king of Syria. And they struck him and carried away a great multitude of them as captives and brought them to Damascus. And he was also delivered into the hand of the king of
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Israel, who struck him with a great slaughter. 6 For Pekah the son of Remaliah slew one hundred and twenty thousand in Judah in one day, who were all valiant men, because they had abandoned the Lord God of their fathers. 7 And Zichri, a mighty man of Ephraim, slew Maaseiah the king’s son and Azrikam the ruler of the house and Elkanah who was second to the king. 8 And the children of Israel carried away captive two hundred thousand of their brothers— women, sons, and daughters—and also took away much plunder from them and brought the plunder to Samaria. 9 But a prophet of the Lord was there, whose name was Oded, and he went out before the army that came to Samaria and said to them, “Behold, because the Lord God of your fathers was angry with Judah, He has delivered them into your hand, and you have slain them in a rage that reaches up to heaven. 10 And now you intend to keep the children of Judah and Jerusalem for male and female slaves for yourselves. But are there not with you— even with you—sins against the Lord your God? 11 Now hear me, therefore, and deliver again the captives, whom you have taken captive from your brothers, for the fierce wrath of the Lord is on you.” 12 Then some of the heads of the children of Ephraim—Azariah the son of Johanan, Berechiah the son of Meshillemoth, Jehizkiah the son of Shallum, and Amasa the son of Hadlai—stood up against those who came from the war 13 and said
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to them, “You shall not bring the captives here, for we have already offended the Lord. You intend to add more to our sins and to our guilt, for our guilt is great, and there is fierce wrath against Israel.” 14 So the armed men left the captives and the plunder before the princes and all the congregation. 15 And the men who were designated by name rose up and took the captives, and with the plunder clothed all who were naked among them, and dressed them, and gave them shoes, and gave them food and drink, and anointed them, and carried all the feeble of them on donkeys, and brought them to their brothers at Jericho, the city of palm trees. Then they returned to Samaria. Edomite and Philistine Invasions of Judah 16 At that time King Ahaz sent to the kings of Assyria to help him, 17 for the Edomites had come again and struck Judah and carried away captives. 18 The Philistines also had invaded the cities of the low country and of the south of Judah and had taken Beth-shemesh and Aijalon and Gederoth and Soco with its villages and Timnah with its villages, also Gimzo and its villages, and they dwelled there. 19 For the Lord brought Judah low because of Ahaz, king of Israel, for he made Judah naked and greatly transgressed against the Lord. 20 And Tilgath- pileser, king of Assyria, came to him and distressed him but did not strengthen him. 21 For Ahaz took away a portion out of the house of the Lord and out of the house of
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the king and from the princes and gave it to the king of Assyria. But he did not help him. 22 And in the time of his distress he trespassed still more against the Lord—this is that King Ahaz. 23 For he sacrificed to the gods of Damascus that had struck him, and he said, “Because the gods of the kings of Syria help them, therefore I will sacrifice to them, that they may help me.” But they were the ruin of him and of all Israel. 24 And Ahaz gathered together the vessels of the house of God, and cut in pieces the vessels of the house of God, and shut up the doors of the house of the Lord, and he made altars for himself in every corner of Jerusalem. 25 And in every city of Judah he made high places to burn incense to other gods and provoked the Lord God of his fathers to anger. 26 Now the rest of his acts and of all his ways, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 27 And Ahaz slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the city, even in Jerusalem. But they did not bring him into the sepulchres of the kings of Israel. And his son Hezekiah reigned in his place. Reign of Hezekiah over Judah Hezekiah began to reign when he was twenty-five years old, and he reigned twenty-nine years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Abijah the daughter of Zechariah. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord, according to all that his father David had done.
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Revival under Hezekiah 3 In the first year of his reign, in the first month, he opened the doors of the house of the Lord and repaired them. 4 And he brought in the priests and the Levites and gathered them together in the east street 5 and said to them, “Hear me, you Le vites. Sanctify yourselves now, and sanctify the house of the Lord God of your fathers, and carry out the filthiness from the Holy Place. 6 For our fathers have trespassed and done what was evil in the eyes of the Lord our God, and have abandoned Him, and have turned away their faces from the habitation of the Lord and turned their backs. 7 They have also shut up the doors of the porch and put out the lamps and have not burned incense or offered burnt offerings in the Holy Place to the God of Israel. 8 Therefore the wrath of the Lord was on Judah and Jerusalem, and He has delivered them to trouble, to astonishment, and to hissing, as you see with your eyes. 9 For behold, our fathers have fallen by the sword, and our sons and our daughters and our wives are in captivity for this. 10 “Now it is in my heart to make a covenant with the Lord God of Israel, that His fierce wrath may turn away from us. 11 My sons, do not be negligent now, for the Lord has chosen you to stand before Him, to serve Him, that you should minister to Him and burn incense.” 12 Then the Levites arose: Mahath the son of Amasai and Joel the son of Azariah, from the sons of the Kohathites; and from the
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sons of Merari, Kish the son of Abdi and Azariah the son of Jehallelel; and from the Gershonites, Joah the son of Zimmah and Eden the son of Joah; 13 and from the sons of Elizaphan, Shimri and Jeiel; and from the sons of Asaph, Zechariah and Mattaniah; 14 and from the sons of Heman, Jehiel and Shimei; and from the sons of Jeduthun, Shema iah and Uzziel. 15 And they gathered their brothers, and sanctified themselves, and came, according to the commandment of the king, by the words of the Lord, to cleanse the house of the Lord. 16 And the priests went into the inner part of the house of the Lord to cleanse it and brought out all the uncleanness that they found in the temple of the Lord into the courtyard of the house of the Lord. And the Levites took it to carry it out to the brook Kidron. 17 Now they began to sanctify on the first day of the first month, and on the eighth day of the month they came to the porch of the Lord. So they sanctified the house of the Lord in eight days, and on the sixteenth day of the first month they finished. 18 Then they went in to Hezekiah the king and said, “We have cleansed all the house of the Lord and the altar of burnt offering with all its vessels and the showbread table with all its vessels. 19 Moreover, all the vessels that King Ahaz during his reign had discarded in his transgression, we have prepared and consecrated, and behold, they are before the altar of the Lord.”
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The Temple Worship Restored 20 Then Hezekiah the king rose early and gathered the rulers of the city and went up to the house of the Lord. 21 And they brought seven bulls and seven rams and seven lambs and seven male goats for a sin offering for the kingdom and for the sanctuary and for Judah. And he commanded the priests, the sons of Aaron, to offer them on the altar of the Lord. 22 So they killed the bulls, and the priests received the blood and sprinkled it on the altar. Likewise, when they had killed the rams, they sprinkled the blood on the altar. They also killed the lambs, and they sprinkled the blood on the altar. 23 And they brought out the male goats for the sin offering before the king and the congregation, and they laid their hands on them. 24 And the priests killed them, and they presented their blood on the altar to make an atonement for all Israel, for the king commanded that the burnt offering and the sin offering should be made for all Israel. 25 And he set the Levites in the house of the Lord with cymbals, with lyres, and with harps, according to the commandment of David and of Gad, the king’s seer, and Nathan the prophet, for the commandment was from the Lord through His prophets. 26 And the Levites stood with the instruments of David, and the priests with the trumpets. 27 And Hezekiah commanded to offer the burnt offering on the altar. And when the burnt offering began, the song of the Lord also began with the trumpets and with
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the instruments ordained by David, king of Israel. 28 And all the congregation worshipped, and the singers sang and the trumpeters sounded. And all this continued until the burnt offering was finished. 29 And when they had finished offering, the king and all who were present with him bowed themselves and worshipped. 30 Moreover Hezekiah the king and the princes commanded the Levites to sing praise to the Lord with the words of David and of Asaph the seer. And they sang praises with gladness, and they bowed their heads and worshipped. 31 Then Hezekiah answered and said, “Now that you have consecrated yourselves to the Lord, come near and bring sacrifices and thanksgiving offerings into the house of the Lord.” And the congregation brought in sacrifices and thanksgiving offerings, and all who were of a free heart brought burnt offerings. 32 And the number of the burnt offerings that the congregation brought was seventy bulls, a hundred rams, and two hundred lambs. All these were for a burnt offering to the Lord. 33 And the consecrated things were six hundred oxen and three thousand sheep. 34 But the priests were too few, so that they could not skin all the burnt offerings. Therefore their brothers the Levites helped them until the work was finished and until the other priests had sanctified themselves, for the Levites were more upright in heart to sanctify themselves than the priests. 35 And also the burnt offerings were in abundance, with the fat of the peace offerings and the
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drink offerings for every burnt offering. So the service of the house of the Lord was set in order. 36 And Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced that God had prepared the people, for the thing was done suddenly. Preparations for the Passover And Hezekiah sent to all Israel and Judah and also wrote letters to Ephraim and Manasseh, that they should come to the house of the Lord at Jerusalem, to celebrate the Passover to the Lord God of Israel. 2 For the king and his princes and all the congregation in Jerusalem had taken counsel to keep the Passover in the second month. 3 For they could not keep it at that time, because the priests had not sanctified themselves sufficiently, nor had the people gathered themselves together in Jerusalem. 4 And the thing pleased the king and all the congregation. 5 So they established a decree to make a proclamation throughout all Israel, from Beer-sheba even to Dan, that they should come to keep the Passover to the Lord God of Israel in Jerusalem, for they had not done it for a long time in the manner in which it was written. 6 So the couriers went throughout all Israel and Judah with the letters from the king and his princes, according to the commandment of the king, saying, “Children of Israel, turn back to the Lord God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, and He will return to the remnant of you who have escaped from the hand of the kings of Assyria. 7 And do not be like
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your fathers and like your brothers, who trespassed against the Lord God of their fathers, who therefore gave them up to desolation, as you see. 8 Now do not be stiff-necked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves to the Lord and enter into His sanctuary, which He has sanctified forever, and serve the Lord your God, that the fierceness of His wrath may turn away from you. 9 For if you turn back to the Lord, your brothers and your children shall find compassion before those who lead them captive, so that they shall come back to this land, for the Lord your God is gracious and merciful and will not turn away His face from you if you return to Him.” 10 So the couriers passed from city to city through the country of Ephraim and Manasseh, even to Zebulun, but they laughed them to scorn and mocked them. 11 Nevertheless some of Asher and Manasseh and of Zebulun humbled themselves and came to Jerusalem. 12 Also in Judah the hand of God was to give them one heart to do the commandment of the king and of the princes by the word of the Lord. 13 And many people, a very great congregation, assembled in Jerusalem to keep the Feast of Unleavened Bread in the second month. 14 And they arose and took away the altars that were in Jerusalem, and they took away all the altars for incense and cast them into the brook Kidron. The Passover Observed 15 Then they killed the Passover
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lambs on the fourteenth day of the second month, and the priests and the Levites were ashamed and sanctified themselves and brought the burnt offerings into the house of the Lord. 16 And they stood in their place according to their manner, according to the law of Moses, the man of God. The priests sprinkled the blood that they received from the hand of the Levites. 17 For there were many in the congregation who were not sanctified. Therefore the Levites were in charge of the killing of the Passover lambs for everyone who was not clean, to sanctify them to the Lord. 18 For a multitude of the people, even many from Ephraim and Manasseh, Issachar and Zebulun, had not cleansed themselves, yet they ate the Passover contrary to what was written. But Hezekiah prayed for them, saying, “The good Lord pardon everyone 19 who prepares his heart to seek God, the Lord God of his fathers, though he is not cleansed according to the purification of the sanctuary.” 20 And the Lord listened to Hezekiah and healed the people. 21 And the children of Israel who were present in Jerusalem kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with great gladness, and the Levites and the priests praised the Lord day by day, singing, with loud instruments, to the Lord. 22 And Hezekiah spoke comfortingly to all the Levites who taught the good knowledge of the Lord, and they ate throughout the feast seven days, offering peace offerings and making confession to the Lord God of their fathers.
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Another Seven Days Observed 23 And the whole assembly took counsel to keep the feast another seven days, and they kept the feast another seven days with gladness. 24 For Hezekiah, king of Judah, gave to the congregation a thousand bulls and seven thousand sheep, and the princes gave to the congregation a thousand bulls and ten thousand sheep. And a great number of priests sanctified themselves. 25 And all the congregation of Judah rejoiced, with the priests and the Le vites and all the congregation who came out of Israel, and the strangers who came out of the land of Israel and who dwelled in Judah. 26 So there was great joy in Jerusalem, for since the time of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, there was nothing like this in Jerusalem. 27 Then the priests, the Le vites, arose and blessed the people. And their voice was heard, and their prayer came up to His holy dwelling place, even to heaven. Idols Destroyed and Religious Reforms Now when all this was finished, all Israel who were present went out to the cities of Judah and broke the images in pieces and cut down the groves and threw down the high places and the altars in all Judah and Benjamin, also in Ephraim and Manasseh, until they had utterly destroyed them all. Then all the children of Israel returned to their own cities, every man to his property. 2 And Hezekiah appointed the divisions of the priests and the
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Levites according to their divisions, every man according to his service, the priests and Levites for burnt offerings and for peace offerings, to minister and to give thanks and to praise in the gates of the tents of the Lord. 3 He also appointed the king’s portion of his possessions for the burnt offerings—namely, for the morning and evening burnt offerings, and the burnt offerings for the Sabbaths, and for the New Moons and for the set feasts, as it is written in the law of the Lord. 4 Moreover, he commanded the people who dwelled in Jerusalem to give the portion of the priests and the Levites, so that they might be encouraged in the law of the Lord. 5 And as soon as the commandment spread, the children of Israel brought in abundance the firstfruits of grain, wine, and oil, and honey, and of all the produce of the field. And they brought in abundantly the tithe of everything. 6 And concerning the children of Israel and Judah who dwelled in the cities of Judah, they also brought in the tithe of oxen and sheep and the tithe of holy things that were consecrated to the Lord their God and laid them in heaps. 7 In the third month they began to lay the foundation of the heaps and finished them in the seventh month. 8 And when Hezekiah and the princes came and saw the heaps, they blessed the Lord and His people Israel. 9 Then Hezekiah questioned the priests and the Levites concerning the heaps. 10 And Azariah the chief priest from the house of Zadok answered him and said,
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“Since the people began to bring the offerings into the house of the Lord, we have had enough to eat and have plenty left, for the Lord has blessed His people, and what is left is this great abundance.” 11 Then Hezekiah commanded to prepare chambers in the house of the Lord, and they prepared them 12 and faithfully brought in the offerings and the tithes and the dedicated things, over which Conaniah the Levite was ruler and Shimei his brother was second. 13 And Jehiel and Azaziah and Nahath and Asahel and Jerimoth and Jozabad and Eliel and Ismachiah and Mahath and Benaiah were overseers under the direction of Conaniah and Shimei his brother, at the commandment of Hezekiah the king and Azariah the ruler of the house of God. 14 And Kore the son of Imnah the Levite, the gatekeeper toward the east, was over the freewill offerings to God, to distribute the offerings of the Lord and the most holy things. 15 And under him were Eden and Miniamin, and Jesh ua and Shemaiah, Amariah and Shecaniah in the cities of the priests, in their set office, to give to their brothers by divisions, to the great as well as to the small, 16 besides their genealogy of males from three years old and up—even to everyone who enters the house of the Lord, his daily portion for their service—in their charges, according to their divisions, 17 both to the genealogy of the priests by the house of their fathers, and the Le vites from twenty years old and up, in their charges by their divisions, 18 and to the genealogy of all their
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little ones, their wives, and their sons and their daughters, through all the congregation, for in their set office they sanctified themselves in holiness. 19 Also of the sons of Aaron the priests, who were in the fields of the suburbs of their cities, in every city, the men who were designated by name to give portions to all the males among the priests and to all who were considered by genealogies among the Levites. 20 And Hezekiah did this throughout all Judah, and did what was good and right and true before the Lord his God. 21 And in every work that he began in the service of the house of God and in the law and in the commandments, to seek his God, he did it with all his heart and prospered. Sennacherib Invades Judah After these things and the establishment of them, Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came and entered Judah and besieged the fortified cities and intended to win them for himself. 2 And when Hezekiah saw that Sennacherib had come and that he was determined to fight against Jerusalem, 3 he took counsel with his princes and his mighty men to stop the waters of the fountains that were outside the city, and they helped him. 4 So there were many people gathered together who stopped all the fountains and the brook that ran through the midst of the land, saying, “Why should the kings of Assyria come and find much water?” 5 He also strengthened himself, and built up all the wall that was broken,
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and raised it up to the towers, and another wall outside, and repaired Millo in the city of David, and made spears and shields in abundance. 6 And he set captains of war over the people, and gathered them together to him in the street of the gate of the city, and spoke comfortingly to them, saying, 7 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or dismayed because of the king of Assyria or because of all the multitude that is with him, for there are more with us than with him. 8 With him is an arm of flesh, but with us is the Lord our God to help us and to fight our battles.” And the people rested themselves on the words of Hezekiah, king of Judah. 9 After this Sennacherib, king of Assyria, sent his servants to Jerusalem (but he himself and all the forces with him besieged Lachish), to Hezekiah, king of Judah, and to all Judah who were at Jerusalem, saying, 10 “This is what Sennacherib, king of Assyria, says: ‘On what do you trust, that you remain under siege in Jerusalem? 11 Is Hezekiah not persuading you to give yourselves over to die by famine and by thirst, saying, “The Lord our God shall deliver us from the hand of the king of Assyria?” 12 Has not the same Hezekiah taken away His high places and His altars and commanded Judah and Jerusalem, saying, “You shall worship before one altar and burn incense on it?” 13 Do you not know what I and my fathers have done to all the people of other lands? Were the gods of the nations of those lands in any way able to deliver their lands from my hand?
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14 Who was there among all the gods
of those nations that my fathers utterly destroyed who could deliver his people from my hand, that your God should be able to deliver you from my hand? 15 Now therefore, do not let Hezekiah deceive you or persuade you in this manner, and do not believe him, for no god of any nation or kingdom was able to deliver his people from my hand and from the hand of my fathers. How much less shall your God deliver you from my hand?’” 16 And his servants spoke still more against the Lord God and against His servant Hezekiah. Sennacherib Defies the God of Hezekiah 17 He also wrote letters to revile the Lord God of Israel and to speak against Him, saying, “As the gods of the nations of other lands have not delivered their people from my hand, so the God of Hezekiah shall not deliver His people from my hand.” 18 Then they cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ language to the people of Jerusalem who were on the wall to frighten them and to trouble them, that they might take the city. 19 And they spoke against the God of Jerusalem, as against the gods of the people of the earth, which were the work of the hands of men. 20 And because of this Hezekiah the king and the prophet Isaiah, the son of Amoz, prayed and cried to heaven. 21 And the Lord sent an angel who destroyed all the mighty men of valor and the leaders and captains in the camp of the king
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of Assyria. So he returned shamefacedly to his own land. And when he had come into the house of his god, some of his own offspring slew him there with the sword. Hezekiah Again Prosperous 22 Thus the Lord saved Hezekiah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem from the hand of Sennacherib the king of Assyria and from the hand of all others and guided them on every side. 23 And many brought gifts to the Lord to Jerusalem and presents to Hezekiah, king of Judah, so that he was magnified in the sight of all nations from then on. 24 In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death, and he prayed to the Lord. And He spoke to him, and He gave him a sign. 25 But Hezekiah did not repay according to the benefit done to him, for his heart was proud. Therefore there was wrath on him and on Judah and Jerusalem. 26 However, Hezekiah humbled himself for the pride of his heart, both he and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so that the wrath of the Lord did not come on them in the days of Hezekiah. 27 And Hezekiah had exceedingly much riches and honor. And he made for himself treasuries for silver and for gold, and for precious stones, and for spices, and for shields, and for all kinds of pleasant jewels, 28 also storehouses for the increase of grain and wine and oil, and stalls for all kinds of beasts, and sheepfolds for flocks. 29 Moreover, he provided cities for himself and possessions of flocks and herds in abundance, for God had given
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him very much wealth. 30 This same Hezekiah also stopped the upper watercourse of Gihon and brought it straight down to the west side of the city of David. And Hezekiah prospered in all his works. 31 However, in the matter of the ambassadors of the princes of Bab ylon, who were sent to him to inquire about the wonder that was done in the land, God left him to test him, that He might know all that was in his heart. 32 Now the rest of the acts of Hezekiah and his goodness, behold, they are written in the vision of Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, and in the book of the kings of Judah and Israel. 33 And Hezekiah slept with his fathers, and they buried him in the most prominent of the sepulchres of the sons of David. And all Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem honored him at his death. And his son Manasseh reigned in his place. Accession of Manasseh; His Evil Ways Manasseh was twelve years old when he began to reign, and he reigned fifty-five years in Jerusalem. 2 But he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, like the abominations of the nations whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel. 3 For he built again the high places that Hezekiah, his father, had broken down, and he built altars for the Baals and made groves and worshipped all the host of heaven and served them. 4 He also built altars in the house of the Lord, of which the Lord had said, “My
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name shall be in Jerusalem forever.” 5 And he built altars for all the host of heaven in the two courtyards of the house of the Lord. 6 And he caused his children to pass through the fire in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom. He also observed times, and used enchantments, and used witchcraft, and dealt with mediums and with spiritists. He did much evil in the sight of the Lord, to provoke Him to anger. 7 And he set a carved image, the idol that he had made, in the house of God, of which God had said to David and to his son Solomon, “In this house and in Jerusalem, which I have chosen before all the tribes of Israel, I will put My name forever. 8 I will not remove the foot of Israel again from out of the land that I have appointed for your fathers, if only they will take heed to do all that I have commanded them, according to the whole law and the statutes and the ordinances by the hand of Moses.” 9 So Manasseh made Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to go astray and to do worse than the nations whom the Lord had destroyed before the children of Israel. 10 And the Lord spoke to Manasseh and to his people, but they would not listen. Manasseh’s Captivity and Restoration 11 Therefore the Lord brought on them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks and bound him with shackles and carried him to Bab ylon. 12 And when he was in distress, he implored the Lord his God and humbled himself greatly before the
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God of his fathers, 13 and prayed to Him. And He was entreated by him and heard his supplication and brought him again to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the Lord was God. 14 Now after this he built a wall outside the city of David on the west side of Gihon, in the valley, even to the entrance at the Fish Gate, and surrounded Ophel and raised it to a very great height. And he put captains of war in all the fortified cities of Judah. 15 And he took away the foreign gods and the idol out of the house of the Lord and all the altars that he had built on the mount of the house of the Lord and in Jerusalem, and cast them out of the city. 16 And he repaired the altar of the Lord, and sacrificed peace offerings and thanksgiving offerings on it, and commanded Judah to serve the Lord God of Israel. 17 Nevertheless the people still sacrificed on the high places, yet only to the Lord their God. 18 Now the rest of the acts of Manasseh and his prayer to his God and the words of the seers who spoke to him in the name of the Lord God of Israel, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel. 19 Also his prayer, and how God was entreated by him, and all his sins and his guilt, and the places in which he built high places and set up groves and graven images, before he was humbled, behold, they are written among the sayings of the seers. 20 So Manasseh slept with his fathers, and they buried him in his own house. And his son Amon reigned in his place.
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Reign of Amon 21 Amon was twenty-two years old when he began to reign and reigned two years in Jerusalem. 22 But he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord, as his father, Manasseh, had done, for Amon sacrificed to all the carved images that Manasseh, his father, had made, and served them. 23 And he did not humble himself before the Lord, as Manasseh, his father, had humbled himself, but Amon trespassed more and more. 24 And his servants conspired against him and slew him in his own house. 25 But the people of the land slew all those who had conspired against King Amon. And the people of the land made his son Josiah king in his place. Reign of Josiah Josiah was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned in Jerusalem thirty-one years. 2 And he did what was right in the sight of the Lord and walked in the ways of his father David and turned away neither to the right hand nor to the left. 3 For in the eighth year of his reign, while he was still young, he began to seek after the God of his father David, and in the twelfth year he began to purge Judah and Jerusalem of the high places and the groves and the carved images and the cast metal images. 4 And they broke down the altars of the Baals in his presence, and he cut down the images that were high above them. And the groves and the carved images and the cast metal images, he broke in pieces and made dust of them and
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scattered it on the graves of those who had sacrificed to them. 5 And he burned the bones of the priests on their altars and cleansed Judah and Jerusalem. 6 And so he did in the cities of Manasseh and Ephraim and Simeon, even to Naphtali, with their mattocks all around. 7 And when he had broken down the altars and the groves and had beaten the graven images into powder and cut down all the idols throughout all the land of Israel, he returned to Jerusalem. 8 Now in the eighteenth year of his reign, when he had purged the land and the house, he sent Shaphan the son of Azaliah, and Maaseiah the governor of the city, and Joah the son of Joahaz the recorder to repair the house of the Lord his God. 9 And when they came to Hilkiah the high priest, they delivered the money that was brought into the house of God, which the Levites who kept the doors had gathered from the hand of Manasseh and Ephraim and from all the remnant of Israel and from all Judah and Benjamin, and they returned to Jerusalem. 10 And they put it in the hand of the workmen who had the oversight of the house of the Lord, and they gave it to the workmen who worked in the house of the Lord, to repair and restore the house. 11 They even gave it to the craftsmen and builders to buy cut stone and timber for braces and to floor the houses that the kings of Judah had destroyed. 12 And the men did the work faithfully. And their overseers were Jahath and Obadiah, the Levites of the sons of Merari; and Zechariah
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and Meshullam of the sons of the Kohathites, to supervise; and others of the Levites, all who were skillful with musical instruments. 13 They were also over the bearers of burdens and were overseers of all who did work in any kind of service. And some of the Levites were scribes and officers and gatekeepers. The Law of Moses Discovered 14 And when they brought out the money that was brought into the house of the Lord, Hilkiah the priest found a book of the law of the Lord given by Moses. 15 And Hilkiah answered and said to Shaphan the scribe, “I have found the Book of the Law in the house of the Lord.” And Hilkiah delivered the book to Shaphan. 16 And Shaphan carried the book to the king and brought the king word back again, saying, “All that was committed to your servants, they are doing. 17 And they have gathered together the money that was found in the house of the Lord and have delivered it into the hand of the overseers and to the hand of the workmen.” 18 Then Shaphan the scribe told the king, saying, “Hilkiah the priest has given me a book.” And Shaphan read it before the king. 19 And it came to pass, when the king had heard the words of the Law, that he tore his clothes. 20 And the king commanded Hilkiah, and Ahikam the son of Shaphan, and Abdon the son of Micah, and Shaphan the scribe, and Asaiah, a servant of the king, saying, 21 “Go, inquire
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of the Lord for me, and for those who are left in Israel and in Judah, concerning the words of the book that has been found, for great is the wrath of the Lord that is poured out on us because our fathers have not kept the word of the Lord, to do according to all that is written in this book.” 22 And Hilkiah and those whom the king had appointed went to Huldah the prophetess, the wife of Shallum the son of Tokhath, the son of Hasrah, keeper of the wardrobe. (Now she dwelled in Jerusalem in the Second Quarter.) And they spoke to her to that effect. 23 And she answered them, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘Tell the man who sent you to me, 24 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Behold, I will bring evil on this place and on its inhabitants, even all the curses that are written in the book that they have read before the king of Judah. 25 Because they have abandoned Me and have burned incense to other gods, that they might provoke Me to anger with all the works of their hands, therefore My wrath shall be poured out on this place and shall not be quenched.’”’ 26 And as for the king of Judah who sent you to inquire of the Lord, so you shall say to him: ‘This is what the Lord God of Israel says concerning the words that you have heard: 27 “Because your heart was tender and you humbled yourself before God when you heard His words against this place and against its inhabitants, and you humbled yourself before Me and tore your clothes and
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wept before Me, I also have heard you,” says the Lord. 28 “Behold, I will gather you to your fathers, and you shall be gathered to your grave in peace. Your eyes shall not see all the evil that I will bring on this place and on its inhabitants.”’” So they brought back word to the king. The Law Read to the People 29 Then the king sent and gathered together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. 30 And the king went up into the house of the Lord, and all the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the priests and the Levites and all the people, great and small. And he read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant that was found in the house of the Lord. 31 And the king stood in his place and made a covenant before the Lord, to walk after the Lord and to keep His commandments and His testimonies and His statutes with all his heart and with all his soul, to perform the words of the cov enant that are written in this book. 32 And he caused all who were present in Jerusalem and Benjamin to stand for it. And the inhabitants of Jerusalem did according to the covenant of God, the God of their fathers. 33 And Josiah took away all the abominations from all the countries that pertained to the children of Israel and made all who were present in Israel to serve the Lord their God. And all his days they did not depart from following the Lord, the God of their fathers.
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The Passover Observed Moreover, Josiah kept a Passover to the Lord in Jerusalem, and they killed the Passover lambs on the fourteenth day of the first month. 2 And he set the priests in their offices and encouraged them in the service of the house of the Lord, 3 and said to the Levites who taught all Israel, who were holy to the Lord, “Put the holy ark in the house that Solomon the son of David, king of Israel, built. It shall not be a burden on your shoulders. Now serve the Lord your God and His people Israel, 4 and prepare yourselves by the houses of your fathers, according to your divisions, according to the writing of David, king of Israel, and according to the writing of his son Solomon. 5 And stand in the Holy Place according to the divisions of the families of the fathers of your brothers the people, and according to the division of the families of the Levites. 6 So kill the Passover, and sanctify yourselves, and prepare your brothers, that they may do according to the word of the Lord by the hand of Moses.” 7 And Josiah gave to the people from the flock lambs and young goats, all for the Passover offerings for all who were present, numbering thirty thousand, and three thousand bulls. These were from the king’s possessions. 8 And his princes gave willingly to the people, to the priests, and to the Levites. Hilkiah and Zechariah and Jehiel, rulers of the house of God, gave to the priests two thousand six hundred small cattle and three hundred oxen for the Passover offerings. 9 Also Conaniah
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and his brothers Shemaiah and Nethanel and Hashabiah and Jeiel and Jozabad, chiefs of the Levites, gave to the Levites five thousand small cattle and five hundred oxen for the Passover offerings. 10 So the service was prepared, and the priests stood in their place and the Levites in their divisions according to the king’s command. 11 And they killed the Passover lambs. And the priests sprinkled the blood from their hands, and the Levites skinned them. 12 And they removed the burnt offerings, that they might give according to the divisions of the families of the people to offer to the Lord, as it is written in the Book of Moses. And they did the same with the oxen. 13 And they roasted the Passover with fire according to the ordinance, but the other holy offerings they boiled in pots and in caldrons and in pans and divided them speedily among all the people. 14 And afterward they prepared for themselves and for the priests because the priests, the sons of Aaron, were busy offering burnt offerings and the fat until night. Therefore the Levites prepared for themselves and for the priests, the sons of Aaron. 15 And the singers, the sons of Asaph, were in their place according to the commandment of David and Asaph and Heman and Jeduthun the king’s seer. And the gatekeepers waited at every gate. They did not depart from their service, for their brothers the Levites prepared for them. 16 So all the service of the Lord was prepared the same day, to keep the Passover and to offer burnt
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offerings on the altar of the Lord, according to the commandment of King Josiah. 17 And the children of Israel who were present kept the Passover at that time and the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days. 18 And a Passover had not been kept like it in Israel from the days of Samuel the prophet, nor had any of the kings of Israel kept such a Passover as Josiah kept, and the priests and the Levites and all Judah and Israel who were present and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 19 This Passover was kept in the eighteenth year of the reign of Josiah. Death of Josiah 20 After all this, when Josiah had prepared the temple, Neco, king of Egypt, came up to fight against Carchemish by the Euphrates, and Josiah went out against him. 21 But he sent ambassadors to him, saying, “What have I to do with you, king of Judah? I have come, not against you this day, but against the house with which I am at war, for God commanded me to make haste. Refrain from meddling with God, who is with me, that He not destroy you.” 22 However Josiah would not turn his face from him but disguised himself, that he might fight with him, and did not listen to the words of Neco from the mouth of God, and came to fight in the Valley of Megiddo. 23 And the archers shot at King Josiah, and the king said to his servants, “Take me away, for I am greatly wounded.” 24 Therefore his servants took him out of the chariot and put him in the second chariot
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that he had, and they brought him to Jerusalem. And he died and was buried in one of the sepulchres of his fathers. And all Judah and Jerusalem mourned for Josiah. 25 And Jeremiah lamented for Josiah, and all the singing men and the singing women speak of Josiah in their lamentations to this day, and made them an ordinance in Israel. And behold, they are written in the Lamentations. 26 Now the rest of the acts of Josiah and his goodness, according to what was written in the law of the Lord, 27 and his deeds, first and last, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. Reign and Dethronement of Jehoahaz Then the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah and made him king in his father’s place in Jerusalem. 2 Jehoahaz was twenty-three years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months in Jerusalem. 3 And the king of Egypt removed him in Jerusalem and imposed a tribute on the land of one hundred talents of silver and one talent of gold. 4 And the king of Egypt made his brother Eliakim king over Judah and Jerusalem and changed his name to Jehoiakim. And Neco took his brother Jehoahaz and carried him to Egypt. 5 Jehoiakim was twenty-five years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord his God. 6 Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon came up against him and bound him in
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shackles to carry him to Babylon. 7 Nebuchadnezzar also carried off some of the vessels of the house of the Lord to Babylon and put them in his temple in Babylon. Reigns of Jehoiachin and Zedekiah 8 Now the rest of the acts of Jehoiakim and his abominations that he did and what was found against him, behold, they are written in the book of the kings of Israel and Judah. And his son Jehoiachin reigned in his place. 9 Jehoiachin was eight years old when he began to reign, and he reigned three months and ten days in Jerusalem. And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord. 10 And when the year had ended, King Nebuchadnezzar sent and brought him to Babylon, with the fine vessels from the house of the Lord, and made his brother Zedekiah king over Judah and Jerusalem. 11 Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began to reign and reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. 12 And he did what was evil in the sight of the Lord his God and did not humble himself before Jeremiah the prophet, speaking from the mouth of the Lord. 13 And he also rebelled against King Nebuchadnezzar, who had made him swear by God, but he stiffened his neck and hardened his heart from turning to the Lord God of Israel. 14 Moreover, all the chiefs of the priests and the people transgressed greatly, according to all the abominations of the nations, and defiled the house of the Lord that He had consecrated in Jerusalem.
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Final Deportation 15 And the Lord God of their fathers sent to them by His messengers, rising up early and sending, because He had compassion on His people and on His dwelling place. 16 But they mocked the messengers of God and despised His words and misused His prophets, until the wrath of the Lord arose against His people, until there was no remedy. 17 Therefore He brought on them the king of the Chaldeans, who slew their young men with the sword in the house of their sanctuary and had no compassion on young man or young woman, old man or a man who stoops with age. He gave them all into his hand. 18 And all the vessels of the house of God, great and small, and the treasures of the house of the Lord and the treasures of the king and of his princes, all these he brought to Babylon. 19 And they burned the house of God, and broke down the wall of Jerusalem, and burned all its palaces with fire,
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and destroyed all its fine vessels. 20 And those who had escaped from the sword he carried away to Babylon, where they were servants to him and his sons until the reign of the kingdom of Persia, 21 to fulfill the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah, until the land had enjoyed its Sabbaths. For as long as it lay desolate, it kept the Sabbath, to fulfill seventy years. 22 Now in the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, that the word of the Lord spoken by the mouth of Jeremiah might be accomplished, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing, saying, 23 “This is what Cyrus, king of Persia, says: ‘The Lord God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Who is there among you of all His people? May the Lord his God be with him and let him go up!’”
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EZRA INTRODUCTION TO EZRA The book of Ezra is a chronicle of hope and restoration. Originally, Ezra and Nehemiah were together as one book, recording the stories about a remnant of God’s chosen people who had been taken captive by the Babylonians after the destruction of Jerusalem and who were returning to the promised land to rebuild their nation. The dramatic narrative starts in 538 BC. AUTHOR Bible experts have long suggested that the author of Ezra also wrote 1 and 2 Chronicles and Nehemiah, referring to the writer as “the Chronicler.” But recent scholars question this assumption and conclude that Ezra and Nehemiah were not written by the Chronicler. As to who wrote Ezra and Nehemiah, there is support for the Jewish tradition that teaches that Ezra was the writer of both books. It’s interesting to note that the narration switches from third person to first person after Ezra appears in the story (chapter 7). The book was likely written between 460 and 440 BC, but there are competing views regarding the date. OCCASION Ezra, with Nehemiah, tells the story of God’s faithfulness to His promises regarding His chosen people, restoring them to their land after seventy years of captivity.
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Decree of Cyrus Now in the first year of Cyrus, king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus, king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing, saying, 2 “This is what Cyrus, king of Persia, says: ‘The Lord God of heaven has given me all the kingdoms of the earth. And He has charged me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. 3 Who is there among you of all His people? His God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and build the house of the Lord God of Israel (He is the God), which is in Jerusalem. 4 And whoever remains in any place where he sojourns, let the men of his place help him with silver, and with gold, and with good, and with beasts besides the freewill offering for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.’” 5 Then the chiefs of the fathers of Judah and Benjamin and the priests and the Levites, with all those whose spirit God had raised, rose up to go up to build the house of the Lord, which is in Jerusalem. 6 And all those who were around them strengthened their hands with vessels of silver, with gold, with goods, with beasts, and with precious things, besides all that was willingly offered. 7 Cyrus the king also brought out the vessels of the house of the Lord, which Nebuchadnezzar had brought forth out of Jerusalem and had put them in the house of his gods— 8 even those Cyrus, king
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of Persia, brought out by the hand of Mithredath the treasurer and counted them to Sheshbazzar, the prince of Judah. 9 And this is the number of them: thirty platters of gold, a thousand platters of silver, twenty-nine knives, 10 thirty basins of gold, four hundred and ten silver basins of a second sort, and a thousand other vessels. 11 All the vessels of gold and of silver were five thousand and four hundred. All these Sheshbazzar brought up with those of the captivity who were brought up from Babylon to Jerusalem. The Returning Remnant Now these are the children of the province who went up out of the captivity, of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away to Babylon, and returned to Jerusalem and Judah, everyone to his city. 2 Those who came with Zerubbabel: Jeshua, Nehemiah, Seraiah, Reelaiah, Mordecai, Bilshan, Mispar, Bigvai, Rehum, and Baanah. The number of the men of the people of Israel: 3 the children of Parosh, two thousand one hundred and seventy-two; 4 the children of Shephatiah, three hundred and seventy-two; 5 the children of Arah, seven hundred and seventy-five; 6 the children of Pahath-moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and twelve; 7 the children of Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four; 8 the children of Zattu, nine hundred and forty-five; 9 the children of Zaccai, seven hundred and sixty;
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10 the children of Bani, six hundred
hundred and seventy-three; 37 the children of Immer, one thousand bai, six hundred and twenty-three; and fifty-two; 38 the children of 12 the children of Azgad, one thouPashhur, one thousand two hunsand two hundred and twenty-two; dred and forty-seven; 39 the chil13 the children of Adonikam, six hundren of Harim, one thousand and dred and sixty-six; 14 the children of seventeen. 40 The Levites: the children of Bigvai, two thousand and fifty-six; 15 the children of Adin, four hundred Jeshua and Kadmiel, of the children and fifty-four; 16 the children of Ater of Hodaviah, seventy-four. 41 The singers: the children of of Hezekiah, ninety-eight; 17 the children of Bezai, three hundred and Asaph, one hundred and twenty- twenty-three; 18 the children of Jo- eight. 42 The children of the gatekeepers: rah, one hundred and twelve; 19 the children of Hashum, two hundred the children of Shallum, the children and twenty-three; 20 the children of of Ater, the children of Talmon, the Gibbar, ninety-five; 21 the children children of Akkub, the children of of Bethlehem, one hundred and Hatita, the children of Shobai, one twenty-three; 22 the men of Neto- hundred thirty-nine in all. 43 The Nethinim: the children of phah, fifty-six; 23 the men of Anathoth, 24 one hundred and twenty-eight; the Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Azmaveth, forty-two; children of Tabbaoth, 44 the children 25 the children of Kiriath-arim, Cheof Keros, the children of Siaha, the phirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred children of Padon, 45 the children of and forty-three; 26 the children of Lebanah, the children of Hagabah, Ramah and Geba, six hundred and the children of Akkub, 46 the children twenty-one; 27 the men of Michmas, of Hagab, the children of Shalmai, one hundred and twenty-two; 28 the the children of Hanan, 47 the children men of Bethel and Ai, two hundred of Giddel, the children of Gahar, the and twenty-three; 29 the children of children of Reaiah, 48 the children of Nebo, fifty-two; 30 the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, the Magbish, one hundred and fifty-six; children of Gazzam, 49 the children 31 the children of the other Elam, one of Uzza, the children of Paseah, the thousand two hundred and fifty- children of Besai, 50 the children of four; 32 the children of Harim, three Asnah, the children of Meunim, the hundred and twenty; 33 the children children of Nephisim, 51 the children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hun- of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, dred and twenty-five; 34 the chil- the children of Harhur, 52 the children of Jericho, three hundred and dren of Bazluth, the children of Meforty-five; 35 the children of Senaah, hida, the children of Harsha, 53 the three thousand six hundred and children of Barkos, the children of thirty. Sisera, the children of Temah, 54 the 36 The priests: the children of Jechildren of Neziah, the children of daiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine Hatipha. and forty-two; 11 the children of Be-
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55 The children of Solomon’s ser-
vants: the children of Sotai, the children of Hassophereth, the children of Peruda, 56 the children of Jaalah, the children of Darkon, the children of Giddel, 57 the children of Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the children of Ami. 58 All the Nethinim and the children of Solomon’s servants were three hundred and ninety-two. 59 And these were the ones who went up from Tel-melah, Tel-harsha, Cherub, Addan and Immer, but they could not prove their father’s house or their descendants, whether they were of Israel: 60 the children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred and fifty-two. 61 And of the children of the priests: the children of Habaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took a wife of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called after their name. 62 These sought their registration among those who were counted by genealogy, but they were not found. Therefore, they were excluded from the priesthood as defiled. 63 And the governor said to them that they should not eat of the most holy things until a priest stood up with Urim and with Thummim. The Remnant: Their Substance and Gifts 64 The whole congregation together was forty-two thousand three hundred and sixty, 65 besides their servants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand
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three hundred and thirty-seven. And two hundred singing men and singing women were among them. 66 Their horses were seven hundred and thirty-six; their mules, two hundred and forty-five; 67 their camels, four hundred and thirty-five; and their donkeys, six thousand seven hundred and twenty. 68 And some of the chiefs of the fathers, when they came to the house of the Lord, which is in Jerusalem, offered freely for the house of God to set it up in its place. 69 They gave according to their ability to the treasury of the work sixty-one thousand drams of gold, five thousand pounds of silver, and one hundred priests’ garments. 70 So the priests, and the Levites, and some of the people, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim dwelled in their cities, and all Israel in their cities. The Altar Is Set Up And when the seventh month had come and the children of Israel were in the cities, the people gathered themselves together as one man to Jerusalem. 2 Then Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and his brothers the priests, and Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and his brothers stood up and built the altar of the God of Israel, on which to offer burnt offerings, as it is written in the law of Moses, the man of God. 3 And they set the altar on its bases, for fear was on them because of the people of those countries. And they offered burnt offerings on it to the Lord, even burnt offerings morning and evening.
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The Ancient Worship Established 4 They also kept the Feast of Tabernacles, as it is written, and offered the daily burnt offerings by number, according to the custom, as the duty of every day required, 5 and afterward offered the continual burnt offering, both of the New Moons and of all the set feasts of the Lord that were consecrated and of everyone who willingly offered a freewill offering to the Lord. 6 From the first day of the seventh month they began to offer burnt offerings to the Lord. But the foundation of the temple of the Lord was not yet laid. 7 They also gave money to the masons and to the carpenters, and food and drink and oil to those of Sidon and to those of Tyre to bring cedar trees from Lebanon to the sea of Joppa, according to the grant that they had from Cyrus, king of Persia. Temple Foundations Laid 8 Now in the second year of their coming to the house of God in Jerusalem, in the second month, Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua the son of Jozadak, and the remnant of their brothers the priests and the Levites, and all those who had come out of the captivity to Jerusalem began and appointed the Levites, from twenty years old and upward, to oversee the work of the house of the Lord. 9 Then Jeshua, with his sons and his brothers, Kadmiel and his sons, the sons of Judah, stood together to oversee the workmen in the house of God: the sons of Henadad, with their sons and their brothers the Levites.
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10 And when the builders laid the
foundation of the temple of the Lord, they set the priests in their apparel with trumpets, and the Levites, the sons of Asaph, with cymbals, to praise the Lord, after the ordinance of David, king of Israel. 11 And they sang together by division in praising and giving thanks to the Lord because He is good, for His mercy endures forever toward Israel. And all the people shouted with a great shout when they praised the Lord, because the foundation of the house of the Lord was laid. 12 But many of the priests and Levites and chiefs of the fathers, who were ancient men who had seen the first house, when the foundation of this house was laid before their eyes, wept with a loud voice. And many shouted aloud for joy, 13 so that the people could not discern the noise of the shout of joy from the noise of the weeping of the people. For the people shouted with a loud shout, and the noise was heard far away.
Adversaries Seek to Hinder the Work Now when the adversaries of Judah and Benjamin heard that the children of the captivity built the temple to the Lord God of Israel, 2 then they came to Zerubbabel and to the chiefs of the fathers and said to them, “Let us build with you, for we seek your God, as you do, and we have sacrificed to Him since the days of Esar-haddon, king of Assyria, who brought us up here.” 3 But Zerubbabel and Jeshua and the rest of the chiefs of the fathers of
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Israel said to them, “You have nothing to do with us to build a house for our God. But we ourselves together will build for the Lord God of Israel, as King Cyrus, the king of Persia, has commanded us.” 4 Then the people of the land weakened the hands of the people of Judah, and troubled them in building, 5 and hired counselors against them to frustrate their purpose all the days of Cyrus, king of Persia, even until the reign of Da rius, king of Persia. 6 And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, they wrote to him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem. 7 And in the days of Artaxerxes, Bishlam, Mithredath, Tabeel, and the rest of their companions wrote to Artaxerxes, king of Persia. And the letter was written in the Syrian language and interpreted in the Syrian language. 8 Rehum the chancellor and Shimshai the scribe wrote a letter against Jerusalem to Arta xerxes the king in this way. 9 Then wrote Rehum the chancellor, and Shimshai the scribe, and the rest of their companions—the Dinaites, the Apharsathchites, the Tarpelites, the Apharsites, the Archevites, the Babylonians, the Susanchites, the Dehavites, and the Elamites— 10 and the rest of the nations whom the great and noble Osnapper brought over and set in the cities of Samaria and the rest who are on this side of the river, and at such at time. 11 This is the copy of the letter that they sent to him, even to Artaxerxes the king:
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Your servants, the men on this side of the river, and at such a time. 12 Let it be known to the king that the Jews who came up from you to us have come to Jerusalem, building the rebellious and bad city, and have set up its walls and joined the foundations. 13 Let it be known now to the king that if this city is built and the walls set up again, then they will not pay toll, tribute, and tax, and so you shall cause damage to the revenue of the kings. 14 Now because we have support from the king’s palace, and it was not proper for us to see the king’s dishonor, therefore, we have sent and informed the king, 15 that a search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. So you shall find in the book of the records and know that this city is a rebellious city and hurtful to kings and provinces, and that they have stirred up sedition within the same city in former times, for which cause this city was destroyed. 16 We assure the king that if this city is built again and its walls set up, by this means you shall have no portion on this side of the river.
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Decree of Artaxerxes 17 Then the king sent an answer to Rehum the chancellor, and to Shimshai the scribe, and to the rest of their companions who dwell in Samaria, and to the rest beyond the river: Peace. And at such a time, 18 the letter that you sent to us has been plainly read before me. 19 And I commanded, and a search has been made, and it is found that this city in former times has made insurrection against kings and that rebellion and sedition have been made in it. 20 There have been mighty kings also over Jerusalem, who have ruled over all countries beyond the river, and toll, tribute, and tax were paid to them. 21 Now give the commandment to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built, until another commandment shall be given from me. 22 Take heed, now, that you do not fail to do this. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? 23 Now when the copy of King Ar-
taxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum and Shimshai the scribe and their companions, they went up in haste to Jerusalem to the Jews and made them cease by force and power.
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24 Then the work of the house of
God that is at Jerusalem ceased. So it ceased until the second year of the reign of Darius, king of Persia. Then the prophets—Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo—prophesied to the Jews who were in Judah and Jerusalem in the name of the God of Israel, even to them. 2 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Jeshua the son of Jozadak rose up and began to build the house of God that is at Jerusalem. And the prophets of God were with them, helping them. 3 At the same time Tattenai, governor on this side of the river, and Shethar-bozenai and their companions came to them and said this to them, “Who has commanded you to build this house and to make this wall?” 4 Then we spoke to them in this manner: “What are the names of the men who make this building?” 5 But the eye of their God was on the elders of the Jews, that they could not cause them to cease until the matter came to Darius. And then they returned an answer by letter concerning this matter. 6 This is the copy of the letter that Tattenai, governor on this side of the river, and Shethar-bozenai, and his companions the Apharsachites, who were on this side of the river, sent to Da rius the king. 7 They sent a letter to him in which this was written:
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To Darius the king: All peace. 8 Let it be known to the king that we went into the province of
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Judah, to the house of the great God, which is being built with great stones, and timber is laid in the walls. And this work goes firmly on and prospers in their hands. 9 Then we asked those elders and said this to them: “Who commanded you to build this house and to make these walls?” 10 We asked their names also, to inform you, that we might write down the names of the men who were the chiefs of them. 11 And they returned us this answer, saying, “We are the servants of the God of heaven and earth and build the house that was built these many years ago, which a great king of Israel built and set up. 12 But after our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, He gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, the Chaldean, who destroyed this house and carried the people away to Babylon. 13 But in the first year of Cyrus the king of Babylon, the same King Cyrus made a decree to build this house of God. 14 And also the vessels of gold and silver of the house of God, which
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Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brought to the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king took out of the temple of Babylon. And they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor, 15 and said to him, ‘Take these vessels. Go, carry them to the temple that is in Jerusalem, and let the house of God be built in its place.’ 16 Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundation of the house of God that is in Jerusalem. And from that time even until now it has been under construction, and yet it is not finished.” 17 Now, therefore, if it seems good to the king, let there be a search made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at Babylon, whether it be so that a decree was made of Cyrus the king to build this house of God at Jerusalem. And let the king send his desire to us concerning this matter. Darius Confirms the Decree of Cyrus Then Darius the king made a decree, and a search was made in the house of the scrolls, where the treasures were stored in Babylon.
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at Achmetha, in the palace that is in the province of the Medes, a scroll was found. And in it was a record written like this: 3 In the first year of
Cyrus the king, the same Cyrus the king made a decree concerning the house of God at Jerusalem: “Let the house be built, the place where they offered sacrifices, and let its foundations be strongly laid, its height sixty cubits and its breadth sixty cubits, 4 with three rows of great stones and a row of new timber. And let the expenses be given out of the king’s house. 5 And also let the golden and silver vessels of the house of God, which Nebuchadnezzar took forth out of the temple that is in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon, be restored and brought again to the temple that is in Jerusalem, each one to its place, and place them in the house of God.” 6 Now, therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the river, Shethar-bozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are beyond the river, stay far from there. 7 Leave the work of this house of God alone. Let the
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governor of the Jews and the elders of the Jews build this house of God in its place. 8 Moreover, I make a decree as to what you shall do for the elders of these Jews for the building of this house of God: that from the king’s goods, even from the tribute beyond the river, expenses shall immediately be given to these men, so that they are not hindered. 9 And what they have need of—young bulls and rams and lambs for the burnt offerings of the God of heaven, wheat, salt, wine, and oil, according to the appointment of the priests who are at Jerusalem—let it be given to them day by day without fail, 10 that they may offer sacrifices of sweet aromas to the God of heaven and pray for the life of the king and of his sons. 11 Also I have made a decree that whoever alters this word, let timber be pulled down from his house and, being set up, let him be hanged on it. And let his house be made a dunghill for this. 12 And may the God who has caused His name to dwell there destroy all kings and people who
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put forth their hand to alter and to destroy this house of God that is in Jerusalem. I, Darius, have made a decree. Let it be done with speed. 13 Then Tattenai, governor on this
side of the river, Shethar-bozenai, and their companions, speedily did according to what Darius the king had sent. 14 And the elders of the Jews built, and they prospered through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of Iddo. And they built and finished it, according to the commandment of the God of Israel and according to the commandment of Cyrus and Darius and Artaxerxes, king of Persia. 15 And this house was finished on the third day of the month of Adar, which was in the sixth year of the reign of Darius the king. 16 And the children of Israel, the priests and the Levites, and the rest of the children of the captivity, kept the dedication of this house of God with joy 17 and offered at the dedication of this house of God one hundred bulls, two hundred rams, four hundred lambs, and, for a sin offering for all Israel, twelve male goats, according to the number of the tribes of Israel. 18 And they set the priests in their divisions and the Levites in their divisions for the service of God, which is in Jerusalem, as it is written in the Book of Moses. The Passover Restored 19 And the children of the captivity kept the Passover on the fourteenth day of the first month. 20 For the
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priests and the Levites were purified together—all of them were pure—and killed the Passover lamb for all the children of the captivity and for their brothers the priests and for themselves. 21 And the children of Israel, who had returned out of captivity, and all who had separated themselves to them from the filthiness of the nations of the land, to seek the Lord God of Israel, ate 22 and kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy. For the Lord had made them joyful and turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, to strengthen their hands in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. The Expedition of Ezra Now after these things, in the reign of Artaxerxes, king of Persia, Ezra the son of Seraiah, the son of Azariah, the son of Hilkiah, 2 the son of Shallum, the son of Zadok, the son of Ahitub, 3 the son of Amariah, the son of Azariah, the son of Meraioth, 4 the son of Zerahiah, the son of Uzzi, the son of Bukki, 5 the son of Abishua, the son of Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the chief priest— 6 this Ezra went up from Babylon. And he was a skilled scribe in the law of Moses, which the Lord God of Israel had given. And the king granted him all his request, according to the hand of the Lord his God upon him. 7 And some of the children of Israel and of the priests, and the Levites, and the singers, and the gatekeepers, and the Nethinim went up to Jerusalem in the seventh year of Artaxerxes the king.
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fifth month, which was in the seventh year of the king. 9 For on the first day of the first month he began to go up from Babylon, and on the first day of the fifth month he came to Jerusalem, according to the good hand of his God upon him. 10 For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the Lord and to do it and to teach statutes and judgments in Israel. Decree of Artaxerxes in Ezra’s Behalf 11 Now this is the copy of the letter that the king Artaxerxes gave to Ezra the priest, the scribe, even a scribe of the words of the commandments of the Lord and of His statutes to Israel: 12 Artaxerxes, king of
kings, to Ezra the priest, a scribe of the law of the God of heaven: perfect peace. And at such a time, 13 I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and of its priests and Levites in my realm, who have determined of their own free will to go up to Jerusalem, go with you. 14 Since you are sent by the king and by his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the law of your God, which is in your hand, 15 and to carry the silver
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and gold, which the king and his counselors have freely offered to the God of Israel, whose dwelling is in Jerusalem, 16 and all the silver and gold that you can find in all the province of Babylon, with the freewill offering of the people and of the priests, offering willingly for the house of their God that is in Jerusalem, 17 that you may speedily buy with this money bulls, rams, lambs, with their grain offerings and their drink offerings, and offer them on the altar of the house of your God that is in Jerusalem. 18 And whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that according to the will of your God. 19 The vessels also that are given to you for the service of the house of your God, deliver those before the God of Jerusalem. 20 And whatever more shall be needed for the house of your God, which you shall have occasion to use, provide for it out of the king’s treasure house. 21 And I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the
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river, that whatever Ezra the priest, the scribe of the law of the God of heaven, shall require of you, let it be done speedily, 22 up to one hundred talents of silver and to one hundred measures of wheat and to one hundred baths of wine and to one hundred baths of oil, and salt without prescribing how much. 23 Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be diligently done for the house of the God of heaven. For why should there be wrath against the realm of the king and his sons? 24 Also we assure you that, concerning any of the priests and Levites, singers, gatekeepers, Nethinim, or ministers of this house of God, it shall not be lawful to impose toll, tribute, or tax on them. 25 And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand, set magistrates and judges, who may judge all the people who are beyond the river, all who know the laws of your God, and teach those who do not know them. 26 And whoever will not do the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment
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be executed speedily on him, whether it be to death or to banishment or to confiscation of goods or to imprisonment. Ezra’s Thanksgiving 27 Blessed be the Lord God of our fathers, who has put such a thing as this in the king’s heart, to beautify the house of the Lord that is in Jerusalem, 28 and has extended mercy to me before the king and his counselors and before all the king’s mighty princes. And I was strengthened as the hand of the Lord my God was upon me, and I gathered together out of Israel chief men to go up with me. List of Ezra’s Companions These are now the chiefs of their fathers, and this is the genealogy of those who went up with me from Babylon in the reign of Artaxerxes the king:
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of the sons of Phinehas, Gershom; of the sons of Ithamar, Daniel; of the sons of David, Hattush; of the sons of Shecaniah of the sons of Parosh, Zechariah, and with him were one hundred and fifty males counted by genealogy; of the sons of Pahath- moab, Eliehoenai the son of Zerahiah, and with him two hundred males; of the sons of Shecaniah,
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the son of Jahaziel, and with him three hundred males; of the sons also of Adin, Ebed the son of Jonathan, and with him fifty males; and of the sons of Elam, Jeshaiah the son of Athaliah, and with him seventy males; and of the sons of Shephatiah, Zebadiah the son of Michael, and with him eighty males; of the sons of Joab, Obadiah the son of Jehiel, and with him two hundred and eighteen males; and of the sons of Shelomith, the son of Josiphiah, and with him one hundred and sixty males; and of the sons of Bebai, Zechariah the son of Bebai, and with him twenty-eight males; and of the sons of Azgad, Johanan the son of Hakkatan, and with him one hundred and ten males; and of the last sons of Adonikam, whose names are these—Eliphelet, Jeiel, and Shemaiah— and with them sixty males; also of the sons of Bigvai, Uthai and Zabbud, and with them seventy males.
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Ezra 8:22 15 And I gathered them together at
the river that runs to Ahava, and we stayed there in tents three days. And I viewed the people and the priests and found none of the sons of Levi there. 16 Then I sent for Eliezer, for Ariel, for Shemaiah, for Elnathan, and for Jarib, and for Elnathan, and for Nathan, and for Zechariah, and for Meshullam—chief men—also for Joiarib and for Elnathan, men of understanding. 17 And I sent them with a command to Iddo, the chief at the place Casiphia, and I told them what they should say to Iddo and to his brothers the Nethinim at the place Casiphia, that they should bring to us ministers for the house of our God. 18 And by the good hand of our God on us, they brought us a man of understanding of the sons of Mahli, the son of Levi, the son of Israel; and Sherebiah, with his sons and his brothers, eighteen; 19 and Hashabiah, and with him Jeshaiah of the sons of Merari, his brothers and their sons, twenty; 20 also of the Nethinim, whom David and the princes had appointed for the service of the Levites, two hundred and twenty Nethinim. All of them were stated by name. 21 Then I proclaimed a fast there at the river of Ahava, that we might humble ourselves before our God, to seek from Him a right way for us and for our little ones and for all our possessions. 22 For I was ashamed to request from the king a band of soldiers and horsemen to help us against the enemy on the way, because we had spoken to the king, saying, “The hand of our God is upon all those for good who seek
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Him, but His power and His wrath are against all those who abandon Him.” 23 So we fasted and asked our God for this. And He answered our prayer. 24 Then I separated twelve of the chiefs of the priests—Sherebiah, Hashabiah and ten of their brothers with them— 25 and weighed out to them the silver and the gold and the vessels, even the offering of the house of our God, which the king and his counselors and his lords and all Israel there present had offered. 26 I even weighed out to their hand six hundred and fifty talents of silver, silver vessels of one hundred talents, and one hundred talents of gold, 27 also twenty basins of gold of a thousand drams and two vessels of fine copper, precious as gold. 28 And I said to them, “You are holy to the Lord. The vessels are holy also. And the silver and the gold are a freewill offering to the Lord God of your fathers. 29 Watch and keep them until you weigh them before the chiefs of the priests and the Levites and chiefs of the fathers of Israel in Jerusalem in the chambers of the house of the Lord.” 30 So the priests and the Levites took the weight of the silver and the gold and the vessels to bring them to Jerusalem to the house of our God. The Arrival of Ezra at Jerusalem 31 Then we departed from the river of Ahava on the twelfth day of the first month to go to Jerusalem. And the hand of our God was on us, and He delivered us from the hand of the enemy and of those who lay in
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wait by the road. 32 And we came to Jerusalem and stayed there three days. 33 Now on the fourth day the silver and the gold and the vessels were weighed in the house of our God by the hand of Meremoth the son of Uriah the priest (and with him was Eleazar the son of Phinehas, and with them was Jozabad the son of Jeshua and Noadiah the son of Binnui, Levites) 34 by the number and weight of everything. And all the weight was written down at that time. 35 Also the children of those who had been carried away, who had come out of the captivity, offered burnt offerings to the God of Israel: twelve bulls for all Israel, ninety-six rams, seventy-seven lambs, and twelve male goats for a sin offering. All this was a burnt offering to the Lord. 36 And they delivered the king’s orders to the king’s lieutenants and to the governors on this side of the river. And they supported the people and the house of God. The Remnant Loses Its Separated Position Now when these things were done, the princes came to me, saying, “The people of Israel and the priests and the Levites have not separated themselves from the people of the lands, doing according to their abominations, even of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Periz zites, the Jebusites, the Ammonites, the Moabites, the Egyptians, and the Amorites. 2 For they have taken some of their daughters for themselves and for their sons, so that
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the holy descendants have mingled themselves with the people of those lands. Yes, the hand of the princes and rulers has been most prominent in this trespass.” 3 And when I heard this thing, I tore my garment and my robe, and plucked off the hair of my head and of my beard, and sat down astonished. 4 Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel assembled to me because of the transgression of those who had been carried away. And I sat astonished until the evening sacrifice. The Prayer and Confession of Ezra 5 And at the evening sacrifice I rose up from my heaviness. And having torn my garment and my robe, I fell on my knees and spread out my hands to the Lord my God 6 and said: O my God, I am ashamed and blush to lift up my face to You, my God. For our iniquities have increased over our head and our guilt has grown up to the heavens. 7 Since the days of our fathers we have been in great guilt to this day. And for our iniquities we, our kings, and our priests have been delivered into the hand of the kings of the lands, to the sword, to captivity, and to plunder, and to shamefacedness as it is this day. 8 And now for a
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short moment grace has been shown from the Lord our God to leave us a remnant to escape and to give us a nail in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and give us a little reviving in our bondage. 9 For we were slaves. Yet our God has not abandoned us in our bondage but has extended mercy to us in the sight of the kings of Persia, to revive us, to set up the house of our God, and to repair its desolations, and to give us a wall in Judah and in Jerusalem. 10And now, O our God, what shall we say after this? For we have abandoned Your commandments, 11 which You have commanded by Your servants the prophets, saying, “The land to which you go to possess is an unclean land with the filthiness of the people of the lands, with their abominations, which have filled it from one end to another with their uncleanness. 12 Now, therefore, do not give your daughters to their sons or take their daughters for your sons or seek their peace or their wealth forever, that you may be strong and eat the good of the land
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and leave it as an inheritance to your children forever.” 13 And after all that has come upon us for our evil deeds and for our great guilt, seeing that You our God have punished us less than our iniquities deserve and have given us such deliverance as this, 14 should we again break Your commandments and join in marriage with the people of these abominations? Would You not be angry with us until You had consumed us, so that there would be no remnant or escaping? 15 O Lord God of Israel, You are righteous, for we remain still escaped, as it is this day. Behold, we are before You in our guilt, for we cannot stand before You because of this. Separation Restored Now when Ezra had prayed, and when he had confessed, weeping and casting himself down before the house of God, a very great congregation of men and women and children assembled to him out of Israel. For the people wept very greatly. 2 And Shecaniah the son of Jehiel, one of the sons of Elam, answered and said to Ezra, “We have trespassed against our God and have taken foreign wives from the people of the land. Yet now there is hope in Israel concerning this thing.
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3 Now, therefore, let us make a cov-
enant with our God to put away all the wives and those who are born of them, according to the counsel of my lord and of those who tremble at the commandment of our God. And let it be done according to the law. 4 Arise, for this matter belongs to you. We also will be with you. Be of good courage and do it.” 5 Then Ezra arose and made the chief priests, the Levites, and all Israel swear that they would do according to this word. And they swore. 6 Then Ezra rose up from before the house of God and went into the chamber of Jehohanan, the son of Eliashib. And when he came there, he ate no bread and drank no water, for he mourned because of the transgression of those who had been carried away. 7 And they made a proclamation throughout Judah and Jerusalem to all the children of the captivity, that they should gather themselves together in Jerusalem, 8 and that whoever would not come within three days, according to the counsel of the princes and the elders, all his possessions would be forfeited and himself separated from the congregation of those who had been carried away. 9 Then all the men of Judah and Benjamin gathered themselves together in Jerusalem within three days. It was the ninth month, on the twentieth day of the month. And all the people sat in the street of the house of God, trembling because of this matter and because of the great rain. 10 And Ezra the priest stood up and said to them, “You have transgressed and have taken
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foreign wives to increase the guilt of Israel. 11 Now, therefore, confess to the Lord God of your fathers and do His will, and separate yourselves from the people of the land and from the foreign wives.” 12 Then all the congregation answered and said with a loud voice, “As you have said, so we must do. 13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand outside. Nor is this a work of one day or two, for we are many who have transgressed in this thing. 14 Now let our rulers of all the congregation stand, and let all those who have taken foreign wives in our cities come at appointed times, and with them the elders of every city and their judges, until the fierce wrath of our God for this matter is turned from us.” 15 Only Jonathan the son of Asahel and Jahzeiah the son of Tikvah opposed this matter. And Meshullam and Shabbethai the Levite helped them. 16 And the children of the captivity did so. And Ezra the priest, with certain chiefs of the fathers—according to the house of their fathers, all of them separated by their names— sat down on the first day of the tenth month to examine the matter. 17 And they finished with all the men who had taken foreign wives by the first day of the first month. 18 And among the sons of the priests there were found those who had taken foreign wives—namely, of the sons of Jeshua the son of Jozadak and his brothers: Maa seiah, and Eliezer, and Jarib, and Gedaliah. 19 And they made a promise that they would put away their
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wives. And being guilty, they offered a ram of the flock for their guilt. 20
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And of the sons of Immer: Hanani and Zebadiah; and of the sons of Harim: Maaseiah and Elijah and Shemaiah and Jehiel and Uzziah; and of the sons of Pashhur: Elioenai, Maaseiah, Ishmael, Nethanel, Jozabad, and Elasah. Also of the Levites: Jozabad and Shimei and Kelaiah (that is, Kelita), Pethahiah, Judah, and Eliezer. Of the singers also: Eliashib; and of the gatekeepers: Shallum and Telem and Uri. Moreover, of Israel, of the sons of Parosh: Ramiah and Jeziah and Malchijah and Mijamin and Eleazar and Malchijah and Benaiah; and of the sons of Elam: Mattaniah, Zechariah, and Jehiel, and Abdi and Jeremoth and Elijah; and of the sons of Zattu: Elioenai, Eliashib, Mattaniah, and Jeremoth and Zabad and Aziza; of the sons also of Bebai: Jehohanan, Hananiah, Zabbai, and Athlai; and of the sons of Bani: Meshullam, Malluch, and Adaiah, Jashub, and Sheal, and Jeremoth;
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and of the sons of Pahath-moab: Adna, and Chelal, Benaiah, Maaseiah, Mattaniah, Bezalel, and Binnui, and Manasseh; and of the sons of Harim: Eliezer, Isshijah, Malchijah, Shemaiah, Shimeon, 32 Benjamin, Malluch, and Shemariah; of the sons of Hashum: Mattenai, Mattattah, Zabad, Eliphelet, Jeremai, Manasseh, and Shimei; of the sons of Bani: Maadai, Amram, and Uel, 35 Benaiah, Bedeiah, Cheluhi, 36 Vaniah,
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Meremoth, Eliashib, 37 Mattaniah, Mattenai, and Jaasu, 38 and Bani, and Binnui, Shimei, 39 and Shelemiah and Nathan and Adaiah, 40 Machnadebai, Shashai, Sharai, 41 Azarel, and Shelemiah, Shemariah, 42 Shallum, Amariah, and Joseph; of the sons of Nebo: Jeiel, Mattithiah, Zabad, Zebina, Jaddai, Joel, and Benaiah. 44 All
these had taken foreign wives. And some of them had wives by whom they had children.
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NEHEMIAH INTRODUCTION TO NEHEMIAH The book of Nehemiah is one of the Old Testament’s histori cal books. Until the fifteenth century AD, Ezra and Nehemiah were considered to be one book, and we see evidence of this with Ezra’s abrupt ending. The events of Nehemiah pick up naturally where Ezra leaves off, with the continual rebuilding of Jerusalem and the return of the final group of exiles from Babylon in 445 BC. AUTHOR Nehemiah is believed by some scholars to have written the majority of the text—much of the book of Nehemiah is written in the first person, and 1:1 identifies the speaker as Nehemiah, son of Hacaliah, an exiled Jew who served as the cupbearer to the Persian king Artaxerxes I. Yet Jewish tradition holds that Ezra authored the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. Because Ezra and Nehemiah were one book, Nehemiah may have been edited by Ezra, or the two may have been combined by a his torical chronicler. No one knows for certain. OCCASION The events recorded in the book of Nehemiah are dated from circa 445 to 431–432 BC. The book begins with Nehemiah returning to Jerusalem in the twentieth year of King Arta xerxes I of Persia (1:1), approximately thirteen years after Ezra returned with the second group of exiled Jews. Nehemiah leaves Jerusalem for a brief period of time in the thirty-second year of the reign of Artaxerxes I and returns shortly thereaf ter (13:6–7), dating the events at the end of the book around 432 BC.
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Nehemiah Learns of Distress The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the palace, 2 that Hanani, one of my brothers, came—he and certain men of Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who had escaped, who were left of the cap tivity, and concerning Jerusalem. 3 And they said to me, “The remnant who are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach. The wall of Jerusa lem is also broken down, and its gates have been burned with fire.” 4 And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept and mourned for some days, and fasted and prayed before the God of heaven.
Your servant Moses, saying, ‘If you transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations. 9 But if you turn to Me and keep My command ments and do them, though some of you were cast out to the farthest part of the heavens, yet I will gather them from there and will bring them to the place where I have chosen to set My name.’ 10 Now these are Your servants and Your people, whom You have redeemed by Your great power and by Your strong hand. 11 O Lord, I beseech You, let Your ear now be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and to the prayer of Your servants, who desire to fear Your name. And give success to Your servant this day, I pray You, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.” For I was the king’s cupbearer.
Nehemiah’s Prayer 5 And said, “I beseech You, O Lord God of heaven, the great and awe some God, who keeps covenant and mercy for those who love Him and observe His commandments. 6 Let Your ear now be attentive and Your eyes open, that You may hear the prayer of Your servant, which I pray before You now, day and night, for the children of Israel Your servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against You. Both I and my father’s house have sinned. 7 We have acted very corruptly against You and have not kept the commandments or the statutes or the judgments that You commanded Your servant Moses. 8 Remember, I beseech You, the word that You commanded
Artaxerxes Sends Nehemiah to Jerusalem And it came to pass in the month Nisan, in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king, that wine was before him. And I took up the wine and gave it to the king. Now I had never before been sad in his pres ence. 2 Therefore, the king said to me, “Why is your face sad, since you are not sick? This is nothing but sorrow of heart.” Then I was very greatly afraid 3 and said to the king, “Let the king live forever. Why should my face not be sad, when the city, the place of my fathers’ sepulchres, lies des olate, and its gates are consumed with fire?” 4 Then the king said to me, “What do you request?”
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So I prayed to the God of heaven.
5 And I said to the king, “If it pleases
the king, and if your servant has found favor in your sight, that you would send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers’ sepulchres, that I may build it.” 6 And the king said to me (the queen also sitting by him), “For how long shall your journey be? And when will you return?” So it pleased the king to send me. And I gave him a time. 7 Moreover I said to the king, “If it pleases the king, let letters be given to me for the governors beyond the river, that they may conduct me through until I come into Judah, 8 and a letter to Asaph, the keeper of the king’s forest, that he may give me timber to make beams for the gates of the palace that pertained to the house, and for the wall of the city and for the house that I shall enter into.” And the king granted this to me, according to the good hand of my God on me. 9 Then I came to the governors beyond the river and gave them the king’s letters. Now the king had sent captains of the army and horsemen with me. 10 When San ballat the Horonite and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, heard of it, it grieved them exceedingly that a man had come to seek the welfare of the children of Israel.
Nehemiah Views the Ruined Walls 11 So I came to Jerusalem and was there three days. 12 And I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. I did not tell any man what my God had
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put in my heart to do in Jerusalem, nor was there any beast with me, save the beast that I rode on. 13 And I went out by night by the Valley Gate, even before the Dragon Well and to the Dung Gate, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which were broken down, and its gates that were consumed by fire. 14 Then I went on to the Fountain Gate and to the King’s Pool. But there was no place for the beast that was under me to pass. 15 Then I went up in the night by the brook and viewed the wall and turned back and entered by the Valley Gate and so returned. 16 And the rulers did not know where I went or what I did. I had not yet told it to the Jews, or to the priests, or to the nobles, or to the rulers, or to the rest who did the work. Nehemiah Encourages the People 17 Then I said to them, “You see the distress that we are in, how Jeru salem lies desolate and its gates are burned with fire. Come and let us build up the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a re proach.” 18 Then I told them about the hand of my God that was good on me and also the king’s words that he had spoken to me. And they said, “Let us rise up and build.” So they strengthened their hands for this good work. 19 But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the servant, the Ammonite, and Geshem the Arab heard it, they laughed us to scorn and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you do? Will you rebel against the king?”
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20 Then I answered them and said
to them, “The God of heaven, He will make us successful. Therefore, we, His servants, will arise and build. But you have no portion or right or memorial in Jerusalem.” The Builders of the Wall Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They sanctified it and set up its doors. They sanctified it even to the Tower of Meah and to the Tower of Hananel. 2 And next to him the men of Jericho built. And next to them Zaccur the son of Imri built. 3 But the sons of Hassenaah built the Fish Gate and laid its beams and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars. 4 And next to them Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired. And next to them Meshul lam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel, repaired. And next to them Zadok the son of Baana, re paired. 5 And next to them the Te koites repaired. But their nobles did not put their necks to the work of their Lord. 6 Moreover Joiada the son of Pa seah, and Meshullam the son of Besodeiah repaired the Old Gate. They laid its beams and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars. 7 And next to them Melatiah the Gibeon ite and Jadon the Meronothite, the men of Gibeon and of Mizpah, re paired the throne of the governor on this side of the river. 8 Next to them Uzziel the son of Harhaiah, of the goldsmiths, repaired. Next to him Hananiah, the son of one of the perfumers, also repaired. And they
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fortified Jerusalem to the Broad Wall. 9 And next to them Rephaiah the son of Hur, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, repaired. 10 And next to them Jedaiah the son of Harumaph repaired in front of his house. And next to him Hattush the son of Hashabneiah repaired. 11 Malchijah the son of Harim, and Hasshub the son of Pahath-moab repaired the other piece and the Tower of the Furnaces. 12 And next to him Shallum the son of Hallo hesh, the ruler of the half part of Jerusalem, repaired—he and his daughters. 13 Hanun and the inhabitants of Zanoah repaired the Valley Gate. They built it and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars, and a thousand cubits of the wall to the Dung Gate. 14 But Malchijah the son of Rechab, the ruler of part of Beth-haccherem, repaired the Dung Gate. He built it and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars. 15 But Shallum the son of Colhozeh, the ruler of part of Mizpah, repaired the Fountain Gate. He built it and covered it and set up its doors, its locks, and its bars, and the wall of the Pool of Shelah by the king’s garden, and to the stairs that go down from the city of David. 16 Af ter him Nehemiah the son of Azbuk, the ruler of the half part of Beth-zur, repaired to the place in front of the sepulchres of David and to the pool that was made and to the house of the mighty. 17 After him the Levites repaired under Rehum the son of Bani. Next to him Hashabiah, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, repaired in his
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part. 18 After him their brothers re paired: Bavvai the son of Henadad, the ruler of the half part of Keilah, repaired. 19 And next to him Ezer the son of Jeshua, the ruler of Miz pah, repaired another piece in front of the ascent to the armory at the turning of the wall. 20 After him Bar uch the son of Zabbai earnestly repaired the other piece, from the turning of the wall to the door of the house of Eliashib the high priest. 21 After him Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz, repaired another piece, from the door of the house of Eliashib even to the end of the house of Eliashib. 22 And after him the priests, the men of the plain, repaired. 23 After them Benjamin and Hasshub re paired in front of their house. After them Azariah the son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, repaired by his house. 24 After him Binnui the son of Henadad repaired another piece, from the house of Azariah to the turning of the wall, even to the corner. 25 Palal the son of Uzai re paired in front of the turning of the wall and the tower that projects out from the king’s high house, which was by the court of the prison. Af ter him Pedaiah the son of Parosh repaired. 26 Moreover, the Nethinim dwelled in Ophel, as far as the place in front of the Water Gate toward the east and the tower that projects out. 27 After them the Tekoites repaired another piece, in front of the great tower that projects out, even as far as the wall of Ophel. 28 The priests repaired from above the Horse Gate, everyone in front
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of his house. 29 After them Zadok the son of Immer repaired in front of his house. After him Shemaiah the son of Shecaniah, the keeper of the East Gate, also repaired. 30 After him Hananiah the son of Shelemiah and Hanun the sixth son of Zalaph repaired another piece. After him Meshullam the son of Berechiah repaired in front of his chamber. 31 After him Malchijah the gold smith’s son repaired as far as the place of the Nethinim and of the merchants, in front of the Miphkad Gate, and to the going up of the corner. 32 And between the going up of the corner to the Sheep Gate the goldsmiths and the merchants repaired. Opposition by Ridicule But it came to pass that when Sanballat heard that we built the wall, he was furious and took great indignation and mocked the Jews. 2 And he spoke before his brothers and the army of Samaria and said, “What are these feeble Jews doing? Will they fortify themselves? Will they sacrifice? Will they finish in a day? Will they revive the stones out of the heaps of rubbish, which are burned?” 3 Now Tobiah the Ammonite was by him, and he said, “Even what they build, if a fox goes up, he shall even break down their stone wall.” 4 Hear, O our God, for we are de spised. And turn their reproach on their own head, and give them as plunder in the land of captivity. 5 And do not cover their guilt, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You. For they have provoked
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You to anger before the builders. 6 So we built the wall. And all the wall was joined together to half its height. For the people had a mind to work. Opposition by Anger 7 But it came to pass that when Sanballat, and Tobiah, and the Arabs, and the Ammonites, and the Ashdodites heard that the walls of Jerusalem were made up and that the breaches began to be closed, then they were very furious 8 and conspired, all of them together, to come and to fight against Jerusalem and to hinder it. 9 Nevertheless, we made our prayer to our God and set a watch against them day and night because of them. Opposition by Discouraged Brothers 10 And Judah said, “The strength of the bearers of burdens is decayed, and there is much rubbish, so we are not able to build the wall.” 11 And our adversaries said, “They shall not know or see until we come in the midst among them and slay them and cause the work to cease.” 12 And it came to pass that when the Jews who dwelled by them came, they said to us ten times, “From all places where you shall re turn to us, they will be on you.” 13 Therefore, I set in the lower places behind the wall and on the higher places, I even set the peo ple according to their families with their swords, their spears, and their bows. 14 And I looked and rose up and said to the nobles and to the rulers and to the rest of the people,
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“Do not be afraid of them. Remem ber the Lord, who is great and awe some, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives, and your houses.” 15 And it came to pass, when our enemies heard that it was known to us, and God had brought their counsel to nothing, that we re turned, all of us, to the wall, each one to his work. 16 And it came to pass from that time on that half of my servants did the work, and the other half of them held the spears, the shields, and the bows, and wore armor. And the rulers were behind the entire house of Judah. 17 Those who built on the wall and those who carried burdens, with those who loaded, everyone with one of his hands did the work and with the other hand held a weapon. 18 For every one of the builders had his sword girded by his side, and so built. And he who sounded the trumpet was by me. 19 And I said to the nobles and to the rulers and to the rest of the peo ple, “The work is great and large, and we are separated on the wall, one far from another. 20 Therefore, in whatever place you hear the sound of the trumpet, rally to us there. Our God shall fight for us.” 21 So we labored in the work. And half of them held the spears from dawn until the stars appeared. 22 Likewise, at the same time, I said to the people, “Let everyone with his servant spend the night within Jerusalem, that in the night they may be a guard for us and labor in the day.” 23 So neither I, nor my brothers, nor my servants, nor the
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men of the guard who followed me, none of us took off our clothes, ex cept that everyone took them off for washing. Opposition by Greed and Heartlessness And there was a great cry of the people and of their wives against their brothers the Jews. 2 For there were those who said, “We, our sons, and our daughters are many. There fore, we take up grain for them, that we may eat and live.” 3 There were also some who said, “We have mortgaged our lands, vineyards, and houses, that we might buy grain, because of the famine.” 4 There were also those who said, “We have borrowed money for the king’s tax, and that on our lands and vineyards. 5 Yet now our flesh is like the flesh of our brothers, our children like their children. And behold, we bring into bondage our sons and our daughters to be ser vants, and some of our daughters are brought to bondage already. Nor is it in our power to redeem them, for other men have our lands and vineyards.” 6 And I was very angry when I heard their cry and these words. 7 Then I consulted with myself, and I rebuked the nobles and the rulers and said to them, “You exact in terest, each one from his brother.” And I set a great assembly against them. 8 And I said to them, “According to our ability, we have redeemed our brothers the Jews who were sold to the nations. And will you even sell
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your brothers? Or shall they be sold to us?” Then they remained silent and found nothing to answer. 9 I also said, “It is not good what you do. Should you not walk in the fear of our God because of the reproach of the nations, our ene mies? 10 I likewise, and my broth ers and my servants, might exact money and grain from them. I ask you, let us stop this collection of interest. 11 I ask you, restore to them, even this day, their lands, their vineyards, their olive yards, and their houses, also a hundredth part of the money and of the grain, the wine, and the oil that you exact from them.” 12 Then they said, “We will restore them and will require nothing from them. So we will do as you say.” Then I called the priests and took an oath from them, that they should do according to this promise. 13 I also shook my lap and said, “So may God shake out every man from his house and from his labor who does not fulfill this promise. Even so may he be shaken out and emptied.” And all the congregation said “Amen” and praised the Lord. And the people did according to this promise. Nehemiah’s Example of Unselfishness 14 Moreover, from the time that I was appointed to be their governor in the land of Judah, from the twen tieth year even to the thirty-second year of Artaxerxes the king—that is, twelve years—I and my brothers have not eaten the bread of the gov ernor. 15 But the former governors
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who had been before me were bur densome to the people and had taken from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants lorded over the people. But I did not do so because of the fear of God. 16 Yes, I also con tinued in the work of this wall. Nor did we buy any land. And all my servants were gathered there for the work. 17 Moreover, at my table there were a hundred and fifty of the Jews and rulers, besides those who came to us from among the nations who are around us. 18 Now what was pre pared for me daily was one ox and six choice sheep. Also fowls were prepared for me, and once every ten days an abundance of all sorts of wine. Yet for all this I did not re quire the bread of the governor, be cause the forced labor was heavy on this people. 19 Remember me, my God, for good, according to all that I have done for this people. Opposition by Craft Now it came to pass when San ballat, and Tobiah, and Geshem the Arab, and the rest of our ene mies heard that I had built the wall, and that there was no breach left in it (though at that time I had not set up the doors on the gates), 2 that Sanballat and Geshem sent to me, saying, “Come, let us meet together in one of the villages in the plain of Ono.” But they planned to do me harm. 3 And I sent messengers to them, saying, “I am doing a great work, so that I cannot come down. Why
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should the work cease while I leave it and come down to you?” 4 Yet they sent to me four times in this way. And I answered them in the same manner. 5 Then Sanballat sent his servant to me in a similar manner the fifth time with an open letter in his hand. 6 In it this was written: It is reported among the nations, and Gashmu says it, that you and the Jews plan to rebel, which is why you built the wall, that you may be their king, according to these words. 7 And you have also appointed prophets to preach about you in Jerusalem, saying, “There is a king in Judah.” And now it shall be reported to the king according to these words. Come now, therefore, and let us con sult together. 8 Then
I sent to him, saying, “There are no such things done as you say, but you invent them out of your own heart.” 9 For they all made us afraid, say ing, “Their hands shall be weakened from the work, that it not be done.” Now, therefore, O God, strengthen my hands. 10 Afterward I came to the house of Shemaiah the son of Delaiah, the son of Mehetabel, who was iso lated, and he said, “Let us meet to gether in the house of God, within the temple, and let us shut the doors of the temple. For they will come to slay you. Yes, in the night
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they will come to slay you.” 11 And I said, “Should a man such as I flee? And who is there who, be ing as I am, would go into the tem ple to save his life? I will not go in.” 12 And, behold, I perceived that God had not sent him but that he pro nounced this prophecy against me because Tobiah and Sanballat had hired him. 13 Therefore, he was hired so that I should be afraid and do so and sin, and that they might have cause for an evil report so that they might taunt me. 14 My God, remember Tobiah and Sanballat according to these their works, and the prophetess Noadiah and the rest of the prophets, who wish to make me afraid. The Wall Is Finished 15 So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month of Elul, in fifty-two days. 16 And it came to pass that when all our enemies heard of it, and all the nations who were around us saw these things, they were very downcast in their own eyes. For they perceived that this work was done by our God. 17 Moreover, in those days the nobles of Judah sent many let ters to Tobiah, and the letters of Tobiah came to them. 18 For there were many in Judah sworn to him because he was the son-in-law of Shec aniah the son of Arah, and his son Jehohanan had taken the daughter of Meshullam the son of Berechiah. 19 They also reported his good deeds before me and uttered my words to him. And Tobiah sent letters to make me afraid.
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Jerusalem Given in Charge to Hanani and Hananiah Now it came to pass when the wall was built and I had set up the doors, and the gatekeepers, the singers, and the Levites were appointed, 2 that I gave my brother Hanani and Hananiah, the ruler of the palace, charge over Jerusalem. For he was a faithful man and feared God more than many. 3 And I said to them, “Do not let the gates of Jerusalem be opened until the sun is hot. And while they stand by, let them shut the doors and bar them. And appoint guards from the inhabitants of Jerusalem, each one in his shift, and each one in front of his house.”
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Register of the Genealogy 4 Now the city was large and great, but the people in it were few and the houses were not built. 5 And my God put it into my heart to gather together the nobles and the rulers and the people, that they might be counted by genealogy. And I found a register of the genealogy of those who came up first and found this written in it: 6 These are the children of the province who went up out of the captivity, of those who had been carried away, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away and re turned to Jerusalem and to Judah, each one to his city, 7 who came with Zerubbabel, Jeshua,
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Nehemiah, Azariah, Raa miah, Nahamani, Morde cai, Bilshan, Mispereth, Bigvai, Nehum, and Baanah. The number, I say, of the men of the people of Israel was this: 8
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the children of Parosh, two thousand one hun dred and seventy-two; the children of Shepha tiah, three hundred and seventy-two; the children of Arah, six hundred and fifty-two; the children of Pahath- moab, of the children of Jeshua and Joab, two thousand eight hundred and eighteen; the children of Elam, one thousand two hun dred and fifty-four; the children of Zattu, eight hundred and forty- five; the children of Zaccai, seven hundred and sixty; the children of Binnui, six hundred and forty-eight; the children of Bebai, six hundred and twenty- eight; the children of Azgad, two thousand three hun dred and twenty-two; the children of Ado nikam, six hundred and sixty-seven; the children of Bigvai, two thousand and sixty- seven; the children of Adin, six
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hundred and fifty-five; the children of Ater of Hezekiah, ninety-eight; the children of Hashum, three hundred and twenty-eight; the children of Bezai, three hundred and twenty-four; the children of Hariph, one hundred and twelve; the children of Gibeon, ninety-five; the men of Bethlehem and Netophah, one hun dred and eighty-eight; the men of Anathoth, one hundred and twenty-eight; the men of Bethazmaveth, forty-two; the men of Kiriathjearim, Chephirah, and Beeroth, seven hundred and forty-three; the men of Ramah and Geba, six hundred and twenty-one; the men of Michmas, one hundred and twenty-two; the men of Bethel and Ai, one hundred and twenty-three; the men of the other Nebo, fifty-two; the children of the other Elam, one thousand two hundred and fifty-four; the children of Harim, three hundred and twenty; the children of Jeri cho, three hundred and
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forty-five; the children of Lod, Hadid, and Ono, seven hundred and twenty- one; the children of Senaah, three thousand nine hundred and thirty.
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The Nethinim: the children of Ziha, the children of Hasupha, the children of Tabbaoth, 47 the children of Keros, the children of Sia, the children of Padon, 48 the children of Lebana, the children of Hagaba, the children of Shal mai, 49 the children of Hanan, the children of Giddel, the children of Gahar, 50 the children of Reaiah, the children of Rezin, the children of Nekoda, 51 the children of Gazzam, the children of Uzza, the children of Paseah, 52 the children of Besai, the children of Meunim, the children of Nephushesim, 53 the children of Bakbuk, the children of Hakupha, the children of Harhur, 54 the children of Bazlith, the children of Mehida, the children of Harsha, 55 the children of Barkos, the children of Sisera, the children of Temah, 56 the children of Neziah, the children of Hatipha.
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The children of Sol omon’s servants: the children of Sotai, the children of Sophereth, the children of Perida, 58 the children of Jaala, the children of Darkon, the children of Gid del, 59 the children of
Register of the Priests 39 The priests:
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the children of Jedaiah, of the house of Jeshua, nine hundred and seventy-three; the children of Immer, one thousand and fifty- two; the children of Pashhur, one thousand two hundred and forty- seven; the children of Harim, one thousand and sev enteen. The Levites: the children of Jeshua, of Kadmiel, and of the children of Hodevah, seventy-four. The singers: the children of Asaph, one hundred and forty-eight. The gatekeepers: the children of Shallum, the children of Ater, the children of Talmon, the children of Akkub, the children of Hatita, the children of Shobai, one hundred and thirty- eight.
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Shephatiah, the children of Hattil, the children of Pochereth-hazzebaim, the children of Amon. 60
All the Nethinim and the children of Solo mon’s servants were three hundred and ninety-two.
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And these were those who went up also from Tel-melah, Telharsha, Cherub, Addon, and Immer, but they could not prove their father’s house or their lin eage, whether they were of Israel: 62 the children of Delaiah, the children of Tobiah, the children of Nekoda, six hundred and forty-two; 63 and of the priests: the children of Hobaiah, the children of Hakkoz, the children of Barzillai, who took as a wife one of the daughters of Barzillai the Gileadite and was called after their name. 64 These sought their registration among those who were counted by genealogy, but it was not found. Therefore, they were excluded from the priesthood as defiled. 65 And the governor said to them that they should not eat of the most holy things until a priest stood up with Urim and Thum mim.
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Total Number of the Remnant 66 The whole congregation together was forty-two thousand three hun dred and sixty, 67 besides their man servants and their maidservants, of whom there were seven thousand three hundred and thirty-seven. And they had two hundred and forty-five singing men and singing women. 68 Their horses, seven hun dred and thirty-six; their mules, two hundred and forty-five; 69 their cam els, four hundred and thirty- five; donkeys, six thousand seven hun dred and twenty. 70 And some of the chiefs of the fathers gave to the work. The gov ernor gave to the treasury one thou sand drams of gold, fifty basins, and five hundred and thirty priests’ gar ments. 71 And some of the chiefs of the fathers gave to the treasury of the work twenty thousand drams of gold and two thousand two hun dred pounds of silver. 72 And what the rest of the people gave was twenty thousand drams of gold, and two thousand pounds of silver, and sixty-seven priests’ garments. 73 So the priests, and the Levites, and the gatekeepers, and the sing ers, and some of the people, and the Nethinim, and all Israel dwelled in their cities. And when the seventh month came, the children of Israel were in their cities. The Law Read and Explained And all the people gathered themselves together as one man in the street that was before the Wa ter Gate. And they spoke to Ezra the scribe to bring the Book of the Law of Moses, which the Lord had
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commanded to Israel. 2 And Ezra the priest brought the Law before the congregation of both men and women, and all who could hear with understanding, on the first day of the seventh month. 3 And he read from it before the street that was before the Water Gate from the morning until midday, before the men and the women and those who could understand. And the ears of all the people were attentive to the Book of the Law. 4 And Ezra the scribe stood on a pul pit of wood, which they had made for the purpose. And beside him stood Mattithiah, and Shema, and Anaiah, and Uriah, and Hilkiah, and Maaseiah on his right hand, and on his left hand Pedaiah, and Mishael, and Malchijah, and Hashum, and Hash baddanah, Zechariah, and Meshul lam. 5 And Ezra opened the book in the sight of all the people (for he was above all the people), and when he opened it, all the people stood up. 6 And Ezra blessed the Lord, the great God. And all the people answered, “Amen! Amen!” while lifting up their hands. And they bowed their heads and worshipped the Lord with their faces to the ground. 7 Also Jeshua, and Bani, and Sher ebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, and the Levites caused the people to under stand the Law. And the people stood in their place. 8 So they read clearly from the book, from the law of God, and gave the meaning and caused them to understand the reading. 9 And Nehemiah, who was the
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governor, and Ezra the priest and the scribe, and the Levites who taught the people said to all the peo ple, “This day is holy to the Lord your God. Do not mourn or weep.” For all the people wept when they heard the words of the Law. 10 Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, and drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared. For this day is holy to our Lord. Do not be sorrowful, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” 11 So the Levites quieted all the people, saying, “Keep quiet, for the day is holy. Do not be grieved.” 12 And all the people went on their way to eat and to drink, to send por tions, and to rejoice greatly, because they had understood the words that were declared to them. 13 And on the second day the chiefs of the fathers of all the people, the priests, and the Levites were gath ered together to Ezra the scribe even to understand the words of the Law. Feast of Tabernacles Restored 14 And they found written in the Law that the Lord had commanded by Moses that the children of Israel should dwell in booths during the feast of the seventh month 15 and that they should announce and pro claim in all their cities and in Jeru salem, saying, “Go out to the mount and bring olive branches, and pine branches, and myrtle branches, and palm branches, and branches of thick trees to make booths, as it is written.”
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16 So
the people went out and brought them and made themselves booths, each one on the roof of his house, and in their courtyards, and in the courtyards of the house of God, and in the street of the Water Gate, and in the street of the Gate of Ephraim. 17 And the entire congre gation of those who had come back out of the captivity made booths and sat under the booths. For since the days of Joshua the son of Nun to that day the children of Israel had not done so. And there was very great gladness. 18 Also day by day, from the first day to the last day, he read from the Book of the Law of God. And they kept the feast seven days, and on the eighth day there was a solemn assembly, according to the manner. The People Fast and Repent Now in the twenty-fourth day of this month the children of Israel were assembled with fast ing and with sackcloth and dust on them. 2 And the descendants of Is rael separated themselves from all foreigners and stood and confessed their sins and the iniquities of their fathers. 3 And they stood up in their place and read from the Book of the Law of the Lord their God for onefourth of the day, and for another fourth they confessed and wor shipped the Lord their God.
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Confession of the Priests and Levites 4 Then Jeshua, and Bani, Kadmiel, Shebaniah, Bunni, Sherebiah, Bani, and Chenani stood up on the stairs of the Levites and cried with a loud
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voice to the Lord their God. 5 Then the Levites—Jeshua, and Kadmiel, Bani, Hashabneiah, Sherebiah, Ho diah, Shebaniah, and Pethahiah— said, “Stand up and bless the Lord your God forever and ever! “And blessed be Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise. 6 You, even You, are Lord alone. You have made heaven, the heaven of heavens, with all their host, the earth and all things that are in it, the seas and all that is in them, and You preserve them all. And the host of heaven worships You. 7 “You are the Lord God, who chose Abram and brought him forth out of Ur of the Chaldeans, and gave him the name of Abraham, 8 and found his heart faithful before You, and made a covenant with him to give the land of the Canaanites, the Hittites, the Amorites, and the Per izzites, and the Jebusites, and the Girgashites—to give it, I say, to his descendants—and have fulfilled Your words, for You are righteous. 9 “And You saw the affliction of our fathers in Egypt, and heard their cry by the Red Sea, 10 and showed signs and wonders against Phar aoh, and against all his servants, and against all the people of his land. For You knew that they acted proudly against them. So You made a name for Yourself, as it is this day. 11 And You divided the sea before them so that they went through the midst of the sea on the dry land. And you threw their persecutors into the deep, like a stone into the mighty waters. 12 Moreover, You led them in the day by a cloudy pillar
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and in the night by a pillar of fire, to give them light on the way that they should go. 13 “You also came down on Mount Sinai, and spoke with them from heaven, and gave them right judg ments and true laws, good statutes, and commandments. 14 And You made known to them Your holy Sabbath and commanded them precepts, statutes, and laws by the hand of Moses, Your servant. 15 And You gave them bread from heaven for their hunger, and brought forth water for them out of the rock for their thirst, and promised them that they would go in to possess the land that You had sworn to give them. 16 “But they and our fathers acted proudly and hardened their necks, and did not listen to Your com mandments, 17 and refused to obey. They were not mindful of Your won ders that You did among them but hardened their necks and in their rebellion appointed a captain to re turn to their bondage. But You are a God ready to pardon, gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and did not aban don them. 18 “Indeed, when they had made a cast metal calf for themselves and said, ‘This is your god who brought you up out of Egypt,’ and had worked great provocations, 19 You in Your many mercies did not abandon them in the wilderness. The pillar of cloud did not depart from them by day, to lead them on the way, nor the pillar of fire by night, to show them light and the way in which they should go. 20 You also gave Your good Spirit to instruct them, and
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did not withhold Your manna from their mouth, and gave them water for their thirst. 21 Yes, forty years You sustained them in the wilderness, so that they lacked nothing. Their clothes did not grow old, and their feet did not swell. 22 “Moreover, You gave them king doms and nations and divided them into corners. So they possessed the land of Sihon and the land of the king of Heshbon and the land of Og, king of Bashan. 23 You also mul tiplied their children like the stars of heaven and brought them into the land that You had promised to their fathers, that they should go in to possess it. 24 So the children went in and possessed the land, and You subdued before them the inhabitants of the land, the Canaan ites, and gave them into their hands, with their kings and the people of the land, that they might do with them as they willed. 25 And they took strong cities and a rich land and possessed houses full of all goods, wells that were dug, vine yards and olive yards and fruit trees in abundance. So they ate and were filled and became fat and delighted themselves in Your great goodness. 26 “Nevertheless, they were dis obedient and rebelled against You, and cast Your law behind their backs, and killed Your prophets who testified against them to turn them to You, and they worked great provocations. 27 Therefore, You de livered them into the hand of their enemies, who oppressed them. And in the time of their trouble, when they cried to You, You heard them from heaven. And according to
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Your many mercies You gave them saviors, who saved them from the hand of their enemies. 28 “But after they had rest, they did evil again before You. Therefore, You left them in the land of their enemies, so that they had dominion over them. Yet when they returned and cried to You, You heard them from heaven. And many times You delivered them according to Your mercies 29 and testified against them, that You might bring them back to Your law. Yet they acted proudly and did not listen to Your commandments, but sinned against Your judgments (which, if a man does them, he shall live in them) and withdrew the shoulder and hardened their neck and would not listen. 30 Yet for many years You had patience with them and testified against them by Your Spirit through Your prophets. Yet they would not listen. Therefore, You gave them into the hand of the people of the lands. 31 Nevertheless, for Your great mercies’ sake You did not utterly destroy them or abandon them, for You are a gracious and merciful God. 32 “Now therefore, our God—the great, the mighty, and the awe some God—who keeps covenant and mercy, do not let all the trouble that has come on us, on our kings, on our princes, and on our priests, and on our prophets, and on our fa thers, and on all Your people since the time of the kings of Assyria to this day seem little before You. 33 However, You are just in all that is brought on us, for You have done rightly, but we have done wickedly.
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34 Our kings, our princes, our priests,
and our fathers have not kept Your law or listened to Your command ments and Your testimonies, with which You testified against them. 35 For they have not served You in their kingdom, and in Your great goodness that You gave them, and in the large and rich land that You set before them, nor did they turn from their wicked works. 36 “Behold, we are servants this day, and for the land that You gave to our fathers to eat its fruit and its goodness, behold, we are servants in it. 37 And it yields a great increase for the kings whom You have set over us because of our sins. They also have dominion over our bodies and over our cattle, at their plea sure, and we are in great distress. 38 “And because of all this we make a steadfast covenant and write it down. And our princes, Levites, and priests seal it.” The Covenant Singers: The Covenant Now those who sealed were Nehemiah the governor, the son of Hacaliah, and Zidkijah, 2 Se raiah, Azariah, Jeremiah, 3 Pash hur, Amariah, Malchijah, 4 Hattush, Shebaniah, Malluch, 5 Harim, Mere moth, Obadiah, 6 Daniel, Ginnethon, Baruch, 7 Meshullam, Abijah, Mija min, 8 Maaziah, Bilgai, and Shema iah. These were the priests. 9 And the Levites: both Jeshua the son of Azaniah, Binnui of the sons of Henadad, Kadmiel; 10 and their brothers: Shebaniah, Hodiah, Kel ita, Pelaiah, Hanan, 11 Mica, Rehob, Hashabiah, 12 Zaccur, Sherebiah,
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Shebaniah, 13 Hodiah, Bani, Beninu. 14 The chiefs of the people: Parosh, Pahath-moab, Elam, Zattu, Bani, 15 Bunni, Azgad, Bebai, 16 Adoni jah, Bigvai, Adin, 17 Ater, Hezekiah, Azzur, 18 Hodiah, Hashum, Bezai, 19 Hariph, Anathoth, Nebai, 20 Mag piash, Meshullam, Hezir, 21 Meshez abel, Zadok, Jaddua, 22 Pelatiah, Hanan, Anaiah, 23 Hoshea, Hana niah, Hasshub, 24 Hallohesh, Pilha, Shobek, 25 Rehum, Hashabnah, Maaseiah, 26 and Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, 27 Malluch, Harim, Baanah. 28 And the rest of the people, the priests, the Levites, the gatekeep ers, the singers, the Nethinim, and all those who had separated them selves from the people of the lands to the law of God, their wives, their sons, and their daughters, every one having knowledge and having understanding, 29 they joined with their brothers, their nobles, and en tered into a curse and into an oath to walk in God’s law, which was given by Moses, the servant of God, and to observe and do all the command ments of the Lord our Lord and His judgments and His statutes, 30 and that we would not give our daugh ters to the people of the land, not take their daughters for our sons, 31 and if the people of the land bring wares or any provisions on the Sab bath day to sell, that we would not buy it from them on the Sabbath or on the holy day, and that we would leave the seventh year and the ex acting of every debt. 32 We also made ordinances for ourselves, to charge ourselves yearly a third of a shekel for the service of the house of our God,
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33 for
the showbread, and for the continual grain offering, and for the continual burnt offering, of the Sabbaths, of the New Moons, for the set feasts, and for the holy things, and for the sin offerings to make an atonement for Israel, and for all the work of the house of our God. 34 And we cast the lots among the priests, the Levites, and the people for the wood offering, to bring it into the house of our God, according to the houses of our fa thers, at times appointed year by year, to burn on the altar of the Lord our God, as it is written in the Law; 35 and to bring the first fruits of our ground and the first fruits of all fruit of all trees, year by year, to the house of the Lord, 36 also the firstborn of our sons and of our cattle, as it is written in the Law, and the firstborn of our herds and of our flocks, to bring to the house of our God, to the priests who minister in the house of our God; 37 and that we should bring the firstfruits of our dough and our offerings and the fruit of all kinds of trees, of wine and of oil, to the priests, to the storerooms of the house of our God, and the tithes of our ground to the Levites, that the same Levites might have the tithes in all the cities of our cultivated land. 38 And the priest, the son of Aaron, shall be with the Levites when the Levites take tithes. And the Levites shall bring up a tenth of the tithes to the house of our God, to the storerooms, into the treasure house. 39 For the children of Israel and the children of Levi shall bring the offering of the grain, of the new
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wine and the oil to the storerooms, where the vessels of the sanctuary and the priests who minister and the gatekeepers and the singers are. And we will not abandon the house of our God. The Dwellers in Jerusalem And the rulers of the people dwelled in Jerusalem. The rest of the people also cast lots to bring one out of ten to dwell in Jerusalem, the holy city, and nine parts to dwell in other cities. 2 And the people blessed all the men who willingly offered themselves to dwell in Jerusalem. 3 Now these are the chiefs of the province who dwelled in Jerusalem. (But in the cities of Judah everyone dwelled in his own property in their cities—namely, Israel, the priests, and the Levites, and the Nethinim, and the children of Solomon’s ser vants.) 4 And some of the children of Ju dah and of the children of Benjamin dwelled in Jerusalem. Of the chil dren of Judah: Athaiah the son of Uzziah, the son of Zechariah, the son of Amariah, the son of Shephatiah, the son of Mahalalel, of the children of Perez; 5 and Maaseiah the son of Baruch, the son of Col-hozeh, the son of Hazaiah, the son of Adaiah, the son of Joiarib, the son of Zech ariah, the son of the Shilonite. 6 All the sons of Perez who dwelled in Jerusalem were four hundred and sixty-eight valiant men. 7 And these are the sons of Benja min: Sallu the son of Meshullam, the son of Joed, the son of Pedaiah, the son of Kolaiah, the son of Maaseiah,
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the son of Ithiel, the son of Je shaiah; 8 and after him Gabbai, Sal lai, nine hundred and twenty-eight. 9 And Joel the son of Zichri was their overseer. And Judah the son of Hassenuah was second over the city. 10 Of the priests: Jedaiah the son of Joiarib, Jachin; 11 Seraiah the son of Hilkiah, the son of Meshullam, the son of Zadok, the son of Meraioth, the son of Ahitub, was the ruler of the house of God. 12 And their broth ers who did the work of the house were eight hundred and twen ty-two. And Adaiah the son of Je roham, the son of Pelaliah, the son of Amzi, the son of Zechariah, the son of Pashhur, the son of Malchi jah, 13 and his brothers, chiefs of the fathers, two hundred and forty-two. And Amashsai the son of Azarel, the son of Ahzai, the son of Meshil lemoth, the son of Immer, 14 and their brothers, mighty men of valor, one hundred and twenty-eight. And their overseer was Zabdiel the son of one of the great men. 15 Also of the Levites: Shemaiah the son of Hasshub, the son of Az rikam, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Bunni; 16 and Shabbethai and Jozabad, of the chiefs of the Le vites, had oversight of the business outside the house of God. 17 And Mattaniah the son of Mica, the son of Zabdi, the son of Asaph, was the leader to begin the thanksgiving in prayer, and Bakbukiah, the second among his brothers, and Abda the son of Shammua, the son of Galal, the son of Jeduthun. 18 All the Le vites in the holy city were two hun dred and eighty-four.
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695 19 Moreover,
the gatekeepers— Akkub, Talmon, and their brothers who kept the gates—were one hun dred and seventy-two. The Dwellers in the Other Cities 20 And the rest of Israel, of the priests and the Levites, were in all the cit ies of Judah, each one in his inher itance. 21 But the Nethinim dwelled in Ophel. And Ziha and Gishpa were over the Nethinim. 22 Also the overseer of the Le vites at Jerusalem was Uzzi the son of Bani, the son of Hashabiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Mica. Of the sons of Asaph, the singers were over the business of the house of God. 23 For it was the king’s com mandment concerning them that a certain portion should be for the singers, due for every day. 24 And Pethahiah the son of Meshezabel, of the children of Zerah the son of Judah, was at the king’s hand in all matters concerning the people. 25 And as for the villages with their fields, some of the children of Ju dah dwelled in Kiriath-arba and in its villages, and in Dibon and in its villages, and in Jekabzeel and in its villages, 26 and in Jeshua, and in Moladah, and in Beth-pelet, 27and in Hazar-shual, and in Beer-sheba and in its villages, 28 and in Ziklag, and in Meconah and in its villages, 29 and in En-rimmon, and in Zorah, and in Jarmuth, 30 Zanoah, Adullam, and in their villages, in Lachish and its fields, in Azekah and in its villages. And they dwelled from Beer-sheba to the Valley of Hinnom.
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31 Also
the children of Benjamin from Geba dwelled in Michmash and Aija, and Bethel, and in their villages, 32 and in Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah, 33 Hazor, Ramah, Gittaim, 34 Hadid, Zeboim, Neballat, 35 Lod and Ono, the Valley of Craftsmen. 36 And of the Levites there were di visions in Judah and in Benjamin. The Priests and Levites with Zerubbabel Now these are the priests and the Levites who went up with Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, and Jeshua: Seraiah, Jeremiah, Ezra, 2 Amariah, Malluch, Hattush, 3 Shec aniah, Rehum, Meremoth, 4 Iddo, Ginnethoi, Abijah, 5 Mijamin, Maa diah, Bilgah, 6 Shemaiah, and Joiarib, Jedaiah, 7 Sallu, Amok, Hilkiah, Je daiah. These were the chiefs of the priests and of their brothers in the days of Jeshua. 8 Moreover, the Levites: Jesh ua, Binnui, Kadmiel, Sherebiah, Judah, and Mattaniah, who was over the thanksgiving, he and his brothers. 9 Also Bakbukiah and Unni, their brothers, were opposite them in their duties.
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Descent of the Priests 10 And Jeshua begot Joiakim, Joiakim also begot Eliashib, and Eliashib be got Joiada, 11 and Joiada begot Jon athan, and Jonathan begot Jaddua. 12 And in the days of Joiakim were priests, the chiefs of the fa thers: of Seraiah, Meraiah; of Jer emiah, Hananiah; 13 of Ezra, Me shullam; of Amariah, Jehohanan; 14 of Malluchi, Jonathan; of Sheba niah, Joseph; 15 of Harim, Adna; of
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Meraioth, Helkai; 16 of Iddo, Zech ariah; of Ginnethon, Meshullam; 17 of Abijah, Zichri; of Miniamin, of Moadiah, Piltai; 18 of Bilgah, Sham mua; of Shemaiah, Jehonathan; 19 of Joiarib, Mattenai; of Jedaiah, Uzzi; 20 of Sallai, Kallai; of Amok, Eber; 21 of Hilkiah, Hashabiah; of Jedaiah, Nethanel. The Chief Levites 22 In the days of Eliashib, Joiada, and Johanan, and Jaddua, the chiefs of the fathers of the Levites were recorded, and also the priests, to the reign of Darius the Persian. 23 The sons of Levi, the chiefs of the fathers, were written in the book of the chronicles, even until the days of Johanan the son of Eliashib. 24 And the chiefs of the Levites: Hash abiah, Sherebiah, and Jeshua the son of Kadmiel, with their broth ers opposite them, to praise and to give thanks, according to the com mandment of David, the man of God, division opposite division. 25 Mattaniah and Bakbukiah, Oba diah, Meshullam, Talmon and Akkub were gatekeepers keeping guard at the thresholds of the gates. 26 These were in the days of Joiakim the son of Jeshua, the son of Jozadak, and in the days of Nehemiah the governor and of Ezra the priest, the scribe. The Dedication of the Walls 27 And at the dedication of the wall of Jerusalem they sought the Levites out of all their places to bring them to Jerusalem to keep the dedication with gladness, both with thanksgiv ings and with singing, with cymbals, lyres, and with harps. 28 And the sons
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of the singers gathered themselves together, both out of the plain coun try around Jerusalem and from the villages of the Netophathites, 29 also from the house of Gilgal and out of the fields of Geba and Azmaveth. For the singers had built themselves villages around Jerusalem. 30 And the priests and the Levites purified themselves and purified the people and the gates and the wall. 31 Then I brought up the princes of Judah on the wall and appointed two great companies of those who gave thanks. One went on the right hand on the wall toward the Dung Gate. 32 And after them went Hoshaiah and half of the princes of Judah, 33 and Azariah, Ezra, and Meshullam, 34 Judah, and Benjamin, and Shemaiah, and Jeremiah, 35 and some of the priests’ sons with trum pets—namely, Zechariah the son of Jonathan, the son of Shemaiah, the son of Mattaniah, the son of Micaiah, the son of Zaccur, the son of Asaph, 36 and his brothers, She maiah and Azarel, Milalai, Gilalai, Maai, Nethanel, and Judah, Hanani, with the musical instruments of Da vid, the man of God, and Ezra the scribe before them. 37 And at the Fountain Gate, which was in front of them, they went up by the stairs of the city of David, at the ascent of the wall, above the house of David, even to the Water Gate eastward. 38 And the other company of those who gave thanks went in front of them, and I after them, and half of the people on the wall, from be yond the Tower of the Furnaces even to the Broad Wall, 39 and from above the Gate of Ephraim, and above the
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Old Gate, and above the Fish Gate, and the Tower of Hananel, and the Tower of Meah, even to the Sheep Gate. And they stood still at the Prison Gate. 40 So the two companies of those who gave thanks stood in the house of God, and I and the half of the rulers with me, 41 and the priests— Eliakim, Maaseiah, Miniamin, Mi caiah, Elioenai, Zechariah, and Hananiah—with trumpets, 42 and Maaseiah, and Shemaiah, and Elea zar, and Uzzi, and Jehohanan, and Malchijah, and Elam, and Ezer. And the singers sang loud with Jezra hiah, their overseer. 43 Also that day they offered great sacrifices and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy. The wives and the children also re joiced, so that the joy of Jerusalem was heard even from far away. 44 And at that time some were appointed over the storerooms for the treasures, for the offerings, for the firstfruits, and for the tithes, to gather into them from the fields of the cities the portions of the Law for the priests and Levites. For Judah rejoiced for the priests and for the Levites who served. 45 And both the singers and the gatekeepers kept the service of their God and the service of the purification, accord ing to the commandment of David and of Solomon, his son. 46 For in the days of old, of David and Asaph, there were chiefs of the singers and songs of praise and thanksgiving to God. 47 And all Israel in the days of Zerubbabel and in the days of Ne hemiah gave the portions of the singers and the gatekeepers, every
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day his portion. And they sanctified holy things for the Levites, and the Levites sanctified them for the chil dren of Aaron. The Law and Separation On that day they read from the Book of Moses in the hearing of the people. And in it was found written that the Ammon ite and the Moabite should never come into the congregation of God 2 because they did not meet the chil dren of Israel with bread and water but hired Balaam against them, that he would curse them. However, our God turned the curse into a bless ing. 3 Now it came to pass when they had heard the Law that they separated all the mixed multitude from Israel.
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Cleansing of the Temple 4 And before this Eliashib the priest, having the oversight of the store rooms of the house of our God, was allied with Tobiah. 5 And he had prepared for him a great chamber, where they had previously kept the grain offerings, the frankincense, and the vessels, and the tithes of the grain, the new wine, and the oil— which was commanded to be given to the Levites and the singers and the gatekeepers—and the offerings for the priests. 6 But in all this time I was not in Jerusalem, for in the thirty- second year of Artaxerxes, king of Babylon, I came to the king. And after some days I obtained leave from the king. 7 And I came to Jerusalem and understood the evil that Eliashib did for Tobiah, in pre paring him a chamber in the courts
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of the house of God. 8 And it grieved me greatly. Therefore, I cast all the household goods of Tobiah out of the chamber. 9 Then I commanded, and they cleansed the chambers. And then I brought back the vessels of the house of God, with the grain offering and the frankincense. The Order of God’s House 10 And I perceived that the por tions of the Levites had not been given to them, for the Levites and the singers, who did the work, had fled, each one to his field. 11 Then I contended with the rulers and said, “Why is the house of God aban doned?” And I gathered them to gether and set them in their place. 12 Then all Judah brought the tithe of grain and the new wine and the oil to the treasuries. 13 And I made treasurers over the treasuries Shel emiah the priest, and Zadok the scribe, and of the Levites, Pedaiah. And next to them was Hanan the son of Zaccur, the son of Matta niah. For they were considered faithful, and their task was to dis tribute to their brothers. 14 Remember me, O my God, con cerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for its ser vices. 15 In those days I saw in Judah some treading wine presses on the Sabbath and bringing in sheaves and loading donkeys, and also wine, grapes, and figs, and all kinds of loads, which they brought into Jerusalem on the Sabbath day. And I testified against them on the day when they sold provisions. 16 Men
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of Tyre also dwelled there, who brought fish and all kinds of wares and sold on the Sabbath to the chil dren of Judah and in Jerusalem. 17 Then I contended with the no bles of Judah and said to them, “What evil thing is this that you do, and profane the Sabbath day? 18 Did not your fathers do this, and did not our God bring all this evil on us and on this city? Yet you bring more wrath on Israel by profaning the Sabbath.” 19 And it came to pass that when the gates of Jerusalem began to be dark before the Sabbath, I com manded that the gates should be shut and charged that they should not be opened until after the Sab bath. And I set some of my servants at the gates so that no load should be brought in on the Sabbath day. 20 So the merchants and sellers of all kinds of wares spent the night out side Jerusalem once or twice. 21 Then I testified against them and said to them, “Why do you spend the night around the wall? If you do so again, I will lay hands on you.” From that time forth, they no longer came on the Sabbath. 22 And I commanded the Levites that they should cleanse themselves and that they should come and guard the gates to sanctify the Sabbath day. Remember me, O my God, con cerning this also, and spare me according to the greatness of Your mercy! 23 In those days I also saw Jews who had married wives of Ashdod, of Ammon, and of Moab. 24 And their children spoke half in the speech of Ashdod and could not speak in the
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Jews’ language, but according to the language of each people. 25 And I contended with them, and cursed them, and struck some of them, and plucked out their hair, and made them swear by God, saying, “You shall not give your daughters to their sons or take their daugh ters for your sons or for yourselves. 26 Did not Solomon, king of Israel, sin by these things? Yet among many nations there was no king like him, who was beloved by his God. And God made him king over all Is rael. Nevertheless, foreign women caused even him to sin. 27 Shall we then listen to you to do all this great evil, to transgress against our God
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in marrying foreign wives?” 28 And one of the sons of Joiada the son of Eliashib the high priest was son-in-law to Sanballat the Horonite. Therefore, I chased him from me. 29 Remember them, O my God, because they have defiled the priesthood and the covenant of the priesthood and of the Levites. 30 Thus I cleansed them from all foreigners and appointed the ser vice of the priests and the Levites, everyone in his business, 31 and for the wood offering, at appointed times, and for the firstfruits. Remember me, O my God, for good!
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ESTHER INTRODUCTION TO ESTHER The book of Esther is a good complement to the books of Ezra and Nehemiah. While those books describe the trials and challenges of the Jewish exiles who were finally allowed to return to their homeland, Esther shows the plight of the Jewish people in Persia during the same period of time. Some people uphold Esther and Mordecai as heroic figures, yet others question whether they were actually godly individuals. God is not once mentioned by name in this book, yet it is a testament to divine providence. AUTHOR The author is unknown yet certainly appears to be a Jewish individual who had remained in Persia after other Jews had departed. OCCASION The account of Esther is a magnificent work purely on the grounds of literature: character, plot, conflict, and so on. But it was probably written to provide the background and setting for the creation of the Jewish holiday of Purim.
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The Story of Vashti Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus (this is Ahasuerus who reigned from India even to Ethiopia over a hundred and twenty-seven provinces) 2 that in those days, when King Ahasuerus sat on the throne of his kingdom, which was in Susa the palace, 3 in the third year of his reign, he made a feast for all his princes and his servants—the powers of Persia and Media, the nobles and princes of the provinces, being before him— 4 when he showed the riches of his glorious kingdom and the honor of his excellent majesty for many days, a hundred and eighty days. 5 And when these days were finished, the king made a feast for all the people who were present in Susa the palace, both great and small, seven days in the courtyard of the garden of the king’s palace, 6 where white, green, and blue hangings were fastened with cords of fine linen and purple to silver rings and pillars of marble; the couches were of gold and silver, on a pavement of red, and blue, and white, and black marble. 7 And they gave them drinks in vessels of gold (the vessels each being different from one another) and royal wine in abundance, according to the state of the king. 8 And the drinking was according to the law; none were compelled, for the king had appointed it to all the officers of his house that they should do according to every man’s pleasure. 9 Also Vashti the queen made a feast for the women in the royal house that belonged to King Ahasuerus.
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the seventh day, when the heart of the king was merry with wine, he commanded Mehuman, Biztha, Harbona, Bigtha, Abagtha, Zethar, and Carkas, the seven attendants who served in the presence of Ahasuerus the king, 11 to bring Vashti the queen before the king with the royal crown, to show the people and the princes her beauty, for she was fair to look upon. 12 But Queen Vashti refused to come at the king’s commandment by his attendants. Therefore, the king was very angry, and his anger burned in him. 13 Then the king said to the wise men, who knew the times (for so was the king’s manner toward all who knew law and judgment, 14 and those next to him were Carshena, Shethar, Admatha, Tarshish, Meres, Marsena, and Memucan—the seven princes of Persia and Media who saw the king’s face and who sat first in the kingdom), 15 “What shall we do to Queen Vashti according to law, because she has not done the commandment of King Ahasuerus by the attendants?” 16 And Memucan answered before the king and the princes, “Vashti the queen has wronged not only the king but also all the princes and all the people who are in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus. 17 For this deed of the queen shall become known to all women, so that they shall despise their husbands in their eyes, when it shall be reported, ‘King Ahasuerus commanded Vashti the queen to be brought in before him, but she did not come.’ 18 Likewise shall the ladies of Persia and Media say this day to all the king’s princes, who have heard of the deed of the
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queen. Thus too much contempt and anger shall arise. 19 If it pleases the king, let a royal commandment come from him, and let it be written among the laws of the Persians and the Medes, that it not be altered, that Vashti may not come before King Ahasuerus anymore, and let the king give her royal estate to another who is better than she. 20 And when the king’s decree that he shall make shall be proclaimed throughout all his empire (for it is great), all the wives shall give honor to their husbands, both to great and small.” 21 And the answer pleased the king and the princes, and the king did according to the word of Memucan. 22 For he sent letters into all the king’s provinces, into every province according to its writing, and to every people according to their language, that every man should be the ruler in his own house, and that it should be proclaimed according to the language of every people. Esther Made Queen After these things, when the anger of King Ahasuerus was appeased, he remembered Vashti, and what she had done, and what was decreed against her. 2 Then the king’s servants who ministered to him said, “Let beautiful young virgins be sought for the king. 3 And let the king appoint officers in all the provinces of his kingdom, that they may gather together all the beautiful young virgins to Susa the palace, to the house of the women, to the custody of Hegai the king’s attendant, keeper of the women, and let their things for purification be given
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to them. 4 And let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” And this pleased the king, and he did so. 5 Now in Susa the palace there was a certain Jew whose name was Mordecai, the son of Jair, the son of Shimei, the son of Kish, a Benjamite, 6 who had been carried away from Jerusalem with the captivity that had been carried away with Jeconiah, king of Judah, whom Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon had carried away. 7 And he brought up Hadassah, that is, Esther, his uncle’s daughter. For she had neither father nor mother, and the young woman was fair and beautiful, whom Mordecai, when her father and mother were dead, took as his own daughter. 8 So it came to pass, when the king’s commandment and his decree were heard, and when many young women were gathered together to Susa the palace, to the custody of Hegai, that Esther was brought also to the king’s house, to the custody of Hegai, keeper of the women. 9 And the young woman pleased him, and she obtained kindness from him, and he speedily gave her her things for purification, with such things as belonged to her, and seven maidservants, who were suitable to be given to her, out of the king’s house. And he promoted her and her maidservants to the best place in the house of the women. 10 Esther had not told about her people or her family, for Mordecai had instructed her that she should not tell it. 11 And Mordecai walked every day before the court of the women’s
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house, to know how Esther was doing and what would become of her. 12 Now when every young woman’s turn came to go in to King Ahasuerus, after she had been there twelve months according to the custom of the women (for so were the days of their purifications accomplished—namely, six months with oil of myrrh, and six months with perfumes and with other things for the purifying of the women), 13 then thus every young woman came to the king; whatever she desired was given to her to go with her out of the house of the women to the king’s house. 14 In the evening she went, and on the next day she returned into the second house of the women, to the custody of Shaashgaz the king’s attendant, who kept the concubines. She came in to the king no longer, unless the king delighted in her and she were called by name. 15 Now when the turn came for Esther, the daughter of Abihail the uncle of Mordecai, who had taken her as his daughter, to go in to the king, she requested nothing but what Heg ai the king’s attendant, the keeper of the women, arranged. And Esther obtained favor in the sight of all those who saw her. 16 So Esther was taken to King Ahasuerus in his royal house in the tenth month, which is the month of Tebeth, in the seventh year of his reign. 17 And the king loved Esther more than all the women, and she obtained grace and favor in his sight more than all the virgins, so that he set the royal crown on her head and made her queen instead
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of Vashti. 18 Then the king made a great feast for all his princes and his servants—even Esther’s feast—and he made a holiday for the provinces and gave gifts according to the state of the king. 19 And when the virgins were gathered together the second time, then Mordecai sat at the king’s gate. 20 Esther had not yet told about her family or her people, as Mordecai had instructed her. For Esther obeyed the commandment of Mordecai like when she was brought up by him. Mordecai Saves the King’s Life 21 In those days, while Mordecai sat at the king’s gate, two of the king’s attendants, Bigthan and Teresh, of those who guarded the door, were angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 22 And this was known to Mordecai, who told it to Esther the queen, and Esther informed the king of it in Mordecai’s name. 23 And when the matter was investigated, it was found out; therefore, they were both hanged on a tree, and it was written in the book of the chronicles before the king. The Conspiracy of Haman After these things King Ahasu erus promoted Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, and advanced him, and set his seat above all the princes who were with him. 2 And all the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate bowed and showed reverence to Haman. For the king had commanded so concerning him. But Mordecai did not bow or show him reverence.
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the king’s servants who were at the king’s gate said to Mordecai, “Why do you transgress the king’s commandment?” 4 Now it came to pass when they spoke daily to him and he did not listen to them that they told Haman to see whether Mordecai’s reason would stand, for he had told them that he was a Jew. 5 And when Haman saw that Mordecai did not bow or show him reverence, then Haman was full of anger. 6 And he disdained to lay hands on Mordecai alone, for they had told him about the people of Mordecai. For that reason Haman sought to destroy all the Jews— even the people of Mordecai—who were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus. 7 In the first month—that is, the month of Nisan—in the twelfth year of King Ahasuerus, they cast Pur (that is, the lot) before Haman from day to day, and from month to month, until the twelfth month, that is, the month of Adar. 8 And Haman said to King Ahasu erus, “There is a certain people scattered abroad and dispersed among the people in all the provinces of your kingdom, and their laws are different from all people and they do not keep the king’s laws. Therefore it is not for the king’s profit to put up with them. 9 If it pleases the king, let it be written that they may be destroyed. And I will pay ten thousand talents of silver to the hands of those who are in charge of the business, to bring it into the king’s treasuries.” 10 And the king took his ring from his hand and gave it to Haman the
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son of Hammedatha the Agagite, the Jews’ enemy. 11 And the king said to Haman, “The silver is given to you, the people also, to do with them as it seems good to you.” 12 Then the king’s scribes were called on the thirteenth day of the first month, and it was written according to all that Haman had commanded to the king’s lieutenants, and to the governors who were over every province, and to the rulers of every people of every province according to the writing of it, and to every people according to their language. In the name of King Ahasu erus it was written and sealed with the king’s ring. 13 And the letters were sent by couriers into all the king’s provinces, to destroy, to kill, and to cause to perish all Jews, both young and old, little children and women, in one day—even on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar—and to take their possessions as plunder. 14 The copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was made known to all people so that they would be ready for that day. 15 The couriers went out, being hastened by the king’s commandment, and the decree was given in Susa the palace. And the king and Haman sat down to drink, but the city of Susa was perplexed. Fasting among the Jews When Mordecai perceived all that was done, Mordecai tore his clothes, and put on sackcloth with ashes, and went out into the midst of the city, and cried with a loud
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and bitter cry, 2 and came before the king’s gate, for no one clothed with sackcloth may enter into the king’s gate. 3 And in every province, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came, there was great mourning, and fasting, and weeping, and wailing among the Jews, and many lay in sackcloth and ashes. 4 So Esther’s maidservants and her attendants came and told it to her. Then the queen was exceedingly grieved, and she sent clothing to clothe Mordecai, and to take away his sackcloth from him, but he would not receive it. 5 Then Esther called for Hathach, one of the king’s attendants whom he had appointed to attend to her, and gave him a command for Mordecai, to know what this was and why it was. 6 So Hathach went out to Mordecai, to the street of the city that was before the king’s gate. 7 And Mordecai told him of all that had happened to him, and of the sum of money that Haman had promised to pay to the king’s treasuries for the Jews, to destroy them. 8 Also he gave him the copy of the writing of the decree that was given at Susa to destroy them, to show it to Esther, and to declare it to her, and to instruct her that she should go in to the king to plead and make a request before him for her people. 9 And Hathach came and told Esther the words of Mordecai. 10 Again Esther spoke to Hathach and gave him commandment for Mordecai, 11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that for whoever, whether man or woman, comes to the king into the
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inner court who is not called, there is one law of his, to put him to death, except the one to whom the king shall hold out the golden scepter, that he may live. But I have not been called to come in to the king these thirty days.” 12 And they told Esther’s words to Mordecai. 13 Then Mordecai commanded him to answer Esther, “Do not think to yourself that you shall escape in the king’s house more than all the Jews. 14 For if you altogether remain quiet at this time, then relief and deliverance shall arise for the Jews from another place, but you and your father’s house shall be destroyed. And who knows whether you have come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” 15 Then Esther asked them to return to Mordecai with this answer: 16 “Go, gather together all the Jews who are present in Susa, and fast for me, and neither eat nor drink for three days, night or day. I and my maidservants also will fast likewise, and so I will go in to the king, which is not according to the law. And if I perish, I perish.” 17 So Mordecai went his way and did according to all that Esther had commanded him. The Courage of Esther Now it came to pass on the third day that Esther put on her royal apparel and stood in the inner court of the king’s house, opposite the king’s house. And the king sat on his royal throne in the royal house opposite the gate of the house. 2 And it was so, when the king saw Esther the queen standing in the court that she obtained favor in his sight.
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And the king held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand. So Esther came near and touched the top of the scepter. 3 Then the king said to her, “What do you wish, Queen Esther? And what is your request? Even up to half of the kingdom shall be given to you.” 4 And Esther answered, “If it seems good to the king, let the king and Haman come today to the banquet that I have prepared for him.” 5 Then the king said, “Make Haman hasten so that he may do as Esther has said.” So the king and Haman came to the banquet that Esther had prepared. 6 And the king said to Esther at the banquet of wine, “What is your petition? For it shall be granted to you. And what is your request? Even up to half of the kingdom, it shall be fulfilled.” 7 Then Esther answered and said, “My petition and my request is, 8 if I have found favor in the sight of the king, and if it pleases the king to grant my petition and to fulfill my request, let the king and Haman come to the banquet that I shall prepare for them, and I will do tomorrow as the king has said.” 9 Then Haman went out that day joyful and with a glad heart. But when Haman saw Mordecai at the king’s gate, that he did not stand up or move for him, he was full of indignation against Mordecai. 10 Nevertheless, Haman refrained himself. And when he came home, he sent and called for his friends and Zeresh his wife. 11 And Haman told them of the glory of his riches, and
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the multitude of his children, and all the things in which the king had promoted him, and how he had advanced him above the princes and servants of the king. 12 Haman said moreover, “Yes, Esther the queen let no man come in with the king to the banquet that she had prepared but myself, and tomorrow I am invited to her also with the king. 13 Yet all this gains me nothing, so long as I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.” 14 Then Zeresh his wife and all his friends said to him, “Let a gallows be made fifty cubits high, and tomorrow speak to the king, that Mordecai may be hanged on it. Then go in merrily with the king to the banquet.” And this pleased Haman, and he had the gallows made. Haman Compelled to Exalt Mordecai On that night the king could not sleep, and he commanded to bring the book of records of the chronicles, and they were read before the king. 2 And it was found written that Mordecai had told of Bigthana and Teresh, two of the king’s attendants, the guards of the door, who sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. 3 And the king said, “What honor and dignity has been done to Mordecai for this?” Then the king’s servants who ministered to him said, “Nothing has been done for him.” 4 And the king said, “Who is in the courtyard?” Now Haman had come into the outer courtyard of the king’s house to speak to the king
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about hanging Mordecai on the gallows that he had prepared for him. 5 And the king’s servants said to him, “Behold, Haman stands in the courtyard.” And the king said, “Let him come in.” 6 So Haman came in. And the king said to him, “What shall be done to the man whom the king delights to honor?” Now Haman thought in his heart, “Whom would the king delight to honor more than myself ?” 7 And Haman answered the king, “For the man whom the king delights to honor, 8 let the royal apparel be brought that the king used to wear, and the horse that the king rides on, and the royal crown that is set on his head. 9 And let this apparel and horse be delivered to the hand of one of the king’s most noble princes, that they may dress the man whom the king delights to honor, and bring him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaim before him, ‘This is what is done for the man whom the king delights to honor.’” 10 Then the king said to Haman, “Hurry and take the apparel and the horse, as you have said, and do this for Mordecai the Jew, who sits at the king’s gate. Let nothing fail of all that you have spoken.” 11 Then Haman took the apparel and the horse, and arrayed Mordecai, and brought him on horseback through the street of the city, and proclaimed before him, “This is what shall be done for the man whom the king delights to honor.” 12 And Mordecai returned to the
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king’s gate. But Haman hastened to his house mourning and having his head covered. 13 And Haman told Zeresh his wife and all his friends everything that had happened to him. Then his wise men and Zeresh his wife said to him, “If Mordecai is of the descendants of the Jews, before whom you have begun to fall, you shall not prevail against him, but shall surely fall before him.” 14 And while they were still talking with him, the king’s attendants came and hastened to bring Haman to the banquet that Esther had prepared. Esther’s Banquet; Haman Hanged So the king and Haman came to feast with Esther the queen. 2 And the king said again to Esther on the second day at the banquet of wine, “What is your petition, Queen Esther? And it shall be granted to you. And what is your request? And it shall be fulfilled, even up to half of the kingdom.” 3 Then Esther the queen answered and said, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it pleases the king, let my life be given to me at my petition, and my people at my request. 4 For we are sold, I and my people, to be destroyed, to be slain, and to perish. But if we had been sold as male and female slaves, I would have kept silent, although the enemy could not compensate for the damage to the king.” 5 Then King Ahasuerus answered and said to Esther the queen, “Who is he, and where is he, who dares to presume in his heart to do so?”
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6 And Esther said, “The adversary
and enemy is this wicked Haman.” Then Haman was afraid before the king and queen. 7 And the king arose from the banquet of wine in his anger and went into the palace garden. And Haman stood up to beg for his life from Esther the queen, for he saw that harm was determined against him by the king. 8 Then the king returned out of the palace garden into the place of the banquet of wine, and Haman had fallen on the bed on which Esther was. Then the king said, “Will he also assault the queen in front of me in the house?” As the word went out of the king’s mouth, they covered Haman’s face. 9 And Harbonah, one of the attendants, said before the king, “Behold also, the gallows fifty cubits high, which Haman had made for Mordecai, who had spoken good for the king, stands in the house of Haman.” Then the king said, “Hang him on it.” 10 So they hanged Haman on the gallows that he had prepared for Mordecai. Then the king’s anger was pacified. The Vengeance Ordered On that day King Ahasuerus gave the house of Haman the Jews’ enemy to Esther the queen. And Mordecai came before the king, for Esther had told what he was to her. 2 And the king took off his ring, which he had taken from Haman, and gave it to Mordecai. And Esther set Mordecai over the house of Haman. 3 And Esther spoke yet again before the king, and fell down at his
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feet, and begged him with tears to put away the evil of Haman the Agagite and his scheme that he had devised against the Jews. 4 Then the king held out the golden scepter toward Esther. So Esther arose, and stood before the king, 5 and said, “If it pleases the king, and if I have found favor in his sight, and it seems right before the king, and I am pleasing in his eyes, let it be written to reverse the letters devised by Haman the son of Hammedatha the Agagite, which he wrote to destroy the Jews who are in all the king’s provinces. 6 For how can I endure to see the evil that shall come to my people? Or how can I endure to see the destruction of my people?” 7 Then King Ahasuerus said to Esther the queen and to Mordecai the Jew, “Behold, I have given Esther the house of Haman, and they have hanged him on the gallows because he laid his hand on the Jews. 8 You write also for the Jews, as it pleases you, in the king’s name, and seal it with the king’s ring. For the writing that is written in the king’s name and sealed with the king’s ring no man may reverse.” 9 Then the king’s scribes were called at that time in the third month—that is, the month of Sivan—on the twenty-third day, and it was written according to all that Mordecai commanded to the Jews and to the lieutenants, deputies, and rulers of the provinces that are from India to Ethiopia, a hundred and twenty-seven provinces, to every province according to the writing of it, and to every people according to their language, and to
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the Jews according to their writing and language. 10 And he wrote in King Ahasuerus’s name and sealed it with the king’s ring, and sent letters—by couriers on horseback, and riders on mules, camels, and young dromedaries— 11 in which the king granted the Jews who were in every city to gather themselves together and defend their lives, to destroy, to slay, and to cause to perish all the power of the people and province that would assault them, both little ones and women, and to take their possessions as plunder 12 on one day in all the provinces of King Ahasu erus—namely, on the thirteenth day of the twelfth month, which is the month of Adar. 13 A copy of the writing for a commandment to be given in every province was made known to all people so that the Jews would be ready for that day to avenge themselves on their enemies. 14 So the couriers who rode on mules and camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king’s commandment. And the decree was given in Susa the palace. 15 And Mordecai went out from the presence of the king in royal apparel of blue and white, and with a great crown of gold, and with a garment of fine linen and purple. And the city of Susa rejoiced and was glad. 16 The Jews had light, gladness, joy, and honor. 17 And in every province and in every city, wherever the king’s commandment and his decree came, the Jews had joy and gladness, a feast, and a good day. And many of the people of the land became Jews, for the fear of the Jews fell on them.
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The Vengeance Carried Out Now in the twelfth month—that is, the month of Adar—on the thirteenth day of the same, when the king’s commandment and his decree to be carried out drew near, on the day that the enemies of the Jews hoped to have power over them (though it was turned to the contrary, that the Jews had power over those who hated them), 2 the Jews gathered themselves together in their cities throughout all the provinces of King Ahasuerus to lay hand on those who sought their harm. And no man could withstand them, for the fear of them fell on all the people. 3 And all the rulers of the provinces, the lieutenants, the deputies, and officers of the king helped the Jews because the fear of Mordecai fell on them. 4 For Mordecai was great in the king’s house, and his fame went out throughout all the provinces. For this man Mordecai grew greater and greater. 5 Thus the Jews struck all their enemies with the stroke of the sword, and slaughter, and destruction, and did what they wished to those who hated them. 6 And in Susa the palace the Jews slew and destroyed five hundred men. 7 And they slew Parshandatha and Dalphon and Aspatha, 8 and Poratha and Adalia and Aridatha, 9 and Parmashta and Arisai and Aridai and Vaizatha, 10 the ten sons of Haman the son of Hammedatha, the enemy of the Jews, but they did not lay their hands on the plunder. 11 On that day the number of those who were slain in Susa the palace was brought before the king. 12 And
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the king said to Esther the queen, “The Jews have slain and destroyed five hundred men in Susa the palace, and the ten sons of Haman. What have they done in the rest of the king’s provinces? Now what is your petition? And it shall be granted to you. Or what is your request further? And it shall be done.” 13 Then Esther said, “If it pleases the king, let it be granted to the Jews who are in Susa to do also tomorrow according to this day’s decree, and let Haman’s ten sons be hanged on the gallows.” 14 And the king commanded this to be done. And the decree was given in Susa, and they hanged Haman’s ten sons. 15 For the Jews who were in Susa gathered themselves together also on the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and slew three hundred men at Susa, but they did not lay their hands on the plunder. 16 But the other Jews who were in the king’s provinces gathered themselves together, and defended their lives, and had rest from their enemies, and slew seventy-five thousand of their foes, but they did not lay their hands on the plunder— 17 on the thirteenth day of the month of Adar. And on the fourteenth day of the same month they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 18 But the Jews who were at Susa assembled together on the thirteenth day and on the fourteenth, and on the fifteenth day of the same month they rested and made it a day of feasting and gladness. 19 Therefore the Jews of the villages, who dwelled in the unwalled
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towns, made the fourteenth day of the month of Adar a day of gladness and feasting, and a good day, and of sending portions to one another. The Feast of Purim Instituted 20 And Mordecai wrote these things and sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, 21 to establish this among them, that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month of Adar and the fifteenth day of the same month, yearly, 22 as the days in which the Jews rested from their enemies and the month that was turned for them from sorrow to joy and from mourning into a good day, that they should make them days of feasting and joy, and of sending portions to one another and gifts to the poor. 23 And the Jews undertook to do as they had begun, and as Mordecai had written to them, 24 because Haman the son of Hammedatha, the Agagite, the enemy of all the Jews, had schemed against the Jews to destroy them and had cast Pur (that is, the lot) to consume them and destroy them. 25 But when Esther came before the king, he commanded by letters that his wicked scheme, which he devised against the Jews, should return on his own head, and that he and his sons should be hanged on the gallows. 26 Therefore they called these days Purim according to the name of Pur. Therefore, for all the words of this letter, and of what they had seen concerning this matter, and what had come to them, 27 the Jews ordained and took it upon themselves, and on
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their descendants, and on all those who joined themselves to them so that it should not fail that they would keep these two days according to their writing, and according to their appointed time every year, 28 and that these days should be remembered and kept throughout every generation, every family, every province, and every city, and that these days of Purim should not fail from among the Jews and the memory of them should not perish from their descendants. 29 Then Esther the queen, the daughter of Abihail, and Mordecai the Jew wrote with all authority to confirm this second letter of Purim. 30 And he sent the letters to all the Jews, to the one hundred and twenty-seven provinces of the kingdom of Ahasuerus, with words of peace and truth, 31 to confirm these days of Purim in their appointed
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times, as Mordecai the Jew and Esther the queen had commanded them, and as they had decreed for themselves and for their descendants concerning the matters of their fasting and crying. 32 And the decree of Esther confirmed these matters of Purim, and it was written in the book. And King Ahasuerus laid a tax on the land and on the coastlands of the sea. 2 And all the acts of his power and of his might, and the declaration of the greatness of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him, are they not written in the book of the chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia? 3 For Mordecai the Jew was second to King Ahasuerus and great among the Jews and accepted by the multitude of his brothers, seeking the well-being of his people and speaking peace to all his descendants.
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JOB INTRODUCTION TO JOB Many people who read the book of Job miss the God-centered message because they are focused on the man-centered problems. Why the righteous suffer is never really answered in this book. As God shows Job, knowing the answers to life’s problems is not as important as knowing and understanding the awesomeness of God and how wise He is. AUTHOR The author of the book of Job is unknown. Most likely he was an Israelite, because he uses the Israelite covenant name for God (Yahweh, or the Lord). OCCASION We do not know when Job was written, though the account describes history around the time of Abraham—that is, around 2000 BC. The first eleven chapters of Genesis predate the story of Job, but they were not written down in a book form until the time of Moses, around 1500 BC.
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The Character of Job There was a man in the land of Uz whose name was Job. And that man was perfect and upright, and one who feared God and turned away from evil. 2 And there were seven sons and three daughters born to him. 3 Also his possessions were seven thousand sheep and three thousand camels and five hundred yoke of oxen and five hundred female donkeys and a very great household, so that this man was the greatest of all the men of the east. 4 And his sons went and feasted in their houses, every one on his day, and sent and called for their three sisters to eat and to drink with them. 5 And it was so, when the days of their feasting were completed, that Job sent and sanctified them and rose up early in the morning and offered burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Job did this continually.
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Satan’s Theory 6 Now there was a day when the sons of God came to present themselves before the Lord. And Satan also came among them. 7 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.” 8 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a perfect and an upright
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man, one who fears God and turns away from evil?” 9 Then Satan answered the Lord and said, “Does Job fear God for nothing? 10 Have You not made a hedge around him and around his house and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. 11 But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has, and he will curse You to Your face.” 12 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.” So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord. 13 And there was a day when his sons and his daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house. 14 And a messenger came to Job and said, “The oxen were plowing and the donkeys feeding beside them. 15 And the Sabeans fell on them and took them away. Yes, they have slain the servants with the edge of the sword. And I alone have escaped to tell you.” 16 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The fire of God has fallen from heaven and has burned up the sheep and the servants and consumed them. And I alone have escaped to tell you.” 17 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “The Chaldeans formed three bands and fell on the camels and have carried them away—yes, and slain the servants with the edge of the sword. And I alone have escaped to tell you.” 18 While he was still speaking, another also came and said, “Your
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sons and your daughters were eating and drinking wine in their eldest brother’s house. 19 And, behold, a great wind came from the wilderness and struck the four corners of the house. And it fell on the young men, and they are dead. And I alone have escaped to tell you.” 20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell down on the ground and worshipped 21 and said, “Naked I came out of my mother’s womb and naked I shall return there. The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Blessed be the name of the Lord.” 22 In all this Job did not sin or charge God foolishly. Job’s Family, Property, and Health Gone Again there was a day when the sons of God came to pre sent themselves before the Lord. And Satan also came among them to present himself before the Lord. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “From where do you come?” And Satan answered the Lord and said, “From going to and fro on the earth and from walking up and down on it.” 3 And the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered my servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a perfect and an upright man, one who fears God and turns away from evil? And he still holds fast his integrity, although you moved Me against him to destroy him without cause.” 4 And Satan answered the Lord and said, “Skin for skin! Yes, a man will give all that he has for his life.
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5 But put forth Your hand now and
touch his bone and his flesh, and he will curse You to Your face.” 6 And the Lord said to Satan, “Behold, he is in your hand. But spare his life.” 7 So Satan went forth from the presence of the Lord and struck Job with painful boils from the sole of his foot to his crown. 8 And he took a piece of pottery with which to scrape himself. And he sat down among the ashes. 9 Then his wife said to him, “Do you still retain your integrity? Curse God and die.” 10 But he said to her, “You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. What, shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?” In all this Job did not sin with his lips. Job and His Three Friends 11 Now when Job’s three friends heard of all this evil that had come on him, they came, each one from his own place: Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite. For they had made an appointment together to come to mourn with him and to comfort him. 12 And when they lifted up their eyes from afar and did not recognize him, they lifted up their voice and wept. And each one tore his cloak, and they sprinkled dust on their heads toward heaven. 13 So they sat down with him on the ground seven days and seven nights. And no one spoke a word to him, for they saw that his grief was very great.
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Job Tells of His Misery and Despair After this Job opened his mouth and cursed his day. 2 And Job spoke and said, 3 “Let the day perish on which I was born, and the night on which it was said, ‘There is a male child conceived.’ 4 Let that day be darkness. Do not let God regard it from above or let the light shine on it. 5 Let darkness and the shadow of death stain it. Let a cloud dwell on it. Let the blackness of the day terrify it. 6 As for that night, let darkness seize it. Do not let it be joined to the days of the year. Do not let it come into the number of the months. 7 Behold, let that night be solitary. Let no joyful voice come into it. 8 Let those curse it who curse the day, who are ready to raise up their mourning. 9 Let the stars of its twilight be dark. Let it look for light, but have none. Do not let it see the dawning of the day, 10 because it did not close the doors of my mother’s womb or hide sorrow from my eyes. 11 “Why did I not die from the womb? Why did I not give up the spirit when I came out of the belly? 12 Why did the knees receive me, or why the breasts that I should nurse? 13 For now I should have lain still and been quiet. I should have slept. Then I would have been at rest 14 with kings and counselors of the earth, who build desolate places for themselves, 15 or with princes who had gold, who filled their houses with silver. 16 Or why was I not hidden like a stillborn child, like infants who never saw light? 17 There the wicked cease from troubling. And
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there the weary are at rest. 18 There the prisoners rest together. They do not hear the voice of the oppressor. 19 The small and great are there. And the servant is free from his master. 20 “Why is light given to him who is in misery, and life to the bitter in soul, 21 who long for death, but it does not come, and dig for it more than for hidden treasures, 22 who rejoice exceedingly and are glad when they can find the grave? 23 Why is light given to a man whose way is hidden and whom God has hedged in? 24 For my sighing comes before I eat. And my roarings are poured out like the waters. 25 For the thing that I greatly feared has come on me, and what I was afraid of has come to me. 26 I was not in safety. Nor did I have rest. Nor was I quiet. Yet trouble came.” Discourse of Eliphaz Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, 2 “If we attempt to speak with you, will you be grieved? But who can withhold himself from speaking? 3 Behold, you have instructed many. And you have strengthened the weak hands. 4 Your words have upheld him who was falling. And you have strengthened the feeble knees. 5 But now it comes on you, and you faint. It touches you, and you are troubled. 6 Is your fear not your confidence, and your hope the uprightness of your ways? 7 “Remember, I ask you, who ever perished, being innocent? Or where were the righteous cut off ? 8 Even as I have seen, those who plow iniquity and sow wickedness reap the
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same. 9 By the blast of God they perish, and by the breath of His nostrils they are consumed. 10 The roaring of the lion and the voice of the fierce lion and the teeth of the young lions are broken. 11 The old lion perishes for lack of prey, and the stout lion’s cubs are scattered abroad. 12 “Now a thing was secretly brought to me, and my ear received a little of it. 13 In thoughts from the visions of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, 14 fear came on me, and trembling, which made all my bones shake. 15 Then a spirit passed before my face. The hair of my flesh stood up. 16 It stood still, but I could not discern its form. An image was before my eyes. There was silence. And I heard a voice saying, 17 ‘Shall mortal man be more just than God? Shall a man be more pure than his Maker? 18 Behold, He put no trust in His servants, and He charged His angels with folly. 19 How much less in those who dwell in houses of clay, whose foundation is in the dust, who are crushed before the moth? 20 They are destroyed from morning to evening. They perish forever without anyone regarding it. 21 Does their excellency that is in them not go away? They die, even without wisdom.’” Discourse, Continued “Call now, if there is anyone who will answer you. And to which of the saints will you turn? 2 For wrath kills the foolish man and envy slays the silly one. 3 I have seen the foolish taking root, but suddenly I cursed his dwelling. 4 His children are far from safety, and they are crushed in
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the gate. There is no one to deliver them, 5 whose harvest the hungry eat up, and take it even out of the thorns. And the robber swallows up their possessions. 6 Although affliction does not come forth from the dust, neither does trouble spring out of the ground. 7 Yet man is born to trouble, as the sparks fly upward. 8 “I would seek God, and I would commit my cause to God, 9 who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number, 10 who gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields 11 to set up on high those who are low, that those who mourn may be exalted to safety. 12 He disappoints the devices of the crafty so that their hands cannot perform their enterprise. 13 He takes the wise in their own craftiness. And the counsel of the cunning is carried headlong. 14 They meet with darkness in the daytime and grope in the midday as in the night. 15 But He saves the poor from the sword, from their mouth, and from the hand of the mighty. 16 So the poor have hope, and iniquity stops her mouth. 17 “Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects. Therefore, do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. 18 For He makes sore and binds up. He wounds, and His hands heal. 19 He shall deliver you in six troubles—yes, in seven no evil shall touch you. 20 In famine He shall redeem you from death, and in war from the power of the sword. 21 You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue. You shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes. 22 You shall laugh at
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destruction and famine. Nor shall you be afraid of the beasts of the earth. 23 For you shall be in league with the stones of the field. And the beasts of the field shall be at peace with you. 24 And you shall know that your tent shall be in peace. And you shall visit your dwelling and shall not sin. 25 You shall know also that your descendants shall be great and your offspring like the grass of the earth. 26 You shall come to your grave at a full age, like a shock of grain comes in its season. 27 Behold, we have searched it. So it is. Hear it and know it for your good.” Job’s Answer: Appeal for Pity But Job answered and said, 2 “Oh, that my grief were thoroughly weighed and my calamity laid in the balances together! 3 For now it would be heavier than the sand of the sea. Therefore, my words are swallowed up. 4 For the arrows of the Almighty are within me; their poison drinks up my spirit. The terrors of God set themselves in array against me. 5 Does the wild donkey bray when he has grass, or the ox low over his fodder? 6 Can what is unsavory be eaten without salt? Or is there any taste in the white of an egg? 7 The things that my soul refused to touch are like my sorrowful food. 8 “Oh, that I might have my request, and that God would grant me the thing that I long for. 9 Even that it would please God to destroy me, that He would let loose His hand and cut me off! 10 Then I would still have comfort. Yes, I would harden myself in sorrow. Do not let Him
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spare, for I have not concealed the words of the Holy One. 11 “What is my strength, that I should hope? And what is my end, that I should prolong my life? 12 Is my strength the strength of stones? Or is my flesh of brass? 13 Is not my help in me? And is wisdom driven completely from me? 14 “To him who is afflicted pity should be shown from his friend. But he forsakes the fear of the Almighty. 15 My brothers have dealt deceitfully like a brook, and like the stream of brooks they pass away, 16 which are dark because of the ice and in which the snow is hidden. 17 When they grow warm, they vanish. When it is hot, they are consumed out of their place. 18 The paths of their way are turned aside. They go to nothing and perish. 19 The troops of Tema looked. The companies of Sheba waited for them. 20 They were confounded because they had hoped. They came there and were ashamed. 21 For now you are nothing. You see my casting down and are afraid. 22 Did I say, ‘Bring to me’? Or, ‘Give a reward for me from your wealth’? 23 Or, ‘Deliver me from the enemy’s hand’? Or, ‘Redeem me from the hand of the mighty’? 24 “Teach me, and I will hold my tongue. And cause me to understand where I have erred. 25 How forcible are right words! But what does your arguing refute? 26 Do you imagine to refute words and the speeches of one who is desperate, which are like wind? 27 Yes, you overwhelm the fatherless and you dig a pit for your friend. 28 Now, therefore, be content. Look at me, for it is evident to you
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if I lie. 29 Return, I ask you. Do not let it be iniquity. Yes, return again. My righteousness is in it. 30 Is there iniquity on my tongue? Cannot my taste discern perverse things?” Job’s Answer, Continued “Is there not an appointed time for man on earth? Are his days not also like the days of a hired hand? 2 As a servant earnestly desires the shadow, and as a hired hand looks for the reward of his work, 3 so I am made to possess months of vanity, and wearisome nights are appointed to me. 4 When I lie down, I say, ‘When shall I arise and the night be gone?’ And I am full of tossings to and fro until the dawning of the day. 5 My flesh is clothed with worms and clods of dust. My skin is broken and has become loathsome. 6 “My days are swifter than a weaver’s shuttle and are spent without hope. 7 O remember that my life is wind. My eye shall see good no more. 8 The eye of him who has seen me shall see me no more. Your eyes are on me, and I am no more. 9 As the cloud is consumed and vanishes away, so he who goes down to the grave shall come up no more. 10 He shall return no more to his house. Nor shall his place know him anymore. 11 “Therefore, I will not refrain my mouth. I will speak in the anguish of my spirit. I will complain in the bitterness of my soul. 12 Am I a sea or a whale, that You set a watch over me? 13 When I say, ‘My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaints,’ 14 then You scare
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me with dreams and terrify me through visions, 15 so that my soul chooses strangling and death rather than my life. 16 I loathe it. I would not live forever. Leave me alone, for my days are a breath. 17 “What is man, that You should magnify him, and that You should set Your heart on him, 18 and that You should visit him every morning, and try him every moment? 19 How long will You not depart from me or leave me alone until I swallow my saliva? 20 I have sinned. What shall I do to You, O Preserver of men? Why have You set me as a mark against You, so that I am a burden to myself ? 21 And why do You not pardon my transgression and take away my iniquity? For now I shall sleep in the dust. And You shall seek me in the morning, but I shall not be.” Bildad Thinks Job a Hypocrite Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said, 2 “How long will you speak these things? And how long shall the words of your mouth be like a strong wind? 3 Does God pervert judgment? Or does the Almighty pervert justice? 4 If your children have sinned against Him and He has cast them away for their transgression, 5 if you would seek God promptly and make your supplication to the Almighty, 6 if you were pure and upright, surely now He would awaken for you and make the dwelling of your righteousness prosperous. 7 Though your beginning was small, yet your latter end should greatly increase. 8 “For inquire, I ask you, of the
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former age and prepare yourself to the search of their fathers. 9 (For we are but of yesterday, and know nothing, because our days on earth are a shadow.) 10 Shall they not teach you and tell you and utter words out of their heart? 11 “Can the papyrus grow up without mire? Can the reed grow without water? 12 While it is still in its greenness and not cut down, it withers before any other plant. 13 So are the paths of all who forget God. And the hypocrite’s hope shall perish, 14 whose hope shall be cut off and whose trust shall be a spider’s web. 15 He shall lean on his house, but it shall not stand. He shall hold it fast, but it shall not endure. 16 He is green before the sun, and his branch shoots forth in his garden. 17 His roots are wrapped around the heap and see the place of stones. 18 If he destroys him from his place, then it shall deny him, saying, ‘I have not seen you.’ 19 “Behold, this is the joy of His way, and out of the earth others shall grow. 20 Behold, God will not cast away a perfect man, nor will He help the evildoers. 21 Until He fills your mouth with laughing and your lips with rejoicing, 22 those who hate you shall be clothed with shame. And the dwelling place of the wicked shall come to nothing.” Job Answers Bildad: Not a Hypocrite Then Job answered and said, 2 “I know it is truly so, but how should man be just with God? 3 If he will contend with Him, he cannot answer Him one of a thousand
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times. 4 He is wise in heart and mighty in strength. Who has hardened himself against Him and has prospered? 5 He removes the mountains, and they do not know. He overturns them in His anger. 6 He shakes the earth out of its place, and its pillars tremble. 7 He commands the sun, and it does not rise, and seals up the stars. 8 He alone spreads out the heavens and treads on the waves of the sea. 9 He makes Arcturus, Orion, and Pleiades and the chambers of the south. 10 He does great things past finding out— yes, and wonders without number. 11 Behold, He goes by me, and I do not see Him. He passes on also, but I do not perceive Him. 12 Behold, He takes away. Who can hinder Him? Who will say to Him, ‘What are You doing?’ 13 If God will not withdraw His anger, the proud helpers stoop under Him. 14 “How much less shall I answer Him and choose my words to reason with Him— 15 whom, though I were righteous, I still would not answer? But I would make supplication to my Judge. 16 If I had called, and He had answered me, I still would not believe that He had listened to my voice. 17 For He breaks me with a tempest and multiplies my wounds without cause. 18 He will not allow me to take my breath, but fills me with bitterness. 19 If I speak of strength, behold, He is strong, and if of judgment, who shall set me a time to plead? 20 If I justify myself, my own mouth shall condemn me. If I say, ‘I am perfect,’ it shall also prove me perverse. 21 Though I were perfect, I still would not know
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my soul. I would despise my life. 22 This is one thing. Therefore, I said it, ‘He destroys the perfect and the wicked.’ 23 If the scourge slays suddenly, He will laugh at the trial of the innocent. 24 The earth is given into the hand of the wicked. He covers the faces of its judges. If not, where and who is He? 25 “Now my days are swifter than a courier. They flee away. They see no good. 26 They have passed away like the swift ships, like the eagle that hastens to the prey. 27 If I say, ‘I will forget my complaint; I will leave off my heaviness and comfort myself,’ 28 I am afraid of all my sorrows. I know that You will not hold me innocent. 29 If I am wicked, then why do I labor in vain? 30 If I wash myself with snow water and make my hands never so clean, 31 yet You shall plunge me in the ditch, and my own clothes shall hate me. 32 “For He is not a man, as I am, that I should answer Him, and we should come together in judgment. 33 Nor is there any arbiter between us who might lay his hand on us both. 34 Let Him take His rod away from me, and do not let His fear terrify me. 35 Then I would speak and not fear Him. But it is not so with me.” Job’s Answer, Continued “My soul is weary of my life. I will leave my complaint on myself. I will speak in the bitterness of my soul. 2 I will say to God, ‘Do not condemn me. Show me why You contend with me. 3 Is it good to You that You should oppress, that You should despise the work of
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Your hands and shine on the counsel of the wicked? 4 Do You have eyes of flesh? Or do You see as man sees? 5 Are Your days like the days of man? Are Your years like man’s days, 6 that You inquire after my guilt and search after my sin? 7 You know that I am not wicked, and there is no one who can deliver out of Your hand. 8 “‘Your hands have made me and fashioned me altogether, yet You destroy me. 9 Remember, I beseech You, that You have made me like the clay. And will You bring me to dust again? 10 Have You not poured me out like milk and curdled me like cheese? 11 You have clothed me with skin and flesh and have protected me with bones and sinews. 12 You have granted me life and favor, and Your presence has preserved my spirit. 13 “‘And these things You have hidden in Your heart. I know that this is with You. 14 If I sin, then You mark me, and You will not acquit me from my guilt. 15 If I am wicked, woe to me. And if I am righteous, I will still not lift up my head. I am full of confusion. Therefore, see my affliction, 16 for it increases. You hunt me like a fierce lion. And again You show Yourself marvelous to me. 17 You renew Your witnesses against me and increase Your indignation on me. Changes and war are against me. 18 “‘Why then have You brought me forth out of the womb? Oh, that I had given up the spirit and no eye had seen me! 19 I should have been as though I had not been. I should have been carried from the womb to the grave. 20 Are not my days few?
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Cease, then, and leave me alone, that I may take comfort a little 21 before I go where I shall not return, even to the land of darkness and the shadow of death— 22 a land of darkness, as darkness itself, and of the shadow of death, without any order, and where the light is like darkness.’” Zophar Thinks Job Both Hypocrite and Liar Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said, 2 “Should not the multitude of words be answered? And should a man full of talk be justified? 3 Should your lies make men remain silent? And when you mock, shall no man make you ashamed? 4 For you have said, ‘My doctrine is pure, and I am clean in your eyes.’ 5 But, oh, that God would speak and open His lips against you. 6 And that He would show you the secrets of wisdom, that they are double to what is! Know, therefore, that God exacts of you less than your guilt deserves. 7 “Can you find out God by searching? Can you find out the Almighty to perfection? 8 It is as high as heaven—what can you do? Deeper than hell—what can you know? 9 Its measure is longer than the earth and broader than the sea. 10 “If He cuts off and closes up, or gathers together, then who can hinder Him? 11 For He knows deceitful men. He also sees wickedness. Will He not then consider it? 12 For deceitful men would be wise, though man is born like a wild donkey’s colt. 13 “If you prepare your heart and stretch out your hands toward Him,
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Job 12:8
14 if iniquity is in your hand, put it
far away, and do not let wickedness dwell in your tents. 15 For then you shall lift up your face without blemish. Yes, you shall be steadfast and shall not fear, 16 because you shall forget your misery and remember it like waters that pass away. 17 And your age shall be clearer than the noonday. You shall shine forth. You shall be like the morning. 18 And you shall be secure, because there is hope. Yes, you shall dig around you and you shall take your rest in safety. 19 Also you shall lie down, and no one shall make you afraid. Yes, many shall make appeal to you. 20 But the eyes of the wicked shall fail. And they shall not escape. And their hope shall be like the giving up of the spirit.” Job Answers the Three And Job answered and said, 2 “No doubt you are the people, and wisdom shall die with you. 3 But I have understanding as well as you. I am not inferior to you. Yes, who does not know such things as these? 4 “I am like one mocked by his neighbor, who calls on God and He answers him. The just, upright man is laughed to scorn. 5 He who is ready to slip with his feet is like a lamp despised in the thought of him who is at ease. 6 The tents of robbers prosper. And those who provoke God are secure, into whose hand God brings abundantly. 7 “But now ask the beasts, and they shall teach you, and the fowls of the air, and they shall tell you. 8 Or speak to the earth, and it shall
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Job 12:9
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teach you. And the fishes of the sea shall declare to you. 9 Who does not know in all these that the hand of the Lord has done this, 10 in whose hand is the soul of every living thing and the breath of all mankind? 11 Does not the ear test words? And the mouth taste its food? 12 With the ancient is wisdom, and in length of days understanding. 13 “Wisdom and strength are with Him. He has counsel and understanding. 14 “Behold, He breaks down, and it cannot be built again. He imprisons a man, and there can be no release. 15 “Behold, He withholds the waters, and they dry up. He also sends them out, and they overturn the earth. 16 “Strength and wisdom are with Him. The deceived and the deceiver are His. 17 He leads counselors away captive and makes the judges fools. 18 He loosens the bond of kings and girds their loins with a belt. 19 He leads princes away captive and overthrows the mighty. 20 He removes the speech of those who are trusted and takes away the understanding of the aged. 21 He pours contempt on princes and weakens the strength of the mighty. 22 He discovers deep things out of darkness and brings to light the shadow of death. 23 “He increases the nations and destroys them. He enlarges the nations and confines them again. 24 He takes away the heart of the chief of the people of the earth and causes them to wander in a wilderness
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where there is no way. 25 They grope in the dark without light. And He makes them stagger like a drunken man.” Job’s Answer, Continued “Behold, my eye has seen all this. My ear has heard and understood it. 2 What you know, the same I know. I am not inferior to you. 3 Surely I would speak to the Almighty. And I desire to reason with God. 4 But you are forgers of lies. You are all physicians of no value. 5 O that you would altogether remain silent! And it should be your wisdom. 6 Hear now my reasoning and listen to the pleadings of my lips. 7 Will you speak wickedly for God and talk deceitfully for Him? 8 Will you lift up His person? Will you contend for God? 9 Is it good that He should search you out? Or, as one man mocks another, do you so mock Him? 10 He will surely convict you if you secretly lift people up. 11 Shall not His excellency make you afraid? And His dread fall on you? 12 Your remembrances are like ashes, your bodies like bodies of clay. 13 “Remain silent. Leave me alone, that I may speak. And let come on me what will. 14 Why do I take my flesh in my teeth and put my life in my hand? 15 Though He slay me, I will still trust in Him. But I will maintain my own ways before Him. 16 He also shall be my salvation. For a hypocrite shall not come before Him. 17 Diligently hear my speech and my declaration with your ears. 18 Behold now, I have ordered my cause. I know that I shall
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be justified. 19 Who is he who will plead with me? For now, if I hold my tongue, I shall give up the spirit. 20 “Only two things do not do to me. Then I will not hide myself from You. 21 Withdraw Your hand far from me. And do not let Your dread make me afraid. 22 Then call, and I will answer. Or let me speak, and You answer me. 23 How many are my iniquities and sins? Make me know my transgression and my sin. 24 Why do You hide Your face and consider me Your enemy? 25 Will You break a leaf driven to and fro? And will You pursue the dry stubble? 26 For You write bitter things against me and make me possess the iniquities of my youth. 27 You also put my feet in the stocks and look narrowly on all my paths. You set a print on the heels of my feet. 28 “And he decays like a rotten thing, like a garment that is motheaten.” Job’s Answer, Continued “Man who is born of a woman is of few days and full of trou2 ble. He comes forth like a flower and is cut down. He also flees like a shadow and does not continue. 3 And do You open Your eyes on such a one and bring me to judgment with You? 4 Who can bring a clean thing out of an unclean? No one. 5 Since his days are determined, the number of his months are with You. You have appointed his limits that he cannot pass. 6 Turn from him, that he may rest, until he accomplishes his day like a hired hand. 7 “For there is hope for a tree, if it
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Job 14:22
is cut down, that it will sprout again and that its tender branch will not cease. 8 Though its root grows old in the earth and its stump dies in the ground, 9 yet through the scent of water it will bud and bring forth boughs like a plant. 10 But man dies and wastes away. Yes, man gives up the spirit, and where is he? 11 As the waters fail from the sea and the flood decays and dries up, 12 so man lies down and does not rise. Until the heavens are no more they shall not awaken or be raised out of their sleep. 13 “O that You would hide me in the grave, that You would keep me secret until Your wrath is past, that You would appoint me a set time and remember me! 14 If a man dies, shall he live again? I will wait all the days of my appointed time until my change comes. 15 You shall call, and I will answer You. You will have a desire for the work of Your hands. 16 For now You number my steps. Do You not watch over my sin? 17 My transgression is sealed up in a bag, and You sew up my guilt. 18 “And surely the mountains falling come to nothing, and the rock is removed out of its place. 19 The waters wear away the stones; You wash away the things that grow out of the dust of the earth, and You destroy the hope of man. 20 You prevail forever against him, and he passes. You change his countenance and send him away. 21 His sons come to honor, and he does not know it. And they are brought low, but he does not perceive it of them. 22 But his flesh on him shall have pain, and his soul within him shall mourn.”
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Job 15:1
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Eliphaz on Experience and Tradition Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, 2 “Should a wise man utter empty knowledge and fill his belly with the east wind? 3 Should he reason with unprofitable talk, or with speeches with which he can do no good? 4 Yes, you cast off fear and restrain prayer before God. 5 For your mouth utters your iniquity, and you choose the tongue of the crafty. 6 Your own mouth condemns you, and not I. Yes, your own lips testify against you. 7 “Are you the first man who was born? Or were you made before the hills? 8 Have you heard the secret of God? And do you restrain wisdom to yourself ? 9 What do you know that we do not know? What do you understand that is not in us? 10 Both the gray-headed and very aged men are with us, much older than your father. 11 Are the consolations of God small for you? Is there any secret thing with you? 12 Why does your heart carry you away? And what do your eyes wink at, 13 that you turn your spirit against God and let such words go out of your mouth? 14 “What is man, that he should be clean? And he who is born of a woman, that he should be righteous? 15 Behold, He puts no trust in His saints. Yes, the heavens are not clean in His sight. 16 How much more abominable and filthy is man, who drinks iniquity like water? 17 “I will tell you; hear me. And what I have seen I will declare, 18 which wise men have told from their fathers and have not hidden, 19 to whom alone the earth
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was given, and no stranger passed among them. 20 The wicked man labors with pain all his days, and the number of years is hidden to the oppressor. 21 A dreadful sound is in his ears. In prosperity the destroyer shall come on him. 22 He does not believe that he shall return out of darkness, and the sword waits for him. 23 He wanders about for bread, saying, ‘Where is it?’ He knows that the day of darkness is ready at his hand. 24 Trouble and anguish shall make him afraid. They shall prevail against him, like a king ready for the battle. 25 For he stretches out his hand against God and strengthens himself against the Almighty. 26 He runs against Him, even on his neck, with the thick bosses of his shields. 27 “Because he covers his face with his fatness and makes folds of fat on his sides, 28 and he dwells in desolate cities and in houses that no man inhabits, which are ready to become heaps. 29 He shall not be rich. Nor shall his wealth continue. Nor shall he prolong its perfection on the earth. 30 He shall not depart out of darkness. The flame shall dry up his branches, and by the breath of his mouth he shall go away. 31 Do not let him who is deceived trust in vanity. For vanity shall be his recompense. 32 It shall be accomplished before his time, and his branch shall not be green. 33 He shall shake off his unripe grape like the vine and shall cast off his flower like the olive. 34 For the congregation of hypocrites shall be desolate, and fire shall consume the tents of bribery. 35 They conceive mischief and bring forth vanity. And their belly prepares deceit.”
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Job Answers Eliphaz Then Job answered and said, 2 “I have heard many such things. You are all miserable comforters. 3 Shall empty words have an end? Or what emboldens you that you answer? 4 I also could speak as you do. If your soul were in my soul’s place, I could heap up words against you and shake my head at you. 5 But I would strengthen you with my mouth, and the moving of my lips would assuage your grief. 6 “Though I speak, my grief is not assuaged. And though I hold back, what am I eased? 7 But now He has made me weary. You have made desolate all my company. 8 And you have filled me with wrinkles, which is a witness against me. And my leanness rising up in me bears witness to my face. 9 He tears me in His wrath, who hates me. He gnashes me with His teeth. My enemy sharpens His eyes on me. 10 They have gaped at me with their mouth. They have struck me on the cheek reproachfully. They have gathered themselves together against me. 11 God has delivered me to the ungodly and turned me over into the hands of the wicked. 12 I was at ease, but He has broken me apart. He has also taken me by my neck and shaken me to pieces and set me up for His mark. 13 His archers surround me. He splits my kidneys apart and does not spare. He pours out my gall on the ground. 14 He breaks me with breach upon breach. He runs against me like a giant. 15 “I have sewn sackcloth on my skin and defiled my horn in the
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Job 17:11
dust. 16 My face is foul with weeping and the shadow of death is on my eyelids, 17 not for any injustice in my hands. Also, my prayer is pure. 18 “O earth, do not cover my blood. And let my cry have no place. 19 Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven and my record is on high. 20 My friends scorn me. But my eye pours out tears to God. 21 O that one might plead for a man with God, as a man pleads for his neighbor! 22 When a few years have come, then I shall go the way from where I shall not return.” Job’s Answer, Continued “My breath is corrupt. My days are extinct. The graves are ready for me. 2 Are there not mockers with me? And does not my eye continue in their provocation? 3 “Lay it down now. Put me in a pledge with You. Who is he who will clasp hands with me? 4 For You have hidden their heart from understanding. Therefore, You shall not exalt them. 5 He who speaks flattery to his friends, even the eyes of his children shall fail. 6 “He also has made me a byword of the people. And I was formerly like a drum. 7 My eye also is dim because of sorrow. And all the parts of my body are like a shadow. 8 Upright men shall be astonished at this. And the innocent shall stir up himself against the hypocrite. 9 The righteous also shall hold to his way. And he who has clean hands shall be stronger and stronger. 10 “But as for you all, return and come now. For I cannot find one wise man among you. 11 My days are past.
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Job 17:12
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My purposes are broken off, even the thoughts of my heart. 12 They change the night into day. The light is short because of darkness. 13 If I wait, the grave is my house. I have made my bed in the darkness. 14 I have said to corruption, ‘You are my father,’ to the worm, ‘You are my mother and my sister.’ 15 And where is my hope now? As for my hope, who shall see it? 16 They shall go down to the bars of the pit when our rest together is in the dust.” Bildad’s String of Proverbs Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said, 2 “How long will it be before you finish your words? Take note, and afterward we will speak. 3 Why are we counted as beasts and reputed as vile in your sight? 4 He tears himself in his anger. Shall the earth be forsaken for you? And shall the rock be moved out of its place? 5 “Yes, the light of the wicked shall be put out, and the spark of his fire shall not shine. 6 The light shall be dark in his tent, and his candle shall be put out with him. 7 The steps of his strength shall be restricted, and his own counsel shall cast him down. 8 For he is cast into a net by his own feet, and he walks on a snare. 9 The snare shall take him by the heel, and the robber shall prevail against him. 10 The snare is laid for him in the ground, and a trap for him in the way. 11 Terrors shall make him afraid on every side and shall drive him to his feet. 12 His strength shall be starved, and destruction shall be ready at his side. 13 It shall devour the strength of his skin. Even the
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firstborn of death shall devour his strength. 14 His confidence shall be rooted out of his tent, and it shall bring him to the king of terrors. 15 It shall dwell in his tent because it is none of his. Brimstone shall be scattered on his dwelling. 16 His roots shall be dried up beneath, and above his branch shall be cut off. 17 His remembrance shall perish from the earth, and he shall have no name in the street. 18 He shall be driven from light into darkness and chased out of the world. 19 He shall have neither son nor nephew among his people, nor any remaining in his dwellings. 20 Those who come after him shall be astonished at his day, as those who went before were frightened. 21 Surely such are the dwellings of the wicked, and this is the place of him who does not know God.” Job’s Answer: Sublime Faith Then Job answered and said, 2 “How long will you afflict my soul and break me in pieces with words? 3 These ten times you have reproached me. You are not ashamed that you make yourselves strange to me. 4 And if it indeed be that I have gone astray, my error remains with myself. 5 If indeed you will magnify yourselves against me and plead against me my reproach, 6 know now that God has overthrown me and has surrounded me with His net. 7 “Behold, I cry out of wrong, but I am not heard. I cry aloud, but there is no judgment. 8 He has fenced up my way that I cannot pass, and He has set darkness in my paths. 9 He has stripped me of my glory and
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taken the crown from my head. 10 He has destroyed me on every side, and I am gone. And He has removed my hope like a tree. 11 He has also kindled His wrath against me, and He counts me to Him as one of His enemies. 12 His troops come together and raise up their way against me and camp around my tent. 13 “He has put my brothers far from me, and my acquaintances are certainly estranged from me. 14 My relatives have failed, and my close friends have forgotten me. 15 Those who dwell in my house, and my maids, count me as a stranger. I am a foreigner in their sight. 16 I called my servant, and he gave me no answer. I begged him with my mouth. 17 My breath is strange to my wife, though I begged for the children’s sake of my own body. 18 Yes, young children despised me. I arose, and they spoke against me. 19 All my close friends hated me. And those whom I loved have turned against me. 20 My bone clings to my skin and to my flesh, and I have escaped with the skin of my teeth. 21 Have pity on me. Have pity on me, O my friends, for the hand of God has touched me. 22 Why do you persecute me like God and are not satisfied with my flesh? 23 “Oh, that my words were now written! Oh, that they were printed in a book, 24 that they were engraved with an iron pen and lead in the rock forever! 25 For I know that my Redeemer lives and that He shall stand at the latter day on the earth. 26 And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh I shall see God, 27 whom I shall see for
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Job 20:13
myself, and my eyes shall behold, and not another, though my heart is consumed within me. 28 But should you say, ‘Why do we persecute him, since the root of the matter is found in me?’ 29 Be afraid of the sword. For wrath brings the punishments of the sword, that you may know there is a judgment.” Zophar’s Discourse: Tradition and Proverb Then Zophar the Naamathite answered and said, 2 “Therefore, my thoughts cause me to answer, and for this I hasten. 3 I have heard the correction of my reproach, and the spirit of my understanding causes me to answer. 4 “Do you not know this of old, since man was placed on earth, 5 that the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment? 6 Though his excellence mounts up to the heavens, and his head reaches to the clouds, 7 yet he shall perish forever like his own dung. Those who have seen him shall say, ‘Where is he?’ 8 He shall fly away like a dream and shall not be found. Yes, he shall be chased away like a vision of the night. 9 The eye also that saw him shall see him no more. Nor shall his place see him anymore. 10 His children shall seek to please the poor, and his hands shall restore their goods. 11 His bones are full of the sin of his youth, which shall lie down with him in the dust. 12 “Though wickedness is sweet in his mouth, though he hides it under his tongue, 13 though he spares it and does not forsake it, but keeps
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Job 20:14
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it still within his mouth, 14 yet his food is turned in his bowels. It is the gall of asps within him. 15 He has swallowed down riches, and he shall vomit them up again. God shall cast them out of his belly. 16 He shall suck the poison of asps. The viper’s tongue shall slay him. 17 He shall not see the rivers, the floods, the brooks of honey and butter. 18 What he labored for he shall restore and shall not swallow it down. The restitution shall be according to his wealth, and he shall not rejoice in it. 19 Because he has oppressed and has forsaken the poor, because he has violently taken away a house that he did not build, 20 surely he shall not feel peace in his belly. He shall not save what he desired. 21 There shall be none of his food left. Therefore, no man shall look for his goods. 22 In the fullness of his sufficiency, he shall be in distress. Every hand of the wicked shall come on him. 23 When he is about to fill his belly, God shall cast the fury of His wrath on him and shall rain it on him while he is eating. 24 He shall flee from the iron weapon, and the bow of steel shall strike him through. 25 It is drawn and comes out of the body. Yes, the glittering sword comes out of his gall. Terrors are on him. 26 All darkness shall be hidden in his secret places. A fire not blown shall consume him. It shall go ill with him who is left in his tent. 27 The heavens shall reveal his guilt. And the earth shall rise up against him. 28 The increase of his house shall depart, and his goods shall flow away in the day of His wrath. 29 This is the portion of a
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wicked man from God and the heritage appointed to him by God.” Job’s Answer: The Prosperity of the Wicked But Job answered and said, 2 “Diligently hear my speech and let this be your consolation. 3 Bear with me that I may speak. And after I have spoken, mock on. 4 “As for me, is my complaint to man? And if it were so, why should my spirit not be troubled? 5 Observe me and be astonished and lay your hand on your mouth. 6 Even when I remember, I am afraid, and trembling takes hold of my flesh. 7 Why do the wicked live, become old— yes, are mighty in power? 8 Their descendants are established in their sight with them, and their offspring before their eyes. 9 Their houses are safe from fear. The rod of God is not on them. 10 Their bull breeds and does not fail. Their cow gives birth to a calf and does not miscarry. 11 They send forth their little ones like a flock, and their children dance. 12 They take the tambourine and harp and rejoice at the sound of the organ. 13 They spend their days in wealth and in a moment go down to the grave. 14 Therefore, they say to God, ‘Depart from us, for we do not desire the knowledge of Your ways. 15 What is the Almighty, that we should serve Him? And what profit should we have if we pray to Him?’ 16 Behold, their good is not in their hand. The counsel of the wicked is far from me. 17 “How often the candle of the wicked is put out! And how often their destruction comes on them!
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God distributes sorrows in His anger. 18 They are like stubble before the wind and like chaff that the storm carries away. 19 God lays up his iniquity for his children. He repays him, and he shall know it. 20 His eyes shall see his destruction, and he shall drink of the wrath of the Almighty. 21 For what pleasure does he have in his house after him when the number of his months is cut off in the middle? 22 “Shall anyone teach God knowledge, since He judges those who are on high? 23 One dies in his full strength, being wholly at ease and quiet. 24 His breasts are full of milk and his bones are moistened with marrow. 25 And another dies in the bitterness of his soul and never eats with pleasure. 26 They shall lie down alike in the dust, and the worms shall cover them. 27 Behold, I know your thoughts and the schemes that you wrongfully imagine against me. 28 For you say, ‘Where is the house of the prince? And where are the dwelling places of the wicked?’ 29 Have you not asked them who go by the way? And do you not know their signs, 30 that the wicked are reserved for the day of destruction? They shall be brought forth to the day of wrath. 31 Who shall declare his way to his face? And who shall repay him what he has done? 32 Yet he shall be brought to the grave and shall remain in the tomb. 33 The clods of the valley shall be sweet to him. And every man shall draw after him, as there are innumerable before him. 34 How then do you comfort me in vain, since falsehood remains in your answers?”
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Job 22:18
Eliphaz’s Discourse: Job Has Sinned Then Eliphaz the Temanite answered and said, 2 “Can a man be profitable to God, as he who is wise may be profitable to himself ? 3 Is it any pleasure to the Almighty that you are righteous? Or is it gain to Him that you make your ways perfect? 4 “Will He correct you for fear of you? Will He enter with you into judgment? 5 Is not your wickedness great and your iniquities infinite? 6 For you have taken a pledge from your brother for no reason and stripped the naked of their clothing. 7 You have not given water to the weary to drink, and you have withheld bread from the hungry. 8 But as for the mighty man, he had the earth. And the honorable man dwelled in it. 9 You have sent widows away empty, and the arms of the fatherless have been broken. 10 Therefore, snares are around you, and sudden fear troubles you, 11 or darkness, that you cannot see. And an abundance of water covers you. 12 “Is God not in the height of heaven? And behold the height of the stars, how high they are! 13 And you say, ‘How does God know? Can He judge through the dark cloud? 14 Thick clouds are a covering for Him, that He does not see. And He walks in the circuit of heaven.’ 15 Have you marked the old way that wicked men have trodden, 16 who were cut down out of time, whose foundation was overflown with a flood, 17 who said to God, ‘Depart from us’? And ‘What can the Almighty do to them?’ 18 Yet He filled
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Job 22:19
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their houses with good things. But the counsel of the wicked is far from me. 19 The righteous see it and are glad. And the innocent laugh them to scorn: 20 ‘While our substance is not cut down, the fire consumes their remnant.’ 21 “Now acquaint yourself with Him and be at peace. By this good shall come to you. 22 Receive, I ask you, the law from His mouth and lay up His words in your heart. 23 If you return to the Almighty, you shall be built up. You shall put away iniquity far from your tents. 24 Then you shall lay up gold like dust, and the gold of Ophir like the stones of the brooks. 25 Yes, the Almighty shall be your defense. And you shall have plenty of silver. 26 For then you shall have your delight in the Almighty and shall lift up your face to God. 27 You shall make your prayer to Him, and He shall hear you. And you shall pay your vows. 28 You shall also decree a thing, and it shall be established for you. And the light shall shine on your ways. 29 When men are cast down, then you shall say, ‘There is lifting up.’ And He shall save the humble person. 30 He shall deliver the island of the innocent. And it is delivered by the pureness of your hands.” Job’s Answer: He Longs for God Then Job answered and said, 2 “Even today my complaint is bitter. My stroke is heavier than my groaning. 3 Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come even to His seat! 4 I would order my cause before Him and fill my mouth with arguments. 5 I would know the
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words that He would answer me and understand what He would say to me. 6 Will He plead against me with His great power? No, but He would put strength in me. 7 There the righteous might dispute with Him. So should I be delivered forever from my Judge. 8 “Behold, I go forward, but He is not there, and backward, but I cannot perceive Him, 9 on the left hand, where He does work, but I cannot see Him. He hides Himself on the right hand, that I cannot see Him. 10 But He knows the way that I take. When He has tested me, I shall come forth as gold. 11 My foot has held His steps. I have kept His way and not declined. 12 Nor have I gone back from the commandment of His lips. I have esteemed the words of His mouth more than my necessary food. 13 “But He is in one mind, and who can turn Him? And what His soul desires, even that He does. 14 For He performs the thing that is appointed for me. And many such things are with Him. 15 Therefore, I am troubled at His presence. When I consider, I am afraid of Him. 16 For God makes my heart soft, and the Almighty troubles me, 17 because I was not cut off before the darkness, nor has He covered the darkness from my face.” Job’s Answer, Continued “Since times are not hidden from the Almighty, why do those who know Him not see His days? 2 “Some remove the landmarks. They violently take away flocks and
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feed on them. 3 They drive away the donkey of the fatherless. They take the widow’s ox for a pledge. 4 They turn the needy out of the way. The poor of the earth hide themselves together. 5 Behold, like wild donkeys in the desert they go forth to their work, rising early to hunt. The wilderness yields food for them and for their children. 6 They reap, every one his grain in the field. And they gather the grapes of the wicked. 7 They cause the naked to lodge without clothing, that they have no covering in the cold. 8 They are wet with the showers of the mountains and embrace the rock for lack of a shelter. 9 “They pluck the fatherless from the breast and take a pledge from the poor. 10 They cause him to go naked without clothing. And they take away the sheaf from the hungry, 11 who make oil within their walls and tread their winepresses and suffer thirst. 12 Men groan from out of the city, and the soul of the wounded cries out. Yet God does not charge them with wickedness. 13 “They are of those who rebel against the light. They do not know its ways or abide in its paths. 14 The murderer rising with the light kills the poor and needy, and in the night is like a thief. 15 Also the eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, saying, ‘No eye shall see me,’ and disguises his face. 16 In the dark they dig through houses, which they had marked for themselves in the daytime. They do not know the light. 17 For the morning is to them like the shadow of death. If someone knows them, they are in the
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terrors of the shadow of death. 18 “He is swift as the waters. Their portion is cursed on the earth. He does not see the way of the vineyards. 19 Drought and heat consume the snow waters. So does the grave of those who have sinned. 20 The womb shall forget him. The worm shall feed sweetly on him. He shall be remembered no more. And wickedness shall be broken like a tree. 21 He treats with evil the barren who does not bear and does no good for the widow. 22 “He also draws the mighty with His power. He rises up, and no man is sure of life. 23 Though it is given him to be in safety, on which he rests, yet His eyes are on their ways. 24 They are exalted for a little while, but are gone and brought low. They are taken out of the way like all others and cut off like the tops of the heads of grain. 25 “And now if it is not so, who will make me a liar and make my speech worth nothing?” Bildad: Sententious Sayings Then Bildad the Shuhite answered and said, 2 “Dominion and fear are with Him. He makes peace in His high places. 3 Is there any number to His armies? And on whom does His light not arise? 4 How then can man be justified with God? Or how can he who is born of a woman be clean? 5 Look even at the moon—it does not shine. Yes, the stars are not pure in His sight— 6 how much less man, who is a worm, and the son of man, who is a worm?”
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Job’s Answer: Faith in God But Job answered and said, 2 “How have you helped him who is without power? How have you saved the arm that has no strength? 3 How have you counseled him who has no wisdom? And how have you plentifully declared the thing as it is? 4 To whom have you uttered words? And whose spirit came from you? 5 “Dead things are formed from under the waters and its inhabitants. 6 Hell is naked before Him, and destruction has no covering. 7 He stretches out the north over the empty place and hangs the earth on nothing. 8 He binds up the waters in His thick clouds, and the cloud is not torn under them. 9 He holds back the face of His throne and spreads His cloud on it. 10 He has surrounded the waters with boundaries until the day and night come to an end. 11 The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at His reproof. 12 He divides the sea with His power. And by His understanding He strikes through the proud. 13 By His spirit He has garnished the heavens. His hand has formed the crooked serpent. 14 Behold, these are parts of His ways. But how little a portion is heard of Him! But the thunder of His power who can understand?”
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Job’s Answer, Continued Moreover Job continued his parable and said, 2 “As God lives, who has taken away my judgment, and the Almighty, who has troubled my soul, 3 all the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God
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is in my nostrils, 4 my lips shall not speak wickedness or my tongue utter deceit. 5 God forbid that I should justify you. Until I die I will not remove my integrity from me. 6 I hold fast my righteousness and will not let it go. My heart shall not reproach me as long as I live. 7 “Let my enemy be like the wicked, and he who rises up against me like the unrighteous. 8 For what is the hope of the hypocrite, though he has gained, when God takes away his soul? 9 Will God hear his cry when trouble comes on him? 10 Will he delight himself in the Almighty? Will he always call on God? 11 “I will teach you by the hand of God. What is with the Almighty I will not conceal. 12 Behold, all you yourselves have seen it. Why then are you so altogether vain? 13 “This is the portion of a wicked man with God, and the heritage of oppressors, which they shall receive from the Almighty. 14 If his children are multiplied, it is for the sword. And his offspring shall not be satisfied with bread. 15 Those who remain of him shall be buried in death. And his widows shall not weep. 16 Though he heaps up silver like the dust and prepares clothing like the clay, 17 he may prepare it, but the just shall put it on and the innocent shall divide the silver. 18 He builds his house like a moth, and like a booth that the keeper makes. 19 The rich man shall lie down, but he shall not be gathered. He opens his eyes, and he is not. 20 Terrors take hold of him like waters. A tempest steals him away in the night. 21 The east wind carries
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him away, and he departs, and like a storm it hurls him out of his place. 22 For God shall cast it on him and not spare. He would gladly flee out of its hand. 23 Men shall clap their hands at him and shall hiss him out of his place.” Job’s Answer, Continued “Surely there is a mine for the silver and a place for gold where they refine it. 2 Iron is taken out of the earth, and brass is molten out of the stone. 3 He sets an end to darkness and searches out all perfection, the stones of darkness and the shadow of death. 4 The flood breaks out from the inhabitant, even the waters forgotten by the foot. They are dried up. They have gone away from men. 5 As for the earth, out of it comes bread, and under it is turned up as if it were fire. 6 Its stones are the place of sapphires. And it has dust of gold. 7 There is a path that no fowl knows and that the vulture’s eye has not seen. 8 The lion’s cubs have not trodden it, nor the fierce lion passed by it. 9 He puts forth his hand on the rock. He overturns the mountains by the roots. 10 He cuts out rivers among the rocks. And his eye sees every precious thing. 11 He binds the floods from overflowing. And the thing that is hidden he brings forth to light. 12 “But where shall wisdom be found? And where is the place of understanding? 13 Man does not know its price. Nor is it found in the land of the living. 14 The depth says, ‘It is not in me.’ And the sea says, ‘It is not with me.’ 15 It cannot be gotten for gold, nor shall silver be
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weighed for its price. 16 It cannot be valued with the gold of Ophir, with the precious onyx or the sapphire. 17 The gold and the crystal cannot equal it. And its exchange shall not be for jewels of fine gold. 18 No mention shall be made of coral or of pearls, for the price of wisdom is above rubies. 19 The topaz of Ethiopia shall not equal it, nor shall it be valued with pure gold. 20 “From where then does wisdom come? And where is the place of understanding, 21 since it is hidden from the eyes of all living and concealed from the fowls of the air? 22 Destruction and death say, ‘We have heard its fame with our ears.’ 23 God understands its way and He knows its place. 24 For He looks to the ends of the earth and sees under the whole heaven 25 to make the weight for the winds, and He weighs the waters by measure. 26 When He made a decree for the rain and a way for the lightning of the thunder, 27 then He saw it and declared it. He prepared it—yes, and searched it out. 28 And to man He said, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord—that is wisdom. And to depart from evil is understanding.’” Job Answers the False Charges Moreover, Job continued his parable and said, 2 “Oh, that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me, 3 when His candle shone on my head and when I walked by His light through darkness, 4 as I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was on my tent, 5 when the Almighty was still with me, when
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my children were around me, 6 when I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured out rivers of oil for me! 7 “When I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street, 8 the young men saw me and hid themselves. And the aged arose and stood up. 9 The princes refrained from talking and laid their hand on their mouth. 10 The nobles remained silent and their tongue clung to the roof of their mouth. 11 When the ear heard me, then it blessed me. And when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me, 12 because I delivered the poor who cried and the fatherless and him who had no one to help him. 13 The blessing of him who was ready to perish came on me, and I caused the widow’s heart to sing for joy. 14 I put on righteousness, and it clothed me. My judgment was like a robe and a diadem. 15 I was eyes to the blind and I was feet to the lame. 16 I was a father to the poor. And I searched out the case that I did not know. 17 And I broke the jaws of the wicked and plucked the plunder out of his teeth. 18 “Then I said, ‘I shall die in my nest and I shall multiply my days like the sand. 19 My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night on my branch. 20 My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand.’ 21 “Men gave ear to me and waited and kept silence at my counsel. 22 After my words they did not speak again. And my speech dropped on them. 23 And they waited for me as for the rain. And they opened their
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mouth wide as for the latter rain. 24 If I laughed at them, they did not believe it. And the light of my face they did not cast down. 25 I chose out their way and sat as chief and dwelled as a king in the army, as one who comforts the mourners.” Job’s Answer, Continued “But now those who are younger than I hold me in derision, whose fathers I would have disdained to have set with the dogs of my flock. 2 Yes, to what purpose might the strength of their hands profit me, in whom old age has perished? 3 For want and famine they were solitary, fleeing into the wilderness in former time, desolate and waste, 4 who cut up mallows by the bushes and juniper roots for their food. 5 They were driven forth from among men (they cried after them as after a thief) 6 to dwell in the cliffs of the valleys, in caves of the earth, and in the rocks. 7 They brayed among the bushes. They were gathered together under the nettles. 8 They were children of fools—yes, children of contemptible men. They were viler than the earth. 9 “And now I am their song—yes, I am their byword. 10 They hate me. They flee far from me and do not spare to spit in my face. 11 Because He has untied my cord and afflicted me, they have also let loose the bridle before me. 12 On my right hand, the youth arise. They push away my feet, and they raise up against me the ways of their destruction. 13 They mar my path. They set forward my calamity. They have no helper. 14 They came on me like a
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wide breaking in of waters. In the desolation they rolled themselves on me. 15 Terrors are turned on me. They pursue my soul like the wind, and my welfare passes away like a cloud. 16 And now my soul is poured out on me. The days of affliction have taken hold of me. 17 My bones are pierced in me in the night season. And my sinews take no rest. 18 By the great force of my disease my garment is changed. It binds me around like the collar of my coat. 19 He has cast me into the mire, and I have become like dust and ashes. 20 “I cry to You, and You do not hear me. I stand up, and You do not regard me. 21 You have become cruel to me. With Your strong hand You oppose Yourself against me. 22 You lift me up to the wind. You cause me to ride on it and dissolve my substance. 23 For I know that You will bring me to death and to the house appointed for all living. 24 “Nevertheless, He will not stretch out His hand to the grave, though they cry in His destruction. 25 Did I not weep for him who was in trouble? Was my soul not grieved for the poor? 26 When I looked for good, then evil came to me. And when I waited for light, there came darkness. 27 My bowels boiled and did not rest. The days of affliction prevented me. 28 I went mourning without the sun. I stood up and I cried in the congregation. 29 I am a brother to dragons and a companion to owls. 30 My skin is black on me, and my bones are burned with heat. 31 My harp also has turned to mourning, and my organ into the voice of those who weep.”
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Job’s Answer, Continued “I made a covenant with my eyes. Why then should I think on a maid? 2 For what portion of God is there from above, and what inheritance of the Almighty from on high? 3 Is not destruction to the wicked, and a strange punishment to the workers of iniquity? 4 Does He not see my ways and count all my steps? 5 “If I have walked with deception or if my foot has hastened to deceit, 6 let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know my integrity. 7 If my step has turned out of the way and my heart walked after my eyes, and if any blot has clung to my hands, 8 then let me sow, and let another eat. Yes, let my offspring be rooted out. 9 “If my heart has been deceived by a woman, or if I have laid wait at my neighbor’s door, 10 then let my wife grind for another, and let others bow down on her. 11 For this is a heinous crime. Yes, it is an iniquity to be punished by the judges. 12 For it is a fire that consumes to destruction and would root out all my increase. 13 If I despised the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant when they contended with me, 14 what then shall I do when God rises up? And when He visits, what shall I answer Him? 15 Did not He who made me in the womb make him? And did not One fashion us in the womb? 16 “If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail, 17 or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless has not eaten
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of it 18 (for from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother’s womb), 19 if I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering, 20 if his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep, 21 if I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless when I saw my help in the gate, 22 then let my arm fall from my shoulder blade and my arm be broken from the bone. 23 For destruction from God was a terror to me, and by reason of His highness I could not endure. 24 “If I have made gold my hope, or have said to the fine gold, ‘You are my confidence,’ 25 if I rejoiced because my wealth was great and because my hand had gotten much, 26 if I beheld the sun when it shone or the moon walking in brightness, 27 and my heart has been secretly enticed, or my mouth has kissed my hand, 28 this also would be an iniquity to be punished by the Judge. For I would have denied the God who is above. 29 If I rejoiced at the destruction of him who hated me or lifted up myself when evil found him— 30 I have not allowed my mouth to sin by wishing a curse on his soul. 31 If the men of my tent did not say, ‘Oh that we had of his flesh! We cannot be satisfied.’ 32 The stranger did not lodge in the street, but I opened my doors to the traveler. 33 “If I covered my transgressions like Adam, by hiding my guilt in my heart, 34 did I fear a great multitude, or did the contempt of families terrify me, that I kept silence and did not go out of the door? 35 Oh, that
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one would hear me! Behold, my desire is that the Almighty would answer me, and that my Adversary had written a book. 36 Surely I would take it on my shoulder and bind it like a crown to me. 37 I would declare to Him the number of my steps. As a prince would, I go near to Him. 38 “If my land cries against me or its furrows likewise complain, 39 if I have eaten its fruits without money or have caused its owners to lose their life, 40 let thistles grow instead of wheat, and stinkweed instead of barley.” The words of Job are ended. Elihu’s Discourse So these three men ceased to answer Job, because he was righteous in his own eyes. 2 Then the wrath of Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, of the family of Ram, was kindled. His wrath was kindled against Job because he justified himself rather than God. 3 His wrath also was kindled against his three friends because they had found no answer and yet had condemned Job. 4 Now Elihu had waited until Job had spoken because they were older than he. 5 When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, then his wrath was kindled. 6 And Elihu, the son of Barachel the Buzite, answered and said, “I am young, and you are very old. Therefore, I was afraid and dared not tell you my opinion. 7 I said, ‘Days should speak, and multitude of years should teach wisdom.’ 8 But there is a spirit in man. And the
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inspiration of the Almighty gives them understanding. 9 Great men are not always wise. Nor do the aged understand judgment. 10 “Therefore I said, ‘Listen to me. I also will show my opinion.’ 11 Behold, I waited for your words. I gave ear to your reasons while you searched out what to say. 12 Yes, I attended to you, and behold, there was none of you who convinced Job or who answered his words. 13 Lest you should say, ‘We have found out wisdom,’ God thrusts him down, not man. 14 Now he has not directed his words against me. Nor will I answer him with your speeches. 15 “They were amazed; they answered no more. They stopped speaking. 16 When I had waited (for they did not speak, but stood still and answered no more), 17 I said, ‘I will answer also my part. I also will tell my opinion.’ 18 For I am full of matter. The spirit within me compels me. 19 Behold, my belly is like wine that has no vent. It is ready to burst like new bottles. 20 I will speak, that I may be refreshed. I will open my lips and answer. 21 Let me not, I ask you, show partiality to any man. Nor let me give flattering titles to man. 22 For I do not know how to give flattering titles. In doing so, my Maker would soon take me away.” Elihu’s Discourse, Continued “Therefore, Job, I ask you, hear my speeches and listen to all my words. 2 Behold, now I have opened my mouth. My tongue has spoken in my mouth. 3 My words shall be from the uprightness of my heart. And my lips shall utter
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knowledge clearly. 4 The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty has given me life. 5 If you can answer me, set your words in order before me. Stand up. 6 Behold, according to your wish I am in God’s place. I also am formed out of the clay. 7 Behold, my terror shall not make you afraid, nor shall my hand be heavy on you. 8 “Surely you have spoken in my hearing, and I have heard the voice of your words, saying, 9 ‘I am clean, without transgression. I am innocent. Nor is there guilt in me. 10 Behold, He finds occasions against me. He counts me as His enemy. 11 He puts my feet in the stocks. He marks all my paths.’ 12 “Behold, in this, you are not just. I will answer you, that God is greater than man. 13 Why do you strive against Him? For He does not give account of any of His matters. 14 For God speaks once—yes, twice—yet man does not perceive it. 15 In a dream, in a vision of the night, when deep sleep falls on men, in slumbering on the bed, 16 then He opens the ears of men and seals their instruction, 17 that He may withdraw man from his purpose and hide pride from man. 18 He keeps back his soul from the pit and his life from perishing by the sword. 19 “He is also chastened with pain on his bed, and the multitude of his bones with strong pain, 20 so that his life hates bread and his soul dainty food. 21 His flesh wastes away, that it cannot be seen. And his bones that were not seen stick out. 22 Yes, his soul draws near to the grave, and his life to the destroyers.
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23 “If
there is a messenger with him, an interpreter, one among a thousand, to show to man his uprightness, 24 then He is gracious to him and says, ‘Deliver him from going down to the pit. I have found a ransom.’ 25 His flesh shall be fresher than a child’s. He shall return to the days of his youth. 26 He shall pray to God, and He will be favorable to him. And he shall see His face with joy. For He will render to man His righteousness. 27 He looks on men, and if any say, ‘I have sinned and perverted what was right, and it did not profit me,’ 28 He will deliver his soul from going into the pit, and his life shall see the light. 29 “Behold, God works all these things often with man 30 to bring back his soul from the pit, to be enlightened with the light of the living. 31 “Observe well, O Job. Listen to me. Remain silent, and I will speak. 32 If you have anything to say, answer me. Speak, for I desire to justify you. 33 If not, listen to me. Remain silent, and I shall teach you wisdom.” Elihu’s Discourse, Continued Furthermore, Elihu answered and said, 2 “Hear my words, O wise men, and give ear to me, you who have knowledge. 3 For the ear tests words like the mouth tastes food. 4 Let us choose judgment for ourselves. Let us know among ourselves what is good. 5 “For Job has said, ‘I am righteous, and God has taken away my judgment. 6 Should I lie about my right? My wound is incurable without transgression.’ 7 What man is like Job, who drinks up scorning
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like water, 8 who goes in company with the workers of iniquity and walks with wicked men? 9 For he has said, ‘It profits a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.’ 10 “Therefore, listen to me, you men of understanding. Far be it from God that He should do wickedness, and from the Almighty, that He should commit iniquity. 11 For He shall render the work of a man to him and cause every man to find according to his ways. 12 Yes, surely God will not act wickedly, nor will the Almighty pervert judgment. 13 Who has given Him charge over the earth? Or who has bestowed the whole world? 14 If He sets His heart on man, if He gathers to Himself His Spirit and His breath, 15 all flesh shall perish together, and man shall turn again to dust. 16 If you now have understanding, hear this. Listen to the voice of my words. 17 Shall even he who hates judgment govern? And will you condemn Him who is most just? 18 Is it fitting to say to a king, ‘You are wicked,’ and to princes, ‘You are ungodly’? 19 How much less to Him who does not lift up the persons of princes or regard the rich more than the poor? For they all are the work of His hands. 20 In a moment they shall die, and the people shall be troubled at midnight and pass away. And the mighty shall be taken away without a hand. 21 “For His eyes are on the ways of man, and He sees all his goings. 22 There is no darkness or shadow of death where the workers of iniquity may hide themselves. 23 For He will not consider a man further,
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that he should enter into judgment with God. 24 He shall break in pieces mighty men without number and set others in their place. 25 Therefore, He knows their works and He overturns them in the night, so that they are destroyed. 26 He strikes them as wicked men in the open sight of others, 27 because they turned back from Him and would not consider any of His ways, 28 so that they cause the cry of the poor to come to Him. And He hears the cry of the afflicted. 29 When He gives quietness, who then can make trouble? And when He hides His face, who then can see Him, whether it is done against a nation or against a man only, 30 that the hypocrite should not reign, lest the people be ensnared? 31 Surely it is fitting to say to God, ‘I have endured chastisement; I will not offend anymore. 32 Teach me what I cannot see. If I have done iniquity, I will do no more.’ 33 Should it be according to your mind? He will repay it, whether you refuse or whether you choose, and not I. Therefore, speak what you know. 34 “Let men of understanding tell me, and let a wise man listen to me. 35 Job has spoken without knowledge, and his words were without wisdom. 36 My desire is that Job may be tried to the end because of his answers for wicked men. 37 For he adds rebellion to his sin. He claps his hands among us and multiplies his words against God.”
is more than God’s’? 3 For you said, ‘What advantage will it be to You?’ and ‘What profit shall I have, if I am cleansed from my sin?’ 4 “I will answer you and your companions with you. 5 Look to the heavens and see. And look at the clouds that are higher than you. 6 If you sin, what do you do against Him? Or if your transgressions are multiplied, what do you do to Him? 7 If you are righteous, what do you give Him? Or what does He receive from your hand? 8 Your wickedness may hurt a man like you are. And your righteousness may profit the son of man. 9 “Because of the multitude of oppressions, they make the oppressed cry. They cry out on account of the arm of the mighty. 10 But no one says, ‘Where is God, my Maker, who gives songs in the night, 11 who teaches us more than the beasts of the earth and makes us wiser than the fowls of heaven?’ 12 There they cry, but no one gives answer because of the pride of evil men. 13 Surely God will not hear vanity, nor will the Almighty regard it. 14 Although you say you shall not see Him, yet judgment is before Him. Therefore, trust in Him. 15 But now, because it is not so, He has punished in His anger, yet He does not know it in great extremity. 16 Therefore, Job opens his mouth in vain. He multiplies words without knowledge.”
Elihu’s Discourse, Continued Moreover, Elihu spoke and said, 2 “Do you think this is right, that you said, ‘My righteousness
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Elihu’s Discourse, Continued Elihu also proceeded and said, 2 “Bear with me a little, and I will show you that I have yet to speak on God’s behalf. 3 I will
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bring my knowledge from afar and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. 4 For truly my words shall not be false. He who is perfect in knowledge is with you. 5 “Behold, God is mighty and does not despise anyone. He is mighty in strength and wisdom. 6 He does not preserve the life of the wicked but gives justice to the poor. 7 He does not withdraw His eyes from the righteous. But they are on the throne with kings. Yes, He establishes them forever, and they are exalted. 8 And if they are bound in shackles and are held in cords of affliction, 9 then He tells them their work and their transgressions that they have exceeded. 10 He also opens their ear to discipline and commands that they return from iniquity. 11 If they obey and serve Him, they shall spend their days in prosperity and their years in pleasures. 12 But if they do not obey, they shall perish by the sword and they shall die without knowledge. 13 “But the hypocrites in heart heap up wrath. They do not cry when He binds them. 14 They die in youth, and their life is among the unclean. 15 He delivers the poor in his affliction and opens their ears in oppression. 16 “Even so, would He have removed you out of the tight place into a broad place, where there is no distress, and what would be set on your table would be full of fatness? 17 But you have fulfilled the judgment of the wicked. Judgment and justice take hold of you. 18 Because there is wrath, beware, lest He take you away with His stroke.
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Then a great ransom cannot deliver you. 19 Will He esteem your riches? No, not gold or all the forces of strength. 20 Do not desire the night, when people are cut off in their place. 21 Take heed. Do not regard iniquity. For this you have chosen rather than affliction. 22 “Behold, God exalts by His power. Who teaches like Him? 23 Who has assigned Him His way? Or who can say, ‘You have worked iniquity’? 24 “Remember that you magnify His work, which men see. 25 Every man may see it; man may behold it from afar. 26 “Behold, God is great, and we do not know Him. Nor can the number of His years be searched out. 27 For He makes small the drops of water. They pour down rain according to their vapor, 28 which the clouds drop down and drip on man abundantly. 29 Also can anyone understand the spreading of the clouds or the noise of His tabernacle? 30 Behold, He spreads His light on it and covers the bottom of the sea. 31 For by them He judges the people. He gives food in abundance. 32 With clouds He covers the light and commands it not to shine by the cloud that comes between them. 33 The noise of it tells concerning it—the cattle also, concerning the vapor.” Elihu’s Discourse, Continued “At this also my heart trembles and is moved out of its place. 2 Hear attentively the noise of His voice and the sound that goes out of His mouth. 3 He directs it under the whole heaven and His
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lightning to the ends of the earth. 4 After it a voice roars. He thunders with the voice of His excellency. And He will not stop them when His voice is heard. 5 God thunders marvelously with His voice. He does great things, which we cannot comprehend. 6 For He says to the snow, ‘Be on the earth,’ likewise to the small rain and to the great rain of His strength. 7 He seals up the hand of every man, that all men may know His work. 8 Then the beasts go into dens and remain in their places. 9 Out of the south comes the whirlwind and cold out of the north. 10 By the breath of God frost is given. And the breadth of the waters is narrowed. 11 Also by watering He wearies the thick cloud. He scatters His bright cloud. 12 And it is turned around by His counsels, that they may do whatever He commands them on the face of the world on the earth. 13 He causes it to come, whether for correction or for His land or for mercy. 14 “Listen to this, O Job. Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God. 15 Do you know when God arranged them and caused the light of His cloud to shine? 16 Do you know the balancing of the clouds, the wondrous works of Him who is perfect in knowledge? 17 How are your garments warm when He quiets the earth by the south wind? 18 Have you, with Him, spread out the sky, which is strong and like a molten mirror? 19 “Teach us what we shall say to Him, for we cannot order our speech by reason of darkness. 20 Shall it be told to Him that I speak? If a man
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does speak, surely he shall be swallowed up. 21 And now men do not see the bright light that is in the clouds, but the wind passes and cleanses them. 22 Fair weather comes out of the north. With God is awesome majesty. 23 Touching the Almighty, we cannot find Him out. He is excellent in power and in judgment and in plenty of justice. He will not afflict. 24 Men do therefore fear Him. He does not respect any who are wise of heart.” Jehovah and Job Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, 2 “Who is this who darkens counsel by words without knowledge? 3 Now gird up your loins like a man, for I will demand of you, and you will answer Me. 4 “Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Declare, if you have understanding. 5 Who has laid its measures, if you know? Or who has stretched the line on it? 6 On what are its foundations fastened? Or who laid its cornerstone 7 when the morning stars sang together and all the sons of God shouted for joy? 8 “Or who closed up the sea with doors when it broke forth as if it had issued out of the womb, 9 when I made the cloud its garment and thick darkness a swaddling band for it, 10 and broke up for it My decreed place, and set bars and doors, 11 and said, ‘This far you shall come, but no farther, and here your proud waves shall stop’? 12 “Have you commanded the morning since your days and
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caused the dawn to know its place, 13 that it might take hold of the ends of the earth, that the wicked might be shaken out of it? 14 It is turned like clay to the seal. And they stand like a garment. 15 And their light is withheld from the wicked, and the high arm shall be broken. 16 “Have you entered into the springs of the sea? Or have you walked in search of the depth? 17 Have the gates of death been opened to you? Or have you seen the doors of the shadow of death? 18 Have you perceived the breadth of the earth? Declare, if you know it all. 19 Where is the way where light dwells? And as for darkness, where is its place, 20 that you should take it to its boundaries and that you should know the paths to its house? 21 Do you know it because you were born then or because the number of your days is great? 22 “Have you entered into the treasuries of the snow? Or have you seen the treasuries of the hail, 23 which I have reserved for the time of trouble, for the day of battle and war? 24 By what way is the light parted, which scatters the east wind on the earth? 25 “Who has divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder, 26 to cause it to rain on the earth, where no man is, on the wilderness, where there is no man, 27 to satisfy the desolate and waste ground, and to cause the bud of the tender herb to spring forth? 28 Does the rain have a father? Or who has given birth to the drops of dew? 29 Out of whose womb came the ice? And the white
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frost of heaven, who has given birth to it? 30 The waters are hidden as with a stone, and the face of the deep is frozen. 31 “Can you bind the sweet influences of Pleiades or untie the bands of Orion? 32 Can you bring forth Mazzaroth in his season? Or can you guide Arcturus with his sons? 33 Do you know the ordinances of heaven? Can you set their dominion over the earth? 34 “Can you lift up your voice to the clouds, that an abundance of waters may cover you? 35 Can you send lightnings, that they may go and say to you, ‘Here we are’? 36 Who has put wisdom in the inner parts? Or who has given understanding to the heart? 37 Who can number the clouds in wisdom? Or who can stop the bottles of heaven 38 when the dust grows into hardness and the clods cling firmly together? 39 “Will you hunt the prey for the lion? Or fill the appetite of the young lions 40 when they crouch in their dens and stay in the lair to lie in wait? 41 Who provides food for the raven? When its young ones cry to God, they wander for lack of food.” Jehovah and Job, Continued “Do you know the time when the wild goats of the rock give birth? Or can you observe when the deer give birth? 2 Can you number the months that they fulfill? Or do you know the time when they give birth? 3 They bow themselves, they bring forth their young ones, they cast out their sorrows. 4 Their young ones are in good health; they
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grow up with grain; they go out and do not return to them. 5 “Who has set the wild donkey free? Or who has untied the ropes of the wild donkey, 6 whose house I have made the wilderness, and the barren land his dwelling? 7 He scorns the multitude of the city. He does not regard the crying of the driver. 8 The range of the mountains is his pasture, and he searches after every green thing. 9 “Will the wild ox be willing to serve you or remain by your manger? 10 Can you bind the wild ox with his rope in the furrow? Or will he plow the valleys after you? 11 Will you trust him because his strength is great? Or will you leave your labor to him? 12 Will you believe him, that he will bring home your seed and gather it into your barn? 13 “Did you give the fine wings to the peacocks? Or wings and feathers to the ostrich, 14 who leaves her eggs in the earth and warms them in dust 15 and forgets that the foot may crush them or that the wild beast may break them? 16 She is hardened against her young ones as though they were not hers. Her labor is in vain without fear, 17 because God has deprived her of wisdom. Nor has He imparted to her understanding. 18 When she lifts up herself on high she scorns the horse and his rider. 19 “Have you given the horse strength? Have you clothed his neck with thunder? 20 Can you make him afraid like a grasshopper? The glory of his nostrils is terrifying. 21 He paws in the valley and rejoices in his strength. He goes on to meet
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the armed men. 22 He mocks at fear and is not frightened. He does not turn back from the sword. 23 The quiver rattles against him, the glittering spear and the shield. 24 He swallows the ground with fierceness and rage. He does not believe that it is the sound of the trumpet. 25 He says among the trumpets, ‘Ha, ha,’ and he smells the battle from afar, the thunder of the captains and the shouting. 26 “Does the hawk fly by your wisdom and stretch her wings toward the south? 27 Does the eagle mount up at your command and make her nest on high? 28 She dwells and abides on the rock, on the crag of the rock and the strong place. 29 From there she seeks the prey, and her eyes see from afar. 30 Her young ones also suck up blood. And where the slain are, there she is.” Jehovah and Job, Continued Moreover, the Lord answered Job and said, 2 “Shall he who contends with the Almighty instruct Him? He who refutes God, let him answer it.” 3 Then Job answered the Lord and said, 4 “Behold, I am vile. What shall I answer You? I will lay my hand on my mouth. 5 Once I have spoken, but I will not answer—yes, twice, but I will proceed no further.” 6 Then the Lord answered Job out of the whirlwind and said, 7 “Now gird up your loins like a man. I will demand of you, and you will declare to Me. 8 “Will you also annul My judgment? Will you condemn Me, that you may be righteous? 9 Have you
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an arm like God? Or can you thunder with a voice like Him? 10 Deck yourself now with majesty and excellency, and array yourself with glory and beauty. 11 Cast out the rage of your wrath, and look at everyone who is proud and humble him. 12 Look at everyone who is proud and bring him low. And tread down the wicked in their place. 13 Hide them in the dust together and bind their faces in secret. 14 Then I will also confess to you that your own right hand can save you. 15 “Behold now the behemoth, which I made with you. He eats grass like an ox. 16 Behold now, his strength is in his loins and his force is in the navel of his belly. 17 He moves his tail like a cedar. The sinews of his thighs are wrapped together. 18 His bones are as strong pieces of brass; his bones are like bars of iron. 19 He is the chief of the ways of God. He who made him can make His sword to approach him. 20 Surely the mountains bring forth food for him, where all the beasts of the field play. 21 He lies under the shady trees, in the shelter of the reed and marsh. 22 The shady trees cover him with their shadow. The willows of the brook surround him. 23 Behold, he drinks up a river and does not hasten. He trusts that he can draw up the Jordan into his mouth. 24 He takes it with his eyes. His nose pierces through snares.” Jehovah and Job, Continued “Can you draw out Leviathan with a hook, or his tongue with a cord that you let down? 2 Can you put a hook in his nose? Or
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bore his jaw through with a thorn? 3 Will he make many supplications to you? Will he speak soft words to you? 4 Will he make a covenant with you? Will you take him for a servant forever? 5 Will you play with him as with a bird? Or will you bind him for your maidens? 6 Shall the companions make a banquet of him? Shall they divide him among the merchants? 7 Can you fill his skin with barbed irons or his head with fish spears? 8 Lay your hand on him. Remember the battle—do no more! 9 Behold, the hope of him is in vain. Shall not one be cast down even at the sight of him? 10 No one is so fierce that he would dare stir him up. Who then is able to stand before Me? 11 Who has gone before Me, that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine. 12 “I will not conceal his parts or his power or his pleasing proportion. 13 Who can discover the face of his garment? Or who can come to him with his double bridle? 14 Who can open the doors of his face? His teeth are terrifying all around. 15 His scales are his pride, closed up together as with a tight seal. 16 One is so near to another that no air can come between them. 17 They are joined to one another. They stick together, that they cannot be separated. 18 By his sneezing a light shines, and his eyes are like the eyelids of the morning. 19 Burning lamps go out of his mouth, and sparks of fire leap out. 20 Smoke goes out of his nostrils like out of a seething pot or cauldron. 21 His breath kindles coals, and a flame goes out of his mouth. 22 Strength remains in his
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neck, and sorrow is turned into joy before him. 23 The flakes of his flesh are joined together. They are firm in themselves. They cannot be moved. 24 His heart is as firm as a stone— yes, as hard as a piece of the lower millstone. 25 When he raises himself up, the mighty are afraid. Because of breakings they purify themselves. 26 The sword that reaches him cannot hold—the spear, the dart, or the javelin. 27 He regards iron as straw and brass as rotten wood. 28 The arrow cannot make him flee. Slingstones are turned into stubble with him. 29 Darts are counted as stubble. He laughs at the shaking of a spear. 30 Sharp stones are under him. He spreads sharp-pointed things in the mire. 31 He makes the deep boil like a pot. He makes the sea like a pot of ointment. 32 He makes a path shine after him. One would think the deep to be white. 33 There is nothing on earth like him, who is made without fear. 34 He sees all high things. He is a king over all the children of pride.” Job’s Self-Judgment Then Job answered the Lord and said, 2 “I know that You can do everything and that no thought can be withheld from You. 3 Who is he who hides counsel without knowledge? Therefore, I have uttered what I do not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I do not know. 4 Hear, I beseech You, and I will speak. I will demand of You, and You will declare to me. 5 I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear. But now my eye sees You. 6 Therefore, I hate myself and repent in dust and ashes.”
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Job Vindicated and Honored 7 And it was so, that after the Lord had spoken these words to Job, the Lord said to Eliphaz the Temanite, “My wrath is kindled against you and against your two friends. For you have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, as my servant Job has. 8 Therefore, now take for yourselves seven bulls and seven rams and go to my servant Job and offer up for yourselves a burnt offering. And my servant Job shall pray for you. For I will accept him, lest I deal with you according to your folly, in that you have not spoken of Me the thing that is right, like my servant Job.” 9 So Eliphaz the Temanite and Bildad the Shuhite and Zophar the Naamathite went and did according to what the Lord commanded them. The Lord also accepted Job. 10 And the Lord turned the captivity of Job when he prayed for his friends. Also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before. 11 Then all his brothers came to him, and all his sisters, and all those who had been his acquaintances before, and ate bread with him in his house. And they lamented him and comforted him over all the evil that the Lord had brought on him. Every man also gave him a piece of money and each one an earring of gold. 12 So the Lord blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning, for he had fourteen thousand sheep and six thousand camels and a thousand yoke of oxen and a thousand female donkeys. 13 He also had seven sons and three daughters. 14 And he called the name of the
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first, Jemimah; and the name of the second, Keziah; and the name of the third, Keren-happuch. 15 And in all the land no women were found so beautiful as the daughters of Job. And their father gave them an
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inheritance among their brothers. 16 After this, Job lived a hundred and forty years and saw his sons and his sons’ sons, even four generations. 17 So Job died, being old and full of days.
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PSALMS INTRODUCTION TO PSALMS The book of Psalms has been called the “hymnbook” of the Old Testament. Depending on one’s perception of a hymnal, the title can be misleading, or it can be quite accurate. Anyone who closely examines a traditional hymnal and reads the words of Martin Luther, Charles Wesley, Fanny Crosby, and others will find a wealth of biblical truth and weighty theological tenets. AUTHOR The psalms have a variety of authors. Almost half of the psalms (seventy-three) are attributed to David. Asaph (including his descendants, one of the clans of Levites assigned to oversee the music ministry of the temple) is credited with twelve psalms. Another music ministry clan, the sons of Korah, is identified with eleven psalms (although Psalm 43, which is unattributed, may have originally been an extension of Psalm 42 and is therefore added to the total). Two psalms are assigned to Solomon. One each is assigned to Moses, Heman, and Ethan. That leaves forty-nine psalms with no designated author. OCCASION The Hebrew title for the book means “praises.” Overall, the content of the book is intended for prayer and praise, although there is much variety within those broad categories.
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BOOK 1
PSALM 1
1 Blessed is the man who does not
walk in the counsel of the ungodly or stand in the way of sinners or sit in the seat of the scornful. 2 But his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on His law he meditates day and night. 3 And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in its season. His leaf also shall not wither, and whatever he does shall prosper. 4 The ungodly are not so but are like the chaff that the wind drives away. 5 Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. 6 For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the ungodly shall perish. PSALM 2
1 Why do the nations rage and the
people plot a vain thing? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens shall laugh. The Lord shall hold them in derision. 5 Then He shall speak to them in His wrath and afflict them in His great displeasure:
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6 “Yet
have I set My King on My holy hill of Zion.” 7 I will declare the decree: “The Lord has said to Me, ‘You are My Son; this day I have begotten You. 8 Ask of Me, and I shall give You the nations as Your inheritance, and the farthest parts of the earth as Your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron. You shall dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.’” 10 Be wise now therefore, O you kings. Be instructed, you judges of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. 12 Kiss the Son, lest He be angry and you perish on the way, when His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him. PSALM 3 A psalm of David, when he fled from Absalom his son. 1 Lord,
how those are increased who trouble me! Many are those who rise up against me. 2 There are many who say of my soul: “There is no help for him in God.” Selah. 3 But You, O Lord, are a shield for me, my glory, and the lifter up of my head. 4 I cried to the Lord with my voice, and He heard me out of His holy hill. Selah. 5 I laid me down and slept. I awoke, for the Lord sustained me. 6 I will not be afraid of ten thousands
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of people who have set themselves against me all around. 7 Arise, O Lord. Save me, O my God, for You have struck all my enemies on the cheekbone. You have broken the teeth of the ungodly. 8 Salvation belongs to the Lord. Your blessing is on Your people. Selah. PSALM 4 To the chief musician on neginoth, a psalm of David. 1 Hear me when I call, O God of
my righteousness. You have relieved me when I was in distress. Have mercy on me and hear my prayer. 2 O you sons of men, how long will you turn my glory into shame? How long will you love vanity and seek after deceit? Selah. 3 But know that the Lord has set apart him who is godly for Himself. The Lord will hear when I call to Him. 4 Stand in awe, and do not sin. Speak with your own heart on your bed and be still. Selah. 5 Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, and put your trust in the Lord. 6 There are many who say, “Who will show us any good?” Lord, You lift up the light of Your face on us. 7 You have put gladness in my heart, more than in the time that their grain and their wine increased. 8 I will both lay me down in peace and sleep, for You alone, Lord, make me dwell in safety.
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PSALM 5 To the chief musician on nehiloth, a psalm of David. 1 Give
ear to my words, O Lord; consider my meditation. 2 Listen to the voice of my cry, my King and my God, for to You I will pray. 3 You shall hear my voice in the morning, O Lord. In the morning I will direct my prayer to You and will look up. 4 For You are not a God who has pleasure in wickedness, nor shall evil dwell with You. 5 The foolish shall not stand in Your sight. You hate all workers of iniquity. 6 You shall destroy those who speak lies. The Lord will hate the murderous and deceitful man. 7 But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy, and in Your fear I will worship toward Your holy temple. 8 Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies. Make Your way straight before my face. 9 For there is no faithfulness in their mouth. Their inner part is great wickedness. Their throat is an open sepulchre. They flatter with their tongue. 10 Destroy them, O God. Let them fall by their own counsels. Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You. 11 But let all those who put their trust in You rejoice. Let them ever shout for joy because You defend them. Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.
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12 For You, Lord, will bless the righ-
teous; with favor You will surround him as with a shield.
Lord, concerning the words of Cush the Benjamite. 1 O Lord my God, I put my trust in
PSALM 6 To the chief musician on neginoth on sheminith, a psalm of David. 1 O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your
anger or chasten me in Your hot displeasure. 2 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am weak. O Lord, heal me, for my bones are troubled. 3 My soul is also greatly troubled, but You, O Lord, how long? 4 Return, O Lord, deliver my soul. Oh save me for Your mercies’ sake. 5 For in death there is no remembrance of You. In the grave who shall give You thanks? 6 I am weary with my groaning; all night I make my bed to swim. I water my couch with my tears. 7 My eye is consumed because of grief. It grows old because of all my enemies. 8 Depart from me, all you workers of iniquity, for the Lord has heard the sound of my weeping. 9 The Lord has heard my supplication; the Lord will receive my prayer. 10 Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled. Let them return and be ashamed suddenly. PSALM 7 Shiggaion of David, which he sang to the
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You. Save me from all those who persecute me, and deliver me, 2 lest he tear my soul like a lion, tearing it in pieces, while there is no one to deliver. 3 O Lord my God, if I have done this, if there is iniquity in my hands, 4 if I have repaid evil to him who was at peace with me (yes, I have delivered him who without reason is my enemy), 5 let the enemy persecute my soul and take it; yes, let him tread down my life on the earth and lay my honor in the dust. Selah. 6 Arise, O Lord, in Your anger; lift up Yourself because of the rage of my enemies, and awake for me to the judgment that You have commanded. 7 So shall the congregation of the people surround You; for their sakes, therefore, return on high. 8 The Lord shall judge the people. Judge me, O Lord, according to my righteousness and according to my integrity that is in me. 9 Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end, but establish the just, for the righteous God tries the hearts and minds. 10 My defense is from God, who saves the upright in heart. 11 God judges the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. 12 If he does not return, He will sharpen His sword; He has bent His bow and made it ready.
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the instruments of death; He ordains His arrows against the persecutors. 14 Behold, he labors with iniquity and has conceived evil and brought forth falsehood. 15 He made a pit and dug it and has fallen into the ditch that he made. 16 His evil shall return on his own head, and his violent dealing shall come down on his own head. 17 I will praise the Lord according to His righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the Lord Most High. PSALM 8 To the chief musician on gittith, a psalm of David. 1 O Lord, our Lord, how excellent
is Your name in all the earth, who has set Your glory above the heavens. 2 Out of the mouth of babies and nursing infants, You have ordained strength because of Your enemies that You might quiet the enemy and the avenger. 3 When I consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained, 4 what is man that You are mindful of him? And the son of man that You care about him? 5 For You have made him a little lower than the angels and have crowned him with glory and honor. 6 You made him to have dominion over the works of Your hands. You have put all things under his feet:
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7 all
sheep and oxen, yes, and the beasts of the field, 8 the fowl of the air, and the fish of the sea, and whatever passes through the paths of the seas. 9 O Lord our Lord, how excellent is Your name in all the earth! PSALM 9 To the chief musician on Muth-labben, a psalm of David. 1 I will praise You, O Lord, with my
whole heart; I will declare all Your marvelous works. 2 I will be glad and rejoice in You. I will sing praise to Your name, O Most High. 3 When my enemies turn back, they shall fall and perish in Your presence. 4 For You have maintained my right and my cause; You sat on the throne judging righteously. 5 You have rebuked the nations. You have destroyed the wicked. You have put out their name forever and ever. 6 O you enemy, destructions have come to a perpetual end, and you have destroyed cities. Their memorial has perished with them. 7 But the Lord shall endure forever. He has prepared His throne for judgment. 8 And He shall judge the world in righteousness. He shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness. 9 The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.
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10 And those who know Your name
will put their trust in You, for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You. 11 Sing praises to the Lord, who dwells in Zion. Declare among the people His doings. 12 When He makes inquisition for blood, He remembers them. He does not forget the cry of the humble. 13 Have mercy on me, O Lord. Consider my trouble that I suffer from those who hate me, You who lifts me up from the gates of death, 14 that I may declare all Your praise in the gates of the daughter of Zion. I will rejoice in Your salvation. 15 The nations have sunk down in the pit that they made; their own foot has been caught in the net that they hid. 16 The Lord is known by the judgment that He executes. The wicked person is ensnared by the work of his own hands. Higgaion. Selah. 17 The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations who forget God. 18 For the needy shall not always be forgotten. The expectation of the poor shall not perish forever. 19 Arise, O Lord. Let man not prevail. Let the nations be judged in Your sight. 20 Put them in fear, O Lord, that the nations may know themselves to be but men. Selah. PSALM 10 do You stand afar off, O Lord? Why do You hide Yourself in times of trouble? 1 Why
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2 The wicked in his pride persecutes
the poor. Let them be taken in the schemes that they have devised. 3 For the wicked boasts of his heart’s desire and blesses the covetous, whom the Lord hates. 4 The wicked, through the pride of his face, will not seek after God. God is not in all his thoughts. 5 His ways are always grievous; Your judgments are far above out of his sight. As for all his enemies, he puffs at them. 6 He has said in his heart, “I shall not be moved, for I shall never be in adversity.” 7 His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud. Under his tongue is evil and falsehood. 8 He sits in the lurking places of the villages; in the secret places he murders the innocent. His eyes are secretly set against the poor. 9 He lies in wait secretly as a lion in his den; he lies in wait to catch the poor. He catches the poor when he draws him into his net. 10 He crouches and humbles himself, that the poor may fall by his strong ones. 11 He has said in his heart, “God has forgotten. He hides His face; He will never see it.” 12 Arise, O Lord. O God, lift up Your hand; do not forget the humble. 13 Why does the wicked spurn God? He has said in his heart, “You will not require it.” 14 You have seen it, for You see evil and spite, to avenge it with Your hand. The poor commits himself to You. You are the helper of the fatherless. 15 Break the arm of the wicked and
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the evil man. Seek out his wickedness until You find none. 16 The Lord is King forever and ever. The nations have perished out of His land. 17 Lord, You have heard the desire of the humble. You will prepare their heart. You will cause Your ear to hear, 18 to judge the fatherless and the oppressed, that the man of the earth may no longer oppress. PSALM 11 To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 1 In the Lord I put my trust. How
can you say to my soul, “Flee as a bird to your mountain? 2 For, behold, the wicked bend their bow. They prepare their arrow on the string, that they may secretly shoot at the upright in heart. 3 If the foundations are destroyed, what can the righteous do?” 4 The Lord is in His holy temple; the Lord’s throne is in heaven. His eyes see; His eyelids test the children of men. 5 The Lord tests the righteous, but His soul hates the wicked and him who loves violence. 6 On the wicked He shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and a horrible tempest. This shall be the portion of their cup. 7 For the righteous Lord loves righteousness. The upright will see His face.
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PSALM 12 To the chief musician on sheminith, a psalm of David. 1 Help,
Lord, for the godly man ceases, for the faithful are lacking from among the children of men. 2 They speak lies, every one with his neighbor. They speak with flattering lips and with a double heart. 3 The Lord shall cut off all flattering lips and the tongue that speaks proud things, 4 who have said, “With our tongue we will prevail. Our lips are our own. Who is lord over us?” 5 “For the oppression of the poor, for the sighing of the needy, now I will arise,” says the Lord. “I will set him in safety from him who puffs at him.” 6 The words of the Lord are pure words, as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. 7 You shall keep them, O Lord. You shall preserve them from this generation forever. 8 The wicked walk on every side when the vilest men are exalted. PSALM 13 To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 1 How
long will You forget me, O Lord? Forever? How long will You hide Your face from me? 2 How long shall I take counsel in my soul, having sorrow in my heart daily? How long shall my
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enemy be exalted over me? 3 Consider and hear me, O Lord my God. Lighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death, 4 lest my enemy say, “I have prevailed against him,” and those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved. 5 But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation. 6 I will sing to the Lord because He has dealt bountifully with me. PSALM 14 To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 1 The
fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt. They have done abominable works; there is none who does good. 2 The Lord looked down from heaven on the children of men to see if there were any who understand and seek God. 3 They have all turned aside; they have all together become filthy. There is no one who does good, no, not one. 4 Have all the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people as they eat bread and do not call on the Lord? 5 There they were in great fear, for God is with the generation of the righteous. 6 You have shamed the counsel of the poor because the Lord is his refuge. 7 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When the
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Lord brings back the captivity of His people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. PSALM 15 A psalm of David. 1 Lord, who shall abide in Your tab-
ernacle? Who shall dwell on Your holy hill? 2 He who walks uprightly and works righteousness and speaks the truth in his heart. 3 He who does not backbite with his tongue, nor does evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his neighbor. 4 In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but he honors those who fear the Lord. He who swears to his own hurt, and does not change. 5 He who does not lend out his money at interest or take a bribe against the innocent. He who does these things shall never be moved. PSALM 16 Michtam of David. 1 Preserve me, O God, for in You I
put my trust. 2 O my soul, you have said to the Lord, “You are my Lord; my goodness does not extend to You, 3 but to the saints who are in the earth, and to the excellent, in whom is all my delight.” 4 The sorrows of those who hasten after another god shall be multiplied. I will not offer their drink offerings of blood or take up their names on my lips.
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Psalm 18
755 5 The Lord is the portion of my in-
heritance and of my cup. You maintain my lot. 6 The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places. Yes, I have a beautiful heritage. 7 I will bless the Lord, who has given me counsel. My mind also instructs me in the night seasons. 8 I have set the Lord always before me; because He is at my right hand, I shall not be moved. 9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoices. My flesh also shall rest in hope. 10 For You will not leave my soul in hell, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 11 You will show me the path of life. In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand there are pleasures forevermore. PSALM 17 A prayer of David. 1 Hear the just, O Lord; attend to
my cry. Give ear to my prayer that does not go out from deceitful lips. 2 Let my judgment come forth from Your presence. Let Your eyes see the things that are right. 3 You have tested my heart. You have visited me in the night. You have tried me and shall find nothing. I have purposed that my mouth shall not transgress. 4 Concerning the works of men, by the word of Your lips I have kept myself from the paths of the destroyer. 5 Uphold my steps in Your paths, that my footsteps not slip.
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6 I have called on You, for You will
hear me, O God. Incline Your ear to me and hear my speech. 7 Show Your marvelous loving-kindness, O You who saves by Your right hand those who put their trust in You from those who rise up against them. 8 Keep me as the apple of the eye. Hide me under the shadow of Your wings, 9 from the wicked who oppress me, from my deadly enemies who surround me. 10 They are enclosed in their own fat; with their mouth they speak proudly. 11 They have now surrounded us in our steps; they have set their eyes bowing down to the earth, 12 like a lion that is greedy for his prey, and like a young lion lurking in secret places. 13 Arise, O Lord, disappoint him. Cast him down. Deliver my soul from the wicked, which is Your sword, 14 from men by Your hand, O Lord, from men of the world who have their portion in this life and whose belly You fill with Your hidden treasure. They are satisfied with children and leave the rest of their possessions to their babies. 15 As for me, I will see Your face in righteousness. I shall be satisfied with Your likeness when I awake.
PSALM 18 To the chief musician, a psalm of David, the servant of the Lord,
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who spoke to the Lord the words of this song on the day that the Lord delivered him from the hand of all his enemies and from the hand of Saul. And he said, 1I
will love You, O Lord, my strength. 2 The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my strength, in whom I will trust, my shield, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower. 3 I will call on the Lord, who is worthy to be praised. So I shall be saved from my enemies. 4 The sorrows of death surrounded me, and the floods of ungodly men made me afraid. 5 The sorrows of hell surrounded me. The snares of death confronted me. 6 In my distress I called on the Lord and cried to my God. He heard my voice out of His temple, and my cry came before Him, even into His ears. 7 Then the earth shook and trembled. The foundations also of the hills moved and were shaken, because He was angry. 8 There went up a smoke out of His nostrils, and fire out of His mouth devoured. Coals were kindled by it. 9 He bowed the heavens also and came down, and darkness was under His feet. 10 And He rode on a cherub and flew. Yes, He flew on the wings of the wind. 11 He made darkness His secret place. His pavilions around Him
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were dark waters and thick clouds of the skies. 12 At the brightness that was before Him, His thick clouds passed, hailstones and coals of fire. 13 The Lord also thundered in the heavens, and the Highest uttered His voice, hailstones and coals of fire. 14 Yes, He sent out His arrows and scattered them, and He shot out lightning and defeated them. 15 Then the channels of waters were seen, and the foundations of the world were discovered at Your rebuke, O Lord, at the blast of the breath of Your nostrils. 16 He sent from above. He took me. He drew me out of many waters. 17 He delivered me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too strong for me. 18 They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. 19 He brought me out also into a large place. He delivered me because He delighted in me. 20 The Lord rewarded me according to my righteousness; according to the cleanness of my hands He has repaid me. 21 For I have kept the ways of the Lord and have not wickedly departed from my God. 22 For all His judgments were before me, and I did not put away His statutes from me. 23 I was also upright before Him, and I kept myself from my iniquity. 24 Therefore the Lord has repaid me according to my righteousness, according to the cleanness of my hands in His eyesight.
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Yourself merciful, with an upright man You will show Yourself upright, 26 with the pure You will show Yourself pure, and with the perverse You will show Yourself hostile. 27 For You will save the afflicted people but will bring down haughty looks. 28 For You will light my candle. The Lord my God will illuminate my darkness. 29 For by You I have run through a troop, and by my God I have leaped over a wall. 30 As for God, His way is perfect. The word of the Lord is tried. He is a shield to all those who trust in Him. 31 For who is God except the Lord? Or who is a rock except our God? 32 It is God who girds me with strength and makes my way perfect. 33 He makes my feet like the feet of deer and sets me on my high places. 34 He teaches my hands to war, so that a bow of steel is broken by my arms. 35 You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand has held me up, and Your gentleness has made me great. 36 You have enlarged my steps under me, so my feet did not slip. 37 I have pursued my enemies and overtaken them; I did not return until they were destroyed. 38 I have wounded those who were not able to rise. They have fallen under my feet. 39 For You have girded me with strength for the battle. You have subdued under me those who rose up against me.
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40 You have also given me the necks
of my enemies, that I might destroy those who hate me. 41 They cried, but there was no one to save them, even to the Lord, but He did not answer them. 42 Then I beat them small as the dust before the wind. I cast them out as the dirt in the streets. 43 You have delivered me from the strivings of the people, and You have made me the head of the nations. A people whom I have not known shall serve me. 44 As soon as they hear of me, they shall obey me. The foreigners shall submit themselves to me. 45 The foreigners shall fade away and be afraid out of their strongholds. 46 The Lord lives, and blessed be my rock, and let the God of my salvation be exalted. 47 It is God who avenges me and subdues the people under me. 48 He delivers me from my enemies. Yes, You lift me up above those who rise up against me. You have delivered me from the violent man. 49 Therefore I will give thanks to You, O Lord, among the nations and sing praises to Your name. 50 Great deliverance He gives to His king and shows mercy to His anointed, to David, and to his descendants forevermore. PSALM 19 To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 1 The heavens declare the glory of
God, and the firmament shows His handiwork.
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2 Day to day utters speech, and night
to night reveals knowledge. 3 There is no speech or language where their voice is not heard. 4 Their line has gone out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them He has set a tabernacle for the sun, 5 which is like a bridegroom coming out of his chamber, and rejoices as a strong man to run a race. 6 Its going forth is from the end of the heaven, and its circuit to the ends of it, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. 7 The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul. The testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. 8 The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. The commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. 9 The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever. The judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. 10 More to be desired are they than gold, yes, than much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. 11 Moreover Your servant is warned by them, and in keeping them there is great reward. 12 Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from secret faults. 13 Keep back Your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me. Then I shall be upright, and I shall be innocent of the great transgression. 14 Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be
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acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my strength and my redeemer. PSALM 20 To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 1 May the Lord hear you in the day
of trouble. May the name of the God of Jacob defend you. 2 May He send you help from the sanctuary and strengthen you out of Zion. 3 May He remember all your offerings and accept your burnt sacrifice. Selah. 4 May He grant you according to your own heart and fulfill all your purpose. 5 We will rejoice in your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners. May the Lord fulfill all your petitions. 6 Now I know that the Lord saves His anointed. He will hear him from His holy heaven with the saving strength of His right hand. 7 Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we will remember the name of the Lord our God. 8 They have been brought down and fallen, but we have risen and stand upright. 9 Save, Lord. Let the King hear us when we call. PSALM 21 To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 1 The
king shall rejoice in Your strength, O Lord, and in Your
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salvation how greatly he shall rejoice! 2 You have given him his heart’s desire and have not withheld the request of his lips. Selah. 3 For You meet him with the blessings of goodness. You set a crown of pure gold on his head. 4 He asked life from You, and You gave it to him, even length of days forever and ever. 5 His glory is great in Your salvation. Honor and majesty You have laid on him. 6 For You have made him most blessed forever. You have made him exceedingly glad with Your presence. 7 For the king trusts in the Lord, and through the mercy of the Most High, he shall not be moved. 8 Your hand shall find out all Your enemies. Your right hand shall find out those who hate You. 9 You shall make them as a fiery oven in the time of Your anger. The Lord shall swallow them up in His wrath, and the fire shall devour them. 10 You shall destroy their descendants from the earth and their offspring from among the children of men. 11 For they intended evil against You. They imagined a mischievous scheme, which they are not able to perform. 12 Therefore You shall make them turn their back, when You shall make ready Your arrows on Your strings against their face. 13 Be exalted, Lord, in Your own strength, so we will sing and praise Your power.
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PSALM 22 To the chief musician on Aijeleth Shahar, a psalm of David. 1 My God, my God, why have You
forsaken me? Why are You so far from helping me and from the words of my groaning? 2 O my God, I cry in the daytime, but You do not hear, and in the nighttime, and am not silent. 3 But You are holy, O You who inhabits the praises of Israel. 4 Our fathers trusted in You. They trusted, and You delivered them. 5 They cried to You and were delivered. They trusted in You and were not confounded. 6 But I am a worm and no man, a reproach of men and despised by the people. 7 All those who see me laugh me to scorn. They stick out their lips. They shake the head, saying, 8 “He trusted in the Lord, that He would deliver him. Let Him deliver him since He delighted in him.” 9 But You are He who took me out of the womb. You made me hope when I was on my mother’s breasts. 10 I was cast on You from the womb. You are my God from my mother’s belly. 11 Do not be far from me, for trouble is near, for there is no one to help. 12 Many bulls have surrounded me. Strong bulls of Bashan have surrounded me. 13 They gaped at me with their mouths, like a ravening and a roaring lion. 14 I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint. My heart
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is like wax. It has melted in the midst of my bowels. 15 My strength is dried up like a piece of pottery, and my tongue clings to my jaws, and You have brought me into the dust of death. 16 For dogs have surrounded me. The assembly of the wicked has enclosed me. They pierced my hands and my feet. 17 I may count all my bones. They look and stare at me. 18 They divide my garments among them and cast lots on my clothing. 19 But do not be far from me, O Lord. O my strength, hasten to help me. 20 Deliver my soul from the sword, my darling from the power of the dog. 21 Save me from the lion’s mouth, for You have heard me from the horns of the wild oxen. 22 I will declare Your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise You. 23 You who fear the Lord, praise Him. All you descendants of Jacob, glorify Him and fear Him, all you the descendants of Israel. 24 For He has not despised or hated the affliction of the afflicted. Nor has He hidden His face from him, but when he cried to Him, He heard. 25 My praise shall be of You in the great congregation. I will pay my vows before those who fear Him. 26 The meek shall eat and be satisfied. Those who seek Him shall praise the Lord. Your heart shall live forever. 27 All the ends of the world shall remember and turn to the Lord, and
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all the families of the nations shall worship before You. 28 For the kingdom is the Lord’s, and He is the ruler among the nations. 29 All those who are prosperous on earth shall eat and worship. All those who go down to the dust shall bow before Him, and no one can keep his own soul alive. 30 A posterity shall serve Him. It shall be accounted to the Lord for a generation. 31 They shall come and shall declare His righteousness to a people who shall be born, that He has done this. PSALM 23 A psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my shepherd. I shall
not want. 2 He makes me to lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside the still waters. 3 He restores my soul. He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. 4 Yes, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will not fear evil, for You are with me. Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me. 5 You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil. My cup runs over. 6 Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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PSALM 24 A psalm of David. 1 The
earth is the Lord’s, and its fullness, the world, and those who dwell in it. 2 For He has founded it on the seas and established it on the floods. 3 Who shall ascend to the hill of the Lord? Or who shall stand in His holy place? 4 He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who has not lifted up his soul to an idol or sworn deceitfully. 5 He shall receive the blessing from the Lord and righteousness from the God of his salvation. 6 This is the generation of those who seek Him, who seek Your face, O Jacob. Selah. 7 Lift up your heads, O you gates, and be lifted up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. 8 Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle. 9 Lift up your heads, O you gates. Even lift them up, you everlasting doors, and the King of glory shall come in. 10 Who is this King of glory? The Lord of hosts, He is the King of glory. Selah. PSALM 25 A psalm of David. 1 To You, O Lord, I lift up my soul.
2 O my God, I trust in You. Let me
not be ashamed. Do not let my enemies triumph over me. 3 Yes, let no one who waits on You
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be ashamed. Let those who transgress without cause be ashamed. 4 Show me Your ways, O Lord. Teach me Your paths. 5 Lead me in Your truth, and teach me, for You are the God of my salvation. On You I wait all the day. 6 Remember, O Lord, Your tender mercies and Your loving-kindnesses, for they have been ever of old. 7 Do not remember the sins of my youth or my transgressions. According to Your mercy remember me for Your goodness’ sake, O Lord. 8 Good and upright is the Lord. Therefore He will teach sinners in the way. 9 He will guide the meek in judgment, and He will teach the meek His way. 10 All the paths of the Lord are mercy and truth to those who keep His covenant and His testimonies. 11 For Your name’s sake, O Lord, pardon my iniquity, for it is great. 12 What man is he who fears the Lord? He shall instruct him in the way that he shall choose. 13 His soul shall dwell at ease, and his descendants shall inherit the earth. 14 The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant. 15 My eyes are ever toward the Lord, for He shall pluck my feet out of the net. 16 Turn to me, and have mercy on me, for I am desolate and afflicted. 17 The troubles of my heart are enlarged. O bring me out of my distresses. 18 Look on my affliction and my
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pain, and forgive all my sins. 19 Consider my enemies, for they are many, and they hate me with cruel hatred. 20 O keep my soul, and deliver me. Let me not be ashamed, for I put my trust in You. 21 Let integrity and uprightness preserve me, for I wait on You. 22 Redeem Israel, O God, out of all his troubles. PSALM 26 A psalm of David. 1 Judge
me, O Lord, for I have walked in my integrity. I have trusted also in the Lord. Therefore, I shall not slide. 2 Examine me, O Lord, and test me. Test my mind and my heart. 3 For Your loving-kindness is before my eyes, and I have walked in Your truth. 4 I have not sat with deceitful persons, nor will I go in with hypocrites. 5 I have hated the congregation of evildoers and will not sit with the wicked. 6 I will wash my hands in innocence, so I will surround Your altar, O Lord, 7 that I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving and tell of all Your wondrous works. 8 Lord, I have loved the habitation of Your house and the place where Your honor dwells. 9 Do not gather my soul with sinners or my life with murderous men, 10 in whose hands is evil, and their right hand is full of bribes. 11 But as for me, I will walk in my
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integrity. Redeem me, and be merciful to me. 12 My foot stands in an even place. In the congregations I will bless the Lord. PSALM 27 A psalm of David. 1 The Lord is my light and my salva-
tion. Whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life. Of whom shall I be afraid? 2 When the wicked, even my enemies and my foes, came on me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell. 3 Though an army should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear. Though war should rise against me, in this I will be confident. 4 One thing I have asked of the Lord, that I will seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in His temple. 5 For in the time of trouble He shall hide me in His pavilion; in the secret of His tabernacle He shall hide me. He shall set me up on a rock. 6 And now my head shall be lifted up above my enemies around me. Therefore I will offer in His tabernacle sacrifices of joy. I will sing, yes, I will sing praises to the Lord. 7 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice. Have mercy also on me and answer me. 8 When You said, “Seek My face,” my heart said to You, “Your face, Lord, I will seek.” 9 Do not hide Your face far from me.
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Psalm 29:9
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Do not put Your servant away in anger. You have been my help. Do not leave me or abandon me, O God of my salvation. 10 When my father and my mother abandon me, then the Lord will take me up. 11 Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of my enemies. 12 Do not deliver me over to the will of my enemies, for false witnesses have risen up against me and those who breathe out cruelty. 13 I would have fainted, but I believed I would see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. 14 Wait on the Lord. Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart. Wait, I say, on the Lord. PSALM 28 A psalm of David. 1 To You I will cry, O Lord my rock.
Do not be silent to me, lest, if You are silent to me, I become like those who go down into the pit. 2 Hear the voice of my supplications when I cry to You, when I lift up my hands toward Your holy sanctuary. 3 Do not drag me away with the wicked and with the workers of iniquity, who speak peace to their neighbors, but evil is in their hearts. 4 Give them according to their deeds and according to the wickedness of their endeavors. Give them according to the work of their hands. Repay to them what they deserve. 5 Because they do not regard the works of the Lord or the work of
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His hands, He shall destroy them and not build them up. 6 Blessed is the Lord because He has heard the voice of my supplications. 7 The Lord is my strength and my shield. My heart trusted in Him, and I am helped. Therefore my heart greatly rejoices, and with my song I will praise Him. 8 The Lord is their strength, and He is the saving strength of His anointed. 9 Save Your people, and bless Your inheritance. Feed them also and lift them up forever. PSALM 29 A psalm of David. 1 Give to the Lord, O you mighty.
Give to the Lord glory and strength. 2 Give to the Lord the glory due to His name. Worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness. 3 The voice of the Lord is on the waters. The God of glory thunders. The Lord is on many waters. 4 The voice of the Lord is powerful. The voice of the Lord is full of majesty. 5 The voice of the Lord breaks the cedars. Yes, the Lord breaks the cedars of Lebanon. 6 He makes them also to skip like a calf, Lebanon and Sirion like a young wild ox. 7 The voice of the Lord divides the flames of fire. 8 The voice of the Lord shakes the wilderness. The Lord shakes the wilderness of Kadesh. 9 The voice of the Lord makes the
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deer to give birth and uncovers the forests, and in His temple everyone speaks of His glory. 10 The Lord sits on the flood. Yes, the Lord sits as King forever. 11 The Lord will give strength to His people. The Lord will bless His people with peace.
11 You
have turned for me my mourning into dancing. You have put off my sackcloth and girded me with gladness, 12 to the end that my glory may sing praise to You and not be silent. O Lord my God, I will give thanks to You forever.
PSALM 30
PSALM 31
A psalm and song at the dedication of the house of David.
To the chief musician, a psalm of David.
1 I will extol You, O Lord, for You
have lifted me up and have not made my foes to rejoice over me. 2 O Lord my God, I cried to You, and You have healed me. 3 O Lord, You have brought up my soul from the grave. You have kept me alive, that I should not go down to the pit. 4 Sing to the Lord, O you saints of His, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. 5 For His anger endures but a moment; in His favor is life. Weeping may endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. 6 And in my prosperity I said, “I shall never be moved.” 7 Lord, by Your favor You have made my mountain to stand strong. You hid Your face, and I was troubled. 8 I cried to You, O Lord, and to the Lord I made supplication: 9 “What profit is there in my blood when I go down to the pit? Shall the dust praise You? Shall it declare Your truth? 10 Hear, O Lord, and have mercy on me. Lord, be my helper.”
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1 In You, O Lord, I put my trust. Let
me never be ashamed. Deliver me in Your righteousness. 2 Bow down Your ear to me. Deliver me speedily. Be my strong rock, a house of defense to save me. 3 For You are my rock and my fortress. Therefore for Your name’s sake, lead me and guide me. 4 Pull me out of the net that they have laid secretly for me, for You are my strength. 5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit. You have redeemed me, O Lord God of truth. 6 I have hated those who regard lying vanities, but I trust in the Lord. 7 I will be glad and rejoice in Your mercy, for You have considered my trouble. You have known my soul in adversities 8 and have not shut me up into the hand of the enemy. You have set my feet in a large room. 9 Have mercy on me, O Lord, for I am in trouble. My eye is consumed with grief, yes, my soul and my belly. 10 For my life is spent with grief and my years with sighing. My strength
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fails because of my iniquity, and my bones are consumed. 11 I was a reproach among all my enemies, but especially among my neighbors, and a fear to my acquaintance. Those who saw me outside fled from me. 12 I am forgotten as a dead man, out of mind. I am like a broken vessel. 13 For I have heard the slander of many. Fear was on every side. While they took counsel together against me, they devised to take away my life. 14 But I trusted in You, O Lord. I said, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in Your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who persecute me. 16 Make Your face to shine on Your servant. Save me for Your mercies’ sake. 17 Let me not be ashamed, O Lord, for I have called on You. Let the wicked be ashamed, and let them be silent in the grave. 18 Let the lying lips be put to silence, which speak grievous things proudly and contemptuously against the righteous. 19 Oh how great is Your goodness, which You have laid up for those who fear You, which You have worked for those who trust in You before the sons of men! 20 You shall hide them in the secret of Your presence from the pride of man. You shall keep them secretly in a pavilion from the strife of tongues. 21 Blessed is the Lord, for He has shown me His marvelous kindness in a strong city. 22 For I said in my haste, “I am cut
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off from before Your eyes.” Nevertheless You heard the voice of my supplications when I cried to You. 23 O love the Lord, all you His saints, for the Lord preserves the faithful and plentifully rewards the proud doer. 24 Be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart, all you who hope in the Lord. PSALM 32 A psalm of David, maskil. 1 Blessed is he whose transgression
is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit. 3 When I kept silent, my bones grew old through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night Your hand was heavy on me; my strength has turned into the drought of summer. Selah. 5 I acknowledged my sin to You, and my iniquity I have not hidden. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and You forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah. 6 For this everyone who is godly shall pray to You in a time when You may be found. Surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come near to him. 7 You are my hiding place. You shall preserve me from trouble. You shall surround me with songs of deliverance. Selah. 8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way that you shall go. I will guide you with My eye.
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9 Do not be like the horse or like the
mule, which have no understanding, whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near to you. 10 Many sorrows shall be to the wicked, but he who trusts in the Lord, mercy shall surround him. 11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, you righteous, and shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart. PSALM 33
1 Rejoice in the Lord, O you righ-
teous, for praise is proper for the upright. 2 Praise the Lord with harp. Sing to Him with the lyre and an instrument of ten strings. 3 Sing to Him a new song. Play skillfully with a loud noise. 4 For the word of the Lord is right, and all His works are done in truth. 5 He loves righteousness and judgment. The earth is full of the goodness of the Lord. 6 By the word of the Lord the heavens were made, and all the host of them by the breath of His mouth. 7 He gathers the waters of the sea together as a heap. He lays up the depth in storehouses. 8 Let all the earth fear the Lord. Let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. 9 For He spoke, and it was done. He commanded, and it stood fast. 10 The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing. He makes the schemes of the people of no effect. 11 The counsel of the Lord stands
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forever, the thoughts of His heart to all generations. 12 Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord and the people whom He has chosen for His own inheritance. 13 The Lord looks from heaven. He sees all the sons of men. 14 From the place of His habitation He looks on all the inhabitants of the earth. 15 He fashions their hearts alike. He considers all their works. 16 There is no king saved by the multitude of an army. A mighty man is not delivered by much strength. 17 A horse is a vain thing for safety, nor shall he deliver any by his great strength. 18 Behold, the eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him, on those who hope in His mercy, 19 to deliver their soul from death and to keep them alive in famine. 20 Our soul waits for the Lord. He is our help and our shield. 21 For our heart shall rejoice in Him, because we have trusted in His holy name. 22 Let Your mercy, O Lord, be on us, as we hope in You. PSALM 34 A psalm of David, when he changed his behavior before Abimelech, who drove him away, and he departed. 1 I will bless the Lord at all times.
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
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Psalm 35:8
767 2 My soul shall make its boast in the
Lord. The humble shall hear of it and be glad. 3 O magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt His name together. 4 I sought the Lord, and He heard me and delivered me from all my fears. 5 They looked to Him and were radiant, and their faces were not ashamed. 6 This poor man cried, and the Lord heard him and saved him out of all his troubles. 7 The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear Him and delivers them. 8 O taste and see that the Lord is good. Blessed is the man who trusts in Him. 9 O fear the Lord, you His saints, for there is no lack for those who fear Him. 10 The young lions lack and suffer hunger, but those who seek the Lord shall not lack any good thing. 11 Come, you children, listen to me. I will teach you the fear of the Lord. 12 What man is he who desires life and loves many days, that he may see good? 13 Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. 14 Depart from evil and do good. Seek peace, and pursue it. 15 The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry. 16 The face of the Lord is against those who do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. 17 The righteous cry, and the Lord hears and delivers them out of all their troubles.
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18 The Lord is near to those who are
of a broken heart and saves those who have a contrite spirit. 19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the Lord delivers him out of them all. 20 He keeps all his bones. Not one of them is broken. 21 Evil shall slay the wicked, and those who hate the righteous shall be desolate. 22 The Lord redeems the soul of His servants, and none of those who trust in Him shall be desolate. PSALM 35 A psalm of David. 1 Plead
my cause, O Lord, with those who contend with me. Fight against those who fight against me. 2 Take hold of shield and buckler, and stand up for my help. 3 Draw out also the spear, and stop the way of those who persecute me. Say to my soul, “I am your salvation.” 4 Let those who seek after my soul be confounded and put to shame; let those who devise my hurt be turned back and brought to confusion. 5 Let them be as chaff before the wind, and let the angel of the Lord chase them. 6 Let their way be dark and slippery, and let the angel of the Lord persecute them. 7 For without reason they have hidden for me their net in a pit, which without reason they have dug for my soul. 8 Let destruction come on him
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Psalm 35:9
768
unexpectedly, and let his net that he has hidden catch himself. Let him fall into that very destruction. 9 And my soul shall be joyful in the Lord; it shall rejoice in His salvation. 10 All my bones shall say, “Lord, who is like You, who delivers the poor from him who is too strong for him, yes, the poor and the needy from him who robs him?” 11 False witnesses rose up; they laid to my charge things that I did not know. 12 They repaid me evil for good to the spoiling of my soul. 13 But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth. I humbled my soul with fasting, and my prayer returned into my own bosom. 14 I behaved myself as though he had been my friend or brother. I bowed down heavily, as one who mourns for his mother. 15 But in my adversity they rejoiced and gathered themselves together. Yes, the betrayers gathered themselves together against me, and I did not know it. They tore at me and did not cease. 16 With hypocritical mockers in feasts, they gnashed on me with their teeth. 17 Lord, how long will You look on? Rescue my soul from their destructions, my dear life from the lions. 18 I will give You thanks in the great congregation. I will praise You among many people. 19 Do not let those who are my enemies wrongfully rejoice over me, nor let those who hate me without cause wink with the eye. 20 For they do not speak peace,
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but they devise deceitful matters against those who are quiet in the land. 21 Yes, they opened their mouth wide against me and said, “Aha, aha! Our eye has seen it.” 22 This You have seen, O Lord. Do not keep silent, O Lord. Do not be far from me. 23 Stir up Yourself, and awake to my judgment, even to my cause, my God and my Lord. 24 Judge me, O Lord my God, according to Your righteousness, and do not let them rejoice over me. 25 Do not let them say in their hearts, “Ah, so would we have it.” Do not let them say, “We have swallowed him up.” 26 Let those who rejoice at my hurt be ashamed and brought to confusion together. Let those who magnify themselves against me be clothed with shame and dishonor. 27 Let those who favor my righteous cause shout for joy and be glad. Yes, let them say continually, “Let the Lord be magnified, who has pleasure in the prosperity of His servant.” 28 And my tongue shall speak of Your righteousness and of Your praise all day long. PSALM 36 To the chief musician, a psalm of David, the servant of the Lord. 1 What my heart says within about the
transgression of the wicked—that there is no fear of God before his eyes. 2 For he flatters himself in his own
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769
eyes, until his iniquity is found to be hateful. 3 The words of his mouth are iniquity and deceit; he has ceased to be wise and to do good. 4 He devises evil on his bed; he sets himself in a way that is not good; he does not hate evil. 5 Your mercy, O Lord, is in the heavens, and Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. 6 Your righteousness is like the great mountains; Your judgments are a great deep. O Lord, You preserve man and beast. 7 How excellent is Your loving-kindness, O God! Therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of Your wings. 8 They shall be abundantly satisfied with the abundance of Your house, and You shall make them drink of the river of Your pleasures. 9 For with You is the fountain of life. In Your light we shall see light. 10 O continue Your loving-kindness to those who know You, and Your righteousness to the upright in heart. 11 Do not let the foot of pride come against me, and do not let the hand of the wicked remove me. 12 There the workers of iniquity have fallen; they are cast down and shall not be able to rise. PSALM 37 A psalm of David. 1 Do not fret because of evildoers or
be envious of the workers of iniquity. 2 For they shall soon be cut down
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Psalm 37:15
like the grass and wither as the green herb. 3 Trust in the Lord, and do good, so you shall dwell in the land and truly you shall be fed. 4 Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. 5 Commit your way to the Lord. Trust also in Him, and He shall bring it to pass. 6 And He shall bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday. 7 Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him. Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. 8 Cease from anger, and abandon wrath. Do not fret in this way to do evil. 9 For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait on the Lord, they shall inherit the earth. 10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be. Yes, you shall diligently consider his place, and it shall not be. 11 But the meek shall inherit the earth and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace. 12 The wicked plots against the just and gnashes at him with his teeth. 13 The Lord shall laugh at him, for He sees that his day is coming. 14 The wicked have drawn out the sword and have bent their bow to cast down the poor and needy and to slay those who are of upright behavior. 15 Their sword shall enter into their own heart, and their bows shall be broken.
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Psalm 37:16
770
16 A little that a righteous man has
is better than the riches of many wicked. 17 For the arms of the wicked shall be broken, but the Lord upholds the righteous. 18 The Lord knows the days of the upright, and their inheritance shall be forever. 19 They shall not be ashamed in the evil time, and in the days of famine they shall be satisfied. 20 But the wicked shall perish, and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs. They shall vanish; into smoke they shall vanish away. 21 The wicked borrows and does not repay, but the righteous shows mercy and gives. 22 For those who are blessed by Him shall inherit the earth, and those who are cursed by Him shall be cut off. 23 The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, and He delights in his way. 24 Though he falls, he shall not be utterly cast down, for the Lord upholds him with His hand. 25 I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous abandoned or his descendants begging for bread. 26 He is ever merciful and lends, and his descendants are blessed. 27 Depart from evil and do good, and dwell forevermore. 28 For the Lord loves justice and does not abandon His saints; they are preserved forever, but the descendants of the wicked shall be cut off. 29 The righteous shall inherit the land and dwell in it forever.
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30 The mouth of the righteous speaks
wisdom, and his tongue talks of judgment. 31 The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. 32 The wicked watches the righteous and seeks to slay him. 33 The Lord will not leave him in his hand or condemn him when he is judged. 34 Wait on the Lord and keep His way, and He shall exalt you to inherit the land. When the wicked are cut off, you shall see it. 35 I have seen the wicked in great power and spreading himself like a green bay tree. 36 Yet he passed away, and behold, he was no more. Yes, I sought him, but he could not be found. 37 Observe the perfect man and look at the upright, for the end of that man is peace. 38 But the transgressors shall be destroyed together; the end of the wicked shall be cut off. 39 But the salvation of the righteous is of the Lord; He is their strength in the time of trouble. 40 And the Lord shall help them and deliver them; He shall deliver them from the wicked and save them, because they trust in Him. PSALM 38 A psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. 1 O Lord, do not rebuke me in Your
wrath or chasten me in Your hot displeasure. 2 For Your arrows stick fast in me, and Your hand presses me greatly.
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Psalm 39:7
771 3 There is no health in my flesh be-
cause of Your anger, nor is there any rest in my bones because of my sin. 4 For my iniquities have gone over my head; like a heavy burden they are too heavy for me. 5 My wounds stink and are corrupt because of my foolishness. 6 I am troubled; I am bowed down greatly; I go mourning all day long. 7 For my loins are filled with a loathsome disease, and there is no health in my flesh. 8 I am feeble and greatly broken; I have groaned because of the anguish of my heart. 9 Lord, all my desire is before You, and my groaning is not hidden from You. 10 My heart pants; my strength fails me. As for the light of my eyes, it also is gone from me. 11 My lovers and my friends stand aloof from my pain, and my relatives stand far away. 12 Those also who seek after my life lay snares for me, and those who seek to harm me speak evil things and imagine deceits all day long. 13 But I, like a deaf man, did not hear, and I was like a mute man who does not open his mouth. 14 Thus I was like a man who does not hear and in whose mouth are no reproofs. 15 For in You, O Lord, I hope. You will hear, O Lord my God. 16 For I said, “Hear me, lest otherwise they should rejoice over me; when my foot slips, they magnify themselves against me.” 17 For I am ready to halt, and my sorrow is continually before me.
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18 For I will declare my iniquity; I will
be sorry for my sin. 19 But my enemies are lively and they are strong, and those who hate me wrongfully are multiplied. 20 Those also who render evil for good are my adversaries because I follow the thing that is good. 21 Do not abandon me, O Lord. O my God, do not be far from me. 22 Hurry to help me, O Lord my salvation. PSALM 39 To the chief musician, even to Jeduthun, a psalm of David. 1 I said, “I will take heed to my ways,
that I not sin with my tongue. I will keep my mouth with a bridle while the wicked is before me.” 2 I was mute with silence. I remained quiet, even from good, and my sorrow was stirred. 3 My heart was hot within me. While I was musing, the fire burned. Then I spoke with my tongue: 4 “Lord, make me to know my end and what is the measure of my days, that I may know how frail I am. 5 Behold, You have made my days like a handbreadth, and my age is as nothing before You. Truly every man at his best condition is altogether vanity. Selah. 6 Surely every man walks like an empty shadow. Surely they are restless in vain. He heaps up riches and does not know who shall gather them. 7 And now, Lord, what do I wait for? My hope is in You.
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Psalm 39:8
772
8 Deliver me from all my transgres-
sions. Do not make me the reproach of the foolish. 9 I was mute. I did not open my mouth, because You did it. 10 Remove Your stroke away from me. I am destroyed by the blow of Your hand. 11 When You correct man for iniquity with rebukes, You, like a moth, make his beauty to be consumed. Surely every man is a breath. Selah. 12 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and give ear to my cry. Do not remain silent at my tears, for I am a stranger with You and a sojourner, as all my fathers were. 13 O spare me, that I may recover strength before I go away and am no more.” PSALM 40 To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 1 I waited patiently for the Lord, and
He inclined to me and heard my cry. 2 He brought me up also out of a horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet on a rock, and established my steps. 3 And He has put a new song in my mouth, even praise to our God. Many shall see it and fear and shall trust in the Lord. 4 Blessed is that man who makes the Lord his trust and does not respect the proud or those who turn aside to lies. 5 Many, O Lord my God, are Your wonderful works, which You have done, and Your thoughts that are
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toward us. They cannot be counted in order to You. If I would declare and speak of them, they are more than can be counted. 6 You did not desire sacrifice and offering. You have opened my ears. You have not required burnt offering and sin offering. 7 Then I said, “Behold, I come. In the volume of the book it is written of me: 8 I delight to do Your will, O my God. Yes, Your law is within my heart.” 9 I have preached righteousness in the great congregation. Behold, I have not refrained my lips, O Lord, You know. 10 I have not hidden Your righteousness within my heart. I have declared Your faithfulness and Your salvation. I have not concealed Your loving-kindness and Your truth from the great congregation. 11 Do not withhold Your tender mercies from me, O Lord. Let Your loving-kindness and Your truth continually preserve me. 12 For innumerable evils have surrounded me. My iniquities have taken hold of me, so that I am not able to look up; they are more than the hairs of my head. Therefore my heart fails me. 13 Be pleased, O Lord, to deliver me. O Lord, hurry to help me. 14 Let those who seek after my soul to destroy it be ashamed and confounded together; let those who wish me evil be driven backward and put to shame. 15 Let those who say to me “Aha, aha!” be desolate as a reward for their shame.
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Psalm 42:6
773 16 Let all those who seek You rejoice
and be glad in You. Let those who love Your salvation say continually, “The Lord is magnified.” 17 But I am poor and needy, yet the Lord thinks of me. You are my help and my deliverer; do not delay, O my God. PSALM 41 To the chief musician, a psalm of David.
is he who considers the poor. The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. 2 The Lord will preserve him and keep him alive, and he shall be blessed on the earth, and You will not deliver him to the will of his enemies. 3 The Lord will strengthen him on the bed of languishing; You will make all his bed in his sickness. 4 I said, “Lord, be merciful to me. Heal my soul, for I have sinned against You.” 5 My enemies speak evil of me: “When shall he die and his name perish?” 6 And if he comes to see me, he speaks lies. His heart gathers iniquity to itself. When he goes outside, he tells it. 7 All who hate me whisper together against me; against me they devise to harm me. 8 “An evil disease,” they say, “clings fast to him, and now that he lies, he shall rise up no more.” 9 Yes, my own familiar friend, in whom I trusted, who ate of my bread, has lifted up his heel against me.
10 But You, O Lord, be merciful to
me and raise me up, that I may repay them. 11 By this I know that You favor me, because my enemy does not triumph over me. 12 And as for me, You uphold me in my integrity and set me before Your face forever. 13 Blessed is the Lord God of Israel from everlasting, and to everlasting. Amen and Amen.
1 Blessed
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BOOK 2
PSALM 42 To the chief musician, maskil, for the sons of Korah. 1 As
the deer pants for the water brooks, so my soul pants for You, O God. 2 My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God? 3 My tears have been my food day and night, while they continually say to me, “Where is your God?” 4 When I remember these things, I pour out my soul within me. For I had gone with the multitude; I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude who kept a holy day. 5 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you restless in me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him for the help of His presence. 6 O my God, my soul is cast down within me. Therefore I will
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Psalm 42:7
774
remember You from the land of the Jordan, and of the Hermonites, from the hill Mizar. 7 Deep calls to deep at the noise of your waterspouts; all Your waves and Your billows have gone over me. 8 Yet the Lord will command His loving-kindness in the daytime, and in the night His song shall be with me, and my prayer to the God of my life. 9 I will say to God my rock, “Why have You forgotten me? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy?” 10 As with a sword in my bones, my enemies reproach me, while they say daily to me, “Where is your God?” 11 Why are you cast down, O my soul? And why are you restless within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God. PSALM 43
1 Judge me, O God, and plead my
cause against an ungodly nation. O deliver me from the deceitful and unjust man. 2 For You are the God of my strength. Why do You cast me off ? Why do I go about mourning because of the oppression of the enemy? 3 O send out Your light and Your truth. Let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your tabernacles. 4 Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy. Yes, on the harp I will praise You, O God, my God. 5 Why are you cast down, O my
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soul? And why are you restless within me? Hope in God, for I shall yet praise Him, who is the health of my countenance and my God. PSALM 44 To the chief musician for the sons of Korah, maskil. 1 We
have heard with our ears, O God. Our fathers have told us about the work You did in their days, in the times of old, 2 how You drove out the nations with Your hand and planted them, how You afflicted the people and cast them out. 3 For they did not get the land in possession by their own sword, nor did their own arm save them, but Your right hand, and Your arm and the light of Your presence, because You favored them. 4 You are my King, O God. Command deliverances for Jacob. 5 Through You we will push down our enemies; through Your name we will trample those who rise up against us. 6 For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. 7 But You have saved us from our enemies and have put those who hated us to shame. 8 In God we boast all day long and praise Your name forever. Selah. 9 But You have cast us off and put us to shame, and You do not go out with our armies. 10 You make us to turn back from the enemy, and those who hate us plunder for themselves.
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775 11 You have given us like sheep ap-
pointed for food and have scattered us among the nations. 12 You sell Your people for nothing and do not increase Your wealth by their price. 13 You make us a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and a derision to those who are around us. 14 You make us a byword among the nations, a shaking of the head among the people. 15 My confusion is continually before me, and the shame of my face has covered me, 16 because of the voice of him who reproaches and blasphemes, because of the enemy and avenger. 17 All this has come on us, yet we have not forgotten You, nor have we dealt falsely with Your covenant. 18 Our heart has not turned back, nor have our steps departed from Your way, 19 though You have greatly broken us in the place of dragons and covered us with the shadow of death. 20 If we have forgotten the name of our God or stretched out our hands to a foreign god, 21 shall God not search this out? For He knows the secrets of the heart. 22 Yes, for Your sake we are killed all day long; we are counted as sheep for the slaughter. 23 Awake! Why do You sleep, O Lord? Arise! Do not reject us forever. 24 Why do You hide Your face and forget our affliction and our oppression? 25 For our soul is bowed down to the dust; our belly clings to the earth. 26 Arise for our help, and redeem us for Your mercies’ sake.
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Psalm 45:10
PSALM 45 To the chief musician on Shoshannim, for the sons of Korah, maskil, a song of loves. 1 My heart is dictating a good mat-
ter. I speak of the things that I have made concerning the King; my tongue is the pen of a ready writer. 2 You are fairer than the children of men; grace is poured into Your lips. Therefore God has blessed You forever. 3 Gird Your sword on Your thigh, O Most Mighty, with Your glory and Your majesty. 4 And in Your majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness, and Your right hand shall teach You awesome things. 5 Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the King’s enemies, by which the people fall under You. 6 Your throne, O God, is forever and ever. The scepter of Your kingdom is a right scepter. 7 You love righteousness and hate wickedness. Therefore God, Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions. 8 All Your garments smell of myrrh and aloes and cassia, out of the ivory palaces, by which they have made You glad. 9 Kings’ daughters were among Your honorable women. At Your right hand stands the queen in gold of Ophir. 10 Listen, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear; forget also
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Psalm 45:11
776
your own people and your father’s house, 11 so the King shall greatly desire your beauty, for He is your Lord, and you worship Him. 12 And the daughter of Tyre shall be there with a gift; even the rich among the people shall entreat your favor. 13 The King’s daughter is all glorious within; her clothing is of worked gold. 14 She shall be brought to the King in clothing of needlework; the virgins, her companions who follow her, shall be brought to You. 15 With gladness and rejoicing they shall be brought; they shall enter into the King’s palace. 16 Instead of Your fathers shall be Your children, whom You may make princes in all the earth. 17 I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations. Therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever. PSALM 46 To the chief musician for the sons of Korah, a song on alamoth. 1 God is our refuge and strength, a
very present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear, though the earth is removed, and though the mountains are carried into the midst of the sea, 3 though its waters roar and are troubled, though the mountains shake with its swelling. Selah. 4 There is a river, the streams of which shall make glad the city of
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God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the Most High. 5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved. God shall help her and that right early. 6 The nations raged; the kingdoms were moved. He uttered His voice; the earth melted. 7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. 8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations He has made on the earth. 9 He makes wars to cease to the ends of the earth. He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in pieces. He burns the chariot in the fire. 10 “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations; I will be exalted in the earth.” 11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah. PSALM 47 To the chief musician, a psalm for the sons of Korah. 1 O clap your hands, all you people;
shout to God with the voice of triumph. 2 For the Lord Most High is awesome; He is a great King over all the earth. 3 He shall subdue the people under us and the nations under our feet. 4 He shall choose our inheritance for us, the excellency of Jacob whom He loved. Selah. 5 God has gone up with a shout, the Lord with the sound of a trumpet. 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises! Sing praises to our King, sing praises!
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777 7 For God is the King of all the earth;
sing praises with understanding. 8 God reigns over the nations; God sits on the throne of His holiness. 9 The princes of the people are gathered together, even the people of the God of Abraham. For the shields of the earth belong to God; He is greatly exalted. PSALM 48 A song and psalm for the sons of Korah. 1 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be
Psalm 49:10
11 Let
Mount Zion rejoice; let the daughters of Judah be glad because of Your judgments. 12 Walk around Zion, and go around her; count her towers. 13 Observe her bulwarks well; consider her palaces, that you may tell it to the following generation. 14 For this God is our God forever and ever. He will be our guide even to death. PSALM 49 To the chief musician, a psalm for the sons of Korah.
praised in the city of our God, in the mountain of His holiness. 2 Beautiful in its location, the joy of 1 Hear this, all you people; give ear, the whole earth, is Mount Zion, on all you inhabitants of the world, the sides of the north, the city of the 2 both low and high, rich and poor, great King. together. 3 God is known in her palaces as a 3 My mouth shall speak of wisdom, refuge. and the meditation of my heart shall 4 For behold, the kings were assembe of understanding. 4 I will incline my ear to a parable. I bled; they passed by together. 5 They saw it and so they marveled; will open my dark saying on the harp. they were troubled and hastened 5 Why should I fear in the days of away. evil, when the iniquity at my heels 6 Fear took hold of them there and surrounds me? 6 Those who trust in their wealth pain, as of a woman in labor. 7 You break the ships of Tarshish and boast of the multitude of their with an east wind. riches, 8 As we have heard, so have we seen 7 none of them can by any means in the city of the Lord of hosts, in redeem his brother or give to God a the city of our God. God will estab- ransom for him 8 (for the redemption of their soul is lish it forever. Selah. 9 We have thought of Your loving- precious, and it ceases forever), kindness, O God, in the midst of 9 that he should still live forever and Your temple. not see corruption. 10 According to Your name, O God, 10 For he sees that wise men die; so is Your praise to the ends of the likewise the fool and the senseless earth. Your right hand is full of righ- person perish and leave their wealth teousness. to others.
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Psalm 49:11
778
11 Their
inner thought is that their houses shall continue forever and their dwelling places to all generations. They call their lands after their own names. 12 Nevertheless man, being in honor, does not remain; he is like the beasts that perish. 13 This, their way, is their folly, yet their posterity approves their sayings. Selah. 14 Like sheep they are laid in the grave. Death shall feed on them, and the upright shall have dominion over them in the morning, and their beauty shall decay in the grave from their dwelling. 15 But God will redeem my soul from the power of the grave, for He shall receive me. Selah. 16 Do not be afraid when one is made rich, when the glory of his house is increased, 17 for when he dies, he shall carry nothing away. His glory shall not descend after him. 18 Though while he lived he blessed his soul—and men will praise you when you do well for yourself— 19 he shall go to the generation of his fathers; they shall never see light. 20 A man who is in honor and does not understand is like the beasts that perish. PSALM 50 A psalm of Asaph. 1 The mighty God, even the Lord,
has spoken and called the earth from the rising of the sun to its going down. 2 Out of Zion, the perfection of
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beauty, God has shone. 3 Our God shall come and shall not keep silent. A fire shall devour before Him, and it shall be very tempestuous around Him. 4 He shall call to the heavens from above and to the earth, that He may judge His people: 5 “Gather My saints together to Me, those who have made a covenant with Me by sacrifice.” 6 And the heavens shall declare His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge. Selah. 7 “Hear, O My people, and I will speak, O Israel, and I will testify against you. I am God, even your God. 8 I will not rebuke you for your sacrifices or your burnt offerings, which have been continually before Me. 9 I will not take a bull out from your house or male goats out of your folds. 10 For every beast of the forest is Mine, and the cattle on a thousand hills. 11 I know all the fowls of the mountains, and the wild beasts of the field are Mine. 12 If I were hungry, I would not tell you, for the world is Mine, and its fullness. 13 Will I eat the flesh of bulls or drink the blood of goats? 14 Offer to God thanksgiving, and pay your vows to the Most High, 15 And call on Me in the day of trouble. I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” 16 But to the wicked God says, “What have you to do to declare My statutes, or that you should take My covenant in your mouth,
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779 17 since
you hate instruction and cast My words behind you? 18 When you saw a thief, then you consented with him and have been a partaker with adulterers. 19 You give your mouth to evil, and your tongue frames deceit. 20 You sit and speak against your brother; you slander your own mother’s son. 21 These things you have done, and I kept silent. You thought that I was altogether like you, but I will rebuke you and set them in order before your eyes. 22 Now consider this, you who forget God, lest I tear you in pieces and there be no one to deliver you: 23 whoever offers praise glorifies Me, and to him who properly orders his behavior I will show the salvation of God.” PSALM 51 To the chief musician, a psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet came to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. 1 Have
mercy on me, O God, according to Your loving-kindness; according to the multitude of Your tender mercies, blot out my transgressions. 2 Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 3 For I acknowledge my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. 4 Against You, You only, have I sinned, and done this evil in Your
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Psalm 51:19
sight, that You might be justified when You speak and be clear when You judge. 5 Behold, I was formed in iniquity, and in sin my mother conceived me. 6 Behold, You desire truth in the inner parts, and in the hidden part You shall make me to know wisdom. 7 Purify me with hyssop, and I shall be clean. Wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. 8 Make me to hear joy and gladness, that the bones that You have broken may rejoice. 9 Hide Your face from my sins and blot out all my iniquities. 10 Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. 11 Do not cast me away from Your presence, and do not take Your Holy Spirit from me. 12 Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with Your free Spirit. 13 Then I will teach transgressors Your ways, and sinners shall be converted to You. 14 Deliver me from the guilt of bloodshed, O God, the God of my salvation, and my tongue shall sing aloud of Your righteousness. 15 O Lord, open my lips, and my mouth shall declare Your praise. 16 For You do not desire sacrifice, or else I would give it. You do not delight in burnt offering. 17 The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and a contrite heart, O God, You will not despise. 18 Do good in Your good pleasure to Zion; build the walls of Jerusalem. 19 Then You shall be pleased with the sacrifices of righteousness, with
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Psalm 52:1
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PSALM 53
burnt offering and whole burnt offering. Then they shall offer bulls on Your altar. PSALM 52 To the chief musician, maskil, a psalm of David, when Doeg the Edomite came and told Saul, and said to him, “David has come to the house of Ahimelech.” 1 Why do you boast in your evil, O
mighty man? The goodness of God endures continually. 2 The tongue devises evil, like a sharp razor, working deceitfully. 3 You love evil more than good, and lying rather than to speak righteousness. Selah. 4 You love all devouring words, O you deceitful tongue. 5 God shall likewise destroy you forever. He shall take you away, and pluck you out of your dwelling place, and uproot you from the land of the living. Selah. 6 The righteous also shall see and fear, and shall laugh at him: 7 “Behold, this is the man who did not make God his strength but trusted in the abundance of his riches and strengthened himself in his wickedness.” 8 But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the mercy of God forever and ever. 9 I will praise You forever, because You have done it, and I will wait on Your name, for it is good before Your saints.
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To the chief musician on mahalath, maskil, a psalm of David. 1 The
fool has said in his heart, “There is no God.” They are corrupt and have done abominable iniquity. There is no one who does good. 2 God looked down from heaven on the children of men to see if there were any who understand, who seek God. 3 Every one of them has gone back; they have all become filthy. There is no one who does good, no, not one. 4 Have the workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up my people like they eat bread? They have not called on God. 5 There they were in great fear, where no fear was, for God has scattered the bones of him who encamps against you. You have put them to shame, because God has despised them. 6 Oh that the salvation of Israel would come out of Zion! When God brings back His captive people, Jacob shall rejoice, and Israel shall be glad. PSALM 54 To the chief musician on neginoth, maskil, a psalm of David, when the Ziphites came and said to Saul, “Does David not hide himself with us?” 1 Save
me, O God, by Your name, and judge me by Your strength.
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781 2 Hear my prayer, O God; give ear to
the words of my mouth. 3 For strangers have risen up against me, and oppressors seek after my soul. They have not set God before them. Selah. 4 Behold, God is my helper; the Lord is with those who uphold my soul. 5 He shall repay evil to my enemies. Cut them off in Your truth. 6 I will freely sacrifice to You. I will praise Your name, O Lord, for it is good. 7 For He has delivered me out of all trouble, and my eye has seen its desire on my enemies. PSALM 55 To the chief musician on neginoth, maskil, a psalm of David. 1 Give ear to my prayer, O God, and
do not hide Yourself from my supplication. 2 Attend to me, and hear me. I mourn in my complaint and make a noise, 3 because of the voice of the enemy, because of the oppression of the wicked, for they cast iniquity on me, and in wrath they hate me. 4 My heart is greatly pained within me, and the terrors of death have fallen on me. 5 Fearfulness and trembling have come on me, and horror has overwhelmed me. 6 And I said, “Oh that I had wings like a dove! For then I would fly away and be at rest.
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Psalm 55:20
7 Behold,
then would I wander far off and remain in the wilderness. Selah. 8 I would hasten my escape from the windy storm and tempest.” 9 Destroy, O Lord, and divide their tongues, for I have seen violence and strife in the city. 10 Day and night they go around it on its walls. Evil also and sorrow are in the midst of it. 11 Wickedness is in the midst of it; deceit and guile do not depart from her streets. 12 For it was not an enemy who reproached me; then I could have borne it. Nor was it he who hated me who magnified himself against me; then I would have hidden myself from him. 13 But it was you, a man my equal, my guide, and my acquaintance. 14 We took sweet counsel together and walked to the house of God in company. 15 Let death seize them, and let them go down alive into hell, for wickedness is in their dwellings and among them. 16 As for me, I will call on God, and the Lord shall save me. 17 Evening and morning and at noon I will pray and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice. 18 He has delivered my soul in peace from the battle that was against me, for there were many with me. 19 God shall hear and afflict them, even He who abides of old. Selah. Because they do not change, therefore they do not fear God. 20 He has put forth his hands against those who are at peace with him; he has broken his covenant.
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Psalm 55:21
782
21 The
words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart. His words were softer than oil, yet they were drawn swords. 22 Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you; He shall never allow the righteous to be moved. 23 But You, O God, shall bring them down into the pit of destruction. Murderous and deceitful men shall not live out half their days, but I will trust in You. PSALM 56 To the chief musician on Jonath Elem Rechokim, michtam of David, when the Philistines took him in Gath. 1 Be merciful to me, O God, for man
would swallow me up; fighting daily he oppresses me. 2 My enemies would daily swallow me up, for they are many who fight against me, O Most High. 3 When I am afraid, I will trust in You. 4 In God (I will praise His word), in God I have put my trust; I will not fear what flesh can do to me. 5 Every day they distort my words; all their thoughts are against me for evil. 6 They gather themselves together; they hide themselves; they observe my steps when they wait for my soul. 7 Shall they escape by iniquity? In Your anger cast down the people, O God.
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8 You count my wanderings; You put
my tears into Your bottle. Are they not in Your book? 9 When I cry to You, then my enemies shall turn back. This I know, for God is for me. 10 In God (I will praise His word), in the Lord (I will praise His word), 11 in God I have put my trust; I will not be afraid of what man can do to me. 12 Your vows are on me, O God. I will render praises to You. 13 For You have delivered my soul from death. Will You not deliver my feet from falling, that I may walk before God in the light of the living? PSALM 57 To the chief musician, Al-tashheth, michtam of David, when he fled from Saul in the cave. 1 Be merciful to me, O God, be mer-
ciful to me, for my soul trusts in You. Yes, in the shadow of Your wings I will make my refuge, until these calamities have passed. 2 I will cry to God Most High, to God who performs all things for me. 3 He shall send from heaven and save me from the reproach of him who would swallow me up. Selah. God shall send forth His mercy and His truth. 4 My soul is among lions, and I lie even among those who are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens; let Your glory be above all the earth.
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Psalm 59:5
783 6 They have prepared a net for my
steps; my soul is bowed down. They have dug a pit before me, into the midst of which they have fallen themselves. Selah. 7 My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast. I will sing and give praise. 8 Awake, my glory! Awake, lyre and harp! I myself will wake up early. 9 I will praise You, O Lord, among the people. I will sing to You among the nations. 10 For Your mercy is great to the heavens, and Your truth to the clouds. 11 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens. Let Your glory be above all the earth.
7 Let them melt away as waters that
run continually. When he bends his bow to shoot his arrows, let them be as though cut in pieces. 8 As a snail that melts, let every one of them pass away, like the stillborn child of a woman, that they may not see the sun. 9 Before your pots can feel the thorns, He shall take them away as with a whirlwind, both living and in His wrath. 10 The righteous shall rejoice when he sees the vengeance; he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked, 11 so that a man shall say, “Truly there is a reward for the righteous; truly He is a God who judges in the earth.”
PSALM 58 To the chief musician, Al-tashheth, michtam of David. 1 Do
you indeed speak righteousness, O congregation? Do you judge uprightly, O you sons of men? 2 Yes, in heart you work wickedness; you weigh the violence of your hands in the earth. 3 The wicked are estranged from the womb; they go astray as soon as they are born, speaking lies. 4 Their poison is like the poison of a serpent; they are like the deaf adder that stops its ear, 5 which will not listen to the voice of charmers, charming ever so wisely. 6 Break their teeth, O God, in their mouth. Break out the great teeth of the young lions, O Lord.
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PSALM 59 To the chief musician, Al-tashheth, michtam of David, when Saul sent, and they watched the house to kill him. 1 Deliver
me from my enemies, O my God. Defend me from those who rise up against me. 2 Deliver me from the workers of iniquity, and save me from murderous men. 3 For, behold, they lie in wait for my soul; the mighty are gathered against me, not for my transgression or for my sin, O Lord. 4 They run and prepare themselves, though I am without fault. Awake to help me, and see! 5 You therefore, O Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, awake to
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Psalm 59:6
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punish all the nations; do not be merciful to any wicked transgressors. Selah. 6 They return at evening; they make a noise like a dog and go around the city. 7 Behold, they belch out with their mouth; swords are in their lips, for they say, “Who hears?” 8 But You, O Lord, shall laugh at them; You shall have all the nations in derision. 9 Because of his strength I will wait on You, for God is my defense. 10 The God of my mercy shall meet me; God shall let me see my desire on my enemies. 11 Do not slay them, lest my people forget; scatter them by Your power and bring them down, O Lord our shield. 12 For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips, let them even be taken in their pride, and for the cursing and lying that they speak. 13 Destroy them in wrath, destroy them, that they may not be, and let them know that God rules in Jacob to the ends of the earth. Selah. 14 And at evening let them return, and let them make a noise like a dog and go around the city. 15 Let them wander up and down for food, and groan if they are not satisfied. 16 But I will sing of Your power; yes, I will sing aloud of Your mercy in the morning, for You have been my defense and refuge in the day of my trouble. 17 To You, O my strength, will I sing, for God is my defense and the God of my mercy.
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PSALM 60 To the chief musician on Shushan-eduth, michtam of David, to teach; when he strove with Aram-naharaim and with Aram-zobah, when Joab returned, and struck twelve thousand of Edom in the Valley of Salt. 1 O God, You have cast us off; You
have scattered us; You have been displeased. O turn Yourself to us again. 2 You have made the earth to tremble; You have broken it. Heal its breaches, for it shakes. 3 You have shown Your people hard things; You have made us to drink the wine of astonishment. 4 You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth. Selah. 5 That Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and hear me. 6 God has spoken in His holiness: “I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem and measure out the Valley of Succoth. 7 Gilead is Mine, and Manasseh is mine; Ephraim also is the strength of My head; Judah is My lawgiver; 8 Moab is My washpot; over Edom I will cast out My shoe; Philistia, you triumph because of Me.” 9 Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me into Edom? 10 Will You not, O God, who has cast us off ? And You, O God, who did not go out with our armies? 11 Give us help from trouble, for useless is the help of man.
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Psalm 63:1
785 12 Through God we shall do valiantly,
for it is He who shall trample down our enemies. PSALM 61 To the chief musician on neginah, a psalm of David.
1 Hear my cry, O God; attend to my
prayer. 2 From the end of the earth I will cry to You; when my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the rock that is higher than I. 3 For You have been a shelter for me and a strong tower from the enemy. 4 I will abide in Your tabernacle forever. I will trust in the shelter of Your wings. Selah. 5 For You, O God, have heard my vows; You have given me the heritage of those who fear Your name. 6 You will prolong the king’s life, and his years as many generations. 7 He shall abide before God forever. O prepare mercy and truth, which may preserve him. 8 So I will sing praise to Your name forever, that I may daily perform my vows. PSALM 62 To the chief musician, to Jeduthun, a psalm of David. 1 Truly my soul waits for God; from
Him comes my salvation. 2 He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my defense; I shall not be greatly moved.
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3 How
long will you devise evil against a man? You shall be slain, all of you; as a bowing wall you shall be, and as a tottering fence. 4 They only consult to cast him down from his excellency; they delight in lies. They bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah. 5 My soul, wait for God alone, for my expectation is from Him. 6 He alone is my rock and my salvation. He is my defense; I shall not be moved. 7 In God is my salvation and my glory; the rock of my strength, and my refuge, is in God. 8 Trust in Him at all times. You people, pour out your heart before Him. God is a refuge for us. Selah. 9 Surely men of low degree are a breath, and men of high degree are a lie; to be laid in the balance, they are altogether lighter than breath. 10 Do not trust in oppression, and do not become vain in robbery. If riches increase, do not set your heart on them. 11 God has spoken once; twice have I heard this: that power belongs to God. 12 Also to You, O Lord, belongs mercy, for You render to every man according to his work. PSALM 63 A psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. 1 O God, You are my God; I will seek
You early. My soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You in a dry and thirsty land where there is no water.
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Psalm 63:2
786
2 So
I have seen You in the sanctuary, to see Your power and Your glory. 3 Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You. 4 Thus I will bless You while I live; I will lift up my hands in Your name. 5 My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and abundance, and my mouth shall praise You with joyful lips, 6 when I remember You on my bed and meditate on You in the night watches. 7 Because You have been my help, therefore in the shadow of Your wings I will rejoice. 8 My soul follows You closely; Your right hand upholds me. 9 But those who seek my soul to destroy it shall go into the lower parts of the earth. 10 They shall fall by the sword; they shall be a portion for foxes. 11 But the king shall rejoice in God. Everyone who swears by Him shall glory, but the mouth of those who speak lies shall be stopped. PSALM 64 To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 1 Hear
my voice, O God, in my prayer; preserve my life from fear of the enemy. 2 Hide me from the secret counsel of the wicked, from the insurrection of the workers of iniquity, 3 who sharpen their tongue like a sword and bend their bows to shoot their arrows, even bitter words,
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4 that
they may shoot in secret at the innocent. Suddenly they shoot at him and do not fear. 5 They encourage themselves in an evil matter; they speak of laying snares secretly. They say, “Who shall see them?” 6 They search out iniquities; they accomplish a diligent search. Both the inner thought and the heart of every one of them are deep. 7 But God shall shoot at them with an arrow; suddenly they shall be wounded. 8 So they shall make their own tongue to fall on themselves. All who see them shall flee away. 9 And all men shall fear and shall declare the work of God, for they shall wisely consider what He is doing. 10 The righteous shall be glad in the Lord and shall trust in Him, and all the upright in heart shall glory. PSALM 65 To the chief musician, a psalm and song of David. 1 Praise
waits for You, O God, in Zion, and to You the vow shall be performed. 2 O You who hears prayer, to You all flesh shall come. 3 Iniquities prevail against me; as for our transgressions, You shall purge them away. 4 Blessed is the man whom You choose and cause to approach You, that he may dwell in Your courts. We shall be satisfied with the goodness of Your house, even of Your holy temple.
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787 5 By
awesome things in righteousness You will answer us, O God of our salvation, You who are the confidence of all the ends of the earth and of those who are far away on the sea, 6 who by His strength set fast the mountains, being girded with power, 7 who stills the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people. 8 Those also who dwell in the farthest parts are afraid at Your signs; You make the outgoings of the morning and evening to rejoice. 9 You visit the earth and water it. You greatly enrich it with the river of God, which is full of water. You prepare them grain, when You have so provided for it. 10 You water its ridges abundantly; You settle its furrows; You make it soft with showers; You bless its growth. 11 You crown the year with Your goodness, and Your paths drip with abundance. 12 They drop on the pastures of the wilderness, and the little hills rejoice on every side. 13 The pastures are clothed with flocks. The valleys also are covered over with grain. They shout for joy; they also sing. PSALM 66 To the chief musician, a song or psalm. 1 Make a joyful noise to God, all you
lands. 2 Sing forth the honor of His name; make His praise glorious.
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Psalm 66:17
3 Say
to God, “How awesome are You in Your works! Through the greatness of Your power Your enemies shall submit themselves to You. 4 All the earth shall worship You and shall sing to You; they shall sing to Your name.” Selah. 5 Come and see the works of God; He is awesome in His deeds toward the children of men. 6 He turned the sea into dry land; they went through the flood on foot. There we rejoiced in Him. 7 He rules by His power forever; His eyes see the nations. Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves. Selah. 8 O bless our God, you people, and make the voice of His praise to be heard, 9 who holds our soul in life and does not allow our feet to be moved. 10 For You, O God, have tested us; You have tried us, as silver is tried. 11 You brought us into the net; You laid affliction on our loins. 12 You have caused men to ride over our heads. We went through fire and through water, but You brought us out into an abundant place. 13 I will go into Your house with burnt offerings. I will pay You my vows, 14 which my lips have uttered and my mouth has spoken, when I was in trouble. 15 I will offer to You burnt sacrifices of fattened cattle, with the incense of rams; I will offer bulls with goats. Selah. 16 Come and hear, all you who fear God, and I will declare what He has done for my soul. 17 I cried to Him with my mouth, and He was extolled with my tongue.
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Psalm 66:18
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18 If I regard iniquity in my heart, the
Lord will not hear me. 19 But truly God has heard me; He has attended to the voice of my prayer. 20 Blessed is God, who has not turned away my prayer or His mercy from me. PSALM 67 To the chief musician on neginoth, a psalm or song. 1 God be merciful to us and bless us
and cause His face to shine on us, Selah, 2 that Your way may be known on earth, Your saving health among all nations. 3 Let the people praise You, O God; let all the people praise You. 4 O let the nations be glad and sing for joy, for You shall judge the people righteously and govern the nations on earth. Selah. 5 Let the people praise You, O God; let all the people praise You. 6 Then the earth shall yield her increase, and God, even our own God, shall bless us. 7 God shall bless us, and all the ends of the earth shall fear Him. PSALM 68 To the chief musician, a psalm or song of David. 1 Let God arise. Let His enemies be
scattered; let also those who hate Him flee before Him.
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2 As smoke is driven away, so drive
them away. As wax melts before the fire, so let the wicked perish in the presence of God. 3 But let the righteous be glad; let them rejoice before God. Yes, let them exceedingly rejoice. 4 Sing to God; sing praises to His name. Extol Him who rides on the heavens by His name YAH, and rejoice before Him. 5 A father of the fatherless and a judge of the widows is God in His holy habitation. 6 God sets the solitary in families; He brings out those who are bound with chains, but the rebellious dwell in a dry land. 7 O God, when You went forth before Your people, when You marched through the wilderness, Selah, 8 the earth shook, the heavens also dropped at the presence of God; even Sinai itself was moved at the presence of God, the God of Israel. 9 You, O God, sent a plentiful rain, by which You confirmed Your inheritance, when it was weary. 10 Your congregation has dwelled in it. You, O God, have prepared of Your goodness for the poor. 11 The Lord gave the word; great was the company of those who proclaimed it: 12 “Kings of armies swiftly fled, and she who remained at home divided the spoil. 13 Though you have lain among the pots, yet you shall be as the wings of a dove covered with silver, and her feathers with yellow gold.” 14 When the Almighty scattered kings in it, it was white as snow in Zalmon.
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Psalm 69:2
789 15 The
hill of God is as the hill of Bashan, a high hill as the hill of Bashan. 16 Why do you leap, you high hills? This is the hill that God desires to dwell in; yes, the Lord will dwell in it forever. 17 The chariots of God are twenty thousand, even thousands of angels; the Lord is among them, as in Sinai, in the Holy Place. 18 You have ascended on high; You have led captives. You have received gifts for men, yes, for the rebellious also, that the Lord God might dwell among them. 19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily loads us with benefits, even the God of our salvation. Selah. 20 He who is our God is the God of salvation, and to God the Lord belong the escapes from death. 21 But God shall wound the head of His enemies, and the hairy scalp of the one who goes on still in his trespasses. 22 The Lord said, “I will bring back from Bashan; I will bring my people back from the depths of the sea, 23 that your foot may be dipped in the blood of your enemies, and the tongue of your dogs in the same.” 24 They have seen your procession, O God, even the procession of my God, my King, in the sanctuary. 25 The singers went ahead; the players on instruments followed after. Among them were the young women playing tambourines. 26 Bless God in the congregations, even the Lord, from the fountain of Israel. 27 There is little Benjamin with their ruler, the princes of Judah and their
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council, the princes of Zebulun, and the princes of Naphtali. 28 Your God has commanded your strength; strengthen, O God, what You have done for us. 29 Because of Your temple at Jerusalem kings shall bring presents to You. 30 Rebuke the company of spearmen, the multitude of the bulls, with the calves of the people, until every one submits himself with pieces of silver. Scatter the people who delight in war. 31 Princes shall come out of Egypt; Ethiopia shall soon stretch out her hands to God. 32 Sing to God, you kingdoms of the earth; O sing praises to the Lord, Selah, 33 to Him who rides on the heavens of heavens, which were of old, behold, He sends out His voice, and that a mighty voice. 34 Ascribe strength to God; His excellency is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds. 35 O God, You are awesome in Your holy places. The God of Israel is He who gives strength and power to His people. Blessed be God. PSALM 69 To the chief musician on Shoshannim, a psalm of David. 1 Save
me, O God, for the waters have come into my soul. 2 I sink in deep mire, where there is no standing. I have come into deep waters, where the floods overflow me.
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Psalm 69:3
790
3 I am weary of my crying; my throat
is dried; my eyes fail while I wait for my God. 4 Those who hate me without reason are more than the hairs of my head. Those who would destroy me, being my enemies wrongfully, are mighty. Then I restored what I did not take away. 5 O God, You know my foolishness, and my sins are not hidden from You. 6 Do not let those who wait on You, O Lord God of hosts, be ashamed for my sake. Do not let those who seek You be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel. 7 Because for Your sake I have borne reproach; shame has covered my face. 8 I have become a stranger to my brothers and a foreigner to my mother’s children. 9 For the zeal of Your house has eaten me up, and the reproaches of those who reproached You have fallen on me. 10 When I wept, and chastened my soul with fasting, that was to my reproach. 11 I also made sackcloth my garment, and I became a proverb to them. 12 Those who sit in the gate speak against me, and I was the song of the drunkards. 13 But as for me, my prayer is to You, O Lord, in an acceptable time. O God, in the multitude of Your mercy, hear me, in the truth of Your salvation. 14 Deliver me out of the mire, and do not let me sink. Let me be delivered from those who hate me and out of the deep waters.
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15 Do
not let the floodwater overflow me or let the deep swallow me up. And do not let the pit shut her mouth on me. 16 Hear me, O Lord, for Your loving-kindness is good. Turn to me according to the multitude of Your tender mercies. 17 And do not hide Your face from Your servant, for I am in trouble; hear me speedily. 18 Draw near to my soul and redeem it; deliver me because of my enemies. 19 You have known my reproach and my shame and my dishonor; my adversaries are all before You. 20 Reproach has broken my heart, and I am full of heaviness. And I looked for someone to take pity, but there was none, and for comforters, but I found none. 21 They also gave me gall for my food, and in my thirst they gave me vinegar to drink. 22 Let their table become a snare before them, and what should have been for their welfare, let it become a trap. 23 Let their eyes be darkened, that they do not see, and make their loins continually to shake. 24 Pour out Your indignation on them, and let Your wrathful anger take hold of them. 25 Let their habitation be desolate, and let no one dwell in their tents. 26 For they persecute him whom You have struck, and they speak of the grief of those whom You have wounded. 27 Add iniquity to their iniquity, and do not let them come into Your righteousness.
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791 28 Let
them be blotted out of the book of the living and not be written with the righteous. 29 But I am poor and sorrowful; let Your salvation, O God, set me up on high. 30 I will praise the name of God with a song and will magnify Him with thanksgiving. 31 This also shall please the Lord better than an ox or bull that has horns and hooves. 32 The humble shall see this and be glad, and the heart of those who seek God shall live. 33 For the Lord hears the poor and does not despise His prisoners. 34 Let the heaven and earth praise Him, the seas, and everything that moves in them. 35 For God will save Zion and will build the cities of Judah, that they may dwell there and have it as a possession. 36 The descendants of His servants shall also inherit it, and those who love His name shall dwell in it. PSALM 70 To the chief musician, a psalm of David, to bring to remembrance. 1 Hurry, O God, to deliver me; hurry
to help me, O Lord. 2 Let those who seek after my soul be ashamed and confounded. Let those who desire to harm me be turned backward and put to confusion. 3 Let those who say “Aha, aha!” be turned back as a reward for their shame.
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4 Let all those who seek You rejoice
and be glad in You, and let those who love Your salvation say continually, “Let God be magnified.” 5 But I am poor and needy; hurry to me, O God. You are my help and my deliverer. O Lord, do not delay. PSALM 71
1 In You, O Lord, I put my trust; let
me never be put to shame. 2 Deliver me in Your righteousness, and cause me to escape. Incline Your ear to me and save me. 3 Be my strong habitation, to which I may continually resort; You have given commandment to save me, for You are my rock and my fortress. 4 Deliver me, O my God, out from the hand of the wicked, out from the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man. 5 For You are my hope, O Lord God; You are my trust from my youth. 6 I have been upheld by You from the womb; You are He who took me out from my mother’s womb. My praise shall be continually of You. 7 I am as a wonder to many, but You are my strong refuge. 8 Let my mouth be filled with Your praise and with Your honor all day long. 9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; do not abandon me when my strength fails. 10 For my enemies speak against me, and those who lie in wait for my soul take counsel together, 11 saying, “God has abandoned him. Persecute and take him, for there is no one to deliver him.”
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12 O God, do not be far from me. O
my God, hurry to help me. 13 Let those who are adversaries to my soul be confounded and destroyed; let those who seek to harm me be covered with reproach and dishonor. 14 But I will hope continually and will still praise You more and more. 15 My mouth shall declare Your righteousness and Your salvation all day, for I do not know its numbers. 16 I will go in the strength of the Lord God. I will make mention of Your righteousness, even of Yours only. 17 O God, You have taught me from my youth, and here I have declared Your wondrous works. 18 Now also when I am old and grayheaded, O God, do not abandon me, until I have declared Your strength to this generation and Your power to everyone who is to come. 19 Your righteousness also, O God, is very high, You who have done great things. O God, who is like You? 20 You, who have shown me great and severe troubles, shall revive me again and shall bring me up again from the depths of the earth. 21 You shall increase my greatness and comfort me on every side. 22 I will also praise You with the lyre, even Your truth, O my God; to You I will sing with the harp, O Holy One of Israel. 23 My lips shall greatly rejoice when I sing to You, and my soul, which You have redeemed. 24 My tongue also shall speak of Your righteousness all day long, for those who seek to harm me are
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confounded; they are brought to shame. PSALM 72 A psalm for Solomon. 1 Give the king Your judgments, O
God, and Your righteousness to the king’s Son. 2 He shall judge Your people with righteousness and Your poor with judgment. 3 The mountains shall bring peace to the people, and the little hills, by righteousness. 4 He shall judge the poor of the people. He shall save the children of the needy and shall break in pieces the oppressor. 5 They shall fear You as long as the sun and moon endure, throughout all generations. 6 He shall come down like rain on the mown grass, as showers that water the earth. 7 In His days the righteous shall flourish, and abundance of peace as long as the moon endures. 8 He shall have dominion also from sea to sea, and from the river to the ends of the earth. 9 Those who dwell in the wilderness shall bow before Him, and His enemies shall lick the dust. 10 The kings of Tarshish and of the coastlands shall bring presents. The kings of Sheba and Seba shall offer gifts. 11 Yes, all kings shall fall down before Him; all nations shall serve Him. 12 For He shall deliver the needy when he cries, the poor also, and him who has no helper.
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793 13 He shall spare the poor and needy
and shall save the souls of the needy. 14 He shall redeem their soul from deceit and violence, and their blood shall be precious in His sight. 15 And He shall live, and to Him shall be given of the gold of Sheba. Prayer also shall be made for Him continually, and daily He shall be praised. 16 There shall be a handful of grain in the earth on the top of the mountains. Its fruit shall shake like Lebanon, and those of the city shall flourish like grass of the earth. 17 His name shall endure forever. His name shall be continued as long as the sun, and men shall be blessed in Him. All nations shall call Him blessed. 18 Blessed is the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things. 19 And blessed is His glorious name forever, and let the whole earth be filled with His glory. Amen and Amen. 20 The prayers of David the son of Jesse are ended. BOOK 3
PSALM 73 A psalm of Asaph. 1 Truly God is good to Israel, even to
those who are of a clean heart. 2 But as for me, my feet were almost gone; my steps had almost slipped. 3 For I was envious of the foolish
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when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. 4 For there are no pangs in their death, but their strength is firm. 5 They are not in trouble as other men, nor are they plagued like other men. 6 Therefore pride surrounds them like a chain; violence covers them as a garment. 7 Their eyes stand out with abundance. They have more than their heart could wish for. 8 They are corrupt and speak wickedly concerning oppression; they speak loftily. 9 They set their mouth against the heavens, and their tongue walks through the earth. 10 Therefore his people return here, and waters of a full cup are wrung out to them. 11 And they say, “How does God know? And is there knowledge in the Most High?” 12 Behold, these are the ungodly who prosper in the world; they increase in riches. 13 Truly I have cleansed my heart in vain and washed my hands in innocence. 14 For all day long I have been plagued, and chastened every morning. 15 If I say, “I will speak this way,” behold, I would offend the generation of Your children. 16 When I thought to know this, it was too painful for me, 17 until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I understood their end. 18 Surely You set them in slippery places; You cast them down into destruction.
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19 How they are brought into deso-
lation, as in a moment! They are utterly consumed with terrors. 20 As a dream when one awakes, so, O Lord, when You awake, You shall despise their image. 21 Thus my heart was grieved, and I was pricked in my mind. 22 So foolish was I, and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. 23 Nevertheless I am continually with You. You have held me by my right hand. 24 You shall guide me with Your counsel and afterward receive me to glory. 25 Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none on earth that I desire besides You. 26 My flesh and my heart fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. 27 For, behold, those who are far from You shall perish. You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. 28 But it is good for me to draw near to God. I have put my trust in the Lord God, that I may declare all Your works. PSALM 74 Maskil of Asaph. 1 O God, why have You cast us off
forever? Why does Your anger smoke against the sheep of Your pasture? 2 Remember Your congregation, who You have purchased of old, the rod of Your inheritance, who You have redeemed, this Mount Zion, in which You have dwelled. 3 Lift up Your feet to the perpetual
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desolations, even all that the enemy has done wickedly in the sanctuary. 4 Your enemies roar in the midst of Your congregations; they set up their banners as signs. 5 A man was famous as he had lifted up axes on the thick trees. 6 But now they break down its carved work at once with axes and hammers. 7 They have cast fire into Your sanctuary; they have defiled by casting down the dwelling place of Your name to the ground. 8 They said in their hearts, “Let us destroy them together.” They have burned up all the synagogues of God in the land. 9 We do not see our signs; there is no longer any prophet, nor is there among us any who knows how long. 10 O God, how long shall the adversary reproach? Shall the enemy blaspheme Your name forever? 11 Why do You withdraw Your hand, even Your right hand? Pluck it out of Your chest. 12 For God is my King of old, working salvation in the midst of the earth. 13 You divided the sea by Your strength; You broke the heads of the dragons in the waters. 14 You broke the heads of Leviathan in pieces and gave him to be food for the people inhabiting the wilderness. 15 You split open the fountain and the flood; You dried up mighty rivers. 16 The day is Yours; the night also is Yours. You have prepared the light and the sun. 17 You have set all the borders of the earth; You have made summer and winter. 18 Remember this, that the enemy
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has reproached, O Lord, and that the foolish people have blasphemed Your name. 19 O do not deliver the soul of Your turtledove to the multitude of the wicked. Do not forget the congregation of Your poor forever. 20 Have respect for the covenant, for the dark places of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. 21 O do not let the oppressed return ashamed; let the poor and needy praise Your name. 22 Arise, O God. Plead Your own cause; remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily. 23 Do not forget the voice of Your enemies; the tumult of those who rise up against You increases continually. PSALM 75 To the chief musician, Al-tashheth, a psalm or song of Asaph. 1 To You, O God, we give thanks, to
You we give thanks, for Your wondrous works declare that Your name is near. 2 “When I shall receive the congregation, I will judge uprightly. 3 The earth and all its inhabitants are dissolved. I hold up its pillars. Selah. 4 I said to the fools, ‘Do not deal foolishly,’ and to the wicked, ‘Do not lift up the horn. 5 Do not lift up your horn on high; do not speak with a stiff neck.’” 6 For promotion comes neither from the east nor from the west nor from the south. 7 But God is the Judge; He puts
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down one and sets up another. 8 For in the hand of the Lord there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture, and He pours out of the same. But all the wicked of the earth shall wring out its dregs and drink them. 9 But I will declare forever; I will sing praises to the God of Jacob. 10 All the horns of the wicked also I will cut off, but the horns of the righteous shall be exalted. PSALM 76 To the chief musician on neginoth, a psalm or song of Asaph. 1 God is known in Judah; His name
is great in Israel. 2 Also His tabernacle is in Salem, and His dwelling place in Zion. 3 There He broke the arrows of the bow, the shield, and the sword, and the battle. Selah. 4 You are more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey. 5 The stouthearted are plundered; they have slept their sleep, and none of the men of might have found their hands. 6 At Your rebuke, O God of Jacob, both the chariot and horse are cast into a dead sleep. 7 You, even You, are to be feared, and who may stand in Your sight once You are angry? 8 You caused judgment to be heard from heaven; the earth feared and was still 9 when God arose to judgment, to save all the meek of the earth. Selah.
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10 Surely
the wrath of man shall praise You; You shall restrain the remnant of wrath. 11 Vow and pay to the Lord your God; let all who are around Him bring presents to Him who ought to be feared. 12 He shall cut off the spirit of princes; He is terrifying to the kings of the earth. PSALM 77 To the chief musician, to Jeduthun, a psalm of Asaph. 1 I cried to God with my voice, even
to God with my voice, and He gave ear to me. 2 In the day of my trouble, I sought the Lord. My sore ran in the night and did not cease; my soul refused to be comforted. 3 I remembered God and was troubled. I complained, and my spirit was overwhelmed. Selah. 4 You hold open my eyes. I am so troubled that I cannot speak. 5 I have considered the days of old, the years of ancient times. 6 I remember my song in the night. I speak with my own heart, and my spirit made diligent search. 7 Will the Lord cast off forever? And will He be favorable no more? 8 Is His mercy completely gone forever? Does His promise fail forevermore? 9 Has God forgotten to be gracious? Has He in anger shut up His tender mercies? Selah. 10 And I said, “This is my weakness, but I will remember the years of the right hand of the Most High.”
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11 I will remember the works of the
Lord; surely I will remember Your wonders of old. 12 I will also meditate on all Your work and tell of Your deeds. 13 Your way, O God, is in the sanctuary. Who is so great a God as our God? 14 You are the God who does wonders; You have declared Your strength among the people. 15 With Your arm You have redeemed Your people, the sons of Jacob and Joseph. Selah. 16 The waters saw You, O God, the waters saw You; they were afraid. The depths also were troubled. 17 The clouds poured out water; the skies sent out a sound. Your arrows also went out. 18 The voice of Your thunder was in the heaven; the lightnings lit up the world; the earth trembled and shook. 19 Your way is in the sea, and Your path in the great waters, and Your footsteps are not known. 20 You led Your people like a flock by the hand of Moses and Aaron. PSALM 78 Maskil of Asaph. 1 Give ear, O my people, to my law;
incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2 I will open my mouth in a parable; I will utter dark sayings of old, 3 which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. 4 We will not hide them from their children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord
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and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done. 5 For He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers, that they should make them known to their children, 6 that the generation to come might know them, even the children who should be born, who should arise and declare them to their children, 7 that they might set their hope in God and not forget the works of God but keep His commandments, 8 and might not be as their fathers, a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation that did not set their heart properly, and whose spirit was not steadfast with God. 9 The children of Ephraim, being armed and carrying bows, turned back in the day of battle. 10 They did not keep the covenant of God, and refused to walk in His law, 11 and forgot His works and His wonders that He had shown them. 12 Marvelous things He did in the sight of their fathers, in the land of Egypt, in the field of Zoan. 13 He divided the sea and caused them to pass through, and He made the waters to stand as a heap. 14 In the daytime also He led them with a cloud, and all the night with a light of fire. 15 He split the rocks in the wilderness and gave them drink as out of the great depths. 16 He brought streams also out of the rock and caused waters to run down like rivers. 17 And they sinned still more against Him by provoking the Most High in the wilderness.
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18 And
they tempted God in their heart by asking for food they craved. 19 Yes, they spoke against God. They said, “Can God furnish a table in the wilderness? 20 Behold, He struck the rock, that the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed. Can He give bread also? Can He provide meat for His people?” 21 Therefore the Lord heard this and was angry, so a fire was kindled against Jacob, and anger also came up against Israel, 22 because they did not believe in God and did not trust in His salvation, 23 though He had commanded the clouds from above, and opened the doors of heaven, 24 and had rained down manna on them to eat, and had given them from the grain of heaven. 25 Man ate angels’ food; He sent them food to the full. 26 He caused an east wind to blow in the heavens, and by His power He brought in the south wind. 27 He rained meat also on them like dust, and feathered fowls like the sand of the sea, 28 and He let it fall in the midst of their camp around their dwellings. 29 So they ate and were well filled, for He gave them their own desire; 30 they were not estranged from their lust. But while their meat was yet in their mouths, 31 the wrath of God came on them, and slew the fattest of them, and struck down the chosen men of Israel. 32 For all this they sinned still and did not believe despite His wondrous works.
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33 Therefore He consumed their days
in vanity and their years in trouble. 34 When He slew them, then they sought Him, and they returned and earnestly inquired after God. 35 And they remembered that God was their rock, and the high God their redeemer. 36 Nevertheless they flattered Him with their mouth, and they lied to Him with their tongues. 37 For their heart was not right with Him, nor were they steadfast in His covenant. 38 But He, being full of compassion, forgave their iniquity and did not destroy them. Yes, many times He turned His anger away and did not stir up all His wrath. 39 For He remembered that they were but flesh, a wind that passes away and does not return. 40 How often they provoked Him in the wilderness and grieved Him in the desert! 41 Yes, they turned back and tempted God and limited the Holy One of Israel. 42 They did not remember His hand or the day when He delivered them from the enemy, 43 how He had worked His signs in Egypt and His wonders in the field of Zoan, 44 and had turned their rivers into blood, and their floods, that they could not drink. 45 He sent various sorts of flies among them, which devoured them, and frogs, which destroyed them. 46 He also gave their crops to the caterpillar and their labor to the locust. 47 He destroyed their vines with hail and their sycamore trees with frost.
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48 He gave up their cattle also to the
hail, and their flocks to hot thunderbolts. 49 He cast on them the fierceness of His anger, wrath, and indignation, and trouble by sending evil angels among them. 50 He made a way for His anger; He did not spare their soul from death but gave their life over to the pestilence, 51 and struck all the firstborn in Egypt, the chief of their strength in the tents of Ham, 52 but made His own people to go forth like sheep and guided them in the wilderness like a flock. 53 And He led them on safely, so that they did not fear, but the sea overwhelmed their enemies. 54 And He brought them to the border of His sanctuary, even to this mountain, which His right hand had purchased. 55 He cast out the nations also before them, and distributed to them an inheritance by line, and made the tribes of Israel to dwell in their tents. 56 Yet they tempted and provoked the Most High God and did not keep His testimonies, 57 but turned back and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers. They were turned aside like a deceitful bow. 58 For they provoked Him to anger with their high places and moved Him to jealousy with their graven images. 59 When God heard this, He was angry and greatly hated Israel, 60 so that He abandoned the tabernacle of Shiloh, the tent that He placed among men,
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delivered His strength into captivity and His glory into the enemy’s hand. 62 He gave His people over also to the sword and was angry with His inheritance. 63 The fire consumed their young men, and their maidens were not given in marriage. 64 Their priests fell by the sword, and their widows made no lamentation. 65 Then the Lord awoke as one out of sleep, and like a mighty man who shouts because of wine, 66 and He struck His enemies in the back; He put them to a perpetual reproach. 67 Moreover He refused the tent of Joseph and did not choose the tribe of Ephraim, 68 but chose the tribe of Judah, the Mount Zion that He loved. 69 And He built His sanctuary like high palaces, like the earth that He has established forever. 70 He also chose David His servant and took him from the sheepfolds. 71 He brought him from following the ewes great with young to feed Jacob His people and Israel His inheritance. 72 So he fed them according to the integrity of his heart and guided them by the skillfulness of his hands. PSALM 79 A psalm of Asaph. 1 O God, the nations have come into
Your inheritance; they have defiled Your holy temple; they have laid Jerusalem in ruins.
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2 They have given the dead bodies
of Your servants to be food for the fowls of the heavens, the flesh of Your saints to the beasts of the earth. 3 They have shed their blood like water around Jerusalem, and there was no one to bury them. 4 We have become a reproach to our neighbors, a scorn and derision to those who are around us. 5 How long, Lord? Will You be angry forever? Shall Your jealousy burn like fire? 6 Pour out Your wrath on the nations that have not known You and on the kingdoms that have not called on Your name. 7 For they have devoured Jacob and laid waste his dwelling place. 8 O do not remember former iniquities against us. Let Your tender mercies come speedily to meet us, for we are brought very low. 9 Help us, O God of our salvation, for the glory of Your name, and deliver us and purify us of our sins, for Your name’s sake. 10 Why should the nations say, “Where is their God?” Let Him be known among the nations in our sight by the avenging of the blood of Your servants that is shed. 11 Let the sighing of the prisoner come before You; according to the greatness of Your power, You preserve those who are appointed to die, 12 and render to our neighbors sevenfold into their bosom their reproach, by which they have reproached You, O Lord. 13 So we Your people and sheep of Your pasture will give You thanks forever; we will declare Your praise to all generations.
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PSALM 80 To the chief musician on Shoshannim-Eduth, a psalm of Asaph. 1 Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You
who lead Joseph like a flock. You who dwell between the cherubim, shine forth. 2 Before Ephraim and Benjamin and Manasseh, stir up Your strength and come and save us. 3 Restore us again, O God, and cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved. 4 O Lord God of hosts, how long will You be angry with the prayer of Your people? 5 You feed them with the bread of tears and give them tears to drink in great measure. 6 You make us a strife to our neighbors, and our enemies laugh among themselves. 7 Restore us again, O God of hosts, and cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved. 8 You have brought a vine out of Egypt; You have cast out the nations and planted it. 9 You prepared room before it and caused it to take deep root, and it filled the land. 10 The hills were covered with its shadow, and its boughs were like the mighty cedars. 11 She sent out her boughs to the sea and her branches to the river. 12 Why have You then broken down her hedges, so that all those who pass by the way pluck her? 13 The boar out of the wood wastes it, and the wild beast of the field devours it.
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14 Return,
we beg You, O God of hosts. Look down from heaven, and see, and visit this vine, 15 and the vineyard that Your right hand has planted, and the branch that You made strong for Yourself. 16 It is burned with fire; it is cut down. They perish at the rebuke of Your countenance. 17 Let Your hand be on the man of Your right hand, on the son of man whom You made strong for Yourself. 18 So we will not go back from You; revive us, and we will call on Your name. 19 Restore us again, O Lord God of hosts. Cause Your face to shine, and we shall be saved. PSALM 81 To the chief musician on gittith, a psalm of Asaph. 1 Sing
aloud to God our strength; make a joyful noise to the God of Jacob. 2 Take a psalm, and bring here the tambourine, the pleasant harp with the lyre. 3 Blow the trumpet in the New Moon, in the time appointed, on our solemn feast day. 4 For this was a statute for Israel and a law of the God of Jacob. 5 This He ordained in Joseph for a testimony, when He went out through the land of Egypt, where I heard a language that I did not understand: 6 “I removed his shoulder from the burden; his hands were delivered from the pots. 7 You called in trouble and I delivered
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you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder. I tested you at the waters of Meribah. Selah. 8 Hear, O My people, and I will testify to you. O Israel, if you will only listen to Me. 9 There shall be no foreign god in you; nor shall you worship any foreign god. 10 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt. Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. 11 But My people would not listen to My voice, and Israel would have none of Me. 12 So I gave them up to their own hearts’ lust, and they walked in their own counsels. 13 Oh that My people had listened to Me, and Israel had walked in My ways! 14 I would soon have subdued their enemies and turned My hand against their adversaries. 15 The haters of the Lord should have submitted themselves to Him, but their time would have endured forever. 16 He would have fed them also with the finest of the wheat, and with honey out of the rock I would have satisfied you.” PSALM 82 A psalm of Asaph. 1 God stands in the congregation of
the mighty; He judges among the gods. 2 How long will you judge unjustly and lift up the persons of the wicked? Selah.
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3 Defend
the poor and fatherless; do justice to the afflicted and needy. 4 Deliver the poor and needy; rescue them from the hand of the wicked. 5 They do not know, nor will they understand; they walk on in darkness. All the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 I have said, “You are gods, and all of you are children of the Most High. 7 But you shall die like men and fall like one of the princes.” 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth, for You shall inherit all nations. PSALM 83 A song or psalm of Asaph. 1 Do not keep silent, O God. Do not
hold Your peace, and do not be still, O God. 2 For behold, Your enemies make a tumult, and those who hate You have lifted up their heads. 3 They have taken crafty counsel against Your people and consulted against Your hidden ones. 4 They have said, “Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may no longer be remembered.” 5 For they have consulted together with one consent; they are allied against You. 6 The tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites, 7 Gebal, and Ammon, and Amalek, the Philistines with the inhabitants of Tyre;
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8 Assyria also has joined with them;
they have helped the children of Lot. Selah. 9 Do to them as to the Midianites, as to Sisera, as to Jabin, at the brook of Kishon, 10 which perished at Endor; they became like dung for the earth. 11 Make their nobles like Oreb, and like Zeeb. Yes, all their princes as Zebah, and as Zalmunna, 12 who said, “Let us take for ourselves the houses of God for a possession.” 13 O my God, make them like whirling dust, like the stubble before the wind. 14 As the fire burns the woods, and as the flame sets the mountains on fire, 15 so persecute them with Your tempest, and make them afraid with Your storm. 16 Fill their faces with shame, that they may seek Your name, O Lord. 17 Let them be confounded and troubled forever; yes, let them be put to shame and perish, 18 that men may know that You, whose name alone is Jehovah, are the Most High over all the earth. PSALM 84 To the chief musician on gittith, a psalm for the sons of Korah. 1 How lovely are Your tabernacles,
O Lord of hosts! 2 My soul longs, yes, even faints for the courts of the Lord. My heart and my flesh cry out for the living God.
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3 Yes, the sparrow has found a house,
and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, even Your altars, O Lord of hosts, my King, and my God. 4 Blessed are those who dwell in Your house; they will still be praising You. Selah. 5 Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, in whose heart are the ways of them, 6 who passing through the Valley of Baca make it a well; the rain also fills the pools. 7 They go from strength to strength; every one of them in Zion appears before God. 8 O Lord God of hosts, hear my prayer. Give ear, O God of Jacob. Selah. 9 Behold, O God our shield, and look at the face of Your anointed. 10 For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand. I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness. 11 For the Lord God is a sun and shield. The Lord will give grace and glory; no good thing will He withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12 O Lord of hosts, blessed is the man who trusts in You. PSALM 85 To the chief musician, a psalm for the sons of Korah. 1 Lord, You have been favorable to
Your land; You have brought back the captivity of Jacob. 2 You have forgiven the iniquity of
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Your people; You have covered all their sin. Selah. 3 You have taken away all Your wrath; You have turned Yourself from the fierceness of Your anger. 4 Restore us, O God of our salvation, and cause Your anger toward us to cease. 5 Will You be angry with us forever? Will You draw out Your anger to all generations? 6 Will You not revive us again, that Your people may rejoice in You? 7 Show us Your mercy, O Lord, and grant us Your salvation. 8 I will hear what God the Lord will speak, for He will speak peace to His people and to His saints, but let them not turn again to foolishness. 9 Surely His salvation is near those who fear Him, that glory may dwell in our land. 10 Mercy and truth have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other. 11 Truth shall spring out of the earth, and righteousness shall look down from heaven. 12 Yes, the Lord shall give what is good, and our land shall yield her increase. 13 Righteousness shall go before Him and shall set us in the way of His steps. PSALM 86 A prayer of David. 1 Bow down Your ear, O Lord; hear
me, for I am poor and needy. 2 Preserve my soul, for I am holy. O You, my God, save Your servant who trusts in You.
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Psalm 86:17
3 Be merciful to me, O Lord, for I cry
to You daily. 4 Rejoice the soul of Your servant, for to You, O Lord, I lift up my soul. 5 For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call on You. 6 Give ear, O Lord, to my prayer, and attend to the voice of my supplications. 7 In the day of my trouble I will call on You, for You will answer me. 8 Among the gods there is none like You, O Lord, nor are there any works like Your works. 9 All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You, O Lord, and shall glorify Your name. 10 For You are great and do wondrous things. You are God alone. 11 Teach me Your way, O Lord; I will walk in Your truth. Unite my heart to fear Your name. 12 I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forevermore. 13 For great is Your mercy toward me, and You have delivered my soul from the lowest hell. 14 O God, the proud have risen against me, and the assemblies of violent men have sought after my soul and have not set You before them. 15 But You, O Lord, are a God full of compassion, and gracious, long-suffering, and abundant in mercy and truth. 16 O turn to me and have mercy on me; give Your strength to Your servant, and save the son of Your handmaiden. 17 Show me a sign for good, that those who hate me may see it and
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Psalm 87:1
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be ashamed, because You, Lord, have helped me and comforted me. PSALM 87 A psalm or song for the sons of Korah. 1 His foundation is in the holy moun-
tains. 2 The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwellings of Jacob. 3 Glorious things are spoken of you, O city of God. Selah. 4 “I will make mention of Rahab and Babylon to those who know Me. Behold Philistia, and Tyre, with Ethiopia: ‘This man was born there.’” 5 And of Zion it shall be said, “This and that man were born in her, and the Most High Himself shall establish her.” 6 The Lord shall count, when He registers the people: “This man was born there.” Selah. 7 As well the singers as the players on instruments shall be there: “All my springs are in you.” PSALM 88 A song or psalm for the sons of Korah, to the chief musician on mahalath leannoth, maskil of Heman the Ezrahite. 1 O Lord God of my salvation, I have
cried day and night before You. 2 Let my prayer come before You; incline Your ear to my cry, 3 for my soul is full of troubles, and my life draws near to the grave.
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4 I am counted with those who go
down into the pit. I am like a man who has no strength, 5 free among the dead, like the slain who lie in the grave, whom You remember no longer, and they are cut off from Your hand. 6 You have laid me in the lowest pit, in darkness, in the deeps. 7 Your wrath lies heavily on me, and You have afflicted me with all Your waves. Selah. 8 You have put away my acquaintances far from me; You have made me an abomination to them. I am shut up, and I cannot come out. 9 My eye mourns because of affliction. Lord, I have called daily on You; I have stretched out my hands to You. 10 Will You show wonders to the dead? Shall the dead arise and praise You? Selah. 11 Shall Your loving-kindness be declared in the grave? Or Your faithfulness in destruction? 12 Shall Your wonders be known in the dark? And Your righteousness in the land of forgetfulness? 13 But to You I have cried, O Lord, and in the morning my prayer shall come before You. 14 Lord, why do You cast off my soul? Why do You hide Your face from me? 15 I have been afflicted and ready to die from my youth. While I suffer Your terrors I am distracted. 16 Your fierce wrath goes over me; Your terrors have cut me off. 17 They came around me daily like water; they surrounded me altogether. 18 You have put lover and friend far from me and my acquaintance into darkness.
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PSALM 89 Maskil of Ethan the Ezrahite. 1I
will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever. With my mouth I will make known Your faithfulness to all generations. 2 For I have said, “Mercy shall be built up forever; Your faithfulness You shall establish in the very heavens.” 3 “I have made a covenant with My chosen; I have sworn to David My servant, 4 ‘I will establish your descendants forever and build up your throne to all generations.’” Selah. 5 And the heavens shall praise Your wonders, O Lord, Your faithfulness also in the congregation of the saints. 6 For who in the heavens can be compared to the Lord? Who among the sons of the mighty can be like the Lord? 7 God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints and to be held in reverence by all those who are around Him. 8 O Lord God of hosts, who is a strong Lord like You? Or like Your faithfulness around You? 9 You rule the raging of the sea; when its waves arise, You still them. 10 You have broken Rahab in pieces, as one who is slain; You have scattered Your enemies with Your strong arm. 11 The heavens are Yours; the earth also is Yours; as for the world and its fullness, You have founded them. 12 The north and the south, You have created them. Tabor and Hermon shall rejoice in Your name.
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Psalm 89:27
13 You have a mighty arm. Strong is
Your hand, and high is Your right hand. 14 Justice and judgment are the habitation of Your throne. Mercy and truth shall go before Your face. 15 Blessed are the people who know the joyful sound. They shall walk, O Lord, in the light of Your presence. 16 In Your name they shall rejoice all day, and in Your righteousness they shall be exalted. 17 For You are the glory of their strength, and in Your favor our horn shall be exalted. 18 For the Lord is our defense, and the Holy One of Israel is our King. 19 Then You spoke in a vision to Your holy one and said, “I have laid help on one who is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people. 20 I have found David My servant; with My holy oil I have anointed him, 21 with whom My hand shall be established; My arm also shall strengthen him. 22 The enemy shall not impose on him, nor the son of wickedness afflict him. 23 And I will beat down his foes before his face and plague those who hate him. 24 But My faithfulness and My mercy shall be with him, and in My name his horn shall be exalted. 25 I will set his hand also in the sea, and his right hand in the rivers. 26 He shall cry to Me, ‘You are my father, my God, and the rock of my salvation.’ 27 Also I will make him My firstborn, higher than the kings of the earth.
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Psalm 89:28
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28 I will keep My mercy for him for-
evermore, and My covenant shall stand firmly with him. 29 I will also make his descendants to endure forever, and his throne as the days of heaven. 30 If his children abandon My law and do not walk in My judgments, 31 if they break My statutes and do not keep My commandments, 32 then I will punish their transgression with the rod and their iniquity with wounds. 33 Nevertheless I will not utterly take My loving-kindness from him or allow My faithfulness to fail. 34 I will not break My covenant or alter what has gone out of My lips. 35 Once I have sworn by My holiness that I will not lie to David. 36 His descendants shall endure forever, and his throne as the sun before Me. 37 It shall be established forever like the moon, and like a faithful witness in heaven.” Selah. 38 But You have cast off and hated; You have been angry with Your anointed. 39 You have made void the covenant of Your servant. You have profaned his crown by casting it to the ground. 40 You have broken down all his hedges; You have brought his strongholds to ruin. 41 All who pass by the way plunder him. He is a reproach to his neighbors. 42 You have set up the right hand of his adversaries; You have made all his enemies to rejoice. 43 You have also turned the edge of his sword and have not made him to stand in the battle.
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44 You have made his glory to cease
and cast his throne down to the ground. 45 You have shortened the days of his youth. You have covered him with shame. Selah. 46 How long, Lord? Will You hide Yourself forever? Shall Your wrath burn like fire? 47 Remember how short my time is. Why have You made all men in vain? 48 What man is he who lives and shall not see death? Shall he deliver his soul from the hand of the grave? Selah. 49 Lord, where are Your former loving-kindnesses, which You swore to David in Your truth? 50 Remember, Lord, the reproach of Your servants, how I bear in my heart the reproach of all the mighty people, 51 by which Your enemies have reproached, O Lord, by which they have reproached the footsteps of Your anointed. 52 Blessed is the Lord forevermore! Amen and Amen. BOOK 4
PSALM 90 A prayer of Moses the man of God. 1 Lord, You have been our dwelling
place in all generations. 2 Before the mountains were brought forth or You had ever formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, You are God.
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807 3 You turn man to destruction and
say, “Return, you children of men.” 4 For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday when it is past, and like a watch in the night. 5 You carry them away like a flood. They are like sleep; in the morning they are like grass that grows up. 6 In the morning it flourishes and grows up; in the evening it is cut down and withers. 7 For we are consumed by Your anger, and by Your wrath we are troubled. 8 You have set our iniquities before You, our secret sins in the light of Your presence. 9 For all our days have passed away in Your wrath. We spend our years like a tale that is told. 10 The days of our years are seventy, and if because of strength they are eighty years, yet their strength is labor and sorrow, for it is soon cut off, and we fly away. 11 Who knows the power of Your anger? Even according to Your fear, so is Your wrath. 12 So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts to wisdom. 13 Return, O Lord. How long? And let it grieve You concerning Your servants. 14 O satisfy us early with Your mercy, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days. 15 Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us, and the years in which we have seen evil. 16 Let Your work appear to Your servants, and Your glory to their children.
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Psalm 91:12
17 And
let the beauty of the Lord our God be on us, and establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands. PSALM 91
1 He who dwells in the secret place
of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress. My God, in Him I will trust.” 3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the dangerous pestilence. 4 He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall trust. His truth shall be your shield and buckler. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, or of the arrow that flies by day, 6 or of the pestilence that walks in darkness, or of the destruction that wastes at noonday. 7 A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand, but it shall not come near you. 8 Only with your eyes you shall look and see the reward of the wicked. 9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, even the Most High, your habitation, 10 no evil shall befall you, nor shall any plague come near your dwelling. 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, to guard you in all your ways. 12 They shall lift you up in their hands, lest you dash your foot against a stone.
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Psalm 91:13
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13 You
shall tread on the lion and adder; you shall trample the young lion and the dragon underfoot. 14 “Because he has set his love on Me, therefore will I deliver him. I will set him on high, because he has known My name. 15 He shall call on Me, and I will answer him. I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 16 I will satisfy him with long life and show him My salvation.” PSALM 92 A psalm or song for the Sabbath day. 1 It is a good thing to give thanks to
the Lord and to sing praises to Your name, O Most High, 2 to declare Your loving-kindness in the morning and Your faithfulness every night, 3 on an instrument of ten strings, and on the lyre, on the harp with a solemn sound. 4 For You, Lord, have made me glad through Your work. I will triumph in the works of Your hands. 5 O Lord, how great are Your works! And Your thoughts are very deep. 6 A senseless man does not know, nor does a fool understand this: 7 when the wicked spring as the grass and when all the workers of iniquity flourish, it is that they shall be destroyed forever. 8 But You, Lord, are Most High forevermore. 9 For behold, Your enemies, O Lord, for behold, Your enemies shall perish; all the workers of iniquity shall be scattered.
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10 But You shall exalt my horn like
the horn of a wild ox. I shall be anointed with fresh oil. 11 My eye also shall see my desire on my enemies, and my ears shall hear my desire of the wicked who rise up against me. 12 The righteous shall flourish like the palm tree; he shall grow like a cedar in Lebanon. 13 Those who are planted in the house of the Lord shall flourish in the courts of our God. 14 They shall still bring forth fruit in old age; they shall be fertile and flourishing, 15 to declare that the Lord is upright. He is my rock, and there is no unrighteousness in Him. PSALM 93 Lord reigns; He is clothed with majesty. The Lord is clothed with strength, with which He has girded Himself. The world also is established, that it cannot be moved. 2 Your throne is established of old. You are from everlasting. 3 The floods have lifted up, O Lord; the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their waves. 4 The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, yes, than the mighty waves of the sea. 5 Your testimonies are very sure. Holiness is suitable for Your house, O Lord, forever. 1 The
PSALM 94
1 O Lord God, to whom vengeance
belongs, O God, to whom vengeance belongs, show Yourself.
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Psalm 95:8
809 2 Lift up Yourself, Judge of the earth.
Render a reward to the proud. 3 Lord, how long shall the wicked, how long shall the wicked triumph? 4 How long shall they utter and speak hard things, and all the workers of iniquity boast in themselves? 5 They break in pieces Your people, O Lord, and afflict Your heritage. 6 They slay the widow and the foreigner and murder the fatherless. 7 Yet they say, “The Lord shall not see; the God of Jacob shall not regard it.” 8 Understand, you senseless among the people. And you fools, when will you be wise? 9 He who planted the ear, shall He not hear? He who formed the eye, shall He not see? 10 He who chastises the nations, shall He not correct? He who teaches man knowledge, shall He not know? 11 The Lord knows the thoughts of man, that they are a breath. 12 Blessed is the man whom You chasten, O Lord, and teach out of Your law, 13 that You may give him rest from the days of adversity, until the pit is dug for the wicked. 14 For the Lord will not cast off His people, nor will He abandon His inheritance. 15 But judgment shall return to righteousness, and all the upright in heart shall follow it. 16 Who will rise up for me against the evildoers? Or who will stand up for me against the workers of iniquity? 17 Unless the Lord had been my help, my soul would have dwelled in silence.
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18 When I said, “My foot slips,” Your
mercy, O Lord, held me up. 19 In the multitude of my thoughts within me, Your comforts delight my soul. 20 Shall the throne of iniquity, which brings about evil by a law, have fellowship with You? 21 They gather themselves together against the soul of the righteous and condemn the innocent blood. 22 But the Lord is my defense, and my God is the rock of my refuge. 23 And He shall bring on them their own iniquity and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yes, the Lord our God shall cut them off. PSALM 95
1 O come, let us sing to the Lord.
Let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation. 2 Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving and make a joyful noise to Him with psalms. 3 For the Lord is a great God and a great King above all gods. 4 In His hand are the deep places of the earth; the strength of the hills is His also. 5 The sea is His, and He made it, and His hands formed the dry land. 6 O come, let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before the Lord our Maker. 7 For He is our God, and we are the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. Today, if you will hear His voice: 8 “Do not harden your heart, as in the rebellion, and as in the day of temptation in the wilderness,
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Psalm 95:9
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9 when
your fathers tempted Me, tested Me, and saw My work. 10 Forty years long I was grieved with this generation and said, ‘It is a people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known My ways,’ 11 to whom I swore in My wrath that they should not enter into My rest.” PSALM 96
1 O sing to the Lord a new song;
sing to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Sing to the Lord; bless His name. Proclaim His salvation from day to day. 3 Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all people. 4 For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised; He is to be feared above all gods. 5 For all the gods of the nations are idols, but the Lord made the heavens. 6 Honor and majesty are before Him; strength and beauty are in His sanctuary. 7 Give to the Lord, O you families of the people, give to the Lord glory and strength. 8 Give to the Lord the glory due to His name; bring an offering, and come into His courts. 9 O worship the Lord in the beauty of holiness; fear before Him all the earth. 10 Say among the nations that the Lord reigns. The world also shall be established, that it shall not be moved. He shall judge the people righteously. 11 Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and its fullness.
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12 Let the field be joyful, and all that
is in it. Then all the trees of the woods shall rejoice 13 before the Lord, for He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth. PSALM 97
1 The Lord reigns; let the earth re-
joice; let the multitude of coastlands be glad. 2 Clouds and darkness are around Him; righteousness and judgment are the habitation of His throne. 3 A fire goes before Him and burns up His enemies all around. 4 His lightning illuminated the world; the earth saw and trembled. 5 The hills melted like wax at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the Lord of the whole earth. 6 The heavens declare His righteousness, and all the people see His glory. 7 Confounded are all those who serve engraved images, who boast in their idols. Worship Him, all you gods. 8 Zion heard and was glad, and the daughters of Judah rejoiced because of Your judgments, O Lord. 9 For You, Lord, are high above all the earth. You are exalted far above all gods. 10 You who love the Lord, hate evil. He preserves the souls of His saints; He delivers them out of the hand of the wicked. 11 Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.
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811 12 Rejoice
in the Lord, you righteous, and give thanks at the remembrance of His holiness. PSALM 98 A psalm. 1 O sing to the Lord a new song, for
He has done marvelous things. His right hand and His holy arm have gotten Him the victory. 2 The Lord has made known His salvation; He has openly revealed His righteousness in the sight of the nations. 3 He has remembered His mercy and His truth toward the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. 4 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth, make a loud noise and rejoice and sing praise. 5 Sing to the Lord with the harp, with the harp and the voice of a psalm. 6 With trumpets and the sound of cornet make a joyful noise before the Lord, the King. 7 Let the sea roar and its fullness, the world and those who dwell in it. 8 Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills be joyful together 9 before the Lord, for He is coming to judge the earth; with righteousness He shall judge the world and the people with equity. PSALM 99 Lord reigns; let the people tremble. He sits between the cherubim; let the earth be moved. 2 The Lord is great in Zion, and He is high above all the people. 1 The
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Psalm 100:5
3 Let
them praise Your great and awesome name, for it is holy. 4 The King’s strength also loves judgment. You establish equity; You execute judgment and righteousness in Jacob. 5 Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His footstool, for He is holy. 6 Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among those who call on His name—they called on the Lord, and He answered them. 7 He spoke to them in the cloudy pillar; they kept His testimonies and the ordinance that He gave them. 8 You answered them, O Lord our God. You were a God who forgave them, though You took vengeance on their schemes. 9 Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His holy hill, for the Lord our God is holy. PSALM 100 A psalm of praise. 1 Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all
you lands. 2 Serve the Lord with gladness; come before His presence with singing. 3 Know that the Lord, He is God. It is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture. 4 Enter into His gates with thanks giving and into His courts with praise; be thankful to Him, and bless His name. 5 For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting, and His truth endures to all generations.
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Psalm 101:1
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PSALM 101 A psalm of David. 1 I will sing of mercy and judgment;
to You, O Lord, I will sing. 2 I will behave myself wisely in a perfect way. O when will You come to me? I will walk within my house with a perfect heart. 3 I will set no wicked thing before my eyes; I hate the work of those who turn aside; it shall not cling to me. 4 A perverse heart shall depart from me. I will not know a wicked person. 5 I will cut off whoever secretly slanders his neighbor. I will not endure him who has a haughty look and a proud heart. 6 My eyes shall be on the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me. He who walks in a perfect way, he shall serve me. 7 He who works deceit shall not dwell within my house. He who tells lies shall not remain in my sight. 8 I will early destroy all the wicked of the land, that I may cut off all wicked doers from the city of the Lord. PSALM 102 A prayer of the afflicted, when he is overwhelmed and pours out his complaint before the Lord. 1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, and let
my cry come to You. 2 Do not hide Your face from me in the day when I am in trouble; incline
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Your ear to me. In the day when I call, answer me speedily. 3 For my days are consumed like smoke, and my bones are burned as a hearth. 4 My heart is struck and withered like grass, so that I forget to eat my bread. 5 Because of the sound of my groaning, my bones cling to my skin. 6 I am like a pelican of the wilderness; I am like an owl of the desert. 7 I watch, and am as a sparrow alone on the housetop. 8 My enemies reproach me all day, and those who are mad at me have sworn against me. 9 For I have eaten ashes like bread and mingled my drink with weeping, 10 because of Your indignation and Your wrath, for You have lifted me up and cast me down. 11 My days are like a shadow that declines, and I am withered like grass. 12 But You, O Lord, shall endure forever, and Your remembrance to all generations. 13 You shall arise and have mercy on Zion, for the time to favor her—yes, the set time—has come. 14 For Your servants take pleasure in her stones and favor her dust. 15 So the nations shall fear the name of the Lord, and all the kings of the earth Your glory. 16 When the Lord builds up Zion, He shall appear in His glory. 17 He will regard the prayer of the destitute and not despise their prayer. 18 This shall be written for the generation to come, and the people who shall be created shall praise the Lord.
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Psalm 103:18
struction, who crowns you with loving-kindness and tender mercies, 5 who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s. 6 The Lord executes righteousness and judgment for all who are oppressed. 7 He made known His ways to Moses, His acts to the children of Israel. 8 The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in mercy. 9 He will not always chide; nor will He keep His anger forever. 10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins or rewarded us according to our iniquities. 11 For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is His mercy toward those who fear Him. 12 As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. 14 For He knows our form; He remembers that we are dust. 15 As for man, his days are like grass; like a flower of the field, so he flourishes. PSALM 103 16 For the wind passes over it, and it A psalm of David. is gone, and its place shall know it 1 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and no longer. all that is within me; bless His holy 17 But the mercy of the Lord is from name. everlasting to everlasting on those 2 Bless the Lord, O my soul, and do who fear Him, and His righteousnot forget all His benefits, ness to children’s children, 3 who forgives all your iniquities, 18 to those who keep His covenant, who heals all your diseases, and to those who remember His 4 who redeems your life from de - commandments, to do them. 19 For
He has looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven the Lord looked at the earth, 20 to hear the groaning of the prisoner, to release those who are appointed to death, 21 to declare the name of the Lord in Zion, and His praise in Jerusalem, 22 when the people are gathered together, and the kingdoms, to serve the Lord. 23 He weakened my strength in the way; He shortened my days. 24 I said, “O my God, do not take me away in the midst of my days; Your years are throughout all generations. 25 Of old You have laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the work of Your hands. 26 They shall perish, but You shall endure. Yes, all of them shall grow old like a garment; as a garment You shall change them, and they shall be changed, 27 but You are the same, and Your years shall have no end. 28 The children of Your servants shall continue, and their descendants shall be established before You.”
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Psalm 103:19
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19 The Lord has prepared His throne
in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. 20 Bless the Lord, you His angels, who excel in strength, who do His commandments, listening to the voice of His word. 21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts, you ministers of His, who do His pleasure. 22 Bless the Lord, all His works in all places of His dominion. Bless the Lord, O my soul. PSALM 104 the Lord, O my soul. O Lord my God, You are very great; You are clothed with honor and majesty, 2 who covers Yourself with light as with a garment, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain, 3 who lays the beams of His chambers in the waters, who makes the clouds His chariot, who walks on the wings of the wind, 4 who makes His angels spirits, His ministers a flaming fire, 5 who laid the foundations of the earth, that it should not be removed forever. 6 You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. 7 At Your rebuke they fled; at the voice of Your thunder they hastened away. 8 They go up by the mountains; they go down by the valleys to the place that You have founded for them. 9 You have set a boundary that they may not pass over, that they not return to cover the earth. 1 Bless
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10 He sends the springs into the val-
leys, which run among the hills. 11 They give drink to every beast of the field; the wild donkeys quench their thirst. 12 By them the fowls of the heavens shall have their habitation and sing among the branches. 13 He waters the hills from His chambers; the earth is satisfied with the fruit of Your works. 14 He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and vegetation for the service of man, that he may bring forth food out of the earth, 15 and wine that makes the heart of man glad, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread that strengthens man’s heart. 16 The trees of the Lord are full of sap, the cedars of Lebanon, which He has planted, 17 where the birds make their nests. As for the stork, the fir trees are her house. 18 The high hills are a refuge for the wild goats, and the rocks for the hyrax. 19 He appointed the moon for seasons; the sun knows its going down. 20 You make darkness, and it is night, in which all the beasts of the forest creep forth. 21 The young lions roar after their prey and seek their food from God. 22 The sun rises; they gather themselves together and lie down in their dens. 23 Man goes out to his work and to his labor until the evening. 24 O Lord, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all; the earth is full of Your riches.
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815 25 So is this great and wide sea, in
which are innumerable creeping things, both small and great beasts. 26 There go the ships; there is that Leviathan, whom You have made to play in it. 27 These all wait on You, that You may give them their food in due season. 28 What You give them, they gather; You open Your hand, they are filled with good. 29 You hide Your face, they are troubled; You take away their breath, they die and return to their dust. 30 You send forth Your Spirit, they are created, and You renew the face of the earth. 31 The glory of the Lord shall endure forever; the Lord shall rejoice in His works. 32 He looks on the earth, and it trembles; He touches the hills, and they smoke. 33 I will sing to the Lord as long as I live. I will sing praise to my God while I have my being. 34 My meditation of Him shall be sweet; I will be glad in the Lord. 35 Let the sinners be consumed out of the earth, and let the wicked be no more. Bless the Lord, O my soul. Praise the Lord. PSALM 105
1 O give thanks to the Lord; call on
His name; make known His deeds among the people. 2 Sing to Him, sing psalms to Him; tell of all His wondrous works. 3 Glory in His holy name; let the heart of those who seek the Lord rejoice. 4 Seek the Lord and His strength; seek His face evermore.
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Psalm 105:21
5 Remember
His marvelous works that He has done, His wonders and the judgments of His mouth, 6 O you descendants of Abraham His servant, you children of Jacob His chosen. 7 He is the Lord our God; His judgments are in all the earth. 8 He has remembered His covenant forever, the word that He commanded to a thousand generations, 9 the covenant He made with Abraham, and His oath to Isaac, 10 and confirmed the same to Jacob for a law and to Israel for an everlasting covenant, 11 saying, “To you I will give the land of Canaan, the lot of your inheritance,” 12 when they were but a few men in number, yes, very few, and strangers in it. 13 When they went from one nation to another, from one kingdom to another people, 14 He allowed no man to do them wrong; yes, He reproved kings for their sakes, 15 saying, “Do not touch My anointed, and do not harm My prophets.” 16 Moreover He called for a famine on the land; He broke the whole staff of bread. 17 He sent a man before them, even Joseph, who was sold as a servant, 18 whose feet they hurt with shackles; he was laid in iron. 19 Until the time that his word came, the word of the Lord tried him. 20 The king sent and released him, even the ruler of the people, and let him go free. 21 He made him master of his house and ruler of all his possessions,
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Psalm 105:22
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22 to bind his princes at his pleasure
and teach his senators wisdom. 23 Israel also came into Egypt, and Jacob sojourned in the land of Ham. 24 And He increased His people greatly and made them stronger than their enemies. 25 He turned their heart to hate His people, to deal craftily with His servants. 26 He sent Moses His servant, and Aaron, whom He had chosen. 27 They showed His signs among them, and wonders in the land of Ham. 28 He sent darkness and made it dark, and they did not rebel against His word. 29 He turned their waters into blood and slew their fish. 30 Their land brought forth frogs in abundance, in the chambers of their kings. 31 He spoke, and there came various sorts of flies and lice in all their territory. 32 He gave them hail for rain and flaming fire in their land. 33 He also struck their vines and their fig trees, and broke the trees of their territory. 34 He spoke, and the locusts came, and caterpillars, and those without number, 35 and they ate up all the vegetation in their land and devoured the fruit of their ground. 36 He also struck all the firstborn in their land, the chief of all their strength. 37 He also brought them out with silver and gold, and there was not one feeble person among their tribes.
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38 Egypt was glad when they departed,
for the fear of them fell on them. 39 He spread a cloud for a covering and fire to give light in the night. 40 The people asked, and He brought quails and satisfied them with the bread of heaven. 41 He opened the rock, and the waters gushed out; they ran in the dry places like a river. 42 For He remembered His holy promise and Abraham His servant. 43 And He brought out His people with joy, and His chosen with gladness, 44 and gave them the lands of the nations, and they inherited the labor of the people, 45 that they might observe His statutes and keep His laws. Praise the Lord. PSALM 106
1 Praise the Lord. O give thanks to
the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. 2 Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can proclaim all His praise? 3 Blessed are those who keep judgment, and he who does righteousness at all times. 4 Remember me, O Lord, with the favor that You carry to Your people. O care for me with Your salvation, 5 that I may see the good of Your chosen, that I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, that I may boast with Your inheritance. 6 We have sinned with our fathers; we have committed iniquity; we have done wickedly. 7 Our fathers did not understand
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Your wonders in Egypt; they did not remember the multitude of Your mercies. But they provoked Him at the sea, even at the Red Sea. 8 Nevertheless He saved them for His name’s sake, that He might make His mighty power to be known. 9 He also rebuked the Red Sea, and it was dried up, so He led them through the depths, as through the wilderness. 10 And He saved them from the hand of him who hated them and redeemed them from the hand of the enemy. 11 And the waters covered their enemies; there was not one of them left. 12 Then they believed His words; they sang His praise. 13 They soon forgot His works; they did not wait for His counsel, 14 but lusted exceedingly in the wilderness and tempted God in the desert. 15 And He gave them their request, but sent leanness into their soul. 16 They also envied Moses in the camp, and Aaron, the saint of the Lord. 17 The earth opened and swallowed up Dathan and covered the company of Abiram. 18 And a fire was kindled in their company; the flame burned up the wicked. 19 They made a calf in Horeb and worshipped the cast image. 20 Thus they changed their glory into the image of an ox that eats grass. 21 They forgot God their Savior, who had done great things in Egypt, 22 wondrous works in the land of Ham, and awesome things by the Red Sea.
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Psalm 106:38
23 Therefore He said that He would
destroy them, had Moses His chosen one not stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He should destroy them. 24 Yes, they despised the pleasant land; they did not believe His word, 25 but murmured in their tents and did not listen to the voice of the Lord. 26 Therefore He lifted up His hand against them to overthrow them in the wilderness, 27 to also overthrow their descendants among the nations, and to scatter them in the lands. 28 They also joined themselves to Baal of Peor and ate the sacrifices of the dead. 29 Thus they provoked Him to anger with their deeds, and the plague broke out on them. 30 Then Phinehas stood up and executed judgment, and so the plague was stopped. 31 And that was counted to him for righteousness to all generations forevermore. 32 They angered Him also at the waters of strife, so that it went ill with Moses because of them, 33 because they provoked his spirit, so that he spoke unadvisedly with his lips. 34 They did not destroy the nations, concerning whom the Lord commanded them, 35 but were mingled among the nations and learned their works. 36 And they served their idols, which were a snare to them. 37 Yes, they sacrificed their sons and their daughters to demons, 38 and shed innocent blood, even the blood of their sons and of their
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Psalm 106:39
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daughters, whom they sacrificed to the idols of Canaan, and the land was polluted with blood. 39 Thus they were defiled with their own works and prostituted themselves with their own deeds. 40 Therefore the wrath of the Lord was kindled against His people, so that He hated His own inheritance. 41 And He gave them into the hand of the nations, and those who hated them ruled over them. 42 Their enemies also oppressed them, and they were brought into subjection under their hand. 43 Many times He delivered them, but they provoked Him with their counsel and were brought low for their iniquity. 44 Nevertheless He regarded their affliction when He heard their cry, 45 and He remembered for them His covenant and relented according to the multitude of His mercies. 46 He also made them to be pitied by all those who carried them captive. 47 Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations, to give thanks to Your holy name and to triumph in Your praise. 48 Blessed is the Lord God of Israel from everlasting to everlasting, and let all the people say, “Amen.” Praise the Lord! BOOK 5
PSALM 107
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for He
is good, for His mercy endures forever.
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2 Let the redeemed of the Lord say
so, whom He has redeemed from the hand of the enemy, 3 and gathered them out of the lands, from the east, and from the west, from the north, and from the south. 4 They wandered in the wilderness in a solitary way; they found no city to dwell in. 5 Hungry and thirsty, their soul fainted in them. 6 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He delivered them out of their distresses. 7 And He led them forth by the right way, that they might go to a city of habitation. 8 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! 9 For He satisfies the longing soul and fills the hungry soul with goodness. 10 Those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, being bound in affliction and iron, 11 because they rebelled against the words of God and despised the counsel of the Most High, 12 therefore He brought down their heart with labor; they fell down, and there was no one to help. 13 Then they cried to the Lord in their trouble, and He saved them out of their distresses. 14 He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and broke their chains in pieces. 15 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men! 16 For He has broken the gates of brass and cut the bars of iron in pieces. 17 Fools are afflicted because of their
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transgression and because of their iniquities. 18 Their soul hates all kinds of food, and they draw near to the gates of death. 19 Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble, and He saves them out of their distresses. 20 He sent His word and healed them and delivered them from their destructions. 21 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men! 22 And let them sacrifice the sacrifices of thanksgiving, and declare His works with rejoicing. 23 Those who go down to the sea in ships, who do business in great waters, 24 these see the works of the Lord and His wonders in the deep. 25 For He commands and raises the stormy wind, which lifts up its waves. 26 They mount up to the heavens; they go down again to the depths. Their soul is melted because of trouble. 27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, and are at their wits’ end. 28 Then they cry to the Lord in their trouble, and He brings them out of their distresses. 29 He makes the storm calm, so that its waves are still. 30 Then they are glad because they are quiet, so He brings them to their desired haven. 31 Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and for His wonderful works to the children of men! 32 Let them also exalt Him in the congregation of the people and praise
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Psalm 108:1
Him in the assembly of the elders. 33 He turns rivers into a wilderness and the water springs into dry ground, 34 a fruitful land into barrenness, for the wickedness of those who dwell in it. 35 He turns the wilderness into a standing water and dry ground into water springs. 36 And there He makes the hungry to dwell, that they may prepare a city for habitation, 37 and sow the fields, and plant vineyards, which may yield fruits of increase. 38 He also blesses them, so that they are multiplied greatly, and does not allow their cattle to decrease. 39 Again, they are diminished and brought low through oppression, affliction, and sorrow. 40 He pours contempt on princes and causes them to wander in the wilderness, where there is no way. 41 Yet He sets the poor on high from affliction and makes him families like a flock. 42 The righteous shall see it and rejoice, and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. 43 Whoever is wise and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving-kindness of the Lord. PSALM 108 A song or psalm of David. 1 O God, my heart is steadfast; I will
sing and give praise, even with my glory.
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2 Awake, lyre and harp. I myself will
awake early. 3 I will praise You, O Lord, among the people, and I will sing praises to You among the nations. 4 For Your mercy is great above the heavens, and Your truth reaches to the clouds. 5 Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Your glory above all the earth, 6 that Your beloved may be delivered; save with Your right hand, and answer me. 7 God has spoken in His holiness: “I will rejoice; I will divide Shechem and measure out the Valley of Succoth. 8 Gilead is Mine; Manasseh is Mine; Ephraim also is the strength of My head; Judah is My lawgiver; 9 Moab is My washpot; over Edom I will cast out My shoe; over Philistia I will triumph.” 10 Who will bring me into the strong city? Who will lead me into Edom? 11 Will You not, O God, who has cast us off ? And will You not, O God, go out with our armies? 12 Give us help from trouble, for useless is the help of man. 13 Through God we shall do valiantly, for it is He who shall tread down our enemies. PSALM 109 To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 1 Do not remain silent, O God of my
praise, 2 for the mouth of the wicked and the mouth of the deceitful are
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opened against me; they have spoken against me with a lying tongue. 3 They also surrounded me with words of hatred and fought against me without cause. 4 For my love they are my adversaries, but I give myself to prayer. 5 And they have repaid me evil for good, and hatred for my love. 6 Set a wicked man over him, and let Satan stand at his right hand. 7 When he shall be judged, let him be condemned, and let his prayer become sin. 8 Let his days be few, and let another take his office. 9 Let his children be fatherless and his wife a widow. 10 Let his children continually be vagabonds and beg; let them also seek their bread out of their desolate places. 11 Let the extortioner catch all that he has, and let the strangers plunder his labor. 12 Let there be no one to extend mercy to him; do not let there be any to favor his fatherless children. 13 Let his posterity be cut off, and in the following generation let their name be blotted out. 14 Let the iniquity of his fathers be remembered with the Lord, and do not let the sin of his mother be blotted out. 15 Let them be before the Lord continually, that He may cut off their memory from the earth, 16 because he did not remember to show mercy but persecuted the poor and needy man, that he might even slay the broken in heart. 17 As he loved cursing, so let it come
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to him; as he did not delight in blessing, so let it be far from him. 18 As he clothed himself with cursing as with his garment, so let it come into his body like water, and like oil into his bones. 19 Let it be to him as the garment that covers him, and for a belt with which he is continually girded. 20 Let this be the reward of my adversaries from the Lord and of those who speak evil against my soul. 21 But deal with me, O God the Lord, for Your name’s sake; because Your mercy is good, deliver me. 22 For I am poor and needy, and my heart is wounded within me. 23 I am gone like the shadow when it declines. I am tossed up and down like the locust. 24 My knees are weak through fasting, and my flesh lacks fatness. 25 I also became a reproach to them; when they looked on me, they shook their heads. 26 Help me, O Lord my God. O save me according to Your mercy, 27 that they may know that this is Your hand, that You, Lord, have done it. 28 Let them curse, but You bless. When they arise, let them be ashamed, but let Your servant rejoice. 29 Let my adversaries be clothed with shame, and let them cover themselves with their own confusion, as with a cloak. 30 I will greatly praise the Lord with my mouth; yes, I will praise Him among the multitude. 31 For He shall stand at the right hand of the poor, to save him from those who condemn his soul.
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Psalm 111:4
PSALM 110 A psalm of David. 1 The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at
My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool.” 2 The Lord shall send the rod of Your strength out of Zion: “Rule in the midst of Your enemies.” 3 Your people shall be willing on the day of Your power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning. You have the dew of Your youth. 4 The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” 5 The Lord at Your right hand shall strike through kings on the day of His wrath. 6 He shall judge among the nations; He shall fill the places with the dead bodies; He shall wound the heads of many countries. 7 He shall drink from the brook on the way. Therefore He shall lift up the head. PSALM 111
1 Praise the Lord. I will praise the
Lord with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. 2 The works of the Lord are great, sought out by all those who have pleasure in them. 3 His work is honorable and glorious, and His righteousness endures forever. 4 He has made His wonderful works to be remembered. The Lord is gracious and full of compassion.
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Psalm 111:5
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5 He
has given food to those who fear Him. He will ever be mindful of His covenant. 6 He has shown His people the power of His works, that He may give them the heritage of the nations. 7 The works of His hands are truth and judgment; all His commandments are sure. 8 They stand fast forever and ever and are done in truth and uprightness. 9 He sent redemption to His people. He has commanded His covenant forever. Holy and revered is His name. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all those who do His commandments have a good understanding. His praise endures forever. PSALM 112
1 Praise the Lord. Blessed is the man
who fears the Lord, who delights greatly in His commandments. 2 His descendants shall be mighty on earth. The generation of the upright shall be blessed. 3 Wealth and riches shall be in his house, and his righteousness endures forever. 4 To the upright there arises light in the darkness. He is gracious and full of compassion and righteous. 5 A good man shows favor and lends. He will guide his affairs with discretion. 6 Surely he shall not be moved forever. The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance. 7 He shall not be afraid of evil news. His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
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8 His
heart is established; he shall not be afraid, until he sees his desire on his enemies. 9 He has dispersed; he has given to the poor. His righteousness endures forever; his horn shall be exalted with honor. 10 The wicked shall see it and be grieved; he shall gnash with his teeth and melt away. The desire of the wicked shall perish. PSALM 113
1 Praise the Lord. Praise, O you ser-
vants of the Lord; praise the name of the Lord. 2 Blessed is the name of the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. 3 From the rising of the sun to the setting of the same, the Lord’s name is to be praised. 4 The Lord is high above all nations, and His glory above the heavens. 5 Who is like the Lord our God, who dwells on high, 6 who humbles Himself to see the things that are in heaven and on the earth? 7 He raises up the poor out of the dust and lifts the needy out of the dunghill, 8 that He may set him with princes, even with the princes of His people. 9 He makes the barren woman to keep house and to be a joyful mother of children. Praise the Lord. PSALM 114
1 When Israel went out of Egypt, the
house of Jacob from a people of a foreign language,
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rael His dominion. 3 The sea saw it and fled; the Jordan was driven back. 4 The mountains skipped like rams, and the little hills like lambs. 5 What ailed you, O sea, that you fled? Jordan, that you were driven back? 6 Mountains, that you skipped like rams, and you little hills, like lambs? 7 Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, 8 who turned the rock into standing water, the flint into a fountain of waters. PSALM 115
1 Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but
to Your name give glory, for Your mercy, and for Your truth’s sake. 2 Why should the nations say, “Where now is their God?” 3 But our God is in the heavens; He has done whatever He has pleased. 4 Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. 5 They have mouths, but they do not speak. They have eyes, but they do not see. 6 They have ears, but they do not hear. They have noses, but they do not smell. 7 They have hands, but they do not handle. They have feet, but they do not walk. They do not speak through their throat. 8 Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them. 9 O Israel, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield.
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Psalm 116:7
10 O house of Aaron, trust in the Lord;
He is their help and their shield. 11 You who fear the Lord, trust in the Lord; He is their help and their shield. 12 The Lord has been mindful of us; He will bless us; He will bless the house of Israel; He will bless the house of Aaron. 13 He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great. 14 The Lord shall increase you more and more, you and your children. 15 You are blessed of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 16 The heavens, even the heavens, are the Lord’s, but He has given the earth to the children of men. 17 The dead do not praise the Lord, nor do any who go down into silence. 18 But we will bless the Lord from this time forth and forevermore. Praise the Lord. PSALM 116 love the Lord because He has heard my voice and my supplications. 2 Because He has inclined His ear to me, therefore I will call on Him as long as I live. 3 The sorrows of death surrounded me, and the pains of hell took hold of me. I found trouble and sorrow. 4 Then I called on the name of the Lord: “O Lord, I beg You, deliver my soul.” 5 Gracious is the Lord, and righteous; yes, our God is merciful. 6 The Lord preserves the simple. I was brought low, and He helped me. 7 Return to your rest, O my soul, for the Lord has dealt bountifully with you. 1I
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Psalm 118:8
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8 For
You have delivered my soul from death, my eyes from tears, and my feet from falling. 9 I will walk before the Lord in the land of the living. 10 I believed; therefore I said, “I was greatly afflicted.” 11 I said in my haste, “All men are liars.” 12 What shall I repay to the Lord for all His benefits toward me? 13 I will take the cup of salvation and call on the name of the Lord. 14 I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people. 15 Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. 16 O Lord, truly I am Your servant; I am Your servant and the son of Your handmaiden. You have loosened my chains. 17 I will offer to You the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call on the name of the Lord. 18 I will pay my vows to the Lord now in the presence of all His people, 19 in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord. PSALM 117
1 O praise the Lord, all you nations.
Praise Him, all you people. 2 For His merciful kindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. PSALM 118
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for He
is good, because His mercy endures forever.
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2 Let Israel now say that “His mercy
endures forever.” 3 Let the house of Aaron now say that “His mercy endures forever.” 4 Let those who fear the Lord now say that “His mercy endures forever.” 5 I called on the Lord in distress. The Lord answered me and set me in a large place. 6 The Lord is on my side; I will not fear. What can man do to me? 7 The Lord takes my part with those who help me. Therefore I shall see my desire on those who hate me. 8 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man. 9 It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in princes. 10 All nations surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. 11 They surrounded me; yes, they surrounded me, but in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. 12 They surrounded me like bees; they are quenched like the fire of thorns, for in the name of the Lord I will destroy them. 13 You have pushed me severely, that I might fall, but the Lord helped me. 14 The Lord is my strength and song and has become my salvation. 15 The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tents of the righteous; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly. 16 The right hand of the Lord is exalted; the right hand of the Lord does valiantly. 17 I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the Lord. 18 The Lord has chastened me greatly, but He has not given me over to death.
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Psalm 119:20
825 19 Open to me the gates of righteous-
ness. I will go into them, and I will praise the Lord. 20 This is the gate of the Lord, into which the righteous shall enter. 21 I will praise You, for You have heard me and have become my salvation. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the head cornerstone. 23 This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it. 25 Save now, I beg You, O Lord. O Lord, I beg You, send now prosperity. 26 Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. We have blessed you from the house of the Lord. 27 God is the Lord, who has shown us light. Bind the sacrifice with cords, even to the horns of the altar. 28 You are my God, and I will praise You. You are my God; I will exalt You. 29 O give thanks to the Lord, for He is good, for His mercy endures forever. PSALM 119 ALEPH 1 Blessed are those whose way is un-
defiled, who walk in the law of the Lord. 2 Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and who seek Him with the whole heart. 3 They also do no iniquity; they walk in His ways. 4 You have commanded us to keep Your precepts diligently.
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5 O that my ways were directed to
keep Your statutes! 6 Then I shall not be ashamed when I have considered all Your commandments. 7 I will praise You with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned Your righteous judgments. 8 I will keep Your statutes. O do not utterly abandon me. BETH 9 How shall a young man cleanse his
way? By taking heed to it according to Your word. 10 With my whole heart I have sought You. O let me not wander from Your commandments. 11 Your word have I hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You. 12 Blessed are You, O Lord. Teach me Your statutes. 13 With my lips I have declared all the judgments of Your mouth. 14 I have rejoiced in the way of Your testimonies, as much as in all riches. 15 I will meditate on Your precepts and consider Your ways. 16 I will delight myself in Your statutes. I will not forget Your word. GIMEL 17 Deal
bountifully with Your servant, that I may live and keep Your word. 18 Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law. 19 I am a stranger on the earth. Do not hide Your commandments from me. 20 My soul breaks for the longing that it has for Your judgments at all times.
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Psalm 119:21
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21 You have rebuked the proud who
are cursed, who stray from Your commandments. 22 Remove from me reproach and contempt, for I have kept Your testimonies. 23 Princes also sat and spoke against me, but Your servant meditated on Your statutes. 24 Your testimonies also are my delight and my counselors. DALETH 25 My soul clings to the dust; revive
me according to Your word. 26 I have declared my ways, and You heard me; teach me Your statutes. 27 Make me to understand the way of Your precepts, so I shall tell of Your wondrous works. 28 My soul melts for heaviness. Strengthen me according to Your word. 29 Remove from me the way of lying, and graciously grant me Your law. 30 I have chosen the way of truth; I have laid Your judgments before me. 31 I have stuck to Your testimonies, O Lord; do not put me to shame. 32 I will run the way of Your commandments, when You shall enlarge my heart. HE 33 Teach
me, O Lord, the way of Your statutes, and I shall keep it to the end. 34 Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; yes, I shall observe it with my whole heart. 35 Make me to go in the path of Your commandments, for I delight in it. 36 Incline my heart to Your tes-
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timonies, and not to covetousness. 37 Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless, and revive me in Your way. 38 Establish Your word to Your servant, who is devoted to Your fear. 39 Turn away my reproach, which I fear, for Your judgments are good. 40 Behold, I have longed for Your precepts; revive me in Your righteousness. VAU 41 Let
Your mercies come also to me, O Lord, even Your salvation, according to Your word. 42 So I shall have an answer for him who reproaches me, for I trust in Your word. 43 And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for I have hoped in Your judgments. 44 So I shall keep Your law continually, forever and ever. 45 And I will walk at liberty, for I seek Your precepts. 46 I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings and will not be ashamed. 47 And I will delight myself in Your commandments, which I have loved. 48 I will also lift up my hands to Your commandments, which I have loved, and I will meditate on Your statutes. ZAIN 49 Remember the word to Your ser-
vant, on which You have caused me to hope. 50 This is my comfort in my affliction, for Your word has revived me.
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Psalm 119:79
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proud have greatly derided me, yet I have not turned away from Your law. 52 I remembered Your judgments of old, O Lord, and have comforted myself. 53 Horror has taken hold of me because of the wicked who forsake Your law. 54 Your statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. 55 I have remembered Your name, O Lord, in the night and have kept Your law. 56 This I had, because I kept Your precepts. CHETH 57 You
are my portion, O Lord. I have said that I would keep Your words. 58 I entreated Your favor with my whole heart; be merciful to me according to Your word. 59 I thought about my ways and turned my feet to Your testimonies. 60 I hastened and did not delay to keep Your commandments. 61 The bands of the wicked have robbed me, but I have not forgotten Your law. 62 At midnight I will rise to give thanks to You because of Your righteous judgments. 63 I am a companion of all those who fear You and of those who keep Your precepts. 64 The earth, O Lord, is full of Your mercy. Teach me Your statutes. TETH 65 You have dealt well with Your ser-
vant, O Lord, according to Your word.
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66 Teach
me good judgment and knowledge, for I have believed Your commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I have kept Your word. 68 You are good, and do good; teach me Your statutes. 69 The proud have forged a lie against me, but I will keep Your precepts with my whole heart. 70 Their heart is as fat as grease, but I delight in Your law. 71 It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I might learn Your statutes. 72 The law of Your mouth is better to me than thousands of gold and silver. JOD 73 Your
hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. 74 Those who fear You will be glad when they see me, because I have hoped in Your word. 75 I know, O Lord, that Your judgments are right and that You in faithfulness have afflicted me. 76 Let, I ask You, Your merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to Your word to Your servant. 77 Let Your tender mercies come to me, that I may live, for Your law is my delight. 78 Let the proud be ashamed, for they dealt perversely with me without cause, but I will meditate on Your precepts. 79 Let those who fear You turn to me, and those who have known Your testimonies.
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Psalm 119:80
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80 Let
my heart be sound in Your statutes, that I may not be ashamed. CAPH 81 My soul faints for Your salvation,
but I hope in Your word. 82 My eyes fail for Your word, saying, “When will You comfort me?” 83 For I have become like a bottle in the smoke, yet I do not forget Your statutes. 84 How many are the days of Your servant? When will You execute judgment on those who persecute me? 85 The proud have dug pits for me, which is not according to Your law. 86 All Your commandments are faithful. They persecute me wrongfully. Help me! 87 They had almost consumed me on earth, but I did not abandon Your precepts. 88 Revive me according to Your loving-kindness, so I shall keep the testimony of Your mouth. LAMED 89 Forever, O Lord, Your word is set-
tled in heaven. 90 Your faithfulness is to all generations; You have established the earth, and it remains. 91 They continue this day according to Your ordinances, for all are Your servants. 92 If Your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget Your precepts, for with them You have revived me. 94 I am Yours. Save me, for I have sought Your precepts. 95 The wicked have waited for me to
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destroy me, but I will consider Your testimonies. 96 I have seen an end of all perfection, but Your commandment is exceedingly broad. MEM 97 O how I love Your law! It is my
meditation all day. 98 Through Your commandments You have made me wiser than my enemies, for they are ever with me. 99 I have more understanding than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. 100 I understand more than the ancients, because I keep Your precepts. 101 I have restrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep Your word. 102 I have not departed from Your judgments, for You have taught me. 103 How sweet are Your words to my taste! Yes, sweeter than honey to my mouth! 104 Through Your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way. NUN 105 Your word is a lamp to my feet
and a light to my path. 106 I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep Your righteous judgments. 107 I am afflicted very much. Revive me, O Lord, according to Your word. 108 Accept, I beg You, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O Lord, and teach me Your judgments. 109 My soul is continually in my hand, yet I do not forget Your law.
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me, yet I did not stray from Your precepts. 111 I have taken Your testimonies as a heritage forever, for they are the rejoicing of my heart. 112 I have inclined my heart to perform Your statutes always, even to the end. SAMECH 113 I hate worthless thoughts, but I
love Your law. 114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in Your word. 115 Depart from me, you evildoers, for I will keep the commandments of my God. 116 Uphold me according to Your word, that I may live, and let me not be ashamed of my hope. 117 You hold me up, and I shall be safe, and I will continually consider Your statutes. 118 You have trampled down all those who stray from your statutes, for their deceit is falsehood. 119 You put away all the wicked of the earth like dross; therefore I love Your testimonies. 120 My flesh trembles for fear of You, and I am afraid of Your judgments. AIN 121 I have done judgment and justice.
Do not leave me to my oppressors. 122 Be surety for Your servant for good; do not let the proud oppress me. 123 My eyes fail for Your salvation and for the word of Your righteousness. 124 Deal with Your servant according to Your mercy, and teach me Your statutes.
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125 I am Your servant; give me un-
derstanding, that I may know Your testimonies. 126 It is time for You, Lord, to work, for they have made void Your law. 127 Therefore I love Your commandments above gold, yes, above fine gold. 128 Therefore I esteem all Your precepts concerning all things to be right, and I hate every false way. PE 129 Your
testimonies are wonderful; therefore my soul keeps them. 130 The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. 131 I opened my mouth and panted, for I longed for Your commandments. 132 Look at me and be merciful to me, as You do for those who love Your name. 133 Order my steps in Your word, and do not let any iniquity have dominion over me. 134 Deliver me from the oppression of man, so I will keep Your precepts. 135 Make Your face to shine on Your servant, and teach me Your statutes. 136 Rivers of waters run down my eyes, because they do not keep Your law. TZADDI 137 Righteous You are, O Lord, and
upright are Your judgments. 138 Your testimonies that You have commanded are righteous and very faithful. 139 My zeal has consumed me, because my enemies have forgotten Your words.
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140 Your word is very pure; therefore
Your servant loves it. 141 I am small and despised, yet I do not forget Your precepts. 142 Your righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and Your law is the truth. 143 Trouble and anguish have taken hold of me, yet Your commandments are my delights. 144 The righteousness of Your testimonies is everlasting; give me understanding, and I shall live. KOPH 145 I cried with my whole heart; hear
me, O Lord. I will keep Your statutes. 146 I cried to You; save me, and I shall keep Your testimonies. 147 I anticipated the dawning of the morning and cried. I hoped in Your word. 148 My eyes are ready for the night watches, that I might meditate on Your word. 149 Hear my voice according to Your loving-kindness, O Lord; revive me according to Your judgment. 150 Those who follow after evil draw near; they are far from Your law. 151 You are near, O Lord, and all Your commandments are truth. 152 Concerning Your testimonies, I have known of old that You have founded them forever. RESH 153 Consider my affliction and deliver
me, for I do not forget Your law. 154 Plead my cause and deliver me. Revive me according to Your word. 155 Salvation is far from the wicked, for they do not seek Your statutes. 156 Great are Your tender mercies,
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O Lord. Revive me according to Your judgments. 157 Many are my persecutors and my enemies, yet I do not turn away from Your testimonies. 158 I saw the transgressors and was grieved because they did not keep Your word. 159 Consider how I love Your precepts. Revive me, O Lord, according to Your loving-kindness. 160 Your word is true from the beginning, and every one of Your righteous judgments endures forever. SCHIN 161 Princes
have persecuted me without cause, but my heart stands in awe of Your word. 162 I rejoice at Your word, as one who finds great plunder. 163 I hate and abhor lying, but I love Your law. 164 Seven times a day I praise You because of Your righteous judgments. 165 Those who love Your law have great peace, and nothing shall offend them. 166 Lord, I have hoped for Your salvation and done Your commandments. 167 My soul has kept Your testimonies, and I love them exceedingly. 168 I have kept Your precepts and Your testimonies, for all my ways are before You. TAU 169 Let my cry come near before You,
O Lord; give me understanding according to Your word. 170 Let my supplication come before You; deliver me according to Your word.
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831 171 My lips shall utter praise, when
You have taught me Your statutes. 172 My tongue shall speak of Your word, for all Your commandments are righteousness. 173 Let Your hand help me, for I have chosen Your precepts. 174 I have longed for Your salvation, O Lord, and Your law is my delight. 175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise You, and let Your judgments help me. 176 I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek Your servant, for I do not forget Your commandments. PSALM 120 A song of degrees. 1 In my distress, I cried to the Lord,
and He heard me. 2 Deliver my soul, O Lord, from lying lips and from a deceitful tongue. 3 What shall be given to you? Or what shall be done to you, you false tongue? 4 Sharp arrows of the mighty, with coals of juniper. 5 Woe is me, that I sojourn in Meshech, that I dwell in the tents of Kedar! 6 My soul has long dwelled with him who hates peace. 7 I am for peace, but when I speak, they are for war. PSALM 121 A song of degrees. 1 I will lift up my eyes to the hills.
Where does my help come from?
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Psalm 122:8
2 My
help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. 3 He will not allow your foot to be moved; He who keeps you will not slumber. 4 Behold, He who keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. 5 The Lord is your keeper. The Lord is your shade on your right hand. 6 The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. 7 The Lord shall preserve you from all evil; He shall preserve your soul. 8 The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore. PSALM 122 A song of degrees of David. 1 I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go into the house of the Lord.” 2 Our feet shall stand within your gates, O Jerusalem. 3 Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together, 4 where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to the testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. 5 For thrones of judgment are set there, the thrones of the house of David. 6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “Those who love you shall prosper. 7 Peace be within your walls, and prosperity within your palaces.” 8 For my brothers and companions’ sakes, I will now say, “Peace be within you.”
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9 Because of the house of the Lord
our God, I will seek your good. PSALM 123 A song of degrees.
1 To You I lift up my eyes, O You who
dwells in the heavens. 2 Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, and as the eyes of a maiden to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes wait on the Lord our God, until He has mercy on us. 3 Have mercy on us, O Lord, have mercy on us, for we are exceedingly filled with contempt. 4 Our soul is exceedingly filled with the scorning of those who are at ease and with the contempt of the proud. PSALM 124 A song of degrees of David. 1 “If it had not been the Lord who
was on our side,” Israel may now say, 2 “if it had not been the Lord who was on our side, when men rose up against us, 3 then they would have swallowed us up alive when their wrath was kindled against us; 4 then the waters would have overwhelmed us, the stream would have gone over our soul, 5 then the proud waters would have gone over our soul.” 6 Blessed is the Lord, who has not given us as a prey to their teeth.
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7 Our
soul has escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers; the snare is broken, and we have escaped. 8 Our help is in the name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth. PSALM 125 A song of degrees. 1 Those who trust in the Lord shall
be as Mount Zion, which cannot be removed but abides forever. 2 As the mountains are around Jerusalem, so the Lord is around His people from now even to forever. 3 For the rod of the wicked shall not rest on the lot of the righteous, lest the righteous put forth their hands to iniquity. 4 Do good, O Lord, to those who are good and to those who are upright in their hearts. 5 As for those who turn aside to their crooked ways, the Lord shall lead them forth with the workers of iniquity, but peace shall be on Israel. PSALM 126 A song of degrees. 1 When the Lord restored the cap-
tivity of Zion, we were like those who dream. 2 Then our mouth was filled with laughter and our tongue with singing. Then they said among the nations, “The Lord has done great things for them.” 3 The Lord has done great things for us, of which we are glad.
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our captives O Lord, as the streams in the south. 5 Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. 6 He who goes forth and weeps, bearing precious seed, shall doubtless return with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
children like olive plants around your table. 4 Behold, the man who fears the Lord shall be blessed this way. 5 The Lord shall bless you out of Zion, and you shall see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. 6 Yes, you shall see your children’s children and peace on Israel.
PSALM 127
PSALM 129
A song of degrees for Solomon. 1 Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain. Unless the Lord keeps the city, the watchman wakes in vain. 2 It is useless for you to rise up early, to sit up late, to eat the bread of sorrows, for so He gives His beloved sleep. 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, and the fruit of the womb is His reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are children of the youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them. They shall not be ashamed, but they shall speak with the enemies in the gate. PSALM 128 A song of degrees. 1 Blessed is everyone who fears the
Lord, who walks in His ways. 2 For you shall eat the labor of your hands. You shall be happy, and it shall be well with you. 3 Your wife shall be like a fruitful vine by the sides of your house, your
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Psalm 130:2
A song of degrees. 1 “Many
times they have afflicted me from my youth,” may Israel now say. 2 “Many times they have afflicted me from my youth, yet they have not prevailed against me. 3 The plowers plowed on my back; they made their furrows long.” 4 The Lord is righteous; He has cut apart the cords of the wicked. 5 Let all those who hate Zion be confounded and turned back. 6 Let them be like the grass on the housetops, which withers before it grows up, 7 with which the mower does not fill his hand or he who binds sheaves his bosom. 8 Nor do those who go by say, “The blessing of the Lord is on you. We bless you in the name of the Lord.” PSALM 130 A song of degrees. 1 Out of the depths I have cried to
You, O Lord. 2 Lord, hear my voice. Let Your ears
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be attentive to the voice of my supplications. 3 If You, Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand? 4 But there is forgiveness with You, that You may be feared. 5 I wait for the Lord; my soul waits, and in His word I hope. 6 My soul waits for the Lord more than those who watch for the morning—I say, more than those who watch for the morning. 7 Let Israel hope in the Lord, for with the Lord there is mercy, and with Him is abundant redemption. 8 And He shall redeem Israel from all his iniquities. PSALM 131 A song of degrees of David. 1 Lord, my heart is not haughty, nor
my eyes lofty, nor do I exercise myself in great matters or in things too high for me. 2 Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, like a child who is weaned by his mother; my soul is even like a weaned child. 3 Let Israel hope in the Lord from this time and forever. PSALM 132 A song of degrees. 1 Lord, remember David and all his
afflictions, 2 how he swore to the Lord and vowed to the mighty God of Jacob: 3 “Surely I will not come into the
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tabernacle of my house or go up into my bed; 4 I will not give sleep to my eyes or slumber to my eyelids, 5 until I find out a place for the Lord, a habitation for the mighty God of Jacob.” 6 Behold, we heard of it in Ephrathah; we found it in the fields of the woods. 7 We will go into His tabernacles; we will worship at His footstool. 8 Arise, O Lord, into Your rest, You and the ark of Your strength. 9 Let Your priests be clothed with righteousness, and let Your saints shout for joy. 10 For Your servant David’s sake, do not turn away the face of Your anointed. 11 The Lord has sworn in truth to David; He will not turn from it: “I will set on your throne from the fruit of your body. 12 If your children will keep My covenant and My testimony that I shall teach them, their children shall also sit on your throne forevermore.” 13 For the Lord has chosen Zion; He has desired it for His habitation: 14 “This is My rest forever. Here I will dwell, for I have desired it. 15 I will abundantly bless her provision. I will satisfy her poor with bread. 16 I will also clothe her priests with salvation, and her saints shall shout aloud for joy. 17 There I will make the horn of David to bud; I have ordained a lamp for My anointed. 18 I will clothe his enemies with shame, but on himself his crown shall flourish.”
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PSALM 133 A song of degrees of David. 1 Behold, how good and how pleas-
ant it is for brothers to dwell together in unity! 2 It is like the precious ointment on the head, which ran down on the beard, even Aaron’s beard, that went down to the skirts of his garments, 3 like the dew of Hermon, and like the dew that descended on the mountains of Zion, for there the Lord commanded the blessing, even life forevermore. PSALM 134 A song of degrees. 1 Behold,
bless the Lord, all you servants of the Lord, who by night stand in the house of the Lord. 2 Lift up your hands in the sanctuary and bless the Lord. 3 The Lord who made heaven and earth bless you from Zion. PSALM 135
1 Praise the Lord. Praise the name
of the Lord; praise Him, O you servants of the Lord, 2 you who stand in the house of the Lord, in the courts of the house of our God. 3 Praise the Lord, for the Lord is good; sing praises to His name, for it is pleasant. 4 For the Lord has chosen Jacob for himself, and Israel for His personal treasure.
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Psalm 135:21
5 For I know that the Lord is great
and that our Lord is above all gods. 6 Whatever the Lord pleased, that He did in heaven, and on earth, in the seas and all deep places. 7 He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain; He brings the wind out of His treasuries, 8 who struck the firstborn of Egypt, both of man and beast, 9 who sent signs and wonders into the midst of you, O Egypt, on Phar aoh and on all his servants, 10 who struck great nations and slew mighty kings, 11 Sihon king of the Amorites, and Og king of Bashan, and all the kingdoms of Canaan, 12 and gave their land as a heritage, a heritage to Israel His people. 13 Your name, O Lord, endures forever, and Your memorial, O Lord, throughout all generations. 14 For the Lord will judge His people, and He will have compassion concerning His servants. 15 The idols of the nations are silver and gold, the work of men’s hands. 16 They have mouths, but they do not speak; they have eyes, but they do not see; 17 they have ears, but they do not hear; nor is there any breath in their mouths. 18 Those who make them are like them; so is everyone who trusts in them. 19 Bless the Lord, O house of Israel; bless the Lord, O house of Aaron. 20 Bless the Lord, O house of Levi; you who fear the Lord, bless the Lord. 21 Blessed be the Lord from Zion,
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who dwells in Jerusalem. Praise the Lord. PSALM 136
1 O give thanks to the Lord, for He
is good, for His mercy endures forever. 2 O give thanks to the God of gods, for His mercy endures forever. 3 O give thanks to the Lord of lords, for His mercy endures forever; 4 to Him who alone does great wonders, for His mercy endures forever; 5 to Him who by wisdom made the heavens, for His mercy endures forever; 6 to Him who stretched out the earth above the waters, for His mercy endures forever; 7 to Him who made great lights, for His mercy endures forever; 8 the sun to rule by day, for His mercy endures forever; 9 the moon and stars to rule by night, for His mercy endures forever; 10 to Him who struck Egypt in their firstborn, for His mercy endures forever; 11 and brought Israel out from among them, for His mercy endures forever; 12 with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm, for His mercy endures forever; 13 to Him who divided the Red Sea into parts, for His mercy endures forever; 14 and made Israel to pass through the midst of it, for His mercy endures forever; 15 but overthrew Pharaoh and his army in the Red Sea, for His mercy endures forever; 16 to Him who led His people through
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the wilderness, for His mercy endures forever; 17 to Him who struck great kings, for His mercy endures forever; 18 and slew famous kings, for His mercy endures forever: 19 Sihon, king of the Amorites, for His mercy endures forever; 20 and Og, the king of Bashan, for His mercy endures forever; 21 and gave their land as a heritage, for His mercy endures forever; 22 even a heritage to Israel His servant, for His mercy endures forever; 23 who remembered us in our lowly condition, for His mercy endures forever; 24 and has redeemed us from our enemies, for His mercy endures forever; 25 who gives food to all flesh, for His mercy endures forever. 26 O give thanks to the God of heaven, for His mercy endures forever. PSALM 137
1 By the rivers of Babylon, there we
sat down; yes, we wept when we remembered Zion. 2 We hung our harps on the willows in the midst of it. 3 For there those who carried us away captive required of us a song, and those who devastated us required of us mirth, saying, “Sing us one of the songs of Zion.” 4 How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a foreign land? 5 If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her skill. 6 If I do not remember you, let my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth—if I do not prefer Jerusalem above my chief joy.
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PSALM 139
7 Remember, O Lord, the children
of Edom in the day of Jerusalem, who said, “Raze it, raze it, even to its foundation.” 8 O daughter of Babylon, who shall be destroyed, happy is the one who repays you as you have treated us. 9 Happy is the one who takes and dashes your little ones against the stones. PSALM 138 A psalm of David. 1I
will praise You with my whole heart; before the gods I will sing praise to You. 2 I will worship toward Your holy temple and praise Your name for Your loving-kindness and for Your truth, for You have magnified Your word above all Your name. 3 In the day when I cried, You answered me and strengthened me with strength in my soul. 4 All the kings of the earth shall praise You, O Lord, when they hear the words of Your mouth. 5 Yes, they shall sing in the ways of the Lord, for great is the glory of the Lord. 6 Though the Lord is high, yet He considers the lowly, but the proud He knows from afar. 7 Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me. You shall stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand shall save me. 8 The Lord will perfect what concerns me. Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever; do not forsake the works of Your own hands.
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Psalm 139:14 To the chief musician, a psalm of David.
1O
Lord, You have searched me and known me. 2 You know when I sit down and when I rise up; You understand my thought from afar. 3 You surround my path and my lying down and are acquainted with all my ways. 4 For there is not a word on my tongue, but behold, O Lord, You know it altogether. 5 You have surrounded me behind and before and laid Your hand on me. 6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is high; I cannot attain it. 7 Where shall I go from Your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from Your presence? 8 If I ascend up into heaven, You are there. If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. 9 If I take the wings of the morning and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, 10 even there Your hand shall lead me and Your right hand shall hold me. 11 If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me, even the night shall be light around me,” 12 yes, the darkness does not hide from You, but the night shines as the day. The darkness and the light are both alike to You. 13 For You have possessed my inward parts. You have covered me in my mother’s womb. 14 I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are Your works, and my soul knows that very well.
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15 My
substance was not hidden from You when I was made in secret and skillfully formed in the lowest parts of the earth. 16 Your eyes saw my substance, yet being incomplete, and in Your book all my parts were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there were none of them. 17 How precious also are Your thoughts to me, O God! How great is the sum of them! 18 If I were to count them, they would be more in number than the sand. When I awake, I am still with You. 19 Surely You will slay the wicked, O God. Depart from me, therefore, you murderous men! 20 For they speak against You wickedly, and Your enemies take Your name in vain. 21 Do I not hate those who hate You, O Lord? And am not I grieved with those who rise up against You? 22 I hate them with perfect hatred; I count them my enemies. 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me, and know my thoughts, 24 and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting. PSALM 140 To the chief musician, a psalm of David. 1 Deliver me, O Lord, from the evil
man; preserve me from the violent man, 2 who devise evil things in their hearts; they are continually gathered together for war.
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3 They have sharpened their tongues
like a serpent; adders’ poison is under their lips. Selah. 4 Keep me, O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; preserve me from the violent man, who has purposed to overthrow my steps. 5 The proud have hidden a snare for me and cords; they have spread a net by the wayside; they have set traps for me. Selah. 6 I said to the Lord, “You are my God; hear the voice of my supplications, O Lord. 7 O God the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle. 8 Do not grant, O Lord, the desires of the wicked; do not further his wicked scheme, lest they exalt themselves. Selah. 9 As for the head of those who surround me, let the mischief of their own lips cover them. 10 Let burning coals fall on them; let them be cast into the fire, into deep pits, that they not rise up again. 11 Do not let an evil speaker be established in the earth; evil shall hunt the violent man to overthrow him.” 12 I know that the Lord will maintain the cause of the afflicted and the right of the poor. 13 Surely the righteous shall give thanks to Your name; the upright shall dwell in Your presence. PSALM 141 A psalm of David. 1 Lord, I cry to You; hurry to me! Give
ear to my voice when I cry to You. 2 Let my prayer be set forth before
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You as incense, and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. 3 Set a watch, O Lord, before my mouth; watch over the door of my lips. 4 Do not incline my heart to any evil thing, to practice wicked works with men who work iniquity, and do not let me eat of their delicacies. 5 Let the righteous strike me; it shall be a kindness. And let him rebuke me; it shall be an excellent oil, which shall not break my head, for still my prayer also shall be against their calamities. 6 When their judges are overthrown in stony places, they shall hear my words, for they are sweet. 7 Our bones are scattered at the grave’s mouth, as when one cuts and splits wood on the earth. 8 But my eyes are to You, O God the Lord. In You is my trust; do not leave my soul destitute. 9 Keep me from the snares that they have laid for me and the traps of the workers of iniquity. 10 Let the wicked fall into their own nets, while I, however, escape. PSALM 142 Maskil of David, a prayer when he was in the cave. 1 I cried to the Lord with my voice,
with my voice to the Lord I made my supplication. 2 I poured out my complaint before Him; I declared before Him my trouble. 3 When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then You knew my path.
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Psalm 143:7
In the way where I walked they have secretly laid a snare for me. 4 I looked on my right hand and saw, but there was no man who would know me. Refuge has failed me; no man cared for my soul. 5 I cried to You, O Lord. I said, “You are my refuge and my portion in the land of the living. 6 Attend to my cry, for I am brought very low; deliver me from my persecutors, for they are stronger than I. 7 Bring my soul out of prison, that I may praise Your name. The righteous shall surround me, for You shall deal bountifully with me.” PSALM 143 A psalm of David. 1 Hear my prayer, O Lord, give ear
to my supplications; in Your faithfulness answer me, and in Your righteousness. 2 And do not enter into judgment with Your servant, for in Your sight no man living shall be justified. 3 For the enemy has persecuted my soul; he has struck my life down to the ground; he has made me to dwell in darkness, like those who have long been dead. 4 Therefore my spirit is overwhelmed within me; my heart is desolate within me. 5 I remember the days of old; I meditate on all Your works; I muse on the work of Your hands. 6 I stretch out my hands to You; my soul thirsts for You, like a thirsty land. Selah. 7 Hear me speedily, O Lord. My spirit fails; do not hide Your face
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from me, lest I be like those who go down into the pit. 8 Cause me to hear Your loving-kindness in the morning, for in You I trust. Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You. 9 Deliver me, O Lord, from my enemies. I flee to You to hide me. 10 Teach me to do Your will, for You are my God. Your Spirit is good; lead me into the land of uprightness. 11 Revive me, O Lord, for Your name’s sake; for Your righteousness’ sake bring my soul out of trouble. 12 And by Your mercy cut off my enemies and destroy all those who afflict my soul, for I am Your servant. PSALM 144 A psalm of David. 1 Blessed is the Lord my strength,
who teaches my hands to war and my fingers to fight, 2 my goodness, and my fortress, my high tower, and my deliverer, my shield, and He in whom I trust, who subdues my people under me. 3 Lord, what is man that You take knowledge of him? Or the son of man that You make account of him? 4 Man is like breath; his days are like a shadow that passes away. 5 Bow Your heavens, O Lord, and come down; touch the mountains, and they shall smoke. 6 Cast forth lightning and scatter them; shoot out Your arrows and destroy them. 7 Send Your hand from above; rescue me and deliver me from great waters, from the hand of foreign children,
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8 whose mouths speak lies, and their
right hand is a right hand of falsehood. 9 I will sing a new song to You, O God; on a lyre and an instrument of ten strings I will sing praises to You. 10 It is He who gives salvation to kings, who delivers David His servant from the hurtful sword. 11 Rescue me and deliver me from the hand of foreign children, whose mouths speak lies, and their right hand is a right hand of falsehood, 12 that our sons may be like plants grown up in their youth, that our daughters may be like cornerstones, polished after the likeness of a palace, 13 that our storehouses may be full, affording all kinds of produce, that our sheep may bring forth thousands and ten thousands in our streets, 14 that our oxen may be strong to labor, that there is no breaking in, or going out, that there is no complaining in our streets. 15 Happy are the people who are in such circumstances; yes, happy are the people whose God is the Lord. PSALM 145 David’s psalm of praise. 1 I will extol You, my God, O King,
and I will bless Your name forever and ever. 2 Every day I will bless You, and I will praise Your name forever and ever. 3 Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised, and His greatness is unsearchable.
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generation shall praise Your works to another and shall declare Your mighty acts. 5 I will speak of the glorious honor of Your majesty and of Your wondrous works. 6 And men shall speak of the might of Your awesome acts, and I will declare Your greatness. 7 They shall abundantly utter the memory of Your great goodness and shall sing of Your righteousness. 8 The Lord is gracious and full of compassion, slow to anger and great in mercy. 9 The Lord is good to all, and His tender mercies are over all His works. 10 All Your works shall praise You, O Lord, and Your saints shall bless You. 11 They shall speak of the glory of Your kingdom and tell of Your power, 12 to make known to the sons of men His mighty acts and the glorious majesty of His kingdom. 13 Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and Your dominion endures throughout all generations. 14 The Lord upholds all who fall and raises up all those who are bowed down. 15 The eyes of all wait on You, and You give them their food in due time. 16 You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. 17 The Lord is righteous in all His ways and holy in all His works. 18 The Lord is near to all those who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.
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Psalm 146:10
19 He will fulfill the desire of those
who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and will save them. 20 The Lord preserves all those who love Him, but He will destroy all the wicked. 21 My mouth shall speak the praise of the Lord, and let all flesh bless His holy name forever and ever. PSALM 146
1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord,
O my soul. 2 While I live I will praise the Lord; I will sing praises to my God while I have any being. 3 Do not put your trust in princes or in the son of man, in whom there is no help. 4 His breath goes out; he returns to his earth. In that very day his thoughts perish. 5 Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God, 6 who made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that is in it, who keeps truth forever, 7 who executes judgment for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord releases the prisoners. 8 The Lord opens the eyes of the blind; the Lord raises those who are bowed down; the Lord loves the righteous; 9 the Lord preserves the strangers; He relieves the fatherless and widow, but the way of the wicked He turns upside down. 10 The Lord shall reign forever, even your God, O Zion, to all generations. Praise the Lord.
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PSALM 147
1 Praise the Lord, for it is good to
sing praises to our God, for it is pleasant, and praise is beautiful. 2 The Lord builds up Jerusalem; He gathers together the outcasts of Israel. 3 He heals the broken in heart and binds up their wounds. 4 He counts the number of the stars; He calls them all by their names. 5 Great is our Lord and of great power; His understanding is infinite. 6 The Lord lifts up the meek; He casts the wicked down to the ground. 7 Sing to the Lord with thanksgiving; sing praise on the harp to our God, 8 who covers the heavens with clouds, who prepares rain for the earth, who makes grass to grow on the mountains. 9 He gives to the beast his food and to the young ravens that cry. 10 He does not delight in the strength of the horse; He does not take pleasure in the legs of a man. 11 The Lord takes pleasure in those who fear Him, in those who hope in His mercy. 12 Praise the Lord, O Jerusalem; praise your God, O Zion. 13 For He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you. 14 He makes peace in your borders and fills you with the finest of the wheat. 15 He sends forth His commandment on earth; His word runs very swiftly. 16 He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes. 17 He casts forth His ice like morsels. Who can stand before His cold?
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18 He sends out His word and melts
them; He causes His wind to blow, and the waters flow. 19 He declares His word to Jacob, His statutes and His judgments to Israel. 20 He has not dealt this way with any nation, and as for His judgments, they have not known them. Praise the Lord. PSALM 148
1 Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord
from the heavens; praise Him in the heights. 2 Praise Him all His angels; praise Him all His hosts. 3 Praise Him sun and moon; praise Him all you stars of light. 4 Praise Him, you heavens of heavens and you waters that are above the heavens. 5 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for He commanded and they were created. 6 He has also established them forever and ever; He has made a decree that shall not pass away. 7 Praise the Lord from the earth, you dragons and all depths; 8 fire and hail, snow and vapors, stormy wind fulfilling His word; 9 mountains and all hills, fruitful trees and all cedars; 10 beasts and all cattle, creeping things and flying fowl; 11 kings of the earth and all people, princes and all judges of the earth; 12 both young men and maidens, old men and children. 13 Let them praise the name of the Lord, for His name alone is excellent; His glory is above the earth and heaven.
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843 14 He also exalts the horn of His peo-
ple, the praise of all His saints; even of the children of Israel, a people near to Him. Praise the Lord. PSALM 149
1 Praise the Lord. Sing to the Lord a
new song and His praise in the congregation of saints. 2 Let Israel rejoice in Him who made him; let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. 3 Let them praise His name in the dance; let them sing praises to Him with the tambourine and harp. 4 For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the meek with salvation. 5 Let the saints be joyful in glory; let them sing aloud on their beds. 6 Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, and a two-edged sword in their hand, 7 to execute vengeance on the nations and punishments on the people,
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8 to
bind their kings with chains and their nobles with shackles of iron, 9 to execute on them the written judgment—all His saints have this honor. Praise the Lord. PSALM 150
1 Praise the Lord. Praise God in His
sanctuary; praise Him in the firmament of His power. 2 Praise Him for His mighty acts; praise Him according to His excellent greatness. 3 Praise Him with the sound of the trumpet; praise Him with the lyre and harp. 4 Praise Him with the tambourine and dance; praise Him with stringed instruments and organs. 5 Praise Him on the loud cymbals; praise Him on the high-sounding cymbals. 6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.
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PROVERBS INTRODUCTION TO PROVERBS As the preface to the book states, Proverbs is about wisdom. On one level, wisdom is a skill of living, a practical knowledge. Wise people know how to say the right thing at the right time and to do the right thing at the right time. They live in a way that maximizes blessing for themselves and others in the world that God created. But at a deeper level, wisdom is more profound than an ability to navigate life well. Indeed, it begins with a proper attitude toward God characterized by “fear.” This is not the type of fear that makes someone run away, but it is more than respect. It is the awe that a person should feel when in the presence of the sovereign Creator of the universe. Proverbs is a book about wisdom, and it intends to make its reader wise. AUTHOR The book of Proverbs is associated with Solomon, Israel’s wisest king. His writings—or his teachings put into writing by a scribe—form most of the book. It was revealed in 1 Kings 4:32 that Solomon spoke three thousand proverbs, and it is good to have the book of Proverbs to see what he was teaching. A few additional short sections come from other contributors: anonymous writers (22:17–24:22), Agur (chapter 30), and Lemuel (chapter 31). OCCASION The purpose of the book of Proverbs is stated in 1:2–3: to provide wisdom that, when applied, will lead to a godly life.
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Instruction and Exhortation to Sons The proverbs of Solomon, the son of David, king of Israel: 2 To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding; 3 to receive the instruction of wisdom, justice, and judgment, and equity; 4 to give good judgment to the simple, to the young man knowledge and discretion. 5 A wise man will hear and will increase learning, and a man of understanding shall attain wise counsels, 6 to understand a proverb and the interpretation, the words of the wise and their riddles. 7 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction. 8 My son, hear the instruction of your father, and do not abandon the law of your mother, 9 for they shall be an ornament of grace to your head and chains about your neck. 10 My son, if sinners entice you, do not consent. 11 If they say, “Come with us; let us lie in wait for blood; let us lurk secretly for the innocent without cause; 12 let us swallow them up alive like the grave and whole like those who go down to the pit; 13 we shall find all precious possessions; we shall fill our houses with plunder; 14 cast in your lot among us; let us all have one purse”— 15 my son, do not walk in the way
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with them; refrain your foot from their path, 16 for their feet run to evil and hurry to shed blood. 17 Surely the net is spread in vain in the sight of any bird. 18 And they lie in wait for their own blood; they lurk secretly for their own lives. 19 So are the ways of everyone who is greedy for gain, which takes away the life of its owners. 20 Wisdom cries outside; she utters her voice in the streets. 21 She cries in the chief place of gathering, in the openings of the gates; she utters her words in the city, saying, 22 “How long, you simple ones, will you love simplicity, and the scorners delight in their scorning, and fools hate knowledge? 23 Turn at my rebuke. Behold, I will pour out my spirit to you; I will make my words known to you. 24 Because I have called and you refused, I have stretched out my hand, and no man paid attention. 25 But you have neglected all my counsel and would have none of my rebuke. 26 I will also laugh at your calamity; I will mock when your fear comes, 27 when your fear comes like desolation and your destruction comes like a whirlwind, when distress and anguish come upon you. 28 Then they shall call on me, but I will not answer; they shall earnestly seek me, but they shall not find me, 29 because they hated knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord.
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30 They
would have none of my counsel; they despised all my rebuke. 31 Therefore, they shall eat of the fruit of their own way and be filled with their own devices. 32 For the turning away of the simple shall slay them, and the prosperity of fools shall destroy them. 33 But whoever listens to me shall dwell safely and shall be at peace without fear of evil.”
12 to deliver you from the way of the
To Sons, Continued My son, if you will receive my words and hide my commandments with you, 2 so that you incline your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding— 3 yes, if you cry after knowledge and lift up your voice for understanding, 4 if you seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures— 5 then you shall understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. 6 For the Lord gives wisdom; out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding. 7 He lays up sound wisdom for the righteous; He is a shield to those who walk uprightly. 8 He keeps the paths of judgment and preserves the way of His saints. 9 Then you shall understand righteousness and judgment and equity—yes, every good path. 10 When wisdom enters into your heart and knowledge is pleasant to your soul, 11 discretion shall preserve you; understanding shall keep you,
To Sons, Continued My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commandments. 2 For they shall add to you length of days and long life and peace. 3 Do not let mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart, 4 so you shall find favor and good understanding in the sight of God and man. 5 Trust in the Lord with all your
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evil man, from the man who speaks perverse things, 13 from those who leave the paths of uprightness to walk in the ways of darkness, 14 who rejoice to do evil and delight in the perversity of the wicked, 15 whose ways are crooked, and they are perverse in their paths; 16 to deliver you from the strange woman, from the stranger who flatters with her words, 17 who forsakes the guide of her youth and forgets the covenant of her God. 18 For her house inclines to death, and her paths to the dead. 19 None who go to her return again, nor do they take hold of the paths of life. 20 So you will walk in the way of good men and keep the paths of the righteous. 21 For the upright shall dwell in the land, and the perfect shall remain in it. 22 But the wicked shall be cut off from the earth, and the transgressors shall be uprooted from it.
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heart and do not lean on your own understanding. 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. 8 It shall be health to your navel and marrow to your bones. 9 Honor the Lord with your possessions and with the firstfruits of all your increase, 10 so your barns shall be filled with plenty and your presses shall burst with new wine. 11 My son, do not despise the discipline of the Lord or be weary of His correction. 12 For those whom the Lord loves, He corrects, like a father with the son in whom he delights. 13 Happy is the man who finds wisdom and the man who gets understanding, 14 for its profit is better than the profit of silver, and its gain than fine gold. 15 She is more precious than rubies, and all the things you can desire are not to be compared to her. 16 Length of days is in her right hand, and in her left hand riches and honor. 17 Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. 18 She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her, and happy is everyone who retains her. 19 The Lord, by wisdom, has founded the earth; by understanding He has established the heavens. 20 By His knowledge the depths are broken up and the clouds drop down the dew. 21 My son, do not let them depart
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from your eyes; keep sound wisdom and discretion, 22 so they shall be life to your soul and grace to your neck. 23 Then you shall walk in your way safely, and your foot shall not stumble. 24 When you lie down, you shall not be afraid; yes, you shall lie down, and your sleep shall be sweet. 25 Do not be afraid of sudden fear or of the desolation of the wicked when it comes. 26 For the Lord shall be your confidence and shall keep your foot from being taken. 27 Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it. 28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again, and tomorrow I will give,” when you have it with you. 29 Do not devise evil against your neighbor, since he dwells securely by you. 30 Do not contend with a man without cause, if he has done you no harm. 31 Do not envy the oppressor, and choose none of his ways. 32 For the perverse is an abomination to the Lord, but His secret is with the righteous. 33 The curse of the Lord is in the house of the wicked, but He blesses the dwelling of the just. 34 Surely He scorns the scorners, but He gives grace to the lowly. 35 The wise shall inherit glory, but shame shall be the promotion of fools. To Sons, Continued Hear, you children, the instruction of a father, and attend to
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know understanding. 2 For I give you good doctrine; do not forsake my law. 3 For I was my father’s son, tender and only beloved in the sight of my mother. 4 He also taught me and said to me, “Let your heart retain my words; keep my commandments and live. 5 Get wisdom. Get understanding. Do not forget it or turn away from the words of my mouth. 6 Do not forsake her, and she shall preserve you. Love her, and she shall keep you. 7 Wisdom is the principal thing. Therefore, get wisdom, and with all your getting, get understanding. 8 Exalt her, and she shall promote you; she shall bring you to honor when you embrace her. 9 She shall give to your head an ornament of grace; she shall deliver to you a crown of glory.” 10 Hear, O my son, and receive my sayings, and the years of your life shall be many. 11 I have taught you in the way of wisdom; I have led you in right paths. 12 When you go, your steps shall not be hindered, and when you run, you shall not stumble. 13 Take firm hold of instruction; do not let her go. Keep her, for she is your life. 14 Do not enter into the path of the wicked, and do not go in the way of evil men. 15 Avoid it; do not pass by it; turn from it and pass away. 16 For they do not sleep, unless they have done evil, and their sleep is taken away, unless they cause some to fall.
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17 For they eat the bread of wicked-
ness and drink the wine of violence. 18 But the path of the just is like the shining light that shines more and more until the perfect day. 19 The way of the wicked is like darkness; they do not know what they stumble over. 20 My son, attend to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. 21 Do not let them depart from your eyes; keep them in the midst of your heart. 22 For they are life to those who find them and health to all their flesh. 23 Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it are the springs of life. 24 Put away from yourself a deceitful mouth and put perverse lips far from you. 25 Let your eyes look directly ahead, and let your eyelids look straight before you. 26 Ponder the path of your feet, and let all your ways be established. 27 Do not turn to the right hand or to the left; remove your foot from evil. To Sons, Continued My son, attend to my wisdom and bow your ear to my understanding, 2 that you may regard discretion and that your lips may keep knowledge. 3 For the lips of an adulterous woman drip like a honeycomb, and her mouth is smoother than oil. 4 But her end is bitter like wormwood, sharp as a two-edged sword. 5 Her feet go down to death; her steps take hold of hell. 6 Lest you should ponder the path of life, her ways are unstable; you cannot know them.
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me now, therefore, O you children, and do not depart from the words of my mouth. 8 Remove your way far from her and do not come near the door of her house, 9 lest you give your honor to others and your years to the cruel, 10 lest strangers be filled with your wealth and your labors be in the house of a stranger, 11 and you mourn at the last, when your flesh and your body are consumed, 12 and say, “How I have hated instruction and my heart despised rebuke, 13 and have not obeyed the voice of my teachers or inclined my ear to those who instructed me! 14 I was almost in all evil in the midst of the congregation and assembly.” 15 Drink waters out of your own cistern and running waters out of your own well. 16 Let your fountains be dispersed abroad and rivers of waters in the streets. 17 Let them be yours alone, and not for strangers with you. 18 Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth. 19 Let her be like the loving deer and pleasant gazelle; let her breasts satisfy you at all times, and always be enraptured by her love. 20 And why will you, my son, be enraptured by an adulterous woman and embrace the bosom of an adulterer? 21 For the ways of man are before the eyes of the Lord, and He ponders all his goings. 22 His own iniquities shall take the
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wicked himself, and he shall be caught with the cords of his sins. 23 He shall die without instruction, and in the greatness of his foolishness, he shall go astray. To Sons, Continued My son, if you become surety for your friend, if you have shaken your hand with a stranger, 2 you are snared with the words of your mouth; you are taken with the words of your mouth. 3 Do this now, my son, and deliver yourself when you have come into the hand of your friend: go, humble yourself, and plead with your friend. 4 Do not give sleep to your eyes or slumber to your eyelids. 5 Deliver yourself like a gazelle from the hand of the hunter and like a bird from the hand of the fowler. 6 Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, 7 which, having no guide, overseer, or ruler, 8 provides her food in the summer and gathers her food in the harvest. 9 How long will you sleep, O sluggard? When will you arise from your sleep? 10 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, 11 so your poverty shall come like one who travels and your need like an armed man. 12 An evil person, a wicked man, walks with a perverse mouth. 13 He winks with his eyes; he speaks with his feet; he teaches with his fingers. 14 Perversity is in his heart; he devises evil continually; he sows discord.
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15 Therefore, his calamity shall come
suddenly; suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. 16 These six things the Lord hates— yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, 18 a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 a false witness who speaks lies, and he who sows discord among brothers. 20 My son, keep your father’s commandment and do not forsake the law of your mother. 21 Bind them continually on your heart and tie them around your neck. 22 When you go, it shall lead you, when you sleep, it shall protect you, and when you awake, it shall talk with you. 23 For the commandment is a lamp, and the law is light, and rebukes of instruction are the way of life, 24 to keep you from the evil woman, from the flattery of the tongue of an immoral woman. 25 Do not lust after her beauty in your heart or let her take you with her eyelids. 26 For by means of a prostitute, a man is brought to a piece of bread, and the adulteress will hunt for the precious life. 27 Can a man take fire in his bosom and his clothes not be burned? 28 Can one go on hot coals and his feet not be burned? 29 So is he who goes in to his neighbor’s wife; whoever touches her shall not be innocent. 30 Men do not despise a thief, if he
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steals to satisfy his soul when he is hungry. 31 But if he is found, he shall restore sevenfold; he shall give all the wealth of his house. 32 But whoever commits adultery with a woman lacks understanding; he who does it destroys his own soul. 33 He shall get a wound and dishonor, and his reproach shall not be wiped away. 34 For jealousy is the rage of a man; therefore, he will not spare on the day of vengeance. 35 He will not regard any ransom, nor will he rest content, though you give many gifts. To Sons, Concluded My son, keep my words and lay up my commandments with you. 2 Keep my commandments and live, and my law as the apple of your eye. 3 Bind them on your fingers; write them on the tablet of your heart. 4 Say to wisdom, “You are my sister,” and call understanding your relative, 5 that they may keep you from the adulterous woman, from the immoral woman who flatters with her words. 6 For at the window of my house, I looked through my casement 7 and saw among the simple ones—I discerned among the youths—a young man void of understanding, 8 passing through the street near her corner, and he went the way to her house, 9 in the twilight, in the evening, in the black and dark night.
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him with the attire of a harlot and crafty of heart. 11 (She is loud and stubborn; her feet do not remain in her house. 12 Now she is outside, now in the streets, and lies in wait at every corner.) 13 So she caught him and kissed him and, with an impudent face, said to him, 14 “I have peace offerings with me. This day I have paid my vows. 15 Therefore, I came out to meet you, to diligently seek your face, and I have found you. 16 I have decked my bed with coverings of tapestry, with carved works, with fine linen of Egypt. 17 I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon. 18 Come, let us take our fill of love until the morning. Let us solace ourselves with loves. 19 For my husband is not at home; he has gone on a long journey. 20 He has taken a bag of money with him and will come home on the appointed day.” 21 With her very fair speech she caused him to yield; with the flattering of her lips she forced him. 22 He goes after her immediately, like an ox goes to the slaughter or like a fool to the correction of the stocks, 23 until a dart strikes through his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, he does not know that it is for his life. 24 Listen to me now, therefore, O you children, and attend to the words of my mouth. 25 Do not let your heart turn to her
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ways; do not go astray in her paths. 26 For she has cast down many wounded; yes, many strong men have been slain by her. 27 Her house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of death. In Praise of Wisdom Does not wisdom cry and understanding put forth her voice? 2 She stands at the top of high places, by the road in the places of the paths. 3 She cries at the gates, at the entry of the city, at the coming in at the doors. 4 “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of man. 5 O you simple, understand wisdom, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. 6 Hear, for I will speak of excellent things, and the opening of my lips shall be right things. 7 For my mouth shall speak truth, and wickedness is an abomination to my lips. 8 All the words of my mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing crooked or perverse in them. 9 They are all plain to him who understands and right to those who find knowledge. 10 Receive my instruction, and not silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold. 11 For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired cannot be compared to it. 12 I, wisdom, dwell with prudence and find out knowledge of witty schemes. 13 The fear of the Lord is to hate evil; I hate pride and arrogance and the
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evil way and the perverse mouth. 14 Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding; I have strength. 15 By me, kings reign and princes decree justice. 16 By me, princes rule, and nobles, even all the judges of the earth. 17 I love those who love me, and those who earnestly seek me find me. 18 Riches and honor are with me— yes, durable riches and righteousness. 19 My fruit is better than gold—yes, than fine gold—and my revenue than choice silver. 20 I lead in the way of righteousness, in the midst of the paths of judgment, 21 that I may cause those who love me to inherit wealth, and I will fill their treasures. 22 The Lord possessed me in the beginning of His way, before His works of old. 23 I was set up from everlasting, from the beginning, before the earth ever was. 24 When there were no depths, I was brought forth, when there were no fountains abounding with water. 25 Before the mountains were settled, before the hills, I was brought forth, 26 while as yet He had not made the earth or the fields or the highest part of the dust of the world. 27 When He prepared the heavens, I was there. When He set a circle on the face of the depth, 28 when He established the clouds above, when He strengthened the fountains of the deep,
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29 when He gave His decree to the
sea that the waters should not trespass His commandment, when He appointed the foundations of the earth, 30 then I was beside Him, as one brought up with Him, and I was His daily delight, rejoicing always before Him, 31 rejoicing in the habitable part of His earth. And my delights were with the sons of men. 32 Now, therefore, listen to me, O you children, for blessed are those who keep my ways. 33 Hear instruction and be wise and do not refuse it. 34 Blessed is the man who hears me, watching daily at my gates, waiting at the posts of my doors. 35 For whoever finds me finds life and shall obtain favor from the Lord. 36 But he who sins against me wrongs his own soul; all those who hate me love death.” The Praise of Wisdom, Continued Wisdom has built her house; she has carved out her seven pillars. 2 She has killed her beasts; she has mixed her wine; she has also furnished her table. 3 She has sent out her maidens; she cries in the highest places of the city, 4 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” As for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, 5 “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine that I have mixed. 6 Forsake the foolish and live, and go in the way of understanding.”
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who rebukes a scorner gets shame for himself, and he who rebukes a wicked man gets himself a stain. 8 Do not rebuke a scorner, lest he hate you; rebuke a wise man, and he will love you. 9 Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be wiser yet; teach a just man, and he will increase in learning. 10 The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. 11 For by me your days shall be multiplied and the years of your life shall be increased. 12 If you are wise, you shall be wise for yourself, but if you scorn, you shall bear it alone. 13 A foolish woman is clamorous; she is simple and knows nothing. 14 For she sits at the door of her house, on a seat in the high places of the city, 15 to call passengers who go right on their ways, 16 “Whoever is simple, let him turn in here.” And as for him who lacks understanding, she says to him, 17 “Stolen waters are sweet, and bread eaten in secret is pleasant.” 18 But he does not know that the dead are there and that her guests are in the depths of hell. The Folly of Wickedness, The Wisdom of Righteousness The proverbs of Solomon: A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish son is the heaviness of his mother. 2 Treasures of wickedness profit nothing, but righteousness delivers from death.
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3 The Lord will not allow the soul of
the righteous to famish, but He casts away the substance of the wicked. 4 He who deals with a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich. 5 He who gathers in summer is a wise son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who causes shame. 6 Blessings are on the head of the just, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 7 The memory of the just is blessed, but the name of the wicked shall rot. 8 The wise in heart will receive commandments, but a talking fool shall fall. 9 He who walks uprightly walks surely, but he who perverts his ways shall be known. 10 He who winks with the eye causes sorrow, but a chattering fool shall fall. 11 The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life, but violence covers the mouth of the wicked. 12 Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all sins. 13 Wisdom is found on the lips of him who has understanding, but a rod is for the back of him who is void of understanding. 14 Wise men lay up knowledge, but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction. 15 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the destruction of the poor is their poverty. 16 The labor of the righteous tends to life, the fruit of the wicked to sin. 17 He who keeps instruction is in the way of life, but he who refuses correction goes astray. 18 He who hides hatred with lying
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lips and he who utters a slander is a fool. 19 In the multitude of words, sin is not lacking, but he who refrains his lips is wise. 20 The tongue of the just is like choice silver; the heart of the wicked is of little worth. 21 The lips of the righteous feed many, but fools die for lack of wisdom. 22 The blessing of the Lord makes one rich, and He adds no sorrow with it. 23 It is like sport to a fool to do evil, but a man of understanding has wisdom. 24 The fear of the wicked shall come upon him, but the desire of the righteous shall be granted. 25 As the whirlwind passes, so the wicked is no more, but the righteous is an everlasting foundation. 26 As vinegar to the teeth and as smoke to the eyes, so is the sluggard to those who send him. 27 The fear of the Lord prolongs days, but the years of the wicked shall be shortened. 28 The hope of the righteous shall be gladness, but the expectation of the wicked shall perish. 29 The way of the Lord is strength to the upright, but destruction shall come to the workers of iniquity. 30 The righteous shall never be removed, but the wicked shall not inhabit the earth. 31 The mouth of the just brings forth wisdom, but the perverse tongue shall be cut out. 32 The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable, but the mouth of the wicked speaks perversity.
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Contrast of Righteousness and Wickedness, Continued A false balance is an abomination to the Lord, but a just weight is His delight. 2 When pride comes, then comes shame, but with the lowly is wisdom. 3 The integrity of the upright shall guide them, but the perverseness of transgressors shall destroy them. 4 Riches do not profit in the day of wrath, but righteousness delivers from death. 5 The righteousness of the perfect shall direct his way, but the wicked shall fall by his own wickedness. 6 The righteousness of the upright shall deliver them, but transgressors shall be taken in their own wickedness. 7 When a wicked man dies, his expectation shall perish, and the hope of unjust men perishes. 8 The righteous is delivered out of trouble, and the wicked comes in his place. 9 A hypocrite destroys his neighbor with his mouth, but through knowledge the just shall be delivered. 10 When it goes well with the righteous, the city rejoices, and when the wicked perish, there is shouting. 11 By the blessing of the upright, the city is exalted, but it is overthrown by the mouth of the wicked. 12 He who is void of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding keeps silent. 13 A talebearer reveals secrets, but he who is of a faithful spirit conceals the matter. 14 Where there is no counsel, the
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people fall, but in the multitude of counselors, there is safety. 15 He who is surety for a stranger shall suffer for it, and he who hates being surety is secure. 16 A gracious woman retains honor, and strong men retain riches. 17 The merciful man does good to his own soul, but he who is cruel troubles his own flesh. 18 The wicked work a deceitful work, but to him who sows righteousness shall be a sure reward. 19 As righteousness tends to life, so he who pursues evil pursues it to his own death. 20 Those who are of a perverse heart are an abomination to the Lord, but those who are upright in their way are His delight. 21 Though hand join in hand, the wicked shall not be unpunished, but the descendants of the righteous shall be delivered. 22 As a jewel of gold in a swine’s snout, so is a fair woman who is without discretion. 23 The desire of the righteous is only good, but the expectation of the wicked is wrath. 24 There is one who scatters and yet increases, and there is one who withholds more than is right, but it tends to poverty. 25 The generous soul shall be made prosperous, and he who waters shall also be watered himself. 26 The people shall curse him who withholds grain, but blessing shall be on the head of him who sells it. 27 He who diligently seeks good procures favor, but evil shall come to him who seeks it. 28 He who trusts in his riches shall
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Proverbs 12:10
fall, but the righteous shall flourish like a branch. 29 He who troubles his own house shall inherit the wind, and the fool shall be servant to the wise of heart. 30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise. 31 Behold, the righteous shall be repaid on the earth, much more the wicked and the sinner. Contrast of Righteousness and Wickedness, Continued Whoever loves instruction loves knowledge, but he who hates correction is senseless. 2 A good man obtains favor from the Lord, but He will condemn a man of wicked schemes. 3 A man shall not be established by wickedness, but the root of the righteous shall not be moved. 4 A virtuous woman is a crown to her husband, but she who makes him ashamed is like rottenness in his bones. 5 The thoughts of the righteous are right, but the counsels of the wicked are deceit. 6 The words of the wicked are to lie in wait for blood, but the mouth of the upright shall deliver them. 7 The wicked are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous shall stand. 8 A man shall be commended according to his wisdom, but he who is of a perverse heart shall be despised. 9 He who is despised and has a servant is better than he who honors himself and lacks bread. 10 A righteous man regards the life of
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Proverbs 12:11
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his beast, but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel. 11 He who tills his land shall be satisfied with bread, but he who follows vain people is void of understanding. 12 The wicked desire the net of evil men, but the root of the righteous yields fruit. 13 The wicked is snared by the transgression of his lips, but the just shall come out of trouble. 14 A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth, and the recompense of a man’s hands shall be rendered to him. 15 The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but he who listens to counsel is wise. 16 A fool’s wrath is presently known, but a prudent man covers shame. 17 He who speaks truth declares righteousness, but a false witness deceit. 18 There is one who speaks like the piercings of a sword, but the tongue of the wise is health. 19 The lips of truth shall be established forever, but a lying tongue is but for a moment. 20 Deceit is in the heart of those who imagine evil, but to the counselors of peace is joy. 21 No evil shall happen to the just, but the wicked shall be filled with evil. 22 Lying lips are an abomination to the Lord, but those who deal truly are His delight. 23 A prudent man conceals knowledge, but the heart of fools proclaims foolishness. 24 The hand of the diligent shall rule, but the slothful shall serve as forced laborers.
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25 Heaviness
in the heart of man makes it stoop, but a good word makes it glad. 26 The righteous is more excellent than his neighbor, but the way of the wicked seduces them. 27 The slothful man does not roast what he took in hunting, but the wealth of a diligent man is precious. 28 In the way of righteousness is life, and in its pathway there is no death. Contrast of Righteousness and Wickedness, Continued A wise son hears his father’s instruction, but a scorner does not hear rebuke. 2 A man shall eat good by the fruit of his mouth, but the soul of the transgressors shall eat violence. 3 He who keeps his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens his lips wide shall have destruction. 4 The soul of the sluggard desires and has nothing, but the soul of the diligent shall be made prosperous. 5 A righteous man hates lying, but a wicked man is loathsome and comes to shame. 6 Righteousness keeps him who is upright in the way, but wickedness overthrows the sinner. 7 There is one who makes himself rich, yet has nothing; there is one who makes himself poor, yet has great riches. 8 The ransom of a man’s life are his riches, but the poor does not hear rebuke. 9 The light of the righteous rejoices, but the lamp of the wicked shall be put out. 10 By pride comes only contention,
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but wisdom is with the well-advised. 11 Wealth gotten by dishonesty shall be diminished, but he who gathers by labor shall increase. 12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when the desire comes, it is a tree of life. 13 Whoever despises the word shall be destroyed, but he who fears the commandment shall be rewarded. 14 The law of the wise is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 15 Good understanding gives favor, but the way of transgressors is hard. 16 Every prudent man deals with knowledge, but a fool lays open his foolishness. 17 A wicked messenger falls into evil, but a faithful ambassador brings health. 18 Poverty and shame shall come to him who refuses instruction, but he who regards rebuke shall be honored. 19 The desire accomplished is sweet to the soul, but it is an abomination to fools to depart from evil. 20 He who walks with wise men shall be wise, but a companion of fools shall be destroyed. 21 Evil pursues sinners, but good shall be repaid to the righteous. 22 A good man leaves an inheritance to his children’s children, and the wealth of the sinner is laid up for the just. 23 Much food is in the cultivated land of the poor, but it is destroyed for lack of judgment. 24 He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly. 25 The righteous eats to the satis fy-
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Proverbs 14:14
ing of his soul, but the belly of the wicked shall be in need. The Contrast of Goodness and Evil Every wise woman builds her house, but the foolish plucks it down with her hands. 2 He who walks in his uprightness fears the Lord, but he who is perverse in his ways despises Him. 3 In the mouth of the foolish is a rod of pride, but the lips of the wise shall preserve them. 4 Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but much increase comes by the strength of the ox. 5 A faithful witness will not lie, but a false witness will utter lies. 6 A scorner seeks wisdom and does not find it, but knowledge is easy for him who understands. 7 Go from the presence of a foolish man when you do not perceive in him the lips of knowledge. 8 The wisdom of the prudent is to understand his way, but the foolishness of fools is deceit. 9 Fools mock at sin, but among the righteous there is favor. 10 The heart knows his own bitterness, and a stranger does not share his joy. 11 The house of the wicked shall be overthrown, but the tent of the upright shall flourish. 12 There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it are the ways of death. 13 Even in laughter the heart is sorrowful, and the end of that mirth is heaviness. 14 The backslider in heart shall be filled with his own ways, and a good
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Proverbs 14:15
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man shall be satisfied from himself. 15 The simple believes every word, but the prudent man carefully considers his steps. 16 A wise man fears and departs from evil, but the fool rages and is confident. 17 He who is quickly angered deals foolishly, and a man of wicked devices is hated. 18 The simple inherit foolishness, but the prudent are crowned with knowledge. 19 The evil bow before the good, and the wicked at the gates of the righteous. 20 The poor is hated even by his own neighbor, but the rich has many friends. 21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but he who has mercy on the poor is happy. 22 Do they not go astray who devise evil? But mercy and truth shall be to those who devise good. 23 In all labor there is profit, but the talk of the lips tends only to poverty. 24 The crown of the wise is their riches, but the foolishness of fools is foolishness. 25 A true witness delivers souls, but a deceitful witness speaks lies. 26 In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence, and His children shall have a place of refuge. 27 The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death. 28 In the multitude of people is the king’s honor, but in the lack of people is the destruction of the prince. 29 He who is slow to wrath has great understanding, but he who is quick-tempered exalts foolishness.
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30 A sound heart is the life of the flesh,
but envy the rottenness of the bones. 31 He who oppresses the poor discredits his Maker, but he who honors Him has mercy on the poor. 32 The wicked is driven away in his wickedness, but the righteous has hope in his death. 33 Wisdom rests in the heart of him who has understanding, but what is in the midst of fools is made known. 34 Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people. 35 The king’s favor is toward a wise servant, but his wrath is against him who causes shame.
The Contrast of Goodness and Evil, Continued A soft answer turns away wrath, but harsh words stir up anger. 2 The tongue of the wise uses knowledge rightly, but the mouth of fools pours out foolishness. 3 The eyes of the Lord are in every place, watching the evil and the good. 4 A wholesome tongue is a tree of life, but perverseness in it is a breach in the spirit. 5 A fool despises his father’s instruction, but he who regards correction is prudent. 6 In the house of the righteous is much treasure, but in the revenues of the wicked is trouble. 7 The lips of the wise disperse knowledge, but the heart of the foolish does not do so. 8 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the Lord, but the prayer of the upright is His delight. 9 The way of the wicked is an
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abomination to the Lord, but He loves him who follows after righteousness. 10 Correction is harsh to him who forsakes the way, and he who hates rebuke shall die. 11 Hell and destruction are before the Lord. How much more, then, the hearts of the children of men? 12 A scorner does not love one who rebukes him, nor will he go to the wise. 13 A merry heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken. 14 The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of fools feeds on foolishness. 15 All the days of the afflicted are evil, but he who is of a merry heart has a continual feast. 16 Better is little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and trouble with it. 17 Better is a dinner of vegetables where love is than a fattened ox and hatred with it. 18 A wrathful man stirs up strife, but he who is slow to anger appeases strife. 19 The way of the slothful man is like a hedge of thorns, but the way of the righteous is made plain. 20 A wise son makes a glad father, but a foolish man despises his mother. 21 Foolishness is joy to him who is destitute of wisdom, but a man of understanding walks uprightly. 22 Without counsel purposes are disappointed, but in the multitude of counselors they are established. 23 A man has joy by the answer of his mouth, and a word spoken in due season—how good is it!
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Proverbs 16:4
24 The
way of life is above to the wise, that he may depart from hell beneath. 25 The Lord will destroy the house of the proud, but He will establish the boundary of the widow. 26 The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord, but the words of the pure are pleasant words. 27 He who is greedy of gain troubles his own house, but he who hates bribes shall live. 28 The heart of the righteous studies to answer, but the mouth of the wicked pours out evil things. 29 The Lord is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous. 30 The light of the eyes rejoices the heart, and a good report makes the bones healthy. 31 The ear that hears the rebuke of life abides among the wise. 32 He who refuses instruction despises his own soul, but he who hears a rebuke gets understanding. 33 The fear of the Lord is the instruction of wisdom, and before honor is humility. The Contrast of Goodness and Evil, Continued The preparations of the heart in man, and the answer of the tongue, is from the Lord. 2 All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the spirits. 3 Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts shall be established. 4 The Lord has made all things for Himself—yes, even the wicked for the day of evil.
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5 Everyone who is proud in heart is
an abomination to the Lord; though hand join in hand, he shall not be unpunished. 6 By mercy and truth iniquity is purged, and by the fear of the Lord men depart from evil. 7 When a man’s ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him. 8 Better is a little with righteousness than great revenues without justice. 9 A man’s heart devises his way, but the Lord directs his steps. 10 A divine sentence is in the lips of the king; his mouth does not transgress in judgment. 11 A just weight and balance are the Lord’s; all the weights of the bag are His work. 12 It is an abomination to kings to commit wickedness, for the throne is established by righteousness. 13 Righteous lips are the delight of kings, and they love him who speaks right. 14 The wrath of a king is like messengers of death, but a wise man will pacify it. 15 In the light of the king’s face is life, and his favor is like a cloud of the latter rain. 16 How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! And to get understanding is to be chosen rather than silver! 17 The highway of the upright is to depart from evil; he who keeps his way preserves his soul. 18 Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall. 19 It is better to be of a humble spirit with the lowly than to divide the plunder with the proud.
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20 He who handles a matter wisely
shall find good, and whoever trusts in the Lord, happy is he. 21 The wise in heart shall be called prudent, and the sweetness of the lips increases learning. 22 Understanding is a wellspring of life to him who has it, but the instruction of fools is foolishness. 23 The heart of the wise teaches his mouth and adds learning to his lips. 24 Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones. 25 There is a way that seems right to a man, but the end of it are the ways of death. 26 He who labors, labors for himself, for his mouth craves it of him. 27 An ungodly man digs up evil, and in his lips there is a burning fire. 28 A perverse man sows strife, and a whisperer separates close friends. 29 A violent man entices his neighbor and leads him into the way that is not good. 30 He shuts his eyes to devise perverse things; moving his lips, he brings evil to pass. 31 The gray head is a crown of glory, if it is found in the way of righteousness. 32 He who is slow to anger is better than the mighty, and he who rules his spirit than he who takes a city. 33 The lot is cast into the lap, but the whole judgment of it is from the Lord. The Contrast of Goodness and Evil, Continued Better is a dry morsel with quietness than a house full of sacrifices with strife.
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861 2 A wise servant shall have rule over
a son who causes shame and shall have part of the inheritance among the brothers. 3 The refining pot is for silver and the furnace for gold, but the Lord tries the hearts. 4 A wicked doer gives heed to false lips, and a liar gives ear to an evil tongue. 5 Whoever mocks the poor discredits his Maker, and he who is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished. 6 Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children are their fathers. 7 Excellent speech does not become a fool, much less do lying lips a prince. 8 A gift is like a precious stone in the eyes of him who has it; wherever it turns, it prospers. 9 He who covers a transgression seeks love, but he who repeats a matter separates close friends. 10 A rebuke enters more into a wise man than a hundred lashes into a fool. 11 An evil man seeks only rebellion; therefore, a cruel messenger shall be sent against him. 12 Let a bear robbed of her cubs meet a man, rather than a fool in his foolishness. 13 Whoever rewards evil for good, evil shall not depart from his house. 14 The beginning of strife is like when one lets out water; therefore, leave off contention, before it is meddled with. 15 He who justifies the wicked and he who condemns the just, they are both an abomination to the Lord. 16 Why is there a price in the hand of a fool to get wisdom, since he has no heart for it?
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Proverbs 18:2
17 A friend loves at all times, and a
brother is born for adversity. 18 A man void of understanding shakes hands and becomes surety in the presence of his friend. 19 He who loves strife loves transgression, and he who exalts his gate seeks destruction. 20 He who has a perverse heart finds no good, and he who has a perverse tongue falls into evil. 21 He who fathers a fool does it to his sorrow, and the father of a fool has no joy. 22 A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. 23 A wicked man takes a bribe out of the bosom to pervert the ways of judgment. 24 Wisdom is before him who has understanding, but the eyes of a fool are on the ends of the earth. 25 A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her who bore him. 26 Also, to punish the just is not good, nor to strike princes for equity. 27 He who has knowledge spares his words, and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit. 28 Even a fool, when he remains silent, is counted wise, and he who shuts his lips is esteemed a man of understanding. The Contrast of Goodness and Evil, Continued A man, having separated himself, through desire seeks and meddles with all wisdom. 2 A fool has no delight in understanding, but that his heart may discover itself.
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Proverbs 18:3 3 When
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the wicked comes, then contempt also comes, and with dishonor reproach. 4 The words of a man’s mouth are like deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom like a flowing brook. 5 It is not good to lift up the person of the wicked, to overthrow the righteous in judgment. 6 A fool’s lips enter into contention and his mouth calls for strokes. 7 A fool’s mouth is his destruction and his lips are the snare of his soul. 8 The words of a talebearer are like wounds, and they go down to the innermost parts of the belly. 9 He who is also slothful in his work is brother to him who is a great waster. 10 The name of the Lord is a strong tower. The righteous runs into it and is safe. 11 The rich man’s wealth is his strong city, and like a high wall in his own opinion. 12 Before destruction the heart of man is haughty, and before honor is humility. 13 He who answers a matter before he hears it, it is folly and shame to him. 14 The spirit of a man will sustain his sickness, but who can bear a wounded spirit? 15 The heart of the prudent gets knowledge, and the ear of the wise seeks knowledge. 16 A man’s gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. 17 He who is first in his own cause seems just, but his neighbor comes and searches him. 18 The lot causes contentions to
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cease and apportions between the mighty. 19 A brother offended is harder to be won than a strong city, and their contentions are like the bars of a castle. 20 A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth, and with the increase of his lips he shall be filled. 21 Death and life are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it shall eat its fruit. 22 Whoever finds a wife finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord. 23 The poor uses entreaties, but the rich answers roughly. 24 A man who has friends must show himself friendly, and there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother. The Contrast of Goodness and Evil, Continued Better is the poor who walks in his integrity than he who is perverse in his lips and is a fool. 2 Also, it is not good that the soul be without knowledge, and he who hastens with his feet sins. 3 The foolishness of man perverts his way, and his heart is angry against the Lord. 4 Wealth makes many friends, but the poor is separated from his neighbor. 5 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he who speaks lies shall not escape. 6 Many will entreat the favor of the prince, and every man is a friend to him who gives gifts. 7 All the brothers of the poor hate him. How much more do his friends
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go far from him? He pursues them with words, yet they are missing from him. 8 He who gets wisdom loves his own soul; he who keeps understanding shall find good. 9 A false witness shall not be unpunished, and he who speaks lies shall perish. 10 Delight is not fitting for a fool, much less for a servant to have rule over princes. 11 The discretion of a man defers his anger, and it is his glory to pass over a transgression. 12 The king’s wrath is like the roaring of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. 13 A foolish son is the calamity of his father, and the contentions of a wife are a continual dropping. 14 House and riches are the inheritance of fathers, and a prudent wife is from the Lord. 15 Slothfulness casts into a deep sleep, and an idle soul shall suffer hunger. 16 He who keeps the commandment keeps his own soul, but he who despises his ways shall die. 17 He who has compassion on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him what he has given. 18 Discipline your son while there is hope, and do not let your soul spare for his crying. 19 A man of great wrath shall suffer punishment, for if you deliver him, you must yet do it again. 20 Hear counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter end. 21 There are many plans in a man’s heart; nevertheless, the counsel of
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Proverbs 20:5
the Lord—that shall stand. 22 The desire of a man is his kindness, and a poor man is better than a liar. 23 The fear of the Lord tends to life, and he who has it shall abide satisfied; he shall not be visited with evil. 24 A slothful man hides his hand in his bosom and will not so much as bring it to his mouth again. 25 Strike a scorner and the simple will beware, and rebuke one who has understanding and he will understand knowledge. 26 He who robs his father and chases away his mother is a son who causes shame and brings reproach. 27 Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causes you to stray from the words of knowledge. 28 An ungodly witness scorns judgment, and the mouth of the wicked devours iniquity. 29 Judgments are prepared for scorners and wounds for the backs of fools. Warnings and Instructions Wine is a mocker; strong drink is raging, and whoever is deceived by it is not wise. 2 The wrath of a king is like the roaring of a lion; whoever provokes him to anger sins against his own soul. 3 It is an honor for a man to cease from strife, but every fool will be meddling. 4 The sluggard will not plow because of the cold; therefore, he shall beg in harvest and have nothing. 5 Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of
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Proverbs 20:6
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understanding will draw it out. 6 Most men will each proclaim his own goodness, but who can find a faithful man? 7 The just man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him. 8 A king who sits on the throne of judgment scatters away all evil with his eyes. 9 Who can say, “I have made my heart clean; I am pure from my sin”? 10 Diverse weights and diverse measures—both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. 11 Even a child is known by his doings, whether his work is pure and whether it is right. 12 The hearing ear and the seeing eye, the Lord has made even both of them. 13 Do not love sleep, lest you come to poverty; open your eyes and you shall be satisfied with bread. 14 “It is worthless, it is worthless,” says the buyer, but when he has gone his way, then he boasts. 15 There is gold and a multitude of rubies, but the lips of knowledge are a precious jewel. 16 Take the garment of one who is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge from him for a foreign woman. 17 Bread of deceit is sweet to a man, but afterward his mouth shall be filled with gravel. 18 Every purpose is established by counsel, and with good advice make war. 19 He who goes about as a talebearer reveals secrets; therefore, do not meddle with him who flatters with his lips.
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20 Whoever curses his father or his
mother, his lamp shall be put out in obscure darkness. 21 An inheritance may be gotten hastily at the beginning, but its end shall not be blessed. 22 Do not say, “I will repay evil,” but wait on the Lord, and He shall save you. 23 Diverse weights are an abomination to the Lord, and a false balance is not good. 24 Man’s steps are of the Lord. How can a man then understand his own way? 25 It is a snare to the man who devours what is holy, and to make inquiry after vows. 26 A wise king scatters the wicked and brings the wheel over them. 27 The spirit of man is the candle of the Lord, searching all the inner parts of the belly. 28 Mercy and truth preserve the king, and his throne is upheld by mercy. 29 The glory of young men is their strength, and the beauty of old men is the gray head. 30 The bruising of a wound cleanses away evil, as do lashes the inner parts of the belly. Warnings and Instructions, Continued The king’s heart is in the hand of the Lord, like the rivers of water; He turns it wherever He wishes. 2 Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord ponders the hearts. 3 To do justice and judgment is more acceptable to the Lord than sacrifice.
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865 4 A haughty look and a proud heart
and the plowing of the wicked are sin. 5 The thoughts of the diligent tend only to plenty, but of everyone who is hasty, only to want. 6 The getting of treasures by a lying tongue is an idol tossed to and fro by those who seek death. 7 The robbery of the wicked shall destroy them because they refuse to do judgment. 8 The way of man is perverse and strange, but as for the pure, his work is right. 9 It is better to dwell in a corner of the housetop than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 10 The soul of the wicked desires evil; his neighbor finds no favor in his eyes. 11 When the scorner is punished, the simple is made wise, and when the wise is instructed, he receives knowledge. 12 The righteous man wisely considers the house of the wicked, but God overthrows the wicked for their wickedness. 13 Whoever stops his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard. 14 A gift in secret pacifies anger, and a bribe in the bosom strong wrath. 15 It is joy to the just to do justice, but destruction shall come to the workers of iniquity. 16 The man who wanders out of the way of understanding shall remain in the congregation of the dead. 17 He who loves pleasure shall be a poor man; he who loves wine and oil shall not be rich. 18 The wicked shall be a ransom for
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Proverbs 22:1
the righteous, and the transgressor for the upright. 19 It is better to dwell in the wilderness than with a contentious and an angry woman. 20 There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise, but a foolish man swallows it up. 21 He who follows after righteousness and mercy finds life, righteousness, and honor. 22 A wise man scales the city of the mighty and casts down the strength of its confidence. 23 Whoever keeps his mouth and his tongue keeps his soul from troubles. 24 Proud and haughty—scorner is his name, who deals in proud wrath. 25 The desire of the slothful kills him, for his hands refuse to labor. 26 He greedily covets all the day long, but the righteous gives and does not spare. 27 The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination. How much more, when he brings it with a wicked mind? 28 A false witness shall perish, but the man who hears speaks constantly. 29 A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he directs his way. 30 There is no wisdom or understanding or counsel against the Lord. 31 The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but safety is of the Lord. Warnings and Instructions, Continued A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches, and loving favor rather than silver and gold.
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Proverbs 22:2
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2 The rich and poor meet together;
the Lord is the Maker of them all. 3 A prudent man foresees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. 4 By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches and honor and life. 5 Thorns and snares are in the way of the perverse; he who guards his soul shall be far from them. 6 Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it. 7 The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender. 8 He who sows iniquity shall reap vanity, and the rod of his anger shall fail. 9 He who has a bountiful eye shall be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor. 10 Cast out the scorner, and contention shall go out; yes, strife and reproach shall cease. 11 He who loves pureness of heart, for the grace of his lips, the king shall be his friend. 12 The eyes of the Lord preserve knowledge, and He overthrows the words of the transgressor. 13 The slothful man says, “There is a lion outside; I shall be slain in the streets.” 14 The mouth of adulterous women is a deep pit; he who is abhorred by the Lord shall fall there. 15 Foolishness is bound in the heart of a child, but the rod of correction shall drive it far from him. 16 He who oppresses the poor to increase his riches and he who gives to the rich shall surely come to want. 17 Bow down your ear and hear the words of the wise, and apply your
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heart to my knowledge. 18 For it is a pleasant thing if you keep them within you; they shall be fitted on your lips besides. 19 That your trust may be in the Lord, I have made known to you this day, even to you. 20 Have I not written to you excellent things in counsels and knowledge, 21 that I might make you know the certainty of the words of truth, that you might answer the words of truth to those who send you? 22 Do not rob the poor because he is poor or oppress the afflicted in the gate, 23 for the Lord will plead their case and plunder the soul of those who plundered them. 24 Make no friendship with an angry man, and with a furious man you shall not go, 25 lest you learn his ways and get a snare for your soul. 26 Do not be one of those who shakes hands, or of those who are sureties for debts. 27 If you have nothing to pay, why should he take away your bed from under you? 28 Do not remove the ancient landmark, which your fathers have set. 29 Do you see a man diligent in his business? He shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before obscure men. Warnings and Instructions, Continued When you sit to eat with a ruler, consider diligently what is before you. 2 And put a knife to your throat if you are a man given to appetite.
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867 3 Do not be desirous of his delica-
cies, for they are deceitful food. 4 Do not labor to be rich; cease from your own wisdom. 5 Will you set your eyes on what is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven. 6 Do not eat the bread of him who has an evil eye or desire his delicacies. 7 For as he thinks in his heart, so is he. “Eat and drink,” he says to you, but his heart is not with you. 8 The morsel that you have eaten you shall vomit up, and lose your sweet words. 9 Do not speak in the ears of a fool, for he will despise the wisdom of your words. 10 Do not remove the old landmark, and do not enter into the fields of the fatherless. 11 For their Redeemer is mighty; He shall plead their case with you. 12 Apply your heart to instruction and your ears to the words of knowledge. 13 Do not withhold correction from the child, for if you beat him with the rod, he shall not die. 14 You shall beat him with the rod and shall deliver his soul from hell. 15 My son, if your heart is wise, my heart shall rejoice—even mine. 16 Yes, my inmost being shall rejoice when your lips speak right things. 17 Do not let your heart envy sinners, but be in the fear of the Lord all the day long. 18 For surely there is an end, and your hope shall not be cut off. 19 Hear, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way.
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Proverbs 23:35
20 Do
not be among drunkards, among gluttonous eaters of meat. 21 For the drunkard and the glutton shall come to poverty, and drowsiness shall clothe a man with rags. 22 Listen to your father who begot you, and do not despise your mother when she is old. 23 Buy the truth and do not sell it, also wisdom and instruction and understanding. 24 The father of the righteous shall greatly rejoice, and he who fathers a wise child shall have joy from him. 25 Your father and your mother shall be glad, and she who bore you shall rejoice. 26 My son, give me your heart, and let your eyes observe my ways. 27 For a prostitute is a deep ditch, and an immoral woman is a narrow pit. 28 She also lies in wait as for a prey and increases the transgressors among men. 29 Who has woe? Who has sorrow? Who has contentions? Who has babbling? Who has wounds without cause? Who has redness of eyes? 30 Those who linger long at the wine, those who go to seek mixed wine. 31 Do not look at the wine when it is red, when it gives its color in the cup, when it moves itself favorably. 32 In the end it bites like a serpent and stings like an adder. 33 Your eyes shall see strange women and your heart shall utter perverse things. 34 Yes, you shall be like the one who lies down in the midst of the sea or like the one who lies on the top of a mast. 35 “They have struck me,” you shall say, “and I was not sick. They have
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Proverbs 24:1
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beaten me and I did not feel it. When shall I awake? I will seek it yet again.” Warnings and Instructions, Continued Do not be envious of evil men or desire to be with them. 2 For their heart studies destruction and their lips talk of evil. 3 Through wisdom a house is built, and by understanding it is established. 4 And by knowledge the chambers shall be filled with all precious and pleasant riches. 5 A wise man is strong—yes, a man of knowledge increases strength. 6 For by wise counsel you shall make your war, and in multitude of counselors there is safety. 7 Wisdom is too high for a fool; he does not open his mouth in the gate. 8 He who devises to do evil shall be called a mischievous person. 9 The thought of foolishness is sin, and the scorner is an abomination to men. 10 If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small. 11 If you choose not to deliver those who are drawn to death and those who are ready to be slain, 12 if you say, “Behold, we did not know it,” does not He who ponders the heart consider it? And He who guards your soul, does He not know it? And shall He not render to every man according to his works? 13 My son, eat honey, because it is good, and the honeycomb, which is sweet to your taste. 14 So shall the knowledge of wisdom be to your soul; when you
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have found it, then there shall be a reward, and your hope shall not be cut off. 15 Do not lie in wait, O wicked man, against the dwelling of the righteous; do not plunder his resting place. 16 For a just man falls seven times and rises up again, but the wicked shall fall into evil. 17 Do not rejoice when your enemy falls, and do not let your heart be glad when he stumbles, 18 lest the Lord see it, and it displease Him, and He turn away His wrath from him. 19 Do not fret because of evil men or be envious of the wicked, 20 for there shall be no reward for the evil man; the candle of the wicked shall be put out. 21 My son, fear the Lord and the king, and do not meddle with those who are given to change, 22 for their calamity shall rise suddenly, and who knows the ruin of them both? 23 These things also belong to the wise: it is not good to lift up persons in judgment. 24 He who says to the wicked, “You are righteous,” him the people shall curse; nations shall abhor him. 25 But to those who rebuke him shall be delight, and a good blessing shall come on them. 26 Every man who gives a right answer shall kiss his lips. 27 Prepare your work outside, and make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house. 28 Do not be a witness against your neighbor without cause, and do not deceive with your lips.
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869 29 Do not say, “I will so do to him as
he has done to me; I will repay the man according to his work.” 30 I went by the field of the slothful and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding. 31 And behold, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered its face, and its stone wall was broken down. 32 Then I saw and considered it well; I looked at it and received instruction. 33 Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep, 34 so shall your poverty come like one who travels, and your need like an armed man. Warnings and Instructions, Continued These are also proverbs of Solomon, which the men of Hezekiah, king of Judah, copied: 2 It is the glory of God to conceal a thing, but the honor of kings is to search out a matter. 3 The heaven for height and the earth for depth and the heart of kings is unsearchable. 4 Take away the dross from the silver, and there shall come out a vessel for the silversmith. 5 Take away the wicked from before the king, and his throne shall be established in righteousness. 6 Do not put yourself forth in the presence of the king, and do not stand in the place of great men, 7 for it is better that it be said to you, “Come up here,” than for you to be put lower in the presence of the prince whom your eyes have seen.
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Proverbs 25:21
8 Do not go out hastily to argue, lest
you know not what to do in the end, when your neighbor has put you to shame. 9 Debate your case with your neighbor himself, and do not disclose a secret to another, 10 lest he who hears it put you to shame, and your shame not turn away. 11 A word properly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver. 12 Like an earring of gold and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise rebuker to an obedient ear. 13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest, so is a faithful messenger to those who send him, for he refreshes the soul of his masters. 14 Whoever boasts himself of a false gift is like clouds and wind without rain. 15 By long patience a prince is persuaded, and a soft tongue breaks the bone. 16 Have you found honey? Eat as much as is sufficient for you, lest you be filled with it and vomit it. 17 Withdraw your foot from your neighbor’s house, lest he become weary of you and so hate you. 18 A man who bears false witness against his neighbor is a club and a sword and a sharp arrow. 19 Confidence in an unfaithful man in time of trouble is like a broken tooth and a foot out of joint. 20 Like he who takes away a garment in cold weather, and like vinegar on soda, so is he who sings songs to a heavy heart. 21 If your enemy is hungry, give him bread to eat, and if he is thirsty, give him water to drink.
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Proverbs 25:22
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22 For you shall heap coals of fire on
his head, and the Lord shall reward you. 23 The north wind drives away rain, so does an angry face a backbiting tongue. 24 It is better to dwell in the corner of the housetop than with a brawling woman in a wide house. 25 As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. 26 A righteous man falling down before the wicked is like a troubled fountain and a corrupt spring. 27 It is not good to eat much honey; so for men to search their own glory is not glory. 28 He who has no rule over his own spirit is like a city that is broken down and without walls. Warnings and Instructions, Continued Like snow in summer and like rain in harvest, so honor is not fitting for a fool. 2 Like the bird by wandering, like the swallow by flying, so the curse without cause shall not come. 3 A whip for the horse, a bridle for the donkey, and a rod for the fool’s back. 4 Do not answer a fool according to his foolishness, lest you also be like him. 5 Answer a fool according to his foolishness, lest he be wise in his own eyes. 6 He who sends a message by the hand of a fool cuts off the feet and drinks damage. 7 The legs of the lame are not equal; so is a parable in the mouth of fools. 8 Like he who binds a stone in a
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sling, so is he who gives honor to a fool. 9 Like a thorn going up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouths of fools. 10 The great God who formed all things both rewards the fool and rewards transgressors. 11 As a dog returns to his vomit, so a fool returns to his foolishness. 12 Do you see a man wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 13 The slothful man says, “There is a lion in the way! A lion is in the streets!” 14 As the door turns on its hinges, so does the slothful on his bed. 15 The slothful hides his hand in his bosom; it grieves him to bring it back to his mouth. 16 The sluggard is wiser in his own eyes than seven men who can render a reason. 17 He who passes by and meddles with strife that does not belong to him is like one who takes a dog by the ears. 18 Like a madman who casts firebrands, arrows, and death, 19 so is the man who deceives his neighbor and says, “Am I not joking?” 20 Where there is no wood, the fire goes out; so where there is no talebearer, the strife ceases. 21 As coals are to burning coals, and wood to fire, so is a contentious man to kindle strife. 22 The words of a talebearer are like wounds, and they go down to the innermost parts of the belly. 23 Burning lips and a wicked heart are like earthenware covered with silver dross.
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871 24 He who hates disguises it with his
lips and lays up deceit within him. 25 When he speaks fair, do not believe him, for there are seven abominations in his heart. 26 Though his hatred is covered by deceit, his wickedness shall be revealed before the whole congregation. 27 Whoever digs a pit shall fall in it, and he who rolls a stone, it will return on him. 28 A lying tongue hates those who are afflicted by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin. Warnings and Instructions, Continued Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth. 2 Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth—a stranger, and not your own lips. 3 A stone is heavy and the sand weighty, but a fool’s wrath is heavier than both of them. 4 Wrath is cruel and anger is outrageous, but who is able to stand before envy? 5 Open rebuke is better than secret love. 6 Faithful are the wounds of a friend, but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful. 7 The full soul loathes a honeycomb, but to the hungry soul, every bitter thing is sweet. 8 Like a bird that wanders from her nest, so is a man who wanders from his place. 9 Ointment and perfume rejoice the heart; so does the sweetness of a man’s friend by hearty counsel.
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10 Do
not forsake your own friend and your father’s friend; do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity, for a neighbor who is near is better than a brother far away. 11 My son, be wise and make my heart glad, that I may answer him who discredits me. 12 A prudent man foresees the evil and hides himself, but the simple pass on and are punished. 13 Take the garment of him who is surety for a stranger, and take a pledge of him for a foreign woman. 14 He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, it shall be counted a curse to him. 15 A continual dripping on a very rainy day and a contentious woman are alike. 16 Whoever hides her hides the wind, and the ointment of his right hand, which betrays itself. 17 Iron sharpens iron; so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend. 18 Whoever tends the fig tree shall eat its fruit; so he who waits on his master shall be honored. 19 As in water face reflects face, so the heart of man to man. 20 Hell and destruction are never full; so the eyes of man are never satisfied. 21 Like the refining pot for silver and the furnace for gold, so is a man to his praise. 22 Though you should grind a fool with a pestle in a mortar among wheat, still his foolishness will not depart from him. 23 Be diligent to know the condition of your flocks, and look well to your herds.
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Proverbs 27:24
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24 For
riches are not forever, and does the crown endure to every generation? 25 The hay appears and the tender grass shows itself and herbs of the mountains are gathered. 26 The lambs are for your clothing and the goats are the price of the field. 27 And you shall have goats’ milk enough for your food—for the food of your household—and for the nourishment of your maidens. Warnings and Instructions, Continued The wicked flee when no man pursues, but the righteous are bold as a lion. 2 Because of the transgression of a land, many are its princes, but by a man of understanding and knowledge its state shall be prolonged. 3 A poor man who oppresses the poor is like a sweeping rain that leaves no food. 4 Those who forsake the law praise the wicked, but those who keep the law contend with them. 5 Evil men do not understand judgment, but those who seek the Lord understand all things. 6 Better is the poor who walks in his uprightness than he who is perverse in his ways, though he is rich. 7 Whoever keeps the law is a wise son, but he who is a companion of gluttons shames his father. 8 He who increases his wealth by interest and unjust gain shall gather it for him who will pity the poor. 9 He who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be an abomination.
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10 Whoever causes the righteous to
go astray in an evil way, he himself shall fall into his own pit, but the upright shall have good things in possession. 11 The rich man is wise in his own eyes, but the poor who has understanding searches him out. 12 When righteous men rejoice, there is great glory, but when the wicked rise, a man is hidden. 13 He who covers his sins shall not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them shall have mercy. 14 Happy is the man who fears always, but he who hardens his heart shall fall into evil. 15 Like a roaring lion and a ranging bear, so is a wicked ruler over the poor people. 16 The prince who lacks understanding is also a great oppressor, but he who hates covetousness shall prolong his days. 17 A man who does violence to the blood of any person shall flee to the pit; let no man support him. 18 Whoever walks uprightly shall be saved, but he who is perverse in his ways shall fall at once. 19 He who tills his land shall have plenty of bread, but he who follows after vain persons shall have poverty enough. 20 A faithful man shall abound with blessings, but he who hurries to be rich shall not be innocent. 21 To lift up persons is not good, because for a piece of bread that man will transgress. 22 He who hurries to be rich has an evil eye and does not consider that poverty shall come on him. 23 He who rebukes a man shall find
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more favor afterward than he who flatters with the tongue. 24 Whoever robs his father or his mother and says, “It is no transgression,” the same is the companion of a destroyer. 25 He who is of a proud heart stirs up strife, but he who puts his trust in the Lord shall prosper. 26 He who trusts in his own heart is a fool, but whoever walks wisely, he shall be delivered. 27 He who gives to the poor shall not lack, but he who hides his eyes shall have many curses. 28 When the wicked rise, men hide themselves, but when they perish, the righteous increase. Warnings and Instructions, Continued He who is often rebuked and hardens his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy. 2 When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice, but when the wicked rule, the people mourn. 3 Whoever loves wisdom makes his father rejoice, but he who keeps company with harlots spends his wealth. 4 The king establishes the land by judgment, but he who receives bribes overthrows it. 5 A man who flatters his neighbor spreads a net for his feet. 6 In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare, but the righteous sings and rejoices. 7 The righteous considers the cause of the poor, but the wicked does not care to know it. 8 Scornful men bring a city into
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Proverbs 29:23
a snare, but wise men turn away wrath. 9 If a wise man contends with a foolish man, whether he rage or laugh, there is no rest. 10 The bloodthirsty hate the upright, but the just seek his soul. 11 A fool utters all his mind, but a wise man keeps it in until afterward. 12 If a ruler listens to lies, all his servants are wicked. 13 The poor and the deceitful man meet together; the Lord gives light to both their eyes. 14 The king who faithfully judges the poor, his throne shall be established forever. 15 The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings his mother to shame. 16 When the wicked are multiplied, transgression increases, but the righteous shall see their fall. 17 Correct your son, and he shall give you rest; yes, he shall give delight to your soul. 18 Where there is no vision, the people perish, but happy is he who keeps the law. 19 A servant will not be corrected by words, for though he understands, he will not answer. 20 Do you see a man who is hasty in his words? There is more hope for a fool than for him. 21 He who delicately brings up his servant from a child shall have him become his son in the end. 22 An angry man stirs up strife, and a furious man abounds in transgression. 23 A man’s pride shall bring him low, but honor shall uphold the humble in spirit.
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Proverbs 29:24
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24 Whoever
is partner with a thief hates his own soul; he hears cursing and does not reveal it. 25 The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever puts his trust in the Lord shall be safe. 26 Many seek the ruler’s favor, but every man’s judgment comes from the Lord. 27 An unjust man is an abomination to the just, and he who is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked. The Words of Agur The words of Agur, the son of Jakeh, even the prophecy. The man spoke to Ithiel—even to Ithiel and Ucal: 2 Surely I am more senseless than any man and do not have the understanding of a man. 3 I neither learned wisdom, nor have the knowledge of the holy. 4 Who has ascended up into heaven or descended? Who has gathered the wind in His fists? Who has bound the waters in a garment? Who has established all the ends of the earth? What is His name, and what is His Son’s name, if you can tell? 5 Every word of God is pure; He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him. 6 Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar. 7 Two things I have requested of You; do not deny me them before I die. 8 Remove far from me deception and lies; give me neither poverty nor riches; feed me with food suitable for me, 9 lest I be full and deny You and say, “Who is the Lord?” or lest I be poor
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and steal and take the name of my God in vain. 10 Do not accuse a servant to his master, lest he curse you, and you be found guilty. 11 There is a generation who curse their father and do not bless their mother. 12 There is a generation who are pure in their own eyes and yet are not washed from their filthiness. 13 There is a generation—O how lofty are their eyes! And their eyelids are lifted up. 14 There is a generation whose teeth are like swords, and their jaw teeth like knives, to devour the poor from off the earth and the needy from among men. 15 The leech has two daughters, crying, “Give, give!” There are three things that are never satisfied, yes, four things do not say, “It is enough”: 16 the grave and the barren womb, the earth that is not filled with water and the fire that does not say, “It is enough.” 17 The eye that mocks his father and despises obedience to his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it. 18 There are three things that are too wonderful for me, yes, four that I do not know: 19 the way of an eagle in the air, the way of a serpent on a rock, the way of a ship in the midst of the sea, and the way of a man with a young woman. 20 Such is the way of an adulterous woman: she eats and wipes her mouth and says, “I have done no wickedness.” 21 For three things the earth is
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disturbed, and for four that it cannot bear: 22 for a servant when he reigns and a fool when he is filled with food, 23 for a hated woman when she is married and a handmaiden who is heir to her mistress. 24 There are four things that are little on the earth, but they are exceedingly wise: 25 the ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their food in the summer; 26 the rock badgers are but a feeble folk, yet they make their houses in the rocks; 27 the locusts have no king, yet they go forth, all of them in ranks; 28 the spider takes hold with her hands and is in kings’ palaces. 29 There are three things that go well, yes, four are handsome in walk: 30 a lion, which is strongest among beasts and does not turn away for any; 31 a greyhound; a male goat also; and a king, against whom there is no rising up. 32 If you have done foolishly in lifting up yourself, or if you have thought evil, lay your hand on your mouth. 33 Surely the churning of milk brings forth butter and the wringing of the nose brings forth blood; so the forcing of wrath brings forth strife. The Words of King Lemuel The words of King Lemuel, the prophecy that his mother taught him: 2 What, my son? And what, the son of my womb? And what, the son of my vows? 3 Do not give your strength to
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Proverbs 31:19
women or your ways to what destroys kings. 4 It is not for kings, O Lemuel, it is not for kings to drink wine, or for princes strong drink, 5 lest they drink and forget the law and pervert the judgment of any of the afflicted. 6 Give strong drink to him who is ready to perish, and wine to those who are of heavy hearts. 7 Let him drink and forget his poverty and remember his misery no more. 8 Open your mouth for the people who cannot speak, in the cause of all who are appointed to destruction. 9 Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy. 10 Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies. 11 The heart of her husband safely trusts in her, so that he shall have no need of plunder. 12 She will do him good, and not evil, all the days of her life. 13 She seeks wool and flax and works willingly with her hands. 14 She is like the merchants’ ships; she brings her food from afar. 15 She also rises while it is yet night and gives food to her household and a portion to her maidens. 16 She considers a field and buys it; with the fruit of her hands, she plants a vineyard. 17 She girds her loins with strength and strengthens her arms. 18 She perceives that her business is good; her candle does not go out by night. 19 She lays her hands to the spindle,
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Proverbs 31:20
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and her hands hold the distaff. 20 She stretches out her hand to the poor; yes, she reaches out her hands to the needy. 21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household, for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22 She makes herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sits among the elders of the land. 24 She makes fine linen and sells it and delivers belts to the merchant. 25 Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come.
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26 She
opens her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27 She looks well to the ways of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. 28 Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. 29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but you excel them all. 30 Favor is deceitful and beauty is vain, but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised. 31 Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her own works praise her in the gates.
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ECCLESIASTES INTRODUCTION TO ECCLESIASTES The underlying pursuit of the book as a whole is the meaning of life. The author explores the purpose of life and, more importantly, asks what humanity’s purpose is as a creation of a sovereign God. Verse by verse through the book of Ecclesiastes, the author answers that question. The purpose of life, meaningless though it may feel, is to fear God and obey His commands. AUTHOR The question of authorship of Ecclesiastes is a debated subject. Traditional scholarly opinion is that Solomon is the writer of the book, and early church testimony supports this view. It wasn’t until the seventeen hundreds that Solomon’s authorship came into question. For those who favor Solomonic authorship, this is an elder Solomon reflecting back on the pursuits and teachings of much of his life. OCCASION The main purpose of the book of Ecclesiastes is threefold. First, it paints a picture of a sovereign God who controls everything in the world. Second, it highlights the meaninglessness of life apart from fearing and obeying the sovereign God. And lastly, the book provides wisdom and counsel for future generations rooted in the things the author learned throughout his life’s pursuit of meaning.
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All Is Vanity The words of the Preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem. 2 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “Vanity of vanities; all is vanity.” 3 What profit does a man have from all his labor that he does under the sun? 4 One generation passes away, and another generation comes. But the earth remains forever. 5 The sun also rises, and the sun goes down and hastens to its place where it arose. 6 The wind goes toward the south and turns around to the north; it whirls around continually, and the wind returns again according to its circuits. 7 All the rivers run into the sea, yet the sea is not full; to the place from where the rivers come, there they return again. 8 All things are full of labor; man cannot utter it. The eye is not satisfied with seeing, nor the ear filled with hearing. 9 The thing that has been is what shall be, and what is done is what shall be done. And there is nothing new under the sun. 10 Is there anything of which it may be said, “See, this is new”? It has been already in ancient times that were before us. 11 There is no remembrance of former things, nor shall there be any remembrance of things that are to come with those who shall come after.
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Evil Remains 12 I, the Preacher, was king over Israel in Jerusalem. 13 And I gave my heart to seek and search out by wisdom concerning all things that are done under heaven. This
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troublesome work God has given to the sons of man by which to be exercised. 14 I have seen all the works that are done under the sun, and behold, all is vanity and vexation of spirit. 15 What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be counted. 16 I spoke with my own heart, saying, “Behold, I have come to greatness and have gotten more wisdom than all those who have been before me in Jerusalem.” Yes, my heart had great experience of wisdom and knowledge. 17 And I gave my heart to know wisdom, and to know madness and foolishness. I perceived that this also is vexation of spirit. 18 For in much wisdom is much grief. And he who increases knowledge increases sorrow. Pleasure Ends in Emptiness I said in my heart, “Come now, I will test you with mirth; therefore, enjoy pleasure. And behold, this also is vanity.” 2 I said of laughter, “It is madness,” and of mirth, “What does it do?” 3 I sought in my heart to give myself to wine while acquainting my heart with wisdom, and to lay hold of foolishness, until I might see what was good for the sons of men to do under heaven all the days of their lives.
2
No Enduring Satisfaction 4 I made great works for myself. I built houses for myself. I planted vineyards for myself. 5 I made gardens and orchards for myself, and I planted trees in them of all kinds of fruits. 6 I made pools of water for myself to water the woods that
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brings forth trees. 7 I got servants and maidservants for myself and had servants born in my house. I also had great possessions of big and small cattle, more than all who were in Jerusalem before me. 8 I also gathered for myself silver and gold and the special treasure of kings and of the provinces. I got for myself men singers and women singers, and the delights of the sons of men, as musical instruments— and those of all sorts. 9 So I was great and increased more than all who were before me in Jerusalem. Also my wisdom remained with me. 10 And whatever my eyes desired, I did not keep from them. I did not withhold my heart from any joy, for my heart rejoiced in all my labor. And this was my portion for all my labor. 11 Then I looked at all the works that my hands had done, and on the labor that I had labored to do, and behold, all was vanity and vexation of spirit, and there was no profit under the sun. Wisdom Is Better than Foolishness 12 And I turned to behold wisdom, and madness, and foolishness. For what can the man who comes after the king do? Only what has already been done. 13 Then I saw that wisdom excels foolishness as far as light excels darkness. 14 The wise man’s eyes are in his head, but the fool walks in darkness. And I myself perceived also that one event happens to them all. 15 Then I said in my heart, “As it happens to the fool, so it happens even to me. And why
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was I then more wise?” Then I said in my heart that this also is vanity. 16 For there is no remembrance of the wise more than of the fool forever, since what is now shall all be forgotten in the days to come. And how does the wise man die? Like the fool. 17 Therefore I hated life, because the work that is done under the sun is grievous to me, for all is vanity and vexation of spirit. 18 Yes, I hated all my labor that I had done under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who shall be after me. 19 And who knows whether he shall be a wise man or a fool? Yet he shall have rule over all my labor in which I have labored and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun. This is also vanity. 20 Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair over all the labor that I did under the sun. 21 For there is a man whose labor is in wisdom, and in knowledge, and in equity, yet he shall leave it as a portion for a man who has not labored for it. This also is vanity and a great evil. 22 For what does man have from all his labor and the trouble of his heart in which he has labored under the sun? 23 For all his days are sorrows and his labor grief; yes, his heart does not rest in the night. This is also vanity. 24 There is nothing better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that he should make his soul enjoy good in his labor. This also I saw, that it was from the hand of God. 25 For who can eat, or who else can hasten to this, more than I? 26 For God gives wisdom, and
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knowledge, and joy to a man who is good in His sight. But to the sinner He gives the task of gathering and heaping up, that he may give to him who is good before God. This also is vanity and vexation of spirit. The Tiresome Circuit of Life There is a season for everything and a time for every purpose under heaven:
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a time to be born and a time to die; a time to plant and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill and a time to heal; a time to break down and a time to build up; a time to weep and a time to laugh; a time to mourn and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to get and a time to lose; a time to keep and a time to cast away; a time to tear and a time to sew; a time to keep silent and a time to speak; a time to love and a time to hate; a time of war and a time of peace. 9 What profit does he who works
have from that in which he labors? 10 I have seen the task that God has given to the sons of men by which
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to be exercised. 11 He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also He has set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God has done from the beginning to the end. 12 I know that there is nothing good for them but for a man to rejoice and to do good in his life, 13 and also that every man should eat and drink, and enjoy the good of all his labor; it is the gift of God. 14 I know that whatever God does, it shall be forever. Nothing can be added to it, and nothing can be taken from it. And God does it so that men should fear before Him. 15 What has been is now, and what is to be has already been, and God requires what has passed. 16 And moreover I saw under the sun the place of judgment, that wickedness was there; and the place of righteousness, that iniquity was there. 17 I said in my heart, “God shall judge the righteous and the wicked. For there is a time there for every purpose and for every work.” 18 I said in my heart concerning the condition of the sons of men, that God might make it plain to them, and that they might see that they themselves are beasts. 19 For what happens to the sons of men happens to beasts; the same thing happens to them. As the one dies, so the other dies. Yes, they all have the same breath, so that a man has no superiority above a beast. For all is vanity. 20 All go to one place; all are of the dust, and all turn to dust again. 21 Who knows the spirit of man that goes upward and the spirit of the beast that goes down to the earth? 22 Therefore I
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perceive that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his own works, for that is his portion. For who shall bring him to see what shall be after him? The Oppressions and Iniquities of Life So I returned and considered all the oppressions that are done under the sun. And I saw the tears of those who were oppressed, and they had no comforter. And there was power on the side of their oppressors, but they had no comforter. 2 Therefore I praised the dead who are already dead more than the living who are still alive. 3 Yes, better than both of them is he who has not yet been, who has not seen the evil work that is done under the sun. 4 Again, I considered that for all labor and every right work a man is envied by his neighbor. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. 5 The fool folds his hands and eats his own flesh. 6 Better is a handful with quietness than both of the hands full with labor and vexation of spirit. 7 Then I returned, and I saw vanity under the sun. 8 There is one alone, and there is not a second; yes, he has neither child nor brother. Yet there is no end to all his labor. His eye is not satisfied with riches. He does not say, “For whom do I labor and deprive my soul of good?” This is also vanity; yes, it is a troublesome work. 9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. 10 For if they fall, the one will lift up his companion, but woe
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to him who is alone when he falls, for he does not have another to help him up. 11 Again, if two lie together, then they have heat. But how can one be warm alone? 12 And if one prevails against him, two shall withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken. 13 Better is a poor and a wise child than an old and foolish king who will no longer be admonished. 14 For he has come out of prison to reign, while also he who is born in his kingdom becomes poor. 15 I considered all the living who walk under the sun with the second child that shall stand up in his place. 16 There is no end to all the people, even to all who have been before them. Those also who come after shall not rejoice in him. Surely this also is vanity and vexation of spirit. Riches and Poverty Guard your steps when you go to the house of God, and be more ready to hear than to give the sacrifice of fools. For they do not consider that they do evil. 2 Do not be rash with your mouth, and do not let your heart hurry to say anything before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth. Therefore, let your words be few. 3 For a dream comes through much busyness, and a fool’s voice is known by a multitude of words. 4 When you make a vow to God, do not delay to pay it, for He has no pleasure in fools. Pay what you have vowed. 5 It is better that you should not vow than that you should vow and not pay. 6 Do not permit your mouth to cause your flesh to sin or
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say before the angel that it was an error. Why should God be angry at your voice and destroy the work of your hands? 7 For in the multitude of dreams and many words there are also various vanities. But fear God. 8 If you see the oppression of the poor and violent perversion of judgment and justice in a province, do not marvel at the matter. For he who is higher than the highest pays attention, and there are higher than those. 9 Moreover, the profit of the earth is for all. The king himself is served by the field. 10 He who loves silver shall not be satisfied with silver, nor he who loves abundance with increase. This is also vanity. 11 When goods increase, they who eat them are increased. And what good is there to the owners except looking at them with their eyes? 12 The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much. But the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep. 13 There is a great evil that I have seen under the sun—namely, riches for their owners, to their harm. 14 But those riches perish by evil labor. And he begets a son, and there is nothing in his hand. 15 As he came forth from his mother’s womb, naked shall he return to go as he came, and shall take nothing from his labor that he may carry away in his hand. 16 And this also is a great evil, that in all points as he came, so he shall go. And what profit does he who has labored for the wind have? 17 All his days also he eats in darkness, and he has much sorrow and wrath with his sickness.
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what I have seen. It is good and proper for one to eat and to drink, and to enjoy the good from all his labor that he does under the sun all the days of his life, which God gives him. For it is his portion. 19 Every man also to whom God has given riches and wealth, and has given him power to eat from it, and to take his portion, and to rejoice in his labor—this is the gift of God. 20 For he shall not much remember the days of his life, because God fulfills him in the joy of his heart. Man’s Inevitable End There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, and it is common among men. 2 A man to whom God has given riches, wealth, and honor, so that he lacks nothing for his soul of all that he desires, yet God does not give him power to eat of it, but a foreigner eats it—this is vanity, and it is an evil disease. 3 If a man begets a hundred children and lives many years, so that the days of his years are many, and his soul is not filled with good, and he has no burial, I say that a stillborn child is better than he. 4 For it comes in with vanity and departs in darkness, and its name shall be covered with darkness. 5 Moreover, it has not seen the sun or known anything. This one has more rest than the other— 6 yes, though he lives a thousand years twice told, he has seen no good. Do not all go to one place? 7 All the labor of man is for his mouth, and still the appetite is not filled. 8 For what does the wise person have more than the fool? What
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does the poor person have, who knows how to walk before the living? 9 Better is the sight of the eyes than the wandering of the desire. This is also vanity and vexation of spirit. 10 What has been is named already, and it is known that it is man. He may not contend with him who is mightier than he. 11 Since there are many things that increase vanity, what is man’s advantage? 12 For who knows what is good for man in this life, all the days of his vain life that he spends as a shadow? For who can tell a man what shall be after him under the sun? The Incurable Evil of Man A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death than the day of one’s birth. 2 It is better to go to the house of mourning than to go to the house of feasting, for that is the end of all men, and the living will take it to heart. 3 Sorrow is better than laughter, for by the sadness of the face the heart is made better. 4 The heart of the wise is in the house of mourning, but the heart of fools is in the house of mirth. 5 It is better to hear the rebuke of the wise than for a man to hear the song of fools. 6 For like the crackling of thorns under a pot, so is the laughter of the fool. This also is vanity. 7 Surely oppression makes a wise man mad, and a gift destroys the heart. 8 The end of a thing is better than its beginning. And the patient in
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spirit is better than the proud in spirit. 9 Do not be hasty in your spirit to be angry, for anger rests in the heart of fools. 10 Do not say, “What is the reason that the former days were better than these?” For you do not inquire wisely concerning this. 11 Wisdom is good with an inheritance, and by it there is profit to those who see the sun. 12 For wisdom is a defense, and money is a defense, but the excellency of knowledge is that wisdom gives life to those who have it. 13 Consider the work of God. For who can make straight what He has made crooked? 14 In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also has set the one alongside the other, so that man would find nothing after him. 15 I have seen all things in the days of my vanity. There is a just man who perishes in his righteousness, and there is a wicked man who prolongs his life in his wickedness. 16 Do not be overly righteous or make yourself overly wise. Why should you destroy yourself ? 17 Do not be overly wicked or be foolish. Why should you die before your time? 18 It is good that you should take hold of this; yes, do not withdraw your hand also from this, for he who fears God shall come forth from them all. 19 Wisdom strengthens the wise more than ten mighty men who are in the city. 20 For there is not a just man on earth who does good and does not sin. 21 Also do not take
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heed to all words that are spoken, lest you hear your servant curse you. 22 For often also your own heart knows that you yourself likewise have cursed others. 23 All this I have proved by wisdom. I said, “I will be wise,” but it was far from me. 24 What is far off, and exceedingly deep, who can find it out? 25 I applied my heart to know, and to search, and to seek out wisdom and the reason of things, and to know the wickedness of foolishness, even of foolishness and madness. 26 And I find more bitter than death the woman whose heart is snares and nets, and her hands like chains. Whoever pleases God shall escape from her, but the sinner shall be taken by her. 27 “Behold, this I have found,” says the Preacher, “counting one by one, to find out the reason, 28 which still my soul seeks, but I did not find. One man among a thousand I have found, but a woman among all those I have not found. 29 Behold, I have found only this, that God has made man upright, but they have sought out many schemes.” The Mystery of the Divine Providences Who is like the wise man? And who knows the interpretation of a thing? A man’s wisdom makes his face shine, and the boldness of his face shall be changed. 2 I counsel you to keep the king’s commandment, and that in regard to the oath of God. 3 Do not be hasty to go out of his sight. Do not stand for an evil thing, for he does whatever pleases him. 4 Where the word of a king is,
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there is power. And who may say to him, “What are you doing?” 5 Whoever keeps the commandment shall experience no evil thing. And a wise man’s heart discerns both time and judgment. 6 Because there is a time and judgment for every purpose, therefore the misery of man is great on him. 7 For he does not know what shall be, for who can tell him when it shall be? 8 There is no man who has power over the spirit to retain the spirit, nor does he have power on the day of death. And there is no discharge in that war, nor shall wickedness deliver those who are given to it. 9 All this I have seen, and applied my heart to every work that is done under the sun. There is a time in which one man rules over another to his own harm. 10 And so I saw the wicked buried, who had come and gone from the place of the holy, and they were forgotten in the city where they had done so. This is also vanity. 11 Because the sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil. 12 Though a sinner does evil a hundred times, and his days are prolonged, still surely I know that it shall be well for those who fear God, who fear before Him. 13 But it shall not be well for the wicked, nor shall he prolong his days, which are like a shadow, because he does not fear before God. 14 There is a vanity that is done on the earth, that there are just men to whom it happens according to the work of the wicked; again, there are
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wicked men to whom it happens according to the work of the righteous. I said that this also is vanity. 15 Then I commended mirth, because a man has no better thing under the sun than to eat, and to drink, and to be merry. For that shall remain with him in his labor for all the days of his life that God gives him under the sun. 16 When I applied my heart to know wisdom and to see the business that is done on the earth (for also there is one who neither day nor night sees sleep with his eyes), 17 then I beheld all the work of God, that a man cannot find out the work that is done under the sun, because though a man labors to seek it out, still he shall not find it. Yes, even more so, though a wise man intends to know it, still he shall not be able to find it. The World’s Wrong Standard of Values For all this I considered in my heart even to declare all this, that the righteous, and the wise, and their works are in the hand of God. No man knows either love or hatred by all that is before them. 2 All things come alike to all. There is one event for the righteous and for the wicked; for the good, and for the clean, and for the unclean; for him who sacrifices and for him who does not sacrifice. As the good is, so is the sinner. He who swears is as he who is afraid to swear an oath. 3 This is an evil among all things that are done under the sun, that there is one event for all. Yes, also the heart of the sons of men is full
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of evil, and madness is in their heart while they live, and after that they go to the dead. 4 For to him who is joined to all the living there is hope, for a living dog is better than a dead lion. 5 For the living know that they shall die, but the dead do not know anything, nor do they have a reward any longer, for the memory of them is forgotten. 6 Also their love, and their hatred, and their envy have now perished. Nor will they have a portion anymore, forever, in anything that is done under the sun. 7 Go on your way; eat your bread with joy and drink your wine with a merry heart, for God now accepts your works. 8 Let your garments always be white, and let your head lack no ointment. 9 Live joyfully with the wife whom you love all the days of the life of your vanity, which He has given you under the sun, all the days of your vanity. For that is your portion in this life and in your labor that you do under the sun. 10 Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might, for there is no work or plan or knowledge or wisdom in the grave, where you are going. 11 I returned and saw under the sun that the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill. But time and chance happen to them all. 12 For man also does not know his time. Like the fish that are taken in an evil net, and like the birds that are caught in a snare, so are the sons of men snared in an evil time when it suddenly falls on them. 13 This wisdom I have also seen
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under the sun, and it seemed great to me: 14 There was a little city, and few men within it, and a great king came against it, and besieged it, and built great battlements against it. 15 Now a poor wise man was found in it, and he delivered the city by his wisdom, yet no man remembered that same poor man. 16 Then I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” Nevertheless, the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard. 17 The words of wise men are heard in quiet more than the cry of him who rules among fools. 18 Wisdom is better than weapons of war, but one sinner destroys much good. Anarchy of the World Dead flies cause the perfumer’s ointment to send forth a stinking smell; so does a little foolishness to him who has a reputation for wisdom and honor. 2 A wise man’s heart is at his right hand, but a fool’s heart at his left. 3 Yes, also, when he who is a fool walks on the road, his wisdom fails him, and he says to everyone that he is a fool. 4 If the spirit of the ruler rises up against you, do not leave your place, for yielding pacifies great offenses. 5 There is an evil that I have seen under the sun, as an error that proceeds from the ruler: 6 foolishness is set in great dignity, and the rich sit in a lowly place. 7 I have seen servants on horses and princes walking like servants on the earth. 8 He who digs a pit shall fall into it, and whoever breaks down a hedge, a serpent shall bite him. 9 Whoever
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removes stones shall be hurt by them, and he who splits wood shall be endangered by it. 10 If the iron is blunt, and he does not sharpen the edge, then he must use more strength. But wisdom is profitable to direct. 11 Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment, and a babbler is no better. 12 The words of a wise man’s mouth are gracious, but the lips of a fool will swallow himself up. 13 The beginning of the words of his mouth is foolishness, and the end of his talk is evil madness. 14 A fool also is full of words. A man cannot tell what shall be, and who can tell him what shall be after him? 15 The labor of the foolish wearies every one of them, because he does not know how to go to the city. 16 Woe to you, O land, when your king is a child and your princes eat in the morning! 17 Blessed are you, O land, when your king is the son of nobles and your princes eat at the proper time for strength and not for drunkenness! 18 By much laziness the building decays, and through idleness of the hands the house leaks. 19 A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry, but money answers all things. 20 Do not curse the king, no, not in your thoughts, and do not curse the rich in your bedroom. For a bird of the air shall carry the voice, and what has wings shall tell the matter. The Best Thing Possible Cast your bread on the waters, for you shall find it after many days. 2 Give a portion to
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seven, and also to eight, for you do not know what evil shall be on the earth. 3 If the clouds are full of rain, they empty themselves on the earth. And if the tree falls toward the south, or toward the north, in the place where the tree falls, there it shall be. 4 He who observes the wind shall not sow, and he who regards the clouds shall not reap. 5 As you do not know what the way of the spirit is or how the bones grow in the womb of a pregnant woman, even so you do not know the works of God who makes all. 6 In the morning sow your seed, and in the evening do not withhold your hand, for you do not know which shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both alike shall be good. 7 Truly the light is sweet, and it is a pleasant thing for the eyes to behold the sun. 8 But if a man lives many years and rejoices in them all, still let him remember the days of darkness, for they shall be many. All that comes is vanity. 9 Rejoice, O young man, in your youth, and let your heart cheer you in the days of your youth. And walk in the ways of your heart and in the sight of your eyes, but know that for all these things God will bring you into judgment. 10 Therefore remove sorrow from your heart, and put away evil from your flesh, for childhood and youth are vanity. The Best Thing Possible, Continued Remember now your Creator in the days of your youth, while the evil days have not yet
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come and the years draw near when you shall say, “I have no pleasure in them”; 2 while the sun and the light and the moon and the stars are not darkened and the clouds do not return after the rain; 3 in the day when the guards of the house shall tremble, and the strong men shall bow down, and the grinders cease because they are few, and those who look out of the windows are darkened, 4 and the doors shall be shut in the streets, when the sound of the grinding is low, and he shall rise up at the voice of the bird, and all the daughters of music shall be brought low; 5 also when they shall be afraid of what is high, and fears shall be on the road, and the almond tree shall flourish, and the grasshopper shall be a burden, and desire shall fail— because man goes to his eternal home, and the mourners go about the streets— 6 or when the silver cord is removed, or the golden bowl is broken, or the pitcher is broken at the fountain, or the wheel broken at the cistern. 7 Then the dust shall return to the earth as it was, and the spirit shall return to God who gave it. 8 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher. “All is vanity.” 9 And moreover, because the Preacher was wise, he still taught the people knowledge; yes, he gave good heed, and sought out, and set in order many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find out acceptable words. And what was written was upright, even words of truth. 11 The words of the wise are like goads and like nails fastened by the masters of assemblies, which are
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given by one shepherd. 12 And further, by these, my son, be warned. There is no end to making many books, and much study is a weariness of the flesh. 13 Let us hear the conclusion of the
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whole matter: Fear God and keep His commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. 14 For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil.
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SONG OF SOLOMON INTRODUCTION TO SONG OF SOLOMON Song of Solomon (or Song of Songs), for the most part, is a book of poems about romantic love. AUTHOR The alternative title “Song of Songs” suggests that it is the greatest of all songs. There is disagreement among scholars as to whether Solomon wrote Song of Solomon, but he is mentioned in the book and many credit him with part of its authorship, if not all. OCCASION The Song celebrates sexuality in its proper context. While some apply it as an allegory of spiritual truths (for example, the relationship of God and Israel or of Christ and the church), here it is treated as poetry that describes a love relationship between two people.
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The Bride and the Bridegroom The song of songs, which is Solomon’s. 2 Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth. For your love is better than wine. 3 Because of the fragrance of your good ointments, your name is like ointment poured out. Therefore, the virgins love you. 4 Draw me; we will run after you. The king has brought me into his chambers. We will be glad and rejoice in you. We will remember your love more than wine. The upright love you. 5 I am dark, but beautiful, O you daughters of Jerusalem, like the tents of Kedar, like the curtains of Solomon. 6 Do not look at me because I am dark, because the sun has looked upon me. My mother’s children were angry with me. They made me the keeper of the vineyards, but I have not kept my own vineyard. 7 Tell me, O you whom my soul loves, where you feed, where you make your flock rest at noon. For why should I be like one who turns aside by the flocks of your companions? 8 If you do not know, O most beautiful among women, go out by the footsteps of the flock, and feed your young goats beside the shepherds’ tents. 9 I have compared you, O my love, to a company of horses in Pharaoh’s chariots. 10 Your cheeks are beautiful with rows of jewels, your neck with chains of gold. 11 We will make for you borders
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of gold with studs of silver. 12 While the king sits at his table, my spikenard sends forth its fragrance. 13 My well beloved is a bundle of myrrh to me. He shall lie all night between my breasts. 14 My beloved is to me a cluster of henna in the vineyards of En-gedi. 15 Behold, you are beautiful, my love. Behold, you are beautiful. You have doves’ eyes. 16 Behold, you are beautiful, my beloved, yes, pleasant. Also our bed is green. 17 The beams of our house are cedar and our rafters of fir. I am the rose of Sharon and the lily of the valleys. 2 Like the lily among thorns, so is my love among the daughters. 3 Like the apple tree among the trees of the woods, so is my beloved among the sons. I sat down under his shadow with great delight, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. 4 He brought me to the banqueting house, and his banner over me was love. 5 Sustain me with flagons; comfort me with apples, for I am sick with love. 6 His left hand is under my head and his right hand embraces me. 7 I charge you, O you daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and by the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken my love until he pleases.
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A Lapse and Restoration 8 The voice of my beloved! Behold, he comes leaping on the mountains, skipping on the hills. 9 My beloved is like a gazelle or a
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young stag. Behold, he stands behind our wall. He looks out through the windows, showing himself through the lattice. 10 My beloved spoke and said to me, “Rise up, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. 11 For, behold, the winter is past. The rain is over and gone. 12 The flowers appear on the earth. The time of the singing of birds has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. 13 The fig tree puts forth her green figs, and the vines with the tender grapes give a good smell. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away. 14 O my dove, who is in the clefts of the rock, in the secret places of the stairs, let me see your face, let me hear your voice, for your voice is sweet and your face is lovely. 15 Catch the foxes, the little foxes that ruin the vines. For our vines have tender grapes.” 16 My beloved is mine, and I am his. He feeds his flock among the lilies. 17 Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away, turn, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of Bether.
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At night on my bed I sought him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but I did not find him. 2 I will rise now and go around the city in the streets and in the broad ways. I will seek him whom my soul loves. I sought him, but I did not find him. 3 The watchmen who go around in the city found me. I said to them, “Have you seen him whom my soul loves?”
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had just passed them when I found him whom my soul loves. I held him and would not let him go until I had brought him into my mother’s house and into the room of her who conceived me. 5 I charge you, O you daughters of Jerusalem, by the gazelles and by the does of the field, that you not stir up or awaken my love until he pleases. Happy Communion: The Bride Speaks 6 Who is this who comes out of the wilderness like pillars of smoke, perfumed with myrrh and frankincense, with all the powders of the merchant? 7 Behold his bed, which is Solomon’s. Sixty valiant men of the valiant of Israel are around it. 8 They all hold swords, being expert in war. Every man has his sword on his thigh because of fear in the night. 9 King Solomon made a chariot for himself from the wood of Lebanon. 10 He made its pillars of silver, its bottom of gold, its covering of purple, and its interior covered over with love, for the daughters of Jerusalem. 11 Go forth, O daughters of Zion, and behold King Solomon with the crown with which his mother crowned him on the day of his wedding and on the day of the gladness of his heart. The Bridegroom Speaks Behold, you are beautiful, my love. Behold, you are beautiful. You have doves’ eyes within your
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hair. Your hair is like a flock of goats that appear from Mount Gilead. 2 Your teeth are like a flock of sheep that are shorn, which came up from the washing. Every one of them bears twins, and none among them is barren. 3 Your lips are like a thread of scarlet, and your speech is lovely. Your temples within your hair are like a piece of a pomegranate. 4 Your neck is like the tower of David built for an armory, on which a thousand shields hang, all shields of mighty men. 5 Your two breasts are like two young gazelles that are twins, which feed among the lilies. 6 Until the day breaks and the shadows flee away, I will get myself to the mountain of myrrh and to the hill of frankincense. 7 You are altogether beautiful, my love. There is no blemish in you. 8 Come with me from Lebanon, my spouse, with me from Lebanon. Look from the top of Amana, from the top of Senir and Hermon, from the lions’ dens, from the mountains of the leopards. 9 You have captured my heart, my sister, my spouse. You have captured my heart with one of your eyes, with one chain from your neck. 10 How beautiful is your love, my sister, my spouse! How much better is your love than wine, and the smell of your ointments than all spices! 11 Your lips, O my spouse, drip like the honeycomb. Honey and milk are under your tongue, and the smell of your garments is like the smell of Lebanon.
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closed garden, a closed-up spring, a sealed fountain. 13 Your plants are an orchard of pomegranates with pleasant fruits, henna with spikenard, 14 spikenard and saffron, calamus and cinnamon, with all the trees of frankincense, myrrh, and aloes, with all the chief spices— 15 a fountain of gardens, a well of living waters, and streams from Lebanon. The Bride Speaks 16 Awake, O north wind, and come, you south. Blow on my garden, that its spices may flow out. Let my beloved come into his garden and eat his pleasant fruits. The Bridegroom Replies I have come into my garden, my sister, my spouse. I have gathered my myrrh with my spice. I have eaten my honeycomb with my honey. I have drunk my wine with my milk. Eat, O friends, drink. Yes, drink abundantly, O beloved.
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A Separation of Interest 2 I sleep, but my heart wakes. It is the voice of my beloved who knocks, saying, “Open for me, my sister, my love, my dove, my undefiled. For my head is filled with dew and my hair with the drops of the night.” 3 I have taken off my coat. How shall I put it on? I have washed my feet. How shall I dirty them? 4 My beloved put his hand by the hole of the door, and my heart was moved for him. 5 I rose up to open for my beloved,
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and my hands dripped with myrrh and my fingers with sweet-smelling myrrh on the handles of the lock. The Searching Bride 6 I opened for my beloved, but my beloved had withdrawn himself and was gone. My soul failed when he spoke. I sought him, but I could not find him. I called him, but he gave me no answer. 7 The watchmen who went around the city found me. They struck me; they wounded me. The guards of the walls took my veil away from me. 8 I charge you, O daughters of Jerusalem, if you find my beloved, that you tell him that I am sick with love. The Daughters of Jerusalem Speak 9 What is your beloved more than another beloved, O most beautiful among women? What is your beloved more than another beloved, that you so charge us? The Bride Answers 10 My beloved is white and ruddy, the supreme among ten thousand. 11 His head is like the finest gold; his hair is bushy and black as a raven. 12 His eyes are like the eyes of doves by the rivers of water, washed with milk and properly set. 13 His cheeks are like a bed of spices, like sweet flowers. His lips are like lilies, dripping sweet-smelling myrrh. 14 His hands are like gold rings set with beryl. His belly is like bright ivory overlaid with sapphires.
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set on bases of fine gold. His face is like Lebanon, excellent like the cedars. 16 His mouth is most sweet. Yes, he is altogether lovely. This is my beloved, and this is my friend, O daughters of Jerusalem. The Daughters of Jerusalem Speak Where has your beloved gone, O most beautiful among women? Where has your beloved turned aside, that we may seek him with you?
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The Bride Answers 2 My beloved has gone down into his garden, to the beds of spices, to feed in the gardens and to gather lilies. 3 I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine. He feeds among the lilies. The Bridegroom Speaks 4 You are as beautiful, O my love, as Tirzah, lovely as Jerusalem, awesome as an army with banners. 5 Turn your eyes away from me, for they have overcome me. Your hair is like a flock of goats that appear from Gilead. 6 Your teeth are like a flock of sheep that comes up from the washing. Every one of them bears twins, and not one among them is barren. 7 Your temples are like a piece of a pomegranate within your hair. 8 There are sixty queens, and eighty concubines, and virgins without number.
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9 My dove, my dear, is only one.
She is the only one of her mother. She is the choice one of she who bore her. The daughters saw her and blessed her, yes, the queens and the concubines, and they praised her. 10 Who is she who looks out like the morning, as beautiful as the moon, clear as the sun, and awesome as an army with banners? 11 I went down into the garden of nuts to see the fruits of the valley, and to see whether the vine flourished and the pomegranates budded. 12 Before I was aware, my soul made me like the chariots of Amminadib. 13 Return, return, O Shulammite. Return, return, that we may look at you. What will you see in the Shulammite, as it were the company of two armies? How beautiful are your feet with shoes, O prince’s daughter! The joints of your thighs are like jewels, the work of the hands of a skilled workman. 2 Your navel is like a round goblet that does not lack liquor. Your belly is like a heap of wheat surrounded with lilies. 3 Your two breasts are like two young gazelles that are twins. 4 Your neck is like a tower of ivory. Your eyes are like the fish pools in Heshbon by the gate of Bath-rabbim. Your nose is like the tower of Lebanon that looks toward Damascus. 5 Your head is upon you like Carmel, and the hair of your head like purple. The king is held in the galleries.
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6 How beautiful and how pleasant
you are, O love, for delights! 7 Your stature is like a palm tree and your breasts like clusters of grapes. 8 I said, “I will go up to the palm tree. I will take hold of its branches.” Now, also, your breasts shall be like clusters of the vine and the smell of your nose like apples. 9 And the roof of your mouth is like the best wine for my beloved, that goes down sweetly, causing the lips of those who are asleep to speak. The Bride Speaks 10 I am my beloved’s, and his desire is toward me. 11 Come, my beloved, let us go out into the field. Let us spend the night in the villages. 12 Let us go up early to the vineyards. Let us see if the vines flourish, whether the tender grapes appear and the pomegranates have bloomed. There I will give you my love. 13 The mandrakes give off a fragrance, and at our gates are all kinds of pleasant fruits, new and old, which I have laid up for you, O my beloved.
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O that you were like my brother, who nursed at the breasts of my mother! When I should find you outside, I would kiss you. Yes, I would not be despised. 2 I would lead you and bring you into my mother’s house, who would instruct me. I would cause you to drink spiced wine from the juice of my pomegranate. 3 His left hand should be under my head and his right hand should embrace me. 4 I charge you, O daughters of
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Jerusalem, that you not stir up or awaken my love until he pleases. The Bridegroom Speaks 5 Who is this who comes up from the wilderness leaning on her beloved? I raised you up under the apple tree. There your mother brought you forth. There she who bore you brought you forth. 6 Set me as a seal on your heart, as a seal on your arm. For love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave. Its coals are coals of fire that have a most powerful flame. 7 Many waters cannot quench love, nor can the floods drown it. If a man would give all the wealth of his house for love, it would be utterly condemned. The Bride Speaks 8 We have a little sister, and she has no breasts. What shall we do for our sister on the day when she shall be spoken for?
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The Bridegroom Speaks 9 If she is a wall, we will build on her a palace of silver. And if she is a door, we will enclose her with boards of cedar. The Bride Speaks 10 I am a wall, and my breasts are like towers. Then I was in his eyes as one who found favor. 11 Solomon had a vineyard at Baal-hamon. He leased the vineyard to caretakers. Everyone was to bring a thousand pieces of silver for its fruit. 12 My vineyard, which is mine, is before me. You, O Solomon, must have a thousand, and those who take care of its fruit, two hundred. 13 You who dwell in the gardens, the companions listen to your voice. Cause me to hear it. 14 Hurry, my beloved, and be like a gazelle or a young stag on the mountains of spices.
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ISAIAH INTRODUCTION TO ISAIAH The book of Isaiah is a potentially intimidating challenge for novice Bible readers, but it is a rich and rewarding pursuit for those willing to delve into it. Its sixty-six chapters make up the fifth longest book of the Bible in terms of word count. But even more daunting than its sheer length is the prophetic nature of the writing. The author writes of events that cover centuries, and it can be difficult in places to tell if he speaks of the present, the near future, or the long-range future. Yet while the prophet’s narrative can be a bit confusing in places, large portions are quite clear in presenting a merciful God who does not give up on His people even though they have been repeatedly rebellious and wayward. AUTHOR The name Isaiah, meaning “Salvation of Yahweh,” is closely related to the name Joshua (“Yahweh is salvation”), which is the Old Testament equivalent of the name Jesus. However, not much is known about the prophet other than what he reveals in his book. Little more is known about his personal life. Justin Martyr recorded the tradition that Isaiah died a martyr’s death at the hands of King Manasseh, sawed in two (possibly the source of the reference in Hebrews 11:37). OCCASION Isaiah’s purpose in writing is described during a vision in which he receives his calling from God (6:6–10). He is instructed to speak to his people, even though most are spiritually rebellious and disobedient and will not listen to him. (Jesus later quotes this very passage to explain why He uses parables to teach the people [Matthew 13:13–15].) Isaiah faithfully brings God’s word to the people, warning anyone who will listen of what is to come.
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Jehovah’s Case against Judah The vision of Isaiah the son of Amoz, which he saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah.
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Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth. For the Lord has spoken: “I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against Me. The ox knows his owner and the donkey his master’s manger, but Israel does not know. My people do not consider.” Ah, sinful nation, a people weighed down with iniquity, offspring of evildoers, children who are corrupters. They have abandoned the Lord. They have provoked to anger the Holy One of Israel. They have gone away backward.
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Why should you be stricken any longer? You will revolt more and more. The whole head is sick, and the whole heart faint. From the sole of the foot even to the head there is no soundness in it but wounds and bruises and putrefying sores. They have not been closed or bound up or soothed with ointment.
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Your country is desolate. Your cities are burned with fire. Your land, foreigners devour it in your presence, and it is desolate, as overthrown by foreigners. And the daughter of Zion is left like a cottage in a vineyard, like a lodge in a garden of cucumbers, like a besieged city. If the Lord of hosts had not left us a very small remnant, we would have been as Sodom, and we should have been like Gomorrah. Hear the word of the Lord, you rulers of Sodom. Give ear to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah: “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifices to Me?” says the Lord. “I am full of the burnt offerings of rams and the fat of fed beasts, and I do not delight in the blood of bulls or of lambs or of male goats. When you come to appear before Me, who has required this from your hand, to tread My courts? Bring no more empty offerings. Incense is an abomination to Me. I cannot endure the New Moons and Sabbaths,
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the calling of assemblies. It is iniquity, the sacred meeting. My soul hates your New Moons and your appointed feasts. They are a trouble to Me. I am weary of bearing them. And when you spread out your hands, I will hide My eyes from you. Yes, when you make many prayers, I will not hear. Your hands are full of blood. Wash yourselves. Make yourselves clean. Put away the evil of your doings from before My eyes. Cease to do evil. Learn to do well. Seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow. Come now, and let us reason together,” says the Lord, “though your sins are as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow. Though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool. If you are willing and obedient, you shall eat the good of the land. But if you refuse and rebel, you shall be devoured by the sword.” For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it. How the faithful city has become a harlot! It was
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full of judgment. Righteousness lodged in it, but now murderers. Your silver has become dross, your wine mixed with water. Your princes are rebellious and companions of thieves. Everyone loves bribes and follows after rewards. They do not judge the fatherless, nor does the cause of the widow come to them. Therefore the Lord, the Lord of hosts, the Mighty One of Israel, says: “Ah, I will relieve Myself of My adversaries and avenge Myself of My enemies.”
Mingled Warning and Promise 25 “And I will turn My hand on you and purely purge away your dross and take away all your tin. 26 And I will restore your judges as at the first and your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city.” 27
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Zion shall be redeemed with judgment, and her converts with righteousness. And the destruction of the transgressors and of the sinners shall be together, and those who abandon the Lord shall
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be consumed. For they shall be ashamed of the oaks that you have desired, and you shall be confounded for the gardens that you have chosen. For you shall be like an oak whose leaf fades and like a garden that has no water. And the strong shall be like flax fibers, and the maker of it like a spark. And they shall both burn together, and no one shall quench them.
The Promise for the Last Days The word that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem.
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And it shall come to pass in the last days that the mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established on the top of the mountains and shall be exalted above the hills, and all nations shall flow to it. And many people shall go and say, “Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. And He will teach us His ways, and we will walk in His paths.” For the law shall go out from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.
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And He shall judge among the nations and shall rebuke many people, and they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, nor shall they learn war any longer. O house of Jacob, come, and let us walk in the light of the Lord.
Chastisement before Blessing 6 Therefore You have abandoned Your people, the house of Jacob, because they are fully supplied from the east and are soothsayers like the Philistines. And they please themselves with the children of foreigners. 7 Their land is also full of silver and gold; there is no end to their treasures. Their land is also full of horses; there is no end to their chariots. 8 Their land is also full of idols. They worship the work of their own hands, what their own fingers have made. 9 And the common man bows down, and the great man humbles himself. Therefore do not forgive them. 10
Enter into the rock and
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hide in the dust, for fear of the Lord and for the glory of His majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down. And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the Lord of hosts shall be on everyone who is proud and lofty and on everyone who is lifted up—and he shall be brought low— and on all the cedars of Lebanon that are high and lifted up, and on all the oaks of Bashan, and on all the high mountains, and on all the hills that are lifted up, and on every high tower, and on every fenced wall, and on all the ships of Tarshish, and on all pleasant pictures. And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low. And the Lord alone shall be exalted on that day. And He shall utterly abolish the idols. And they shall go into the holes of the rocks and into the caves of the earth for fear of the Lord and for the glory
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of His majesty, when He arises to shake the earth terribly. On that day a man shall cast his idols of silver and his idols of gold, which they made, each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats, to go into the clefts of the rocks and into the tops of the ragged rocks for fear of the Lord and for the glory of His majesty, when He arises to shake the earth terribly. Cease from man, whose breath is in his nostrils. For of what account is he? For behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, takes away from Jerusalem and from Judah the supply and the staff, the whole supply of bread and the whole supply of water; the mighty man and the man of war, the judge and the prophet, and the prudent and the elder, the captain of fifty and the honorable man, and the counselor, and the skilled craftsman, and the eloquent orator. “And I will give children to be princes, and babies shall rule over them. And the people shall be
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oppressed, every one by another and every one by his neighbor. The child shall behave proudly against the elder, and the despised against the honorable.” 6
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When a man shall take hold of his brother from the house of his father, saying, “You have clothing. Be our ruler, and let this ruin be under your hand,” in that day he shall swear, saying, “I will not be a healer, for in my house is neither bread nor clothing. Do not make me a ruler of the people.” For Jerusalem is ruined and Judah is fallen because their tongue and their doings are against the Lord, to provoke the eyes of His glory. The appearance of their face witnesses against them, and they declare their sin like Sodom. They do not hide it. Woe to their soul! For they have rewarded evil to themselves. “Say to the righteous that it shall be well for them, for they shall eat the fruit of their doings. Woe to the wicked! It shall be ill with him, for the reward of his hands
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shall be given to him. As for My people, children are their oppressors, and women rule over them. O My people, those who lead you cause you to go astray and destroy the way of your paths.” The Lord stands up to plead and stands to judge the people. The Lord will enter into judgment with the elders and the princes of His people: “For you have eaten up the vineyard. The plunder of the poor is in your houses. What do you mean that you beat My people to pieces and grind the faces of the poor?” says the Lord God of hosts. Moreover, the Lord says, “Because the daughters of Zion are haughty and walk with outstretched necks and seductive eyes, walking and mincing as they go and making a jingling with their feet, therefore the Lord will strike with a scab the crown of the head of the daughters of Zion, and the Lord will uncover their secret parts.” 18 On that day the Lord will take
away the bravery of their jingling
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ornaments around their feet, and their scarves, and their round ornaments like the moon, 19 the chains and the bracelets and the veils, 20 the bonnets, and the ornaments of the legs, and the headbands, and the tablets, and the earrings, 21 the rings and nose jewels, 22 the changeable suits of apparel, and the robes, and the cloaks, and the handbags, 23 the glasses, and the fine linen, and the hoods, and the veils. 24
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And it shall come to pass that instead of a sweet smell, there shall be a stench; and instead of a belt, a rope; and instead of well-set hair, baldness; and instead of fine clothing, a girding of sackcloth; and burning instead of beauty. Your men shall fall by the sword and your mighty ones in the war. And her gates shall lament and mourn, and she, being desolate, shall sit on the ground.
The Vision of the Future Kingdom And on that day seven women shall take hold of one man, saying, “We will eat our own bread and wear our own apparel. Only let us be called by your name, to take away our shame.” 2 On that day the Branch of the Lord shall be beautiful and glorious, and the fruit of the earth shall be excellent and appealing for those of Israel who have escaped. 3 And it shall come to pass
that he who is left in Zion and he who remains in Jerusalem shall be called holy, even everyone who is written among the living in Jerusalem, 4 when the Lord has washed away the filth of the daughters of Zion and has purged the blood of Jerusalem from her midst, by the spirit of judgment and by the spirit of burning. 5 And the Lord will create a cloud and smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night on every dwelling place of Mount Zion and on her assemblies. For on all the glory shall be a defense. 6 And there shall be a tabernacle for shade in the daytime from the heat, and for a place of refuge, and for a shelter from storm and from rain. Parable of Jehovah’s Vineyard Now I will sing to my Well-beloved a song of my Beloved concerning His vineyard:
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My Well-beloved has a vineyard on a very fruitful hill, and He fenced it, and gathered out the stones from it, and planted it with the choicest vine, and built a tower in the middle of it, and also made a winepress in it. And He expected it to bring forth good grapes, but it brought forth wild grapes. “And now, O inhabitants of Jerusalem and men of Judah, judge, I ask you, between Me and My vineyard.
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What more could have been done to My vineyard that I have not done in it? Why, when I expected that it should bring forth good grapes, did it bring forth wild grapes? And now I will tell you what I will do to My vineyard: I will take away its hedge, and it shall be eaten up, and break down its wall, and it shall be trampled. And I will lay it waste. It shall not be pruned or dug, but briars and thorns shall come up. I will also command the clouds that they rain no rain on it.” For the vineyard of the Lord of hosts is the house of Israel, and the men of Judah are His pleasant plant. And He looked for judgment, but behold, oppression; for righteousness, but behold, a cry.
The Six Woes on Israel 8 Woe to those who join house to house, who lay field to field, until there is no place where they may be placed alone in the midst of the earth! 9 In my ears the Lord of hosts said, “Truly many houses shall be desolate, even great and beautiful,
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without inhabitant. Yes, ten acres of vineyard shall yield one bath, and a homer of seed shall yield an ephah.” Woe to those who rise up early in the morning, that they may follow strong drink, who continue until night, until wine inflames them! And the harp, and the strings, the tambourine, and pipe, and wine are at their feasts, but they do not regard the work of the Lord or consider the work of His hands. Therefore my people have gone into captivity because they have no knowledge. And their honorable men are famished, and their multitude dried up with thirst. Therefore hell has enlarged itself and opened its mouth without measure, and their glory, and their multitude, and their pomp, and he who rejoices shall descend into it. And the common man shall be brought down, and the mighty man shall be humbled, and the eyes of the proud shall be humbled. But the Lord of hosts shall be exalted in judgment, and God who is
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holy shall be sanctified in righteousness. Then the lambs shall feed after their manner, and foreigners shall eat in the desolate places of the fat ones. Woe to those who drag iniquity with cords of vanity, and sin as if with a cart rope, who say, “Let Him hurry and hasten His work, that we may see it, and let the plan of the Holy One of Israel draw near and come, that we may know it!” Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter! Woe to those who are wise in their own eyes and prudent in their own sight! Woe to those who are mighty to drink wine and men of strength to mix strong drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe and take away the righteousness of the righteous from him! Therefore as the fire devours the stubble and the flame consumes the chaff, so their root shall be as rottenness, and
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their blossom shall go up as dust because they have cast away the law of the Lord of hosts and despised the word of the Holy One of Israel. Therefore the anger of the Lord is kindled against His people, and He has stretched out His hand against them and has struck them. And the hills trembled, and their corpses were torn in the midst of the streets. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is still stretched out. And He will lift up a banner to the nations from afar and will whistle to them from the ends of the earth, and behold, they shall come with speed swiftly. No one shall be weary or stumble among them. No one shall slumber or sleep, nor shall the belt of their loins be loosened, nor the strap of their shoes be broken. Their arrows are sharp, and all their bows bent; their horses’ hooves shall be counted like flint, and their wheels like a whirlwind. Their roaring shall be like a lion; they shall roar like young lions. Yes, they shall roar and
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lay hold of the prey and shall carry it away safely, and no one shall deliver it. And on that day they shall roar against them like the roaring of the sea. And if one looks to the land, behold, darkness and sorrow, and the light is darkened in its heavens.
Isaiah’s Transforming Vision In the year that King Uzziah died I also saw the Lord sitting on a throne, high and lifted up, and His train filled the temple. 2 Above it stood the seraphim. Each one had six wings. With two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. 3 And one cried to another and said, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord of hosts. The whole earth is full of His glory.” 4 And the posts of the door moved at the voice of him who cried, and the house was filled with smoke. 5 Then I said, “Woe is me! For I am undone because I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips, for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts.”
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The Cleansing Fire 6 Then one of the seraphim flew to me, having a live coal in his hand, which he had taken with the tongs from off the altar. 7 And he laid it on my mouth and said, “Behold, this has touched your lips. And your guilt is taken away, and your sin purged.”
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Isaiah’s New Commission 8 Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for Us?” Then I said, “Here I am. Send me.” 9 And He said, “Go, and tell this people, ‘Hear, indeed, but do not understand, and see, indeed, but do not perceive.’ 10 Make the heart of this people fat, and make their ears heavy, and shut their eyes, lest they see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and understand with their hearts, and convert and be healed.” 11 Then I said, “Lord, how long?” And He answered: “Until the cities are desolate, without inhabitant, and the houses are without man, and the land is utterly desolate, 12 and the Lord has removed men far away, and there is a great forsaking in the midst of the land. 13 But still a tenth shall be in it, and it shall return and shall be eaten, as a teil tree and as an oak, whose substance is in them when they cast their leaves. So the holy seed shall be the substance in it.” Under the Reign of Ahaz And it came to pass in the days of Ahaz the son of Jotham, the son of Uzziah, king of Judah, that Rezin the king of Syria and Pekah the son of Remaliah, king of Israel, went up toward Jerusalem to war against it but could not prevail against it. 2 And it was told to the house of David, saying, “Syria is allied with Ephraim.” And his heart and the heart of his people were moved, as the trees of the woods are moved by the wind.
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the Lord said to Isaiah, “Go out now to meet Ahaz, you and your son Shear-jashub, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway of the fuller’s field, 4 and say to him, ‘Take heed and be quiet. Do not fear or be fainthearted because of the two stumps of these smoking torches, for the fierce anger of Rezin with Syria, and of the son of Remaliah. 5 Because Syria, Ephraim, and the son of Remaliah have taken evil counsel against you, saying, 6 “Let us go up against Judah and afflict it, and let us make a breach in it for us and set a king in the midst of it, even the son of Tabeel.” 7 This is what the Lord God says: “It shall not stand, nor shall it come to pass. 8 For the head of Syria is Damascus, and the head of Damascus is Rezin. And Ephraim shall be broken within sixty-five years so that it is not a people. 9 And the head of Ephraim is Samaria, and the head of Samaria is Remaliah’s son. If you will not believe, surely you shall not be established.”’” Immanuel, the Virgin’s Son 10 Moreover, the Lord spoke again to Ahaz, saying, 11 “Ask for a sign from the Lord your God. Ask it either in the depth or in the height above.” 12 But Ahaz said, “I will not ask, nor will I tempt the Lord.” 13 And he said, “Hear now, O house of David. Is it a small thing for you to weary men, but will you also weary my God? 14 Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign. Behold, a virgin shall conceive and bear a son and shall call His name
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Immanuel. 15 He shall eat butter and honey, that He may know to refuse the evil and choose the good. 16 For before the Child shall know to refuse the evil and choose the good, the land that you hate shall be abandoned by both its kings. 17 The Lord shall bring the king of Assyria on you and on your people and on your father’s house—days that have not come since the day that Ephraim departed from Judah.” Prediction of an Impending Invasion 18 And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall whistle for the fly that is in the farthest part of the rivers of Egypt and for the bee that is in the land of Assyria. 19 And they shall come and shall rest, all of them, in the desolate valleys and in the holes of the rocks and on all thorns and on all bushes. 20 On the same day the Lord shall shave with a razor that is hired—namely, by those beyond the river (by the king of Assyria)—the head and the hair of the feet, and it shall also remove the beard. 21 And it shall come to pass in that day that a man shall nourish a young cow and two sheep, 22 and it shall come to pass, for the abundance of milk that they shall give, he shall eat butter, for everyone who is left in the land shall eat butter and honey. 23 And it shall come to pass in that day, that every place where there were a thousand vines at a thousand shekels, it shall even be for briars and thorns. 24 Men shall come there with arrows and with bows, because all the land shall become
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briars and thorns. 25 And on all hills that shall be dug with the hoe, no one shall come there for fear of briars and thorns, but it shall be a place for sending forth oxen and for lesser cattle to tread. Prediction of the Assyrian Invasion Moreover, the Lord said to me, “Take a great scroll and write in it with a man’s pen concerning Maher-shalal-hash-baz.” 2 And I took for myself faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah. 3 And I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz, 4 for before the child shall have knowledge to cry ‘My father’ and ‘My mother,’ the riches of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria.” 5 The Lord also spoke to me again, saying, 6 “Because this people refused the waters of Shiloah that go softly and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son, 7 now therefore, behold, the Lord is bringing on them the waters of the river, strong and many—even the king of Assyria and all his glory. And he shall come up over all his channels and go over all his banks. 8 And he shall pass through Judah, he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck, and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of Your land, O Immanuel. 9 “Associate yourselves, O you peoples, and you shall be broken in pieces. And give ear, all you from
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far countries. Gird yourselves, and you shall be broken in pieces. Gird yourselves, and you shall be broken in pieces. 10 Take counsel together, and it shall come to nothing. Speak the word, and it shall not stand, for God is with us.” 11 For so the Lord spoke to me with a strong hand and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying: 12 “Do not say, ‘A conspiracy,’ to all those to whom this people shall say, ‘A conspiracy.’ Do not fear their terror or be afraid. 13 Sanctify the Lord of hosts Himself. And let Him be your fear and let Him be your dread. 14 “And He shall be a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense for both the houses of Israel, a trap and a snare for the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 15 And many among them shall stumble and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken.” 16 Bind up the testimony; seal the law among my disciples. 17 And I will wait on the Lord, who hides His face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for Him. 18 Behold, I and the children whom the Lord has given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, who dwells in Mount Zion. 19 And when they shall say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards who chirp and who mutter,” should a people not seek their God, for the living to the dead? 20 To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. 21 And they shall pass through it dejected and hungry, and it shall come to pass that when they are hungry,
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they themselves shall fret and curse their king and their God and look upward. 22 And they shall look to the earth and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish, and they shall be driven to darkness. A Divine Child, Israel’s Only Hope Nevertheless the gloom shall not be upon her who was in distress, when at the first He lightly afflicted the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, and afterward more grievously afflicted her by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, in Galilee of the Gentiles.
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The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. Those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death, the light has shone on them. You have multiplied the nation and not increased the joy. They rejoice before You according to the joy of harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the plunder. For You have broken the yoke of his burden and the staff of his shoulder, the rod of his oppressor, as in the day of Midian. For every battle of the warrior is with confused noise, and garments rolled in blood, but this shall be with burning and fuel for fire. For a Child is born to us, a Son is given to us, and
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the government shall be on His shoulder. And His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the Mighty God, the Everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace. There shall be no end to the increase of His government and peace, on the throne of David and on his kingdom, to order it and to establish it with judgment and with justice from here to forever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will accomplish this.
The Unavailing Chastisement 8 The Lord sent a word into Jacob, and it has fallen on Israel. 9 And all the people shall know, even Ephraim and the inhabitant of Samaria, who say in pride and stoutness of heart, 10 “The bricks have fallen down, but we will build with cut stones. The sycamores have been cut down, but we will change them into cedars.” 11 Therefore the Lord shall set up the adversaries of Rezin against him and join his enemies together, 12 the Syrians before, and the Philistines behind, and they shall devour Israel with open mouth.
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For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is still stretched out. 13
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For the people do not turn to Him who strikes them, nor do they seek the Lord of hosts. Therefore the Lord will cut off head and tail from Israel, both branch and reed in one day. The elder and honorable, he is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail. For the leaders of this people cause them to go astray, and those who are led by them are destroyed. Therefore the Lord shall have no joy in their young men, nor shall He have mercy on their fatherless and widows, for everyone is a hypocrite and an evildoer, and every mouth speaks foolishness. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is still stretched out. For wickedness burns like the fire. It shall devour the briars and thorns and shall kindle in the thickets of the forest, and they shall mount up like the rising of smoke. Through the wrath of the
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Lord of hosts the land is darkened, and the people shall be like the fuel for the fire. No man shall spare his brother. And he shall snatch on the right hand and be hungry, and they shall eat on the left hand and they shall not be satisfied. They shall eat, every man the flesh of his own arm: Manasseh, Ephraim; and Ephraim, Manasseh. And together they shall be against Judah. For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is still stretched out.
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“Woe to those who decree unrighteous decrees and who write oppression, which they have prescribed, to turn aside the needy from judgment and to take away the rights from the poor of My people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless! And what will you do in the day of visitation and in the desolation that shall come from far off ? To whom will you flee for help? And where will you leave your glory? Without Me they shall bow down among the
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prisoners, and they shall fall under the slain.” For all this His anger is not turned away, but His hand is still stretched out. God’s Rod on Samaria 5 “O Assyrians, the rod of My anger, and the staff in their hand is My indignation. 6 I will send him against a hypocritical nation, and I will give him a charge against the people of My wrath, to take the plunder and to take the prey, and to trample them down like the mud of the streets. 7 Although he does not mean so, nor does his heart think so, but it is in his heart to destroy and cut off not a few nations. 8 For he says, ‘Are not my princes altogether kings? 9 Is Calno not like Carchemish? Is Hamath not like Arpad? Is Samaria not like Damascus? 10 As my hand has found the kingdoms of the idols, whose carved images excelled those of Jerusalem and Samaria, 11 shall I not do the same to Jerusalem and her idols as I have done to Samaria and her idols?’” 12
Therefore it shall come
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to pass, that when the Lord has performed His whole work on Mount Zion and on Jerusalem, He will say, “I will punish the fruit of the arrogant heart of the king of Assyria and the glory of his haughty looks.” 13
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For he says, “I have done it by the strength of my hand and by my wisdom, for I am prudent, and I have removed the boundaries of the people and have robbed their treasures. And I have put down the inhabitants like a valiant man. And my hand has found the riches of the people like a nest, and as one gathers eggs that are left, I have gathered all the earth. And there was no one who moved the wing, or opened the mouth, or chirped.” Shall the axe boast itself against him who chops with it? Or shall the saw magnify itself against him who wields it? As if the rod could wield itself against those who lift it up, or as if the staff could lift itself up, as if it were not wood. Therefore the Lord, the Lord of hosts, shall send leanness among his fat ones, and under his glory he shall kindle a
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burning like the burning of a fire. And the Light of Israel shall be for a fire, and his Holy One for a flame. And it shall burn and devour his thorns and his briars in one day, and shall consume the glory of his forest and of his fruitful field, both soul and body. And they shall be as when a standard bearer faints. And the rest of the trees of his forest shall be few, that a child may write them.
The Vision of the Jewish Remnant 20 And it shall come to pass on that day that the remnant of Israel, and those from the house of Jacob who have escaped, shall no longer rely on him who struck them but shall rely on the Lord, the Holy One of Israel, in truth. 21 The remnant shall return, even the remnant of Jacob, to the mighty God. 22 For though your people, Israel, are as the sand of the sea, yet a remnant of them shall return. The destruction decreed shall overflow with righteousness. 23 For the Lord God of hosts shall make a
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destruction, fully determined, in the midst of all the land. 24
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Therefore this is what the Lord God of hosts says: “O My people, who dwell in Zion, do not be afraid of the Assyrian. He shall strike you with a rod and shall lift up his staff against you, in the manner of Egypt. For still a very little while and the wrath shall cease, and My anger in their destruction.” And the Lord of hosts shall stir up a whip for him according to the slaughter of Midian at the rock of Oreb, and as His rod was on the sea, so shall He lift it up according to the manner of Egypt. And it shall come to pass in that day that his burden shall be taken away from off your shoulder and his yoke from off your neck, and the yoke shall be destroyed because of the anointing.
The Approach of the Gentile Armies 28 He has come to Aiath. He has passed to Migron. At Michmash he has gathered up his carriages. 29 They have gone over the passage. They have
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taken up their lodging at Geba. Ramah is afraid. Gibeah of Saul has fled. Lift up your voice, O daughter of Gallim. Cause it to be heard to Laishah, O poor Anathoth. Madmenah is removed. The inhabitants of Gebim gather themselves to flee. Still he shall remain at Nob that day. He shall shake his hand against the mount of the daughter of Zion, the hill of Jerusalem. Behold, the Lord, the Lord of hosts, shall lop off the branches with terror. And the high ones of stature shall be cut down, and the haughty shall be humbled. And He shall cut down the thickets of the forest with iron, and Lebanon shall fall by a Mighty One.
The Davidic Kingdom And a Rod shall come forth from the stump of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow from his roots. 2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest on Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord,
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and shall make Him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord, and He shall not judge according to the sight of His eyes or rebuke according to the hearing of His ears. But He shall judge the poor with righteousness and rebuke with equity for the meek of the earth. And He shall strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, and He shall slay the wicked with the breath of His lips. And righteousness shall be the belt of His loins, and faithfulness the belt of His waist. The wolf shall also dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat, and the calf and the young lion and the fattened calf together. And a little child shall lead them. And the cow and the bear shall feed. Their young ones shall lie down together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. And the nursing child shall play by the hole of the cobra, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the viper’s den. They shall not hurt or destroy in all My holy
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mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. 10
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And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, who shall stand as a banner for the people. The Gentiles shall seek Him, and His rest shall be glorious. And it shall come to pass in that day that the Lord shall set His hand again the second time to recover the remnant of His people who shall remain, from Assyria and from Egypt and from Pathros and from Cush and from Elam and from Shinar and from Hamath and from the coastlands of the sea. And He shall set up a banner for the nations, and shall assemble the outcasts of Israel, and gather together the dispersed of Judah from the four corners of the earth. The envy of Ephraim shall also depart, and the adversaries of Judah shall be cut off. Ephraim shall not envy Judah, and Judah shall not harass Ephraim. But they shall fly on the shoulders of the Philistines toward the west. Together they
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shall plunder those from the east. They shall lay their hand on Edom and Moab, and the children of Ammon shall obey them. And the Lord shall utterly destroy the tongue of the Egyptian sea, and with His mighty wind He shall shake His hand over the river, and shall strike it in the seven streams and make men go over in dry sandals. And there shall be a highway for the remnant of His people who shall be left from Assyria, like it was for Israel in the day that they came up out of the land of Egypt.
The Worship of the Kingdom And in that day you shall say:
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“O Lord, I will praise You. Though You were angry with me, Your anger is turned away and You comfort me. Behold, God is my salvation. I will trust and not be afraid, ‘for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song. He also has become my salvation.’” Therefore you shall draw water out of the wells of salvation with joy. And in that day you shall say, “Praise the Lord!
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Call on His name. Declare His deeds among the people. Make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things. This is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, you inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!”
The Burden of Babylon The burden of Babylon that Isaiah the son of Amoz saw:
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“Lift up a banner on the high mountain; raise your voice to them! Wave the hand that they may go into the gates of the nobles. I have commanded My sanctified ones. I have also called My mighty ones for My anger, those who rejoice in My exaltation.” The noise of a multitude in the mountains, like that of a great people. A tumultuous noise of the kingdoms of nations gathered together. The Lord of hosts musters the army for battle. They come from a far country, from the end of heaven, the Lord and the weapons of His indignation, to destroy the whole land.
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Wail, for the day of the Lord is at hand. It shall come as a destruction from the Almighty. Therefore all hands shall be limp, and every man’s heart shall melt. And they shall be afraid. Pain and sorrows shall take hold of them. They shall be in pain as a woman who labors painfully. They shall be amazed at one another. Their faces shall be like flames. Behold, the day of the Lord comes, cruel, with both wrath and fierce anger, to lay the land desolate, and He shall destroy the sinners from it. For the stars of heaven and its constellations shall not give their light. The sun shall be darkened in its going out, and the moon shall not cause its light to shine. “And I will punish the world for its evil, and the wicked for their iniquity, and I will cause the arrogance of the proud to cease and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.”
The Jewish Remnant in the Great Tribulation 12 “I will make a man more precious than fine gold, even a man more than
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the golden wedge of Ophir. Therefore I will shake the heavens, and the earth shall move from its place in the wrath of the Lord of hosts and in the day of His fierce anger. And it shall be like the chased gazelle and like a sheep that no man takes up. Every man shall turn to his own people, and each one shall flee into his own land. Everyone who is found shall be pushed through, and everyone who is joined to them shall fall by the sword. Their children also shall be dashed to pieces before their eyes. Their houses shall be robbed and their wives ravished.”
The Destruction of “Babylon” 17 “Behold, I will stir up the Medes against them, who shall not regard silver, and as for gold, they shall not delight in it. 18 Their bows also shall dash the young men to pieces, and they shall have no pity on the child of the womb. Their eyes shall not spare children. 19
And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans’
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excellency, shall be like when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It shall never be inhabited, nor shall it be lived in from generation to generation, nor shall the Arab pitch his tent there, nor shall the shepherds make their fold there. But wild beasts of the desert shall lie there, and their houses shall be full of gloomy creatures. And owls shall dwell there, and satyrs shall dance there. And the wild beasts of the land shall cry in their desolate houses, and jackals in their pleasant palaces. And her time will come soon, and her days shall not be prolonged.”
Israel Restored and Exalted For the Lord will have mercy on Jacob and will still choose Israel and set them in their own land. And the foreigners shall be joined with them, and they shall cling to the house of Jacob. 2 And the people shall take them and bring them to their place, and the house of Israel shall possess them as servants and handmaidens in the land of the Lord. And they shall take captive those whose captives they were, and they shall rule over their oppressors. 3 And it shall come to pass on the day that the Lord shall give you rest from your sorrow and from your fear and
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from the hard labor in which you were made to serve, 4 that you shall take up this proverb against the king of Babylon and say,
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“How the oppressor has ceased! The golden city ceased! The Lord has broken the staff of the wicked and the scepter of the rulers. He who struck the people in wrath with a continual blow, he who ruled the nations in anger, is persecuted and no one hinders. The whole earth is at rest and is quiet. They break forth into singing. Yes, the fir trees rejoice over you, and the cedars of Lebanon, saying, ‘Since you were laid down, no tree cutter has come up against us.’ Hell from beneath is moved for you, to meet you at your coming. It stirs up the dead for you, even all the chief ones of the earth. It has raised up all the kings of the nations from their thrones. They all shall speak and say to you, ‘Have you also become as weak as we are? Have you become like us? Your pride is brought down to the grave, and the noise of your
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stringed instruments. The worm is spread under you, and the worms cover you.’ How you have fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you have been cut down to the ground, you who weakened the nations! For you have said in your heart, ‘I will ascend into heaven; I will exalt my throne above the stars of God. I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the sides of the north. I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the Most High.’ Yet you shall be brought down to hell, to the recesses of the pit. Those who see you shall look carefully at you and consider you, saying, ‘Is this the man who made the earth to tremble, who shook kingdoms, who made the world like a wilderness and destroyed its cities, who did not open the house of his prisoners?’”
Judgment of Babylon 18 “All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, each one in his own house. 19 But you are cast out
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of your grave like an abominable branch, like the clothing of those who are slain, thrust through with a sword, who go down to the stones of the pit, like a corpse trampled underfoot. You shall not be joined with them in burial because you have destroyed your land and slain your people. The offspring of evildoers shall never be renowned. Prepare slaughter for his children for the iniquity of their fathers, so that they do not rise up or possess the land or fill the face of the world with cities.”
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The Lord of hosts has sworn, saying, “Surely, as I have thought, so it shall come to pass, and as I have purposed, so it shall stand, that I will break the Assyrian in My land and on My mountains
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trample him underfoot. Then his yoke shall be removed from them and his burden depart from off their shoulders. This is the plan that is purposed upon the whole earth, and this is the hand that is stretched out on all the nations. For the Lord of hosts has purposed, and who shall annul it? And His hand is stretched out, and who shall turn it back?”
The Burden of Philistia 28 In the year that King Ahaz died was this burden: 29
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says the Lord of hosts, “and cut off from Babylon the name, and remnant, and son, and nephew,” says the Lord. 23 “I will also make it pools of water and a possession for the bittern, and I will sweep it with the broom of destruction,” says the Lord of hosts.
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Do not rejoice, all you of Philistia, because the rod of him who struck you is broken, for out of the serpent’s root shall come forth a viper, and its offspring shall be a fiery flying serpent. And the firstborn of the poor shall feed, and the needy shall lie down in safety. And I will kill your root with famine, and it shall slay your remnant. Wail, O gate! Cry, O city! You, all of Philistia, are dissolved, for a smoke shall come from the north, and no one shall be alone in his
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appointed times. What then shall one answer the messengers of the nation? That the Lord has founded Zion, and the poor of His people shall trust in it.
The Burden of Moab The burden of Moab:
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Because in the night Ar of Moab is laid waste and brought to silence, because in the night Kir of Moab is laid waste and brought to silence. He has gone up to Bajith and to Dibon, the high places, to weep. Moab shall wail over Nebo and over Medeba. On all their heads shall be baldness and every beard cut off. In their streets they shall gird themselves with sackcloth. On the tops of their houses and in their streets everyone shall wail, weeping abundantly. And Heshbon shall cry, and Elealeh. Their voice shall be heard even to Jahaz. Therefore the armed soldiers of Moab shall cry out. His life shall be grievous to him. “My heart shall cry out for Moab. His fugitives shall flee to Zoar, a three-year-old heifer. For by the ascent of Luhith
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they shall go up with weeping, for on the way of Horonaim they shall raise up a cry of destruction. For the waters of Nimrim shall be desolate, for the hay has withered away. The grass fails. There is nothing green. Therefore the abundance they have gained and what they have laid up, they shall carry away to the Brook of the Willows. For the cry has gone around the borders of Moab, its wailing to Eglaim and its wailing to Beer-elim. For the waters of Dimon shall be full of blood, for I will bring more on Dimon, lions on him who escape from Moab and on the remnant of the land.”
The Women of Moab Send the lamb to the ruler of the land, from Sela to the wilderness, to the mount of the daughter of Zion. 2 For it shall be that, like a wandering bird cast out of the nest, so the daughters of Moab shall be at the fords of the Arnon. 3 “Take counsel; execute judgment. Make your shadow like the night in
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the midst of the noonday. Hide the outcasts. Do not betray him who wanders. Let My outcasts dwell with you, Moab. Be a shelter to them from the face of the destroyer. For the extortioner is at an end. The destruction ceases. The oppressors are consumed out of the land. And the throne shall be established in mercy, and He shall sit on it in truth in the tent of David, seeking judgment and hastening righteousness.” We have heard of the pride of Moab—he is very proud—even of his haughtiness and of his pride and of his wrath, but his lies shall not be so. Therefore Moab shall wail for Moab; everyone shall wail. You shall mourn for the foundations of Kir-hareseth. Surely they are stricken. For the fields of Hesh bon and the vine of Sibmah languish. The lords of the nations have broken down its choice plants. They have come even to Jazer. They wandered through the wilderness. Her branches are stretched out. They
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have gone over the sea. Therefore I will lament the vine of Sibmah with the weeping of Jazer. I will water you with my tears, O Heshbon and Elealeh, for the shouting for your summer fruits and for your harvest has ceased. And gladness is taken away, and joy from the plentiful field, and in the vineyards there shall be no singing, nor shall there be shouting. The treaders shall not tread out wine in their presses. I have made their grape harvest shouting to cease. Therefore my heart shall sound like a harp for Moab, and my inner parts for Kir-hareseth. And it shall come to pass, when it is seen that Moab is weary on the high place, that he shall come to his sanctuary to pray, but he shall not prevail.
A First Fulfillment within Three Years 13 This is the word that the Lord has spoken concerning Moab since that time. 14 But now the Lord has spoken, saying, “Within three years, as the years of a hired hand, and the glory of Moab shall be despised with all that great multitude, and the remnant shall be very small and feeble.”
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Isaiah 17:1
The Burden of Damascus The burden of Damascus:
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“Behold, Damascus is taken away from being a city, and it shall be a ruinous heap. The cities of Aroer are abandoned. They shall be for flocks which shall lie down, and no one shall make them afraid. The fortress shall also cease from Ephraim, and the kingdom from Damascus, and the remnant of Syria. They shall be as the glory of the children of Israel,” says the Lord of hosts. “And on that day it shall come to pass that the glory of Jacob shall be made thin, and the fatness of his flesh shall grow lean. And it shall be as when the harvestman gathers the grain and reaps the ears with his arm, and it shall be as he who gathers ears in the Valley of Rephaim. Yet gleaning grapes shall be left in it like the shaking of an olive tree, two or three olives in the top of the uppermost branch, four or five in its most fruitful branches,” says the Lord God of Israel.
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On that day a man shall look to his Maker, and his eyes shall have respect for the Holy One of Israel. And he shall not look to the altars, the work of his hands, nor shall he respect what his fingers have made, either the groves or the images. On that day his strong cities shall be like an abandoned bough and an uppermost branch, which they left because of the children of Israel, and there shall be desolation. Because you have forgotten the God of your salvation and have not been mindful of the Rock of your strength, therefore you shall plant pleasant plants and shall set it with foreign prunings. In the day you shall make your plant grow, and in the morning you shall make your seed to flourish. But the harvest shall be a heap on the day of grief and of desperate sorrow. Woe to the multitude of many people who make a noise like the noise of the seas and to the rushing of nations that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters!
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The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters, but God shall rebuke them. And they shall flee far off and shall be chased like the chaff of the mountains before the wind and like a rolling thing before the whirlwind. And at evening, behold, trouble. And before the morning he is no more. This is the lot of those who plunder us and the lot of those who rob us.
The Woe of the Land beyond the Rivers Woe to the land shadowing with wings, which is beyond the rivers of Ethiopia, 2 which sends ambassadors by the sea, even in vessels of bulrushes on the waters, saying, “Go, swift messengers, to a nation scattered and peeled, to a people terrible from their beginning on, a nation measured out and trampled, whose land the rivers have divided!” 3 All you inhabitants of the world and dwellers on the earth, when he lifts up a banner on the mountains, you see, and when he blows a trumpet, you hear. 4 For so the Lord said to me, “I will take My rest,
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and I will look from My dwelling place like a clear heat on herbs, and like a cloud of dew in the heat of harvest.” For before the harvest, when the bud is perfect and the sour grape is ripening in the flower, He shall both cut off the sprigs with pruning hooks and take away and cut down the branches. They shall be left together for the fowl of the mountains and for the beasts of the earth. And the fowl shall summer on them, and all the beasts of the earth shall winter on them. In that time the present shall be brought to the Lord of hosts from a people scattered and peeled, and from a people terrible from their beginning on, a nation measured out and trampled, whose land the rivers have divided—to the place of the name of the Lord of hosts, Mount Zion.
The Burden of Egypt The burden of Egypt:
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Isaiah 19:2
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shall be moved at His presence, and the heart of Egypt shall melt in its midst. “And I will set the Egyptians against the Egyptians, and everyone shall fight against his brother and everyone against his neighbor, city against city and kingdom against kingdom. And the spirit of Egypt shall fail in its midst, and I will destroy its counsel. And they shall consult the idols and the charmers, and those who are mediums and wizards. And I will give the Egyptians over into the hand of a cruel lord, and a fierce king shall rule over them,” says the Lord, the Lord of hosts. And the waters shall fail from the sea, and the river shall be wasted and dried up. And they shall turn the rivers far away, and the brooks of defense shall be emptied and dried up. The reeds and rushes shall wither. The paper reeds by the brooks, by the mouth of the brooks, and everything sown by the brooks shall wither, be driven away, and be no more. The fishermen also shall mourn, and all those who cast hooks into the
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brooks shall lament, and those who spread nets on the waters shall languish. Moreover those who work in fine flax and those who weave networks shall be confounded. And they shall be broken in their purposes, all who make channels and ponds for fish. Surely the princes of Zoan are fools. The counsel of the wise counselors of Pharaoh has become brutish. How do you say to Pharaoh, “I am the son of the wise, the son of ancient kings”? Where are they? Where are your wise men? And let them tell you now, and let them know what the Lord of hosts has purposed upon Egypt. The princes of Zoan have become fools. The princes of Memphis are deceived. They have also seduced Egypt, even those who are the support of its tribes. The Lord has mixed a perverse spirit in its midst, and they have led Egypt astray in all its work, as a drunken man staggers in his vomit. Nor shall there be any work for Egypt, which its
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Isaiah 21:1
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head or tail, branch or reed, may do. 16 On that day Egypt shall be like
women, and it shall be afraid and fear because of the shaking of the hand of the Lord of hosts, which He shakes over it. 17 And the land of Judah shall be a terror to Egypt. Everyone who makes mention of it shall himself be afraid because of the counsel of the Lord of hosts that He has determined against it. 18 On that day five cities in the land of Egypt shall speak the language of Canaan and swear to the Lord of hosts. One shall be called the City of Destruction. 19 On that day there shall be an altar to the Lord in the midst of the land of Egypt, and a pillar to the Lord at its border. 20 And it shall be for a sign and for a witness to the Lord of hosts in the land of Egypt, for they shall cry to the Lord because of the oppressors. And He shall send them a Savior and a Great One, and He shall deliver them. 21 And the Lord shall be known to Egypt, and the Egyptians shall know the Lord on that day and shall sacrifice and make an offering. Yes, they shall vow a vow to the Lord and perform it. 22 And the Lord shall strike Egypt. He shall strike and heal it, and they shall return even to the Lord. And He shall be entreated by them and shall heal them. 23 On that day there shall be a highway out of Egypt to Assyria, and the Assyrian shall come into Egypt and the Egyptian into Assyria. And the Egyptians shall serve with the Assyrians. 24 On that day Israel shall be
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the third with Egypt and with Assyria, even a blessing in the midst of the land, 25 whom the Lord of hosts shall bless, saying, “Blessed is Egypt My people, and Assyria the work of My hands, and Israel My inheritance.” A Prophecy regarding Assyria In the year that Tartan came to Ashdod (when Sargon the king of Assyria sent him) and fought against Ashdod and took it, 2 at the same time the Lord spoke by Isaiah the son of Amoz, saying, “Go and remove the sackcloth from your loins and take your shoes off your feet.” And he did so, walking naked and barefoot. 3 And the Lord said, “Just as My servant Isaiah has walked naked and barefoot three years as a sign and wonder on Egypt and on Ethiopia, 4 so shall the king of Assyria lead away the Egyptians as prisoners and the Ethiopians as captives, young and old, naked and barefoot, even with their buttocks uncovered, to the shame of Egypt. 5 And they shall be afraid and ashamed of Ethiopia their expectation and of Egypt their glory. 6 And the inhabitants of this land shall say on that day, ‘Behold, such is our expectation, where we fled for help to be delivered from the king of Assyria, and how shall we escape?’”
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Anticipating Sennacherib’s Invasion The burden of the desert of the sea:
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Isaiah 21:2
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comes from the desert, from a terrible land. A grievous vision is declared to me. The treacherous dealer deals treacherously, and the plunderer plunders. Go up, O Elam. Besiege, O Media. I have made all its sighing cease. Therefore my loins are filled with pain. Pangs have taken hold of me, like the pangs of a woman in labor. I was bowed down at hearing it. I was dismayed at seeing it. My heart panted; fearfulness frightened me. He has turned the night of my pleasure into fear for me. Prepare the table, watch in the watchtower, eat, drink. Arise, you princes, and anoint the shield. For this is what the Lord has said to me: “Go, set a watchman; let him declare what he sees.” And he saw a chariot with a couple of horsemen, a chariot of donkeys, and a chariot of camels, and he listened diligently with great heed. And he cried, “A lion! My lord, I stand continually on the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my post every night. And behold, here comes
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a chariot of men with a couple of horsemen.” And he answered and said, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen! And he has broken to the ground all the carved images of her gods.” O my threshing and the grain of my floor. What I have heard from the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, I have declared to you. 11 The burden of Dumah:
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He calls to me out of Seir, “Watchman, what of the night? Watchman, what of the night?” The watchman said, “The morning comes and also the night. If you will inquire, inquire. Return. Come.” 13 The burden on Arabia:
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You shall lodge in the forest in Arabia, O traveling companies of Dedanites. The inhabitants of the land of Tema brought water to him who was thirsty. With their bread they met him who fled. For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, and from the bent bow and from the grievousness of war. For this is what the Lord
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has said to me: “Within a year, according to the years of a hired hand, all the glory of Kedar shall fail, and the remainder of the number of archers, the mighty men of the children of Kedar, shall be diminished, for the Lord God of Israel has spoken it.”
The Burden of the Valley of Vision The burden of the Valley of Vision:
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What ails you now, that you have all gone up to the housetops? You who are full of noise, a tumultuous city, joyous city. Your slain men are not slain with the sword or dead in battle. All your rulers have fled together. They are bound by the archers. All who are found in you are bound together. They have fled from far away. Therefore I said, “Look away from me. I will weep bitterly. Do not labor to comfort me because of the plundering of the daughter of my people.” For it is a day of trouble and of trampling and of perplexity by the Lord God of hosts in the
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Valley of Vision—breaking down the walls and of crying to the mountains. And Elam bore the quiver with chariots of men and horsemen, and Kir uncovered the shield. And it shall come to pass that your choicest valleys shall be full of chariots, and the horsemen shall set themselves in formation at the gate. And He uncovered the covering of Judah. And you looked on that day to the armor of the House of the Forest. You have also seen the breaches of the city of David, that they are many, and you gathered together the waters of the lower pool. And you have counted the houses of Jerusalem, and you have torn down the houses to fortify the wall. You also made a ditch between the two walls for the water of the old pool. But you have not looked to its Maker, nor did you have respect for Him who fashioned it long ago. And on that day the Lord God of hosts called you to weeping and to mourning and to baldness and to girding
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with sackcloth. And behold, joy and gladness, slaying oxen and killing sheep, eating meat and drinking wine: “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we shall die.” And it was revealed in my hearing by the Lord of hosts, “Surely this iniquity shall not be purged from you until you die,” says the Lord God of hosts. 15 This
is what the Lord God of hosts says:
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“Go to this treasurer, even to Shebna, who is over the house, and say, ‘What have you here? And whom do you have here, that you have cut out a sepulchre for yourself here, as he who cuts out a sepulchre for himself on high, and who carves a habitation for himself in a rock? Behold, the Lord will carry you away with a mighty captivity and will surely cover you. He will surely violently turn and toss you like a ball into a large country. You shall die there, and there the chariots of your glory shall be the shame of your lord’s house. And I will drive you from your station, and from
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your position he shall pull you down. And it shall come to pass on that day, that I will call My servant Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, and I will clothe him with your robe and strengthen him with your belt. And I will commit your government into his hand. And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. And I will lay the key of the house of David on his shoulder, so he shall open, and no one shall shut. And he shall shut, and no one shall open. And I will fasten him like a nail in a secure place, and he shall become a glorious throne to his father’s house. And they shall hang on him all the glory of his father’s house, the offspring and the descendants, all vessels of small quantity, from the vessels of cups even to all the vessels of flagons. On that day,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘the nail that is fastened in the secure place shall be removed, and be cut down, and fall, and the burden that was on it shall be cut off, for the Lord has spoken it.’”
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Desolations Preceding the Final Deliverance The burden of Tyre:
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Wail, you ships of Tar shish, for it is laid waste, so that there is no house, no entrance. From the land of Cyprus it is revealed to them. Be still, you inhabitants of the coastland, you whom the merchants of Sidon, who cross over the sea, have replenished. And by great waters the grain of Shihor, the harvest of the river, is her revenue, and she is a marketplace for nations. Be ashamed, O Sidon, for the sea has spoken, even the strength of the sea, saying, “I do not labor or bring forth children, nor do I nurture young men or bring up virgins.” As at the report concerning Egypt, so they shall be greatly pained at the report of Tyre. Pass over to Tarshish. Wail, you inhabitants of the coastland. Is this your joyous city, whose origin is from ancient days? Her own feet shall carry her far off to sojourn. Who has taken this counsel against Tyre, the crowning city, whose
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merchants are princes, whose traders are the honorable of the earth? The Lord of hosts has purposed it, to stain the pride of all glory and to bring into contempt all the honorable of the earth. Pass through your land like a river, O daughter of Tarshish. There is no more strength. He stretched out His hand over the sea. He shook the kingdoms. The Lord has given a commandment against the merchant city to destroy its strongholds. And He said, “You shall no longer rejoice, O you oppressed virgin daughter of Sidon. Arise, cross over to Cyprus. There also you shall have no rest.” Behold, the land of the Chaldeans. This people was not, until the Assyrians founded it for those who dwell in the wilderness. They set up its towers, they raised up its palaces, and they brought it to ruin. Wail, you ships of Tar shish, for your strength is laid waste. 15 And it shall come to pass in that
day that Tyre shall be forgotten seventy years, according to the days of one king. After the end of seventy
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Isaiah 23:16
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years Tyre shall sing like a harlot, 16 “Take a harp; go around the city, you harlot who has been forgotten. Make sweet melody; sing many songs, that you may be remembered.” 17 And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years that the Lord will visit Tyre. And she shall turn to her wages and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth. 18 And her merchandise and her wages shall be holiness to the Lord. It shall not be treasured or stored up, for her merchandise shall be for those who dwell before the Lord, to eat sufficiently and for durable clothing. Looking through Troubles Behold, the Lord makes the earth empty, and makes it desolate, and turns it upside down, and scatters abroad its inhabitants. 2 And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the creditor, so with the debtor. 3 The land shall be utterly emptied and utterly plundered, for the Lord has spoken this word. 4 The earth mourns and fades away. The world
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languishes and fades away. The haughty people of the earth languish. The earth is also defiled under its inhabitants because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore the curse has devoured the earth, and those who dwell in it are desolate. Therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men are left. The new wine mourns, the vine languishes, all the merry-hearted sigh. The joy of tambourines ceases; the noise of those who rejoice ends; the joy of the harp ceases. They shall not drink wine with a song. Strong drink shall be bitter to those who drink it. The city of confusion is broken down. Every house is shut up so that no man may come in. There is a crying for wine in the streets. All joy is darkened. The joy of the land is gone. In the city desolation is left, and the gate is struck with destruction.
The Jewish Remnant 13 When this shall be in the midst of the land among
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Isaiah 25:2
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the people, it shall be like the shaking of an olive tree and like the gleaning of grapes when the grape gathering is done. They shall lift up their voice; they shall sing for the majesty of the Lord. They shall cry aloud from the sea. Therefore glorify the Lord in the fires, even the name of the Lord God of Israel in the coastlands of the sea. From the farthest part of the earth we have heard songs, even glory to the righteous. But I said, “My leanness, my leanness! Woe to me! The treacherous dealers have dealt treacherously; yes, the treacherous dealers have dealt very treacherously.” Fear and the pit and the snare are on you, O inhabitant of the earth. And it shall come to pass that he who flees from the noise of the fear shall fall into the pit, and he who comes up out of the midst of the pit shall be taken in the snare, for the windows from on high are open, and the foundations of the earth shake. The earth is utterly broken down; the earth is completely dissolved;
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the earth is moved exceedingly. The earth shall reel to and fro like a drunkard and shall be removed like a cottage. And its transgression shall be heavy on it, and it shall fall and not rise again.
Destruction of Gentile World Power 21 And it shall come to pass on that day that the Lord shall punish the army of the high ones who are on high and the kings of the earth on the earth. 22 And they shall be gathered together, as prisoners are gathered in the pit, and shall be shut up in prison. And after many days they shall be punished. 23 Then the moon shall be confounded and the sun ashamed, when the Lord of hosts shall reign in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem and before His elders, gloriously. Triumphs of the Kingdom Age O Lord, You are my God. I will exalt You. I will praise Your name, for You have done wonderful things. Your plans of old are faithfulness and truth. 2 For You have made a city into a heap, a ruin of
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a fortified city. A palace of foreigners is no longer a city. It shall never be rebuilt. Therefore the strong people shall glorify You. The city of the terrifying nations shall fear You. For You have been a strength to the poor, a strength to the needy in his distress, a refuge from the storm, a shadow from the heat, when the blast of the terrifying ones is like a storm against the wall. You shall bring down the noise of foreigners, like the heat in a dry place, even the heat with the shadow of a cloud. The branch of the terrifying ones shall be brought low. And on this mountain the Lord of hosts shall make a feast of rich things for all people, a feast of aged wine, of rich things full of marrow, of well-refined, aged wines. And on this mountain He will destroy the face of the covering cast over all people and the veil that is spread over all nations. He will swallow up death in victory, and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces. And He shall take away the
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rebuke of His people from all the earth, for the Lord has spoken it. And it shall be said in that day, “Behold, this is our God. We have waited for Him, and He will save us. This is the Lord. We have waited for Him. We will be glad and rejoice in His salvation.” For the hand of the Lord shall rest on this mountain, and Moab shall be trampled under Him, even as straw is trampled for the dunghill. And He shall spread out His hands in the midst of them, as he who swims spreads out his hands to swim, and He shall bring down their pride together with the plunder of their hands. And the fortress of the high fort of your walls He shall bring down, lay low, and bring to the ground, even to the dust.
The Worship and Testimony of Israel On that day this song shall be sung in the land of Judah:
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keeps the truth may enter in. You will keep him whose mind is steadfast on You in perfect peace because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for everlasting strength is in the Lord Jehovah. For He brings down those who dwell on high. The lofty city, He lays it low; He lays it low, even to the ground. He brings it even to the dust. The foot shall trample it, even the feet of the poor and the steps of the needy. The way of the just is uprightness. You, Most Upright, weigh the path of the just. Yes, in the way of Your judgments, O Lord, we have waited for You. The desire of our soul is for Your name and for the remembrance of You. With my soul I have desired You in the night. Yes, I will seek You early with my spirit within me, for when Your judgments are on the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness. Let favor be shown to the wicked, yet he will not learn righteousness. He will deal unjustly in
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the land of uprightness and will not behold the majesty of the Lord. Lord, when Your hand is lifted up, they will not see. But they shall see and be ashamed for their envy of the people. Indeed, the fire of Your enemies shall devour them. Lord, You will establish peace for us, for You also have done all our works in us. O Lord our God, other lords besides You have had dominion over us, but by You only will we make mention of Your name. They are dead; they shall not live. They are deceased; they shall not rise. Therefore You have punished and destroyed them and made all the memory of them to perish. You have increased the nation, O Lord, You have increased the nation. You are glorified. You have removed it far to all the ends of the earth. Lord, they have visited You in trouble. They poured out a prayer when Your discipline was on them. Like a woman with child who draws near the
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time of her delivery is in pain and cries out in her pangs, so have we been in Your sight, O Lord. We have been with child; we have been in pain. We have, as it were, brought forth wind. We have not worked any deliverance in the earth, nor have the inhabitants of the world fallen. Your dead men shall live. Together with my dead body they shall arise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust, for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead.
The Order of Events 20 Come, my people, enter into your chambers and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself, as it were, for a little moment, until the indignation has passed over. 21 For behold, the Lord comes out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the earth for their iniquity. The earth shall also disclose her blood and shall no longer cover her slain.
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On that day the Lord shall punish Leviathan the piercing serpent, even Leviathan that crooked serpent, with His severe and great and
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strong sword, and He shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. 2 3
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On that day sing to her, “A vineyard of red wine. I the Lord keep it. I will water it every moment, lest anyone hurt it. I will keep it night and day. Fury is not in Me. Who would set the briars and thorns against Me in battle? I would go through them. I would burn them together. Or let him take hold of My strength, that he may make peace with Me, and he shall make peace with Me.”
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He shall cause those who come from Jacob to take root. Israel shall blossom and bud and fill the face of the world with fruit.
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Has He struck him, as He struck those who struck him? Or is He slain according to the slaughter of those who are slain by Him? You will debate with it in measure when it shoots forth He stops His rough wind on the day of the east wind. Therefore, by this the iniquity of Jacob shall be purged. And this is all the fruit to take away his sin: when he makes
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Isaiah 28:6
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all the stones of the altar as chalkstones that are beaten to pieces, the groves and images shall not stand up. Yet the fortified city shall be desolate, and the habitation abandoned and left like a wilderness. There the calf shall feed, and there he shall lie down and consume its branches. When its branches are withered, they shall be broken off. The women come and set them on fire, for it is a people of no understanding. Therefore He who made them will not have mercy on them, and He who formed them will show them no favor. And it shall come to pass on that day that the Lord shall thresh from the channel of the river to the stream of Egypt, and you shall be gathered one by one, O you children of Israel. And it shall come to pass on that day that the great trumpet shall be blown, and those who were ready to perish in the land of Assyria and the outcasts in the land of Egypt shall come and shall worship the Lord in the holy mount at Jerusalem.
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Prediction of the Assyrian Captivity Woe to the crown of pride, to the drunkards of Ephraim, whose glorious beauty is a fading flower, which is at the head of the fertile valleys of those who are overcome with wine! 2 Behold, the Lord has a mighty and strong one who, like a tempest of hail and a destroying storm, like a flood of mighty waters overflowing, shall cast them down to the earth with the hand. 3 The crown of pride, the drunkards of Ephraim, shall be trampled underfoot. 4 And the glorious beauty that is at the head of the fertile valley shall be a fading flower and like the hasty fruit before the summer, which when he who looks on it sees, while it is still in his hand, he eats it up.
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On that day the Lord of hosts shall be for a crown of glory and for a diadem of beauty to the remnant of His people, and for a spirit of justice to him who sits in judgment, and for strength to those who turn the battle to the gate.
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But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way. The priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink. They are swallowed up by wine. They are out of the way through strong drink. They err in vision. They stumble in judgment. For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean. “To whom shall He teach knowledge? And to whom shall He make to understand doctrine? Those who are weaned from the milk and drawn from the breasts? For precept must be on precept, precept on precept, line on line, line on line, here a little and there a little.” For with stammering lips and another language He will speak to this people, to whom He said, “This is the rest with which you may cause the weary to rest,” and “This is the refreshing,” yet they would not hear. But the word of the Lord to them was “Precept on precept, precept on precept, line on
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line, line on line, here a little and there a little,” that they might go and fall backward and be broken and snared and taken. The Fate of Ephraim 14 Therefore, hear the word of the Lord, you scornful men who rule this people who are in Jerusalem, 15 because you have said, “We have made a cov enant with death, and we are in agreement with hell. When the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come to us, for we have made lies our refuge, and we have hidden ourselves under falsehood.” 16 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stone for a foundation, a tested stone, a precious cornerstone, a sure foundation. He who believes in it shall not make haste. 17 I will also lay judgment to the line and righteousness to the plumb. And the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. 18 And your covenant with death shall be annulled,
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and your agreement with hell shall not stand. When the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then you shall be trampled by it. From the time that it goes out it shall take you, for it shall pass over morning by morning, by day and by night, and it shall be troubling only to understand the report.” For the bed is shorter than a man can stretch himself out on, and the covering narrower than he can wrap himself in. For the Lord shall rise up as at Mount Perazim; He shall be angry as in the Valley of Gibeon— that He may do His work, His strange work, and bring to pass His act, His strange act. Now therefore, do not be mockers, lest your bonds be made strong, for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts of a destruction, even determined for the whole earth. Give ear and hear my voice; listen and hear my speech. Does the plowman plow all day to sow? Does he open and break the clods of his ground? When he has made its
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face plain, does he not cast abroad the black cumin and scatter the cumin and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rye in their place? For his God instructs him with discretion and teaches him. For the black cumin is not threshed with a threshing instrument, nor is a cart wheel turned over the cumin, but the black cumin is beaten out with a staff and the cumin with a rod. Bread grain is ground because he will not thresh it forever or break it with the wheel of his cart or crush it with his horsemen. This also comes from the Lord of hosts, who is wonderful in counsel and excellent in works.
Impending Discipline “Woe to Ariel, to Ariel, the city where David dwelled! Add year to year. Let them kill sacrifices. 2 Yet I will distress Ariel, and there shall be heaviness and sorrow. And it shall be to Me as Ariel. 3 And I will camp against you all around and will lay siege against you with a mount, and I will
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raise forts against you. And you shall be brought down and shall speak out of the ground, and your speech shall be low out of the dust. And your voice shall be like one who is a medium, out of the ground, and your speech shall whisper out of the dust. Moreover, the multitude of your strangers shall be like fine dust, and the multitude of the terrible ones shall be like chaff that passes away. Yes, it shall be in an instant, suddenly. You shall be punished by the Lord of hosts with thunder and with earthquake and great noise, with storm and tempest, and the flame of devouring fire. And the multitude of all the nations that fight against Ariel, even all who fight against her and her stronghold, and who distress her, shall be like a dream of a night vision. It shall be like when a hungry man dreams, and behold, he eats, but he awakes, and his soul is empty. Or like when a thirsty man dreams, and behold, he drinks, but he awakes, and behold, he is faint, and his soul has an appetite. So shall the multitude of all the
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nations be that fight against Mount Zion.” 9
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Stop yourselves and wonder. Cry out and cry. They are drunk, but not with wine. They stagger, but not with strong drink. For the Lord has poured out on you the spirit of deep sleep and has closed your eyes. The prophets and your rulers, the seers He has covered. 11 And to you the entire vision will
be like the words of a book that is sealed, which men deliver to one who is learned, saying, “Read this, I ask you.” And he says, “I cannot, for it is sealed.” 12 And the book is delivered to him who is not learned, saying, “Read this, I ask you.” And he says, “I am not learned.” 13 Therefore the Lord said,
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“Because these people draw near Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but have removed their hearts far from Me, and their fear toward Me is taught by the precept of men, therefore behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, a marvelous work and a wonder, for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their
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prudent men shall be hidden.” 15
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Woe to those who seek to deeply hide their plans from the Lord, and whose works are in the dark, and who say, “Who sees us?” and “Who knows us?” Surely your turning of things upside down shall be esteemed as the potter’s clay, for shall the work say of him who made it, “He did not make me”? Or shall the thing formed say of him who formed it, “He had no understanding”?
Blessing after Deliverance 17 Is it not yet a very little while until Lebanon shall be turned into a fruitful field, and the fruitful field shall be esteemed as a forest? 18 And on that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, and the eyes of the blind shall see out of obscurity and out of darkness. 19 Also the meek shall increase their joy in the Lord, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. 20 For the terrible one is brought to nothing, and the scorner is destroyed, and all who watch for iniquity are cut off—
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who by a word make a man an offender and lay a snare in the gate for him who rebukes and turn aside the just for a worthless thing. 22 Therefore this is what the Lord
says, who redeemed Abraham, concerning the house of Jacob:
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“Jacob shall not now be ashamed, nor shall his face now grow pale. But when he sees his children, the work of My hands, in his midst, they shall sanctify My name and sanctify the Holy One of Jacob and shall fear the God of Israel. Also those who went astray in spirit shall come to understanding, and those who murmured shall learn doctrine.”
Warnings against an Alliance with Egypt “Woe to the rebellious children,” says the Lord, “who take counsel, but not from Me, and who cover with a covering, but not of My Spirit, that they may add sin to sin, 2 who walk to go down into Egypt and have not asked from My mouth, to strengthen themselves in the strength of Pharaoh and to trust in
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the shadow of Egypt! Therefore the strength of Pharaoh shall be your shame, and the trust in the shadow of Egypt your humiliation. For his princes were at Zoan and his ambassadors came to Hanes. They were all ashamed of a people who could not benefit them, nor be a help or benefit but a shame and also a disgrace.”
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Into the land of trouble and anguish, from where the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent come, they will carry their riches on the shoulders of young donkeys and their treasures on the humps of camels to a people who shall not benefit them. For the Egyptians shall help in vain and to no purpose. Therefore I have cried concerning this, “Their strength is to sit still.” Now go, write it on a tablet before them and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come forever and ever: that this is a rebellious people, lying children,
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children who will not hear the law of the Lord, who say to the seers, “Do not see,” and to the prophets, “Do not prophesy right things to us. Speak smooth things to us. Prophesy deceits. Get out of the way; turn aside from the path; cause the Holy One of Israel to cease from before us.” Therefore this is what the Holy One of Israel says: “Because you despise this word and trust in oppression and perverseness and rely on them, therefore this iniquity shall be to you like a breach ready to fall, swelling out in a high wall, whose breaking comes suddenly, at an instant. And He shall break it like the breaking of the potters’ vessel that is broken in pieces. He shall not spare, so that in its bursting not a shard shall be found to take fire from the hearth or to take water out of the pit.” For this is what the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel says: “In returning and rest you shall be saved. In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” And you would not. And you said, “No, for
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we will flee on horses.” Therefore you shall flee. And, “We will ride on the swift.” Therefore those who pursue you shall be swift. One thousand shall flee at the rebuke of one. You shall flee at the rebuke of five until you are left like a beacon on the top of a mountain and like a banner on a hill. And therefore the Lord will wait, that He may be gracious to you. And therefore He will be exalted, that He may have mercy on you. For the Lord is a God of judgment. All those who wait for Him are blessed.
the people shall dwell in Zion at Jerusalem. You shall weep no longer. He will be very gracious to you at the sound of your cry. When He hears it, He will answer you. 20 And though the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, yet your teachers shall not be moved to a corner any longer, but your eyes shall see your teachers. 21 And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it,” when you turn to the right hand and when you turn to the left. 22 You shall also defile the covering of your carved images of silver and your cast metal images of gold. You shall cast them away as a menstrual cloth. You shall say to it, “Get away!” 23 Then He shall give
the rain for your seed, with which you shall sow the ground, and bread from the increase of the earth, and it shall be rich and plentiful. On that day your cattle shall feed in large pastures. 24 Likewise the oxen and the young donkeys that plow the ground shall eat clean feed, which has been winnowed with the shovel and with the fan. 25 And on every high mountain and on every high hill there shall be rivers and streams of waters on the day of the great slaughter when the towers fall. 26 Moreover, the light of the moon shall be as the light of the sun, and the light of the sun shall be sevenfold, as the light of seven days, on the day that the Lord binds up the breach of His people and heals the bruise of their wound. 27
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Behold, the name of the Lord comes from afar, burning with His anger, and His burden is heavy. His lips are full of indignation, and His tongue like a devouring fire. And His breath, like an overflowing stream, shall reach to the midst of the neck, to sift the nations with the sieve of vanity, and there shall be a bridle in the jaws of the people, causing them to go astray. You shall have a song, as in the night when a holy ceremony is kept, and gladness of heart, as when one goes with a pipe to come to the
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mountain of the Lord, to the Mighty One of Israel. And the Lord shall cause His glorious voice to be heard and shall show the descent of His arm with the indignation of His anger and with the flame of a devouring fire, with scattering and tempest and hailstones. For through the voice of the Lord the Assyrian shall be beaten down, when He strikes with a rod. And in every place where the grounded staff shall pass, which the Lord shall lay on him, it shall be with tambourines and harps, and in battles of shaking He will fight with it. For Topheth was established of old; indeed, it was prepared for the king. He has made it deep and large. The pile of it is fire and much wood. The breath of the Lord, like a stream of brimstone, kindles it.
Judah Again Warned against the Egyptian Alliance Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help and rely on horses and trust in chariots because they are many, and in horsemen because they are very strong, but they do not look to the Holy
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One of Israel or seek the Lord! Yet He also is wise and will bring evil and will not call back His words but will arise against the house of the evildoers and against the help of those who work iniquity. Now the Egyptians are men and not God, and their horses are flesh and not spirit. When the Lord shall stretch out His hand, both he who helps shall fall and he who is helped shall fall down. And they all shall fail together. For this is what the Lord has spoken to me: “As the lion, and the young lion, roars over his prey (when a multitude of shepherds is called forth against him, he will not be afraid of their voice or humble himself at their noise), so the Lord of hosts shall come down to fight for Mount Zion and for its hill. Like birds flying, so the Lord of hosts will defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it, and passing over, He will preserve it.” Return to Him from whom the children of Israel have deeply revolted.
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For in that day every man shall cast away his idols of silver and his idols of gold, which your own hands have made for you as a sin. “Then the Assyrian shall fall by the sword not of a mighty man, and the sword not of a common man shall devour him. But he shall flee from the sword, and his young men shall be burdened And he shall pass over to his stronghold for fear, and his princes shall be afraid of the banner,” says the Lord, whose fire is in Zion and whose furnace is in Jerusalem.
Promise and Warning Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.
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And a man shall be like a hiding place from the wind and a shelter from the storm, like rivers of water in a dry place, like the shadow of a great rock in a weary land. And the eyes of those who see shall not be dim, and the ears of those who hear shall listen. Also the heart of the rash shall understand knowledge, and the
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tongue of the stammerers shall be ready to speak plainly. The vile person shall no longer be called noble, nor the scoundrel said to be generous. For the vile person will speak wickedness, and his heart will work iniquity, to practice hypocrisy and to utter error against the Lord, to make the soul of the hungry empty, and he will cause the drink of the thirsty to fail. Also the instruments of the scoundrel are evil. He devises wicked plans to destroy the poor with lying words, even when the needy speaks what is right. But the noble person devises noble things, and by noble things he shall stand. Rise up, you women who are at ease; hear my voice, you careless daughters. Give ear to my speech. You shall be troubled many days and years, you careless women, for the grape gathering shall fail, the gathering shall not come. Tremble, you women who are at ease. Be troubled, you careless ones. Strip yourselves
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and make yourselves bare and gird sackcloth on your loins. They shall lament with their breasts, for the pleasant fields, for the fruitful vine. On the land of my people thorns and briars shall come up, yes, on all the houses of joy in the joyous city. Because the palaces shall be abandoned, the multitude of the city shall be left. The forts and towers shall be dens forever, a joy of wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks, until the Spirit is poured out on us from on high, and the wilderness becomes a fruitful field, and the fruitful field is counted as a forest. Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field. And the work of righteousness shall be peace, and the effect of righteousness, quietness, and assurance forever. And my people shall dwell in a peaceful habitation and in secure dwellings and in quiet resting places, when it shall hail, coming down on the forest, and the city shall be low in a low place.
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Blessed are you who sow beside all waters, who send out the feet of the ox and the donkey there.
Promise and Warning, Continued Woe to you who plunder, and you were not plundered, and deal treacherously, and they did not deal treacherously with you! When you shall cease to plunder, you shall be plundered, and when you shall stop dealing treacherously, they shall deal treacherously with you.
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O Lord, be gracious to us. We have waited for You. Be their arm every morning, our salvation also in the time of trouble. At the noise of a tumult the people fled. At the lifting up of Yourself the nations were scattered. And Your plunder shall be gathered like the gathering of the caterpillar; as the running to and fro of locusts He shall run upon them. The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high. He has filled Zion with judgment and righteousness. And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of your times, and
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strength of salvation. The fear of the Lord is his treasure. Behold, their valiant ones shall cry outside. The ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly. The highways lie desolate; the traveling man ceases. He has broken the covenant; he has despised the cities; he regards no man. The earth mourns and languishes; Lebanon is ashamed and cut down. Sharon is like a wilderness, and Bashan and Carmel shake off their fruits. “Now I will rise,” says the Lord. “Now I will be exalted; now I will lift up Myself. You shall conceive chaff; you shall bring forth stubble. Your breath, as fire, shall devour you. And the people shall be like the burnings of lime. Like thorns cut up they shall be burned in the fire. You who are far off, hear what I have done, and you who are near, acknowledge My might.” The sinners in Zion are afraid. Fearfulness has surprised the hypocrites. “Who among us shall dwell with the devouring fire? Who among us
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shall dwell with everlasting burnings?” He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, he who despises the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hands from holding bribes, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from seeing evil— 16 he shall dwell on high. His place of defense shall be the stronghold of rocks. Bread shall be given to him; his waters shall be sure. Your eyes shall see the King in His beauty. They shall see the land that is very far off. Your heart shall meditate on terror: “Where is the scribe? Where is the receiver? Where is he who counted the towers?” You shall not see a fierce people, a people of a deeper speech than you can perceive, of a stammering tongue that you cannot understand. Look at Zion, the city of our ceremonies. Your eyes shall see Jerusalem, a quiet habitation, a tabernacle that shall not be taken down. Not one of its stakes shall ever be removed, nor shall any of its cords be broken.
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But there the glorious Lord will be for us a place of broad rivers and streams, in which no boat with oars shall go, nor shall gallant ships pass by. For the Lord is our judge, the Lord is our lawgiver, the Lord is our king. He will save us. Your tackle is loose; it could not strengthen its mast well; it could not spread the sail. Then the prey of a great plunder is divided. The lame take the prey. And the inhabitant shall not say, “I am sick.” The people who dwell there shall be forgiven their iniquity.
The Day of the Lord: Armageddon Come near, you nations, to hear, and listen, you people. Let the earth and all that is in it hear, the world and all things that come forth from it. 2 For the indignation of the Lord is on all nations, and His fury against all their armies. He has utterly destroyed them. He has delivered them to the slaughter. 3 Their slain shall also be cast out, and their stench shall come up out of their corpses, and
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the mountains shall be melted with their blood. And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together like a scroll. And all their host shall fall down as the leaf falls off the vine and as a falling fig from the fig tree. “For My sword shall be bathed in heaven. Behold, it shall come down on Edom and on the people of My curse, for judgment. The sword of the Lord is filled with blood. It is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams. For the Lord has a sacrifice in Bozrah, and a great slaughter in the land of Edom. And the wild oxen shall come down with them, and the young bulls with the bulls, and their land shall be soaked with blood, and their dust made fat with fatness.” For it is the day of the Lord’s vengeance, and the year of recompense for the controversy of Zion. And its streams shall be turned into pitch and its dust into brimstone, and its land shall become burning pitch.
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It shall not be quenched night or day. Its smoke shall go up forever. From generation to generation it shall lie desolate. No one shall pass through it forever and ever.
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But the cormorant and the heron shall possess it, also the owl and the raven shall dwell in it. And He shall stretch out on it the line of confusion and the stones of emptiness. They shall call its nobles to the kingdom, but no one shall be there. And all its princes shall be nothing. And thorns shall come up in its palaces, nettles and brambles in its fortresses, and it shall be a habitation of jackals and a courtyard for owls. The wild beasts of the desert shall also meet with the wild beasts of the island, and the satyr shall cry to its companion. The screech owl shall also rest there and find a place of rest for herself. The great owl shall make her nest there, and lay, and hatch, and gather under her shadow. The vultures shall also be gathered there, each one with her mate.
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“Seek out of the book of the Lord and read: Not one of these shall fail; not one shall lack its mate. For My mouth has commanded it, and His Spirit has gathered them. And He has cast the lot for them, and His hand has divided it to them by a measuring line. They shall possess it forever. From generation to generation they shall dwell in it.”
The Regathering of Israel The wilderness and the solitary place shall be glad for them, and the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose. 2 It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing. The glory of Lebanon shall be given to it, the excellency of Carmel and Sharon. They shall see the glory of the Lord and the excellency of our God.
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Strengthen the weak hands and make firm the feeble knees. Say to those who are of a fearful heart, “Be strong; do not fear. Behold, your God will come with vengeance— even God, with a recompense. He will come
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and save you.” Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then the lame man shall leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing, for waters shall break out in the wilderness, and streams in the desert. And the parched ground shall become a pool, and the thirsty land springs of water. In the habitation of jackals, where each lay, shall be grass with reeds and rushes. And a highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called the Way of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. The traveling men, though fools, shall not go astray on it. No lion shall be there, nor shall any ravenous beast go up on it. It shall not be found there. But the redeemed shall walk there, and the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with songs and with everlasting joy on their heads. They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
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Sennacherib’s Invasion Now it came to pass in the fourteenth year of King Hezekiah that Sennacherib, king of Assyria, came up against all the fortified cities of Judah and took them. 2 And the king of Assyria sent Rabshakeh with a great army from Lachish to Jerusalem to King Hezekiah. And he stood by the conduit of the upper pool, on the highway of the fuller’s field. 3 Then Eliakim, Hilkiah’s son who was over the house, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah, Asaph’s son, the secretary, came out to him. 4 And Rabshakeh said to them, “Say now to Hezekiah, ‘This is what the great king, the king of Assyria, says, “What confidence is this in which you trust? 5 I say, you say, ‘I have a plan and strength for war’ (but they are but vain words). Now in whom do you trust, that you rebel against me? 6 Behold, you trust in the staff of this broken reed, on Egypt, on which if a man leans, it will go into his hand and pierce it. So is Pharaoh, king of Egypt, to all who trust in him. 7 But if you say to me, ‘We trust in the Lord our God,’ is it not He whose high places and whose altars Hezekiah has taken away and said to Judah and to Jerusalem, ‘You shall worship before this altar’?”’ 8 Now therefore, I ask you, give pledges to my master the king of Assyria, and I will give you two thousand horses—if you are able on your part to set riders on them. 9 How then will you turn away the face of one captain of the least of my master’s servants and put your trust in Egypt for chariots and for
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horsemen? 10 And have I now come up without the Lord against this land to destroy it? The Lord said to me, ‘Go up against this land and destroy it.’” 11 Then Eliakim and Shebna and Joah said to Rabshakeh, “I ask you, speak to your servants in the Syrian language, for we understand it, and do not speak to us in the Jews’ language in the hearing of the people who are on the wall.” 12 But Rabshakeh said, “Has my master sent me to your master and to you to speak these words? Has he not sent me to the men who sit on the wall, that they may eat their own dung and drink their own urine with you?” 13 Then Rabshakeh stood and cried with a loud voice in the Jews’ language and said, “Hear the words of the great king, the king of Assyria. 14 This is what the king says: ‘Do not let Hezekiah deceive you, for he shall not be able to deliver you, 15 nor let Hezekiah make you trust in the Lord, saying, “The Lord will surely deliver us. This city shall not be delivered into the hand of the king of Assyria.”’ 16 Do not listen to Hezekiah, for this is what the king of Assyria says: ‘Make an agreement with me with a present and come out to me. And every one of you eat from his vine and every one from his fig tree, and every one of you drink the waters of his own cistern, 17 until I come and take you away to a land like your own land, a land of grain and wine, a land of bread and vineyards. 18 Beware lest Hezekiah persuade you, saying, “The Lord will deliver us.” Has any
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of the gods of the nations delivered his land from the hand of the king of Assyria? 19 Where are the gods of Hamath and Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim? And have they delivered Samaria from my hand? 20 Who are they among all the gods of these lands who have delivered their land from my hand, that the Lord would deliver Jerusalem from my hand?’” 21 But they said nothing and did not answer him a word, for the king’s commandment was “Do not answer him.” 22 Then Eliakim the son of Hilkiah, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and Joah the son of Asaph, the recorder, came to Hezekiah with their clothes torn and told him the words of Rabshakeh.
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And it came to pass, when King Hezekiah heard it, that he tore his clothes and covered himself with sackcloth and went into the house of the Lord. 2 And he sent Eliakim, who was over the household, and Shebna the scribe, and the elders of the priests, covered with sackcloth, to Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz. 3 And they said to him, “This is what Hezekiah says: ‘This day is a day of trouble, and of rebuke, and of blasphemy, for the children have come to the birth, and there is no strength to bring them forth. 4 It may be that the Lord your God will hear the words of Rabshakeh, whom his master, the king of Assyria, has sent to dishonor the living God, and will rebuke the words that the Lord your God has heard. Therefore lift up your prayer for the remnant that is left.’”
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Message of Jehovah from Isaiah 5 So the servants of King Hezekiah came to Isaiah. 6 And Isaiah said to them, “This is what you shall say to your master: ‘This is what the Lord says: “Do not be afraid of the words that you have heard, with which the servants of the king of Assyria have blasphemed Me. 7 Behold, I will send a spirit on him, and he shall hear a rumor and return to his own land. And I will cause him to fall by the sword in his own land.”’” 8 So Rabshakeh returned and found the king of Assyria warring against Libnah, for he had heard that he had departed from Lachish. 9 And he heard it said concerning Tirhakah king of Ethiopia, “He has come forth to make war with you.” And when he heard it, he sent messengers to Hezekiah, saying, 10 “This is what you shall say to Hezekiah, king of Judah, saying, ‘Do not let your God in whom you trust deceive you, saying, “Jerusalem shall not be given into the hand of the king of Assyria.” 11 Behold, you have heard what the kings of Assyria have done to all lands by utterly destroying them, and shall you be delivered? 12 Have the gods of the nations delivered those who my fathers have destroyed—Gozan and Haran and Rezeph and the children of Eden who were in Telassar? 13 Where is the king of Hamath and the king of Arpad and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, Hena and Ivvah?’” 14 And Hezekiah received the letter from the hand of the messengers and read it, and Hezekiah went up
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to the house of the Lord and spread it before the Lord. 15 And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord, saying, 16 “O Lord of hosts, God of Israel, who dwells between the cherubim, You are the God, even You alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. 17 Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear. Open Your eyes, O Lord, and see. And hear all the words of Sennacherib, which he has sent to dishonor the living God. 18 Truly, Lord, the kings of Assyria have laid waste all the nations and their countries 19 and have cast their gods into the fire, for they were not gods but the work of men’s hands—wood and stone. Therefore they have destroyed them. 20 Now therefore, O Lord our God, save us from his hand, that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that You are the Lord, even You alone.” Jehovah’s Answer by Isaiah 21 Then Isaiah the son of Amoz sent to Hezekiah, saying, “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘Because you have prayed to Me against Sennacherib, king of Assyria, 22 this is the word that the Lord has spoken concerning him:
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The virgin, the daughter of Zion, has despised you and laughed you to scorn. The daughter of Jerusalem has shaken her head at you. Whom have you dishonored and blasphemed? And against whom have you exalted your voice and lifted up your eyes
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on high? Even against the Holy One of Israel. By your servants you have dishonored the Lord and have said, “By the multitude of my chariots I have come up to the height of the mountains, to the sides of Lebanon, and I will cut down its tall cedars and its choice fir trees. And I will enter into the height of his territory, and the forest of his Carmel. I have dug and drunk water, and with the sole of my feet I have dried up all the rivers of the besieged places.” Have you not heard long ago how I have done it, and from ancient times that I formed it? Now I have brought it to pass, that you should lay waste fortified cities into ruinous heaps. Therefore their inhabitants were of little power. They were dismayed and confounded. They were like the grass of the field, and like the green vegetation, like the grass on the housetops, and like grain blighted before it has grown up. But I know your dwelling place, and your going out, and your coming in, and your rage against Me.
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Because you rage against Me and your tumult has come up into My ears, therefore I will put My hook in your nose and My bridle in your lips, and I will turn you back by the way that you came. And this shall be a sign to you: you shall eat this year what grows by itself, and the second year what springs from the same, and in the third year you sow and reap and plant vineyards and eat their fruit. And the remnant who have escaped of the house of Judah shall again take root downward and bear fruit upward. For out of Jerusalem a remnant shall go forth, and those who escape from Mount Zion. The zeal of the Lord of hosts shall do this.’ 33 “Therefore
this is what the Lord says concerning the king of Assyria, ‘He shall not come into this city, or shoot an arrow there, or come before it with shields, or cast up a rampart against it. 34 By the way that he came, by the same he shall return, and he shall not come into this city,’ says the Lord. 35 ‘For I will defend this city to save it for My own sake, and for My servant David’s sake.’”
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Destruction of the Assyrian Army 36 Then the angel of the Lord went out and struck one hundred and eighty-five thousand in the camp of the Assyrians, and when they arose early in the morning, behold, they were all dead corpses. 37 So Sennacherib, king of Assyria, departed, and went and returned, and dwelled in Nineveh. 38 And it came to pass, as he was worshipping in the house of Nisroch his god, that his sons Adrammelech and Sharezer struck him with the sword, and they escaped into the land of Armenia. And his son Esar- haddon reigned in his place.
of the king of Assyria, and I will defend this city.”’ 7 And this shall be a sign to you from the Lord, that the Lord will do this thing that He has spoken: 8 Behold, I will bring back the shadow of the degrees, which has gone down on the sundial of Ahaz, ten degrees backward.” So the sun returned ten degrees by which degrees it had gone down. 9 The writing of Hezekiah king of Judah, when he had been sick and had recovered from his sickness:
Hezekiah’s Sickness and Recovery In those days Hezekiah was sick and near death. And Isaiah the prophet, the son of Amoz, came to him and said to him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Set your house in order, for you shall die and not live.’” 2 Then Hezekiah turned his face toward the wall and prayed to the Lord 3 and said, “Remember now, O Lord, I beseech You, how I have walked before You in truth and with a whole heart and have done what is good in Your sight.” And Hezekiah wept sorely. 4 Then the word of the Lord came to Isaiah, saying, 5 “Go and say to Hezekiah, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of David your father says: “I have heard your prayer. I have seen your tears. Behold, I will add fifteen years to your days. 6 And I will deliver you and this city from the hand
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I said, “In the cutting off of my days, I shall go to the gates of the grave. I am deprived of the rest of my years.” I said, “I shall not see the Lord, even the Lord, in the land of the living. I shall no longer see man with the inhabitants of the world. My age has departed and has been removed from me like a shepherd’s tent. I have cut off my life like a weaver. He will cut me off with pining sickness. From day until night You will make an end of me. I considered until morning that, like a lion, so He will break all my bones. From day until night You will make an end of me. Like a crane or a swallow, so I chattered. I mourned as a dove. My eyes fail from looking
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upward. O Lord, I am oppressed. Undertake for me. What shall I say? He has spoken to me, and He Himself has done it. I shall go softly all my years in the bitterness of my soul. O Lord, by these things men live, and in all these things is the life of my spirit, so You will restore me and make me to live. Behold, for peace I had great bitterness, but You have in love for my soul delivered it from the pit of corruption, for You have cast all my sins behind Your back. For the grave cannot praise You. Death cannot celebrate You. Those who go down into the pit cannot hope for Your truth. The living, the living, he shall praise You, as I do this day. The father shall make known Your truth to the children. The Lord was ready to save me. Therefore we will sing my songs with stringed instruments all the days of our life in the house of the Lord.” 21 For Isaiah had said, “Let them
take a lump of figs and lay it as a plaster on the boil, and he shall recover.” 22 Hezekiah also had said,
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“What is the sign that I shall go up to the house of the Lord?” Hezekiah’s Foolishness At that time Merodach- baladan the son of Baladan, king of Babylon, sent letters and a present to Hezekiah, for he had heard that he had been sick and had recovered. 2 And Hezekiah was glad for them and showed them the house of his precious things—the silver and the gold, and the spices and the precious ointment, and all the house of his armor—and all that was found in his treasuries. There was nothing in his house or in all his dominion that Hezekiah did not show them. 3 Then Isaiah the prophet came to King Hezekiah and said to him, “What did these men say? And from where did they come to you?” And Hezekiah said, “They came to me from a far country, even from Babylon.” 4 Then he said, “What have they seen in your house?” And Hezekiah answered, “They have seen all that is in my house. There is nothing among my treasuries that I have not shown them.” 5 Then Isaiah said to Hezekiah, “Hear the word of the Lord of hosts: 6 ‘Behold, the days are coming when all that is in your house and what your fathers have stored up until this day shall be carried to Babylon. Nothing shall be left,’ says the Lord. 7 ‘And they shall take away some of your sons who shall come from you, whom you shall beget, and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.’” 8 Then Hezekiah said to Isaiah,
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“The word of the Lord that you have spoken is good.” Moreover, he said, “For there shall be peace and truth in my days.”
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The Prophet’s New Message “Comfort, comfort My people,” says your God. 2 “Speak comfortingly to Jerusalem, and cry to her, that her warfare has been accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned for she has received double from the Lord’s hand for all her sins.”
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The Mission of John the Baptist 3 The voice of him who cries in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord. Make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4 Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. And the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough places plain. 5 And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.” 6
The voice said, “Cry.” And he said, “What shall I cry?” “All flesh is grass, and all its loveliness is like the flower of the field.
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The grass withers, the flower fades, because the breath of the Lord blows on it. Surely the people are grass. The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God shall stand forever.”
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O Zion, who brings good news, get up into the high mountain. O Jerusalem, who brings good news, lift up your voice with strength. Lift it up; do not be afraid. Say to the cities of Judah, “Behold your God!”
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Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and His arm shall rule for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him and His work before Him. He shall feed His flock like a shepherd. He shall gather the lambs with His arm and carry them in His bosom, and shall gently lead those who are with young.
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Who has measured the waters in the hollow of His hand, and measured out heaven with the span, and calculated the dust of the earth in a measure, and weighed the mountains in scales and the hills in a balance?
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Who has directed the Spirit of the Lord or, being His counselor, has taught Him? With whom did He take counsel, and who instructed Him and taught Him in the path of judgment, and taught Him knowledge and showed Him the way of understanding? Behold, the nations are like a drop in a bucket and are counted as the small dust of the balance. Behold, He takes up the islands as a very little thing. And Lebanon is not sufficient to burn, nor its beasts sufficient for a burnt offering. All nations are as nothing before Him, and they are counted to Him as less than nothing and vanity. To whom then will you liken God? Or what likeness will you compare to Him? The workman melts a carved image, and the goldsmith spreads gold over it and casts silver chains. He who is so impoverished that he has no offering chooses a tree that will not rot. He seeks for himself a skilled workman to prepare a carved image that
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shall not be moved. Have you not known? Have you not heard? Has it not been told to you from the beginning? Have you not understood from the foundations of the earth? It is He who sits on the circle of the earth, and its inhabitants are like grasshoppers, who stretches out the heavens like a curtain and spreads them out like a tent to dwell in. He reduces the princes to nothing. He makes the judges of the earth as nothing. Yes, they shall not be planted. Yes, they shall not be sown. Yes, their stock shall not take root in the earth. And He shall also blow on them, and they shall wither, and the whirlwind shall take them away like stubble. “To whom, then, will you liken Me, or to whom shall I be equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes on high and see who has created these things, who brings out their host by number. He calls them all by name by the greatness of His might, for He is strong in power; not one fails.
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Why do you say, O Jacob, and speak, O Israel, “My way is hidden from the Lord, and my judgment is passed over by my God”? Have you not known? Have you not heard that the everlasting God, the Lord, the Creator of the ends of the earth, does not faint, nor is weary? There is no searching of His understanding. He gives power to the faint, and He increases the strength of those who have no might. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall, but those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, and they shall walk and not faint.
The Weakness of Man “Keep silent before Me, O coastlands, and let the people renew their strength. Let them come near, then let them speak. Let us come together for judgment. 2 Who raised up the righteous man from the east, called him to His feet, gave the nations before him, and made him rule
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over kings? He gave them like the dust to his sword and like driven stubble to his bow. He pursued them and passed safely, even by the way that he had not gone with his feet. Who has worked and done it, calling the generations from the beginning? ‘I, the Lord, the first, and with the last. I am He.’” The coastlands saw it and feared. The ends of the earth were afraid, drew near, and came. Everyone helped his neighbor, and everyone said to his brother, “Be of good courage.” So the carpenter encouraged the goldsmith, and he who smooths with the hammer encouraged him who strikes the anvil, saying, “It is ready for the soldering.” And he fastened it with nails, that it should not be moved. “But you, Israel, are My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the offspring of Abraham My friend. You whom I have taken from the ends of the earth, and called you from the chief men of them, and said to you,
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‘You are My servant. I have chosen you and have not cast you away. Do not fear, for I am with you. Do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you. Yes, I will help you. Yes, I will uphold you with the right hand of My righteousness.’ Behold, all those who were incensed against you shall be ashamed and confounded. They shall be as nothing, and those who contend with you shall perish. You shall seek them and shall not find them— even those who contended with you. Those who war against you shall be as nothing and as a thing of emptiness. For I, the Lord your God, will hold your right hand, saying to you, ‘Do not fear. I will help you.’ Do not fear, you worm Jacob and you men of Israel. I will help you,” says the Lord and your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel. “Behold, I will make you a new sharp threshing instrument that has teeth. You shall thresh the mountains, and beat them small, and shall make the hills like chaff. You shall fan them, and the wind shall carry
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Isaiah 41:22
them away, and the whirlwind shall scatter them. And you shall rejoice in the Lord, and shall glory in the Holy One of Israel. 17
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“When the poor and needy seek water, and there is none, and their tongues fail for thirst, I, the Lord, will hear them. I, the God of Israel, will not abandon them. I will open rivers in high places and fountains in the middle of the valleys. I will make the wilderness a pool of water and the dry land springs of water. I will plant in the wilderness the cedar, the acacia tree, and the myrtle, and the olive tree. I will set in the desert the fir tree, and the pine, and the box tree together, that they may see and know and consider and understand together that the hand of the Lord has done this, and the Holy One of Israel has created it. “Produce your case,” says the Lord. “Bring forth your strong reasons,” says the King of Jacob. Let them bring them forth and tell us what
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shall happen. Let them tell of the former things, what they were, that we may consider them and know the latter end of them, or declare to us things to come. Tell the things that are to come hereafter, that we may know that you are gods. Yes, do good or do evil, that we may be dismayed and see it together. Behold, you are of nothing, and your work is of nothing. He who chooses you is an abomination. “I have raised up one from the north, and he shall come. From the rising of the sun he shall call on My name, and he shall come upon princes as upon mortar and as the potter treads clay. Who has declared from the beginning, that we may know? And in former times, that we may say, ‘He is righteous’? Yes, there is no one who proclaimed; yes, there is no one who declared. Yes, there is no one who heard your words. Previously I said to Zion, ‘Behold, see them!’ And I will give to Jerusalem one who brings good news.
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For I looked, and there was no man, even among them, and there was no counselor who, when I asked of them, could answer a word. Behold, they are all nothing. Their works are nothing. Their cast images are wind and confusion.”
Christ, the Servant of Jehovah “Behold, My Servant whom I uphold, My elect in whom My soul delights. I have put My Spirit upon Him. He shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. 2 He shall not cry, or lift up, or make His voice heard in the street. 3 A bruised reed He shall not break, and the smoking flax He shall not quench. He shall bring forth justice for truth. 4 He shall not fail or be discouraged, until He has established justice on the earth. And the coastlands shall wait for His law.”
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it and spirit to those who walk in it: “I, the Lord, have called You in righteousness and will hold Your hand and will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the Gentiles, to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison and those who sit in darkness out of the prison house.”
Israel Chosen, Sinning, Chastened, Restored 8 “I am the Lord—that is My name—and I will not give My glory to another or My praise to carved images. 9 Behold, the former things have come to pass, and I declare new things. I tell you of them before they spring forth.” 10
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Sing to the Lord a new song, and His praise from the ends of the earth, you who go down to the sea, and all that is in it, the coastlands and their inhabitants. Let the wilderness and its cities lift up their voice, the villages that Kedar inhabits. Let the inhabitants of the rock sing; let them shout from the top of the mountains. Let them give glory to
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the Lord and declare His praise in the coastlands. The Lord shall go forth as a mighty man. He shall stir up jealousy like a man of war. He shall cry, yes, roar. He shall prevail against His enemies. “I have remained silent for a long time. I have been still and refrained Myself. Now I will cry like a woman in labor; I will destroy and devour at once. I will make the mountains and hills desolate and dry up all their vegetation. And I will make the rivers coastlands, and I will dry up the pools. And I will bring the blind by a way that they did not know. I will lead them on paths that they have not known. I will make darkness light before them and crooked things straight. These things I will do for them, and I will not abandon them. They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, those who trust in carved images, who say to the cast images, ‘You are our gods.’ Hear, you deaf, and look,
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you blind, that you may see. Who is blind but My servant? Or deaf as My messenger whom I sent? Who is blind as he who is perfect and blind as the Lord’s servant? Seeing many things, but you do not observe. Opening the ears, but he does not hear.” The Lord is well pleased for His righteousness’ sake. He will magnify the law and make it honorable. But this is a people robbed and plundered. All of them are snared in holes, and they are hidden in prison houses. They are for prey, and no one delivers, for plunder, and no one says, “Restore!” Who among you will listen to this? Who will listen and hear for the time to come? Who gave Jacob for plunder and Israel to the robbers? Did not the Lord, against whom we have sinned? For they would not walk in His ways, nor were they obedient to His law. Therefore He has poured on him the fury of His anger and the strength of battle. And it has set him on fire all
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around, yet he did not know. And it burned him, yet he did not take it to heart. The Chosen Nation Redeemed and Restored But now this is what the Lord says, who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you. I have called you by your name. You are Mine. 2 When you pass through the waters, I will be with you, and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you. When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned, nor shall the flame kindle on you. 3 For I am the Lord your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior. I gave Egypt for your ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for you. 4 Since you were precious in My sight, you have been honored, and I have loved you. Therefore, I will give men for you, and people for your life. 5 Do not fear, for I am with you. I will bring your descendants from the east and gather you from the west. 6 I will say to the north, ‘Give up,’ and to the
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south, ‘Do not keep back.’ Bring My sons from afar and My daughters from the ends of the earth— even everyone who is called by My name, for I have created him for My glory. I have formed him. Yes, I have made him.” Bring out the blind people who have eyes and the deaf who have ears. Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled. Who among them can declare this and show us former things? Let them bring out their witnesses that they may be justified, or let them hear and say, “It is truth.” “You are My witnesses,” says the Lord, “And My servant whom I have chosen, that you may know and believe Me and understand that I am He. Before Me there was no God formed, nor shall there be after Me. I, even I, am the Lord, and besides Me there is no savior. I have declared and have saved, and I have proclaimed, when there was no foreign god among you. Therefore you are My witnesses,” says the
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Lord, “that I am God. Yes, before the day was, I am He, and there is no one who can deliver out of My hand. I will work, and who shall hinder it?” This is what the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel says: “For your sake I have sent to Babylon and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships. I am the Lord, your Holy One, the Creator of Israel, your King.” This is what the Lord says, who makes a way in the sea and a path in the mighty waters, who brings forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power (they shall lie down together; they shall not rise; they are extinct; they are quenched like a wick): “Do not remember the former things or consider the things of old. Behold, I will do a new thing. Now it shall spring forth. Shall you not know it? I will even make a road in the wilderness and rivers in the desert. The beast of the field shall honor Me, the jackals and the owls,
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because I give waters in the wilderness and rivers in the desert, to give drink to My people, My chosen. This people I have formed for Myself; they shall declare My praise. But you have not called on Me, O Jacob. But you have been weary of Me, O Israel. You have not brought Me the small cattle of your burnt offerings, nor have you honored Me with your sacrifices. I have not caused you to serve with an offering or wearied you with incense. You have not bought Me sweet cane with money, nor have you filled Me with the fat of your sacrifices. But you have burdened Me with your sins; you have wearied Me with your iniquities. I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake and will not remember your sins. Put Me in remembrance. Let us plead together. Declare yourself, that you may be justified. Your first father has sinned, and your teachers have transgressed against Me. Therefore I have profaned the princes of the sanctuary and have
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given Jacob to the curse and Israel to abuse.” The Promise of the Spirit; the Foolishness of Idolatry “Yet now hear, O Jacob, My servant, and Israel, whom I have chosen. 2 This is what the Lord says, who made you and formed you from the womb, who will help you: ‘Do not fear, O Jacob, My servant, and you, Jeshurun, whom I have chosen. 3 For I will pour water on him who is thirsty and floods on the dry ground. I will pour My Spirit on your descendants and My blessing on your offspring, 4 and they shall spring up among the grass like willows by the watercourses.’ 5 One shall say, ‘I am the Lord’s,’ and another shall call himself by the name of Jacob. And another shall subscribe with his hand to the Lord and name himself by the name of Israel. 6 This is what the Lord, the King of Israel, and his Redeemer, the Lord of hosts, says: ‘I am the first and I am the last, and there is no God besides Me. 7 And who, as I, shall call,
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and shall declare it, and set it in order for Me, since I appointed the ancient people? And let them declare to them the things that are coming and shall come. Do not fear. Do not be afraid. Have I not told you from that time and have declared it? You are even My witnesses. Is there a God besides Me? Indeed, there is no other God; I do not know any.’” Those who make a carved image, all of them are useless, and their delectable things shall not profit. And they are their own witnesses; they do not see or know, that they may be ashamed. Who has formed a god or cast an image that is profitable for nothing? Behold, all his companions shall be ashamed, and the workmen they are only men. Let them all be gathered together; let them stand up. Yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together. The blacksmith with the tongs works in the coals, and fashions it with hammers, and works it with the strength of his
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arms. Yes, he is hungry, and his strength fails. He drinks no water and is faint. The carpenter stretches out his rule. He marks it out with a line. He fits it with planes, and he marks it out with the compass and makes it like the figure of a man, according to the beauty of a man, that it may remain in the house. He cuts down cedars for himself and takes the cypress and the oak, which he strengthens for himself among the trees of the forest. He plants an ash tree, and the rain nourishes it. Then it shall be for a man to burn, for he will take some of it and warm himself. Yes, he kindles it and bakes bread. Yes, he makes a god and worships it. He makes it a carved image and falls down to it. He burns part of it in the fire; with part of it he eats meat. He roasts a roast and is satisfied. Yes, he warms himself and says, “Aha! I am warm. I have seen the fire.” And the rest of it he makes into a god, even his carved image. He falls down to it and worships it and prays to
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it and says, “Deliver me, for you are my god.” They have not known or understood, for He has shut their eyes, that they cannot see, and their hearts, that they cannot understand. And no one considers in his heart, nor is there knowledge or understanding to say, “I have burned part of it in the fire. Yes, I have also baked bread on its coals. I have roasted meat and eaten it. And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down to the trunk of a tree?” He feeds on ashes. A deceived heart has turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul or say, “Is there not a lie in my right hand?” “Remember these, O Jacob and Israel, for you are My servant. I have formed you; you are My servant. O Israel, you shall not be forgotten by Me. I have blotted out your transgressions like a thick cloud, and like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you.” Sing, O you heavens, for the Lord has done it.
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Shout, you lower parts of the earth. Break forth into singing, you mountains, O forest, and every tree in it. For the Lord has redeemed Jacob and glorified Himself in Israel. This is what the Lord, your Redeemer and He who formed you from the womb, says: “I am the Lord, who makes all things, who stretches out the heavens alone, who spreads out the earth by Myself; who frustrates the signs of the liars and makes diviners mad; who turns wise men backward and makes their knowledge foolish; who confirms the word of His servant and performs the counsel of His messengers; who says to Jerusalem, ‘You shall be inhabited,’ and to the cities of Judah, ‘You shall be built’—and I will raise up its desolate places; who says to the deep, ‘Be dry. And I will dry up your rivers’; who says of Cyrus, ‘He is My shepherd, and he shall perform all My pleasure,’ even saying to Jerusalem, ‘You shall be built,’ and to the temple, ‘Your foundation shall be laid.’”
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This is what the Lord says to His anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have held, to subdue nations before him—and I will loosen the loins of kings, to open before him the two gates, and the gates shall not be shut: “I will go before you and make the crooked places straight. I will break in pieces the gates of brass and cut in pieces the bars of iron. And I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, who calls you by your name, am the God of Israel. For the sake of Jacob My servant and Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name. I have named you, though you have not known Me.”
Salvation Found Only in Jehovah 5 “I am the Lord, and there is no one else. There is no God besides Me. I girded you, though you have not known Me, 6 that they may know from the rising of the sun, and from the west, that there is no one besides Me. I am the Lord,
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and there is no one else. I form the light and create darkness. I make peace and create disaster. I, the Lord, do all these things. Drip down, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth open, and let them bring forth salvation, and let righteousness spring up together. I, the Lord, have created it. Woe to him who contends with his Maker! Let the piece of pottery contend with the pieces of pottery of the earth. Shall the clay say to him who fashions it, ‘What are you making?’ Or your work say, ‘He has no hands’? Woe to him who says to his father, ‘What are you begetting?’ Or to the woman, ‘What have you brought forth?’” This is what the Lord says, the Holy One of Israel, and his Maker: “Ask Me of things to come concerning My sons, and command Me concerning the work of My hands. I have made the earth and created man on it. I, even My hands, have stretched out the heavens, and I have commanded all their host.
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I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways. He shall build My city and he shall let My captives go, not for price or reward,” says the Lord of hosts. This is what the Lord says: “The labor of Egypt and merchandise of Ethiopia and of the Sabeans, men of stature, shall come over to you, and they shall be yours. They shall come after you. They shall come over in chains, and they shall fall down before you. They shall make supplication to you, saying, ‘Surely God is in you, and there is no one else. There is no other God.’” Truly You are a God who hides Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior. They shall be ashamed and also confounded, all of them. Those who are makers of idols shall go away in confusion together. But Israel shall be saved in the Lord with an everlasting salvation. You shall not be ashamed or confounded world without end. For this is what the Lord says, who created the
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heavens—God Himself, who formed the earth and made it. He has established it. He did not create it in vain. He formed it to be inhabited: “I am the Lord, and there is no one else. I have not spoken in secret, in a dark place of the earth. I did not say to the descendants of Jacob, ‘Seek Me in vain.’ I, the Lord, speak righteousness. I declare things that are right. Assemble yourselves and come. Draw near together, you who have escaped from the nations. Those who set up the wood of their carved image and pray to a god that cannot save have no knowledge. Tell, and bring them near. Yes, let them take counsel together. Who has declared this from ancient time? Who has told it from that time? Have not I, the Lord? And there is no other God besides Me, a just God and a Savior. There is no one besides Me. Look to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth. For I am God, and there is no one else. I have sworn by Myself. The word has gone out of My mouth in righteousness and shall not
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return, that to Me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. One shall say, ‘Surely in the Lord I have righteousness and strength.’ Men shall come to Him, and all who are angry against Him shall be ashamed. In the Lord all the descendants of Israel shall be justified and shall glory.”
Israel Exhorted Bel bows down, Nebo stoops. Their idols were on the beasts and on the cattle. Your carriages were heavily loaded. They are a burden to the weary beast. 2 They stoop; they bow down together. They could not deliver the burden but have themselves gone into captivity.
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“Listen to Me, O house of Jacob, and all the remnant of the house of Israel, who have been carried by Me from the belly, who have been carried from the womb. And even to your old age I am He, and even to gray hairs I will carry you. I have made, and I will bear. I will carry and will deliver you. To whom will you liken
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Me, and make Me equal, and compare Me, that we may be alike? They lavish gold out of the bag and weigh silver on the scales and hire a goldsmith, and he makes it a god. They fall down; yes, they worship. They bear him on the shoulder; they carry him and set him in his place, and he stands. He shall not move from his place. Yes, one shall cry to him, yet he cannot answer or save him from his trouble. Remember this, and show yourselves as men. Bring it again to mind, O you transgressors. Remember the former things of old, for I am God, and there is no one else. I am God, and there is no one like Me, declaring the end from the beginning and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, and I will do all My pleasure,’ calling a ravenous bird from the east, the man who executes My counsel from a far country. Yes, I have spoken it. I will also bring it to pass. I have purposed it. I will also do it. Listen to Me, you stouthearted, who are far
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from righteousness: I bring My righteousness near; it shall not be far off, and My salvation shall not delay. And I will place salvation in Zion, for Israel My glory.”
Judgment on Babylon “Come down and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground. There is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans. For you shall no longer be called tender and delicate. 2 Take the millstones and grind flour. Uncover your hair, make your leg bare, uncover the thigh, pass over the rivers. 3 Your nakedness shall be uncovered. Yes, your shame shall be seen. I will take vengeance, and I will not meet you as a man.” 4 As for our Redeemer, the Lord of hosts is His name, the Holy One of Israel.
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“Sit silently and go into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans, for you shall no longer be called the lady of kingdoms. I was angry with My people. I have polluted My inheritance and given them into your hand. You showed them no mercy. On the elderly
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you have laid your yoke very heavily. And you said, ‘I shall be a lady forever,’ so that you did not take these things to heart, nor did you remember the latter end of them. Therefore hear this now, you who are given to pleasures, who dwell carelessly, who say in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me. I shall not sit as a widow, nor shall I know the loss of children.’ But these two things shall come to you in a moment, in one day: the loss of children and widowhood. They shall come on you in their fullness for the multitude of your sorceries and for the great abundance of your enchantments. For you have trusted in your wickedness. You have said, ‘No one sees me.’ Your wisdom and your knowledge have perverted you, and you have said in your heart, ‘I am, and there is no one else besides me.’ Therefore evil shall come on you. You shall not know from where it arises. And trouble shall fall on you. You shall not be able to put it off. And desolation shall come on
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you suddenly, which you shall not know. Stand now with your enchantments and with the multitude of your sorceries, in which you have labored from your youth—if indeed you shall be able to profit, if indeed you may prevail. You are wearied in the multitude of your counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, and the monthly foretellers stand up and save you from these things that shall come on you. Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them. They shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame. There shall not be coals to warm at or a fire to sit before. Thus they shall be to you with whom you have labored, your merchants from your youth. Everyone shall wander to his region. No one shall save you.”
Israel to Be Restored Hear this, O house of Jacob, who are called by the name of Israel, and have come forth out of the waters of Judah, who swear by the name of the Lord and mention the God of Israel, but not in truth or in
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righteousness. For they call themselves after the holy city and rely on the God of Israel. The Lord of hosts is His name, “I have declared the former things from the beginning, and they went forth out of My mouth, and I proclaimed them. Suddenly I did them, and they came to pass. Because I know that you are obstinate, and your neck is an iron sinew, and your brow brass, even from the beginning I have declared it to you. Before it came to pass I proclaimed it to you, lest you should say, ‘My idol has done them, and my carved image and my cast image have commanded them.’ You have heard. See all this. And will you not declare it? I have proclaimed to you new things from this time, even hidden things, and you did not know them. They are created now, and not from the beginning, even before this day you have not heard them, lest you should say, ‘Behold, I knew them.’ Yes, you did not hear; yes, you did not know; yes, from that time that your ear was not
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Isaiah 48:9
opened, for I knew that you would deal very treacherously and have been called a transgressor from the womb. 9
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“For My name’s sake I will defer My anger, and for My praise I will refrain for you, that I not cut you off. Behold, I have refined you, but not with silver. I have chosen you in the furnace of affliction. For My own sake, even for My own sake, I will do it, for how should My name be polluted? And I will not give My glory to another. “Listen to Me, O Jacob and Israel, My called. I am He; I am the first; I am also the last. Also My hand has laid the foundation of the earth, and My right hand has spanned the heavens. When I call to them, they stand up together. Assemble yourselves, all of you, and hear. Who among them has declared these things? The Lord has loved him. He will do His pleasure on Babylon, and His arm shall be on the Chaldeans. I, even I, have spoken. Yes, I have called him, I have brought him, and
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“Come near to Me. Hear this. I have not spoken in secret from the beginning. From the time that it was, I was there. And now the Lord God and His Spirit have sent Me.”
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This is what the Lord, your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, says: “I am the Lord your God, who teaches you to profit, who leads you by the way that you should go. Oh, that you had listened to My commandments! Then your peace would have been like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea. Your descendants also would have been like the sand, and the offspring of your body like its gravel. Their name would not have been cut off or destroyed from before Me.”
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Go out from Babylon. Flee from the Chaldeans. Declare with a voice of singing, tell this, utter it even to the end of the earth. Say, “The Lord has redeemed His servant Jacob.” And they did not thirst
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when He led them through the deserts. He caused the waters to flow out of the rock for them. He also split the rock, and the waters gushed out. “There is no peace,” says the Lord, “for the wicked.”
The Holy One, Israel’s Redeemer “Listen to Me, O coastlands, and listen, you people from afar. The Lord has called Me from the womb. From the body of My mother He has mentioned My name. 2 And He has made My mouth like a sharp sword. In the shadow of His hand He has hidden Me and made Me a polished shaft. In His quiver He has hidden Me. 3 And He said to me, ‘You are My servant, O Israel, in whom I will be glorified.’ 4 Then I said, ‘I have labored in vain. I have spent My strength for nothing and in vain. Yet surely My judgment is with the Lord, and My work with My God.’”
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“And now, says the Lord, who formed Me from the womb to be His Servant, to bring Jacob
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back to Him, though Israel is not gathered (yet I shall be glorious in the eyes of the Lord, and My God shall be My strength), and He said: ‘It is a small thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to restore the preserved of Israel. I will also give You as a light to the Gentiles, that You may be My salvation to the end of the earth.’”
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This is what the Lord says, the Redeemer of Israel and its Holy One, to Him whom man despises, to Him whom the nation hates, to a servant of rulers: “Kings shall see and arise, princes shall also worship because of the Lord who is faithful, the Holy One of Israel, and He shall choose You.”
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This is what the Lord says: “In an acceptable time I have heard You, and in a day of salvation I have helped You. And I will preserve You and make You a covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause them to inherit the desolate heritages, that You may say to the prisoners, ‘Go out,’ to
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those who are in darkness, ‘Show yourselves.’ They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places. They shall not hunger or thirst, nor shall the heat or sun strike them, for He who has mercy on them shall lead them. He shall guide them even by the springs of water. And I will make all My mountains a road, and My highways shall be exalted. Behold, these shall come from afar, and behold, these from the north and from the west, and these from the land of Sinim.” Sing, O heavens. And be joyful, O earth. And break forth into singing, O mountains. For the Lord has comforted His people and will have mercy on His afflicted. But Zion said, “The Lord has abandoned me, and my Lord has forgotten me.” “Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? Yes, they may forget, yet I will not forget you. Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of My
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hands. Your walls are continually before Me. Your children shall hurry. Your destroyers and those who made you desolate shall go forth from you. Lift up your eyes all around and look. All these gather themselves together and come to you. As I live,” says the Lord, “you shall surely clothe yourselves with them all as with an ornament and bind them on yourselves as a bride does. For your waste and your desolate places and the land of your destruction even now shall be too narrow because of the inhabitants, and those who swallowed you up shall be far away. The children whom you shall have, after you have lost the other, shall say again in your ears, ‘The place is too narrow for me. Give a place to me that I may dwell.’ Then you shall say in your heart, ‘Who has begotten these for me, since I have lost my children and am desolate, a captive, and moving to and fro? And who has brought up these? Behold, I was left alone. These, where have they been?’”
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Isaiah 50:4
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Judgment on Israel’s Oppressors 22 This is what the Lord God says, “Behold, I will lift up My hand to the Gentiles and set up My standard to the people. And they shall bring your sons in their arms, and your daughters shall be carried on their shoulders. 23 And kings shall be your nursing fathers, and their queens your nursing mothers. They shall bow down to you with their face toward the earth and lick up the dust of your feet. And you shall know that I am the Lord, for those who wait for Me shall not be ashamed.” 24
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Shall the plunder be taken from the mighty or the lawful captive delivered? But this is what the Lord says: “Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the plunder of the terrible shall be delivered, for I will contend with him who contends with you. And I will save your children. And I will feed those who oppress you with their own flesh, and they shall be drunk with their own blood, as with
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sweet wine. And all flesh shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” The Humiliation of the Holy One This is what the Lord says:
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“Where is the certificate of your mother’s divorce, whom I have put away? Or which of My creditors is it to whom I have sold you? Behold, you have sold yourselves for your iniquities, and your mother was put away for your transgressions. Why, when I came, was there no man? When I called, was there no one to answer? Is My hand shortened at all that it cannot redeem? Or have I no power to deliver? Behold, at My rebuke I dry up the sea; I make the rivers a wilderness. Their fish stink because there is no water and die of thirst. I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.” “The Lord God has given Me the tongue of the learned, that I should know how to speak a word in season to him who is weary. He
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awakens morning by morning. He awakens My ear to hear as the learned. The Lord God has opened My ear, and I was not rebellious, nor did I turn back. I gave My back to those who strike and My cheeks to those who plucked out the hair. I did not hide My face from shame and spitting. For the Lord God will help Me. Therefore I shall not be confounded. Therefore I have set My face like a flint, and I know that I shall not be ashamed. He who justifies Me is near. Who will contend with Me? Let us stand together! Who is My adversary? Let him come near to Me. Behold, the Lord God will help Me. Who is he who shall condemn Me? Behold, they shall all grow old as a garment. The moth shall eat them up. Who is among you who fears the Lord, who obeys the voice of His Servant, who walks in darkness and has no light? Let him trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God. Behold, all you who kindle a fire, who surround
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yourselves with sparks, walk in the light of your fire and in the sparks that you have kindled. You shall have this from My hand; you shall lie down in sorrow.” Israel to Be Redeemed “Listen to Me, you who follow after righteousness, you who seek the Lord. Look to the rock from which you were cut and to the hole of the pit from which you were dug. 2 Look to Abraham your father and to Sarah who bore you, for I called him alone and blessed him and increased him.”
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For the Lord shall comfort Zion. He will comfort all her desolate places, and He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert like the garden of the Lord. Joy and gladness shall be found in it, thanksgiving and the voice of melody.
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gone forth, and My arms shall judge the peoples. The coastlands shall wait on Me, and they shall trust on My arm. Lift up your eyes to the heavens and look on the earth beneath. For the heavens shall vanish away like smoke, and the earth shall grow old like a garment. And those who dwell in it shall die in like manner. But My salvation shall be forever, and My righteousness shall not be abolished. Listen to Me, you who know righteousness, the people in whose heart is My law. Do not fear the reproach of men or be afraid of their insults. For the moth shall eat them up like a garment, and the worm shall eat them like wool, but My righteousness shall be forever, and My salvation from generation to generation.” Awake! Awake! Put on strength, O arm of the Lord. Awake as in the ancient days, in the generations of old. Are You not the One who has cut up Rahab and wounded the dragon? Are You not the One who has dried up the
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sea, the waters of the great deep, who has made the depths of the sea a road for the ransomed to cross over? Therefore the redeemed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing, and everlasting joy shall be on their heads. They shall obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and mourning shall flee away. “I, even I, am He who comforts you. Who are you that you should be afraid of a man who shall die and of the son of man who shall be made as grass, and forget the Lord your Maker, who has stretched out the heavens and laid the foundations of the earth, and have continually feared every day because of the fury of the oppressor, as if he were ready to destroy? And where is the fury of the oppressor? The captive exile hastens, that he may be set free and that he should not die in the pit, nor that his bread should fail. But I am the Lord your God, who divided the sea, whose waves roared—the Lord of
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hosts is His name. And I have put My words in your mouth, and I have covered you in the shadow of My hand, that I may plant the heavens and lay the foundations of the earth and say to Zion, ‘You are My people.’” Awake! Awake! Stand up, O Jerusalem, you who have drunk at the hand of the Lord the cup of His fury. You have drunk the dregs of the cup of trembling and have wrung them out. There is no one to guide her among all the sons whom she has brought forth, nor is there any of all the sons whom she has brought up who takes her by the hand. These two things have come to you—who shall be sorry for you? Desolation and destruction, and the famine and the sword—by whom shall I comfort you? Your sons have fainted. They lie at the head of all the streets, like a wild bull in a net. They are full of the fury of the Lord, the rebuke of your God. Therefore hear this now, you afflicted and drunk,
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but not with wine. This is what your Lord, the Lord and your God, who pleads the cause of His people, says: “Behold, I have taken the cup of trembling out of your hand, even the dregs of the cup of My fury. You shall no longer drink it. But I will put it into the hand of those who afflict you, who have said to your soul, ‘Bow down, that we may go over.’ And you have laid your body as the ground, and as the street, to those who went over.”
Vision of Jerusalem in the Kingdom Age Awake! Awake! Put on your strength, O Zion. Put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city. For the uncircumcised and the unclean shall no longer come into you. 2 Shake yourself from the dust, arise, and sit down, O Jerusalem. Remove yourself from the chains of your neck, O captive daughter of Zion. 3 For this is what the Lord says: “You have sold yourselves for nothing, and you shall be redeemed without money.”
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For this is what the Lord God says: “My people went down into Egypt to sojourn there in times past, and the Assyrian oppressed them without reason. Now therefore, what have I here,” says the Lord, “that My people are taken away for nothing? Those who rule over them make them wail,” says the Lord, “and My name is blasphemed continually every day. Therefore My people shall know My name. Therefore in that day they shall know that I am He who speaks. ‘Behold, it is I.’” How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace, who brings good tidings of good, who proclaims salvation, who says to Zion, “Your God reigns!” Your watchmen shall lift up their voice. With their voice together they shall sing, for they shall see eye to eye when the Lord shall bring back Zion. Break forth into joy, sing together, you desolate places of
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Jerusalem. For the Lord has comforted His people. He has redeemed Jerusalem. The Lord has made bare His holy arm in the eyes of all the nations, and all the ends of the earth shall see the salvation of our God. Depart! Depart! Go out from there. Do not touch any unclean thing. Go out of the midst of her; be clean, you who bear the vessels of the Lord. For you shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight, for the Lord will go before you, and the God of Israel will be your rear guard. “Behold, My Servant shall deal prudently. He shall be exalted and extolled and be very high. As many were astonished at you, His appearance was so marred, more than any man, and His form more than the sons of men. So He shall sprinkle many nations. The kings shall shut their mouths at Him, for they shall see what has not been told to them, and they shall consider what they had not heard.”
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Isaiah 53:1
The Vicarious Sacrifice of Christ Who has believed our report? And to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed? 2 For He shall grow up before Him like a tender plant, and like a root out of a dry ground. He has no form or splendor, and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him. 3 He is despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief. And we hid, as it were, our faces from Him. He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.
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Surely He has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows, yet we esteemed Him stricken, struck by God and afflicted. But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities. The chastisement of our peace was on Him, and with His lashes we are healed. We all like sheep have gone astray. We have turned, each one, to his own way, and the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and He was afflicted, yet He
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did not open His mouth. He was brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is mute, so He did not open His mouth. He was taken from prison and from judgment, and who shall declare His generation? For He was cut off out of the land of the living. He was stricken for the transgression of my people. And He made His grave with the wicked and with the rich in His death because He had done no violence, nor was any deceit in His mouth. Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise Him. He has put Him to grief. When You make His soul an offering for sin, He shall see His offspring. He shall prolong His days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His hand. He shall see the labor of His soul and shall be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, for He shall bear their iniquities. Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, and He shall divide the plunder with the strong because He
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has poured out His soul to death. And He was counted with the transgressors. And He bore the sin of many and made intercession for the transgressors. Israel the Restored Wife of Jehovah “Sing, O barren, you who did not give birth. Break out into singing and cry aloud, you who did not labor with child, for the children of the desolate are more than the children of the married wife,” says the Lord. 2 “Enlarge the place of your tent and let them stretch out the curtains of your dwellings. Do not spare. Lengthen your cords and strengthen your stakes. 3 For you shall break forth on the right hand and on the left, and your descendants shall inherit the Gentiles and make the desolate cities to be inhabited. 4 Do not fear, for you shall not be ashamed; do not be confounded, for you shall not be put to shame. For you shall forget the shame of your youth and shall not remember the reproach of your widowhood anymore.
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For your Maker is your husband; the Lord of hosts is His name. And your Redeemer is the Holy One of Israel. He shall be called the God of the whole earth. For the Lord has called you like a woman abandoned and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth when you were refused,” says your God. “For a small moment I have abandoned you, but with great mercies I will gather you. In a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment, but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,” says the Lord your Redeemer. “For this is like the waters of Noah to Me, for as I have sworn that the waters of Noah should no longer go over the earth, so I have sworn that I would not be angry with you or rebuke you. For the mountains shall depart and the hills be removed, but My kindness shall not depart from you, nor shall the covenant of My peace be removed,” says the Lord, who has mercy on you. “O afflicted one, tossed with a storm and not
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comforted, behold, I will lay your stones with beautiful colors and lay your foundations with sapphires. And I will make your windows of agate, and your gates of carbuncles, and all your borders of pleasant stones. And all your children shall be taught by the Lord, and the peace of your children shall be great. In righteousness you shall be established. You shall be far from oppression, for you shall not fear, and from terror, for it shall not come near you. Behold, they shall surely gather together, but not by Me. Whoever shall gather together against you shall fall for your sake. Behold, I have created the blacksmith who blows the coals in the fire and who brings forth an instrument for his work, and I have created the destroyer to destroy. No weapon that is formed against you shall prosper, and you shall condemn every tongue that shall rise against you in judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord, and
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their righteousness is from Me,” says the Lord. The Everlasting Salvation “O! Everyone who thirsts, come to the waters, and he who has no money, come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price. 2 Why do you spend money for what is not bread? And your labor for what does not satisfy? Listen diligently to Me and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. 3 Incline your ear and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live, and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, even the sure mercies of David. 4 Behold, I have given him as a witness to the people, a leader and commander to the people. 5 Behold, you shall call a nation that you do not know, and nations that did not know you shall run to you because of the Lord your God and for the Holy One of Israel, for He has glorified you.”
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Seek the Lord while He may be found. Call on Him while He is near.
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Let the wicked abandon his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts, and let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him, and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon.
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“For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” says the Lord. “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts than your thoughts. For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth and make it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall My word be that goes out of My mouth. It shall not return to Me void, but it shall accomplish what I please and it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it. For you shall go out with joy and be led forth with peace. The mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands. Instead of the thorn, the
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fir tree shall come up, and instead of the briar, the myrtle tree shall come up. And it shall be to the Lord for a name, for an everlasting sign that shall not be cut off.” Ethical Instructions This is what the Lord says:
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“Keep judgment and do justice, for My salvation is near to come, and My righteousness is soon to be revealed. Blessed is the man who does this, and the son of man who lays hold of it, who keeps from defiling the Sabbath and keeps his hand from doing any evil.” Do not let the son of the foreigner who has joined himself to the Lord speak, saying, “The Lord has utterly separated me from His people.” Do not let the eunuch say, “Behold, I am a dry tree.” For this is what the Lord says: “To the eunuchs who keep My Sabbaths and choose the things that please Me and take hold of My covenant, even to them I will give in My house and within My walls a place and a name better than that of sons and of daughters. I
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Isaiah 56:6
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will give them an everlasting name that shall not be cut off. Also the sons of the foreigner who join themselves to the Lord, to serve Him and to love the name of the Lord, to be His servants—everyone who keeps from defiling the Sabbath and takes hold of My cov enant— even them I will bring to My holy mountain and make them joyful in My house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted on My altar, for My house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.” The Lord God, who gathers the outcasts of Israel, says, “I will still gather others to him, besides those who are gathered to him.” All you beasts of the field, yes, all you beasts in the forest, come to devour. His watchmen are blind; they are all ignorant. They are all mute dogs—they cannot bark—sleeping, lying down, loving to slumber. Yes, they are greedy dogs that can never have enough. And they are shepherds who cannot
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understand. They all look to their own way, each one for his own gain, from his region. “Come,” they say. “I will bring wine, and we will fill ourselves with strong drink. And tomorrow shall be like today, and much more abundant.”
Ethical Instructions, Continued The righteous perishes, and no man takes it to heart. And merciful men are taken away, no one considering that the righteous is taken away from the evil to come. 2 He shall enter into peace. They shall rest in their beds, each one walking in his uprightness.
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“But come here, you sons of the sorceress, the offspring of the adulterer and the prostitute. Against whom do you make sport? Against whom do you make a wide mouth and stick out the tongue? Are you not children of transgression, an offspring of falsehood, inflaming yourselves with idols under every green tree, slaying the children in the valleys under the clefts of the rocks? Among the smooth
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stones of the stream is your portion. They, they are your lot. Even to them you have poured a drink offering; you have offered a grain offering. Should I receive comfort in these? You have set your bed on a lofty and high mountain. You went up even there to offer sacrifice. Also you have set up your remembrance behind the doors and the posts, for you have uncovered yourself to another rather than Me, and have gone up. You have enlarged your bed and made for yourself a covenant with them. You loved their bed where you saw it. And you went to the king with ointment and increased your perfumes and sent your messengers far off, and debased yourself even to hell. You are wearied in the greatness of your way, yet you did not say, ‘There is no hope.’ You have found the life of your hand; therefore you were not grieved. And of whom have you been afraid or feared, that you have lied, and have not remembered Me or taken it to your heart? Have I not held
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My peace even from old, and you do not fear Me? I will declare your righteousness and your works, for they shall not benefit you. When you cry out, let your companions deliver you. But the wind shall carry them all away. A breath shall take them. But he who puts his trust in Me shall possess the land and shall inherit My holy mountain.” And one shall say, “Raise up! Raise up! Prepare the way. Take up the stumbling block out of the way of My people.” For this is what the high and lofty One who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy, says: “I dwell in the high and holy place, also with him who is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble and to revive the heart of the contrite ones. For I will not contend forever, nor will I be always angry, for the spirit would fail before Me and the souls that I have made. I was angry and struck him for the iniquity of his covetousness. I hid Myself and was angry, and he went on perversely in the way of his heart.
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I have seen his ways and will heal him. I will also lead him and restore comforts to him and to his mourners. I create the fruit of the lips. Peace, peace to him who is far off and to him who is near,” says the Lord, “and I will heal him.” But the wicked are like the troubled sea when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mud and dirt. “There is no peace,” says my God, “for the wicked.”
Ethical Instructions, Continued “Cry aloud. Do not spare. Lift up your voice like a trumpet and show My people their transgression and the house of Jacob their sins. 2 Yet they seek Me daily and delight to know My ways, as a nation that did righteousness and did not abandon the ordinance of their God. They ask of Me the ordinances of justice. They take delight in approaching God. 3 They say, ‘Why have we fasted, and You do not see? Why have we afflicted our soul, and You do not notice?’ Behold, on the day of
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your fast you find pleasure and oppress all your laborers. Behold, you fast for strife and debate and to strike with the fist of wickedness. You shall not fast as you do this day, to make your voice to be heard on high. Is it such a fast that I have chosen, a day for a man to afflict his soul? Is it to bow down his head as a reed and to spread sackcloth and ashes under him? Will you call this a fast and an acceptable day to the Lord? Is this not the fast that I have chosen, to loosen the bonds of wickedness, to undo the heavy burdens, and to let the oppressed go free, and that you break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and that you bring the poor who are cast out to your house, when you see the naked that you cover him, and that you do not hide yourself from your own flesh? Then your light shall break forth as the morning, and your health shall spring forth speedily, and your righteousness shall go before you. The glory of the Lord shall
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Isaiah 59:5
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be your rear guard. Then you shall call, and the Lord shall answer. You shall cry, and He shall say, ‘Here I am.’ If you take away the yoke from the midst of you, the pointing of the finger and speaking vanity, and if you draw out your soul to the hungry and satisfy the afflicted soul, then your light shall rise in obscurity, and your darkness will be like the noonday. And the Lord shall guide you continually and satisfy your soul in drought and make your bones fat, and you shall be like a watered garden and like a spring of water whose waters do not fail. And those who shall be from you shall build the old desolate places. You shall raise up the foundations of many generations, and you shall be called the repairer of the breach, the restorer of paths to dwell in. “If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on My holy day, and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy day of the Lord, honorable, and honor Him—not
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going your own ways, or finding your own pleasure, or speaking your own words— then you shall delight yourself in the Lord. And I will cause you to ride on the high places of the earth and feed you with the heritage of Jacob your father. For the mouth of the Lord has spoken it.”
Ethical Instructions, Continued Behold, the Lord’s hand is not shortened, that it cannot save, nor is His ear heavy, that it cannot hear, 2 but your iniquities have separated you from your God, and your sins have hidden His face from you, that He will not hear. 3 For your hands are defiled with blood, and your fingers with iniquity; your lips have spoken lies, your tongue has muttered perverseness. 4 No one calls for justice; no one pleads for truth. They trust in vanity and speak lies. They conceive evil and bring forth iniquity. 5 They hatch vipers’ eggs and weave the spider’s web. He who eats of their eggs dies, and what is crushed breaks out into a viper.
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Their webs shall not become garments, nor shall they cover themselves with their works. Their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands. Their feet run to evil, and they hurry to shed innocent blood. Their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; violence and destruction are in their paths. They do not know the way of peace, and there is no judgment in their goings. They have made themselves crooked paths. Whoever goes in them shall not know peace. Therefore judgment is far from us; justice does not overtake us. We wait for light, but behold, obscurity, for brightness, but we walk in darkness. We grope for the wall like the blind, and we grope as if we had no eyes. We stumble at noonday as in the night. We are like dead men in desolate places. We all roar like bears and mourn greatly like doves. We look for judgment, but there is none, for salvation, but it is far from us. For our transgressions
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have multiplied before You, and our sins testify against us. For our transgressions are with us, and as for our iniquities, we know them: in transgressing and lying against the Lord, and departing from our God, speaking oppression and revolt, conceiving and uttering words of falsehood from the heart. And judgment is turned away backward, and justice stands far off, for truth has fallen in the street and equity cannot enter. Yes, truth fails, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. And the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice. And He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor. Therefore His arm brought salvation to Him, and His righteousness, it sustained Him. For He put on righteousness as a breastplate and a helmet of salvation on His head, and He put on the garments of vengeance for clothing and was clad with zeal as a cloak. According to their deeds, accordingly He will repay: fury to His
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adversaries, recompense to His enemies. He will repay recompense to the coastlands. So they shall fear the name of the Lord from the west and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him.
The Deliverer out of Zion 20 “And the Redeemer shall come to Zion and to those in Jacob who turn from transgression,” says the Lord. 21 “As for Me, this is My covenant with them,” says the Lord: “My Spirit who is on you, and My words that I have put in your mouth, shall not depart out of your mouth or out of the mouth of your descendants or out of the mouth of your descendants’ descendants,” says the Lord, “from now and forever.” The Deliverer out of Zion, Continued Arise! Shine! For your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen on you. 2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth, and thick darkness the
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people, but the Lord shall arise on you, and His glory shall be seen on you. And the Gentiles shall come to your light, and kings to the brightness of your rising. “Lift up your eyes all around and see. They all gather themselves together; they come to you. Your sons shall come from afar, and your daughters shall be nursed at your side. Then you shall see and flow together, and your heart shall fear and be enlarged because the abundance of the sea shall be converted to you, the forces of the Gentiles shall come to you. The multitude of camels shall cover you, the dromedaries of Midian and Ephah. All those from Sheba shall come. They shall bring gold and incense, and they shall proclaim the praises of the Lord. All the flocks of Kedar shall be gathered together to you. The rams of Nebaioth shall minister to you. They shall come up with acceptance on My altar, and I will glorify the house of My glory.
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Isaiah 60:8 8
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Who are these who fly like a cloud and like the doves to their windows? Surely the coastlands shall wait for Me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your sons from afar, their silver and their gold with them, to the name of the Lord your God and to the Holy One of Israel because He has glorified you. “And the sons of foreigners shall build up your walls, and their kings shall minister to you, for in My wrath I struck you, but in My favor I have had mercy on you. Therefore your gates shall be open continually. They shall not be shut day or night, that men may bring to you the forces of the Gentiles and that their kings may be brought. For the nation and kingdom that will not serve you shall perish; yes, those nations shall be utterly desolate. The glory of Lebanon shall come to you—the fir tree, the pine tree, and the cypress together—to beautify the place of My sanctuary. And I will make the place of My feet glorious.
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Also the sons of those who afflicted you shall come bending to you, and all those who despised you shall bow themselves down at the soles of your feet, and they shall call you the city of the Lord, the Zion of the Holy One of Israel. Whereas you have been abandoned and hated, so that no man went through you, I will make you an eternal excellency, a joy of many generations. You shall also drink the milk of the Gentiles and shall milk the breast of kings, and you shall know that I, the Lord, am your Savior and your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob. For brass I will bring gold, and for iron I will bring silver, and for wood, brass, and for stones, iron. I will also make your officers peace and your overseers righteousness. Violence shall no longer be heard in your land, nor devastation or destruction within your borders, but you shall call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise. The sun shall no longer be your light by day, nor shall the moon give light
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to you for brightness, but the Lord shall be to you an everlasting light, and your God your glory. Your sun shall no longer go down, nor shall your moon withdraw itself, for the Lord shall be your everlasting light, and the days of your mourning shall be ended. Also your people shall all be righteous. They shall inherit the land forever, the branch of My planting, the work of My hands, that I may be glorified. A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation. I, the Lord, will hasten it in its time.”
The Two Advents in One View The Spirit of the Lord God is upon Me, because the Lord has anointed Me to preach good news to the meek. He has sent Me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound, 2 to proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord, and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 to appoint to those who mourn in Zion, to give to them beauty for
ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness, that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that He might be glorified. 4
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And they shall rebuild the old ruins, they shall raise up the former desolations, and they shall repair the desolate cities, the desolations of many generations. And foreigners shall stand and feed your flocks, and the sons of the foreigner shall be your plowmen and your vinedressers. But you shall be named the priests of the Lord. Men shall call you the ministers of our God. You shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory you shall boast. For your shame you shall have double, and for confusion they shall rejoice in their portion. Therefore they shall possess the double portion in their land. Everlasting joy shall be for them. “For I, the Lord, love justice. I hate robbery for burnt offering, and I will direct their work in truth. And I will make
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Isaiah 61:9
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an everlasting covenant with them. And their descendants shall be known among the Gentiles, and their offspring among the people. All who see them shall acknowledge them, that they are the descendants whom the Lord has blessed.” I will greatly rejoice in the Lord. My soul shall be joyful in my God, for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation; He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. For as the earth brings forth its bud and as the garden causes the things that are sown in it to spring up, so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring up before all the nations.
Restoration of Israel, Continued For Zion’s sake I will not remain silent, and for Jerusalem’s sake I will not rest, until its righteousness goes forth like brightness and its salvation like a lamp that burns. 2 And the Gentiles shall
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see your righteousness, and all kings your glory. And you shall be called by a new name, which the mouth of the Lord shall name. You shall also be a crown of glory in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no longer be termed Abandoned, nor shall your land any longer be termed Desolate. But you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah, for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married. For as a young man marries a virgin, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you. I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem, who shall never remain silent day or night. You who make mention of the Lord, do not keep silent, and give Him no rest until He establishes and until He makes Jerusalem a praise on the earth. The Lord has sworn by His right hand and by the arm of His strength,
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“Surely I will no longer give your grain to be food for your enemies, and the sons of the foreigner shall not drink your wine, for which you have labored. But those who have gathered it shall eat it and praise the Lord, and those who have brought it together shall drink it in the courts of My holiness.” Go through, go through the gates, prepare the way of the people. Cast up, cast up the highway. Take out the stones, lift up a standard for the people. Behold, the Lord has proclaimed to the end of the world, “Say to the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your salvation is coming. Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him.’” And they shall call them “The Holy People, the Redeemed of the Lord.” And you shall be called “Sought Out, a City Not Abandoned.”
The Day of Vengeance Who is this who comes from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah, He who is glorious in His apparel, traveling in the greatness of His
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strength? “I who speak in righteousness, mighty to save.” Why is Your apparel red and Your garments like him who treads in the winepress? “I have trampled the winepress alone, and from the people there was no one with Me. For I will tread them in My anger and trample them in My fury. And their blood shall be sprinkled on My garments, and I will stain all My clothing. For the day of vengeance is in My heart, and the year of My redeemed has come. And I looked, and there was no one to help, and I wondered that there was no one to uphold. Therefore My own arm brought salvation to Me, and My fury, it upheld Me. And I will trample down the people in My anger and make them drunk in My fury, and I will bring down their strength to the earth.”
Fear and Hope of the Remnant 7 I will mention the loving- kindnesses of the Lord and the praises of the Lord, according to all that the Lord has bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward
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Isaiah 63:8
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the house of Israel, which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies and according to the multitude of His loving-kindnesses. For He said, “Surely they are My people, children who will not lie.” So He was their Savior. In all their affliction He was afflicted, and the angel of His presence saved them. In His love and in His pity He redeemed them, and He bore them and carried them all the days of old. But they rebelled and troubled His Holy Spirit. Therefore He turned to be their enemy, and He fought against them. Then He remembered the days of old, Moses and his people, saying: “Where is He who brought them up out of the sea with the shepherd of His flock? Where is He who put His Holy Spirit within him, who led them by the right hand of Moses with His glorious arm, dividing the water before them, to make for Himself an everlasting name, who led them through the deep, like a horse in the wilderness, that they should not stumble?” As a beast goes down into the valley, the Spirit
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of the Lord caused him to rest. So You led Your people, to make for Yourself a glorious name. 15
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Look down from heaven and see from the habitation of Your holiness and of Your glory. Where are Your zeal and Your strength, the resounding of Your heart and of Your mercies toward me? Are they restrained? Doubtless You are our Father, though Abraham is ignorant of us, and Israel does not acknowledge us. You, O Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer. Your name is from everlasting. O Lord, why have You made us to go astray from Your ways and hardened our heart from Your fear? Return for Your servants’ sake, the tribes of Your inheritance. The people of Your holiness have possessed it but a little while. Our adversaries have trampled down Your sanctuary. We are Yours. You never ruled over them. They were not called by Your name.
Fear and Hope of the Remnant, Continued Oh that You would tear the heavens, that You
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Isaiah 65:2
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would come down, that the mountains might flow down at Your presence— as when the melting fire burns, the fire causes the waters to boil—to make Your name known to Your adversaries, that the nations may tremble at Your presence! When You did awesome things that we did not look for, You came down. The mountains flowed down at Your presence. For since the beginning of the world men have not heard or perceived by the ear, nor has the eye seen, O God, besides You, what He has prepared for him who waits for Him. You meet him who rejoices and works righteousness, those who remember You in Your ways. Behold, You are angry, for we have sinned. In these ways we continued, and shall we be saved? But we are all like an unclean thing, and all our righteousness is as filthy rags. And we all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away. And there is no one who calls on Your name, who stirs up himself to take
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hold of You, for You have hidden Your face from us and have destroyed us because of our iniquities. But now, O Lord, You are our Father. We are the clay, and You our potter. And we all are the work of Your hand. Do not be greatly angry, O Lord, or remember iniquity forever. Behold, see, we beseech You— we all are Your people. Your holy cities are a wilderness, Zion is a wilderness, Jerusalem a desolation. Our holy and our beautiful house, where our fathers praised You, is burned up with fire, and all our pleasant things are laid waste. Will you restrain Yourself for these things, O Lord? Will You remain silent and afflict us greatly?
The Answer of Jehovah to the Remnant “I am sought by those who did not ask for Me. I am found by those who did not seek Me. I said, ‘Behold Me, behold Me,’ to a nation that was not called by My name. 2 I have spread out My hands all the day to a rebellious people, who walk in a way that was
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not good, according to their own thoughts, a people who continually provoke Me to anger to My face, who sacrifice in gardens and burn incense on altars of brick, who remain among the graves and lodge in the monuments, who eat swine’s flesh, and broth of abominable things is in their vessels, who say, ‘Stand by yourself. Do not come near to me, for I am holier than you.’ These are a smoke in My nose, a fire that burns all the day. Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep silent, but will repay— even repay into their bosom— your iniquities and the iniquities of your fathers together,” says the Lord, “who have burned incense on the mountains and blasphemed Me on the hills. Therefore I will measure their former work into their bosom.” This is what the Lord says: “As the new wine is found in the cluster, and one says, ‘Do not destroy it, for a blessing is in it,’ so I will do for My servants’ sake, that I may not destroy them all. And I will bring forth
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offspring from Jacob, and an inheritor of My mountains from Judah. And My elect shall inherit it, and My servants shall dwell there. And Sharon shall be a fold of flocks, and the Valley of Achor a place for the herds to lie down in, for My people who have sought Me. But you are those who abandon the Lord, who forget My holy mountain, who prepare a table for that troop, and who furnish the drink offering to that number. Therefore I will determine you for the sword, and you shall all bow down to the slaughter. Because when I called, you did not answer. When I spoke, you did not hear, but did evil before My eyes, and chose what I did not delight in.” Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: “Behold, My servants shall eat, but you shall be hungry. Behold, My servants shall drink, but you shall be thirsty. Behold, My servants shall rejoice, but you shall be ashamed. Behold, My servants shall sing for joy of heart, but you shall cry
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Isaiah 66:1
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for sorrow of heart and shall wail for affliction of spirit. And you shall leave your name as a curse to My chosen, for the Lord God shall slay you and call His servants by another name, that he who blesses himself in the earth shall bless himself in the God of truth. And he who swears in the earth shall swear by the God of truth because the former troubles are forgotten and because they are hidden from My eyes.”
The Eternal Blessing of Israel in the New Earth 17 “For behold, I create new heavens and a new earth, and the former shall not be remembered or come into mind. 18 But be glad and rejoice forever in what I create, for behold, I create Jerusalem as a rejoicing and her people a joy. 19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem and joy in My people. And the voice of weeping shall no longer be heard in her, nor the voice of crying. 20 No longer shall there be an infant of days, nor an old man who has not filled his days, for the child shall die at one hundred years old, but
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the sinner being a hundred years old shall be accursed. And they shall build houses and inhabit them, and they shall plant vineyards and eat their fruit. They shall not build and another inhabit. They shall not plant and another eat. For the days of My people are like the days of a tree, and My elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labor in vain or give birth to children for trouble, for they are the descendants of the blessed of the Lord, and their offspring with them. And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer, and while they are still speaking, I will hear. The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bull, and dust shall be the serpent’s food. They shall not hurt or destroy in all My holy mountain,” says the Lord.
Kingdom Blessing, Continued This is what the Lord says: “Heaven is My throne, and the earth is My footstool. Where is the house that you will
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Isaiah 66:2
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build for Me? And where is the place of My rest? For My hand has made all those things, and all those things have been,” says the Lord. “But I will look to this man, even to him who is poor and of a contrite spirit and who trembles at My word. “He who kills an ox is as if he slew a man. He who sacrifices a lamb is as if he cut off a dog’s neck. He who offers an offering is as if he offered swine’s blood. He who burns incense is as if he blessed an idol. Yes, they have chosen their own ways, and their soul delights in their abominations. I will also choose their delusions and will bring their fears on them because when I called, no one answered; when I spoke, they did not hear. But they did evil before My eyes and chose what I did not delight in.” Hear the word of the Lord, you who tremble at His word: “Your brothers who hated you, who cast you out for My name’s sake, said, ‘Let the Lord be glorified, but He shall appear to your joy.’ And they shall be ashamed.”
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A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the Lord that renders recompense to His enemies.
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“Before she was in labor, she gave birth. Before her pain came, she delivered a male child. Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, she brought forth her children. Shall I bring to the birth and not cause to bring forth?” says the Lord. “Shall I cause to bring forth and shut the womb?” says your God. “Rejoice with Jerusalem and be glad with her, all you who love her. Rejoice for joy with her, all you who mourn for her, that you may nurse and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations, that you may drink fully and be delighted with the abundance of her glory.” For this is what the Lord says: “Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream. Then you
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shall nurse. You shall be carried on her sides and be bounced on her knees. As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you. And you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.” And when you see this, your heart shall rejoice, and your bones shall flourish like grass. And the hand of the Lord shall be known toward His servants, and His indignation toward His enemies. For behold, the Lord will come with fire and with His chariots, like a whirlwind, to render His anger with fury and His rebuke with flames of fire. For the Lord will plead with all flesh by fire and by His sword, and those slain by the Lord shall be many. “Those who sanctify themselves and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine’s flesh and the abomination and the mouse, shall be destroyed together,” says the Lord.
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I know their works and their thoughts. It shall come that I will gather all nations and tongues, and they shall come and see My glory. 19 And I will set a sign among them, and I will send those among them who escape to the nations, to Tarshish, Pul, and Lud, who draw the bow, to Tubal and Javan, to the coastlands far off who have not heard My fame or seen My glory. And they shall declare My glory among the Gentiles. 20 And they shall bring all your brothers out of all nations as an offering to the Lord, on horses and in chariots and in litters, and on mules and on swift beasts, to My holy mountain Jerusalem,” says the Lord, “as the children of Israel bring an offering in a clean vessel into the house of the Lord. 21 And I will also take some of them for priests and for Levites,” says the Lord. 22 “For as the new heavens and the new earth that I will make shall remain before Me,” says the Lord, “so your descendants and your name shall remain. 23 “And it shall come to pass that from one New Moon to another, and from one Sabbath to another, all flesh shall come to worship before Me,” says the Lord. 24 “And they shall go forth and look on the corpses of the men who have transgressed against Me. For their worm shall not die, nor shall their fire be quenched. And they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh.”
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JEREMIAH INTRODUCTION TO JEREMIAH The Old Testament book of Jeremiah is considered one of the canon’s major prophets and is named after the book’s author, the prophet Jeremiah. By word count, Jeremiah is actually the longest book of the Bible, with even more words than Psalms, making it the lengthiest prophetic work in the canon. It follows the work of another major prophet, the book of Isaiah, and precedes the short poetic work Lamentations. AUTHOR The book of Jeremiah is highly autobiographical, and more can be learned about the prophet from his work than from any other historical source. Jeremiah was a Judean from the town of Anathoth, located about three miles outside Judah’s capital city, Jerusalem. We don’t know when he was born, but he probably died in Egypt after the exile of 586 BC. OCCASION Jeremiah’s prophecy takes place during the reigns of Judah’s last five kings: Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin, and Zedekiah. This is the time leading up to the Babylonian inva sion of 586 BC, when Jerusalem falls. The historical events surrounding Jeremiah’s prophecies are recorded in 2 Kings 21–25 and 2 Chronicles 33–36.
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The words of Jeremiah the son of Hilkiah, of the priests who were in Anathoth in the land of Ben jamin, 2 to whom the word of the Lord came in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, in the thirteenth year of his reign. 3 It also came in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, until the end of the eleventh year of Zed ekiah the son of Josiah, king of Ju dah, until the carrying away of Je rusalem captive in the fifth month. The Prophet’s Call and Provision 4 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 5 “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you came forth out of the womb I sanctified you and ordained you as a prophet to the nations.” 6 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Be hold, I cannot speak, for I am a child.” 7 But the Lord said to me, “Do not say, ‘I am a child,’ for you shall go to all to whom I shall send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. 8 Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord. 9 Then the Lord put out His hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put My words in your mouth. 10 See, this day I have set you over the na tions and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, and to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant.” The Sign of the Rod and Pot 11 Moreover, the word of the Lord
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came to me, saying, “Jeremiah, what do you see?” And I said, “I see a rod of an al mond tree.” 12 Then the Lord said to me, “You have seen well, for I will hasten My word to perform it.” 13 And the word of the Lord came to me a second time, saying, “What do you see?” And I said, “I see a boiling pot, and its face is toward the north.” 14 Then the Lord said to me, “Out of the north an evil shall break forth on all the inhabitants of the land. 15 For, behold, I will call all the families of the kingdoms of the north,” says the Lord, “and they shall come, and every one shall set his throne at the entrance of the gates of Jerusalem, and against all its walls all around, and against all the cities of Judah. 16 And I will utter My judgments against them concerning all their wickedness— those who have forsaken Me and have burned incense to other gods and worshipped the works of their own hands. 17 “Therefore gird up your loins and arise, and speak to them all that I command you. Do not be dismayed at their faces, lest I con found you before them. 18 For, be hold, I have made you this day a fortified city, and an iron pil lar, and bronze walls against the whole land—against the kings of Judah, against its princes, against its priests, and against the people of the land. 19 And they shall fight against you, but they shall not pre vail against you. For I am with you,” says the Lord, “to deliver you.”
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First Message to Backslidden Judah Moreover, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Go and cry in the ears of Jerusalem, saying, ‘This is what the Lord says: “I re member you, the kindness of your youth, the love of your betrothal, when you went after Me in the wilderness, in a land that was not sown. 3 Israel was holiness to the Lord, and the firstfruits of His in crease. All who devour him shall of fend; evil shall come on them,” says the Lord.’” 4 Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob and all the families of the house of Israel. 5 This is what the Lord says: “What iniquity has your fathers found in Me, that they have gone far from Me, and have walked af ter vanity, and have become vain? 6 They did not say, ‘Where is the Lord who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, who led us through the wilderness, through a land of deserts and of pits, through a land of drought and of the shadow of death, through a land that no man passed through, and where no man dwelled?’ 7 And I brought you into a plentiful country, to eat its fruit and its goodness. But when you entered, you defiled My land and made My heritage an abomination. 8 The priests did not say, ‘Where is the Lord?’ And those who han dle the law did not know Me. The shepherds also transgressed against Me, and the prophets prophesied by Baal and walked after things that do not profit. 9 “Therefore I will still plead with you,” says the Lord, “and I will
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plead with your children’s children. 10 For pass over the coastlands of Cyprus and see, and send to Kedar and consider diligently, and see if there has been such a thing. 11 Has a nation changed its gods, which are not gods? But My people have ex changed their glory for what does not profit. 12 “Be astonished at this, O heav ens, and be horribly afraid. Be very desolate,” says the Lord. 13 “For My people have committed two evils: they have abandoned Me, the foun tain of living waters, and carved out cisterns for themselves—broken cisterns that can hold no water. 14 “Is Israel a servant? Is he a home born slave? Why is he plundered? 15 The young lions roared at him, and yelled, and made his land des olate. His cities are burned, without inhabitant. 16 Also the children of Memphis and Tahpanhes have bro ken the crown of your head. 17 Have you not brought this on yourself, in that you have abandoned the Lord your God when He led you in the way? 18 And now what do you have to do in the way of Egypt, to drink the waters of Sihor? Or what do you have to do in the way of Assyria, to drink the waters of the river? 19 Your own wickedness shall correct you, and your backslidings shall rebuke you. Know therefore and see that it is an evil and bitter thing that you have abandoned the Lord your God, and that My fear is not in you,” says the Lord God of hosts. 20 “For in former times I have bro ken your yoke and burst your bonds. And you said, ‘I will not transgress,’ when you wandered on every high
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hill and under every green tree prostituting yourself. 21 Yet I had planted you a noble vine, a wholly right seed. How then have you turned into the degenerate plant of a foreign vine before Me? 22 For though you wash yourself with lye and use much soap, still your iniq uity is marked before Me,” says the Lord God. 23 “How can you say, ‘I am not defiled; I have not gone after the Baals’? See your way in the valley; know what you have done. You are a swift dromedary traversing her ways, 24 a wild donkey used to the wilderness, that sniffs the wind in her pleasure. Who can turn her away in her purpose? All those who seek her will not weary themselves; in her month they shall find her. 25 Withhold your foot from being bare, and your throat from thirst. But you said, ‘There is no hope. No, for I have loved foreigners, and I will go after them.’ 26 As the thief is ashamed when he is found, so the house of Israel is ashamed—they, their kings, their princes, and their priests, and their prophets, 27 saying to a tree trunk, ‘You are my father,’ and to a stone, ‘You have given birth to me.’ For they have turned their back to Me, and not their face. But in the time of their trouble they will say, ‘Arise and save us.’ 28 But where are your gods that you have made for yourselves? Let them arise, if they can save you in the time of your trouble. For accord ing to the number of your cities are your gods, O Judah. 29 Why will you plead with Me? You all have trans gressed against Me,” says the Lord.
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dren; they received no correction. Your own sword has devoured your prophets like a destroying lion. 31 “O generation, see the word of the Lord. Have I been a wilderness to Israel, a land of darkness? Why do My people say, ‘We are lords; we will no longer come to You’? 32 Can a young woman forget her ornaments, or a bride her attire? Yet My people have forgotten Me days without number. 33 Why do you decorate your way to seek love? Therefore you have also taught the wicked ones your ways. 34 Also the blood of the souls of the poor inno cents is found in your skirts. I have not found it by secret search, but on all these. 35 Yet you say, ‘Because I am innocent, surely His anger shall turn from me.’ Behold, I will plead with you, because you say, ‘I have not sinned.’ 36 Why do you go around so much to change your way? You shall also be ashamed of Egypt as you were ashamed of As syria. 37 Yes, you shall go forth from him with your hands on your head. For the Lord has rejected those in whom you trust, and you shall not prosper by them.” First Message, Continued “They say, ‘If a man divorces his wife, and she goes from him and becomes another man’s, shall he return to her again?’ Shall that land not be greatly defiled? But you have prostituted yourselves with many lovers. Yet return again to Me,” says the Lord. 2 “Lift up your eyes to the high places, and see where you have not been lain with. You have sat for
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them on the roads like the Arab in the wilderness, and you have de filed the land with your prostitution and with your wickedness. 3 There fore the showers have been with held, and there has been no latter rain. And you have a prostitute’s forehead; you refuse to be ashamed. 4 Will you not from this time cry to Me, ‘My Father, You are the guide of my youth. 5 Will He reserve His anger forever? Will He keep it to the end?’ Behold, you have spoken and done evil things, as you could.” The Second Message to Backslidden Judah 6 The Lord also said to me in the days of Josiah the king, “Have you seen what backsliding Israel has done? She has gone up on ev ery high mountain and under ev ery green tree and has prostituted herself there. 7 And I said after she had done all these things, ‘Turn to Me.’ But she did not return. And her treacherous sister Judah saw it. 8 And I saw, when I had divorced her and given her a bill of divorce because of all the causes by which backsliding Israel committed adul tery, yet her treacherous sister Ju dah did not fear but also went and prostituted herself. 9 And it came to pass, through the carelessness of her prostitution, that she defiled the land and committed adultery with stones and with tree trunks. 10 And yet for all this her treacherous sis ter Judah has not turned to Me with her whole heart, but deceitfully,” says the Lord. 11 And the Lord said to me, “The backsliding Israel has justified
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herself more than treacherous Ju dah. 12 Go and proclaim these words toward the north, and say, ‘Return, backsliding Israel,’ says the Lord. ‘And I will not cause My anger to fall on you. For I am merciful,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will not keep an ger forever. 13 Only acknowledge your iniquity, that you have trans gressed against the Lord your God, and have scattered your ways to the foreigners under every green tree, and you have not obeyed My voice,’ says the Lord. 14 ‘Return, O back sliding children,’ says the Lord, ‘for I am married to you. And I will take you, one from a city and two from a family, and I will bring you to Zion. 15 “‘And I will give you pastors according to My heart, who shall feed you with knowledge and un derstanding. 16 And it shall come to pass, when you have multiplied and increased in the land in those days,’ says the Lord, ‘they shall no longer say, “The ark of the covenant of the Lord.” Nor shall it come to mind. Nor shall they remember it. Nor shall they visit it. Nor shall that be done anymore. 17 At that time they shall call Jerusalem the throne of the Lord, and all the nations shall be gathered to it, to the name of the Lord, to Jerusalem. They shall no longer walk after the intentions of their evil heart. 18 In those days the house of Judah shall walk with the house of Israel, and they shall come out of the land of the north together to the land that I have given to your fathers as an inheritance. 19 But I said, “How shall I put you among the children and give you a pleas ant land, a beautiful heritage of the
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hosts of nations?” And I said, “You shall call Me, ‘My Father,’” and shall not turn away from Me. 20 “‘Surely as a wife treacherously departs from her husband, so you have dealt treacherously with Me, O house of Israel,’ says the Lord. 21 ‘A voice was heard on the high places, the weeping and pleading of the children of Israel. For they have perverted their way, and they have forgotten the Lord their God. 22 Re turn, you backsliding children, and I will heal your backslidings.’” Behold, we come to You, for You are the Lord our God. 23 Truly in vain salvation is hoped for from the hills and from the multitude of mountains. Truly the salvation of Israel is in the Lord our God. 24 For shame has devoured the labor of our fathers from our youth—their flocks and their herds, their sons and their daughters. 25 We lie down in our shame, and our shame covers us. For we have sinned against the Lord our God, we and our fathers, from our youth even to this day, and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord our God. Second Message, Continued “If you will return, O Israel,” says the Lord, “return to Me. And if you will put away your abom inations out of My sight, then you shall not be moved. 2 And you shall swear, ‘The Lord lives,’ in truth, in judgment, and in righteousness. And the nations shall bless themselves in Him, and in Him they shall glory.” 3 For this is what the Lord says to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your untilled ground,
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and do not sow among thorns. 4 Cir cumcise yourselves to the Lord, and take away the foreskins of your hearts, you men of Judah and in habitants of Jerusalem, lest My fury come forth like fire, and burn, that no one can quench it, because of the evil of your actions. 5 “Declare in Judah and proclaim in Jerusalem, and say: ‘Blow the trumpet in the land.’ Cry, ‘Gather together,’ and say, ‘Assemble your selves, and let us go into the fortified cities.’ 6 Set up the banner toward Zion. Retreat; do not wait. For I will bring evil from the north, and a great destruction.” 7 The lion has come up from his thicket, and the destroyer of the Gentiles is on his way. He has gone forth from his place to make your land desolate. And your cities shall be laid waste, without an inhabi tant. 8 For this, gird yourselves with sackcloth. Mourn and wail. For the fierce anger of the Lord has not turned back from us. 9 “And it shall come to pass on that day,” says the Lord, “that the heart of the king and the heart of the princes shall perish, and the priests shall be astonished, and the proph ets shall wonder.” 10 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Surely You have greatly deceived this people and Jerusalem, saying, ‘You shall have peace,’ while the sword reaches to the soul.” 11 At that time it shall be said to this people and to Jerusalem, “A dry wind from the high places in the wilderness toward the daugh ter of My people—not to fan, nor to cleanse— 12 even a full wind from
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those places shall come to Me. Now I will also give a sentence against them.” 13 Behold, he shall come up like the clouds, and his chariots shall be like a whirlwind. His horses are swifter than eagles. Woe to us, for we are plundered! 14 O Jerusalem, wash your heart from wickedness, that you may be saved. How long shall your vain thoughts lodge within you? 15 For a voice declares from Dan and proclaims affliction from Mount Ephraim: 16 “Make mention to the nations, behold, pro claim against Jerusalem that watch ers come from a distant country and raise their voices against the cities of Judah. 17 Like keepers of a field they are against her all around, because she has been rebellious against Me,” says the Lord. 18 “Your way and your actions have brought these things on you. This is your wickedness, because it is bitter, be cause it reaches to your heart.” 19 My heart, my heart! I am pained in my very heart. My heart makes a noise in me; I cannot keep silent, because you have heard, O my soul, the sound of the trumpet, the alarm of war. 20 Destruction on destruc tion is cried out, for the whole land is plundered. Suddenly my tents are plundered, and my curtains, in a moment. 21 How long shall I see the banner and hear the sound of the trumpet? 22 “For My people are foolish; they have not known Me. They are stu pid children, and they have no un derstanding. They are wise in doing evil, but they have no knowledge in doing good.”
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looked at the earth, and be hold, it was without form and void, and the heavens, and they had no light. 24 I looked at the mountains, and behold, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. 25 I looked, and behold, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens had fled. 26 I looked, and behold, the fruit ful place was a wilderness, and all its cities were broken down at the presence of the Lord and by His fierce anger. 27 For this is what the Lord has said: “The whole land shall be des olate, yet I will not make a full end. 28 For this the earth shall mourn, and the heavens above be dark. Because I have spoken it, I have determined it and will not change My mind, nor will I turn back from it.” 29 The whole city shall flee from the noise of the horsemen and bow men. They shall go into thickets and climb up on the rocks. Every city shall be abandoned, and not a man dwell in them. 30 And when you have been plundered, what will you do? Though you clothe yourself with crimson, though you adorn yourself with ornaments of gold, though you enlarge your face with makeup, you shall make yourself beautiful in vain. Your lov ers will despise you; they will seek your life. 31 For I have heard a voice as of a woman in labor, and the anguish as of her who gives birth to her first child, the voice of the daughter of Zion who mourns for herself, who spreads her hands, saying, “Woe is me now! For my soul is wearied be cause of murderers.”
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Second Message, Continued “Run to and fro through the streets of Jerusalem, and see now, and know, and seek in its broad places, if you can find a man, if there is anyone who executes judgment, who seeks the truth, and I will pardon it. 2 And though they say, ‘The Lord lives,’ surely they swear falsely.” 3 O Lord, are Your eyes not on the truth? You have struck them, but they have not grieved. You have consumed them, but they have re fused to receive correction. They have made their faces harder than a rock; they have refused to return. 4 Therefore I said, “Surely these are poor. They are foolish. For they do not know the way of the Lord or the judgment of their God. 5 I will go to the great men and will speak to them, for they have known the way of the Lord and the judgment of their God.” But these have alto gether broken the yoke and burst the bonds. 6 Therefore a lion out of the forest shall slay them, and a wolf of the evenings shall ravage them, a leopard shall watch over their cities. Everyone who goes out from there shall be torn in pieces, because their transgressions are many and their backslidings have increased. 7 “How shall I pardon you for this? Your children have abandoned Me and sworn by those who are not gods. When I had fed them to the full, then they committed adul tery and assembled themselves by troops in the prostitutes’ houses. 8 They were like fed horses in the morning—each one neighed af ter his neighbor’s wife. 9 Shall I not
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punish for these things?” says the Lord. “And shall My soul not take vengeance on such a nation as this? 10 “Go up on her walls and destroy, but do not make a full end. Take away her battlements, for they are not the Lord’s. 11 For the house of Israel and the house of Judah have acted very treacherously against Me,” says the Lord. 12 They have contradicted the Lord and said, “It is not He. Nor shall evil come on us. Nor shall we see sword or famine. 13 And the prophets shall become wind, and the word is not in them. Thus shall it be done to them.” 14 Therefore this is what the Lord God of hosts says: “Because you speak this word, behold, I will make My words fire in your mouth, and this people wood, and it shall devour them. 15 Behold, I will bring a nation upon you from afar, O house of Is rael,” says the Lord. “It is a mighty nation; it is an ancient nation, a nation whose language you do not know, nor can you understand what they say. 16 Their quiver is like an open sepulchre; they are all mighty men. 17 And they shall eat up your harvest and your bread, which your sons and your daughters should eat. They shall eat up your flocks and your herds. They shall eat up your vines and your fig trees. They shall impoverish your fortified cities, in which you trust, with the sword. 18 “Nevertheless, in those days,” says the Lord, “I will not make a full end of you. 19 And it shall come to pass when you shall say, ‘Why does the Lord our God do all these things to us?’ then you shall answer them, ‘Just as you have abandoned
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Me and served foreign gods in your land, so you shall serve foreigners in a land that is not yours.’ 20 “Declare this in the house of Jacob and proclaim it in Judah, saying, 21 ‘Hear this now, O foolish people without understanding, who have eyes and do not see, who have ears and do not hear: 22 Do you not fear Me?’ says the Lord. ‘Will you not tremble at My presence, who has placed the sand as the bound ary of the sea by a perpetual de cree, that it cannot pass it? And though its waves toss themselves, they cannot prevail; though they roar, they cannot pass over it. 23 But this people has a defiant and a re bellious heart; they have revolted and gone. 24 Nor do they say in their hearts, “Let us now fear the Lord our God, who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season. He reserves for us the appointed weeks of the harvest.” 25 Your iniqui ties have turned these things away, and your sins have withheld good things from you. 26 For wicked men are found among My people. They lie in wait like he who sets snares. They set a trap; they catch men. 27 As a cage is full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. Therefore, they have become great and grown rich. 28 They have grown fat; they shine. Yes, they surpass the deeds of the wicked. They do not judge the cause, the cause of the father less. Yet they prosper, and they do not judge the rights of the needy. 29 Shall I not punish them for these things?’ says the Lord. ‘Shall My soul not take vengeance on such a nation as this?’
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astonishing and horrible thing is committed in the land: 31 the prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests rule by their means, and My people love to have it so. And what will you do in the end of it?” Second Message, Continued “O you children of Benjamin, gather yourselves to flee out of the midst of Jerusalem, and blow the trumpet in Tekoa, and set up a sign of fire in Beth-haccerem. For evil appears out of the north, and great destruction. 2 I have likened the daughter of Zion to a beautiful and delicate woman. 3 The shep herds with their flocks shall come to her; they shall pitch their tents all around her. They shall feed, each one in his place. 4 Prepare war against her; arise, and let us go up at noon. Woe to us! For the day goes away, for the shadows of the eve ning are stretched out. 5 Arise, and let us go by night, and let us destroy her palaces.” 6 For this is what the Lord of hosts has said: “Cut down trees, and raise up a siege mound against Jerusalem. This is the city to be punished; she is full of oppression in the midst of her. 7 As a fountain casts out its waters, so she casts out her wickedness. Violence and plundering are heard in her. Grief and wounds are continually before Me. 8 Be instructed, O Jerusalem, lest My soul depart from you, lest I make you desolate, a land not in habited.” 9 This is what the Lord of hosts says: “They shall thoroughly glean the remnant of Israel like a vine.
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Turn back your hand like a grape gatherer into the baskets.” 10 To whom shall I speak and give warning, that they may hear? Be hold, their ear is uncircumcised and they cannot listen. Behold, the word of the Lord is a reproach to them; they have no delight in it. 11 There fore I am full of the fury of the Lord. I am weary with holding it in. “I will pour it out on the children abroad and on the assembly of young men together. For even the husband shall be taken with the wife, the aged with him who is full of days. 12 And their houses shall be turned over to others together with their fields and wives. For I will stretch out My hand on the inhabitants of the land,” says the Lord. 13 “For everyone is given to cov etousness, from the least of them even to the greatest of them. And everyone deals falsely, from the prophet even to the priest. 14 They have also healed the hurt of the daughter of My people slightly, say ing, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace. 15 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, nor could they blush. Therefore, they shall fall among those who fall. At the time that I punish them, they shall be cast down,” says the Lord. 16 This is what the Lord says: “Stand in the ways and see, and ask for the old paths, where the good way is, and walk in it, and you shall find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’ 17 Also, I set watchmen over you, saying, ‘Listen to the sound of the trumpet.’
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But they said, ‘We will not listen.’ 18 “Therefore hear, you nations, and know, O congregation, what is among them. 19 Hear, O earth. Be hold, I will bring evil on this people, even the fruit of their thoughts, be cause they have not listened to My words or to My law, but rejected it. 20 For what purpose does incense come to Me from Sheba and the sweet cane from a distant country? Your burnt offerings are not accept able, nor your sacrifices sweet to Me.” 21 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “Behold, I will lay stumbling blocks before this people, and the fathers and the sons together shall fall on them. The neighbor and his friend shall perish.” 22 This is what the Lord says: “Be hold, a people is coming from the north country, and a great nation shall be raised from the recesses of the earth. 23 They shall take hold of bow and spear. They are cruel and have no mercy. Their voice roars like the sea, and they ride on horses, set in formation like men for war against you, O daughter of Zion.” 24 We have heard the report of it; our hands grow feeble. Anguish has taken hold of us, and pain as of a woman in labor. 25 Do not go out into the field or walk by the road. For the sword of the enemy and fear are on every side. 26 O daugh ter of my people, gird yourselves with sackcloth and wallow in ashes. Mourn as for an only son, most bit ter lamentation, for the plunderer shall suddenly come upon us. 27 “I have set you as a tower and
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a fortress among My people, that you may know and test their way. 28 They are all grievous rebels, walk ing with slanderers. They are brass and iron; they are all corrupters. 29 The bellows are burned, the lead is consumed by the fire; the founder melts in vain, for the wicked are not plucked away. 30 Men shall call them rejected silver, because the Lord has rejected them.” The Message in the Temple Gate The word that came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 2 “Stand in the gate of the Lord’s house, and proclaim this word there, and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, all you of Judah who enter in at these gates to worship the Lord.’” 3 This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Amend your ways and your actions, and I will cause you to dwell in this place. 4 Do not trust in lying words, saying, ‘This is the tem ple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord, the temple of the Lord.’ 5 For if you thoroughly amend your ways and your actions, if you thoroughly execute justice between a man and his neighbor, 6 if you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless, and the widow, and do not shed inno cent blood in this place or walk after other gods to your harm, 7 then I will cause you to dwell in this place, in the land that I gave to your fathers, forever and ever. 8 “Behold, you trust in lying words that cannot profit. 9 Will you steal, murder, and commit adultery, and swear falsely, and burn incense to Baal, and walk after other gods
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whom you do not know, 10 and come and stand before Me in this house, which is called by My name, and say, ‘We are saved, to do all these abom inations’? 11 Has this house, which is called by My name, become a den of robbers in your eyes? Behold, even I have seen it,” says the Lord. 12 “But go now to My place that was in Shiloh, where I set My name at first, and see what I did to it be cause of the wickedness of My peo ple Israel. 13 And now, because you have done all these works,” says the Lord, “and I spoke to you, ris ing up early and speaking, but you did not hear, and I called you, but you did not answer, 14 therefore I will do to this house that is called by My name, in which you trust, and to the place that I gave to you and to your fathers, as I have done to Shiloh. 15 And I will cast you out of My sight, as I have cast out all your brothers, even all the descendants of Ephraim. 16 “Therefore do not pray for this people, nor lift up cry or prayer for them, nor make intercession to Me, for I will not hear you. 17 Do you not see what they do in the cities of Ju dah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 18 The children gather wood, and the fathers kindle the fire, and the women knead their dough to make cakes for the queen of heaven, and they pour out drink offerings to other gods, that they may provoke Me to anger. 19 Do they provoke Me to anger?” says the Lord. “Do they not provoke themselves to the shame of their own faces?” 20 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Behold, My anger and
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My fury shall be poured out on this place, on man and on beast, and on the trees of the field and on the fruit of the ground. And it shall burn and shall not be quenched.” 21 This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Add your burnt offerings to your sacrifices and eat meat. 22 For on the day that I brought them out of the land of Egypt I did not speak to your fa thers or command them concern ing burnt offerings or sacrifices. 23 But this thing I commanded them, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you shall be My people. And walk in all the ways that I have commanded you, that it may be well for you.’ 24 “But they did not listen or incline their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the plans of their evil hearts, and went backward and not for ward. 25 Since the day that your fa thers came out of the land of Egypt to this day, I have even sent to you all My servants the prophets, daily rising up early and sending them. 26 Yet they did not listen to Me or incline their ear but hardened their neck. They did worse than their fa thers. 27 “Therefore you shall speak all these words to them, but they will not listen to you. You shall also call to them, but they will not answer you. 28 But you shall say to them, ‘This is a nation that does not obey the voice of the Lord their God or receive correction. Truth has perished and is cut off from their mouths. 29 Cut off your hair, O Je rusalem, and cast it away, and take up a lamentation on high places, for
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the Lord has rejected and forsaken the generation of His wrath.’ 30 “For the children of Judah have done evil in My sight,” says the Lord. “They have set their abomi nations in the house that is called by My name, to defile it. 31 And they have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, which I did not command them, nor did it come into My heart. 32 There fore, behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that it shall no lon ger be called Topheth, nor the Val ley of the Son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter. For they shall bury in Topheth until there is no place left. 33 And the bodies of this people shall be food for the birds of the heavens and for the beasts of the earth, and no one shall frighten them away. 34 Then I will cause to cease from the cities of Judah and from the streets of Jerusalem the voice of joy and the voice of glad ness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. For the land shall be desolate.” The Message in the Temple Gate, Continued “At that time,” says the Lord, “they shall bring out the bones of the kings of Judah, and the bones of its princes, and the bones of the priests, and the bones of the proph ets, and the bones of the inhabitants of Jerusalem, out of their graves. 2 And they shall spread them be fore the sun and the moon and all the host of heaven, which they have loved, and which they have served,
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and after which they have walked, and which they have sought, and which they have worshipped. They shall not be gathered or be buried; they shall be like dung on the face of the earth. 3 And death shall be chosen rather than life by all the re mainder of those who remain of this evil family, who remain in all the places where I have driven them,” says the Lord of hosts. 4 “Moreover, you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Shall they fall and not arise? Shall he turn away and not return? 5 Why then has this people of Jerusalem slidden back by a perpetual back sliding? They hold fast to deceit; they refuse to return. 6 I listened and heard, but they did not speak what is right. No man repented of his wickedness, saying, ‘What have I done?’ Everyone turned to his own course as the horse rushes into the battle. 7 Yes, the stork in the heavens knows her appointed times, and the turtledove, and the crane, and the swallow observe the time of their coming. But My people do not know the judgment of the Lord. 8 How do you say, ‘We are wise, and the law of the Lord is with us’? Behold, certainly he made it deceitfully; the pen of the scribes is deceitful. 9 The wise men are ashamed; they are dismayed and taken. Behold, they have rejected the word of the Lord, and what wisdom is in them? 10 Therefore I will give their wives to others and their fields to those who shall inherit them. For ev eryone, from the least even to the greatest, is given to covetousness; from the prophet even to the priest,
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everyone deals falsely. 11 For they have healed the hurt of the daugh ter of My people slightly, saying, ‘Peace, peace,’ when there is no peace. 12 Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? No, they were not at all ashamed, nor could they blush. Therefore they shall fall among those who fall. At the time of their visitation they shall be cast down,” says the Lord. 13 “I will surely consume them,” says the Lord. “No grapes shall be on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade, and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them.”’” 14 Why do we sit still? Assemble yourselves, and let us enter into the fortified cities, and let us be si lent there. For the Lord our God has put us to silence and given us water of gall to drink, because we have sinned against the Lord. 15 We looked for peace, but no good came, and for a time of health, and be hold, trouble! 16 The snorting of His horses was heard from Dan. The whole land trembled at the sound of the neighing of His strong ones, for they have come and have devoured the land and all that is in it, the city and those who dwell in it. 17 “For, behold, I will send ser pents, vipers, among you that will not be charmed, and they shall bite you,” says the Lord. 18 When I would comfort myself against sorrow, my heart is faint in me. 19 Behold the voice of the cry of the daughter of my people because of those who dwell in a distant country: “Is the Lord not in Zion? Is her King not in her?”
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“Why have they provoked Me to anger with their carved images and with strange vanities?” 20 The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved. 21 For the hurt of the daughter of my people I am hurt. I am mourn ful; astonishment has taken hold of me. 22 Is there no balm in Gilead? Is there no physician there? Why then has the health of the daughter of my people not been restored? The Message in the Temple Gate, Continued Oh that my head were waters, and my eyes a fountain of tears, that I might weep day and night for the slain of the daughter of my peo ple! 2 Oh that I had in the wilderness a lodging place for traveling men, that I might leave my people and go from them! For they are all adul terers, an assembly of treacherous men. 3 “And they bend their tongues like their bows for lies. But they are not valiant for the truth on the earth. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not know Me,” says the Lord. 4 “Everyone take heed of his neighbor, and do not trust in any brother. For every brother will com pletely mislead, and every neigh bor will walk with slanderers. 5 And everyone will deceive his neighbor and will not speak the truth. They have taught their tongue to speak lies, and weary themselves to com mit iniquity. 6 Your habitation is in the midst of deceit; through deceit they refuse to know Me,” says the Lord. 7 Therefore this is what the Lord
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Jeremiah 9:16
of hosts says: “Behold, I will melt them and test them, for how shall I take care of the daughter of My people? 8 Their tongue is like an ar row shot out; it speaks deceit. One speaks peacefully to his neighbor with his mouth, but in his heart he lies in wait. 9 Shall I not punish them for these things?” says the Lord. “Shall My soul not take vengeance on such a nation as this? 10 I will take up a weeping and wailing for the mountains, and a lamentation for the habitations of the wilderness, because they are burned up so that no one can pass through them, nor can men hear the sound of the cat tle. Both the birds of the heavens and the beast have fled; they are gone. 11 And I will make Jerusalem ruins and a den of dragons. And I will make the cities of Judah deso late, without an inhabitant.” 12 Who is the wise man who may understand this? And who is he to whom the mouth of the Lord has spoken, that he may declare it? For what has the land perished and burned up like a wilderness, that no one passes through? 13 And the Lord said, “Because they have abandoned My law that I set before them and have not obeyed My voice or walked in it, 14 but have walked after the plan of their own heart and after the Baals, which their fa thers taught them,” 15 therefore this is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will feed them, even this people, with worm wood, and give them water of gall to drink. 16 I will also scatter them among the nations, whom neither they nor their fathers have known.
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And I will send a sword after them until I have consumed them.” 17 This is what the Lord of hosts says: “Consider, and call for the mourning women, that they may come, and send for skillful women, that they may come. 18 And let them make haste and take up a wailing for us, that our eyes may run down with tears and our eyelids gush out with waters. 19 For a voice of wail ing is heard out of Zion: ‘How we are plundered! We are greatly con founded, because we have aban doned the land, because our dwell ings have cast us out.’” 20 Yet hear the word of the Lord, O women, and let your ear receive the word of His mouth, and teach your daughters wailing, and each one her neighbor lamentation. 21 For death has come up into our windows and has entered into our palaces, to cut off the children from outside and the young men from the streets. 22 Speak: “This is what the Lord says: ‘Even the bodies of men shall fall like dung on the open field, and like the handful after the har vestman, and no one shall gather them.’” 23 This is what the Lord says: “Do not let the wise man boast in his wisdom or let the mighty man boast in his might. Do not let the rich man boast in his riches. 24 But let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the Lord who exercises loving-kindness, justice, and righ teousness on the earth. For in these things I delight,” says the Lord. 25 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that I will punish all
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those who are circumcised with the uncircumcised— 26 Egypt, and Ju dah, and Edom, and the children of Ammon, and Moab, and all who are in the farthest corners, who dwell in the wilderness. For all these na tions are uncircumcised, and all the house of Israel are uncircumcised in the heart.” The Message in the Temple Gate, Continued Hear the word that the Lord speaks to you, O house of Is 2 rael. This is what the Lord says: “Do not learn the way of the na tions, and do not be dismayed at the signs of heaven, for the nations are dismayed at them. 3 For the customs of the people are vain; for one cuts a tree out of the forest, the work of the hands of the workman, with an axe. 4 They decorate it with silver and with gold; they fasten it with nails and with hammers, that it does not move. 5 They are upright like the palm tree, but do not speak. They need to be carried because they cannot walk. Do not be afraid of them, for they cannot do evil, nor is it in them to do good.” 6 For there is none like You, O Lord—You are great, and Your name is great in might— 7 who would not fear You, O King of nations? For to You it is suitable. For among all the wise men of the nations and in all their kingdoms there is none like You. 8 But they are altogether sense less and foolish. The tree trunk is a doctrine of vanities. 9 Silver spread into plates is brought from Tar shish, and gold from Uphaz, the work of the workman and of the
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hands of the founder. Their cloth ing is blue and purple. They are all the work of skilled men. 10 But the Lord is the true God; He is the liv ing God and an everlasting King. At His wrath the earth shall trem ble, and the nations shall not be able to withstand His indignation. 11 Thus you shall say to them: “The gods who have not made the heav ens and the earth, even they shall perish from the earth and from un der these heavens.” 12 He has made the earth by His power. He has es tablished the world by His wisdom and has stretched out the heavens by His discretion. 13 When He ut ters His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning with rain and brings forth the wind out of His treasuries. 14 Ev ery man is senseless in his knowl edge. Every founder is confounded by the carved image. For his cast metal image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. 15 They are vanity, and the work of errors. In the time of their punishment they shall perish. 16 The Portion of Jacob is not like them. For He is the Maker of all things, and Israel is the rod of His inheritance. The Lord of hosts is His name. 17 Gather up your wares out of the land, O inhabitant of the fortress. 18 For this is what the Lord says: “Behold, I will sling out the inhab itants of the land at this time, and will distress them, that they may find it so.” 19 Woe is me for my injury! My wound is serious. But I said, “Truly
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Jeremiah 11:4
this is a grief, and I must endure it.” 20 My tent is plundered, and all my cords are broken. My children have gone from me, and they are no more. There is no one to stretch out my tent and to set up my curtains anymore. 21 For the shepherds have become senseless and have not sought the Lord. Therefore they shall not prosper, and all their flocks shall be scattered. 22 Behold, the noise of the report has come, and a great commotion out of the north country, to make the cities of Judah desolate and a den of dragons. 23 O Lord, I know that the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his steps. 24 O Lord, correct me, but with justice, not in Your anger, lest You bring me to nothing. 25 Pour out Your fury on the nations who do not know You and on the families who do not call on Your name. For they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate. The Message on the Broken Covenant The word that came to Jere miah from the Lord, saying, 2 “Hear the words of this covenant, and speak to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, 3 and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God of Israel says: “Cursed is the man who does not obey the words of this covenant, 4 which I commanded your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, from the iron fur nace, saying, ‘Obey My voice, and do according to all that I command
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you; so you shall be My people, and I will be your God,’ 5 that I may per form the oath that I have sworn to your fathers, to give them a land flowing with milk and honey, as it is this day.”’” Then I answered and said, “So be it, O Lord.” 6 Then the Lord said to me, “Pro claim all these words in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusa lem, saying, ‘Hear the words of this covenant and do them. 7 For I ear nestly warned your fathers on the day that I brought them up out of the land of Egypt, even to this day, rising early and warning, saying, “Obey My voice.” 8 Yet they did not obey or incline their ear, but every one walked in the plans of his evil heart. Therefore, I will bring on them all the words of this covenant, which I commanded them to do, but they did not do them.’” 9 And the Lord said to me, “A conspiracy has been found among the men of Judah and among the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 10 They have turned back to the iniquities of their forefathers, who refused to hear My words, and they have gone after other gods to serve them. The house of Israel and the house of Judah have broken My covenant that I made with their fa thers.” 11 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “Behold, I will bring evil on them, which they shall not be able to escape. And though they shall cry to Me, I will not listen to them. 12 “Then the cities of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem shall go and cry to the gods to whom they offer incense, but they shall not save
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them at all in the time of their trou ble. 13 For according to the number of your cities were your gods, O Ju dah, and according to the number of the streets of Jerusalem you have set up altars to that shameful thing, even altars to burn incense to Baal. 14 Therefore do not pray for this people or lift up a cry or prayer for them. For I will not hear them in the time that they cry to Me because of their trouble. 15 “What has My beloved to do in My house, seeing that she has done lewd deeds with many, and the holy flesh has passed from you? When you do evil, then you rejoice. 16 The Lord called your name ‘A Green Olive Tree, Beautiful and of Good Fruit.’ With the noise of a great tu mult He has kindled fire on it, and its branches are broken. 17 For the Lord of hosts, who planted you, has pronounced evil against you because of the evil of the house of Israel and of the house of Judah, which they have done against them selves to provoke Me to anger in of fering incense to Baal.” 18 And the Lord has given me knowledge of it, and I know it. Then You showed me their actions. 19 But I was like a lamb or an ox that is brought to the slaughter, and I did not know that they had devised schemes against me, saying, “Let us destroy the tree with its fruit, and let us cut him off from the land of the living, that his name may no longer be remembered.” 20 But, O Lord of hosts, who judges righteously, who tests the mind and the heart, let me see Your vengeance on them, for I have revealed my cause to You.
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says of the men of Anathoth who seek your life, saying, “Do not prophesy in the name of the Lord, that you not die by our hand”— 22 therefore this is what the Lord of hosts says: “Behold, I will pun ish them. The young men shall die by the sword; their sons and their daughters shall die by famine. 23 And there shall be no remnant of them, for I will bring evil on the men of Anathoth, even the year of their punishment.” The Message on the Broken Covenant, Concluded You are righteous, O Lord, when I plead with You. Yet let me talk with You about Your judg ments. Why does the way of the wicked prosper? Why are all those who deal very treacherously happy? 2 You have planted them; yes, they have taken root. They grow; yes, they produce fruit. You are near in their mouth and far from their minds. 3 But You, O Lord, know me. You have seen me and tested my heart toward You. Pull them out like sheep for the slaughter, and prepare them for the day of slaughter. 4 How long shall the land mourn and the grass of every field wither? Because of the wickedness of those who dwell in it, the beasts and the birds are consumed, because they said, “He shall not see our final end.” 5 “If you have run with the foot men, and they have wearied you, then how can you contend with horses? And if they wearied you in the land of peace, in which you trusted, then how will you do in the
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swelling of the Jordan? 6 For even your brothers and the house of your father, even they have dealt treach erously with you; yes, they have called a multitude after you. Do not believe them, though they speak pleasant words to you. 7 “I have abandoned My house. I have left My heritage. I have given the dearly beloved of My soul into the hand of her enemies. 8 My heri tage is like a lion in the forest to Me; it cries out against Me. Therefore I have hated it. 9 My heritage is like a speckled bird to Me; the birds all around are against her. Come, as semble all the beasts of the field; come to devour. 10 “Many shepherds have de stroyed My vineyard; they have trampled My portion underfoot; they have made My pleasant por tion a desolate wilderness. 11 They have made it desolate, and being desolate it mourns to Me. The whole land is made desolate, be cause no man lays it to heart. 12 The plunderers have come on all the high places throughout the wil derness, for the sword of the Lord shall devour from the one end of the land even to the other end of the land. No flesh shall have peace. 13 “They have sown wheat but shall reap thorns. They have put them selves to pain but shall not profit. And they shall be ashamed of their harvest because of the fierce anger of the Lord.” 14 This is what the Lord says: “Against all My evil neighbors who touch the inheritance that I have caused My people Israel to inherit—behold, I will pluck them
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out of their land and pluck out the house of Judah from among them. 15 And it shall come to pass, after I have plucked them out, that I will return and have compassion on them and will bring them back, ev ery man to his heritage and every man to his land. 16 And it shall come to pass, if they will diligently learn the ways of My people, to swear by My name, ‘The Lord lives,’ as they taught My people to swear by Baal, then they shall be built in the midst of My people. 17 But if they will not obey, I will utterly uproot and de stroy that nation,” says the Lord. The Sign of the Linen Belt This is what the Lord said to me: “Go and get yourself a linen belt, and put it on your loins, and do not put it in water.” 2 So I got a belt, according to the word of the Lord, and put it on my loins. 3 And the word of the Lord came to me the second time, saying, 4 “Take the belt that you have gotten, which is on your loins, and arise, go to the Euphrates, and hide it there in a hole of the rock.” 5 So I went and hid it by the Euphrates, as the Lord commanded me. 6 And it came to pass after many days that the Lord said to me, “Arise, go to the Euphra tes and take from there the belt that I commanded you to hide there.” 7 Then I went to the Euphrates and dug and took the belt from the place where I had hidden it. And behold, the belt was ruined; it was profitable for nothing. 8 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 9 “This is what the Lord says: ‘In this way I will ruin the pride of Judah and
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the great pride of Jerusalem. 10 This evil people, who refuse to hear My words, who walk in the plans of their hearts and walk after other gods to serve them and to worship them, shall even be like this belt that is good for nothing. 11 For as the belt clings to the loins of a man, so I have caused the whole house of Is rael and the whole house of Judah to cling to Me,’ says the Lord, ‘that they might be to Me for a people and for a name and for a praise and for a glory. But they would not hear.’ 12 “Therefore you shall speak this word to them: ‘This is what the Lord God of Israel says: “Every bottle shall be filled with wine.”’ And they shall say to you, ‘Do we not certainly know that every bottle shall be filled with wine?’ 13 “Then you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Be hold, I will fill all the inhabitants of this land with drunkenness, even the kings who sit on David’s throne, and the priests and the prophets, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 14 And I will smash them against one another, even the fathers and the sons together,” says the Lord. “I will not pity or spare or have mercy but destroy them.”’” 15 Hear and give ear. Do not be proud, for the Lord has spoken. 16 Give glory to the Lord your God, before He causes darkness, and be fore your feet stumble on the dark mountains, and while you look for light, He turns it into the shadow of death and makes it thick dark ness. 17 But if you will not hear it, my soul shall weep in secret places for your pride, and my eyes shall weep
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greatly and run down with tears, because the Lord’s flock has been carried away captive. 18 Say to the king and to the queen, “Humble yourselves. Sit down. For your principalities shall come down, even the crown of your glory.” 19 The cities of the south shall be shut up, and no one shall open them. Judah shall be carried away captive, all of it; it shall be wholly carried away captive. 20 Lift up your eyes and see those who come from the north. Where is the flock that was given to you—your beautiful flock? 21 What will you say when He punishes you? For you have taught them to be cap tains and as chief over you. Shall sorrows not take you like a woman in labor? 22 And if you say in your heart, “Why have these things come on me?”—for of the greatness of your iniquity your skirts have been un covered and your heels made bare. 23 Can the Ethiopian change his skin or the leopard his spots? Then may you also do good who are accus tomed to do evil. 24 “Therefore I will scatter them like the stubble that passes away by the wind of the wil derness. 25 This is your lot, the por tion of your measures from Me,” says the Lord, “because you have forgotten Me and trusted in false hood. 26 Therefore I will uncover your skirts on your face, that your shame may appear. 27 I have seen your adulteries and your neighings, the lewdness of your prostitution and your abominations on the hills in the fields. Woe to you, O Jerusa lem! Will you not be made clean? When shall it once be?”
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The Message on the Drought The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah concerning the drought: 2 “Judah mourns, and its gates languish. They are black to the ground, and the cry of Jerusalem has gone up. 3 And their nobles have sent their little ones to the waters. They came to the pits and found no water. They returned with their vessels empty. They were ashamed and confounded, and covered their heads. 4 Because the ground is cracked, for there was no rain in the earth, the plowmen were ashamed; they covered their heads. 5 Yes, the deer also gave birth in the field and abandoned it because there was no grass. 6 And the wild donkeys stood in the high places. They sniffed up the wind like dragons; their eyes failed because there was no grass.” 7 O Lord, though our iniquities tes tify against us, do it for Your name’s sake. For our backslidings are many; we have sinned against You. 8 O, the Hope of Israel, its Savior in time of trouble, why should You be like a foreigner in the land, and like a trav eling man who turns aside to stay for a night? 9 Why should you be like a man astonished, like a mighty man who cannot save? Yet You, O Lord, are in the midst of us, and we are called by Your name. Do not leave us. 10 This is what the Lord says to this people: “Thus they have loved to wander; they have not refrained their feet. Therefore the Lord does not accept them. Now He will re member their iniquity and punish their sins.” 11 Then the Lord said to me, “Do
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not pray for this people, for their good. 12 When they fast, I will not hear their cry. And when they offer burnt offering and a sacrifice, I will not accept them. But I will consume them by the sword, and by the fam ine, and by the pestilence.” 13 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Be hold, the prophets say to them, ‘You shall not see the sword, nor shall you have famine, but I will give you assured peace in this place.’” 14 Then the Lord said to me, “The prophets prophesy lies in My name. I did not send them, nor have I commanded them or spo ken to them. They prophesy to you a false vision and divination, and a thing of worthlessness, and the de ceit of their heart. 15 Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning the prophets who prophesy in My name, and I did not send them, yet they say, ‘Sword and famine shall not be in this land’—by sword and famine those prophets shall be con sumed. 16 And the people to whom they prophesy shall be cast out in the streets of Jerusalem because of the famine and the sword, and they shall have no one to bury them— them, their wives, and their sons, and their daughters. For I will pour their wickedness on them. 17 “Therefore you shall say this word to them: ‘Let my eyes run down with tears night and day, and do not let them cease. For the vir gin daughter of my people is bro ken with a great breach, with a very serious blow. 18 If I go forth into the field, then behold, the slain with the sword! And if I enter into the city, then behold, those who are sick
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with famine! Yes, both the prophet and the priest go about into a land that they do not know.’” 19 Have You utterly rejected Ju dah? Has Your soul loathed Zion? Why have you struck us, and there is no healing for us? We looked for peace, and there is no good, and for the time of healing, and be hold, trouble! 20 We acknowledge, O Lord, our wickedness and the iniquity of our fathers, for we have sinned against You. 21 Do not hate us, for Your name’s sake; do not disgrace the throne of Your glory. Remember, do not break Your covenant with us. 22 Are there any among the vanities of the Gentiles that can cause rain? Or can the heavens give showers? Are You not He, O Lord our God? Therefore we will wait on You. For You have made all these things. The Message on the Drought, Concluded Then the Lord said to me, “Though Moses and Sam uel stood before Me, yet My mind could not be toward this people. Throw them out of My sight, and let them go forth. 2 And it shall come to pass, if they say to you, ‘Where shall we go forth?’ then you shall tell them, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Those who are for death, to death; and those who are for the sword, to the sword; and those who are for the famine, to the famine; and those who are for the captivity, to the captivity.”’ 3 And I will appoint over them four kinds,” says the Lord, “the sword to slay, and the dogs to tear, and the birds
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of the heavens and the beasts of the earth to devour and destroy. 4 And I will cause them to be removed into all kingdoms of the earth, because of Manasseh the son of Hezekiah, king of Judah, for what he did in Jerusalem. 5 For who shall have pity on you, O Jerusalem? Or who shall grieve deeply for you? Or who shall go aside to ask how you are doing? 6 You have abandoned Me,” says the Lord. “You have gone backward. Therefore I will stretch out My hand against you and de stroy you. I am weary of relenting. 7 And I will fan them with a fan in the gates of the land. I will bereave them of children. I will destroy My people, since they do not return from their ways. 8 Their widows are increased to Me above the sand of the seas. I have brought on them, against the mother of the young men, a plunderer at noonday. I have caused him to fall on it sud denly, and terrors on the city. 9 She who has borne seven languishes. She has given up the spirit; her sun has gone down while it was still day. She has been ashamed and confounded. And the rest of them I will deliver to the sword before their enemies,” says the Lord. 10 Woe to me, my mother, that you have borne me—a man of strife and a man of contention to the whole earth! I have not lent with interest, nor have men lent to me with inter est. Yet every one of them curses me. 11 The Lord said, “Truly it shall be well with your remnant; truly I will cause the enemy to treat you well in the time of evil and in the time of affliction. 12 Shall iron break
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Jeremiah 15:21
the northern iron and the steel? 13 I will give your possessions and your treasures as plunder without price, and that for all your sins, even in all your borders. 14 And I will make you to pass with your enemies into a land that you do not know. For in My anger a fire is kindled that shall burn on you.” 15 O Lord, You know; remember me and visit me, and take ven geance for me on my persecutors. In Your long-suffering do not take me away. Know that for Your sake I have suffered rebuke. 16 Your words were found, and I ate them, and Your word was to me the joy and re joicing of my heart. For I am called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts. 17 I did not sit in the assembly of the mockers, nor did I rejoice. I sat alone because of Your hand, for You have filled me with indignation. 18 Why is my pain perpetual and my wound incurable, which refuses to be healed? Will You be altogether like a liar to me, and like waters that fail? 19 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “If you return, then I will bring you back, and you shall stand before Me. And if you take forth the pre cious from the vile, you shall be as My mouth. Let them return to you, but do not return to them. 20 And I will make you to this people a forti fied brazen wall. And they shall fight against you, but they shall not pre vail against you. For I am with you to save you and to deliver you,” says the Lord. 21 “And I will deliver you out of the hand of the wicked, and I will redeem you out of the hand of the terrible.”
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Jeremiah 16:1
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The Sign of the Unmarried Prophet The word of the Lord also came to me, saying, 2 “You shall not take a wife, nor shall you have sons or daughters in this place.” 3 For this is what the Lord says concerning the sons and con cerning the daughters who are born in this place, and concerning their mothers who bore them, and con cerning their fathers who begot them in this land: 4 “They shall die of grievous deaths. They shall not be lamented, nor shall they be bur ied, but they shall be like dung on the face of the earth. And they shall be consumed by the sword and by famine, and their bodies shall be food for the birds of heaven and for the beasts of the earth.” 5 For this is what the Lord says: “Do not enter into the house of mourning or go to lament or mourn for them. For I have taken away My peace from this people,” says the Lord, “even loving-kindness and mercies. 6 Both the great and the small shall die in this land. They shall not be buried, nor shall men lament for them or cut themselves or make themselves bald for them. 7 Nor shall men tear themselves for them in mourning, to comfort them for the dead. Nor shall men give them the cup of con solation to drink for their father or for their mother. 8 Also, you shall not go into the house of feasting to sit with them to eat and to drink.” 9 For this is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, in your eyes and in your days, I will cause to cease out of this place the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the
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voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride. 10 “And it shall come to pass, when you shall tell these people all these words, and they shall say to you, ‘Why has the Lord pronounced all this great evil against us?’ or ‘What is our iniquity?’ or ‘What is our sin that we have committed against the Lord our God?’— 11 then you shall say to them, ‘Because your fa thers have abandoned Me,’ says the Lord, ‘and have walked after other gods, and have served them, and have worshipped them, and have abandoned Me, and have not kept My law. 12 And you have done worse than your fathers, for behold, ev ery one of you walks according to the plans of his evil heart, that they may not listen to Me. 13 Therefore I will cast you out of this land into a land that you do not know—nei ther you nor your fathers. And there you shall serve other gods day and night, where I will not show you fa vor.’ 14 “Therefore behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that it shall no longer be said, ‘The Lord lives, who brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt,’ 15 but, ‘The Lord lives, who brought up the children of Israel from the land of the north and from all the lands where He had driven them.’ And I will bring them back into their land that I gave to their fathers. 16 “Behold, I will send for many fishermen,” says the Lord, “and they shall fish for them. And after ward I will send for many hunters, and they shall hunt them from every
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mountain and from every hill, and out of the holes of the rocks. 17 For My eyes are on all their ways. They are not hidden from My face, nor is their iniquity hidden from My eyes. 18 And first I will repay them double for their iniquity and their sin, be cause they have defiled My land; they have filled My inheritance with the carcasses of their detestable and abominable things.” 19 O Lord, my strength and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles shall come to You from the ends of the earth, and shall say, “Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things in which there is no profit.” 20 Shall a man make gods for himself, and they are not gods? 21 “Therefore, behold, this once I will cause them to know; I will cause them to know My hand and My might. And they shall know that My name is the Lord.” The Sign of the Unmarried Prophet, Concluded “The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron and with the point of a diamond. It is en graved on the tablet of their heart and on the horns of your altars, 2 while their children remember their altars and their groves by the green trees on the high hills. 3 O My mountain in the field, I will give your possessions and all your treasures as plunder, and your high places for sin throughout all your borders. 4 And you, even yourself, shall let go of your heritage that I gave you, and I will cause you to serve your enemies in the land that
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Jeremiah 17:15
you do not know. For you have kin dled a fire in My anger that shall burn forever.” 5 This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his arm, and whose heart departs from the Lord. 6 For he shall be like the shrub in the desert, and shall not see when good comes, but shall inhabit the parched places in the wilderness, in a salt land not inhabited. 7 Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord. 8 For he shall be like a tree planted by the waters, and that spreads out its roots by the river, and shall not see when heat comes, but its leaf shall be green. And it shall not be anx ious in the year of drought or cease from yielding fruit. 9 “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked. Who can know it? 10 I, the Lord, search the heart, I try the minds, even to give every man according to his ways and according to the fruit of his actions. 11 As the partridge sits on eggs and does not hatch them, so he who gets riches—and not by right—shall leave them in the midst of his days, and at his end shall be a fool.” 12 A glorious high throne from the beginning is the place of our sanctu ary. 13 O Lord, the hope of Israel, all who abandon You shall be ashamed. “And those who depart from Me shall be written in the earth, because they have abandoned the Lord, the fountain of living waters.” 14 Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed. Save me, and I shall be saved. For You are my praise. 15 Behold, they
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Jeremiah 17:16
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say to me, “Where is the word of the Lord? Let it come now.” 16 As for me, I have not hastened from being a shepherd to follow You. Nor have I desired the woeful day—You know that what came out of my lips was right before You. 17 Do not be a terror to me. You are my hope in the day of evil. 18 Let those who per secute me be confounded, but do not let me be confounded. Let them be dismayed, but do not let me be dismayed. Bring the day of evil on them, and destroy them with dou ble destruction. The Message in the Gates 19 The Lord said this to me: “Go and stand in the gate of the children of the people, by which the kings of Judah come in and by which they go out, and in all the gates of Je rusalem. 20 And say to them, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, you kings of Judah, and all Judah, and all the inhabitants of Jerusalem, who en ter in by these gates. 21 This is what the Lord says: “Take heed to your selves, and do not bear a burden on the Sabbath day or bring it in by the gates of Jerusalem. 22 Neither carry forth a burden out of your houses on the Sabbath day nor do any work, but keep the Sabbath day holy, as I commanded your fathers. 23 But they did not obey or incline their ear but made their neck stiff, that they might not hear or receive instruction. 24 And it shall come to pass, if you diligently listen to Me,” says the Lord, “to bring in no bur den through the gates of this city on the Sabbath day, but keep the Sab bath day holy, to do no work on it,
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25 then kings and princes sitting on
the throne of David, riding in char iots and on horses, shall enter into the gates of this city—they, and their princes, the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem—and this city shall remain forever. 26 And they shall come to the house of the Lord from the cities of Judah and from the places around Jerusalem and from the land of Benjamin and from the plain and from the mountains and from the south, bringing burnt offerings and sacrifices and grain offerings and incense, and bringing sacrifices of praise. 27 But if you will not listen to Me to keep the Sabbath day holy, and not to bear a burden, even entering in at the gates of Je rusalem on the Sabbath day, then I will kindle a fire in its gates, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusa lem, and it shall not be quenched.”’” The Sign of the Potter’s House The word that came to Jere miah from the Lord, saying, 2 “Arise and go down to the potter’s house, and there I will cause you to hear My words.” 3 Then I went down to the potter’s house, and be hold, he was making a work on the wheel. 4 And the vessel that he made of clay was marred in the hand of the potter. So he made it again, an other vessel, as seemed good to the potter to make it. 5 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 6 “O house of Israel, can I not do with you as this pot ter?” says the Lord. “Behold, as the clay is in the potter’s hand, so are you in My hand, O house of Is rael. 7 At what instant I shall speak
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concerning a nation and concern ing a kingdom, to uproot and to pull down and to destroy it, 8 if that nation against whom I have pro nounced turns from its evil, I will re lent of the evil that I intended to do to them. 9 And at what instant I shall speak concerning a nation and con cerning a kingdom, to build and to plant it, 10 if it does evil in My sight, that it not obey My voice, then I will relent of the good with which I said I would benefit it. 11 “Now therefore, go to speak to the men of Judah and to the inhab itants of Jerusalem, saying, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Behold, I am forming disaster against you and devise a scheme against you. Re turn now, everyone from his evil way, and make your ways and your actions good.”’” 12 And they said, “There is no hope. But we will walk according to our own plans, and everyone will do the plans of his evil heart.” 13 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “Ask now among the nations: Who has heard such things? The virgin of Israel has done a very hor rible thing. 14 Will a man leave the snow of Lebanon that comes from the rock of the field? Or shall the cold flowing waters that come from another place be abandoned? 15 Be cause My people have forgotten Me, they have burned incense to vanity and they have caused them to stumble in their ways from the ancient paths, to walk in paths, in a way not built up, 16 to make their land desolate and a perpetual hiss ing. Everyone who passes by it shall be astonished and shake his head.
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Jeremiah 19:1
17 I will scatter them as with an east
wind before the enemy. On the day of their calamity I will show them the back and not the face.” 18 Then they said, “Come and let us devise schemes against Jere miah. For the law shall not perish from the priest, nor counsel from the wise, nor the word from the prophet. Come and let us strike him with the tongue, and let us not give heed to any of his words.” 19 Give heed to me, O Lord, and listen to the voice of those who con tend with me. 20 Shall evil be repaid for good? For they have dug a pit for my soul. Remember that I stood before You to speak good for them and to turn away Your wrath from them. 21 Therefore deliver up their children to the famine, and pour out their blood by the force of the sword. And let their wives be be reaved of their children and be wid ows. And let their men be put to death. Let their young men be slain by the sword in battle. 22 Let a cry be heard from their houses, when You shall bring a troop suddenly on them. For they have dug a pit to take me and have hidden snares for my feet. 23 Yet, Lord, You know all their counsel against me, to slay me. Do not forgive their iniquity or blot out their sin from Your sight, but let them be overthrown before You. Deal with them in this way in the time of Your anger. The Sign of the Potter’s House, Concluded This is what the Lord says: “Go and get a potter’s earthen bottle, and take some of
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Jeremiah 19:2
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the ancients of the people and of the ancients of the priests, 2 and go forth to the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, which is by the entrance of the east gate, and proclaim there the words that I shall tell you, 3 and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, O kings of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem. This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will bring disaster on this place, at which the ears of whoever hears of it shall tingle. 4 Because they have abandoned Me and have made this place for eign and have burned incense in it to other gods, whom neither they nor their fathers nor the kings of Judah have known, and have filled this place with the blood of inno cents— 5 they have also built the high places of Baal, to burn their sons with fire for burnt offerings to Baal, which I did not command or speak of, nor did it come into My mind— 6 therefore, behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that this place shall no longer be called Topheth or the Valley of the Son of Hinnom, but the Valley of Slaughter. 7 And in this place I will make the counsel of Judah and Je rusalem void, and I will cause them to fall by the sword before their en emies and by the hands of those who seek their lives. And I will give their bodies to be food for the birds of the heavens and for the beasts of the earth. 8 And I will make this city desolate and a hissing; every one who passes by it shall be as tonished and hiss because of all its plagues. 9 And I will cause them to eat the flesh of their sons and the
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flesh of their daughters, and every one shall eat the flesh of his friend in the siege and hardship with which their enemies and those who seek their lives shall afflict them.”’ 10 “Then you shall break the bottle in the sight of the men who go with you, 11 and shall say to them, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts says: “Even so I will break this people and this city, as one breaks a potter’s ves sel, which cannot be made whole again. And they shall bury them in Topheth until there is no place to bury. 12 This is what I will do to this place,” says the Lord, “and to its inhabitants, and even make this city like Topheth. 13 And the houses of Jerusalem and the houses of the kings of Judah shall be defiled like the place of Topheth, because of all the houses on whose roofs they have burned incense to all the host of heaven, and have poured out drink offerings to other gods.”’” Jeremiah’s First Persecution 14 Then Jeremiah came from Topheth, where the Lord had sent him to prophesy, and he stood in the courtyard of the Lord’s house and said to all the people, 15 “This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will bring on this city and on all its towns all the disaster that I have pronounced against it, because they have hard ened their necks, that they might not hear My words.’”
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Now Pashhur the son of Im mer the priest, who was also chief governor in the house of the Lord, heard that Jeremiah
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prophesied these things. 2 Then Pashhur struck Jeremiah the prophet and put him in the stocks that were in the high gate of Ben jamin, which was by the house of the Lord. 3 And it came to pass on the next day that Pashhur brought Jeremiah out of the stocks. Then Jeremiah said to him, “The Lord has not called your name Pashhur, but Magor-missabib. 4 For this is what the Lord says: ‘Behold, I will make you a terror to yourself and to all your friends. And they shall fall by the sword of their enemies, and your eyes shall see it. And I will give all Judah into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall carry them captive into Babylon and shall slay them with the sword. 5 More over, I will deliver all the strength of this city and all its labors and all its precious things, and I will give all the treasures of the kings of Judah into the hand of their enemies, who shall plunder them and take them and carry them to Babylon. 6 And you, Pashhur, and all who dwell in your house, shall go into captivity. And you shall come to Babylon, and there you shall die, and shall be bur ied there—you and all your friends to whom you have prophesied lies.’” 7 O Lord, you have deceived me, and I was deceived. You are stron ger than I and have prevailed. I am ridiculed daily—everyone mocks me. 8 For since I spoke, I cried out. I cried, “Violence and plunder!” because the word of the Lord was made a reproach to me and a mockery daily. 9 Then I said, “I will not make mention of Him or speak in His name anymore.” But His
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Jeremiah 20:18
word was in my heart like a burn ing fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with holding it in, and I could not stay. 10 For I heard the defaming of many: “Fear on every side! Report,” they say, “and we will report it.” All my companions watched for my faltering, saying, “Perhaps he will be enticed, and we shall prevail against him, and we shall take our revenge on him.” 11 But the Lord is with me like a mighty, terrible One. Therefore my persecutors shall stumble, and they shall not prevail. They shall be greatly ashamed, for they shall not prosper. Their everlasting shame shall never be forgotten. 12 But, O Lord of hosts, who tests the righ teous and sees the mind and the heart, let me see Your vengeance on them, for I have opened my cause to You. 13 Sing to the Lord. Praise the Lord. For He has deliv ered the soul of the poor from the hand of evildoers. 14 Cursed be the day on which I was born. Do not let the day on which my mother bore me be blessed. 15 Cursed be the man who brought news to my father, saying, “A male child is born to you,” making him very glad. 16 And let that man be like the cities that the Lord overthrew and did not relent. And let him hear the cry in the morning and the shouting at noontime, 17 because he did not slay me from the womb, or that my mother might have been my grave, and her womb to be always great with me. 18 Why did I come forth out of the womb to see labor and sorrow, that my days should be consumed with shame?
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Jeremiah 21:1
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The Message to King Zedekiah The word that came to Jer emiah from the Lord, when King Zedekiah sent to him Pashhur the son of Malchijah and Zephaniah the priest, the son of Maaseiah, say ing, 2 “Inquire of the Lord for us, I ask you, for Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, makes war against us. Perhaps the Lord will deal with us according to all His wondrous works, that he may go up from us.” 3 Then Jeremiah said to them, “You shall say this to Zedekiah: 4 ‘This is what the Lord God of Is rael says: “Behold, I will turn back the weapons of war that are in your hands, with which you fight against the king of Babylon and against the Chaldeans who besiege you outside the walls, and I will assemble them into the midst of this city. 5 And I Myself will fight against you with an outstretched hand and with a strong arm, even in anger and in fury and in great wrath. 6 And I will strike the inhabitants of this city, both man and beast; they shall die of a great pestilence. 7 And afterward,” says the Lord, “I will deliver Zedekiah, king of Judah, and his servants and the people and those who are left in this city from the pestilence, from the sword, and from the famine, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and into the hand of their enemies and into the hand of those who seek their life. And he shall strike them with the edge of the sword. He shall not spare them or have pity or have mercy.”’ 8 “And you shall say to this people, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Be hold, I set before you the way of
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life and the way of death. 9 He who stays in this city shall die by the sword and by the famine and by the pestilence. But he who goes out and falls to the Chaldeans who besiege you, he shall live, and his life shall be plunder for him. 10 For I have set My face against this city for harm and not for good,” says the Lord. “It shall be given into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire.”’ 11 “And concerning the house of the king of Judah, say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, 12 O house of David. This is what the Lord says: “Execute judgment in the morn ing, and deliver him who has been plundered out of the hand of the op pressor, lest My fury go out like fire and burn, that no one can quench it, because of the evil of your ac tions. 13 Behold, I am against you, O inhabitant of the valley and rock of the plain,” says the Lord, “who say, ‘Who shall come down against us? Or who shall enter into our dwell ings?’ 14 But I will punish you ac cording to the fruit of your actions,” says the Lord, “and I will kindle a fire in its forest, and it shall devour all things around it.”’” The Message to Zedekiah, Concluded This is what the Lord says: “Go down to the house of the king of Judah and speak there this word, 2 and say, ‘Hear the word of the Lord, O king of Judah, who sits on the throne of David, you and your servants and your people who enter in by these gates. 3 This is what the Lord says: “Execute judgment
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and righteousness, and deliver the plundered out of the hand of the oppressor. And do no wrong. Do no violence to the foreigner, the fatherless, or the widow, nor shed innocent blood in this place. 4 For if you indeed do this thing, then kings sitting on the throne of David shall enter in by the gates of this house, riding in chariots and on horses, they and their servants and their people. 5 But if you will not hear these words, I swear by Myself,” says the Lord, “that this house shall become a des olation.”’” 6 For this is what the Lord says to the king’s house of Judah: “You are Gilead to Me, and the head of Lebanon. Yet surely I will make you a wilderness and cities that are not inhabited. 7 And I will prepare destroyers against you, each one with his weapons, and they shall cut down your choice cedars and cast them into the fire. 8 And many nations shall pass by this city, and every man shall say to his neighbor, ‘Why has the Lord done this to this great city?’ 9 Then they shall answer, ‘Because they have abandoned the covenant of the Lord their God and worshipped other gods and served them.’” 10 Do not weep for the dead; do not bemoan him. But weep greatly for him who goes away, for he shall return no more, nor see his native country. 11 For this is what the Lord says concerning Shallum the son of Josiah, king of Judah, who reigned instead of Josiah his father, who went forth out of this place: “He shall not return there anymore, 12 but he shall die in the place where they have led him captive and
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Jeremiah 22:22
shall see this land no more. 13 “Woe to him who builds his house by unrighteousness and his chambers by wrong, who uses his neighbor’s service without wages and does not give him anything for his work, 14 who says, ‘I will build myself a wide house and large chambers, and cut out windows, and it will be paneled with cedar and painted with vermilion.’ 15 Shall you reign because you enclose yourself in cedar? Did your father not eat and drink and do judgment and justice, and then it was well with him? 16 He judged the cause of the poor and needy; then it was well with him. Was this not to know Me?” says the Lord. 17 “But your eyes and your heart are not but for your cov etousness, and to shed innocent blood, and for oppression and for violence, to do it.” 18 Therefore this is what the Lord says concerning Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: “They shall not lament for him, saying, ‘Ah, my brother!’ or, ‘Ah, sister!’ They shall not lament for him, saying, ‘Ah, lord!’ or, ‘Ah, his glory!’ 19 He shall be buried with the burial of a donkey, drawn and cast forth beyond the gates of Jeru salem. 20 “Go up to Lebanon, and cry, and lift up your voice in Bashan. And cry from the passages, for all your lov ers are destroyed. 21 I spoke to you in your prosperity, but you said, ‘I will not hear.’ This has been your manner from your youth, that you did not obey My voice. 22 The wind shall eat up all your shepherds, and your lovers shall go into captivity; surely then you shall be ashamed
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Jeremiah 22:23
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and confounded for all your wick edness. 23 O inhabitant of Lebanon, who makes your nest in the cedars, how gracious you shall be when pangs come on you, the pain as of a woman in labor! 24 “As I live,” says the Lord, “though Coniah the son of Je hoiakim, king of Judah, were the signet on My right hand, yet I would pluck you from there. 25 And I will give you into the hand of those who seek your life, and into the hand of those whose face you fear, even into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and into the hand of the Chaldeans. 26 And I will cast you and your mother who bore you out into another country where you were not born, and there you shall die. 27 But to the land to which they de sire to return, they shall not return there. 28 “Is this man Coniah a despised, broken idol? Is he a vessel in which is no pleasure? Why are they cast out, he and his descendants, and are cast into a land that they do not know? 29 O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the Lord. 30 This is what the Lord says: ‘Write this man as childless, a man who shall not pros per in his days, for no man of his descendants shall prosper, sitting on the throne of David and ruling anymore in Judah.’” The Future Restoration and Conversion of Israel “Woe to the shepherds who destroy and scatter the sheep of My pasture!” says the Lord. 2 “Therefore this is what the Lord God of Israel says against
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the shepherds who feed My peo ple: ‘You have scattered My flock and driven them away and have not visited them. Behold, I will visit on you the evil of your doings,’ says the Lord. 3 ‘And I will gather the rem nant of My flock out of all countries where I have driven them, and will bring them back to their folds, and they shall be fruitful and increase. 4 And I will set up shepherds over them who shall feed them. And they shall no longer fear or be dismayed, nor shall they be lacking,’” says the Lord. 5 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that I will raise to David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and jus tice in the earth. 6 In His days Ju dah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely. And this is His name by which He shall be called: The Lord Our Righteousness. 7 “Therefore, behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that they shall no longer say, ‘The Lord lives, who brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt,’ 8 but, ‘The Lord lives, who brought up and who led the descendants of the house of Israel out of the north country and from all countries where I had driven them.’ And they shall dwell in their own land.” 9 My heart within me is broken because of the prophets; all my bones shake. I am like a drunken man, and like a man whom wine has overcome, because of the Lord and because of the words of His holiness. 10 For the land is full of adulterers, for the land mourns
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because of swearing. The pleas ant places of the wilderness are dried up, and their course is evil and their force is not right. 11 “For both prophet and priest are pro fane; yes, I have found their wick edness in My house,” says the Lord. 12 “Therefore their way shall be to them as slippery ways in the darkness; they shall be driven on and fall in it, for I will bring evil on them, even the year of their pun ishment,” says the Lord. 13 “And I have seen folly in the prophets of Samaria: they prophesied in Baal and caused My people Israel to be led astray. 14 I have also seen in the prophets of Jerusalem a horrible thing: they commit adultery and walk in lies; they also strengthen the hands of evildoers, that no one returns from his wickedness. All of them are like Sodom to Me, and its inhabitants like Gomorrah. 15 “Therefore this is what the Lord of hosts says concerning the proph ets: ‘Behold, I will feed them with wormwood, and make them drink the water of gall, for from the proph ets of Jerusalem profaneness has gone forth into all the land.’” 16 This is what the Lord of hosts says: “Do not listen to the words of the proph ets who prophesy to you. They make you vain; they speak a vision of their own heart, and not out of the mouth of the Lord. 17 They still say to those who despise Me, ‘The Lord has said, “You shall have peace.”’ And to everyone who walks according to the intention of his own heart, they say, ‘No evil shall come on you.’” 18 For who has stood in the counsel of the Lord and has perceived and
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heard His word? Who has marked His word and heard it? 19 Behold, a whirlwind of the Lord has gone forth in fury, even a grievous whirl wind. It shall fall grievously on the head of the wicked. 20 The anger of the Lord shall not return until He has executed and until He has per formed the thoughts of His heart. In the latter days you shall consider it perfectly. 21 “I have not sent these prophets, yet they ran. I have not spoken to them, yet they prophesied. 22 But if they had stood in My counsel and had caused My people to hear My words, then they would have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings. 23 Am I a God who is near,” says the Lord, “and not a God far off ? 24 Can any one hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him?” says the Lord. “Do I not fill heaven and earth?” says the Lord. 25 “I have heard what the prophets said who prophesy lies in My name, saying, ‘I have dreamed, I have dreamed.’ 26 “How long shall this be in the heart of the prophets who proph esy lies? Yes, they are prophets of the deceit of their own heart, 27 who think to cause My people to forget My name by their dreams that every man tells to his neighbor, as their fathers have forgotten My name for Baal. 28 The prophet who has a dream, let him tell a dream, and he who has My word, let him speak My word faithfully. What is the chaff to the wheat?” says the Lord. 29 “Is not My word like a fire?” says the Lord, “and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces? 30 Therefore behold,
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I am against the prophets,” says the Lord, “who steal My words, every one from his neighbor. 31 Behold, I am against the prophets,” says the Lord, “who use their tongues and say, ‘He says.’ 32 Behold, I am against those who prophesy false dreams,” says the Lord, “and tell them, and cause My people to be led astray by their lies and by their carelessness. Yet I did not send them or com mand them. Therefore they shall not benefit this people at all,” says the Lord. 33 “And when this people or the prophet or a priest shall ask you, saying, ‘What is the burden of the Lord?’ you shall then say to them, ‘What burden?’ I will even abandon you,” says the Lord. 34 “And as for the prophet and the priest and the people who shall say, ‘The burden of the Lord,’ I will even punish that man and his house. 35 Thus every one shall say to his neighbor and everyone to his brother, ‘What has the Lord answered?’ and ‘What has the Lord spoken?’ 36 And you shall no longer mention the bur den of the Lord. For every man’s word shall be his burden, for you have perverted the words of the liv ing God, of the Lord of hosts, our God. 37 This is what you shall say to the prophet: ‘What has the Lord answered you?’ and ‘What has the Lord spoken?’ 38 But since you say, ‘The burden of the Lord,’ therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘Be cause you say this word, “The bur den of the Lord,” and I have sent to you, saying, “You shall not say, ‘The burden of the Lord,’” 39 there fore behold, I, even I, will utterly
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forget you, and I will abandon you and the city that I gave you and your fathers, and cast you out of My presence. 40 And I will bring an everlasting reproach on you, and a perpetual shame, which shall not be forgotten.’” The Sign of the Figs The Lord showed me, and behold, two baskets of figs were set before the temple of the Lord, after Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had carried away cap tive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, and the princes of Judah, with the carpenters and smiths, from Jerusalem and had brought them to Babylon. 2 One basket had very good figs, even like the figs that are first ripe. And the other basket had very bad figs that could not be eaten, they were so bad. 3 Then the Lord said to me, “What do you see, Jeremiah?” And I said, “Figs, the good figs, very good. And the evil, very evil, that cannot be eaten, they are so evil.” 4 Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 5 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Like these good figs, so I will ac knowledge those who are carried away captive from Judah, whom I have sent out of this place into the land of the Chaldeans for their good. 6 For I will set My eyes on them for good, and I will bring them back to this land. And I will build them and not pull them down, and I will plant them and not pluck them up. 7 And I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the Lord. And they shall be My people, and I will
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be their God, for they shall return to Me with their whole heart. 8 “‘And as the evil figs that cannot be eaten, they are so evil’—surely this is what the Lord says—‘so I will give Zedekiah the king of Ju dah, and his princes, and the rest of Jerusalem who remain in this land, and those who dwell in the land of Egypt, 9 and I will deliver them to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth, for their harm, to be a reproach and a proverb, a taunt and a curse, in all places where I shall drive them. 10 And I will send the sword, the famine, and the pes tilence among them, until they are consumed from off the land that I gave to them and to their fathers.’” Prophecy of the Seventy Years’ Captivity The word that came to Jere miah concerning all the peo ple of Judah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah (which was the first year of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Bab ylon), 2 which Jeremiah the prophet spoke to all the people of Judah and to all the inhabitants of Jerusa lem, saying: 3 “From the thirteenth year of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah, even to this day, that is, the twenty-third year, the word of the Lord has come to me and I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, but you have not lis tened. 4 And the Lord has sent to you all His servants the prophets, rising early and sending them, but you have not listened or inclined your ear to hear. 5 They said, ‘Turn back now, everyone from his evil
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way and from the evil of your do ings, and dwell in the land that the Lord has given to you and to your fathers forever and ever. 6 And do not go after other gods to serve them and to worship them, and do not provoke Me to anger with the works of your hands, and I will do you no harm.’ 7 Yet you have not listened to Me,” says the Lord, “that you might provoke Me to an ger with the works of your hands to your own harm. 8 “Therefore this is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘Because you have not heard My words, 9 behold, I will send and take all the families of the north,’ says the Lord, ‘and Nebuchadnezzar the king of Bab ylon, My servant, and will bring them against this land and against its inhabitants and against all these nations all around, and will utterly destroy them, and make them an astonishment, and a hissing, and perpetual desolations. 10 Moreover I will take from them the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the sound of the millstones and the light of the can dle. 11 And this whole land shall be a desolation and an astonishment, and these nations shall serve the king of Babylon seventy years. 12 “‘And it shall come to pass, when seventy years are accom plished, that I will punish the king of Babylon and that nation, the land of the Chaldeans, for their iniquity,’ says the Lord, ‘and will make it perpetual desolations. 13 And I will bring on that land all My words that I have pronounced against it, even
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all that is written in this book, which Jeremiah has prophesied against all the nations. 14 For many nations and great kings shall be served by them also. And I will repay them accord ing to their deeds and according to the works of their own hands.’”
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The Sign of the Wine Cup of Fury 15 For this is what the Lord God of Israel says to me: “Take the wine cup of this fury at My hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send you, to drink it. 16 And they shall drink and be moved and be mad because of the sword that I will send among them.” 17 Then I took the cup at the Lord’s hand, and made all the na tions to whom the Lord had sent me to drink:
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namely, Jerusalem, and the cities of Judah, and its kings, and its princes, to make them a desola tion, an astonishment, a hissing, and a curse, as it is this day; Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and his servants and his princes and all his people; and all the mingled people, and all the kings of the land of Uz, and all the kings of the land of the Philistines (Ash kelon and Gaza and Ekron and the remnant of Ashdod); Edom and Moab and the children of Ammon;
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and all the kings of Tyre, and all the kings of Sidon, and the kings of the coastlands that are beyond the sea; Dedan and Tema and Buz and all who are in the farthest corners; and all the kings of Ara bia and all the kings of the mingled people who dwell in the desert; and all the kings of Zimri and all the kings of Elam and all the kings of the Medes; and all the kings of the north, far and near, one with another; and all the kingdoms of the world that are on the face of the earth. And the king of Sheshach shall drink after them. 27 “Therefore you shall say to them,
‘This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Drink, and be drunk and spew. And fall and rise no more, because of the sword that I will send among you.”’ 28 And it shall be, if they refuse to take the cup from your hand to drink, then you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts says: “You shall certainly drink. 29 For behold, I be gin to bring evil on the city that is called by My name, and should you be utterly unpunished? You shall not be unpunished, for I will call for a sword on all the inhabitants of the earth,” says the Lord of hosts.’ 30 Therefore prophesy against them all these words, and say to them,
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‘The Lord shall roar from on high and utter His voice from His holy habitation; He shall roar mightily on His habitation. He shall give a shout, as those who tread the grapes, against all the inhabitants of the earth. 31 A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth, for the Lord has a controversy with the nations; He will plead with all flesh. He will give those who are wicked to the sword,’ says the Lord.” 32 This is what the Lord of hosts says: “Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. 33 And the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even to the other end of the earth. They shall not be lamented or gathered or buried. They shall be dung on the ground. 34 “Howl, you shepherds, and cry. And wallow yourselves in the ashes, you leader of the flock. For the days of your slaughter and of your dispersions are fulfilled, and you shall fall like a pleasant vessel. 35 And the shepherds shall have no way to flee, nor the leader of the flock to escape. 36 A voice of the cry of the shepherds and a howling from the leader of the flock shall be heard. For the Lord has spoiled their pasture. 37 And the peaceful habitations are cut down because of the fierce anger of the Lord. 38 As the lion He has abandoned His shelter, for their land is deso late because of the fierceness of the oppressor and because of His fierce anger.”
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The Message in the Temple Court In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Jo siah, king of Judah, this word came from the Lord, saying, 2 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Stand in the court of the Lord’s house, and speak to all the cities of Judah that come to worship in the Lord’s house all the words that I command you to speak to them. Do not diminish a word, 3 if so be they will listen, and every man turn from his evil way, that I may relent of the evil that I purpose to do to them because of the evil of their doings.’ 4 And you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Lord says: “If you will not listen to Me, to walk in My law that I have set before you, 5 to listen to the words of My ser vants the prophets whom I sent to you, both rising up early and send ing them, but you have not listened, 6 then I will make this house like Shi loh and will make this city a curse to all the nations of the earth.”’” 7 So the priests and the prophets and all the people heard Jeremiah speaking these words in the house of the Lord. 8 Now it came to pass, when Jeremiah had made an end of speaking all that the Lord had commanded him to speak to all the people, that the priests and the prophets and all the people took him, saying, “You shall surely die. 9 Why have you prophesied in the name of the Lord, saying, ‘This house shall be like Shiloh, and this city shall be desolate without an in habitant’?” And all the people were gathered against Jeremiah in the house of the Lord.
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10 When the princes of Judah heard
these things, then they came up from the king’s house to the house of the Lord and sat down in the en trance of the new gate of the Lord’s house. 11 Then the priests and the prophets spoke to the princes and to all the people, saying, “This man is worthy to die, for he has proph esied against this city, as you have heard with your ears.” 12 Then Jeremiah spoke to all the princes and to all the people, say ing, “The Lord sent me to proph esy against this house and against this city all the words that you have heard. 13 Now therefore, amend your ways and your doings, and obey the voice of the Lord your God, and the Lord will relent of the evil that He has pronounced against you. 14 As for me, behold, I am in your hand; do with me as seems good and suitable to you. 15 But know for certain that if you put me to death, you shall surely bring innocent blood on yourselves and on this city and on its inhabitants, for truly the Lord has sent me to you to speak all these words in your ears.” 16 Then the princes and all the people said to the priests and to the prophets, “This man is not worthy to die, for he has spoken to us in the name of the Lord our God.” 17 Then some of the elders of the land rose up and spoke to all the as sembly of the people, saying, 18 “Mi cah of Moresheth prophesied in the days of Hezekiah, king of Judah, and spoke to all the people of Ju dah, saying, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts says: “Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall
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become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of a forest.”’ 19 Did Hezekiah, king of Ju dah, and all Judah put him to death at all? Did he not fear the Lord and implore the Lord, and the Lord re lented of the evil that He had pro nounced against them? Thus might we procure great evil against our souls.” 20 And there was also a man who prophesied in the name of the Lord, Uriah the son of Shemaiah of Kiriath-jearim, who prophesied against this city and against this land according to all the words of Jeremiah. 21 And when Jehoiakim the king, with all his mighty men and all the princes, heard his words, the king sought to put him to death. But when Uriah heard it, he was afraid and fled, and went into Egypt. 22 And Jehoiakim the king sent men into Egypt—namely, Elnathan the son of Achbor and certain men with him into Egypt. 23 And they brought Uriah out of Egypt and brought him to Jehoiakim the king, who slew him with the sword and cast his dead body into the graves of the common people. 24 Nevertheless the hand of Ahikam the son of Shaphan was with Jeremiah, that they should not give him into the hand of the people to put him to death. The Sign of the Yokes In the beginning of the reign of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying— 2 this is what the Lord says to me—“Make yourself bonds
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and yokes, and put them on your neck, 3 and send them to the king of Edom and to the king of Moab and to the king of the Ammonites and to the king of Tyre and to the king of Sidon, by the hand of the messengers who come to Jerusa lem to Zedekiah, king of Judah. 4 And command them to say to their masters, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says—this is what you shall say to your mas ters— 5 “I have made the earth, the man and the beast that are on the ground, by My great power and by My outstretched arm, and have given it to whom it seemed suitable to Me. 6 And now I have given all these lands into the hand of Nebu chadnezzar the king of Babylon, My servant. And I have also given him the beasts of the field to serve him. 7 And all nations shall serve him and his son and his son’s son, until the very time of his land comes. And then many nations and great kings shall make him serve them. 8 “‘“And it shall come to pass that the nation and kingdom that will not serve the same Nebuchadnez zar, the king of Babylon, and that will not put its neck under the yoke of the king of Babylon, that nation I will punish,” says the Lord, “with the sword and with the famine and with the pestilence, until I have con sumed them by his hand. 9 Therefore do not listen to your prophets or to your diviners or to your dreamers or to your enchanters or to your sorcer ers, who speak to you, saying, ‘You shall not serve the king of Babylon.’ 10 For they prophesy a lie to you, to remove you far from your land, and
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Jeremiah 27:18
that I should drive you out, and you should perish. 11 But the nations that bring their necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon and serve him, those I will let remain still in their own land,” says the Lord, “and they shall till it and dwell in it.”’” The Sign of the Yokes, Continued 12 I also spoke to Zedekiah, king of Judah, according to all these words, saying, “Bring your necks under the yoke of the king of Babylon, and serve him and his people, and live. 13 Why will you die, you and your people, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, as the Lord has spoken against the nation that will not serve the king of Babylon? 14 Therefore do not listen to the words of the prophets who speak to you, saying, ‘You shall not serve the king of Babylon,’ for they proph esy a lie to you. 15 ‘For I have not sent them,’ says the Lord, ‘yet they prophesy a lie in My name, that I might drive you out, and that you might perish, you and the prophets who prophesy to you.’” 16 I also spoke to the priests and to all this people, saying, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not listen to the words of your prophets who proph esy to you, saying, “Behold, the vessels of the Lord’s house shall now shortly be brought again from Babylon,” for they prophesy a lie to you. 17 Do not listen to them; serve the king of Babylon and live. Why should this city be laid waste? 18 But if they are prophets, and if the word of the Lord is with them, let them now make intercession to the Lord
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of hosts, that the vessels that are left in the house of the Lord and in the house of the king of Judah and at Jerusalem do not go to Babylon.’ 19 For this is what the Lord of hosts says concerning the pillars and con cerning the Sea and concerning the bases and concerning the remain der of the vessels that remain in this city, 20 which Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, did not take when he carried away captive Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, from Jerusalem to Babylon, and all the nobles of Judah and Jerusa lem— 21 yes, this is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says con cerning the vessels that remain in the house of the Lord, and in the house of the king of Judah and of Jerusalem: 22 ‘They shall be carried to Babylon, and they shall be there until the day that I visit them,’ says the Lord, ‘then I will bring them up and restore them to this place.’” Sign of the Yokes, Continued And it came to pass the same year, in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah, in the fourth year and in the fifth month, that Hananiah the son of Azzur the prophet, who was from Gibeon, spoke to me in the house of the Lord in the presence of the priests and of all the people, saying: 2 “This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel speaks, saying, ‘I have broken the yoke of the king of Babylon. 3 Within two full years I will bring back into this place all the vessels of the Lord’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, took away from this place and
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carried to Babylon. 4 And I will bring back to this place Jeconiah the son of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, with all the captives of Judah who went into Babylon,’ says the Lord, ‘for I will break the yoke of the king of Bab ylon.’” 5 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to the prophet Hananiah in the pres ence of the priests and in the pres ence of all the people who stood in the house of the Lord, 6 even the prophet Jeremiah said, “Amen. The Lord do so; the Lord perform your words that you have prophesied, to bring back the vessels of the Lord’s house and all who were carried away captive from Babylon into this place. 7 Nevertheless, now hear this word that I speak in your ears and in the ears of all the people: 8 The prophets of old who have been be fore me and before you prophesied both against many countries and against great kingdoms—of war and of evil and of pestilence. 9 The prophet who prophesies of peace, when the word of the prophet shall come to pass, then the prophet shall be known, that the Lord has truly sent him.” 10 Then Hananiah the prophet took the yoke from off the prophet Jeremiah’s neck and broke it. 11 And Hananiah spoke in the presence of all the people, saying, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Even so I will break the yoke of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, from the neck of all na tions within the space of two full years.’” And the prophet Jeremiah went his way. 12 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, after
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Hananiah the prophet had broken the yoke from off the neck of the prophet Jeremiah, saying, 13 “Go and tell Hananiah, saying, ‘This is what the Lord says: “You have bro ken the yokes of wood, but you shall make for them yokes of iron.” 14 For this is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “I have put a yoke of iron on the neck of all these nations, that they may serve Nebu chadnezzar, king of Babylon, and they shall serve him. And I have also given him the beasts of the field.”’” 15 Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, “Hear now, Hananiah, the Lord has not sent you, but you make this peo ple to trust in a lie. 16 Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘Behold, I will cast you from off the face of the earth. This year you shall die, because you have taught rebellion against the Lord.’” 17 So Hananiah the prophet died the same year, in the seventh month. The Message to the Jews of the First Captivity Now these are the words of the letter that Jeremiah the prophet sent from Jerusalem to the remainder of the elders who were carried away captive, and to the priests, and to the prophets, and to all the people whom Nebuchadnez zar had carried away captive from Jerusalem to Babylon 2 (after that Jeconiah the king, and the queen, and the eunuchs, the princes of Ju dah and Jerusalem, and the carpen ters, and the smiths had departed from Jerusalem) 3 by the hand of Elasah the son of Shaphan, and
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Gemariah the son of Hilkiah, whom Zedekiah, king of Judah, sent to Babylon, to Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, saying, 4 “This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says to all who were carried away captive, whom I have caused to be carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: 5 ‘Build houses and dwell in them, and plant gardens and eat their fruit. 6 Take wives and beget sons and daughters, and take wives for your sons and give your daugh ters to husbands, that they may bear sons and daughters—that you may be increased there and not di minished. 7 And seek the peace of the city where I have caused you to be carried away captive, and pray to the Lord for it. For in its peace you shall have peace.’ 8 For this is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Do not let your proph ets and your diviners who are in the midst of you deceive you, nor lis ten to your dreams that you cause to be dreamed. 9 For they prophesy falsely to you in My name; I have not sent them,’ says the Lord. 10 “For this is what the Lord says: ‘After seventy years are accom plished at Babylon I will visit you and perform My good word toward you in causing you to return to this place. 11 For I know the thoughts that I think toward you,’ says the Lord, ‘thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you an expected end. 12 Then you shall call on Me and you shall go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13 And you shall seek Me and find Me, when you shall search for Me with all your heart. 14 And I will be found by you,’ says the Lord,
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‘and I will turn away your captiv ity. And I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will bring you back into the place from which I caused you to be carried away captive.’ 15 “Because you have said, ‘The Lord has raised up prophets for us in Babylon,’ 16 know that this is what the Lord says of the king who sits on the throne of David, and of all the people who dwell in this city, and of your brothers who have not gone forth with you into captivity. 17 This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘Be hold, I will send on them the sword, the famine, and the pestilence, and will make them like vile figs that cannot be eaten, they are so evil. 18 And I will persecute them with the sword, with the famine, and with the pestilence, and will deliver them to be removed to all the kingdoms of the earth—to be a curse and an as tonishment and a hissing and a re proach among all the nations where I have driven them, 19 because they have not listened to My words,’ says the Lord, ‘which I sent to them by My servants the prophets, rising up early and sending them. But you would not hear,’ says the Lord. 20 “Therefore hear the word of the Lord, all you of the captivity, whom I have sent from Jerusalem to Babylon: 21 This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says of Ahab the son of Kolaiah, and of Zedekiah the son of Maaseiah, who prophesy a lie to you in My name: ‘Behold, I will deliver them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and he shall slay them
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before your eyes. 22 And of them a curse shall be taken up by all the captives of Judah who are in Bab ylon, saying, “The Lord make you like Zedekiah and like Ahab, whom the king of Babylon roasted in the fire,” 23 because they have commit ted villainy in Israel, and have com mitted adultery with their neigh bors’ wives, and have spoken lying words in My name, which I have not commanded them. Even I know, and am a witness,’ says the Lord. 24 “Thus you shall also speak to Shemaiah the Nehelamite, saying, 25 ‘This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Because you have sent letters in your name to all the people who are at Jeru salem, and to Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah the priest, and to all the priests, saying, 26 ‘The Lord has made you priest in the place of Je hoiada the priest, that you should be officers in the house of the Lord for every man who is mad and makes himself a prophet, that you should put him in prison and in the stocks. 27 Now therefore, why have you not rebuked Jeremiah of Anathoth who makes himself a prophet to you? 28 For therefore he sent to us in Bab ylon, saying, “This captivity is long; build houses and dwell in them, and plant gardens and eat their fruit.”’”’” 29 And Zephaniah the priest read this letter in the ears of Jeremiah the prophet. 30 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, 31 “Send to all those of the captiv ity, saying, ‘This is what the Lord says concerning Shemaiah the Ne helamite: “Because Shemaiah has prophesied to you, and I did not
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send him, and he caused you to trust in a lie, 32 therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘Behold, I will pun ish Shemaiah the Nehelamite and his descendants; he shall not have a man to dwell among this people, nor shall he see the good that I will do for My people,’ says the Lord, ‘because he has taught rebellion against the Lord.’”’” Summary of Israel in the Tribulation The word that came to Jer emiah from the Lord, say ing, 2 “This is what the Lord God of Israel says: ‘Write in a book all the words that I have spoken to you. 3 For behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘that I will bring back My people Israel and Judah from captivity,’ says the Lord, ‘and I will cause them to return to the land that I gave to their fathers, and they shall possess it.’” 4 And these are the words that the Lord spoke concerning Israel and concerning Judah: 5 “For this is what the Lord says: ‘We have heard a voice of trembling, of fear, and not of peace. 6 Ask now, and see whether a man labors with child. Why do I see every man with his hands on his loins as a woman in labor, and all faces are turned into paleness? 7 Alas! For that day is great, so that none is like it; it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble, but he shall be saved out of it. 8 For it shall come to pass in that day,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘that I will break his yoke from off your neck and will burst your bonds, and foreigners shall no longer make him serve them. 9 But
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they shall serve the Lord their God and David their king, whom I will raise up for them. 10 “‘Therefore do not fear, O my servant Jacob,’ says the Lord. ‘Do not be dismayed, O Israel. For be hold, I will save you from afar, and your descendants from the land of their captivity. And Jacob shall return and shall be in rest and be quiet, and no one shall make him afraid. 11 For I am with you,’ says the Lord, ‘to save you; though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, yet I will not make a full end of you. But I will correct you in measure and will not leave you altogether unpunished.’ 12 For this is what the Lord says: ‘Your bruise is incurable, and your wound is griev ous. 13 There is no one to plead your cause, that you may be bound up; you have no healing medicines. 14 All your lovers have forgotten you; they do not seek you, for I have wounded you with the wound of an enemy, with the chastisement of a cruel one, for the multitude of your iniquity, because your sins have in creased. 15 Why do you cry for your affliction? Your sorrow is incurable for the multitude of your iniquity. I have done these things to you be cause your sins have increased. 16 Therefore all those who devour you shall be devoured; and all your adversaries, every one of them, shall go into captivity; and those who plunder you shall be a plunder, and all who prey on you I will give for a prey. 17 For I will restore health to you, and I will heal you of your wounds,’ says the Lord, ‘because they called you an outcast, saying,
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Jeremiah 30:18
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“This is Zion, whom no man seeks after.”’ 18 “This is what the Lord says: ‘Be hold, I will bring back the captives of Jacob’s tents, and have mercy on his dwelling places, and the city shall be built on its own heap, and the palace shall remain according to its manner. 19 And out of them shall proceed thanksgiving and the voice of those who make merry. And I will multiply them, and they shall not be few; I will also glorify them, and they shall not be small. 20 Their children shall also be as before hand, and their congregation shall be established before Me. And I will punish all who oppress them. 21 And their nobles shall be from them selves, and their governor shall pro ceed from the midst of them. And I will cause him to draw near, and he shall approach Me, for who is this who engaged his heart to approach Me?’ says the Lord. 22 ‘And you shall be My people, and I will be your God.’” 23 Behold, the whirlwind of the Lord goes forth with fury, a con tinuing whirlwind; it shall fall with pain on the head of the wicked. 24 The fierce anger of the Lord shall not return until He has done it, and until He has performed the intents of His heart. In the latter days you shall consider it. Summary: Israel in the Last Days “At the same time,” says the Lord, “I will be the God of all the families of Israel, and they shall be My people.” 2 This is what the Lord says: “The people who were
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left from the sword found grace in the wilderness; even Israel, when I went to cause him to rest.” 3 The Lord has appeared of old to me, saying, “Yes, I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore with loving-kindness I have drawn you. 4 I will build you again, and you shall be built, O virgin of Israel. You shall again be adorned with your tam bourines, and shall go forth in the dances of those who make merry. 5 You shall yet plant vines on the mountains of Samaria; the plant ers shall plant and shall eat them as common things. 6 For there shall be a day that the watchmen on Mount Ephraim shall cry: ‘Arise, and let us go up to Zion, to the Lord our God.’” 7 For this is what the Lord says: “Sing with gladness for Jacob, and shout among the chief of the nations. Proclaim, praise, and say, ‘O Lord, save Your people, the rem nant of Israel.’ 8 Behold, I will bring them from the north country and gather them from the coasts of the earth, and with them the blind and the lame, the woman with child and she who labors with child, together; a great company shall return there. 9 They shall come with weeping, and with supplications I will lead them. I will cause them to walk by the rivers of waters in a straight way in which they shall not stumble, for I am a Father to Israel, and Ephraim is My firstborn. 10 “Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coast lands far off, and say, ‘He who scat tered Israel will gather him and keep him as a shepherd does his flock.’ 11 For the Lord has redeemed
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Jacob and ransomed him from the hand of him who was stronger than he. 12 Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord—for wheat and for wine and for oil and for the young of the flock and of the herd. And their souls shall be like a watered garden, and they shall not sorrow anymore at all. 13 Then the virgin shall rejoice in the dance, both young men and old, together. For I will turn their mourn ing into joy and will comfort them and make them rejoice from their sorrow. 14 And I will satiate the soul of the priests with abundance, and My people shall be satisfied with My goodness,” says the Lord. 15 This is what the Lord says: “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamen tation and bitter weeping, Rachel weeping for her children, refused to be comforted for her children, be cause they are no more.” 16 This is what the Lord says: “Refrain your voice from weeping and your eyes from tears, for your work shall be rewarded,” says the Lord, “and they shall come back from the land of the enemy. 17 And there is hope in your end,” says the Lord, “that your children shall come back to their own territory. 18 “I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself in this way: ‘You have chastised me, and I was chastised, as a bull unaccustomed to the yoke. Turn me, and I shall be turned, for You are the Lord my God. 19 Surely after I was turned, I repented, and after I was instructed, I struck on my thigh. I was ashamed, yes, even confounded, because I
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bore the reproach of my youth.’ 20 Is Ephraim My dear son? Is he a pleas ant child? For since I spoke against him, I still earnestly remember him. Therefore My heart is troubled for him; I will surely have mercy on him,” says the Lord. 21 “Set up road markers; make high heaps; set your heart toward the highway, even the way that you went. Turn back, O virgin of Israel; turn back to these your cities. 22 How long will you go about, O you back sliding daughter? For the Lord has created a new thing in the earth—a woman shall encompass a man.” 23 This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “As yet they shall use this speech in the land of Judah and in its cities, when I bring them back from captivity: ‘The Lord bless you, O habitation of justice and mountain of holiness.’ 24 And farmers and those who go forth with flocks shall dwell in Judah itself and in all its cities together. 25 For I have satiated the weary soul, and I have replenished every sorrowful soul.” 26 On this I awoke and looked, and my sleep was sweet to me. 27 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man and with the seed of beast. 28 And it shall come to pass, that as I have watched over them to pluck up and to break down and to throw down and to destroy and to afflict, so I will watch over them to build and to plant,” says the Lord. 29 “In those days they shall no longer say: ‘The fathers have eaten a sour grape, and the children’s teeth are set on edge.’
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30 But everyone shall die for his own
iniquity. Every man who eats the sour grape, his teeth shall be set on edge. 31 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “when I will make a new covenant with the house of Is rael and with the house of Judah— 32 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers in the day that I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, My covenant that they broke, al though I was a husband to them,” says the Lord. 33 “But this shall be the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days,” says the Lord: “I will put My law in their inward parts, and write it on their hearts, and will be their God, and they shall be My people. 34 And no longer shall every man teach his neighbor and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them,” says the Lord. “For I will forgive their in iquity, and I will remember their sin no more.” 35 This is what the Lord says, who gives the sun for a light by day and the ordinances of the moon and of the stars for a light by night, who di vides the sea when its waves roar— the Lord of hosts is His name: 36 “If those ordinances depart from before Me,” says the Lord, “then the descendants of Israel shall also cease from being a nation be fore Me forever.” 37 This is what the Lord says: “If heaven above can be measured, and the foundations of the earth searched out beneath, I will also cast off all the descendants
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of Israel for all that they have done,” says the Lord. 38 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that the city shall be built to the Lord from the Tower of Hananel to the Corner Gate. 39 And the measuring line shall yet go forth over against it on the hill Gareb, and shall go around to Goath. 40 And the whole valley of the dead bodies and of the ashes, and all the fields to the brook of Kidron, to the corner of the Horse Gate toward the east, shall be holy to the Lord. It shall not be plucked up or thrown down any more forever.” The Sign of the Field of Hanamel The word that came to Jer emiah from the Lord in the tenth year of Zedekiah, king of Ju dah, which was the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar. 2 For then the king of Babylon’s army besieged Je rusalem, and Jeremiah the prophet was shut up in the court of the prison, which was in the king of Ju dah’s house. 3 For Zedekiah, king of Judah, had shut him up, saying, “Why do you prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Be hold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall take it, 4 and Zedekiah king of Judah shall not escape out of the hand of the Chaldeans, but shall surely be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon, and shall speak with him face to face, and his eyes shall see his eyes. 5 And he shall lead Zedekiah to Babylon, and he shall be there until I visit him,” says the Lord; “though you fight with
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the Chaldeans, you shall not pros per”’?” 6 And Jeremiah said, “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 7 ‘Behold, Hanamel, the son of Shal lum your uncle, shall come to you, saying, “Buy my field that is in Ana thoth, for the right of redemption is yours to buy it.”’ 8 So Hanamel, my uncle’s son, came to me in the court of the prison, according to the word of the Lord, and said to me, ‘Buy my field, I ask you, that is in Anathoth, which is in the country of Benjamin, for the right of inheritance is yours, and the redemption is yours. Buy it for yourself.’ Then I knew that this was the word of the Lord. 9 And I bought the field that was in Ana thoth from Hanamel, my uncle’s son, and weighed him the money, even seventeen shekels of silver. 10 And I recorded the evidence and sealed it, and took witnesses, and weighed him the money on the scales. 11 So I took the evidence of the purchase, both that which was sealed, accord ing to the law and custom, and that which was open, 12 and I gave the evidence of the purchase to Bar uch the son of Neriah, the son of Mahseiah, in the sight of Hanamel my uncle’s son, and in the pres ence of the witnesses who signed the book of the purchase, before all the Jews who sat in the court of the prison. 13 And I charged Bar uch before them, saying, 14 ‘This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Take these evidences, this evidence of the purchase, both that which is sealed and this ev idence that is open, and put them in an earthen vessel, that they may
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continue many days.” 15 For this is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Houses and fields and vineyards shall be possessed again in this land.”’” A Prayer of Jeremiah 16 “Now when I had delivered the evidence of the purchase to Baruch the son of Neriah, I prayed to the Lord, saying, 17 ‘Ah, Lord God! Be hold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and outstretched arm, and there is nothing too hard for You. 18 You show loving-kindness to thousands and repay the iniquity of the fathers into the bosom of their children af ter them—the Great, the Mighty God, the Lord of hosts is His name; 19 great in counsel and mighty in work, for Your eyes are open on all the ways of the sons of men, to give each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his doings; 20 who has set signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, even to this day, and in Israel, and among other men; and has made Yourself a name, as at this day. 21 And You have brought forth Your people Israel out of the land of Egypt with signs and with wonders and with a strong hand and with an outstretched arm and with great terror, 22 and have given them this land, which You swore to their fathers to give them, a land flowing with milk and honey. 23 And they came in and possessed it, but they did not obey Your voice or walk in Your law. They have done nothing of all that You commanded them to do. Therefore You have caused all this evil to come on them. 24 Behold
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Jeremiah 32:25
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the mounts. They have come to the city to take it, and the city has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans, who fight against it, be cause of the sword and of the fam ine and of the pestilence. And what You have spoken has come to pass. And behold, You see it. 25 And You have said to me, O Lord God, “Buy the field for money, and take wit nesses,” for the city has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans.’” The Answer of Jehovah 26 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, 27 “Behold, I am the Lord, the God of all flesh. Is there anything too hard for Me? 28 Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the Chaldeans and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and he shall take it. 29 And the Chaldeans who fight against this city shall come and set this city on fire and burn it, with the houses on whose roofs they have offered incense to Baal and poured out drink offerings to other gods, to provoke Me to anger. 30 For the chil dren of Israel and the children of Ju dah have only done evil before Me from their youth. For the children of Israel have only provoked me to anger with the work of their hands,’ says the Lord. 31 ‘For this city has been to Me as a provocation of My anger and of My fury from the day that they built it, even to this day, that I should remove it from before My face 32 because of all the evil of the children of Israel and of the children of Judah, which they have done to provoke Me to anger—they,
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their kings, their princes, their priests, and their prophets, and the men of Judah, and the inhabitants of Jerusalem. 33 And they have turned their back to Me and not their face. Though I taught them, rising up early and teaching them, yet they have not listened to receive instruc tion. 34 But they set their abomina tions in the house that is called by My name, to defile it. 35 And they built the high places of Baal, which are in the Valley of the Son of Hin nom, to cause their sons and their daughters to pass through the fire to Molech, which I did not command them, nor did it come into My mind that they should do this abomina tion, to cause Judah to sin.’ 36 “And now therefore, this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning this city, of which you say, ‘It shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon by the sword and by the famine and by the pestilence’: 37 Behold, I will gather them out of all countries where I have driven them in My anger and in My fury and in great wrath, and I will bring them back to this place, and I will cause them to dwell safely. 38 And they shall be My people, and I will be their God. 39 And I will give them one heart and one way, that they may fear Me forever, for the good of them and of their children after them. 40 And I will make an ev erlasting covenant with them, that I will not turn away from them to do them good, but I will put My fear in their hearts, that they shall not depart from Me. 41 Yes, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will assuredly plant them in this
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land with My whole heart and with My whole soul.” 42 For this is what the Lord says: “As I have brought all this great evil on this people, so I will bring on them all the good that I have promised them. 43 And fields shall be bought in this land of which you say, ‘It is desolate, without man or beast; it has been given into the hand of the Chaldeans.’ 44 Men shall buy fields for money, and record evidences and seal them, and take witnesses in the land of Benjamin, and in the places around Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, and in the cities of the mountains, and in the cities of the valley, and in the cities of the south, for I will cause their captives to return,” says the Lord. The Prophecy concerning the Davidic Kingdom Moreover, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the second time, while he was still shut up in the court of the prison, saying, 2 “This is what the Lord— its Maker, the Lord who formed it to establish it, the Lord is His name—says: 3 ‘Call to Me, and I will answer you and show you great and mighty things that you do not know.’ 4 For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says concerning the houses of this city and concern ing the houses of the kings of Ju dah, which are thrown down by the mounts and by the sword: 5 ‘They come to fight with the Chaldeans, but it is to fill them with the dead bodies of men whom I have slain in My anger and in My fury, and for all whose wickedness I have hid den My face from this city. 6 Behold,
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I will bring it health and cure, and I will cure them and will reveal to them the abundance of peace and truth. 7 And I will cause the captives of Judah and the captives of Israel to return, and will build them as at the first. 8 And I will cleanse them from all their iniquity by which they have sinned against Me, and I will pardon all their iniquities by which they have sinned and by which they have transgressed against Me. 9 “‘And it shall be to Me a name of joy, a praise and an honor before all the nations of the earth, who shall hear all the good that I do to them. And they shall fear and tremble for all the goodness and for all the pros perity that I procure to it.’ 10 This is what the Lord says: ‘Again there shall be heard in this place—which you say shall be desolate without man and without beast—even in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem that are desolate, without man and without inhabitant and without beast, 11 the voice of joy and the voice of gladness, the voice of the bridegroom and the voice of the bride, the voice of those who shall say, “Praise the Lord of hosts, for the Lord is good, for His mercy endures forever,” and of those who bring the sacrifice of praise into the house of the Lord. For I will cause to return the captives of the land, as at the first,’ says the Lord. 12 This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘Again in this place that is desolate without man and without beast, and in all its cities, there shall be a habitation of shepherds causing their flocks to lie down. 13 In the cities of the moun tains, in the cities of the valley, and
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Jeremiah 33:14
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in the cities of the south, and in the land of Benjamin, and in the places around Jerusalem, and in the cities of Judah, the flocks shall pass again under the hands of him who counts them,’ says the Lord. 14 ‘Behold, the days are coming,’ says the Lord, ‘that I will perform that good thing that I have promised to the house of Israel and to the house of Judah. 15 “‘In those days and at that time I will cause the Branch of righteous ness to grow up to David, and He shall execute judgment and righ teousness in the land. 16 In those days Judah shall be saved, and Jeru salem shall dwell safely. And this is the name by which it shall be called: “The Lord our righteousness.”’ 17 “For this is what the Lord says: ‘David shall never lack a man to sit on the throne of the house of Israel; 18 nor shall the priests, the Levites, lack a man to offer burnt offerings before Me, and to kindle grain of ferings and to sacrifice continually.’” 19 And the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, 20 “This is what the Lord says: ‘If you can break My covenant of the day and My cov enant of the night, and that there should not be day and night in their season, 21 then My covenant may also be broken with David My ser vant, that he should not have a son to reign on his throne, and with the Levites, the priests, My ministers. 22 As the host of heaven cannot be counted or the sand of the sea mea sured, so I will multiply the descen dants of David My servant and the Levites who minister to Me.’” 23 Moreover, the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, 24 “Have
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you not considered what these peo ple have spoken, saying, ‘The two families that the Lord has chosen, He has even cast them off ’? Thus they have despised My people, that they should no more be a nation be fore them. 25 This is what the Lord says: ‘If My covenant is not with day and night, and if I have not ap pointed the ordinances of heaven and earth, 26 then I will cast away the descendants of Jacob and David My servant, so that I will not take any of his descendants to be rulers over the descendants of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. For I will cause their captives to return and have mercy on them.’” Zedekiah’s Coming Captivity The word that came to Jer emiah from the Lord, when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and all his army, and all the king doms of the earth under his domin ion, and all the people fought against Jerusalem and against all its cities, saying, 2 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘Go and speak to Zedekiah, king of Judah, and tell him, “This is what the Lord says: ‘Behold, I will give this city into the hand of the king of Babylon, and he shall burn it with fire. 3 And you shall not escape out of his hand but shall surely be taken and delivered into his hand. And your eyes shall see the eyes of the king of Babylon, and he shall speak with you face to face, and you shall go to Babylon.’”’ 4 Yet hear the word of the Lord, O Zed ekiah, king of Judah. This is what the Lord says of you: ‘You shall not die by the sword, 5 but you shall die
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in peace. And with the burnings of your fathers, the former kings who were before you, so shall they burn odors for you and they will lament you, saying, “Ah, lord!” For I have pronounced the word,’” says the Lord. 6 Then Jeremiah the prophet spoke all these words to Zedekiah, king of Judah, in Jerusalem, 7 when the king of Babylon’s army fought against Jerusalem and against all the cities of Judah that were left, against Lachish and against Azekah. For these fortified cities remained of the cities of Judah. Zedekiah’s Ineffectual Decree 8 This is the word that came to Jere miah from the Lord, after King Zed ekiah had made a covenant with all the people who were in Jerusalem to proclaim liberty to them: 9 that ev ery man should let his manservant go free and every man his maid servant, being a Hebrew man or a woman, that no one should enslave them—namely, a Jew, his brother. 10 Now when all the princes and all the people who had entered into the covenant heard that everyone should release his manservant and everyone his maidservant, that no one should enslave them anymore, then they obeyed and let them go. 11 But afterward they turned and caused the servants and the hand maidens, whom they had released, to return, and brought them into subjection for servants and for handmaidens. 12 Therefore the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying, 13 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘I made a
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Jeremiah 34:20
covenant with your fathers in the day that I brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage, saying, 14 “At the end of seven years every man must re lease his brother, a Hebrew, who has been sold to you. And when he has served you six years, you shall let him go free from you.” But your fathers did not listen to Me or in cline their ear. 15 And you have now turned and have done right in My sight in proclaiming liberty, every man to his neighbor, and you made a covenant before Me in the house that is called by My name. 16 But you turned and defiled My name, and every man caused his servant and every man his handmaiden, whom you had set at liberty at their plea sure, to return, and brought them into subjection, to be your servants and handmaidens.’ 17 Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘You have not listened to Me in proclaiming liberty, each one to his brother and each man to his neighbor. Behold, I proclaim a liberty for you,’ says the Lord, ‘to the sword, to the pes tilence, and to the famine. And I will make you to be removed into all the kingdoms of the earth. 18 And I will give the men who have trans gressed My covenant, who have not performed the words of the covenant that they made before Me, when they cut the calf in two and passed between the parts of it— 19 the princes of Judah and the princes of Jerusalem, the eunuchs and the priests, and all the people of the land who passed between the parts of the calf— 20 I will even give them into the hand of their enemies
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and into the hand of those who seek their life. And their dead bod ies shall be food for the birds of the heavens and for the beasts of the earth. 21 And I will give Zedekiah, king of Judah, and his princes into the hand of their enemies, and into the hand of those who seek their lives, and into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army that has gone up from you. 22 Behold, I will com mand,’ says the Lord, ‘and cause them to return to this city. And they shall fight against it and take it and burn it with fire. And I will make the cities of Judah a desolation without an inhabitant.’” The Obedience of the Rechabites The word that came to Jer emiah from the Lord in the days of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, 2 “Go to the house of the Rechabites and speak to them and bring them into the house of the Lord, into one of the chambers, and give them wine to drink.” 3 Then I took Jaazaniah the son of Jeremiah, the son of Habaz ziniah, and his brothers, and all his sons, and the whole house of the Rechabites, 4 and I brought them into the house of the Lord, into the chamber of the sons of Hanan the son of Igdaliah, a man of God, which was by the chamber of the princes, which was above the chamber of Maaseiah the son of Shallum, the doorkeeper. 5 And I set before the sons of the house of the Rechabites pots full of wine and cups, and I said to them, “Drink wine.” 6 But they said, “We will not drink
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wine, for Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, commanded us, saying, ‘You shall drink no wine, neither you nor your sons forever. 7 You shall not build a house, or sow seed, or plant a vineyard, or have any, but all your days you shall dwell in tents, that you may live many days in the land where you are strangers.’ 8 Thus we have obeyed the voice of Jonadab the son of Rechab, our father, in all that he has charged us, to drink no wine all our days—we, our wives, our sons, nor our daughters— 9 nor to build houses for us to dwell in. Nor do we have a vineyard or field or seed. 10 But we have dwelled in tents and have obeyed and done ac cording to all that Jonadab our fa ther commanded us. 11 But it came to pass, when Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came up into the land, that we said, ‘Come, and let us go to Jerusalem for fear of the army of the Chaldeans and for fear of the army of the Syrians.’ So we dwell in Jerusalem.” 12 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, saying, 13 “This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Go and tell the men of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, “Will you not receive instruction to listen to My words?” says the Lord. 14 “The words of Jonadab the son of Rechab, which he commanded his sons, not to drink wine, have been performed, for to this day they drink none but obey their fa ther’s commandment. Although I have spoken to you, rising early and speaking, you did not listen to Me. 15 I have also sent to you all My ser vants the prophets, rising up early
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and sending them, saying, ‘Return now every man from his evil way, and amend your doings, and do not go after other gods to serve them, and you shall dwell in the land that I have given to you and to your fa thers.’ But you have not inclined your ear or listened to Me. 16 For the sons of Jonadab the son of Rechab have performed the command ment of their father, which he com manded them, but this people has not listened to Me.”’ 17 Therefore this is what the Lord God of hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will bring on Judah and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem all the evil that I have pronounced against them, because I have spoken to them but they have not heard, and I have called to them but they have not answered.’” 18 And Jeremiah said to the house of the Rechabites, “This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Because you have obeyed the commandment of Jonadab your fa ther, and kept all his precepts, and done according to all that he has commanded you, 19 therefore this is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Jonadab the son of Rechab shall not lack a man to stand before Me forever.”’” Jeremiah’s Writing in the Days of Jehoiakim And it came to pass in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, that this word came to Jeremiah from the Lord, saying: 2 “Take a scroll and write in it all the words that I have spoken to you against Israel
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Jeremiah 36:10
and against Judah and against all the nations, from the day I spoke to you, from the days of Josiah even to this day. 3 It may be that the house of Judah will hear all the evil that I purpose to do to them, that every man may turn from his evil way, that I may forgive their iniquity and their sin.” 4 Then Jeremiah called Baruch the son of Neriah, and Baruch wrote on a scroll, from the mouth of Jere miah, all the words of the Lord that He had spoken to him. 5 And Jere miah commanded Baruch, saying, “I am shut up; I cannot go into the house of the Lord. 6 Therefore you go, and read in the scroll, which you have written from my mouth, the words of the Lord in the ears of the people in the Lord’s house on the fasting day. And you shall also read them in the ears of all Judah who come out of their cities. 7 It may be they will present their sup plication before the Lord, and each one will turn from his evil way. For great is the anger and the fury that the Lord has pronounced against this people.” 8 And Baruch the son of Neriah did according to all that Jeremiah the prophet commanded him, reading in the book the words of the Lord in the Lord’s house. 9 And it came to pass in the fifth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, in the ninth month, that they proclaimed a fast before the Lord to all the people in Jerusa lem and to all the people who came from the cities of Judah to Jerusa lem. 10 Then, in the ears of all the people, Baruch read in the book the words of Jeremiah in the house of
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the Lord, in the chamber of Gema riah the son of Shaphan the scribe, in the higher court at the entry of the New Gate of the Lord’s house. 11 When Micaiah the son of Gema riah, the son of Shaphan, had heard all the words of the Lord out of the book, 12 then he went down into the king’s house, into the scribe’s cham ber. And behold, all the princes sat there, even Elishama the scribe, and Delaiah the son of Shemaiah, and El nathan the son of Achbor, and Gem ariah the son of Shaphan, and Zed ekiah the son of Hananiah, and all the princes. 13 Then Micaiah declared to them all the words that he had heard when Baruch read the book in the ears of the people. 14 Therefore all the princes sent Jehudi the son of Nethaniah, the son of Shelemiah, the son of Cushi, to Baruch, saying, “Take in your hand the scroll from which you have read in the ears of the people, and come.” So Baruch the son of Neriah took the scroll in his hand and came to them. 15 And they said to him, “Sit down now, and read it in our ears.” So Baruch read it in their ears. 16 Now it came to pass, when they had heard all the words, they were afraid, both one and other, and said to Baruch, “We will surely tell the king of all these words.” 17 And they asked Baruch, saying, “Tell us now, how did you write all these words at his mouth?” 18 Then Baruch answered them, “He pro nounced all these words to me with his mouth, and I wrote them with ink in the book.” 19 Then the princes said to Baruch, “Go, hide yourself, you and Jeremiah, and do not let any man know where you are.”
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20 And
they went in to the king, into the court, but they laid up the scroll in the chamber of Elishama the scribe and told all the words in the ears of the king. 21 So the king sent Jehudi to fetch the scroll, and he took it out of Elishama the scribe’s chamber. And Jehudi read it in the ears of the king and in the ears of all the princes who stood be side the king. 22 Now the king sat in the winter house in the ninth month, and there was a fire on the hearth burning before him. 23 And it came to pass, that when Jehudi had read three or four leaves, he cut it with the penknife and cast it into the fire that was on the hearth, until all the scroll was consumed in the fire that was on the hearth. 24 Yet they were not afraid, nor did they tear their garments—neither the king nor any of his servants who heard all these words. 25 Nevertheless Elnathan and Delaiah and Gemariah had made in tercession to the king that he would not burn the scroll, but he would not hear them. 26 But the king commanded Jerahmeel the son of Hammelech, and Seraiah the son of Azriel, and Shelemiah the son of Abdeel to take Baruch the scribe and Jere miah the prophet, but the Lord hid them. 27 Then the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah, after the king had burned the scroll and the words that Baruch wrote at the mouth of Jeremiah, saying: 28 “Take again an other scroll, and write in it all the former words that were in the first scroll that Jehoiakim, the king of Judah, has burned. 29 And you shall
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say to Jehoiakim, king of Judah, ‘This is what the Lord says: “You have burned this scroll, saying, ‘Why have you written in it saying, “The king of Babylon shall certainly come and destroy this land, and shall cause man and beast to cease from there”?’ 30 Therefore this is what the Lord says of Jehoiakim, king of Judah: “He shall have no one to sit on the throne of David, and his dead body shall be cast out in the day to the heat and in the night to the frost. 31 And I will pun ish him and his descendants and his servants for their iniquity, and I will bring on them and on the inhabi tants of Jerusalem and on the men of Judah all the evil that I have pro nounced against them—but they did not listen.”’” 32 Then Jeremiah took another scroll and gave it to Baruch the scribe, the son of Neriah, who wrote in it from the mouth of Jeremiah all the words of the book that Je hoiakim, king of Judah, had burned in the fire. And many similar words were added to them. Jeremiah’s Imprisonment in the Days of Zedekiah And King Zedekiah the son of Josiah reigned instead of Coniah the son of Jehoiakim, whom Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, made king in the land of Judah. 2 But neither he nor his ser vants nor the people of the land listened to the words of the Lord that He spoke by the prophet Jer emiah. 3 And Zedekiah the king sent Jehucal the son of Shelemiah and Zephaniah the son of Maaseiah
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the priest to the prophet Jeremiah, saying, “Pray now to the Lord our God for us.” 4 Now Jeremiah came in and went out among the people, for they had not put him into prison. 5 Then Pharaoh’s army came forth out of Egypt, and when the Chal deans who besieged Jerusalem heard news of them, they departed from Jerusalem. 6 Then the word of the Lord came to the prophet Jeremiah say ing, 7 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘This is what you shall say to the king of Judah, who sent you to Me to inquire of Me: “Behold, Pharaoh’s army that has come forth to help you shall re turn to Egypt, into their own land. 8 And the Chaldeans shall come back and fight against this city, and take it, and burn it with fire.”’ 9 This is what the Lord says: ‘Do not deceive yourselves, saying, “The Chaldeans shall surely depart from us,” for they shall not depart. 10 For though you had struck the whole army of the Chaldeans who fight against you, and there remained but wounded men among them, yet they should rise up, every man in his tent, and burn this city with fire.’” 11 And it came to pass, that when the army of the Chaldeans had bro ken up from Jerusalem for fear of Pharaoh’s army, 12 then Jeremiah went forth out of Jerusalem to go into the land of Benjamin to sepa rate himself there in the midst of the people. 13 And when he was at the Gate of Benjamin, a captain of the ward was there whose name was Irijah the son of Shelemiah, the son
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of Hananiah, and he took Jeremiah the prophet, saying, “You are falling away to the Chaldeans.” 14 Then Jeremiah said, “It is false; I am not falling away to the Chal deans.” But he did not listen to him. So Irijah took Jeremiah and brought him to the princes. 15 Therefore the princes were angry with Jeremiah, and struck him, and put him in prison in the house of Jonathan the scribe. For they had made that the prison. 16 When Jeremiah entered into the dungeon and into the cabins, and Jeremiah had remained there many days, 17 then Zedekiah the king sent and took him out. And the king asked him secretly in his house, and said, “Is there any word from the Lord?” And Jeremiah said, “There is.” For he said, “You shall be delivered into the hand of the king of Babylon.” 18 Moreover Jere miah said to King Zedekiah, “What offense have I done against you or against your servants or against this people, that you have put me in prison? 19 Where now are your prophets who prophesied to you, saying, ‘The king of Babylon shall not come against you or against this land’? 20 Therefore, I ask you, hear now, O my lord the king. Let my supplication, I ask you, be accepted before you, that you not cause me to return to the house of Jonathan the scribe, lest I die there.” 21 Then Zedekiah the king commanded that they should commit Jeremiah into the courtyard of the prison, and that they should give him daily a piece of bread out of the bakers’ street, until all the bread in the city
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was spent. Thus Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the prison. Jeremiah’s Imprisonment, Continued Then Shephatiah the son of Mattan, and Gedaliah the son of Pashhur, and Jucal the son of Shelemiah, and Pashhur the son of Malchijah, heard the words that Jer emiah had spoken to all the people, saying, 2 “This is what the Lord says: ‘He who remains in this city shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, but he who goes forth to the Chaldeans shall live. For he shall have his life as plunder, and shall live.’ 3 This is what the Lord says: ‘This city shall surely be given into the hand of the king of Babylon’s army, which shall take it.’” 4 Therefore the princes said to the king, “We beseech you, let this man be put to death, for thus he weakens the hands of the men of war who re main in this city and the hands of all the people, in speaking such words to them. For this man does not seek the welfare of this people, but the harm.” 5 Then Zedekiah the king said, “Behold, he is in your hand. For the king is not one who can do anything against you.” 6 Then they took Jere miah and cast him into the dungeon of Malchijah the son of Hamme lech, which was in the courtyard of the prison, and they let Jeremiah down with cords. And in the dun geon there was no water, but mud. So Jeremiah sank in the mud. 7 Now when Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, one of the eunuchs who was in the king’s house, heard that
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they had put Jeremiah in the dun geon—the king then sitting at the Gate of Benjamin— 8 Ebed-melech went forth out of the king’s house and spoke to the king, saying, 9 “My lord the king, these men have done evil in all that they have done to Jeremiah the prophet, whom they have cast into the dungeon, and he is likely to die of hunger in the place where he is, for there is no more bread in the city.” 10 Then the king commanded Ebed-melech the Ethiopian, saying, “Take thirty men with you from here, and take up Jeremiah the prophet out of the dungeon before he dies.” 11 So Ebed-melech took the men with him, and went into the house of the king under the treasury, and took from there old, worn-out clothes and old rotten rags, and let them down by cords into the dungeon to Jere miah. 12 And Ebed-melech the Ethio pian said to Jeremiah, “Put these old, worn-out clothes and rotten rags un der your armpits under the cords.” And Jeremiah did so. 13 So they drew Jeremiah up with cords and took him up out of the dungeon. And Jer emiah remained in the courtyard of the prison. 14 Then Zedekiah the king sent and took Jeremiah the prophet to him into the third entrance that is in the house of the Lord. And the king said to Jeremiah, “I will ask you something; hide nothing from me.” 15 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “If I declare it to you, will you not surely put me to death? And if I give you counsel, will you not lis ten to me?” 16 So Zedekiah the king swore secretly to Jeremiah, saying,
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“As the Lord lives, who made us this life, I will not put you to death, nor will I give you into the hand of these men who seek your life.” 17 Then Jeremiah said to Zedekiah, “This is what the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you will assuredly go forth to the king of Babylon’s princes, then your soul shall live, and this city shall not be burned with fire, and you and your house shall live. 18 But if you will not go forth to the king of Babylon’s princes, then this city shall be given into the hand of the Chaldeans, and they shall burn it with fire, and you shall not escape out of their hand.” 19 And Zedekiah the king said to Jer emiah, “I am afraid of the Jews who have fallen to the Chaldeans, lest they deliver me into their hand and they mock me.” 20 But Jeremiah said, “They shall not deliver you. I beseech you, obey the voice of the Lord that I speak to you. So it shall be well for you, and your soul shall live. 21 But if you refuse to go forth, this is the word that the Lord has shown me: 22 ‘And behold, all the women who are left in the king of Judah’s house shall be brought forth to the king of Bab ylon’s princes, and those women shall say: “Your friends have urged you on and have prevailed against you; your feet have sunk in the mud, and they have turned back.” 23 So they shall bring out all your wives and your children to the Chaldeans, and you shall not escape out of their hand but shall be taken by the hand of the king of Babylon, and you shall cause this city to be burned with fire.’”
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24 Then
Zedekiah said to Jere miah, “Let no man know of these words, and you shall not die. 25 But if the princes hear that I have talked with you, and they come to you and say to you, ‘Declare to us now what you have said to the king, also what the king said to you; do not hide it from us and we will not put you to death,’ 26 then you shall say to them, ‘I presented my supplication before the king, that he would not cause me to return to Jonathan’s house to die there.’” 27 Then all the princes came to Jeremiah and asked him, and he told them according to all these words that the king had com manded. So they left off speaking with him, for the matter was not perceived. 28 So Jeremiah remained in the courtyard of the prison until the day that Jerusalem was taken. And he was there when Jerusalem was taken. The Final Captivity of Judah In the ninth year of Zed ekiah, king of Judah, in the tenth month, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and all his army came against Jerusalem, and they be sieged it. 2 And in the eleventh year of Zedekiah, in the fourth month, the ninth day of the month, the city was broken up. 3 And all the princes of the king of Babylon came in and sat at the Middle Gate, even Ner gal-sharezer, Samgar-nebo, Sar sechim, Rabsaris Nergal- sharezer, Rabmag, with all the remainder of the princes of the king of Babylon. 4 And it came to pass that when Zedekiah the king of Judah and all the men of war saw them, then they
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fled and went forth out of the city by night, by the way of the king’s garden, by the gate between the two walls. And he went out the way of the plain. 5 But the Chaldeans’ army pursued after them and over took Zedekiah in the plains of Jeri cho. And when they had taken him, they brought him up to Nebuchad nezzar, king of Babylon, to Riblah in the land of Hamath, where he gave judgment on him. 6 Then the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes in Riblah; the king of Babylon also slew all the nobles of Judah. 7 Moreover he put out Zedekiah’s eyes and bound him with chains to carry him to Babylon. 8 And the Chaldeans burned the king’s house and the houses of the people with fire, and broke down the walls of Jerusalem. 9 Then Nebu zaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive into Babylon the remnant of the people who re mained in the city and those who fell away, who fell to him, with the rest of the people who remained. 10 But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left in the land of Judah the poor people, who had nothing, and gave them vineyards and fields at the same time. 11 Now Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, gave charge concerning Jeremiah to Nebuzaradan the cap tain of the guard, saying, 12 “Take him and look after him, and do him no harm, but do to him even as he shall say to you.” 13 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard sent, and Nebushaz ban, Rabsaris, and Nergal-sharezer,
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Rabmag, and all the king of Bab ylon’s princes, 14 even they sent and took Jeremiah out of the courtyard of the prison and committed him to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, that he should take him home. So he dwelled among the people. 15 Now the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah while he was shut up in the courtyard of the prison, saying, 16 “Go and speak to Ebed- melech the Ethiopian, saying, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will bring My words on this city for evil and not for good, and they shall be accomplished on that day before you. 17 But I will de liver you on that day,” says the Lord, “and you shall not be given into the hand of the men of whom you are afraid. 18 For I will surely deliver you, and you shall not fall by the sword. But your life shall be as plunder to you, because you have put your trust in Me,” says the Lord.’” Jeremiah’s Prophecies The word that came to Jer emiah from the Lord after Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had let him go from Ra mah, when he had taken him, be ing bound in chains among all who were carried away captive from Je rusalem and Judah, who were car ried away captive to Babylon. 2 And the captain of the guard took Jer emiah and said to him: “The Lord your God has pronounced this evil on this place. 3 Now the Lord has brought it and done according to what He has said. Because you have sinned against the Lord and have
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not obeyed His voice, therefore this thing has come on you. 4 And now, behold, I release you this day from the chains that were on your hand. If it seems good to you to come with me into Babylon, come, and I will look after you. But if it seems ill to you to come with me into Bab ylon, refrain. Behold, all the land is before you; where it seems good and convenient for you to go, go there.” 5 Now while he had not yet gone back, he said, “Also go back to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, whom the king of Babylon has made governor over the cities of Judah, and dwell with him among the people. Or go wher ever it seems convenient for you to go.” So the captain of the guard gave him provisions and a reward and let him go. 6 Then Jeremiah went to Mizpah, to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, and dwelled with him among the people who were left in the land. 7 Now when all the captains of the forces that were in the fields, even they and their men, heard that the king of Babylon had made Gedaliah the son of Ahikam governor in the land, and had committed to him men and women and children and the poor of the land who were not carried away captive to Bab ylon, 8 then they came to Gedaliah to Mizpah—even Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and Johanan and Jon athan the sons of Kareah, and Se raiah the son of Tanhumeth, and the sons of Ephai the Netophathite, and Jezaniah the son of a Maacathite, they and their men. 9 And Geda liah the son of Ahikam, the son of
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Shaphan, swore to them and to their men, saying, “Do not fear to serve the Chaldeans. Dwell in the land and serve the king of Babylon, and it shall be well with you. 10 As for me, behold, I will dwell at Mizpah to serve the Chaldeans who will come to us. But you, gather wine and summer fruit and oil, and put them in your vessels, and dwell in your cities that you have taken.” 11 Like wise, when all the Jews who were in Moab, and among the Ammonites, and in Edom, and who were in all the countries heard that the king of Babylon had left a remnant of Ju dah, and that he had set over them Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, 12 even all the Jews re turned out of all places where they had been driven, and came to the land of Judah to Mizpah, to Geda liah, and gathered wine and very much summer fruit. 13 Moreover Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces that were in the fields came to Gedaliah to Mizpah, 14 and said to him, “Do you certainly know that Baalis, the king of the Ammonites, has sent Ishmael the son of Neth aniah to slay you?” But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam did not believe them. 15 Then Johanan the son of Kareah spoke secretly to Gedaliah in Mizpah, saying, “Let me go, I ask you, and I will slay Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and no man shall know it. Why should he slay you, that all the Jews who are gathered to you should be scattered and the remnant in Judah perish?” 16 But Gedaliah the son of Ahikam said to Johanan the son of Kareah, “You
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shall not do this thing, for you speak falsely of Ishmael.” Jeremiah’s Prophecies to the Remnant Now it came to pass in the seventh month that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, the son of Elishama, of the royal family, and the princes of the king, even ten men with him, came to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam to Mizpah. And there they ate bread together in Mizpah. 2 Then Ishmael the son of Nethaniah and the ten men who were with him arose and struck Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, with the sword and slew him whom the king of Babylon had made governor over the land. 3 Ishmael also slew all the Jews who were with him, even with Gedaliah at Mizpah, and the Chaldeans who were found there, and the men of war. 4 And it came to pass, the second day after he had slain Gedaliah, and no man knew it, 5 that certain men—even eighty men having their beards shaven and their clothes torn and having cut themselves—came from Shechem, from Shiloh, and from Samaria with offerings and incense in their hands, to bring them to the house of the Lord. 6 And Ishmael the son of Nethaniah went forth from Mizpah to meet them, weeping all along as he went. And it came to pass as he met them, he said to them, “Come to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam.” 7 And so it was, when they came into the midst of the city, that Ish mael the son of Nethaniah, he and the men who were with him, slew them and cast them into the midst
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of the pit. 8 But ten men were found among them who said to Ishmael, “Do not slay us, for we have trea sures of wheat and of barley and of oil and of honey in the field.” So he refrained and did not slay them among their brothers. 9 Now the pit in which Ishmael had cast all the dead bodies of the men whom he had slain, because of Gedaliah, was what Asa the king had made for fear of Baasha, king of Israel. And Ish mael the son of Nethaniah filled it with those who were slain. 10 Then Ishmael carried away captive all the remainder of the people who were in Mizpah, even the king’s daughters and all the people who remained in Mizpah, whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had commit ted to Gedaliah the son of Ahikam. And Ishmael the son of Nethaniah carried them away captive and de parted to go over to the Ammonites. 11 But when Johanan the son of Kareah and all the captains of the forces who were with him heard of all the evil that Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had done, 12 then they took all the men and went to fight with Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, and found him by the great waters that are in Gibeon. 13 Now it came to pass that when all the people who were with Ishmael saw Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, then they were glad. 14 So all the people who Ishmael had carried away captive from Mizpah turned around and returned, and went to Johanan the son of Kareah. 15 But Ishmael the son of Nethaniah es caped from Johanan with eight men
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Jeremiah 42:4
and went to the Ammonites. 16 Then Johanan the son of Kareah and all the captains of the forces who were with him, took from Mizpah all the remnant of the people whom he had recovered from Ishmael the son of Nethaniah, after he had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam—even mighty men of war and the women and the children and the eunuchs, whom he had brought back from Gibeon. 17 And they departed and dwelled in the habitation of Chim ham, which is by Bethlehem, to go to enter into Egypt, 18 because of the Chaldeans. For they were afraid of them, because Ishmael the son of Nethaniah had slain Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, whom the king of Babylon made governor in the land.
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Then all the captains of the forces, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and Jezaniah the son of Hoshaiah, and all the people, from the least even to the greatest, came near 2 and said to Jeremiah the prophet, “We beseech you, let our supplication be accepted before you, and pray for us to the Lord your God, even for all this remnant—for we are but a few left of many, as your eyes can see— 3 that the Lord your God may show us the way in which we may walk and the thing that we may do.” 4 Then Jeremiah the prophet said to them, “I have heard you. Behold, I will pray to the Lord your God ac cording to your words, and it shall come to pass that whatever thing the Lord shall answer you, I will declare it to you. I will keep nothing back from you.”
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5 Then they said to Jeremiah, “The
Lord be a true and faithful witness between us, if we do not do even according to all things for which the Lord your God shall send you to us. 6 Whether it be good or whether it be evil, we will obey the voice of the Lord our God to whom we are sending you, that it may be well with us when we obey the voice of the Lord our God.” 7 And it came to pass after ten days that the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah. 8 Then he called Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces who were with him, and all the people from the least even to the greatest, 9 and said to them, “This is what the Lord says, the God of Israel to whom you sent me to present your supplica tion before Him: 10 ‘If you will still remain in this land, then I will build you and not pull you down, and I will plant you and not pluck you up. For I relent of the evil that I have done to you. 11 Do not be afraid of the king of Babylon, of whom you are afraid; do not be afraid of him,’ says the Lord, ‘for I am with you, to save you and to deliver you from his hand. 12 And I will show mercies to you, that he may have mercy on you and cause you to return to your own land.’ 13 “But if you say, ‘We will not dwell in this land,’ not obeying the voice of the Lord your God, 14 say ing, ‘No, but we will go into the land of Egypt where we shall see no war, nor hear the sound of the trumpet, nor have hunger of bread, and we will we dwell there’— 15 and now therefore hear the word of the Lord,
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you remnant of Judah. This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘If you wholly set your faces to enter into Egypt and go to sojourn there, 16 then it shall come to pass that the sword that you feared shall overtake you there in the land of Egypt, and the famine of which you were afraid shall follow close after you there in Egypt, and you shall die there. 17 So it shall be with all the men who set their faces to go into Egypt to sojourn there. They shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence. And none of them shall remain or escape from the evil that I will bring on them.’ 18 For this is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘As My an ger and My fury have been poured out on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, so shall My fury be poured out on you when you enter into Egypt. And you shall be an execration and an astonishment and a curse and a re proach. And you shall see this place no more.’ 19 “The Lord has said concerning you, O remnant of Judah, ‘Do not go into Egypt.’ Know certainly that I have admonished you this day. 20 For you dissembled in your hearts when you sent me to the Lord your God, saying, ‘Pray for us to the Lord our God, and so declare to us according to all that the Lord our God shall say, and we will do it.’ 21 And now this day I have declared it to you, but you have not obeyed the voice of the Lord your God, nor anything for which He has sent me to you. 22 Now therefore, know certainly that you shall die by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence
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in the place where you desire to go and to sojourn.” Jeremiah Carried to Tahpanhes in Egypt And it came to pass, that when Jeremiah had finished speaking to all the people all the words of the Lord their God, for which the Lord their God had sent him to them, even all these words, 2 then Azariah the son of Hoshaiah, and Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the proud men spoke, say ing to Jeremiah, “You speak falsely. The Lord our God has not sent you to say, ‘Do not go into Egypt to sojourn there.’ 3 But Baruch the son of Neriah has set you against us, to deliver us into the hand of the Chaldeans, that they might put us to death and carry us away captive into Babylon.” 4 So Johanan the son of Kareah, and all the captains of the forces, and all the people did not obey the voice of the Lord, to dwell in the land of Judah. 5 But Johanan the son of Kareah and all the captains of the forces took all the remnant of Judah who had re turned to dwell in the land of Ju dah from all nations where they had been driven— 6 even men, and women, and children, and the king’s daughters, and every person whom Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard had left with Gedaliah the son of Ahikam, the son of Shaphan, and Jeremiah the prophet, and Bar uch the son of Neriah. 7 So they came into the land of Egypt, for they did not obey the voice of the Lord. Thus they came even to Tah panhes.
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8 Then the word of the Lord came
to Jeremiah in Tahpanhes, saying, 9 “Take great stones in your hand and hide them in the clay in the brick kiln that is at the entrance of Pharaoh’s house in Tahpanhes, in the sight of the men of Judah, 10 and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will send and take Neb uchadnezzar, the king of Babylon, My servant, and will set his throne on these stones that I have hidden. And he shall spread his royal pa vilion over them. 11 And when he comes, he shall strike the land of Egypt and deliver those who are for death to death, and those who are for captivity to captivity, and those who are for the sword to the sword. 12 And I will kindle a fire in the houses of the gods of Egypt, and he shall burn them and carry them away captive. And he shall ar ray himself with the land of Egypt, as a shepherd puts on his garment, and he shall go forth from there in peace. 13 He shall also break the im ages of Beth-shemesh that are in the land of Egypt, and he shall burn with fire the houses of the gods of the Egyptians.”’” The Message to the Jews in Egypt The word that came to Jere miah concerning all the Jews who dwell in the land of Egypt, who dwell at Migdol, and at Tahpanhes, and at Memphis, and in the country of Pathros, saying, 2 “This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘You have seen all the evil that I have brought on Jerusalem and on
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all the cities of Judah. And behold, this day they are a desolation, and no man dwells in them, 3 because of their wickedness that they have committed to provoke Me to anger, in that they went to burn incense and to serve other gods, whom they did not know—neither they, nor you, nor your fathers. 4 Although I sent all My servants the prophets to you, rising early and sending them, saying, “Oh, do not do this abom inable thing that I hate.” 5 But they did not listen or incline their ear to turn from their wickedness, to burn no incense to other gods. 6 There fore My fury and My anger were poured out and were kindled in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, and they are wasted and desolate, as at this day.’ 7 Now there fore, this is what the Lord, the God of hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Why do you commit this great evil against your souls, to cut off from you man and woman, child and in fant, out of Judah, to leave you no one to remain, 8 in that you provoke Me to wrath with the works of your hands, burning incense to other gods in the land of Egypt, where you have gone to dwell, that you might cut yourselves off and that you might be a curse and a reproach among all the nations of the earth? 9 Have you forgotten the wickedness of your fathers, and the wickedness of the kings of Judah, and the wick edness of their wives, and your own wickedness, and the wickedness of your wives, which they commit ted in the land of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem? 10 They are not humbled even to this day, nor have
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they feared, nor walked in My law or in My statutes that I set before you and before your fathers.’ 11 “Therefore this is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘Behold, I will set My face against you for evil and to cut off all Judah. 12 And I will take the remnant of Ju dah who have set their faces to go into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, and they shall all be con sumed and fall in the land of Egypt. They shall even be consumed by the sword and by the famine. They shall die, from the least even to the great est, by the sword and by the famine. And they shall be an execration and an astonishment and a curse and a reproach. 13 For I will punish those who dwell in the land of Egypt, as I have punished Jerusalem, by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence, 14 so that none of the remnant of Judah who have gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there shall escape or remain, that they should return into the land of Judah, to which they have a desire to return to dwell there. For none shall return except those who shall escape.’” 15 Then all the men who knew that their wives had burned incense to other gods, and all the women who stood by, a great multitude, even all the people who dwelled in the land of Egypt, in Pathros, answered Jere miah, saying, 16 “As for the word that you have spoken to us in the name of the Lord, we will not listen to you. 17 But we will certainly do what ever thing goes forth out of our own mouth, to burn incense to the queen of heaven and to pour out drink
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offerings to her, as we have done— we and our fathers, our kings and our princes—in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem. For then we had plenty of provisions and were well and saw no evil. 18 But since we left off to burn incense to the queen of heaven and to pour out drink offerings to her, we have lacked all things and have been consumed by the sword and by the famine. 19 And when we burned in cense to the queen of heaven and poured out drink offerings to her, did we make her cakes to worship her and pour out drink offerings to her, without our men?” 20 Then Jeremiah said to all the people—to the men, and to the women, and to all the people who had given him that answer—saying, 21 “The incense that you burned in the cities of Judah and in the streets of Jerusalem, you and your fathers, your kings, and your princes, and the people of the land, did the Lord not remember them, and did it not come into His mind? 22 So that the Lord could no longer bear because of the evil of your doings and be cause of the abominations that you have committed, therefore your land is a desolation and an astonish ment and a curse, without an inhab itant, as at this day. 23 Because you have burned incense, and because you have sinned against the Lord and have not obeyed the voice of the Lord or walked in His law or in His statutes or in His testimonies, therefore this evil has happened to you, as at this day.” 24 Moreover Jeremiah said to all the people and to all the women, “Hear
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the word of the Lord, all Judah who are in the land of Egypt. 25 This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: ‘You and your wives have both spoken with your mouths and fulfilled with your hands, say ing, “We will surely perform our vows that we have vowed, to burn incense to the queen of heaven and to pour out drink offerings to her.” You will surely accomplish your vows and surely perform your vows.’ 26 Therefore hear the word of the Lord, all Judah who dwell in the land of Egypt: ‘Behold, I have sworn by My great name,’ says the Lord, ‘that My name shall no longer be named in the mouth of any man of Judah in all the land of Egypt, say ing, “The Lord God lives.” 27 Behold, I will watch over them for evil and not for good. And all the men of Judah who are in the land of Egypt shall be consumed by the sword and by the famine, until there is an end of them. 28 Yet a small number who escape the sword shall return from the land of Egypt into the land of Judah. And all the remnant of Ju dah, who have gone into the land of Egypt to sojourn there, shall know whose words shall stand—Mine or theirs. 29 “‘And this shall be a sign to you,’ says the Lord, ‘that I will punish you in this place, that you may know that My words shall surely stand against you for evil.’ 30 This is what the Lord says: ‘Behold, I will give Pharaoh Hophra, king of Egypt, into the hand of his enemies and into the hand of those who seek his life, as I gave Zedekiah, king of Judah, into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king
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of Babylon, his enemy, and those who sought his life.’” A Message to Baruch The word that Jeremiah the prophet spoke to Baruch the son of Neriah, when he had written these words in a book at the mouth of Jeremiah, in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah, saying, 2 “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says to you, O Baruch: 3 ‘You said, “Woe is me now! For the Lord has added grief to my sorrow. I fainted in my sighing, and I find no rest.”’ 4 This is what you shall say to him: ‘The Lord says this: “Behold, what I have built I will break down, and what I have planted I will pluck up, even this whole land. 5 And do you seek great things for yourself ? Do not seek them, for behold, I will bring evil on all flesh,” says the Lord. “But I will give your life to you as plunder in all places where you go.”’”
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Prophecies against Gentile Powers The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Gentiles.
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Against Egypt 2 Against Egypt. Against the army of Pharaoh Neco, king of Egypt, which was by the river Euphrates in Carchemish, which Nebuchadnez zar, king of Babylon, struck in the fourth year of Jehoiakim the son of Josiah, king of Judah: 3 “Order the buckler and shield, and draw near to battle. 4 Har ness the horses, and get up, you
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horsemen, and stand forth with your helmets, furbish the spears, and put on the coats of armor. 5 Why have I seen them dismayed and turned back? And their mighty ones are beaten down, and have fled swiftly, and did not look back, for fear was all around,” says the Lord. 6 “Do not let the swift flee away or the mighty man escape; they shall stumble and fall toward the north, by the river Euphrates. 7 “Who is this who comes up like a flood, whose waters are moved like the rivers? 8 Egypt rises up like a flood, and its waters are moved like the rivers. And he says, ‘I will go up and will cover the earth; I will destroy the city and its inhabitants.’ 9 “Come up, you horses, and rage, you chariots. And let the mighty men come forth: the Ethiopians and the Libyans who handle the shield, and the Lydians who handle and bend the bow. 10 For this is the day of the Lord God of hosts, a day of vengeance, that He may avenge Himself of His adversaries. And the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiated and made drunk with their blood, for the Lord God of hosts has a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates. 11 “Go up into Gilead and take balm, O virgin, the daughter of Egypt. You shall use many med icines in vain, for you shall not be cured. 12 The nations have heard of your shame, and your cry has filled the land. For the mighty man has stumbled against the mighty, and they have both fallen together.” 13 The word that the Lord spoke to Jeremiah the prophet, how
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Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, should come and strike the land of Egypt: 14 “Declare in Egypt, and proclaim in Migdol, and proclaim in Memphis and in Tahpanhes. Say: ‘Stand fast and prepare yourselves, for the sword shall devour all around you.’ 15 Why are your valiant men swept away? They did not stand be cause the Lord drove them away. 16 He made many to fall; yes, one fell on another. And they said, ‘Arise, and let us go back to our own peo ple and to the land of our nativity from the oppressing sword.’ 17 They cried there, ‘Pharaoh, king of Egypt, is but a noise. He has passed the ap pointed time.’ 18 “As I live,” says the King, whose name is the Lord of hosts, “surely as Tabor is among the mountains and as Carmel is by the sea, so he shall come. 19 O you daughter dwell ing in Egypt, furnish yourself to go into captivity. For Memphis shall be a waste and desolate, without an inhabitant. 20 Egypt is like a very fair heifer, but destruction comes; it comes out of the north. 21 Also her hired men are in the midst of her like fattened bulls, for they also have turned back and have fled away together. They did not stand, be cause the day of their calamity and the time of their punishment had come on them. 22 Its voice shall go like a serpent, for they shall march with an army and come against her with axes, as cutters of wood. 23 They shall cut down her forest,” says the Lord, “though it cannot be searched, because they are more than the grasshoppers, and are in numerable. 24 The daughter of Egypt
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shall be confounded; she shall be delivered into the hand of the peo ple of the north.” 25 The Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will punish the multitude of Thebes, and Phar aoh, and Egypt, with their gods and their kings, even Pharaoh and all those who trust in him. 26 And I will deliver them into the hand of those who seek their lives, and into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and into the hand of his servants. And afterward it shall be inhabited as in the days of old,” says the Lord. 27 “But do not fear, O My servant Jacob, and do not be dismayed, O Israel. For behold, I will save you from afar and your descendants from the land of their captivity. And Jacob shall return and be in rest and at ease, and no one shall make him afraid. 28 Do not fear, O Jacob My servant,” says the Lord, “for I am with you. For I will make a full end of all the nations where I have driven you. But I will not make a full end of you but correct you in mea sure. Still, I will not leave you wholly unpunished.” Against Philistia, Tyre, and Others The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet against the Philistines, be fore Pharaoh struck Gaza. 2 This is what the Lord says: “Behold, wa ters rise up out of the north, and shall be an overflowing flood, and shall overflow the land and all that is in it, the city and those who dwell in it. Then the men shall cry, and
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all the inhabitants of the land shall howl. 3 “At the noise of the stamping of the hoofs of his strong horses, at the rushing of his chariots, and at the rumbling of his wheels, the fathers shall not look back to their children, for feebleness of hands, 4 because of the day that comes to plunder all the Philistines and to cut off from Tyre and Sidon every helper who remains. For the Lord will plunder the Philistines, the remnant of the country of Caphtor. 5 “Baldness has come on Gaza; Ashkelon is cut off with the rem nant of their valley. How long will you cut yourself ? 6 “O you sword of the Lord, how long will it be before you are quiet? Put yourself up into your scabbard; rest and be still. 7 How can it be quiet, seeing the Lord has given it a charge against Ashkelon and against the seashore? There He has appointed it.” Against Moab This is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says against Moab: “Woe to Nebo, for it is spoiled! Kiriathaim is confounded and taken; Misgab is confounded and dismayed— 2 there shall be no more praise of Moab. In Heshbon they have devised evil against it: ‘Come, and let us cut it off from be ing a nation.’ You shall also be cut down, O Madmen; the sword shall pursue you. 3 A voice of crying shall be from Horonaim: ‘Spoiling and great destruction.’ 4 Moab is de stroyed; her little ones have caused a cry to be heard. 5 For in the going
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up of Luhith continual weeping shall go up; for in the going down of Horonaim the enemies have heard a cry of destruction. 6 Flee! Save your lives, and be like the bush in the wilderness. 7 “For because you have trusted in your works and in your treasures, you shall also be taken. And Che mosh shall go forth into captivity with his priests and his princes to gether. 8 And the spoiler shall come on every city, and no city shall es cape; the valley shall also perish, and the plain shall be destroyed, as the Lord has spoken. 9 Give wings to Moab, that it may flee and get away, for its cities shall be desolate, without any to dwell in it. 10 Cursed is he who does the work of the Lord deceitfully, and cursed is he who keeps back his sword from blood. 11 “Moab has been at ease from his youth, and he has settled on his dregs and has not been emp tied from vessel to vessel, nor has he gone into captivity. Therefore his taste remained in him, and his scent is not changed. 12 Therefore, behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that I will send wander ers to him who shall cause him to wander, and shall empty his vessels and break their bottles. 13 And Moab shall be ashamed of Chemosh, as the house of Israel was ashamed of Bethel, their confidence. 14 “How do you say, ‘We are mighty and strong men for the war’? 15 Moab is plundered, and gone up out of its cities, and his chosen young men have gone down to the slaughter,” says the King, whose name is the Lord of hosts. 16 “The
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calamity of Moab is near to come, heart. 30 I know his wrath,” says the and his affliction hastens fast. 17 All Lord, “but it shall not be so; his lies you who are around him, mourn shall not so effect it. 31 Therefore I for him. And all you who know his will howl for Moab, and I will cry name, say, ‘How the strong staff out for all Moab; My heart shall is broken, and the beautiful rod!’ mourn for the men of Kir-hareseth. 32 O vine of Sibmah, I will weep for 18 You daughter who inhabits Dibon, come down from your glory and sit you with the weeping of Jazer. Your in thirst, for the destroyer of Moab plants have gone over the sea; they shall come on you, and he shall de reach even to the sea of Jazer. The stroy your strongholds. 19 O inhabi destroyer has fallen on your sum tant of Aroer, stand by the way and mer fruit and on your grape harvest. spy; ask him who flees and her who 33 And joy and gladness are taken escapes, and say, ‘What was done?’ from the plentiful field and from the 20 “Moab is confounded, for it is land of Moab, and I have caused broken down. Howl and cry. Tell it wine to fail from the winepresses; in Arnon, that Moab is plundered no one shall tread with shouting— 21 and judgment has come on the their shouting shall be no shouting. 34 “From the cry of Heshbon even plain country: on Holon, and on 22 Jahzah, and on Mephaath, and on to Elealeh and even to Jahaz they Dibon, and on Nebo, and on Beth- have uttered their voice, from Zoar diblathaim, 23 and on Kiriathaim, and even to Horonaim, as a heifer of three on Beth-gamul, and on Beth-meon, years old. For the waters of Nimrim 24 and on Kerioth, and on Bozrah, and shall also be desolate. 35 Moreover,” on all the cities of the land of Moab, says the Lord, “I will cause to cease far or near. 25 The horn of Moab is in Moab him who offers in the high cut off, and his arm is broken,” says places and him who burns incense to his gods. 36 Therefore My heart the Lord. 26 “Make him drunk, for he magni shall sound like pipes for Moab, and fied himself against the Lord. Moab My heart shall sound like pipes for shall also wallow in his vomit, and the men of Kir-hareseth, because he shall also be in derision. 27 For the riches that he has gotten have was not Israel a derision to you? perished. 37 For every head shall be Was he found among thieves? For bald and every beard clipped. On since you spoke of him you skipped all the hands shall be cuttings, and for joy. 28 O you who dwell in Moab, on the loins, sackcloth. 38 There shall leave the cities and dwell in the be general lamentation on all the rock, and be like the dove that housetops of Moab and in its streets, makes her nest in the sides of the for I have broken Moab like a vessel in which is no pleasure,” says the cave’s mouth. 29 “We have heard the pride of Lord. 39 “They shall howl, saying, Moab—he is exceedingly proud— ‘How it is broken down! How Moab his loftiness and his arrogance and has turned the back with shame!’ his pride and the haughtiness of his So Moab shall be a derision and a
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dismaying to all those around him.” 40 For this is what the Lord says: “Behold, he shall fly as an eagle and shall spread his wings over Moab. 41 Kerioth is taken, and the strong holds are surprised, and the mighty men’s hearts in Moab on that day shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs. 42 And Moab shall be destroyed from being a people, because he has magnified himself against the Lord. 43 Fear and the pit and the snare shall be on you, O in habitant of Moab,” says the Lord. 44 “He who flees from the fear shall fall into the pit, and he who gets up out of the pit shall be taken in the snare. For I will bring the year of their punishment on it, even on Moab,” says the Lord. 45 “Those who fled stood under the shadow of Heshbon because of the force. But a fire shall come forth out of Heshbon, and a flame from the midst of Sihon, and shall devour the corner of Moab and the crown of the head of the tumultuous ones. 46 Woe to you, O Moab! The people of Chemosh perish, for your sons are taken captive, and your daugh ters captive. 47 Yet I will bring back the captives of Moab in the latter days,” says the Lord. Thus far is the judgment of Moab. Against the Ammonites and Their Cities This is what the Lord says concerning the Ammonites: “Has Israel no sons? Has he no heir? Why then does their king inherit Gad, and his people dwell in his cit ies? 2 Therefore, behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that I will
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cause an alarm of war to be heard in Rabbah of the Ammonites, and it shall be a desolate heap, and her daughters shall be burned with fire. Then Israel shall be heir to those who were his heirs,” says the Lord. 3 “Howl, O Heshbon, for Ai is spoiled. Cry, you daughters of Rab bah; gird yourselves with sackcloth. Lament and run back and forth by the hedges, for their king shall go into captivity, and his priests and his princes together. 4 Why do you glory in the valleys, your flowing valley, O backsliding daughter, who trusted in her treasures, saying, ‘Who shall come to me?’ 5 Behold, I will bring a fear on you,” says the Lord God of hosts, “from all those who are around you, and you shall be driven out, every man right forth, and no one shall gather up him who wan ders. 6 And afterward I will bring back the captives of the children of Ammon,” says the Lord. Against Edom 7 This is what the Lord of hosts says concerning Edom: “Is wisdom no more in Teman? Has counsel perished from the prudent? Has their wisdom vanished? 8 Flee, turn back, dwell deep, O inhabitants of Dedan. For I will bring the calam ity of Esau on him at the time that I will visit him. 9 If grape gatherers come to you, would they not leave some gleaning grapes? If thieves by night, they will destroy until they have enough. 10 But I have made Esau bare; I have uncovered his se cret places, and he shall not be able to hide himself. His descendants are plundered, and his brothers and
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his neighbors, and he is no more. 11 Leave your fatherless children—I will preserve them alive. And let your widows trust in Me.” 12 For this is what the Lord says: “Behold, those whose judgment was not to drink of the cup have as suredly drunk. And are you he who shall go altogether unpunished? You shall not go unpunished, but you shall surely drink of it. 13 For I have sworn by Myself,” says the Lord, “that Bozrah shall become a des olation, a reproach, a waste, and a curse, and all its cities shall be per petual wastes.” 14 I have heard a rumor from the Lord, and an ambassador is sent to the nations, saying: “Gather to gether and come against her, and rise up to the battle. 15 For behold, I will make you small among the nations, and despised among men. 16 Your terribleness has deceived you, and the pride of your heart, O you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, who hold the height of the hill. Though you should make your nest as high as the eagle, I will bring you down from there,” says the Lord. 17 “Edom shall also be a desola tion; everyone who goes by it shall be astonished and shall hiss at all its plagues. 18 As in the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighbor cities,” says the Lord, “no man shall remain there, nor shall a son of man dwell in it. 19 Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of the Jordan against the habitation of the strong, but I will suddenly make him run away from her. And who is a chosen man that I may appoint over her? For who is
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like Me? And who will appoint Me the time? And who is that shepherd who will stand before Me?” 20 Therefore hear the counsel of the Lord that he has taken against Edom and His purposes that He has purposed against the inhabitants of Teman. Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out; surely He shall make their habitations desolate with them. 21 The earth is moved at the noise of their fall; at the cry its noise was heard in the Red Sea. 22 Behold, He shall come up, and fly as the eagle, and spread His wings over Bozrah. And at that day the heart of the mighty men of Edom shall be as the heart of a woman in her pangs.” Against Damascus 23 Concerning Damascus: “Hamath and Arpad are confounded, for they have heard evil news. They are fainthearted; there is sorrow on the sea; it cannot be quiet. 24 Damascus has grown feeble and turned herself to flee, and fear has seized her. An guish and sorrows have taken her, as a woman in labor. 25 How is the city of praise not deserted, the city of My joy? 26 Therefore her young men shall fall in her streets, and all the men of war shall be cut off on that day,” says the Lord of hosts. 27 “And I will kindle a fire in the wall of Damascus, and it shall consume the palaces of Ben-hadad.” Against Kedar 28 This is what the Lord says con cerning Kedar and concerning the kingdoms of Hazor that Nebu chadnezzar, king of Babylon, shall
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strike: “Arise, go up to Kedar, and plunder the men of the East. 29 They shall take away their tents and their flocks. They shall take for them selves their curtains, and all their vessels, and their camels, and they shall cry to them, ‘Fear is on every side.’ 30 Flee! Get far away! Dwell in the depths, O you inhabitants of Hazor,” says the Lord, “for Nebu chadnezzar, king of Babylon, has taken counsel against you and has conceived a purpose against you. 31 Arise, get up to the wealthy na tion that dwells without care,” says the Lord, “which has neither gates nor bars, which dwells alone. 32 And their camels shall be a plunder, and the multitude of their cattle a spoil. And I will scatter into all winds those who are in the farthest cor ners, and I will bring their calamity from all their sides,” says the Lord. 33 “And Hazor shall be a dwelling for jackals and a desolation forever; no man shall remain there, nor any son of man dwell in it.” 34 The word of the Lord that came to Jeremiah the prophet against Elam in the beginning of the reign of Zedekiah, king of Judah, saying: 35 “This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘Behold, I will break the bow of Elam, the chief of their might. 36 And I will bring on Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds. And there shall be no nation where the outcasts of Elam shall not come. 37 For I will cause Elam to be dismayed before their enemies and before those who seek their life. And I will bring evil on them, even My fierce anger,’ says
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the Lord. ‘And I will send the sword after them, until I have consumed them. 38 And I will set My throne in Elam and will destroy from there the king and the princes,’ says the Lord. 39 ‘But it shall come to pass in the latter days, that I will bring back the captives of Elam,’” says the Lord. Against Babylon and Chaldea The word that the Lord spoke against Babylon and against the land of the Chaldeans by Jeremiah the prophet: 2 “Declare among the nations and proclaim, and set up a standard; proclaim, and do not conceal. Say, ‘Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken in pieces. Her idols are confounded; her images are broken in pieces.’ 3 For out of the north a nation comes up against her, which shall make her land desolate, and no one shall dwell in it; they shall move, they shall depart, both man and beast. 4 “In those days and in that time,” says the Lord, “the children of Is rael shall come, they and the chil dren of Judah together; going and weeping they shall go, and seek the Lord their God. 5 They shall ask the way to Zion, with their faces toward there, saying, ‘Come and let us join ourselves to the Lord in a perpet ual covenant that shall not be for gotten.’ 6 “My people have been lost sheep. Their shepherds have caused them to go astray; they have turned them away on the mountains. They have gone from mountain to hill; they have forgotten their resting place.
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them, and their adversaries said, ‘We have not offended, because they have sinned against the Lord, the habitation of justice, even the Lord, the hope of their fathers.’ 8 Move out of the midst of Babylon, and go forth out of the land of the Chaldeans, and be as the male goats before the flocks. 9 For behold, I will raise and cause to come up against Babylon an assembly of great na tions from the north country, and they shall set themselves in forma tion against her; from there she shall be taken. Their arrows shall be as of a mighty expert man; no one shall return in vain. 10 And Chaldea shall be a plunder; all who plunder her shall be satisfied,” says the Lord. 11 “Because you were glad, because you rejoiced, O you destroyers of My heritage, because you have grown fat as the heifer at grass, and bellow as bulls, 12 your mother shall be greatly confounded; she who bore you shall be ashamed. Behold, the last of the nations shall be a wil derness, a dry land and a desert. 13 Because of the wrath of the Lord it shall not be inhabited, but it shall be wholly desolate. Everyone who goes by Babylon shall be astonished and hiss at all her plagues. 14 Put yourselves in formation all around Babylon, all you who bend the bow; shoot at her, spare no arrows, for she has sinned against the Lord. 15 Shout against her all around; she has given her hand, her foundations have fallen, her walls are thrown down. For it is the vengeance of the Lord. Take vengeance on her: as she has done, do to her. 16 Cut off
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the sower from Babylon, and him who handles the sickle in the time of harvest. Everyone shall turn to his people for fear of the oppress ing sword, and everyone shall flee to his own land. 17 “Israel is a scattered sheep; the lions have driven him away. First the king of Assyria has devoured him, and last this Nebuchadnez zar, king of Babylon, has broken his bones.” 18 Therefore this is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “Behold, I will punish the king of Babylon and his land, as I have punished the king of Assyria. 19 And I will bring Israel back to his habi tation, and he shall feed on Carmel and Bashan. And his soul shall be satisfied on Mount Ephraim and Gilead. 20 In those days and in that time,” says the Lord, “the iniquity of Israel shall be sought, and there shall be none; and the sins of Ju dah, and they shall not be found. For I will pardon those whom I reserve. 21 “Go up against the land of Mer athaim, even against it, and against the inhabitants of Pekod. Waste and utterly destroy them,” says the Lord, “and do according to all that I have commanded you. 22 “A sound of battle is in the land, and of great destruction. 23 How the hammer of the whole earth is cut apart and broken! How Babylon has become a desolation among the nations! 24 I have laid a snare for you, and you are also taken, O Babylon, and you were not aware; you were found and also caught, be cause you have contended against the Lord. 25 The Lord has opened
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His armory, and has brought forth the weapons of His indignation, for this is the work of the Lord God of hosts in the land of the Chaldeans. 26 Come against her from the far thest border; open her storehouses; cast her up like heaps, and utterly destroy her; let nothing of her be left. 27 Slay all her bulls; let them go down to the slaughter. Woe to them! For their day has come, the time of their punishment. 28 “The voice of those who flee and escape out of the land of Babylon, to declare in Zion the vengeance of the Lord our God, the vengeance of His temple. 29 Call together the ar chers against Babylon. All you who bend the bow, camp all around it; let no one of it escape. Repay her according to her work; do to her according to all that she has done, for she has been proud against the Lord, against the Holy One of Is rael. 30 “Therefore her young men shall fall in the streets, and all her men of war shall be cut off in that day,” says the Lord. 31 “Behold, I am against you, O you most proud,” says the Lord God of hosts. “For your day has come, the time that I will pun ish you. 32 And the most proud shall stumble and fall, and no one shall raise him up. And I will kindle a fire in his cities, and it shall devour all around him.” 33 This is what the Lord of hosts says: “The children of Israel and the children of Judah were oppressed together, and all who took them captive held them fast; they refused to let them go. 34 Their Redeemer is strong; the Lord of hosts is His
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name. He shall thoroughly plead their cause, that He may give rest to the land and disquiet the inhabi tants of Babylon. 35 “A sword is on the Chaldeans,” says the Lord, “and on the inhabi tants of Babylon and on her princes and on her wise men. 36 A sword is on the liars, and they shall be foolish. A sword is on her mighty men, and they shall be dismayed. 37 A sword is on their horses and on their char iots and on all the intermixed peo ple who are in the midst of her. And they shall become as women. A sword is on her treasures, and they shall be robbed. 38 A drought is on her waters, and they shall be dried up. For it is the land of carved im ages, and they are insane with their idols. 39 “Therefore the wild beasts of the desert shall dwell there with the wild beasts of the coastlands, and the owls shall dwell in it. And it shall no longer be inhabited forever, nor shall it be dwelled in from genera tion to generation. 40 As God over threw Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighbor cities,” says the Lord, “so shall no man remain there, nor shall any son of man dwell in it. 41 “Behold, a people shall come from the north, and a great nation and many kings shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth. 42 They shall hold the bow and the lance; they are cruel and will not show mercy. Their voice shall roar like the sea. And they shall ride on horses, every one put in formation, like a man to the battle, against you, O daughter of Babylon. 43 The king of Babylon has heard the report of
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them, and his hands grew feeble; anguish took hold of him, and pangs as of a woman in labor. 44 “Behold, he shall come up like a lion from the swelling of the Jor dan to the habitation of the strong, but I will make them suddenly run away from her. And who is a chosen man that I may appoint over her? For who is like Me? And who will appoint Me the time? And who is that shepherd who will stand before Me?” 45 Therefore hear the counsel of the Lord that He has taken against Babylon and His purposes that He has purposed against the land of the Chaldeans: Surely the least of the flock shall draw them out. Surely He shall make their habitation desolate with them. 46 The earth is moved at the noise of the taking of Babylon, and the cry is heard among the na tions. The Prophecy against Babylon, Continued This is what the Lord says: “Behold, I will raise up a de stroying wind against Babylon and against those who dwell in the midst of those who rise up against Me, 2 and will send fanners to Bab ylon, who shall fan her and shall empty her land. For in the day of trouble they shall be against her all around. 3 Let the archer bend his bow against him who bends and against him who lifts himself up in his coat of armor. And do not spare her young men; utterly destroy all her army. 4 Thus the slain shall fall in the land of the Chaldeans, and those who are thrust through in
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her streets. 5 For Israel has not been abandoned, nor Judah by his God, the Lord of hosts, though their land was filled with sin against the Holy One of Israel.” 6 Flee out of the midst of Babylon, and every man deliver his soul. Do not be cut off in her iniquity, for this is the time of the Lord’s vengeance; He will render a recompense to her. 7 Babylon has been a golden cup in the Lord’s hand that made all the earth drunk. The nations drank of her wine; therefore the nations are mad. 8 Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed. Howl for her. Take balm for her pain, if so be she may be healed. 9 We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed. Abandon her, and let us, every one, go into his own country, for her judgment reaches to heaven and is lifted up even to the skies. 10 The Lord has brought forth our righ teousness. Come and let us declare in Zion the work of the Lord our God. 11 Make bright the arrows. Gather the shields. The Lord has raised up the spirit of the kings of the Medes. For His plan is against Babylon to destroy it, because it is the ven geance of the Lord, the vengeance for His temple. 12 Set up the stan dard on the walls of Babylon, make the watch strong, set up the watch men, prepare the ambushes. For the Lord has both devised and done what He spoke against the inhabi tants of Babylon. 13 O you who dwell on many wa ters, abundant in treasures, your end has come, and the measure of your covetousness. 14 The Lord of
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hosts has sworn by Himself, saying, “Surely I will fill you with men, as with caterpillars, and they shall lift up a shout against you.” 15 He has made the earth by His power; He has established the world by His wisdom and has stretched out the heavens by His understand ing. 16 When He utters His voice, there is a multitude of waters in the heavens, and He causes the va pors to ascend from the ends of the earth. He makes lightning with rain and brings forth the wind out of His treasuries. 17 Every man is senseless by his knowledge; every founder is con founded by the engraved image, for his molten image is falsehood, and there is no breath in them. 18 They are vanity, the work of errors; they shall perish in the time of their pun ishment. 19 The Portion of Jacob is not like them, for He is the former of all things, and Israel is the rod of His inheritance. The Lord of hosts is His name. 20 “You are My battle axe and weapons of war, for with you I will break the nations in pieces; and with you I will destroy kingdoms; 21 and with you I will break the horse and his rider in pieces; and with you I will break the chariot and his rider in pieces; 22 with you I will also break man and woman in pieces; and with you I will break old and young in pieces; and with you I will break the young man and the young woman in pieces. 23 With you I will also break the shepherd and his flock in pieces; and with you I will break the farmer and his yoke of oxen in pieces; and with you I will
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break captains and rulers in pieces. 24 And I will render to Babylon and to all the inhabitants of Chaldea all their evil that they have done in Zion in your sight,” says the Lord. 25 “Behold, I am against you, O de stroying mountain,” says the Lord, “which destroys all the earth. And I will stretch out My hand on you and roll you down from the rocks, and will make you a burnt mountain. 26 And they shall not take from you a stone for a corner or a stone for foundations, but you shall be deso late forever,” says the Lord. 27 Set up a standard in the land; blow the trumpet among the na tions. Prepare the nations against her; call together against her the kingdoms of Ararat, Minni, and Ashkenaz. Appoint a captain against her; cause the horses to come up like the rough caterpillars. 28 Pre pare the nations against her with the kings of the Medes, its captains and all its rulers, and all the land of his dominion. 29 And the land shall tremble and sorrow, for every pur pose of the Lord shall be performed against Babylon, to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant. 30 The mighty men of Babylon have stopped fighting; they have re mained in their strongholds. Their might has failed; they became as women. They have burned her dwelling places; her bars are bro ken. 31 One post shall run to meet another, and one messenger to meet another, to show the king of Babylon that his city is taken at one end, 32 and that the passages are stopped, and the reeds they have
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burned with fire, and the men of war are frightened. 33 For this is what the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, says: “The daughter of Babylon is like a threshing floor; it is time to thresh her. Yet a little while and the time of her harvest shall come.” 34 “Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon has devoured me; he has crushed me; he has made me an empty vessel; he has swallowed me up like a dragon; he has filled his belly with my delicacies; he has cast me out. 35 May the violence done to me and to my flesh be on Babylon,” the inhabitant of Zion will say. “And my blood be on the inhabitants of Chaldea,” Jerusalem shall say. 36 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “Behold, I will plead your cause and take vengeance for you. And I will dry up her sea and make her springs dry. 37 And Babylon shall become heaps, a dwelling place for jackals, an astonishment and a hiss ing, without an inhabitant. 38 They shall roar together like lions; they shall yell as lions’ cubs. 39 In their heat I will make their feasts, and I will make them drunk, that they may rejoice and sleep a perpetual sleep and not wake,” says the Lord. 40 “I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter, like rams with male goats. 41 “How Sheshach is taken! And how the praise of the whole earth is surprised! How Babylon has be come an astonishment among the nations! 42 The sea has come up on Babylon; she is covered with the multitude of its waves. 43 Her cities are a desolation, a dry land and a wilderness, a land in which no man
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dwells, nor does any son of man pass by it. 44 “And I will punish Bel in Bab ylon, and I will bring forth out of his mouth what he has swallowed up, and the nations shall no longer flow together to him. Yes, the wall of Babylon shall fall. 45 My people, go out from her midst. And every man deliver his soul from the fierce anger of the Lord. 46 And lest your heart faint, and you fear for the rumor that shall be heard in the land—a rumor shall come one year, and after that a rumor shall come in another year, and violence in the land, ruler against ruler. 47 Therefore behold, the days are coming that I will bring judgment on the carved images of Babylon, and her whole land shall be confounded, and all her slain shall fall in her midst. 48 Then the heavens and the earth and all that is in them shall sing for Babylon, for the destroyers shall come to her from the north,” says the Lord. 49 As Babylon has caused the slain of Israel to fall, so the slain of all the earth shall fall at Babylon. 50 You who have escaped the sword, go away. Do not stand still. Remember the Lord afar off, and let Jerusalem come into your mind. 51 We are confounded because we have heard reproach. Shame has covered our faces, for foreigners have come into the sanctuaries of the Lord’s house. 52 “Therefore behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “that I will do judgment on her carved im ages, and the wounded shall groan through all her land. 53 Though Bab ylon should mount up to heaven,
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and though she should fortify the height of her strength, yet destroy ers shall come to her from Me,” says the Lord. 54 “A sound of a cry comes from Babylon and great destruction from the land of the Chaldeans, 55 be cause the Lord has plundered Bab ylon and destroyed the great voice out of her. When her waves roar like great waters, a noise of their voice is uttered, 56 because the destroyer has come on her, even on Babylon, and her mighty men are taken. Ev ery one of their bows is broken. For the Lord God of recompense shall surely repay. 57 “And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men, her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men. And they shall sleep a perpetual sleep and not wake,” says the King, whose name is the Lord of hosts. 58 This is what the Lord of hosts says: “The broad walls of Babylon shall be utterly broken, and her high gates shall be burned with fire. And the people shall labor in vain, and the folk in the fire, and they shall be weary.” 59 The word that Jeremiah the prophet commanded Seraiah the son of Neriah, the son of Maaseiah, when he went with Zedekiah, the king of Judah, into Babylon in the fourth year of his reign. And this Se raiah was a quiet prince. 60 So Jere miah wrote in a book all the evil that should come on Babylon, even all these words that are written against Babylon. 61 And Jeremiah said to Se raiah, “When you come to Babylon and see and read all these words,
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62 then you shall say, ‘O Lord, You
have spoken against this place to cut it off, that no one shall remain in it, neither man nor beast, but that it shall be desolate forever.’ 63 And it shall be, when you have made an end of reading this book, that you shall bind a stone to it and cast it into the midst of the Euphrates. 64 And you shall say, ‘Thus Bab ylon shall sink and shall not rise from the evil that I will bring on her. And they shall be weary.’” Thus far are the words of Jeremiah. The Overthrow and Captivity of Judah Zedekiah was twenty-one years old when he began to reign, and he reigned eleven years in Jerusalem. And his mother’s name was Hamutal the daughter of Jeremiah of Libnah. 2 And he did what was evil in the eyes of the Lord, according to all that Je hoiakim had done. 3 For through the anger of the Lord, until He had cast them out from His presence, it came to pass in Jerusalem and Ju dah that Zedekiah rebelled against the king of Babylon. 4 And it came to pass in the ninth year of his reign, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, that Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, he and all his army, came against Jerusalem, and camped against it, and built forts all around it. 5 So the city was besieged to the eleventh year of King Zedekiah. 6 And in the fourth month, on the ninth day of the month, the famine was great in the city, so that there was no bread for the people of the land. 7 Then
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the city was broken up, and all the men of war fled and went forth out of the city by night by the way of the gate between the two walls, which was by the king’s garden, and they went by the way of the plain. Now the Chaldeans were all around the city. 8 But the army of the Chaldeans pursued after the king and over took Zedekiah in the plains of Jer icho, and all his army was scattered from him. 9 Then they took the king and carried him up to the king of Babylon to Riblah in the land of Ha math, where he gave judgment on him. 10 And the king of Babylon slew the sons of Zedekiah before his eyes. He also slew all the princes of Judah in Riblah. 11 Then he put out the eyes of Zedekiah, and the king of Babylon bound him in chains, and carried him to Babylon, and put him in prison until the day of his death. 12 Now in the fifth month, on the tenth day of the month (which was the nineteenth year of Nebuchad nezzar, king of Babylon), Nebu zaradan, captain of the guard, who served the king of Babylon, came into Jerusalem 13 and burned the house of the Lord and the king’s house. And he burned with fire all the houses of Jerusalem and all the houses of the great men. 14 And all the army of the Chaldeans who were with the captain of the guard broke down all the walls of Jeru salem all around. 15 Then Nebuzar adan the captain of the guard car ried away captive some of the poor of the people and the remainder of the people who remained in the city and those who fell away, who fell to
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the king of Babylon, and the rest of the multitude. 16 But Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard left some of the poor of the land for vine dressers and for farmers. 17 Also the Chaldeans broke the pillars of brass that were in the house of the Lord, and the bases and the brazen Sea that were in the house of the Lord, and carried all their brass to Babylon. 18 They also took away the caldrons, and the shovels, and the snuffers, and the bowls, and the spoons, and all the vessels of brass with which they ministered. 19 And the captain of the guard took away the basins, and the firepans, and the bowls, and the cal drons, and the candlesticks, and the spoons, and the cups—what was of pure gold and what was of pure sil ver. 20 The two pillars, one Sea, and twelve brazen bulls that were under the bases, which King Solomon had made in the house of the Lord— the brass of all these vessels was without weight. 21 And concerning the pillars, the height of one pillar was eighteen cubits, and a fillet of twelve cubits surrounded it, and its thickness was four fingers; it was hollow. 22 And a capital of brass was on it, and the height of one capital was five cubits, with network and pomegranates all around on the capitals—all of brass. Also the sec ond pillar and the pomegranates were like these. 23 And there were ninety-six pomegranates on a side, and all the pomegranates all around on the network were a hundred. 24 And the captain of the guard took Seraiah the chief priest, and Zephaniah the second priest, and
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the three doorkeepers. 25 He also took out of the city a eunuch who had the charge of the men of war, and seven men of those who were near the king’s person who were found in the city, and the principal scribe of the army who mustered the people of the land, and sixty men of the people of the land who were found in the midst of the city. 26 So Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard took them and brought them to the king of Babylon to Riblah. 27 And the king of Babylon struck them and put them to death in Rib lah in the land of Hamath. Thus Ju dah was carried away captive out of its own land. 28 These are the people whom Neb uchadnezzar carried away captive: in the seventh year, 3,023 Jews; 29 in the eighteenth year of Nebuchadnezzar he carried away captive from Jerusalem 832 per sons; 30 in the twenty-third year of
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Nebuchadnezzar, Nebuzaradan the captain of the guard carried away captive of the Jews 745 persons. All the persons were 4,600. The Latter Days of Jehoiachin 31 And it came to pass in the thirty- seventh year of the captivity of Je hoiachin, king of Judah, in the twelfth month, on the twenty-fifth day of the month, that Evil-merodach, king of Babylon, in the first year of his reign, lifted up the head of Jehoiachin, king of Judah, and brought him forth out of prison, 32 and spoke kindly to him, and set his throne above the throne of the kings who were with him in Babylon, 33 and changed his prison garments. And he ate bread contin ually before him all the days of his life. 34 And for his diet, a continual diet was given to him by the king of Babylon, a portion every day until the day of his death, all the days of his life.
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LAMENTATIONS INTRODUCTION TO LAMENTATIONS Wedged between two of the major prophet works—the books of Jeremiah and Ezekiel—is the short, five-chapter poem titled Lamentations. The book’s name reveals what it is—a poem of lament. It records in grave detail and sorrow the aftermath of one of the lowest points in the history of the Israelites. But it also provides one of the greatest testimonies of God’s justice and mercy. AUTHOR There is a tradition that the prophet Jeremiah wrote this book, and thus it has its place in the Bible following the book of Jeremiah. However, no author is named in this specific book itself, and there is no place in the rest of the Bible where this writing is attributed to Jeremiah. OCCASION Lamentations was most likely written soon after 586 BC, shortly after the fall of Jerusalem at the hands of the Babylonians. The author is reflecting on what he sees around him, making it most likely that the city’s fall was recent at the time the book was written. In this work, he alludes to the future redemption God promised His people, but that redemption has not happened yet, and the wounds of their sins and consequences are still fresh.
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The First Lamentation How the city that was full of people sits solitary! How she has become like a widow! She who was great among the nations, and princess among the provinces— how she has become a forced laborer! 2 She weeps greatly in the night, and her tears are on her cheeks. Among all her lovers she has no one to comfort her. All her friends have dealt treacherously with her; they have become her enemies. 3 Judah has gone into captivity because of affliction and because of great servitude. She dwells among the nations; she finds no rest. All her persecutors overtook her between the narrow places. 4 The roads of Zion mourn because no one comes to the solemn feasts. All her gates are desolate; her priests sigh, her virgins are distressed, and she is in bitterness. 5 Her adversaries are the chief; her enemies prosper, for the Lord has afflicted her because of the multitude of her transgressions. Her children have gone into captivity before the enemy. 6 And all her beauty has departed from the daughter of Zion. Her princes have become like deer that find no pasture, and they have gone without strength before the pursuer. 7 In the days of her affliction and of her miseries, Jerusalem remembered all her pleasant things that she had in the days of old, when her people fell into the hand of the enemy and no one helped her. The
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adversaries saw her and mocked at her Sabbaths. 8 Jerusalem has grievously sinned; therefore she has been removed. All who honored her despise her because they have seen her nakedness. Yes, she sighs and turns backward. 9 Her filthiness is in her skirts; she did not remember her future; therefore she came down astonishingly. She had no comforter. O Lord, behold my affliction, for the enemy has magnified himself. 10 The adversary has spread out his hand on all her pleasant things, for she has seen that the nations— whom You commanded that they should not enter into Your congregation—entered into her sanctuary. 11 All her people sigh. They seek bread; they have given their pleasant things for food to relieve the soul. See, O Lord, and consider, for I have become vile. 12 Is it nothing to you, all you who pass by? Behold, and see if there is any sorrow like my sorrow, which has been done to me, by which the Lord has afflicted me in the day of His fierce anger. 13 From above He has sent fire into my bones, and it prevails against them. He has spread a net for my feet; He has turned me back. He has made me desolate and faint all day long. 14 The yoke of my transgressions is bound by His hand. They are woven together and have come up on my neck. He has made my strength fail. The Lord has delivered me into
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their hands, from whom I am not able to rise up. 15 The Lord has trampled underfoot all my mighty men in the midst of me. He has called an assembly against me to crush my young men. The Lord has trampled the virgin, the daughter of Judah, as in a winepress. 16 For these things I weep. My eye, my eye runs down with water because the comforter who should relieve my soul is far from me. My children are desolate because the enemy prevailed. 17 Zion spreads out her hands, and there is no one to comfort her. The Lord has commanded concerning Jacob that his adversaries should surround him. Jerusalem is like a menstruating woman among them. 18 The Lord is righteous, for I have rebelled against His commandment. All people, hear, I ask you, and behold my sorrow. My virgins and my young men have gone into captivity. 19 I called for my lovers, but they deceived me. My priests and my elders gave up the spirit in the city, while they sought food to relieve their souls. 20 Behold, O Lord, for I am in distress. My heart is troubled; my heart is overturned within me, for I have grievously rebelled. The sword bereaves abroad; at home it is like death. 21 They have heard that I sigh. There is no one to comfort me. All my enemies have heard of my trouble. They are glad that You have done it. You will bring the day that
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You have called, and they shall be like me. 22 Let all their wickedness come before You, and do to them as You have done to me for all my transgressions. For my sighs are many, and my heart is faint. The Second Lamentation How the Lord has covered the daughter of Zion with a cloud in His anger, and cast down the beauty of Israel from heaven to the earth, and not remembered His footstool in the day of His anger! 2 The Lord has swallowed up all the habitations of Jacob, and has not pitied. He has thrown down the strongholds of the daughter of Judah in His wrath; He has brought them down to the ground. He has polluted the kingdom and its princes. 3 He has cut off every horn of Israel in His fierce anger. He has drawn back His right hand from before the enemy, and He burned against Jacob like a flaming fire that devours all around. 4 He has bent His bow like an enemy. He stood with His right hand like an adversary and slew all who were pleasant to the eye in the tent of the daughter of Zion. He poured out His fury like fire. 5 The Lord was like an enemy. He has swallowed up Israel. He has swallowed up all her palaces. He has destroyed her strongholds and has increased mourning and lamentation in the daughter of Judah. 6 And He has violently taken away His tabernacle, as if it were a garden.
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He has destroyed His places of assembly. The Lord has caused the solemn feasts and Sabbaths to be forgotten in Zion and has despised the king and the priest in the indignation of His anger. 7 The Lord has rejected His altar, He has hated His sanctuary, He has given up the walls of her palaces into the hand of the enemy. They have made a noise in the house of the Lord like on the day of a solemn feast. 8 The Lord has purposed to destroy the wall of the daughter of Zion. He has stretched out a line; He has not withdrawn His hand from destroying. Therefore, He made the rampart and the wall to lament; they languished together. 9 Her gates have sunk into the ground. He has destroyed and broken her bars. Her king and her princes are among the Gentiles. The Law is no more; her prophets also find no vision from the Lord. 10 The elders of the daughter of Zion sit on the ground and keep silent. They have cast up dust on their heads; they have girded themselves with sackcloth. The virgins of Jerusalem hang down their heads to the ground. 11 My eyes fail with tears; my heart is troubled. My liver is poured on the earth because of the destruction of the daughter of my people, because the children and the nursing infants faint in the streets of the city. 12 They say to their mothers, “Where is grain and wine?” when they faint like the wounded in the
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streets of the city, when their soul is poured out on their mothers’ bosom. 13 What thing shall I take to witness for you? What thing shall I compare to you, O daughter of Jerusalem? What shall I equal to you that I may comfort you, O virgin daughter of Zion? For your breach is great like the sea; who can heal you? 14 Your prophets have seen vain and foolish things for you. And they have not uncovered your iniquity, to turn away your captivity, but have seen for you false burdens and causes of banishment. 15 All who pass by clap their hands at you. They hiss and shake their head at the daughter of Jerusalem, saying, “Is this the city that men call ‘The Perfection of Beauty, The Joy of the Whole Earth’?” 16 All your enemies have opened their mouth against you. They hiss and gnash the teeth. They say, “We have swallowed her up. Certainly this is the day that we looked for— we have found; we have seen it.” 17 The Lord has done what He had devised; He has fulfilled His word that He had commanded in the days of old. He has thrown down and has not pitied. And He has caused your enemy to rejoice over you. He has set up the horn of your adversaries. 18 Their heart cried to the Lord, “O wall of the daughter of Zion, let tears run down like a river day and night. Give yourself no rest; do not let the apple of your eye cease. 19 Arise, cry out in the night. In the beginning of the watches pour out
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your heart like water before the face of the Lord. Lift up your hands toward Him for the life of your young children, who faint from hunger at the top of every street. 20 Behold, O Lord, and consider to whom You have done this. Shall the women eat their offspring, and children who are a span long? Shall the priest and the prophet be slain in the sanctuary of the Lord? 21 The young and the old lie on the ground in the streets. My virgins and my young men have fallen by the sword. You have slain them on the day of Your anger; You have killed and not pitied. 22 You have called my terrors all around like on a solemn day, so that on the day of the Lord’s anger no one escaped or remained. My enemy has consumed those whom I have swaddled and brought up.” The Third Lamentation I am the man who has seen affliction by the rod of His wrath. 2 He has led me and brought me into darkness, but not into light. 3 Surely He is turned against me; He turns His hand against me all day long. 4 He has made my flesh and my skin old; He has broken my bones. 5 He has built against me and surrounded me with gall and hardship. 6 He has set me in dark places, like those of old who are dead. 7 He has hedged me in so that I cannot get out. He has made my chain heavy. 8 Also when I cry and shout, He shuts out my prayer.
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Lamentations 3:25 9 He has enclosed my ways with
cut stone; He has made my paths crooked. 10 He to me like a bear lying in wait and like a lion in secret places. 11 He has turned aside my ways and pulled me in pieces. He has made me desolate. 12 He has bent His bow and set me as a mark for the arrow. 13 He has caused the arrows of His quiver to enter into my heart. 14 I was a mockery to all my people and their song all day long. 15 He has filled me with bitterness; He has made me drunk with wormwood. 16 He has also broken my teeth with gravel stones; He has covered me with ashes. 17 And You have removed my soul far from peace. I forgot prosperity. 18 And I said, “My strength and my hope have perished from the Lord,” 19 remembering my affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. 20 My soul still remembers and is humbled in me. 21 I recall this to my mind; therefore I have hope. 22 It is because of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions do not fail. 23 They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness. 24 “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul. “Therefore I will hope in Him.” 25 The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.
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Lamentations 3:26 26 It
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is good that a man should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the Lord. 27 It is good for a man that he bear the yoke in his youth. 28 He sits alone and keeps silent, because He has laid it on him. 29 He puts his mouth in the dust— perhaps there may be hope. 30 He gives his cheek to him who strikes him. He is filled full with reproach. 31 For the Lord will not reject forever. 32 But though He causes grief, yet He will have compassion according to the multitude of His mercies. 33 For He does not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men. 34 To crush under his feet all the prisoners of the earth, 35 to turn aside a man’s justice before the face of the Most High, 36 to subvert a man in his cause— the Lord does not approve. 37 Who is he who speaks, and it comes to pass, when the Lord does not command it? 38 Do not disaster and good proceed out of the mouth of the Most High? 39 Why does a living man complain, a man for the punishment of his sins? 40 Let us search and test our ways, and turn back to the Lord. 41 Let us lift up our heart with our hands to God in the heavens. 42 We have transgressed and have rebelled. You have not pardoned. 43 You have covered with anger and persecuted us. You have slain; You have not pitied. 44 You have covered Yourself with
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a cloud, that our prayer should not pass through. 45 You have made us like the scum and refuse in the midst of the people. 46 All our enemies have opened their mouths against us. 47 Fear and a snare have come on us, desolation and destruction. 48 My eye runs down with rivers of water for the destruction of the daughter of my people. 49 My eye trickles down and does not cease, without any intermission, 50 until the Lord looks down and beholds from heaven. 51 My eye affects my heart because of all the daughters of my city. 52 My enemies without cause chased me greatly like a bird. 53 They have cut off my life in the dungeon and have cast a stone on me. 54 Waters flowed over my head. Then I said, “I am cut off.” 55 I called on Your name, O Lord, out of the low dungeon. 56 You have heard my voice. Do not hide Your ear at my breathing, at my cry. 57 You drew near on the day that I called on You. You said, “Do not fear.” 58 O Lord, You have pleaded the causes of my soul; You have redeemed my life. 59 O Lord, You have seen my wrong. Judge my cause. 60 You have seen all their vengeance and all their plans against me. 61 You have heard their reproach,
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O Lord, and all their plans against me, 62 the lips of those who rose up against me and their scheme against me all the day. 63 Behold their sitting down and their rising up; I am their mocking song. 64 Repay them, O Lord, according to the work of their hands. 65 Give them sorrow of heart, Your curse to them. 66 Persecute and destroy them in anger from under the heavens of the Lord. The Fourth Lamentation How the gold has become dim! How the most fine gold has changed! The stones of the sanctuary are poured out at the top of every street. 2 The precious sons of Zion, comparable to fine gold—how they are regarded as earthen pitchers, the work of the hands of the potter! 3 Even the sea monsters draw out the breast; they nurse their young ones. The daughter of my people has become cruel, like the ostriches in the wilderness. 4 The tongue of the nursing child clings to the roof of his mouth from thirst. The young children ask for bread, and no man breaks it for them. 5 Those who used to eat delicacies are desolate in the streets. Those who were brought up in scarlet embrace dunghills. 6 For the punishment of the iniquity of the daughter of my people is greater than the punishment of the sin of Sodom, which was
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overthrown as in a moment, and no hands supported her. 7 Her Nazarites were purer than snow; they were whiter than milk; they were more ruddy in body than rubies; their polishing was like that of sapphire. 8 Their appearance is blacker than coal; they are not known in the streets. Their skin clings to their bones; it is withered; it has become like a stick. 9 Those who are slain with the sword are better than those who are slain by hunger, for these waste away, stricken by lack of the fruits of the field. 10 The hands of the pitiful women have boiled their own children. They were their food in the destruction of the daughter of my people. 11 The Lord has accomplished His fury. He has poured out His fierce anger and has kindled a fire in Zion, and it has devoured its foundations. 12 The kings of the earth and all the inhabitants of the world would not have believed that the adversary and the enemy should have entered into the gates of Jerusalem. 13 Because of the sins of her prophets and the iniquities of her priests, who have shed the blood of the just in the midst of her, 14 they have wandered like blind men in the streets; they have polluted themselves with blood so that men could not touch their garments. 15 They cried to them, “Depart! It is unclean! Depart, depart, do not
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touch!” When they fled away and wandered, they said among the nations, “They shall no longer sojourn there.” 16 The anger of the Lord has divided them; He will no longer regard them. They did not respect the persons of the priests; they did not favor the elders. 17 As for us, our eyes still failed for our vain help. In our watching we have watched for a nation that could not save us. 18 They hunt our steps, that we cannot go in our streets. Our end is near; our days are fulfilled, for our end has come. 19 Our persecutors are swifter than the eagles of the heavens. They pursued us on the mountains; they laid in wait for us in the wilderness. 20 The breath of our nostrils, the anointed of the Lord, was taken in their pits, of whom we said, “Under his shadow we shall live among the nations.” 21 Rejoice and be glad, O daughter of Edom, who dwells in the land of Uz; the cup also shall pass through to you. You shall be drunk and shall make yourself naked. 22 The punishment of your iniquity is accomplished, O daughter of Zion; He will no longer carry you away into captivity. He will punish your iniquity, O daughter of Edom; He will uncover your sins. The Fifth Lamentation Remember, O Lord, what has come on us. Consider and behold our reproach. 2 Our inheritance has been turned
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over to strangers, our houses to foreigners. 3 We are orphans and fatherless; our mothers are like widows. 4 We have drunk our water for money; our wood is sold to us. 5 Our necks are under persecution. We labor and have no rest. 6 We have given the hand to the Egyptians and to the Assyrians, to be satisfied with bread. 7 Our fathers have sinned and are no more, and we have borne their iniquities. 8 Servants have ruled over us. There is no one who delivers us out of their hand. 9 We got our bread at the peril of our lives because of the sword of the wilderness. 10 Our skin was black like an oven because of the terrible famine. 11 They violated the women in Zion and the young women in the cities of Judah. 12 Princes are hanged by their hands. The faces of elders were not honored. 13 They took the young men to grind, and the children fell under the wood. 14 The elders have ceased from the gate, the young men from their music. 15 The joy of our heart has ceased; our dance has turned into mourning. 16 The crown has fallen from our head. Woe to us, for we have sinned! 17 Because of this our heart is faint, because of these things our eyes are dim, 18 because of the mountain of
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Zion, which is desolate—the foxes walk on it. 19 You, O Lord, remain forever, Your throne from generation to generation. 20 Why do You forget us forever
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and forsake us for so long? 21 Turn us to You, O Lord, and we shall be restored. Renew our days as of old. 22 But You have utterly rejected us. You are very angry with us.
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EZEKIEL INTRODUCTION TO EZEKIEL Ezekiel was a prophet caught up in the turmoil of his time. He was among ten thousand exiles carried off to Babylon in the second of three deportations from Judah (2 Kings 24:14). He and his wife settled in a Jewish community established near Nippur, on the Chebar Canal. God’s people needed a prophet in Babylon because, with some wonderful exceptions, they carried all the spiritual baggage from the years of idolatry and apostasy that began their ruin. AUTHOR Ezekiel was a priest, and his priestly orientation comes through in his prophecies. More than any other prophet, he depicts the consummation of the kingdom of God in terms of a new temple and revitalized worship. His prophetic call came at age thirty, which would have made him a young eyewitness to the spiritual reforms during the reign of King Josiah. Although he is unable to serve as priest in a traditional capacity due to his relocation (and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem’s temple), his spiritual preparations are still put to use as God calls him to be a prophet during a crucial time of Israel’s history. OCCASION God’s people were caught in the maw of conflict between world powers Egypt and Babylon. International tensions overshadowed the circumstances of many smaller states and turned the lives of countless individuals and families upside down. Ezekiel’s world was turbulent, which makes his message surprisingly relevant for today.
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Ezekiel’s Preparation and Commission Now it came to pass in the thirtieth year, in the fourth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I was among the captives by the river of Chebar, that the heavens were opened and I saw visions of God. 2 On the fifth day of the month, which was the fifth year of King Jehoiachin’s captivity, 3 the word of the Lord came expressly to Ezekiel the priest, the son of Buzi, in the land of the Chaldeans by the river Chebar, and the hand of the Lord was on him there. 4 And I looked, and behold, a whirlwind came out of the north, a great cloud and a fire enfolding itself. And a brightness was around it, and out of its midst, out of the midst of the fire, like the color of amber. 5 Also out of its midst came the likeness of four living creatures. And this was their appearance: they had the likeness of a man. 6 And each one had four faces, and each one had four wings. 7 And their feet were straight feet, and the soles of their feet were like the soles of a calf ’s foot, and they sparkled like the color of burnished brass. 8 And they had the hands of a man under their wings on their four sides, and the four had their faces and their wings; 9 their wings were joined one to another. They did not turn when they went; each one went straight forward. 10 As for the likeness of their faces, the four had the face of a man, and the face of a lion, on the right side, and the four had the face of an ox on the left side; the four also had
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the face of an eagle. 11 Thus were their faces. And their wings were stretched upward; two wings of each one were joined to one another, and two covered their bodies. 12 And each one went straight forward; they went where the spirit was to go, and they did not turn when they went. 13 As for the likeness of the living creatures, their appearance was like burning coals of fire and like the appearance of lamps. It went up and down among the living creatures, and the fire was bright, and lightning went forth out of the fire. 14 And the living creatures ran and returned like the appearance of a flash of lightning. 15 Now as I saw the living creatures, behold, one wheel on the earth by the living creatures with its four faces. 16 The appearance of the wheels and their work was like the color of beryl, and the four had one likeness. And their appearance and their work was, as it were, a wheel in the middle of a wheel. 17 When they went, they went on their four sides, and they did not turn when they went. 18 As for their rings, they were so high that they were dreadful. And their rings were full of eyes, all around the four. 19 And when the living creatures went, the wheels went by them, and when the living creatures were lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up. 20 Wherever the spirit was to go, they went; their spirit was to go there. And the wheels were lifted up with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. 21 When those went, these went; and when those stood, these stood; and when those were
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lifted up from the earth, the wheels were lifted up with them, for the spirit of the living creatures was in the wheels. 22 And the likeness of the firmament on the heads of the living creatures was like the color of the awesome crystal, stretched out over their heads above. 23 And under the firmament their wings were straight, the one toward the other; each one had two that covered on this side of their bodies, and each one had two that covered on that side. 24 And when they went, I heard the noise of their wings, like the noise of great waters, like the voice of the Almighty, the voice of speech like the sound of an army; when they stood, they let down their wings. 25 And there was a voice from the firmament that was over their heads when they stood and had let down their wings. 26 And above the firmament that was over their heads was the likeness of a throne, like the appearance of a sapphire stone. And on the likeness of the throne was the likeness as the appearance of a man on it, above. 27 And from the appearance of his loins even upward, I saw as the color of amber, as the appearance of fire all around within it. And from the appearance of his loins even downward, I saw, as it were, the appearance of fire. And it had brightness around it. 28 Like the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud on a rainy day, so was the appearance of the brightness around it. This was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell on my face
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and I heard a voice of One who spoke. Ezekiel Is Filled with the Spirit And He said to me, “Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak to you.” 2 And when He spoke to me, the Spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, that I heard Him who spoke to me. 3 And He said to me: “Son of man, I send you to the children of Israel, to a rebellious nation that has rebelled against Me; they and their fathers have transgressed against Me even to this very day. 4 For they are impudent and stiff-hearted children. I send you to them, and you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says.’ 5 And, whether they will hear or whether they will disregard—for they are a rebellious house—they shall yet know that there has been a prophet among them. 6 And you, son of man, do not be afraid of them or be afraid of their words, though briars and thorns are with you and you dwell among scorpions; do not be afraid of their words or be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house. 7 And you shall speak My words to them, whether they will hear or whether they will disregard, for they are most rebellious. 8 But you, son of man, hear what I say to you. Do not be rebellious like that rebellious house. Open your mouth and eat what I give you.” 9 And when I looked, behold, a hand was sent to me, and behold, a scroll was in it. 10 And He spread it before me, and it was written inside
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and outside. And written in it were lamentations and mourning and woe. The Prophet’s Commission, Continued Moreover He said to me, “Son of man, eat what you find. Eat this scroll, and go speak to the house of Israel.” 2 So I opened my mouth, and He caused me to eat that scroll. 3 And He said to me, “Son of man, cause your belly to eat, and fill your stomach with this scroll that I give you.” Then I ate it, and it was like honey for sweetness in my mouth. 4 And He said to me, “Son of man, go. Get yourself to the house of Israel and speak to them with My words. 5 For you are not sent to a people of a foreign speech and of a hard language, but to the house of Israel— 6 not to many people of a foreign speech and of a hard language, whose words you cannot understand. Surely, had I sent you to them, they would have listened to you. 7 But the house of Israel will not listen to you, for they will not listen to Me. For all the house of Israel are impudent and hardhearted. 8 Behold, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads. 9 I have made your forehead like an adamant, harder than flint. Do not fear them or be dismayed at their looks, though they are a rebellious house.” 10 Moreover He said to me: “Son of man, receive in your heart all My words that I shall speak to you, and hear with your ears. 11 And go, get yourself to those of the captivity, to the children of your people, and
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speak to them and tell them, ‘This is what the Lord God says,’ whether they will hear or whether they will disregard.” 12 Then the Spirit took me up, and I heard behind me a voice of a great rushing, saying: “Blessed is the glory of the Lord from His place.” 13 I also heard the noise of the wings of the living creatures that touched one another, and the noise of the wheels beside them, and a noise of a great rushing. 14 So the Spirit lifted me up and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit. But the hand of the Lord was strong on me. 15 Then I came to those of the captivity at Tel-abib who dwelled by the river of Chebar. And I sat where they sat and remained there astonished among them seven days. 16 And it came to pass at the end of seven days that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 17 “Son of man, I have made you a watchman to the house of Israel. Therefore hear the word at My mouth, and give them warning from Me. 18 When I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ and you do not give him warning or speak to warn the wicked from his wicked way, to save his life, the same wicked man shall die in his iniquity—but I will require his blood at your hand. 19 Yet if you warn the wicked and he does not turn from his wickedness or from his wicked way, he shall die in his iniquity—but you have delivered your soul. 20 Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and I lay a stumbling block before him, he shall die. Because you have
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not given him warning, he shall die in his sin, and his righteousness that he has done shall not be remembered. But I will require his blood at your hand. 21 Nevertheless if you warn the righteous man that the righteous should not sin, and he does not sin, he shall surely live because he was warned. You have also delivered your soul.” 22 And the hand of the Lord was on me there, and He said to me, “Arise, go forth into the plain, and I will talk with you there.” 23 Then I arose and went forth into the plain, and behold, the glory of the Lord stood there, as the glory that I saw by the river of Chebar. And I fell on my face. 24 Then the Spirit entered into me, and set me on my feet, and spoke with me, and said to me, “Go, shut yourself inside your house. 25 But you, O son of man, behold, they shall put bonds on you and shall bind you with them, and you shall not go out among them. 26 And I will make your tongue cling to the roof of your mouth, that you shall be mute and shall not be a reprover to them, for they are a rebellious house. 27 But when I speak with you, I will open your mouth and you shall say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says.’ He who hears, let him hear. And he who disregards, let him disregard, for they are a rebellious house.” The Sign of the Tile: Symbolic Actions “You also, son of man, take for yourself a tile and lay it before you, and portray the city, even
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Jerusalem, on it. 2 And lay siege against it, and build a fort against it, and cast an earthwork against it. Also set the camp against it and set battering rams against it all around. 3 Moreover take for yourself an iron pan and set it for a wall of iron between yourself and the city, and set your face against it. And it shall be besieged, and you shall lay siege against it. This shall be a sign to the house of Israel. 4 “Also lie on your left side and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel on it; you shall bear their iniquity according to the number of the days that you shall lie on it. 5 For I have laid on you the years of their iniquity; according to the number of the days—three hundred and ninety days—so you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. 6 And when you have accomplished them, lie again on your right side. And you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days; I have appointed you each day for a year. 7 Therefore you shall set your face toward the siege of Jerusalem, and your arm shall be uncovered and you shall prophesy against it. 8 And behold, I will lay bonds on you, and you shall not turn yourself from one side to another until you have ended the days of your siege. 9 “Also take for yourself wheat and barley and beans and lentils and millet and spelt, and put them in one vessel, and make bread from it for yourself. You shall eat of it according to the number of the days that you shall lie on your side: three hundred and ninety days. 10 And your food that you shall eat shall
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be by weight: twenty shekels a day. You shall eat it from time to time. 11 You shall also drink water by measure: the sixth part of a hin. You shall drink from time to time. 12 And you shall eat it as barley cakes, and you shall bake it in their sight with dung that comes out of man.”13 And the Lord said, “In this way the children of Israel shall eat their defiled bread among the Gentiles where I will drive them.” 14 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! Behold, my soul has not been defiled, for from my youth up, even until now, I have not eaten of what has died of itself or was torn in pieces, nor has any abominable flesh come into my mouth.” 15 Then He said to me, “Behold I have given you cow’s dung for man’s dung, and you shall prepare your bread with it.” 16 Moreover He said to me, “Son of man, behold, I will break the supply of bread in Jerusalem, and they shall eat bread by weight and with care, and they shall drink water by measure and with astonishment, 17 that they may want bread and water, and be dismayed with one another, and waste away for their iniquity.” The Sign of the Sharp Knife: Famine, Pestilence, the Sword “And you, son of man, take a sharp knife; take a barber’s razor and cause it to pass on your head and on your beard. Then take balances to weigh and divide the hair. 2 A third part you shall burn with fire in the midst of the city, when the days of the siege are fulfilled. And you shall take a third part and strike
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around it with a knife, and a third part you shall scatter in the wind. And I will draw out a sword after them. 3 You shall also take a few of them and bind them in your skirts. 4 Then take from them again, and cast them into the midst of the fire, and burn them in the fire, for a fire shall come out from it into all the house of Israel. 5 “This is what the Lord God says: ‘This is Jerusalem; I have set her in the midst of the nations and countries that are all around her. 6 And she has changed My judgments into wickedness more than the nations, and My statutes more than the countries that are all around her. For they have refused My judgments and My statutes; they have not walked in them.’ 7 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: ‘Because you multiplied more than the nations that are all around you and have not walked in My statutes, nor have kept My judgments, nor have done according to the judgments of the nations that are all around you,’ 8 therefore this is what the Lord God says: ‘Behold I, even I, am against you and will execute judgments in your midst in the sight of the nations. 9 And because of all your abominations I will do in you what I have not done, and the like of which I will not do any longer. 10 Therefore the fathers shall eat the sons in your midst, and the sons shall eat their fathers. And I will execute judgments in you, and I will scatter the whole remnant of you into all the winds. 11 Therefore, as I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘surely, because you have defiled My sanctuary with all your detestable things
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and with all your abominations, therefore I will also diminish you. Nor shall My eye spare, nor will I have any pity. 12 A third part of you shall die with the pestilence, and they shall be destroyed with famine in your midst; and a third part shall fall by the sword all around you; and I will scatter a third part into all the winds, and I will draw out a sword after them. 13 “‘Thus My anger shall be accomplished, and I will cause My fury to rest on them, and I will be comforted. And they shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it in My zeal, when I have accomplished My fury in them. 14 Moreover I will make you desolate and a reproach among the nations that are all around you, in the sight of all who pass by. 15 So it shall be a reproach and a taunt, an instruction and an astonishment to the nations that are all around you, when I shall execute judgments in you in anger and in fury and in furious rebukes. I, the Lord, have spoken it. 16 When I shall send on them the evil arrows of famine, which shall be for their destruction, and which I will send to destroy you, I will increase the famine on you and will break your supply of bread. 17 So I will send famine and evil beasts on you, and they shall bereave you. And pestilence and blood shall pass through you, and I will bring the sword on you. I the Lord have spoken it.’” The Message against the Mountains of Israel And the word of the Lord came to me, saying: 2 “Son of man, set
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your face toward the mountains of Israel, and prophesy against them 3 and say, ‘You mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God. This is what the Lord God says to the mountains and to the hills, to the rivers and to the valleys: “Behold I, even I, will bring a sword on you, and I will destroy your high places. 4 And your altars shall be desolate and your images shall be broken. And I will cast down your slain men before your idols. 5 And I will lay the dead bodies of the children of Israel before their idols, and I will scatter your bones all around your altars. 6 In all your dwelling places the cities shall be laid waste and the high places shall be desolate, that your altars may be laid waste and made desolate, and your idols may be broken and cease, and your images may be cut down, and your works may be abolished. 7 And the slain shall fall in your midst, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”’” A Remnant to Be Spared 8 “‘Yet I will leave a remnant, that you may have some who shall escape the sword among the nations when you shall be scattered through the countries. 9 And those of you who escape shall remember Me among the nations where they shall be carried captive, because I am broken with their adulterous hearts that have departed from Me, and with their eyes that go prostituting after their idols. And they shall loathe themselves for the evils that they have committed in all their abominations,10 and they shall know that I am the Lord, and that I have
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not said in vain that I would do this evil to them.’” Desolation on the Land 11 “This is what the Lord God says: ‘Strike with your hand and stamp with your foot, and say, “Alas for all the evil abominations of the house of Israel! For they shall fall by the sword, by the famine, and by the pestilence. 12 He who is far off shall die by the pestilence, and he who is near shall fall by the sword, and he who remains and is besieged shall die by the famine. Thus I will accomplish My fury on them. 13 Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when their slain men shall be among their idols all around their altars, on every high hill, in all the tops of the mountains, and under every green tree, and under every thick oak—the places where they offered sweet savor to all their idols. 14 So in all their habitations I will stretch out My hand on them and make the land desolate—yes, more desolate than the wilderness toward Diblah. And they shall know that I am the Lord.”’” Ezekiel’s Vision, Concluded Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Also you, son of man, this is what the Lord God says to the land of Israel: ‘An end, the end, has come on the four corners of the land. 3 Now the end has come on you, and I will send My anger on you and will judge you according to your ways, and will repay you for all your abominations. 4 And My eye shall not spare you, nor will I have pity. But I will repay
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your ways on you, and your abominations shall be in your midst. And you shall know that I am the Lord.’ 5 “This is what the Lord God says: ‘An evil, an only evil, behold, has come. 6 An end has come, the end has come; it watches for you; behold, it has come. 7 The morning has come to you, O you who dwell in the land. The time has come, the day of trouble is near, and not the sounding again of the mountains. 8 Now I will shortly pour out My fury on you and accomplish My anger on you. And I will judge you according to your ways and will repay you for all your abominations. 9 And My eye shall not spare, nor will I have pity. I will repay you according to your ways and your abominations that are in your midst. And you shall know that I am the Lord who strikes. 10 “‘Behold the day! Behold, it has come! The morning has gone forth; the rod has blossomed; pride has budded. 11 Violence has risen up into a rod of wickedness. None of them, nor of their multitude, nor of anything of theirs, shall remain, nor shall there be wailing for them. 12 The time has come; the day draws near. Do not let the buyer rejoice or the seller mourn, for wrath is on all their multitude. 13 For the seller shall not return to what was sold, although they were yet alive. For the vision is concerning their whole multitude, which shall not return, nor shall anyone strengthen himself in the iniquity of his life. 14 “‘They have blown the trumpet, even to make all ready—but no one goes to the battle, for My wrath is
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on all their multitude. 15 The sword is outside, and the pestilence and the famine within. He who is in the field shall die with the sword, and he who is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him. 16 But those of them who escape shall escape and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, each one for his iniquity. 17 All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. 18 They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them, and shame shall be on all faces, and baldness on all their heads. 19 They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be removed; their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord. They shall not satisfy their souls or fill their stomachs, because it is the stumbling block of their iniquity. 20 As for the beauty of His ornament, He set it in majesty, but they made the images of their abominations and of their detestable things in it. Therefore I have set it far from them. 21 And I will give it into the hands of the foreigners for a plunder, and to the wicked of the earth for a spoil, and they shall defile it. 22 I will also turn My face from them, and they shall defile My secret place, for the robbers shall enter into it and defile it. 23 “‘Make a chain, for the land is full of bloody crimes, and the city is full of violence. 24 Therefore I will bring the worst of the nations, and they shall possess their houses. I will also make the pomp of the strong to cease, and their holy places shall be defiled. 25 Destruction comes, and
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they shall seek peace, and there shall be none. 26 Evil shall come on evil, and rumor shall be on rumor. Then they shall seek a vision from the prophet, but the Law shall perish from the priest, and counsel from the ancients. 27 The king shall mourn, and the prince shall be clothed with desolation, and the hands of the people of the land shall be troubled. I will do to them according to their way, and I will judge them according to what they deserve. And they shall know that I am the Lord.’” Third Vision of the Glory And it came to pass in the sixth year, in the sixth month, on the fifth day of the month, as I sat in my house and the elders of Judah sat before me, that the hand of the Lord God fell on me there. 2 Then I saw, and behold, a likeness like the appearance of fire—fire from the appearance of His loins even downward, and from His loins even upward like the appearance of brightness, like the color of amber. 3 And He put out the form of a hand and took me by a lock of my head, and the Spirit lifted me up between the earth and the heaven and brought me in the visions of God to Jerusalem, to the door of the inner gate that looks toward the north, where the seat of the image of jealousy, which provokes to jealousy, was. 4 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel was there, according to the vision that I saw in the plain. 5 Then He said to me, “Son of man, lift up your eyes now toward the north.” So I lifted up my eyes
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toward the north and, behold— to the north at the gate of the altar—this image of jealousy in the entrance. 6 Furthermore He said to me, “Son of man, do you see what they are doing, even the great abominations that the house of Israel commits here, that I should go far off from My sanctuary? But turn yet again, and you shall see greater abominations.” 7 And He brought me to the door of the courtyard, and when I looked, behold, a hole in the wall. 8 Then said He to me, “Son of man, now dig in the wall.” And when I dug in the wall, behold, a door. 9 And He said to me, “Go in, and behold the wicked abominations that they are doing here.” 10 So I went in and saw, and behold, every form of creeping things and abominable beasts, and all the idols of the house of Israel portrayed all around on the wall. 11 And before them there stood seventy men of the elders of the house of Israel, and Jaazaniah, the son of Shaphan, stood in the midst of them, every man with his censer in his hand. And a thick cloud of incense went up. 12 Then He said to me, “Son of man, have you seen what the elders of the house of Israel are doing in the dark, each man in the chambers of his idols? For they say, ‘The Lord does not see us; the Lord has abandoned the earth.’” 13 He also said to me, “Turn yet again and you shall see greater abominations that they are doing.” 14 Then He brought me to the door of the gate of the Lord’s house that was toward the north, and behold, women sat there weeping for
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Tammuz. 15 Then He said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Turn yet again, and you shall see greater abominations than these.” 16 And He brought me into the inner courtyard of the Lord’s house, and behold, at the door of the temple of the Lord, between the porch and the altar, were about twenty- five men with their backs toward the temple of the Lord and their faces toward the east, and they worshipped the sun toward the east. 17 Then He said to me, “Have you seen this, O son of man? Is it a light thing to the house of Judah that they commit the abominations that they commit here? For they have filled the land with violence and have returned to provoke Me to anger. And behold, they put the branch to their nose. 18 Therefore I will also deal in fury. My eye shall not spare, nor will I have pity, and though they cry in My ears with a loud voice, yet I will not hear them.” The Vision of the Slaying in Jerusalem He also cried in my ears with a loud voice, saying, “Cause those who have charge over the city to draw near, every man with his destroying weapon in his hand.” 2 And behold, six men came from the way of the higher gate that lies toward the north, and every man had a slaughter weapon in his hand. And one man among them was clothed with linen with a writer’s inkhorn by his side. And they went in and stood beside the brazen altar. 3 And the glory of the God of Israel had gone up from the cherub on
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which it had been to the threshold of the house. And He called to the man clothed with linen who had the writer’s inkhorn by his side. 4 And the Lord said to him, “Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark on the foreheads of the men who sigh and who cry for all the abominations that are being done in its midst.” 5 And to the others He said in my hearing, “Go through the city after him and strike; do not let your eye spare nor have pity. 6 Utterly slay old and young, both young women and little children and women, but do not come near any man on whom is the mark. And begin at My sanctuary.” Then they began with the elders who were before the house. 7 And He said to them, “Defile the house and fill the courtyards with the slain. Go out!” And they went out and slew in the city. 8 And it came to pass, while they were slaying them and I was left, that I fell on my face and cried, and said, “Ah, Lord God! Will you destroy all the remnant of Israel in Your pouring out of Your fury on Jerusalem?” 9 Then He said to me, “The iniquity of the house of Israel and Judah is exceedingly great, and the land is full of blood and the city full of perverseness. For they say, ‘The Lord has abandoned the earth, and the Lord does not see.’ 10 And also as for Me, My eye shall not spare, nor will I have pity, but I will repay their way on their head.” 11 And behold, the man clothed with linen, who had the inkhorn by
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his side, reported the matter saying, “I have done as You have commanded me.” The Vision of Altar Fire Scattered over Jerusalem Then I looked, and behold, in the firmament that was above the heads of the cherubim, there appeared over them, as it were, a sapphire stone, like the appearance of the likeness of a throne. 2 And He spoke to the man clothed with linen and said, “Go in between the wheels, even under the cherub, and fill your hand with coals of fire from between the cherubim, and scatter them over the city.” And in my sight he went in. 3 Now when the man went in, the cherubim stood on the right side of the house, and the cloud filled the inner courtyard. 4 Then the glory of the Lord went up from the cherub and stood over the threshold of the house, and the house was filled with the cloud, and the courtyard was full of the brightness of the Lord’s glory. 5 And the sound of the cherubim’s wings was heard even to the outer court, as the voice of the Almighty God when He speaks. 6 And it came to pass that when He had commanded the man clothed with linen, saying, “Take fire from between the wheels, from between the cherubim,” then he went in and stood beside the wheels. 7 And one cherub stretched out his hand from between the cherubim to the fire that was between the cherubim, and took from it and put it into the hands of him who was clothed with linen, who took it and went out.
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peared in the cherubim under their wings. 9 And when I looked, behold, the four wheels by the cherubim, one wheel by one cherub and another wheel by another cherub. And the appearance of the wheels was like the color of a beryl stone. 10 And as for their appearance, the four had one likeness, as if a wheel had been in the midst of a wheel. 11 When they went, they went on their four sides; they did not turn as they went, but they followed to the place where the head looked. They did not turn as they went. 12 And their whole body and their backs and their hands and their wings and the wheels were full of eyes all around, even the wheels that the four had. 13 As for the wheels, it was cried to them in my hearing, “O wheel.” 14 And each one had four faces. The first face was the face of a cherub, and the second face was the face of a man, and the third the face of a lion, and the fourth the face of an eagle. 15 And the cherubim were lifted up. This is the living creature that I saw by the river of Chebar. 16 And when the cherubim went, the wheels went by them, and when the cherubim lifted up their wings to mount up from the earth, the same wheels also did not turn from beside them. 17 When they stood, these stood, and when they were lifted up, these lifted themselves up also, for the spirit of the living creature was in them. 18 Then the glory of the Lord departed from off the threshold of the house and stood over the cherubim.
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19 And the cherubim lifted up their
wings and mounted up from the earth in my sight. When they went out, the wheels were also beside them. And everyone stood at the door of the east gate of the Lord’s house, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them. 20 This is the living creature that I saw under the God of Israel by the river of Chebar, and I knew that they were the cherubim. 21 Each one had four faces apiece and each one four wings, and under their wings was the likeness of the hands of a man. 22 And the likeness of their faces was the same faces that I saw by the river of Chebar, their appearances and themselves. Each one went straight forward. Vision of Wrath against the Lying Princes Moreover the Spirit lifted me up and brought me to the east gate of the Lord’s house, which looks eastward. And, behold, at the door of the gate twenty-five men, among whom I saw Jaazaniah the son of Azzur and Pelatiah the son of Benaiah, princes of the people. 2 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these are the men who devise evil and give wicked counsel in this city, 3 who say, ‘It is not near; let us build houses. This city is the caldron and we are the meat.’ 4 Therefore prophesy against them—prophesy, O son of man.” 5 And the Spirit of the Lord fell on me and said to me, “Speak. ‘This is what the Lord says: “You have said this, O house of Israel, for I know the things that come into your
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mind, every one of them. 6 You have multiplied your slain in this city, and you have filled its streets with the slain.” 7 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Your slain whom you have laid in its midst, they are the meat, and this city is the caldron, but I will bring you forth out of its midst. 8 You have feared the sword, and I will bring a sword on you,” says the Lord God. 9 “And I will bring you out of its midst and deliver you into the hands of foreigners, and will execute judgments among you. 10 You shall fall by the sword. I will judge you in the border of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord. 11 This city shall not be your caldron, nor shall you be the meat in its midst. But I will judge you in the border of Israel. 12 And you shall know that I am the Lord, for you have not walked in My statutes or executed My judgments but have done according to the manner of the nations that are all around you.”’” 13 And it came to pass, when I prophesied, that Pelatiah the son of Benaiah died. Then I fell down on my face, and cried with a loud voice, and said, “Ah, Lord God! Will You make a full end of the remnant of Israel?” The Promise to Spare the Remnant 14 Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 15 “Son of man, your brothers—even your brothers, the men of your family, and all the house of Israel wholly—are those to whom the inhabitants of Jerusalem have said, ‘Get yourselves far from
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the Lord; this land has been given to us in possession.’ 16 Therefore say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Although I have cast them far off among the nations, and although I have scattered them among the countries, yet I will be to them like a little sanctuary in the countries where they shall come.”’” Israel to Be Restored to the Land and Converted 17 “Therefore say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “I will even gather you from the people and assemble you out of the countries where you have been scattered, and I will give you the land of Israel.”’ 18 And they shall come there, and they shall take away all its detestable things and all its abominations from there. 19 And I will give them one heart, and I will put a new spirit within them, and I will take the stony heart out of their flesh and will give them a heart of flesh, 20 that they may walk in My statutes and keep My ordinances and do them. And they shall be My people, and I will be their God. 21 But as for those whose hearts walk after the heart of their detestable things and their abominations, I will repay their way on their own heads,” says the Lord God. 22 Then the cherubim lifted up their wings, and the wheels beside them, and the glory of the God of Israel was above them. 23 And the glory of the Lord went up from the midst of the city and stood on the mountain that is on the east side of the city. 24 Afterward the Spirit took me up and brought me in a vision by the Spirit of God into Chaldea, to
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those of the captivity. So the vision that I had seen went up from me. 25 Then I spoke to those of the captivity all the things that the Lord had shown me. Vision of the Prophet as a Sign The word of the Lord also came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, you dwell in the midst of a rebellious house, who have eyes to see and do not see; they have ears to hear and do not hear, for they are a rebellious house. 3 Therefore, son of man, prepare your belongings for moving, and move by day in their sight, and you shall move from your place to another place in their sight. It may be they will consider, though they are a rebellious house. 4 Then you shall bring out your belongings by day in their sight, as belongings for moving. And you shall go out at evening in their sight, as those who go forth into captivity. 5 Dig through the wall in their sight, and carry out through it. 6 In their sight you shall bear them on your shoulders and carry them out in the twilight. You shall cover your face, that you may not see the ground, for I have set you for a sign to the house of Israel.” 7 And so I did as I was commanded. I brought out my belongings by day as belongings for captivity. And in the evening I dug through the wall with my hands. I brought them out in the twilight, and I bore them on my shoulder in their sight. 8 And in the morning the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 9 “Son of man, has not the house of
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Israel, the rebellious house, said to you, ‘What are you doing?’ 10 Say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “This burden concerns the prince in Jerusalem and all the house of Israel who are among them.”’ 11 Say, ‘I am your sign. As I have done, so it shall be done to them; they shall move and go into captivity.’ 12 And the prince who is among them shall bear on his shoulder and shall go out in the twilight. They shall dig through the wall to carry them out through it. He shall cover his face, that he may not see the ground with his eyes. 13 I will also spread My net on him, and he shall be taken in My snare. And I will bring him to Babylon, to the land of the Chaldeans. Yet he shall not see it, though he shall die there. 14 And I will scatter toward every wind all who are around him to help him, and all his soldiers. And I will draw out the sword after them. 15 And they shall know that I am the Lord when I scatter them among the nations and disperse them in the countries. 16 But I will leave a few men of them from the sword, from the famine, and from the pestilence, that they may declare all their abominations among the nations where they come. And they shall know that I am the Lord.” The Full Captivity Near at Hand 17 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 18 “Son of man, eat your bread with quaking, and drink your water with trembling and with carefulness. 19 And say to the people of the land, ‘This is what the Lord God says of the inhabitants
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of Jerusalem and of the land of Israel: “They shall eat their bread with carefulness, and drink their water with astonishment, that her land may be desolate from all that is in it, because of the violence of all those who dwell in it. 20 And the cities that are inhabited shall be laid waste, and the land shall be desolate, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”’” 21 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 22 “Son of man, what is that proverb that you have in the land of Israel, saying, ‘The days are prolonged, and every vision fails’? 23 Therefore tell them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “I will make this proverb to cease, and they shall no longer use it as a proverb in Israel.”’ But say to them, ‘The days are at hand and the effect of every vision. 24 For there shall no longer be any vain vision or flattering divination within the house of Israel. 25 For I am the Lord. I will speak, and the word that I speak shall come to pass. It shall no longer be prolonged. For in your days, O rebellious house, I will say the word and will perform it,’ says the Lord God.” 26 Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 27 “Son of man, behold, those of the house of Israel say, ‘The vision that he sees is for many days to come, and he prophesies of the times that are far off.’ 28 Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “None of My words shall be prolonged any longer, but the word that I have spoken shall be done,”’” says the Lord God.
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The Message against the Lying Prophets And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the prophets of Israel who prophesy, and say to those who prophesy out of their own hearts, ‘Hear the word of the Lord. 3 This is what the Lord God says: “Woe to the foolish prophets who follow their own spirit and have seen nothing! 4 O Israel, your prophets are like the foxes in the deserts. 5 You have not gone up into the gaps or made up the hedge for the house of Israel to stand in the battle on the day of the Lord. 6 They have seen vanity and lying divination, saying, ‘The Lord says,’ and the Lord has not sent them, and they have made others to hope that they would confirm the word. 7 Have you not seen a vain vision and have you not spoken a lying divination? Whereas you say, ‘The Lord says it,’ although I have not spoken.”’” 8 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Because you have spoken vanity and seen lies, therefore behold, I am against you,” says the Lord God. 9 “And My hand shall be on the prophets who see vanity and who divine lies; they shall not be in the assembly of My people, nor shall they be written in the writing of the house of Israel, nor shall they enter into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord God. 10 Because, even because they have seduced My people, saying, ‘Peace,’ and there was no peace. And one built up a wall, and behold, others covered it with untempered mortar. 11 Say to those
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who cover it with untempered mortar that it shall fall. There shall be an overflowing shower, and you, O great hailstones, shall fall, and a stormy wind shall tear it. 12 Behold, when the wall has fallen, shall it not be said to you, ‘Where is the covering by which you have covered it?’” 13 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “I will even tear it with a stormy wind in My fury, and there shall be an overflowing shower in My anger, and great hailstones in My fury to destroy it. 14 So I will break down the wall that you have covered with untempered mortar and bring it down to the ground, so that its foundation shall be uncovered. And it shall fall, and you shall be destroyed in its midst. And you shall know that I am the Lord. 15 I will thus accomplish My wrath on the wall and on those who have covered it with untempered mortar and will say to you, ‘The wall is no more, nor those who covered it— 16 namely, the prophets of Israel who prophesy concerning Jerusalem and who see visions of peace for her and there is no peace,’” says the Lord God. 17 “Likewise you, son of man, set your face against the daughters of your people who prophesy out of their own heart. And prophesy against them 18 and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Woe to the women who sew pillows to all arm openings and make veils on the heads of every stature to hunt souls! Will you hunt the souls of My people, and will you save alive the souls that come to you? 19 And
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will you defile Me among My people for handfuls of barley and for pieces of bread, to slay the souls that should not die and to save the souls alive that should not live, by your lying to My people who hear your lies?”’” 20 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am against your pillows by which you hunt the souls to make them fly. And I will tear them from your arms and will let the souls go, even the souls that you hunt to make them fly. 21 I will also tear your veils and deliver My people out of your hand, and they shall be no longer in your hand to be hunted. And you shall know that I am the Lord. 22 Because with lies you have made sad the heart of the righteous, whom I have not made sad, and strengthened the hands of the wicked, that he should not return from his wicked way, by promising him life. 23 Therefore you shall see no more vanity or divine divinations, for I will deliver My people out of your hand. And you shall know that I am the Lord.” The Vision of the Elders of Israel Then some of the elders of Israel came to me and sat before me. 2 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 3 “Son of man, these men have set up their idols in their hearts and put before their faces the stumbling block of their iniquity. Should I be inquired of by them at all? 4 Therefore speak to them and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Every man of the house of Israel who sets up his
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idols in his heart, and puts before his face the stumbling block of his iniquity, and comes to the prophet, I the Lord will answer him who comes according to the multitude of his idols, 5 that I may take the house of Israel in their own hearts, because they are all estranged from Me through their idols.”’ 6 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Repent and turn yourselves from your idols, and turn your faces away from all your abominations. 7 For anyone of the house of Israel, or of the foreigner who sojourns in Israel, who separates himself from Me, and sets up his idols in his heart, and puts the stumbling block of his iniquity before his face, and comes to a prophet to inquire of him concerning Me, I the Lord will answer him by Myself. 8 And I will set My face against that man and will make him a sign and a proverb, and I will cut him off from the midst of My people. And you shall know that I am the Lord. 9 And if the prophet is deceived when he has spoken a thing, I the Lord have deceived that prophet, and I will stretch out My hand on him and will destroy him from the midst of My people Israel. 10 And they shall bear the punishment of their iniquity; the punishment of the prophet shall be just as the punishment of him who sought him, 11 that the house of Israel may no longer go astray from Me, nor be defiled anymore with all their transgressions, but that they may be My people and I may be their God,”’ says the Lord God.”
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Jerusalem on No Account to Be Spared 12 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying:13 “Son of man, when the land sins against Me by trespassing grievously, then I will stretch out My hand on it and will break the supply of its bread, and will send famine on it, and will cut off man and beast from it. 14 Though these three men—Noah, Daniel, and Job—were in it, they should deliver only their own souls by their righteousness,” says the Lord God. 15 “If I cause dangerous beasts to pass through the land and they spoil it so that it is desolate, that no man may pass through because of the beasts, 16 though these three men were in it, as I live,” says the Lord God, “they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters; only they shall be delivered, but the land would be desolate. 17 Or if I bring a sword on that land and say, ‘Sword, go through the land,’ so that I cut off man and beast from it, 18 though these three men were in it, as I live,” says the Lord God, “they shall deliver neither sons nor daughters, but only they themselves shall be delivered. 19 Or if I send a pestilence into that land and pour out My fury on it in blood, to cut off man and beast from it, 20 though Noah, Daniel, and Job were in it, as I live,” says the Lord God, “they shall deliver neither son nor daughter; they shall deliver only their own souls by their righteousness.” 21 For this is what the Lord God says: “How much more when I send My four severe judgments on Jerusalem—the sword and the famine
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and the dangerous beast and the pestilence—to cut off man and beast from it? 22 Yet behold, a remnant shall be left in it who shall be brought forth, both sons and daughters. Behold, they shall come forth to you, and you shall see their way and their doings, and you shall be comforted concerning the evil that I have brought on Jerusalem, even concerning all that I have brought on it. 23 And they shall comfort you when you see their ways and their doings, and you shall know that I have not done all that I have done in it without reason,” says the Lord God. The Vision of the Burning Vine And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, what is the vine tree more than any tree, or than a branch that is among the trees of the forest? 3 Shall wood be taken from it to do any work? Or will men take a peg from it to hang any vessel on it? 4 Behold, it is cast into the fire for fuel; the fire devours both of its ends, and its middle is burned. Is it suitable for any work? 5 Behold, when it was whole, it was suitable for no work. How much less shall it be suitable yet for any work when the fire has devoured it and it is burned? 6 “Therefore this is what the Lord God says: ‘Like the vine tree among the trees of the forest, which I have given to the fire for fuel, so I will give the inhabitants of Jerusalem, 7 and I will set My face against them. They shall go out from one fire, and another fire shall devour them. And
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you shall know that I am the Lord when I set My face against them. 8 And I will make the land desolate because they have committed a trespass,’” says the Lord God. The Prostitution of Jerusalem The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 2 “Son of man, cause Jerusalem to know her abominations, 3 and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says to Jerusalem: “Your birth and your nativity are from the land of Canaan. Your father was an Amorite and your mother a Hittite. 4 And as for your nativity, on the day you were born your umbilical cord was not cut, nor were you washed in water to calm you; you were not salted at all or swaddled at all. 5 No eye pitied you to do any of these to you, to have compassion on you, but you were cast out in the open field, to the loathing of your person in the day that you were born. 6 “‘“And when I passed by you and saw you polluted in your own blood, I said to you when you were in your blood, ‘Live!’ Yes, I said to you when you were in your blood, ‘Live!’ 7 I have caused you to multiply like the bud of the field, and you have increased and grown great, and you have come to excellent adornment. Your breasts are fashioned and your hair is grown, although you were naked and bare. 8 “‘“Now when I passed by you and looked on you, behold, your time was the time of love, and I spread My skirt over you and covered your nakedness. Yes, I swore to you and entered into a covenant
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with you,” says the Lord God, “and you became Mine. 9 “‘“Then I washed you with water; yes, I thoroughly washed away your blood from you, and I anointed you with oil. 10 I also clothed you with embroidered work and gave you shoes of badgers’ skin, and I girded you all around with fine linen, and I covered you with silk. 11 I also covered you with ornaments, and I put bracelets on your hands and a chain on your neck. 12 And I put a jewel on your forehead, and earrings in your ears, and a beautiful crown on your head. 13 Thus you were covered with gold and silver, and your clothing was of fine linen and silk and embroidered work. You ate fine flour and honey and oil, and you were exceedingly beautiful, and you prospered into a kingdom. 14 And your renown went forth among the nations for your beauty, for it was perfect through My beauty that I had put on you,” says the Lord God. 15 “‘“But you trusted in your own beauty, and played the prostitute because of your renown, and poured out your fornications on everyone who passed by—it was his. 16 And you took of your garments, and covered your high places with various colors, and played the prostitute on them. The similar things shall not come, nor shall they be so. 17 You have also taken your beautiful jewels from My gold and from My silver, which I had given you, and made for yourself images of men and committed prostitution with them, 18 and took your embroidered garments and covered them. And you have set My oil and My incense
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before them. 19 Also My food that I gave you—fine flour and oil and honey, by which I fed you—you have even set it before them for a sweet savor. And thus it was,” says the Lord God. 20 “Moreover you have taken your sons and your daughters whom you had borne to Me, and these you sacrificed to them to be devoured. Is this, of your prostitutions, a small matter, 21 that you have slain My children and delivered them to cause them to pass through the fire for them? 22 And in all your abominations and your prostitutions you have not remembered the days of your youth, when you were naked and bare and were polluted in your blood. 23 “‘“And it came to pass according to all your wickedness (‘Woe, woe to you!’ says the Lord God) 24 that you have also built for yourself an eminent place and have made yourself a high place in every street. 25 You have built your high place at every head of the road, and have made your beauty to be abhorred, and have opened your feet to everyone who passed by and multiplied your prostitution. 26 You have also committed fornication with the Egyptians, your neighbors great of flesh, and have increased your prostitution to provoke Me to anger. 27 Behold, therefore, I have stretched out My hand over you and have diminished your ordinary food and delivered you to the will of those who hate you, the daughters of the Philistines, who are ashamed of your lewd way. 28 You have also played the prostitute with the Assyrians because you were insatiable.
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Yes, you have played the prostitute with them and yet could not be satisfied. 29 Moreover you have multiplied your fornication in the land of Canaan, to Chaldea—and yet you were not satisfied with this. 30 “‘“How weak is your heart,” says the Lord God, “seeing you do all these things, the work of an imperious prostitute woman, 31 in that you build your eminent place in the head of every road and make your high place in every street, and have not been like a prostitute in that you scorned wages, 32 but like a wife who commits adultery, who takes strangers instead of her husband! 33 They give gifts to all prostitutes, but you give your gifts to all your lovers and hire them, that they may come to you on every side for your prostitution. 34 And in your prostitution the contrary is in you from other women—whereas no one followed you to commit prostitution and in that you give a reward and no reward is given to you. Therefore you are contrary.”’” 35 Therefore, O prostitute, hear the word of the Lord. 36 This is what the Lord God says: “Because your filthiness was poured out and your nakedness uncovered through your prostitution with your lovers, and with all the idols of your abominations, and by the blood of your children that you gave to them, 37 therefore behold, I will gather all your lovers with whom you have taken pleasure, and all those whom you have loved with all those whom you have hated. I will even gather them all around against you and will uncover your nakedness to them,
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that they may see all your nakedness. 38 And I will judge you as women who break wedlock and shed blood are judged, and I will give you blood in fury and jealousy. 39 And I will also give you into their hand, and they shall throw down your eminent places and shall break down your high places. They shall also strip you of your clothes and shall take your beautiful jewels and leave you naked and bare. 40 They shall also bring up a company against you, and they shall stone you with stones and thrust you through with their swords. 41 And they shall burn your houses with fire and execute judgments on you in the sight of many women. And I will cause you to cease from playing the prostitute, and you shall also no longer give any wages. 42 So I will make My fury toward you to rest, and My jealousy shall depart from you, and I will be quiet and will be angry no longer. 43 Because you have not remembered the days of your youth but have vexed Me in all these things, therefore behold, I will also repay your way on your head,” says the Lord God. “And you shall not commit this lewdness above all your abominations. 44 “Behold, everyone who uses proverbs shall use this proverb against you, saying, ‘As is the mother, so is her daughter.’ 45 You are your mother’s daughter, who loathes her husband and her children. And you are the sister of your sisters, who loathed their husbands and their children. Your mother was a Hittite and your father an Amorite. 46 And your older sister is Samaria, she and her daughters who dwell at your left
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hand. And your younger sister, who dwells at your right hand, is Sodom and her daughters. 47 Yet you have not walked according to their ways or done according to their abominations. But, as if that were a very little thing, in all your ways you were more corrupt than they. 48 As I live,” says the Lord God, “Sodom your sister has not done, she nor her daughters, as you have done— you and your daughters. 49 Behold, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom: pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters; nor did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. 50 And they were haughty and committed abomination before Me. Therefore I took them away as I saw fit. 51 Nor has Samaria committed half of your sins, but you have multiplied your abominations more than they and have justified your sisters in all your abominations that you have done. 52 Also, you who have judged your sisters bear your own shame for your sins that you have committed, more abominable than theirs; they are more righteous than you. Yes, also be confounded and bear your shame, in that you have justified your sisters. 53 “When I shall bring back their captives, the captives of Sodom and her daughters and the captives of Samaria and her daughters, then I will bring back the captives of your captivity in their midst, 54 that you may bear your own shame and may be confounded in all that you have done, in that you are a comfort to them. 55 When your sisters, Sodom and her daughters, return
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to their former estate, and Samaria and her daughters return to their former estate, then you and your daughters shall return to your former estate. 56 For your sister Sodom was not mentioned by your mouth in the day of your pride, 57 before your wickedness was uncovered, as at the time of your reproach of the daughters of Syria and all who are all around her, the daughters of the Philistines, who despise you all around. 58 You have carried your lewdness and your abominations,” says the Lord. 59 For this is what the Lord God says: “I will even deal with you as you have done, you who have despised the oath in breaking the covenant.” The Promise of Future Blessing 60 “Nevertheless I will remember My covenant with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you. 61 Then you shall remember your ways and be ashamed when you receive your sisters, your older and your younger. And I will give them to you for daughters, but not by your covenant. 62 And I will establish My covenant with you. And you shall know that I am the Lord, 63 that you may remember and be confounded, and never open your mouth anymore because of your shame, when I am pacified toward you for all that you have done,” says the Lord God. The Parable of the Great Eagle And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of
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man, put forth a riddle and speak a parable to the house of Israel, 3 and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “A great eagle with great wings, long-winged, full of feathers that had various colors, came to Lebanon and took the highest branch of the cedar. 4 He cropped off the top of his young twigs and carried it into a land of trade; he set it in a city of merchants. 5 He also took of the seed of the land and planted it in a fruitful field. He placed it by great waters and set it like a willow tree. 6 And it grew and became a spreading vine of low stature whose branches turned toward him, and its roots were under him. So it became a vine and brought forth branches and shot forth sprigs. 7 “‘“There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers. And behold, this vine bent its roots toward him and shot forth its branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of its plantation. 8 It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a beautiful vine.”’ 9 Say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Shall it prosper? Shall he not pull up its roots and cut off its fruit, that it withers? It shall wither in all the leaves of its spring, even without great power or many people to pluck it up by its roots. 10 Yes, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? Shall it not utterly wither when the east wind touches it? It shall wither in the furrows where it grew.”’”
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Ezekiel 17:19
The Rebellion of Zedekiah and Its Results 11 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 12 “Say now to the rebellious house, ‘Do you not know what these things mean?’ Tell them, ‘Behold, the king of Babylon has come to Jerusalem and has taken its king and its princes, and led them with him to Babylon, 13 and has taken of the king’s offspring and made a covenant with him, and has taken an oath from him. He has also taken the mighty of the land, 14 that the kingdom might be low, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand. 15 But he rebelled against him in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and many people. Shall he prosper? Shall he who does such things escape? Or shall he break the covenant and be delivered? 16 “‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘surely in the place where the king dwells who made him king, whose oath he despised and whose covenant he broke, even with him he shall die in the midst of Babylon. 17 Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company shall not make for him in the war, by casting up earthworks and building forts to cut off many persons. 18 Seeing he despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, behold, he had given his hand and had done all these things, he shall not escape.’” 19 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “As I live, surely My oath that he has despised and My covenant that he has broken, even it I
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will repay on his own head. 20 And I will spread My net on him, and he shall be taken in My snare. And I will bring him to Babylon and will plead with him there for his trespass that he has trespassed against Me. 21 And all his fugitives with all his soldiers shall fall by the sword, and those who remain shall be scattered toward all winds. And you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it.” 22 This is what the Lord God says: “I will also take of the highest branches of the high cedar and will set it; I will crop off from the top of its young twigs a tender one, and will plant it on a high and eminent mountain. 23 I will plant it in the mountain of the height of Israel, and it shall bring forth boughs and bear fruit, and be a beautiful cedar. And all fowl of every wing shall dwell under it; they shall dwell in the shadow of its branches. 24 And all the trees of the field shall know that I, the Lord, have brought down the high tree, have exalted the low tree, have dried up the green tree, and have made the dry tree to flourish. I, the Lord, have spoken and have done it.” Ethical Instructions for Israel in Captivity The word of the Lord came to me again, saying, 2 “What do you mean that you use this proverb concerning the land of Israel, saying, ‘The fathers have eaten sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge’? 3 As I live,” says the Lord God, “you shall not have occasion any longer to use this proverb
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in Israel. 4 Behold, all souls are Mine; as the soul of the father, so also the soul of the son is Mine. The soul that sins, it shall die. 5 “But if a man is just and does what is lawful and right, 6 and has not eaten on the mountains, or lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, or defiled his neighbor’s wife, or come near to a menstruous woman, 7 and has not oppressed anyone, but has restored to the debtor his pledge, has robbed no one by violence, has given his bread to the hungry, and has covered the naked with a garment, 8 who has not given forth on interest or taken any increase, who has withdrawn his hand from iniquity, has executed true judgment between man and man, 9 has walked in My statutes, and has observed My judgments to deal truly—he is just. He shall surely live,” says the Lord God. 10 “If he begets a son who is a robber, a shedder of blood, and who does the like to any one of these things, 11 and who does not do any of those duties, but has eaten on the mountains and defiled his neighbor’s wife, 12 has oppressed the poor and needy, has robbed by violence, has not restored the pledge, and has lifted up his eyes to the idols, has committed abomination, 13 has given forth on interest, and has taken increase—shall he then live? He shall not live. He has done all these abominations; he shall surely die. His blood shall be on him. 14 “Now behold, if he begets a son who sees all his father’s sins that he has done and considers and does not do such things— 15 who has not
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eaten on the mountains or lifted up his eyes to the idols of the house of Israel, has not defiled his neighbor’s wife, 16 has not oppressed anyone, has not withheld the pledge or robbed by violence, but has given his bread to the hungry and has covered the naked with a garment, 17 who has taken off his hand from the poor, who has not received interest or increase, has executed My judgments, has walked in My statutes—he shall not die for the iniquity of his father. He shall surely live. 18 As for his father, because he cruelly oppressed, robbed his brother by violence, and did what is not good among his people, behold, even he shall die in his iniquity. 19 “Yet you say, ‘Why? Does the son not bear the iniquity of the father?’ When the son has done what is lawful and right, and has kept all My statutes and has done them, he shall surely live. 20 The soul that sins, it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, nor shall the father bear the iniquity of the son. The righteousness of the righteous shall be on him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be on him. 21 “But if the wicked will turn from all his sins that he has committed, and keeps all My statutes, and do what is lawful and right, he shall surely live—he shall not die. 22 All his transgressions that he has committed, they shall not be mentioned to him; in his righteousness that he has done, he shall live. 23 Do I have any pleasure at all that the wicked should die?” says the Lord God,
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“and not that he should return from his ways and live? 24 “But when the righteous turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All his righteousness that he has done shall not be mentioned; in his trespass that he has trespassed and in his sin that he has sinned, in them he shall die. 25 “Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not equal.’ Hear now, O house of Israel. Is My way not equal? Are not your ways unequal? 26 When a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity and dies in them, he shall die for his iniquity that he has done. 27 Again, when the wicked man turns away from his wickedness that he has committed and does what is lawful and right, he shall save his soul alive. 28 Because he considers and turns away from all his transgressions that he has committed, he shall surely live— he shall not die. 29 Yet the house of Israel says, ‘The way of the Lord is not equal.’ O house of Israel, are My ways not equal? Are not your ways unequal? 30 “Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, every one according to his ways,” says the Lord God. “Repent, and turn yourselves from all your transgressions, so iniquity shall not be your ruin. 31 Cast away from you all your transgressions by which you have transgressed, and make yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why will you die, O house of Israel? 32 For I have no pleasure in the death of him who
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dies,” says the Lord God. “Therefore, turn yourselves and live.” Lamentation for the Princes of Israel “Moreover, take up a lamentation for the princes of Israel 2 and say:
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‘What is your mother? A lioness. She lay down among lions; she nourished her cubs among young lions. And she brought up one of her cubs. It became a young lion, and it learned to catch the prey. It devoured men. The nations also heard of him; he was taken in their pit, and they brought him with chains to the land of Egypt. Now when she saw that she had waited and her hope was lost, then she took another of her cubs and made him a young lion. And he went up and down among the lions. He became a young lion and learned to catch the prey and devoured men. And he knew their desolate palaces, and he laid waste their cities, and the land and its fullness were desolate by the noise of his roaring. Then the nations set against him from the provinces on every side
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and spread their net over him. He was taken in their pit. And they put him in custody in chains and brought him to the king of Babylon. They brought him into strongholds, that his voice should no longer be heard on the mountains of Israel. Your mother is like a vine in your blood, planted by the waters; she was fruitful and full of branches by reason of many waters. And she had strong rods for the scepters of those who bore rule. And her stature was exalted among the thick branches, and she appeared in her height with the multitude of her branches. But she was plucked up in fury; she was cast down to the ground, and the east wind dried up her fruit. Her strong rods were broken and withered; the fire consumed them. And now she is planted in the wilderness, in a dry and thirsty ground. And fire has gone out of a rod from her branches, which has devoured her fruit so that she has no strong rod to be a scepter to rule.’”
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This is a lamentation, and shall be for a lamentation. Jehovah Vindicated in the Chastisement of Israel And it came to pass in the seventh year, in the fifth month, the tenth day of the month, that some of the elders of Israel came to inquire of the Lord and sat before me. 2 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 3 “Son of man, speak to the elders of Israel and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Have you come to inquire of Me? As I live,” says the Lord God, “I will not be inquired of by you.”’ 4 “Will you judge them, son of man—will you judge them? Cause them to know the abominations of their fathers, 5 and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “In the day when I chose Israel, and lifted up My hand to the descendants of the house of Jacob, and made Myself known to them in the land of Egypt; when I lifted up My hand to them, saying, ‘I am the Lord your God’; 6 in the day that I lifted up My hand to them, to bring them out from the land of Egypt into a land that I had spied out for them, flowing with milk and honey, which is the glory of all lands— 7 then I said to them, ‘Every man cast away the abominations of his eyes, and do not defile yourselves with the idols of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.’ 8 But they rebelled against Me and would not listen to Me; every man did not cast away the abominations of their eyes, nor did they abandon the idols of Egypt. Then I said, ‘I will pour out My fury
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Ezekiel 20:17
on them, to accomplish My anger against them in the midst of the land of Egypt.’ 9 But I acted for My name’s sake, that it should not be defiled before the nations among whom they were, in whose sight I made Myself known to them, in bringing them forth out of the land of Egypt. 10 Therefore I caused them to go forth out of the land of Egypt and brought them into the wilderness. 11 And I gave them My statutes and showed them My judgments, which, if a man does, he shall even live in them. 12 Moreover I also gave them My Sabbaths to be a sign between Me and them, that they might know that I am the Lord who sanctifies them. 13 “‘“But the house of Israel rebelled against Me in the wilderness. They did not walk in My statutes and they despised My judgments, which, if a man does, he shall even live in them. And they greatly defiled My Sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out My fury on them in the wilderness, to destroy them. 14 But I acted for My name’s sake, that it should not be defiled before the nations, in whose sight I brought them out. 15 Yet I also lifted up My hand to them in the wilderness, that I would not bring them into the land flowing with milk and honey that I had given them, which is the glory of all lands, 16 because they despised My judgments and did not walk in My statutes, but defiled My Sabbaths. For their heart went after their idols. 17 Nevertheless My eye spared them from destroying them; I did not make an end of them in the wilderness.
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18 “‘“But I said to their children in
the wilderness, ‘Do not walk in the statutes of your fathers or observe their judgments or defile yourselves with their idols. 19 I am the Lord your God; walk in My statutes and keep My judgments and do them. 20 And hallow My Sabbaths, and they shall be a sign between Me and you, that you may know that I am the Lord your God.’ 21 However, the children rebelled against Me. They did not walk in My statutes or keep My judgments to do them, which, if a man does, he shall even live in them; they defiled My Sabbaths. Then I said I would pour out My fury on them, to accomplish My anger against them in the wilderness. 22 Nevertheless I withdrew My hand and acted for My name’s sake, that it should not be defiled in the sight of the nations, in whose sight I brought them forth. 23 Also I lifted up My hand to them in the wilderness, that I would scatter them among the nations and disperse them throughout the countries, 24 because they had not executed My judgments but had despised My statutes and had defiled My Sabbaths, and their eyes were after their fathers’ idols. 25 Therefore I also gave them statutes that were not good and judgments by which they could not live, 26 and I defiled them in their own gifts, in that they caused all who open the womb to pass through the fire, that I might make them desolate, to the end that they might know that I am the Lord.”’ 27 “Therefore, son of man, speak to the house of Israel and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God
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says: “Yet in this your fathers have blasphemed Me, in that they have committed a trespass against Me. 28 For when I had brought them into the land that I lifted up My hand to give to them, then they saw every high hill and all the thick trees, and they offered their sacrifices there, and they presented the provocation of their offering there. They also made their sweet savor there and poured out their drink offerings there. 29 Then I said to them, ‘What is the high place to which you go?’ And its name is called Bamah to this day.”’ 30 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Are you defiled according to the manner of your fathers? And do you commit prostitution according to their abominations? 31 For when you offer your gifts, when you make your sons to pass through the fire, you defile yourselves with all your idols, even to this day. And shall I be inquired of by you, O house of Israel? As I live,” says the Lord God, “I will not be inquired of by you. 32 And what comes into your mind shall not be at all, that you say, ‘We will be like the nations, like the families of the countries, to serve wood and stone.’”’” The Future Judgment of Israel 33 “As I live,” says the Lord God, “with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with fury poured out, I will surely rule over you. 34 And I will bring you out from the peoples and will gather you out of the countries in which you
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are scattered, with a mighty hand and with an outstretched arm and with fury poured out. 35 And I will bring you into the wilderness of the peoples, and I will plead with you there face to face. 36 Just as I pleaded with your fathers in the wilderness of the land of Egypt, so I will plead with you,” says the Lord God. 37 “And I will cause you to pass under the rod, and I will bring you into the bond of the covenant. 38 And I will purge out from among you the rebels and those who transgress against Me. I will bring them forth out of the country where they sojourn, and they shall not enter into the land of Israel. And you shall know that I am the Lord. 39 “As for you, O house of Israel, this is what the Lord God says: ‘Go, serve your idols, every one of you—and also hereafter—if you will not listen to Me. But do not defile My holy name any longer with your gifts and with your idols. 40 For in My holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel,’ says the Lord God, ‘there all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, shall serve Me. There I will accept them, and there I will require your offerings and the firstfruits of your sacrifices, with all your holy things. 41 I will accept you with your sweet savor when I bring you out from the peoples and gather you out of the countries in which you have been scattered. And I will be sanctified in you before the nations. 42 And you shall know that I am the Lord when I bring you into the land of Israel, into the country for which I lifted up My hand to give it to your fathers.
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there you shall remember your ways and all your doings by which you have been defiled, and you shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for all your evils that you have committed. 44 And you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have dealt with you for My name’s sake, not according to your wicked ways or according to your corrupt doings, O house of Israel,’ says the Lord God.” The Parable of the Forest of the South Field 45 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 46 “Son of man, set your face toward the south, and drop your word toward the south and prophesy against the forest of the south field, 47 and say to the forest of the south, ‘Hear the word of the Lord! This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I will kindle a fire in you, and it shall devour every green tree and every dry tree in you. The flaming flame shall not be quenched, and all faces from the south to the north shall be burned in it. 48 And all flesh shall see that I, the Lord, have kindled it; it shall not be quenched.”’” 49 Then I said, “Ah, Lord God! They say of me, ‘Does he not speak parables?’” The Parable of the Sighing Prophet And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face toward Jerusalem, and drop your word toward the holy places and prophesy against the land of Israel, 3 and
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say to the land of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord says: “Behold, I am against you and will draw forth My sword out of its sheath and will cut off from you the righteous and the wicked. 4 Seeing then that I will cut off the righteous and the wicked from you, therefore My sword shall go forth out of its sheath against all flesh from the south to the north, 5 that all flesh may know that I, the Lord, have drawn forth My sword out of its sheath. It shall not return anymore.”’ 6 “Sigh therefore, son of man, with the breaking of your loins, and sigh with bitterness before their eyes. 7 And it shall be when they say to you, ‘Why do you sigh?’ that you shall answer, ‘For the news, because it is coming, and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water. Behold, it is coming and shall be brought to pass,’ says the Lord God.” The Parable of the Sword of God 8 Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 9 “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord says.’ Say, ‘A sword, a sword is sharpened, and also furbished. 10 It is sharpened to make a great slaughter; it is furbished that it may glitter. Should we then rejoice? It scorns the rod of My son, as every tree. 11 And He has given it to be furbished, that it may be handled; this sword is sharpened and it is furbished, to give it into the hand of the slayer. 12 Cry and howl, son of
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man. For it shall be on My people; it shall be on all the princes of Israel. Terrors shall be on My people by reason of the sword. Therefore strike on your thigh. 13 Because it is a trial, and what if the sword scorns even the rod? It shall be no more,’ says the Lord God. 14 “You therefore, son of man, prophesy, and strike your hands together. And let the sword be doubled the third time, the sword of the slain. It is the sword of the great men who are slain, who enter into their private chambers. 15 I have set the point of the sword against all their gates, that their heart may faint and their ruins be multiplied. Ah! It is made bright; it is wrapped up for the slaughter. 16 Go one way or another, either on the right hand or on the left, wherever your face is set. 17 I will also strike My hands together, and I will cause My fury to rest. I, the Lord, have said it.” 18 The word of the Lord came to me again, saying: 19 “Also, son of man, appoint for yourself two ways that the sword of the king of Babylon may come; both of them shall come forth out of one land. And choose a place; choose it at the head of the road to the city. 20 Appoint a road, that the sword may come to Rabbah of the Ammonites, and to Judah in the fortified Jerusalem. 21 For the king of Babylon stood at the parting of the road, at the head of the two roads, to use divination; he made his arrows bright, he consulted with images, he looked in the liver. 22 At his right hand was the divination for Jerusalem: to appoint captains, to open the mouth in the slaughter,
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to lift up the voice with shouting, to appoint battering rams against the gates, to cast an earthwork, and to build a fort. 23 And it shall be to them like a false divination in their sight, to those who have sworn oaths. But he will call the iniquity to remembrance, that they may be taken. 24 “Therefore this is what the Lord God says: ‘Because you have made your iniquity to be remembered, in that your transgressions are uncovered, so that in all your doings your sins appear—because, I say, you have come to remembrance, you shall be taken with the hand. 25 “‘And you, profane, wicked prince of Israel, whose day has come, when iniquity shall have an end, 26 this is what the Lord God says: “Remove the diadem and take off the crown; this shall not be the same. Exalt him who is low, and humble him who is high. 27 I will overturn, overturn, overturn it. And it shall be no more, until He whose right it is comes. And I will give Him it.”’ 28 “And you, son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says concerning the Ammonites and concerning their reproach.’ Even say: ‘The sword, the sword is drawn; it is furbished for the slaughter, to destroy because of the glittering— 29 while they see vanity for you, while they divine a lie to you, to bring you on the necks of those who are slain, of the wicked, whose day has come, when their iniquity shall have an end. 30 Shall I cause it to return into its sheath? I will judge you in the place where you were created, in the land of your nativity.
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31 And I will pour out My indigna-
tion on you; I will blow against you in the fire of My wrath and deliver you into the hand of brutal men, and skillful to destroy. 32 You shall be fuel for the fire; your blood shall be in the midst of the land. You shall no longer be remembered, for I the Lord have spoken it.’” The Sins of Israel Enumerated Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Now you, son of man, will you judge, will you judge the bloody city? Yes, you shall show her all her abominations. 3 Then say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “The city sheds blood in her midst, that her time may come, and makes idols against herself to defile herself. 4 You have become guilty in your blood that you have shed, and have defiled yourself in your idols that you have made. And you have caused your days to draw near and have come even to your years. Therefore I have made you a reproach to the nations and a mocking to all countries. 5 Those who are near and those who are far from you shall mock you, who are infamous and very troubled. 6 “‘“Behold, the princes of Israel: each one, to his power, was in you to shed blood. 7 They have made light of father and mother in you. They have dealt with the foreigner in your midst by oppression. They have troubled the fatherless and the widow in you. 8 You have despised My holy things and have profaned My Sabbaths. 9 Men who carry tales to shed blood are in you, and in you
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they eat on the mountains. They commit lewdness in your midst. 10 In you they have uncovered their fathers’ nakedness; in you they have humbled her who was set apart for defilement. 11 And one has committed abomination with his neighbor’s wife, and another has lewdly defiled his daughter-inlaw. And in you another has humbled his sister, his father’s daughter. 12 In you they have taken bribes to shed blood; you have taken interest and increase, and you have greedily gained from your neighbors by extortion and have forgotten Me,” says the Lord God. 13 “‘“Behold, therefore, I have struck My hand at your dishonest gain that you have made and at your blood that has been in your midst. 14 Can your heart endure, or can your hands be strong, in the days that I shall deal with you? I, the Lord, have spoken it and will do it. 15 And I will scatter you among the nations and disperse you in the countries, and will destroy your filthiness out of you. 16 And you shall take your inheritance in yourself in the sight of the nations, and you shall know that I am the Lord.”’” The Parable of the Dross in the Furnace 17 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 18 “Son of man, the house of Israel has become dross to Me; they are all brass and tin and iron and lead in the midst of the furnace. They are even the dross of silver. 19 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: ‘Because you have all become dross, therefore, behold—I
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will gather you into the midst of Jerusalem. 20 As they gather silver and brass and iron and lead and tin into the midst of the furnace, to blow the fire on it to melt it, so I will gather you in My anger and in My fury, and I will leave you there and melt you. 21 Yes, I will gather you and blow on you in the fire of My wrath, and you shall be melted in the midst of it. 22 As silver is melted in the midst of the furnace, so shall you be melted in the midst of it. And you shall know that I, the Lord, have poured out My fury on you.’” Sins of the Priests, Princes, Prophets, and People 23 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 24 “Son of man, say to her: ‘You are the land that is not cleansed or rained on in the day of indignation.’ 25 There is a conspiracy of her prophets in her midst like a roaring lion ravening the prey. They have devoured souls; they have taken the treasure and precious things; they have made many widows in her midst. 26 Her priests have violated my law and have profaned My holy things; they have put no difference between the holy and profane—nor have they shown difference between the unclean and the clean—and have hidden their eyes from My Sabbaths, and I am profaned among them. 27 Her princes in her midst are like wolves ravening the prey, to shed blood and to destroy souls, to get dishonest gain. 28 And her prophets have covered them with untempered mortar, seeing vanity and divining lies for them, saying, ‘This is
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what the Lord God says,’ when the Lord has not spoken. 29 The people of the land have used oppression and exercised robbery and have oppressed the poor and needy; yes, they have wrongfully oppressed the foreigner. 30 “And I sought for a man among them who should make up the hedge and stand in the gap before Me for the land, that I should not destroy it. But I found none. 31 Therefore I have poured out My indignation on them; I have consumed them with the fire of My wrath. I have repaid their own way on their heads,” says the Lord God. The Parable of Oholah and Oholibah The word of the Lord came again to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother, 3 and they committed prostitution in Egypt. They committed prostitution in their youth. There their breasts were pressed, and there they bruised the breasts of their virginity. 4 And their names were Oholah the elder, and Oholibah her sister. And they were Mine, and they bore sons and daughters. These were their names: Samaria is Oholah and Jerusalem is Oholibah. 5 “And Oholah played the harlot when she was Mine. And she doted on her lovers, on her neighbors the Assyrians, 6 who were clothed with blue, captains and rulers, all of them desirable young men, horsemen riding on horses. 7 Thus she committed her prostitution with them, with all those who were the chosen men of
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Assyria, and she defiled herself with all on whom she doted, with all their idols. 8 Nor did she leave her prostitutions brought from Egypt, for in her youth they lay with her, and they bruised the breasts of her virginity, and poured their prostitution on her. 9 Therefore I have delivered her into the hand of her lovers, into the hand of the Assyrians, on whom she doted. 10 These uncovered her nakedness; they took her sons and her daughters, and slew her with the sword. And she became famous among women, for they had executed judgment on her. 11 “And when her sister Oholibah saw this, she was more corrupt in her inordinate love than she and in her prostitutions became more corrupt than her sister in her prostitutions. 12 She doted on the Assyrians, her neighbors, captains and rulers clothed most gorgeously, horsemen riding on horses, all of them desirable young men. 13 Then I saw that she was defiled, that they both took the same way, 14 and that she increased her prostitutions. For she saw men portrayed on the wall, the images of the Chaldeans portrayed with vermilion, 15 girded with belts on their loins, exceeding in dyed attire on their heads, all of them princes to look to, according to the manner of the Babylonians of Chaldea, the land of their nativity. 16 And as soon as she saw them with her eyes, she doted on them and sent messengers to them into Chaldea. 17 And the Babylonians came to her, into the bed of love, and they defiled her with their prostitution. And she was defiled with
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them, and her mind was alienated from them. 18 So she uncovered her prostitution and uncovered her nakedness. Then My mind was alienated from her, just as My mind was alienated from her sister. 19 Yet she multiplied her prostitution in calling to remembrance the days of her youth, in which she had played the harlot in the land of Egypt. 20 For she doted on their paramours, whose flesh is like the flesh of donkeys, and whose discharge is like the discharge of horses. 21 Thus you called to remembrance the lewdness of your youth, in bruising your breasts by the Egyptians for the breasts of your youth. 22 “Therefore, O Oholibah, this is what the Lord God says: ‘Behold, I will raise up your lovers against you, from whom your mind is alienated, and I will bring them against you on every side— 23 the Babylonians and all the Chaldeans, Pekod and Shoa and Koa, and all the Assyrians with them, all of them desirable young men, captains and rulers, great and renowned lords, all of them riding on horses. 24 And they shall come against you with chariots, wagons, and wheels, and with an assembly of people, who shall set against you buckler and shield and helmet all around. And I will set judgment before them, and they shall judge you according to their judgments. 25 And I will set My jealousy against you, and they shall deal furiously with you. They shall take away your nose and your ears, and your remnant shall fall by the sword. They shall take your sons and your daughters, and your
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remnant shall be devoured by the fire. 26 They shall also strip you out of your clothes and take away your beautiful jewels. 27 Thus I will make to cease from you your lewdness and your prostitution brought from the land of Egypt, so that you shall not lift up your eyes to them or remember Egypt any longer.’ 28 “For this is what the Lord God says: ‘Behold, I will deliver you into the hand of those whom you hate, into the hand of those from whom your mind is alienated. 29 And they shall deal with you hatefully, and shall take away all your labor, and shall leave you naked and bare. And the nakedness of your prostitutions shall be uncovered, both your lewdness and your prostitution. 30 I will do these things to you because you have prostituted yourselves after the nations and because you are defiled with their idols. 31 You have walked in the way of your sister; therefore I will give her cup into your hand.’ 32 “This is what the Lord God says: ‘You shall drink from your sister’s cup, deep and large; it contains much. You shall be laughed to scorn and held in derision. 33 You shall be filled with drunkenness and sorrow, with the cup of astonishment and desolation, with the cup of your sister Samaria. 34 You shall even drink it and suck it out. And you shall break its shards and pluck off your own breasts, for I have spoken it,’ says the Lord God. 35 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: ‘Because you have forgotten Me and cast Me behind your back, therefore you also bear your lewdness and your prostitution.’”
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the Lord said to me: “Son of man, will you judge Oholah and Oholibah? Yes, declare their abominations to them, 37 that they have committed adultery and blood is in their hands. And they have committed adultery with their idols and have also caused their sons, whom they bore to Me, to pass through the fire for them, to devour them. 38 Moreover they have done this to Me: they have defiled My sanctuary in the same day and have profaned My Sabbaths. 39 For when they had slain their children to their idols, then the same day they came into My sanctuary to profane it. And, behold, they have done this in the midst of My house. 40 “And furthermore, you have sent for men to come from afar, to whom a messenger was sent. And, behold, they came—for whom you washed yourself, painted your eyes, and covered yourself with ornaments, 41 and sat on a stately bed, and a table prepared before it, on which you had set My incense and My oil. 42 And a voice of a multitude, being at ease, was with her, and Sabeans were brought from the wilderness with the men of the common sort, who put bracelets on their hands and beautiful crowns on their heads. 43 Then I said to her who was old in adulteries, ‘Will they now commit prostitution with her and she with them?’ 44 Yet they went in to her as they go in to a woman who plays the prostitute. So they went in to Oholah and to Oholibah, the lewd women. 45 And they, the righteous men, shall judge them after the manner
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of adulteresses, and after the manner of women who shed blood, because they are adulteresses, and blood is on their hands. 46 “For this is what the Lord God says: ‘I will bring up a company on them and will give them to be removed and plundered. 47 And the company shall stone them with stones and dispatch them with their swords; they shall slay their sons and their daughters and burn up their houses with fire. 48 Thus I will cause lewdness to cease out of the land, that all women may be taught not to do according to your lewdness. 49 And they shall repay your lewdness on you, and you shall bear the sins of your idols. And you shall know that I am the Lord God.’” Parable of the Boiling Pot Again in the ninth year, in the tenth month, on the tenth day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, write the name of the day, even of this same day—the king of Babylon set himself against Jerusalem this same day. 3 And utter a parable to the rebellious house, and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Set on a pot; set it on, and also pour water into it. 4 Gather the pieces of it into it, even every good piece—the thigh and the shoulder. Fill it with the choice bones; 5 take the choice of the flock. And also burn the bones under it, and make it boil well, and let them boil its bones in it.”’ 6 “Therefore this is what the Lord God says. ‘Woe to the bloody city,
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to the pot whose scum is in it, and whose scum has not gone out of it! Bring it out piece by piece; let no lot fall on it. 7 For her blood is in her midst; she set it on the top of a rock; she did not pour it on the ground, to cover it with dust, 8 that it might cause fury to come up to take vengeance. I have set her blood on the top of a rock, that it should not be covered.’ 9 “Therefore this is what the Lord God says: ‘Woe to the bloody city! I will even make the pile for fire great. 10 Heap on wood, kindle the fire, consume the flesh, and spice it well, and let the bones be burned. 11 Then set it empty on its coals, that its brass may be hot and may burn, and that its filthiness may be melted in it, that its scum may be consumed. 12 She has wearied herself with lies, and her great scum did not go forth out of her; her scum shall be in the fire. 13 In your filthiness is lewdness. Because I have cleansed you, and you were not cleansed, you shall not be cleansed from your filthiness any longer, until I have caused My fury to rest on you. 14 I, the Lord, have spoken it. It shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, nor will I spare, nor will I change My mind. According to your ways, and according to your doings, they shall judge you,’ says the Lord God.” Ezekiel Again Made a Sign to Israel 15 Also the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 16 “Son of man, behold, I take away from you the desire of your eyes with a stroke, yet
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you shall neither mourn nor weep, nor shall your tears run down. 17 Abstain from crying; make no mourning for the dead. Bind the turban of your head on you, and put your shoes on your feet, and do not cover your lips, and do not eat the bread of men.” 18 So I spoke to the people in the morning, and at evening my wife died. And I did in the morning as I was commanded. 19 And the people said to me, “Will you not tell us what these things are to us, that you do so?” 20 Then I answered them, “The word of the Lord came to me, saying, 21 ‘Speak to the house of Israel, “This is what the Lord God says: ‘Behold, I will profane My sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes, and that which your soul pities, and your sons and your daughters whom you have left shall fall by the sword. 22 And you shall do as I have done. You shall not cover your lips or eat the bread of men. 23 And your turbans shall be on your heads, and your shoes on your feet. You shall not mourn or weep, but you shall pine away for your iniquities and mourn toward one another. 24 Thus Ezekiel is a sign to you: according to all that he has done you shall do, and when this comes, you shall know that I am the Lord God.’” 25 “‘Also you, son of man, shall it not be in the day when I take from them their strength, the joy of their glory, the desire of their eyes, and what they set their minds on—their sons and their daughters— 26 that he who escapes in that day shall come
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to you, to cause you to hear it with your ears? 27 In that day your mouth shall be opened to him who has escaped, and you shall speak and no longer be mute, and you shall be a sign to them. And they shall know that I am the Lord.’” The Prophecy against the Ammonites The word of the Lord came again to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against the Ammonites, and prophesy against them, 3 and say to the Ammonites, ‘Hear the word of the Lord God. This is what the Lord God says: “Because you said, ‘Aha!’ against My sanctuary when it was profaned, and against the land of Israel when it was desolate, and against the house of Judah when they went into captivity— 4 behold, therefore I will deliver you to the men of the east as a possession, and they shall set their palaces in you and make their dwellings in you; they shall eat your fruit, and they shall drink your milk. 5 And I will make Rabbah a stable for camels and the Ammonites a resting place for flocks. And you shall know that I am the Lord.” 6 “‘For this is what the Lord God says: “Because you have clapped your hands, and stomped with the feet, and rejoiced in heart with all your contempt against the land of Israel, 7 behold, therefore I will stretch out My hand on you and will deliver you as plunder to the nations. And I will cut you off from the people, and I will cause you to perish out of the countries; I will destroy you.
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And you shall know that I am the Lord.”’” Coming Judgment on Moab, Edom, and Philistia 8 This is what the Lord God says: “Because Moab and Seir say, ‘Behold, the house of Judah is like all the nations,’ 9 therefore, behold, I will open the side of Moab from the cities, from his cities that are on his frontiers, the glory of the country— Beth-jeshimoth, Baal-meon, and Kiriathaim. 10 I will give them as a possession to the men of the east, with the Ammonites, that the Ammonites may not be remembered among the nations. 11 And I will execute judgments on Moab, and they shall know that I am the Lord.” 12 This is what the Lord God says: “Because Edom has dealt against the house of Judah by taking vengeance and has greatly offended and revenged himself on them,” 13 therefore this is what the Lord God says: “I will also stretch out My hand on Edom and will cut off man and beast from it, and I will make it desolate from Teman, and those of Dedan shall fall by the sword. 14 And I will lay My vengeance on Edom by the hand of My people Israel, and they shall do in Edom according to My anger and according to My fury. And they shall know My vengeance,” says the Lord God. 15 This is what the Lord God says: “Because the Philistines have dealt by revenge and have taken vengeance with a spiteful heart, to destroy it for the old hatred,” 16 therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I will stretch out My hand
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on the Philistines, and I will cut off the Cherethims and destroy the remnant of the seacoast. 17 And I will execute great vengeance on them with furious rebukes, and they shall know that I am the Lord, when I shall lay My vengeance on them.” The Coming Judgment on Tyre And it came to pass in the eleventh year, on the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, because Tyre has said against Jerusalem, ‘Aha! She who was the gates of the people is broken; she is turned to me. I shall be replenished; now she is laid waste,’ 3 therefore this is what the Lord God says: ‘Behold, I am against you, O Tyre, and will cause many nations to come up against you, as the sea causes its waves to come up. 4 And they shall destroy the walls of Tyre and break down her towers. I will also scrape her dust from her and make her like the top of a rock. 5 It shall be a place for the spreading of nets in the midst of the sea, for I have spoken it,’ says the Lord God, ‘and it shall become plunder for the nations. 6 And her daughters who are in the field shall be slain by the sword, and they shall know that I am the Lord.’” 7 For this is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I will bring on Tyre from the north Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, a king of kings, with horses, and with chariots, and with horsemen, and companies, and many people. 8 He shall slay your daughters in the field with the sword, and
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he shall make a fort against you, and cast an earthwork against you, and lift up the shield against you. 9 And he shall set engines of war against your walls, and with his axes he shall break down your towers. 10 Because of the abundance of his horses their dust shall cover you; your walls shall shake at the noise of the horsemen, and of the wheels, and of the chariots, when he shall enter into your gates, as men enter into a city in which a breach is made. 11 With the hoofs of his horses he shall trample all your streets. He shall slay your people with the sword, and your strong garrisons shall go down to the ground. 12 And they shall make a spoil of your riches and make a plunder of your merchandise; and they shall break down your walls and destroy your pleasant houses; and they shall lay your stones and your timber and your dust in the midst of the water. 13 And I will cause the noise of your songs to cease, and the sound of your harps shall be heard no more. 14 And I will make you like the top of a rock; you shall be a place to spread nets on; you shall be built no more. For I, the Lord, have spoken it,” says the Lord God. 15 This is what the Lord God says to Tyre: “Shall the coastlands not shake at the sound of your fall, when the wounded cry, when the slaughter is made in your midst? 16 Then all the princes of the sea shall come down from their thrones, and lay away their robes, and put off their embroidered garments. They shall clothe themselves with trembling; they shall sit on the ground, and shall tremble at every moment and
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be astonished at you. 17 And they shall take up a lamentation for you and say to you, ‘How you are destroyed, you who were inhabited by seafaring men, the renowned city, which was strong in the sea, she and her inhabitants, who cause their terror to be on all who haunt it!’ 18 Now the coastlands shall tremble in the day of your fall; yes, the coastlands that are in the sea shall be troubled at your departure.” 19 For this is what the Lord God says: “When I shall make you a desolate city, like the cities that are not inhabited, when I shall bring up the deep on you and great waters shall cover you, 20 then I shall bring you down with those who descend into the pit, with the people of old time, and shall set you in the low parts of the earth, in places desolate of old, with those who go down to the pit, that you are not inhabited, and I shall set glory in the land of the living. 21 I will make you a terror, and you shall be no more. Though you are sought for, yet you shall never be found again,” says the Lord God. The Lamentation for Tyre The word of the Lord came again to me, saying, 2 “Now you, son of man, take up a lamentation for Tyre, 3 and say to Tyre, ‘O you who are situated at the entrance of the sea, who are a merchant of the people for many coastlands, this is what the Lord God says: “O Tyre, you have said, ‘I am of perfect beauty.’ 4 Your borders are in the midst of the seas; your builders have perfected your beauty. 5 They have made all your ship boards of fir
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trees of Senir; they have taken cedars from Lebanon to make masts for you. 6 Of the oaks of Bashan they have made your oars; the company of the Ashurites have made your benches of ivory, brought out of the coasts of Cyprus. 7 Fine linens with embroidered work from Egypt was what you spread out to be your sail; blue and purple from the coastlands of Elishah was what covered you. 8 “‘“The inhabitants of Sidon and Arvad were your mariners. Your wise men, O Tyre, who were in you, were your pilots. 9 The ancients of Gebal and its wise men were in you as your caulkers. All the ships of the sea with their mariners were in you to traffic your merchandise. 10 Those of Persia and of Lud and of Put were in your army, your men of war. They hung the shield and helmet in you; they set forth your beauty. 11 The men of Arvad with your army were on your surrounding walls, and the Gammadim were in your towers. They hung their shields on your surrounding walls; they have made your beauty perfect. 12 “‘“Tarshish was your merchant because of the multitude of all kind of riches—with silver, iron, tin, and lead, they traded in your merchandise. 13 Javan, Tubal, and Meshech— they were your merchants. They traded the persons of men and vessels of brass in your market. 14 Those of the house of Togarmah traded in your merchandise with horses and horsemen and mules. 15 The men of Dedan were your merchants; many coastlands were the merchandise of your hand. They brought you, for a
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present, horns of ivory and ebony. 16 “‘“Syria was your merchant because of the multitude of the wares of your making. They trafficked in your merchandise with emeralds, purple, and embroidered work, and fine linen, and coral, and agate. 17 Judah and the land of Israel—they were your merchants. They traded in your market wheat of Minnith, and Pannag, and honey, and oil, and balm. 18 Damascus was your merchant in the multitude of the wares of your making, for the multitude of all riches, in the wine of Helbon, and white wool. 19 Dan also and Javan, going to and fro, trafficked in your merchandise; bright iron, cassia, and calamus were in your market. 20 Dedan was your merchant in precious clothes for chariots. 21 “‘“Arabia and all the princes of Kedar—they trafficked with you in lambs and rams and goats. In these were they your merchants. 22 The merchants of Sheba and Raamah, they were your merchants—they trafficked in your merchandise with the chief of all spices and with all precious stones and gold. 23 Haran and Canneh and Eden, the merchants of Sheba, Assyria, and Chilmad, were your merchants. 24 These were your merchants in all sorts of things: in blue clothes, and embroidered work, and in chests of rich apparel, bound with cords, and made of cedar, among your merchandise. 25 The ships of Tarshish sang of you in your market, and you were replenished and made very glorious in the midst of the seas. 26 “‘“Your rowers have brought
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you into great waters. The east wind has broken you in the midst of the seas. 27 Your riches and your wares, your merchandise, your mariners and your pilots, your caulkers and the traffickers of your merchandise, and all your men of war, who are in you and in all your company that is in your midst, shall fall into the midst of the seas in the day of your ruin. 28 The outlying areas shall shake at the sound of the cry of your pilots. 29 And all who handle the oar, the mariners and all the pilots of the sea, shall come down from their ships; they shall stand on the land 30 and shall cause their voice to be heard against you, and shall cry bitterly, and shall cast up dust on their heads. They shall wallow themselves in the ashes, 31 and they shall make themselves utterly bald for you and gird themselves with sackcloth. And they shall weep for you with bitterness of heart and bitter wailing. 32 And in their wailing, they shall take up a lamentation for you and lament over you, saying, ‘What city is like Tyre, like that destroyed in the midst of the sea?’ 33 When your wares went forth out of the seas, you filled many people; you enriched the kings of the earth with the multitude of your riches and of your merchandise. 34 In the time when you shall be broken by the seas in the depths of the waters, your merchandise and all your company in your midst shall fall. 35 All the inhabitants of the coastlands shall be astonished at you, and their kings shall be greatly afraid; they shall be troubled in their countenance.
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merchants among the people shall hiss at you. You shall be a terror and will be no more.”’” The Rebuke of the King of Tyre The word of the Lord came again to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, say to the prince of Tyre, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Because your heart is lifted up and you have said, ‘I am a god; I sit in the seat of God, in the midst of the seas’ (yet you are a man, and not God, though you set your heart as the heart of God), 3 behold, you are wiser than Daniel; there is no secret that they can hide from you. 4 With your wisdom and with your understanding you have gotten yourself riches and have gotten gold and silver into your treasuries. 5 By your great wisdom and by your trade you have increased your riches, and your heart is lifted up because of your riches.” 6 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Because you have set your heart as the heart of God, 7 behold, I will therefore bring foreigners on you, the terrible of the nations, and they shall draw their swords against the beauty of your wisdom, and they shall defile your brightness. 8 They shall bring you down to the pit, and you shall die the deaths of those who are slain in the midst of the seas. 9 Will you yet say before him who slays you, ‘I am God’? But you shall be a man, and not God, in the hand of him who slays you. 10 You shall die the deaths of the uncircumcised by the hand of foreigners, for I have spoken it,” says the Lord God.’” 11 Moreover the word of the Lord
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came to me, saying, 12 “Son of man, take up a lamentation on the king of Tyre, and say to him, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “You sealed up the sum, full of wisdom, and perfect in beauty. 13 You have been in Eden, the garden of God. Every precious stone was your covering—the sardius, topaz, and the diamond; the beryl, the onyx, and the jasper; the sapphire, the emerald, and the carbuncle; and gold. The workmanship of your tambourines and of your pipes was prepared in you in the day that you were created. 14 You are the anointed cherub who covers, and I have set you so. You were on the holy mountain of God; you have walked up and down in the midst of the stones of fire. 15 “‘“You were perfect in your ways from the day that you were created, until iniquity was found in you. 16 By the multitude of your merchandise they have filled your midst with violence, and you have sinned. I will therefore cast you out of the mountain of God as profane, and I will destroy you, O covering cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. 17 “‘“Your heart was lifted up because of your beauty; you have corrupted your wisdom because of your brightness. I will cast you to the ground. I will lay you before kings, that they may behold you. 18 You have defiled your sanctuaries by the multitude of your iniquities, by the iniquity of your trade; therefore, I will bring forth a fire from your midst. It shall devour you, and I will bring you to ashes on the earth in the sight of all those who behold you. 19 All those who know
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you among the people shall be astonished at you; you shall be a terror, and you shall never be again.”’” The Judgment of Sidon 20 Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 21 “Son of man, set your face against Sidon, and prophesy against it, 22 and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am against you, O Sidon, and I will be glorified in your midst. And they shall know that I am the Lord when I have executed judgments in her and am sanctified in her. 23 For I will send pestilence into her, and blood into her streets, and the wounded shall be judged in her midst by the sword on her on every side. And they shall know that I am the Lord. 24 And there shall no longer be a pricking briar to the house of Israel or any grieving thorn of all who are around them, who despised them. And they shall know that I am the Lord God.”’” The Future Regathering of Israel 25 This is what the Lord God says: “When I have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered and am sanctified in them in the sight of the nations, then they shall dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob. 26 And they shall dwell safely in it and shall build houses and plant vineyards; yes, they shall dwell with confidence when I have executed judgments on all those who despise them all around them. And they shall know that I am the Lord their God.”
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The Prophecy against Egypt In the tenth year, in the tenth month, on the twelfth day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and prophesy against him and against all Egypt. 3 Speak, and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am against you, Pharaoh, king of Egypt, the great dragon that lies in the midst of his rivers, which has said, ‘My river is my own, and I have made it for myself.’ 4 But I will put hooks in your jaws, and I will cause the fish of your rivers to stick to your scales, and I will bring you up out of the midst of your rivers, and all the fish of your rivers shall stick to your scales. 5 And I will leave you, thrown into the wilderness— you and all the fish of your rivers. You shall fall on the open fields; you shall not be brought together or gathered. I have given you as food for the beasts of the field and for the fowls of the heavens. 6 And all the inhabitants of Egypt shall know that I am the Lord, because they have been a staff of reed to the house of Israel. 7 When they took hold of you by your hand, you broke and tore all their shoulder, and when they leaned on you, you broke and made all their loins to be at a stand.”’” 8 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I will bring a sword on you and cut off man and beast out of you. 9 And the land of Egypt shall be desolate and a waste. And they shall know that I am the Lord, because he has said, ‘The river is mine, and I have made it.’ 10 Behold, therefore, I am against
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you and against your rivers, and I will make the land of Egypt an utter waste and desolate, from the tower of Syene even to the border of Ethiopia. 11 No foot of man shall pass through it, nor foot of beast shall pass through it, nor shall it be inhabited forty years. 12 And I will make the land of Egypt desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities among the cities that are laid waste shall be desolate forty years. And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and will disperse them through the countries.” 13 Yet this is what the Lord God says: “At the end of forty years I will gather the Egyptians from the peoples where they were scattered, 14 and I will bring back the captives of Egypt and will cause them to return into the land of Pathros, into the land of their habitation, and they shall be there a lowly kingdom. 15 It shall be the lowest of the kingdoms; it shall no longer exalt itself above the nations. For I will diminish them, that they shall no longer rule over the nations. 16 And it shall be no longer the confidence of the house of Israel, which brings their iniquity to remembrance, when they shall look after them. But they shall know that I am the Lord God.” 17 And it came to pass in the twenty-seventh year, in the first month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 18 “Son of man, Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, caused his army to serve a great service against Tyre. Every head was made bald,
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and every shoulder was peeled. Yet he had no wages for Tyre or his army for the service that he had served against it.” 19 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I will give the land of Egypt to Neb uchadnezzar, king of Babylon, and he shall take her multitude, and take her spoil, and take her plunder— and it shall be the wages for his army. 20 I have given him the land of Egypt for his labor with which he served against it, because they worked for Me,” says the Lord God. 21 “In that day I will cause the horn of the house of Israel to bud forth, and I will give you the opening of the mouth in their midst. And they shall know that I am the Lord.” Egypt in the Day of Jehovah The word of the Lord came again to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Wail! Woe worth the day! 3 For the day is near, even the day of the Lord is near—a cloudy day. It shall be the time of the nations. 4 And the sword shall come on Egypt, and great pain shall be in Ethiopia, when the slain shall fall in Egypt, and they shall take away her multitude, and her foundations shall be broken down. 5 Ethiopia and Libya and Lydia, and all the mixed people, and Chub, and the men of the land that is in agreement, shall fall with them by the sword.”’” 6 This is what the Lord says: “Also, those who uphold Egypt shall fall, and the pride of her power shall come down—from the tower of Syene they shall fall in it by the sword,” says the Lord God. 7 “And
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they shall be desolate in the midst of the countries that are desolate, and her cities shall be in the midst of the cities that are wasted. 8 And they shall know that I am the Lord when I have set a fire in Egypt, and when all her helpers are destroyed. 9 In that day messengers shall go forth from Me in ships to make the careless Ethiopians afraid, and great pain shall come on them, as in the day of Egypt—for behold it comes.” 10 This is what the Lord God says: “I will also make the multitude of Egypt to cease by the hand of Neb uchadnezzar, king of Babylon. 11 He and his people with him, the terrible of the nations, shall be brought to destroy the land, and they shall draw their swords against Egypt and fill the land with the slain. 12 And I will make the rivers dry and sell the land into the hand of the wicked, and I will make the land and all that is in it desolate by the hand of foreigners. I the Lord have spoken it.” 13 This is what the Lord God says: “I will also destroy the idols, and I will cause their images to cease out of Memphis, and there shall no longer be a prince from the land of Egypt. And I will put a fear in the land of Egypt. 14 And I will make Pathros desolate, and will set fire in Zoan, and will execute judgments in Thebes. 15 And I will pour My fury on Sin, the strength of Egypt, and I will cut off the multitude of Thebes. 16 And I will set fire in Egypt. Sin shall have great pain, and Thebes shall be torn asunder, and Memphis shall have distresses daily. 17 The young men of Aven and of Pi-beseth shall fall by the sword, and these cities shall go
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into captivity. 18 At Tahpanhes also the day shall be darkened when I shall break the yokes of Egypt there, and the pomp of her strength shall cease in her. As for her, a cloud shall cover her, and her daughters shall go into captivity. 19 Thus I will execute judgments in Egypt, and they shall know that I am the Lord.” 20 And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the first month, on the seventh day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 21 “Son of man, I have broken the arm of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And behold, it shall not be bound up to be healed, to put a splint to bind it, to make it strong to hold the sword.” 22 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am against Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and will break his arms—the strong, and what was broken—and I will cause the sword to fall out of his hand. 23 And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and will disperse them through the countries. 24 And I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon and put My sword in his hand, but I will break Phar aoh’s arms, and he shall groan before him with the groanings of a mortally wounded man. 25 But I will strengthen the arms of the king of Babylon, and the arms of Pharaoh shall fall down. And they shall know that I am the Lord when I put My sword into the hand of the king of Babylon and he stretches it out on the land of Egypt. 26 And I will scatter the Egyptians among the nations and disperse them among the countries. And they shall know that I am the Lord.”
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The Prophecy against Pharaoh And it came to pass in the eleventh year, in the third month, on the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, speak to Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and to his multitude: ‘Whom are you like in your greatness? 3 Behold, the Assyrian was a cedar in Lebanon, with fair branches and with a shadowing shroud, and of a high stature, and his top was among the thick boughs. 4 The waters made him great; the deep set him up on high with her rivers running around his plants and sent out her little rivers to all the trees of the field. 5 Therefore his height was exalted above all the trees of the field, and his boughs were multiplied, and his branches became long because of the multitude of waters when he shot forth. 6 All the fowls of heaven made their nests in his boughs, and under his branches all the beasts of the field brought forth their young, and under his shadow all great nations dwelled. 7 Thus he was beautiful in his greatness, in the length of his branches—for his root was by great waters. 8 The cedars in the garden of God could not hide him; the fir trees were not like his boughs, and the chestnut trees were not like his branches. Nor was any tree in the garden of God like him in his beauty. 9 I have made him beautiful by the multitude of his branches, so that all the trees of Eden that were in the garden of God envied him.’ 10 “Therefore this is what the Lord God says: ‘Because he has lifted
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himself up in height, and he has shot up his top among the thick boughs, and his heart is lifted up in his height, 11 I have therefore delivered him into the hand of the mighty one of the nations; he shall surely deal with him. I have driven him out for his wickedness. 12 And foreigners, the terrible of the nations, have cut him off and have left him. His branches have fallen on the mountains and in all the valleys, and his boughs are broken by all the rivers of the land, and all the people of the earth have gone down from his shadow and have left him. 13 On his ruin all the fowls of the heavens shall remain, and all the beasts of the field shall be on his branches, 14 to the end that none of all the trees by the waters exalt themselves for their height, nor shoot up their top among the thick boughs, nor their trees—all that drink water—stand up in their height. For they are all delivered to death, to the lower parts of the earth, in the midst of the children of men, with those who go down to the pit.’ 15 “This is what the Lord God says: ‘In the day when he went down to the grave, I caused a mourning. I covered the deep for him, and I restrained its floods, and the great waters were stopped. And I caused Lebanon to mourn for him, and all the trees of the field fainted for him. 16 I made the nations to shake at the sound of his fall when I cast him down to hell with those who descend into the pit. And all the trees of Eden, the choice and best of Lebanon, all that drink water, shall be comforted in the lower parts of
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the earth. 17 They also went down into hell with him to those who are slain with the sword, and those who were his arm, who dwelled under his shadow in the midst of the nations. 18 “‘To whom are you thus like in glory and in greatness among the trees of Eden? Yet you shall be brought down with the trees of Eden to the lower parts of the earth. You shall lie in the midst of the uncircumcised with those who are slain by the sword. This is Pharaoh and all his multitude,’ says the Lord God.” The Lamentation for Pharaoh And it came to pass in the twelfth year, in the twelfth month, on the first day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, take up a lamentation for Pharaoh, king of Egypt, and say to him, ‘You are like a young lion of the nations. And you are like a whale in the seas, and you came forth with your rivers, and troubled the waters with your feet, and fouled their rivers.’” 3 This is what the Lord God says: “I will therefore spread out My net over you with a company of many people, and they shall bring you up in My net. 4 Then I will leave you on the land. I will cast you out on the open field and will cause all the fowls of the heavens to remain on you, and I will fill the beasts of the whole earth with you. 5 And I will lay your flesh on the mountains and fill the valleys with your height. 6 I will also water the land in which
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you swim with your blood, even to the mountains. And the rivers shall be full of you. 7 And when I put you out, I will cover the heavens and make its stars dark; I will cover the sun with a cloud, and the moon shall not give her light. 8 I will make all the bright lights of heaven dark over you and set darkness on your land,” says the Lord God. 9 “I will also afflict the hearts of many people when I bring your destruction among the nations into the countries that you have not known. 10 Yes, I will make many people amazed at you, and their kings shall be horribly afraid for you when I brandish My sword before them. And they shall tremble at every moment, every man for his own life, in the day of your fall.” 11 For this is what the Lord God says: “The sword of the king of Babylon shall come on you. 12 By the swords of the mighty I will cause your multitude to fall, the terrible of the nations, all of them. And they shall plunder the pomp of Egypt, and all its multitude shall be destroyed. 13 I will also destroy all its beasts from beside the great waters. The foot of man shall no longer trouble them; the hoofs of beasts will not trouble them. 14 Then I will make their waters deep and cause their rivers to run like oil,” says the Lord God. 15 “When I make the land of Egypt desolate, and the country is destitute of that of which it was full; when I strike all those who dwell in it—then they shall know that I am the Lord. 16 This is the lamentation with which they shall lament her. The daughters of the nations shall
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lament her. They shall lament for her, even for Egypt, and for all her multitude,” says the Lord God. Lamentation for Egypt 17 It also came to pass in the twelfth year, on the fifteenth day of the month, that the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 18 “Son of man, wail for the multitude of Egypt, and cast them down—even her and the daughters of the famous nations— to the lower parts of the earth, with those who go down into the pit. 19 Whom do you pass in beauty? Go down, and be laid with the uncircumcised. 20 They shall fall in the midst of those who are slain by the sword; she is delivered to the sword. Draw her and all her multitudes. 21 The strong among the mighty shall speak to him out of the midst of hell with those who help him. They have gone down; they lie uncircumcised, slain by the sword. 22 “Assyria is there, and all her company. Their graves are around her, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, 23 whose graves are set in the sides of the pit. And her company is all around her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, which caused terror in the land of the living. 24 “There is Elam and all her multitude around her grave, all of them slain, fallen by the sword, who have gone down uncircumcised into the lower parts of the earth, which caused their terror in the land of the living. Yet have they carried their shame with those who go down to the pit. 25 They have set her a bed
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in the midst of the slain with all her multitude. Her graves are around it, all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword. Though their terror was caused in the land of the living, yet they have carried their shame with those who go down to the pit. They are put in the midst of those who are slain. 26 “There are Meshech, Tubal, and all their multitude. Their graves are around them, all of them uncircumcised, slain by the sword, though they caused their terror in the land of the living. 27 And they shall not lie with the mighty who are fallen of the uncircumcised, who have gone down to hell with their weapons of war. And they have laid their swords under their heads, but their iniquities shall be on their bones, though they were the terror of the mighty in the land of the living. 28 Yes, you shall be broken in the midst of the uncircumcised and shall lie with those who are slain with the sword. 29 “There is Edom, her kings and all her princes, which with their might are laid by those who were slain by the sword; they shall lie with the uncircumcised and with those who go down to the pit. 30 “There are the princes of the north, all of them, and all the Sidonians, who have gone down with the slain. With their terror they are ashamed of their might, and they lie uncircumcised with those who are slain by the sword and bear their shame with those who go down to the pit. 31 “Pharaoh shall see them and shall be comforted over all his
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multitude—even Pharaoh and all his army slain by the sword,” says the Lord God. 32 “For I have caused My terror in the land of the living, and he shall be laid in the midst of the uncircumcised with those who are slain with the sword—even Pharaoh and all his multitude,” says the Lord God. Ethical Instructions for the Captivity Again the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, speak to the children of your people and say to them, ‘When I bring the sword on a land, if the people of the land take a man of their territory and set him for their watchman, 3 if when he sees the sword coming on the land, he blows the trumpet and warns the people, 4 then whoever hears the sound of the trumpet and does not take warning, if the sword comes and takes him away, his blood shall be on his own head. 5 He heard the sound of the trumpet and did not take warning; his blood shall be on him, but he who takes warning shall deliver his soul. 6 But if the watchman sees the sword coming and does not blow the trumpet and the people are not warned, if the sword comes and takes any person from among them, he is taken away in his iniquity—but his blood I will require at the watchman’s hand.’ 7 “So you, O son of man, I have set you as a watchman for the house of Israel; therefore you shall hear the word at My mouth and warn them from Me. 8 When I say to the wicked, ‘O wicked man, you shall
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surely die,’ if you do not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity, but his blood I will require at your hand. 9 Nevertheless, if you warn the wicked of his way to turn from it, if he does not turn from his way, he shall die in his iniquity, but you have delivered your soul. 10 “Therefore, O you, son of man, speak to the house of Israel. You speak this, saying, ‘If our transgressions and our sins are on us and we pine away in them, how should we then live?’ 11 Say to them, ‘As I live,’ says the Lord God, ‘I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways, for why will you die, O house of Israel?’ 12 Therefore, you, son of man, say to the children of your people, ‘The righteousness of the righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression. As for the wickedness of the wicked, he shall not fall by it in the day that he turns from his wickedness, nor shall the righteous be able to live for his righteousness in the day that he sins.’ 13 When I say to the righteous that he shall surely live, if he trusts in his own righteousness and commits iniquity, all his righteousness shall not be remembered—but for his iniquity that he has committed, he shall die for it. 14 Again, when I say to the wicked, ‘You shall surely die,’ if he turns from his sin and does what is lawful and right— 15 if the wicked restores the pledge, gives back what he has robbed, walks in the statutes of life without committing iniquity—he shall surely live; he
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shall not die. 16 None of his sins that he has committed shall be mentioned to him. He has done what is lawful and right; he shall surely live. 17 “Yet the children of your people say, ‘The way of the Lord is not equal.’ But as for them, their way is not equal. 18 When the righteous turns from his righteousness and commits iniquity, he shall even die by it. 19 But if the wicked turns from his wickedness and does what is lawful and right, he shall live by it. 20 Yet you say, ‘The way of the Lord is not equal.’ O you house of Israel, I will judge you, each one according to his ways.” 21 And it came to pass in the twelfth year of our captivity, in the tenth month, on the fifth day of the month, that one who had escaped out of Jerusalem came to me, saying, “The city is stricken.” 22 Now the hand of the Lord was on me in the evening before he who had escaped came. And He had opened my mouth. By the time he came to me in the morning, my mouth was opened, and I was no longer mute. Hearers of the Word, but Not Doers 23 Then the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 24 “Son of man, those who inhabit those wastes of the land of Israel speak, saying, ‘Abraham was one, and he inherited the land—but we are many. The land is given to us as an inheritance.’ 25 Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “You eat with the blood, and lift up your eyes toward your idols, and shed blood—and shall you possess the
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land? 26 You stand on your sword, you work abomination, and each of you defiles his neighbor’s wife—and shall you possess the land?”’ 27 You say this to them: ‘This is what the Lord God says: “As I live, surely those who are in the wastes shall fall by the sword, and him who is in the open field I will give to the beasts to be devoured, and those who are in the forts and in the caves shall die of the pestilence. 28 For I will lay the land most desolate, and the pomp of her strength shall cease. And the mountains of Israel shall be desolate, that no one shall pass through. 29 Then they shall know that I am the Lord when I have laid the land most desolate because of all their abominations that they have committed.”’ 30 “Also you, son of man, the children of your people are still talking against you by the walls and in the doors of the houses, and speak to one another, each one to his brother, saying, ‘Come, I pray you, and hear what is the word that comes forth from the Lord.’ 31 And they come to you as the people come, and they sit before you as My people, and they hear your words, but they will not do them—for with their mouth they show much love, but their heart goes after their covetousness. 32 And behold, you are to them as a very lovely song of one who has a pleasant voice and can play well on an instrument, for they hear your words, but they do not do them. 33 And when this comes to pass (behold, it will come), then they shall know that a prophet has been among them.”
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Message to the Faithless Shepherds of Israel And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, prophesy against the shepherds of Israel; prophesy, and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says to the shepherds: “Woe to the shepherds of Israel who feed themselves! Should not the shepherds feed the flocks? 3 You eat the fat, and you clothe yourselves with the wool; you kill those who are fed, but you do not feed the flock. 4 You have not strengthened the diseased, nor have you healed what was sick, nor have you bound up what was broken, nor have you brought back what was driven away, nor have you sought what was lost—but with force and with cruelty you have ruled them. 5 And they were scattered, because there is no shepherd. And when they were scattered, they became food for all the beasts of the field. 6 My sheep wandered through all the mountains and on every high hill. Yes, My flock was scattered on all the face of the earth, and no one searched or sought after them.”’” 7 Therefore, you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 8 “As I live,” says the Lord God, “surely because My flock became a prey, and My flock became food for every beast of the field because there was no shepherd—nor did My shepherds search for My flock, but the shepherds fed themselves and did not feed My flock— 9 therefore, O you shepherds, hear the word of the Lord: 10 ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am against the shepherds, and I will require My flock at
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their hand and cause them to cease from feeding the flock. The shepherds shall no longer feed themselves, for I will deliver My flock from their mouth, that they may not be food for them.”’” Israel to Be Restored: The Davidic Kingdom to Be Set Up 11 For this is what the Lord God says: “Behold I, even I, will both search for My sheep and seek them out. 12 As a shepherd seeks out his flock on the day that he is among his sheep that are scattered, so I will seek out My sheep and will deliver them out of all places where they have been scattered on the cloudy and dark day. 13 And I will bring them out from the peoples and gather them from the countries. And I will bring them to their own land and feed them on the mountains of Israel by the rivers and in all the inhabited places of the country. 14 I will feed them in a good pasture, and their fold shall be on the high mountains of Israel. They shall lie there in a good fold, and in a fat pasture they shall feed on the mountains of Israel. 15 I will feed my flock, and I will cause them to lie down,” says the Lord God. 16 “I will seek what was lost, and will bring back what was driven away, and will bind up what was broken, and will strengthen what was sick. But I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.” 17 And as for you, O my flock, this is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I judge between cattle and cattle, between the rams and the male goats. 18 Does it seem a small thing to you to have eaten up the good
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pasture, but must you trample with your feet the rest of your pastures? And to have drunk of the deep waters, but must you foul the rest with your feet? 19 And as for My flock, they eat what you have trampled with your feet, and they drink what you have fouled with your feet.” 20 Therefore this is what the Lord God says to them: “Behold I, even I, will judge between the fat cattle and between the lean cattle. 21 Because you have thrust with side and with shoulder, and pushed all the diseased with your horns until you have scattered them abroad, 22 therefore I will save My flock, and they shall no longer be a prey, and I will judge between cattle and cattle. 23 And I will set up one shepherd over them, even My servant David, and he shall feed them. He shall feed them, and he shall be their shepherd. 24 And I the Lord will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them. I, the Lord, have spoken it. 25 “And I will make a covenant of peace with them and will cause the evil beasts to cease out of the land. And they shall dwell safely in the wilderness and sleep in the woods. 26 And I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing, and I will cause the shower to come down in its season. There shall be showers of blessing. 27 And the tree of the field shall yield her fruit, and the earth shall yield her increase. And they shall be safe in their land and shall know that I am the Lord, when I have broken the bonds of their yoke and delivered them out of the hand of those who
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served themselves of them. 28 And they shall no longer be a plunder for the nations, nor shall the beast of the land devour them. But they shall dwell safely, and no one shall make them afraid. 29 And I will raise up a plant of renown for them, and they shall no longer be consumed with hunger in the land, nor bear the shame of the nations anymore. 30 Thus they shall know that I, the Lord their God, am with them, and that they, even the house of Israel, are My people,” says the Lord God. 31 “And you, My flock, the flock of My pasture, are men, and I am your God,” says the Lord God. The Prophecy of Mount Seir Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against Mount Seir, and prophesy against it, 3 and say to it, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, O Mount Seir, I am against you, and I will stretch out My hand against you, and I will make you most desolate. 4 I will lay your cities waste, and you shall be desolate, and you shall know that I am the Lord. 5 Because you have had a perpetual hatred and have shed the blood of the children of Israel by the force of the sword in the time of their calamity, in the time that their iniquity had an end, 6 therefore, as I live,” says the Lord God, “I will prepare you for blood, and blood shall pursue you. Since you have not hated blood, even blood shall pursue you. 7 Thus I will make Mount Seir most desolate and cut off from it him who goes out and him who returns. 8 And I will fill his
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mountains with his slain men; in your hills, and in your valleys, and in all your rivers, those who are slain with the sword shall fall. 9 I will make you perpetual desolations, and your cities shall not return. And you shall know that I am the Lord. 10 “‘“Because you have said, ‘These two nations and these two countries shall be mine, and we will possess them’ (although the Lord was there), 11 therefore, as I live,” says the Lord God, “I will even do according to your anger, and according to your envy that you have used out of your hatred against them, and I will make Myself known among them when I have judged you. 12 And you shall know that I am the Lord and that I have heard all your blasphemies that you have spoken against the mountains of Israel, saying, ‘They are laid desolate; they have been given to us to consume.’ 13 Thus with your mouth you have boasted against Me and have multiplied your words against Me. I have heard them.” 14 “‘This is what the Lord God says, “When the whole earth rejoices, I will make you desolate. 15 As you rejoiced at the inheritance of the house of Israel, because it was desolate, so I will do to you—you shall be desolate, O Mount Seir, and all Edom, even all of it. And they shall know that I am the Lord.”’” The Restoration of Israel Predicted “Also you, son of man, prophesy to the mountains of Israel and say, ‘You mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord. 2 This is
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what the Lord God says: “Because the enemy has said against you, ‘Aha! Even the ancient high places are ours in possession,’”’ 3 therefore prophesy and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Because they have made you desolate and swallowed you up on every side, that you might be a possession for the rest of the nations, and you are taken up in the lips of talkers, and are an infamy of the people,” 4 therefore, you, mountains of Israel, hear the word of the Lord God. This is what the Lord God says to the mountains and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, to the desolate wastes, and to the cities that are abandoned, which became a plunder and derision to the rest of the nations who are all around— 5 therefore this is what the Lord God says: “Surely in the fire of My jealousy I have spoken against the rest of the nations, and against all Edom, who have appointed My land into their possession with the joy of all their heart, with spiteful minds, to cast it out for a plunder.”’ 6 “Prophesy therefore concerning the land of Israel, and say to the mountains and to the hills, to the rivers, and to the valleys, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I have spoken in My jealousy and in My fury, because you have carried the shame of the nations.” 7 Therefore this is what the Lord God says: “I have lifted up My hand. Surely the nations that are around you, they shall bear their shame. 8 But you, O mountains of Israel, you shall shoot forth your branches and yield your fruit to My people of Israel, for they are at hand to come. 9 For, behold,
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I am for you, and I will turn to you, and you shall be tilled and sown. 10 And I will multiply men on you, all the house of Israel, even all of it. And the cities shall be inhabited, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. 11 And I will multiply on you man and beast, and they shall increase and bring fruit. And I will settle you according to your old estates and will do better to you than at your beginnings. And you shall know that I am the Lord. 12 Yes, I will cause men to walk on you, even My people Israel, and they shall possess you, and you shall be their inheritance, and you shall no longer hereafter bereave them of men.” 13 “‘This is what the Lord God says: “Because they say to you, ‘You, land, devour men and have bereaved your nations,’ 14 therefore you shall no longer devour men or bereave your nations,” says the Lord God. 15 “I will not cause men to hear the shame of the nations in you anymore, nor shall you bear the reproach of the people anymore, nor shall you cause your nations to fall anymore,” says the Lord God.’” Israel’s Future Restoration and Conversion 16 Moreover the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 17 “Son of man, when the house of Israel dwelled in their own land, they defiled it by their own way and by their doings. Their way was before Me like the uncleanness of an impure woman. 18 Therefore I poured My fury on them for the blood that they had shed on the land, and for their idols with which they had defiled it,
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19 and I scattered them among the
nations, and they were dispersed through the countries. I judged them according to their way and according to their doings. 20 And when they entered into the nations, where they went, they profaned My holy name when they said to them, ‘These are the people of the Lord, and they have gone forth out of His land.’ 21 But I had pity for My holy name, which the house of Israel had profaned among the nations where they went. 22 “Therefore say to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “I do this not for your sake, O house of Israel, but for My holy name’s sake, which you have profaned among the nations where you went. 23 And I will sanctify My great name, which was profaned among the nations, which you have profaned in their midst. And the nations shall know that I am the Lord,” says the Lord God, “when I shall be sanctified in you before their eyes. 24 For I will take you from among the nations, and gather you out from all countries, and will bring you into your own land. 25 Then I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean; from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, I will cleanse you. 26 I will also give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall keep My judgments and do them. 28 And you shall dwell in the land that I gave to
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your fathers, and you shall be My people, and I will be your God. 29 I will also save you from all your uncleannesses, and I will call for the grain, and will increase it, and lay no famine on you. 30 And I will multiply the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field, that you shall receive no more reproach of famine among the nations. 31 Then you shall remember your own evil ways and your doings that were not good, and shall loathe yourselves in your own sight for your iniquities and for your abominations. 32 I do not do this for your sake,” says the Lord God. “Let it be known to you; be ashamed and confounded for your own ways, O house of Israel.” 33 “‘This is what the Lord God says: “On the day that I shall have cleansed you from all your iniquities, I will also cause you to dwell in the cities, and the ruins shall be rebuilt. 34 And the desolate land shall be tilled, although it had lay desolate in the sight of all who passed by. 35 And they shall say, ‘This land that was desolate has become like the garden of Eden, and the wasted and desolate and ruined cities have become fortified and are inhabited.’ 36 Then the nations who are left all around you shall know that I, the Lord, build the ruined places and plant what was desolate. I, the Lord, have spoken it, and I will do it.” 37 “‘This is what the Lord God says: “For this I will yet be inquired of by the house of Israel, to do it for them. I will increase them with men like a flock. 38 As the holy flock, as the flock of Jerusalem in her solemn
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feasts, so shall the desolate cities be filled with flocks of men. And they shall know that I am the Lord.”’” The Vision of the Valley of Dry Bones The hand of the Lord was on me and carried me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley that was full of bones, 2 and caused me to pass by all around them. And, behold, there were very many in the open valley, and behold, they were very dry. 3 And He said to me: “Son of man, can these bones live?” And I answered, “O Lord God, You know.” 4 Again He said to me, “Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, ‘O you dry bones, hear the word of the Lord. 5 This is what the Lord God says to these bones: “Behold, I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 And I will lay sinews on you, and will bring up flesh on you, and cover you with skin, and put breath in you, and you shall live. And you shall know that I am the Lord.”’” 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded, and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and behold, a shaking, and the bones came together, bone to his bone. 8 And when I saw, behold, the sinews and the flesh came up on them, and the skin covered them above. But there was no breath in them. 9 Then He said to me, “Prophesy to the wind—prophesy, son of man, and say to the wind, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Come from the four winds, O breath, and
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breathe on these slain, that they may live.”’” 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and the breath came into them, and they lived and stood up on their feet, an exceedingly great army. 11 Then He said to me, “Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. Behold, they say, ‘Our bones are dried, and our hope is lost. We are cut off for our parts.’ 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up out of your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 And you shall know that I am the Lord when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up out of your graves, 14 and shall put My Spirit in you and you shall live. And I shall place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it,” says the Lord.’” The Sign of the Two Sticks 15 The word of the Lord came again to me, saying, 16 “Moreover you, son of man, take for yourself one stick and write on it, ‘For Judah and for the children of Israel, his companions.’ Then take another stick and write on it, ‘For Joseph, the stick of Ephraim, and for all the house of Israel, his companions.’ 17 And join them one to another into one stick, and they shall become one in your hand. 18 And when the children of your people shall speak to you, saying, ‘Will you not show us what you mean by these?’— 19 say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God
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says: “Behold, I will take the stick of Joseph, which is in the hand of Ephraim, and the tribes of Israel, his fellows, and will put them with him, even with the stick of Judah, and make them one stick—and they shall be one in My hand.”’ 20 And the sticks on which you write shall be in your hand before their eyes. 21 And say to them, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I will take the children of Israel from among the nations, where they have gone, and will gather them on every side and bring them into their own land, 22 and I will make them one nation in the land on the mountains of Israel. And one king shall be king to them all, and they shall no longer be two nations, nor shall they be divided into two kingdoms ever again. 23 Nor shall they defile themselves any longer with their idols, nor with their detestable things, nor with any of their transgressions. But I will save them out of all their dwelling places in which they have sinned and will cleanse them. So they shall be My people, and I will be their God. 24 “‘“And David My servant shall be king over them, and they all shall have one shepherd. They shall also walk in My judgments, and observe My statutes, and do them. 25 And they shall dwell in the land that I have given to Jacob My servant, in which your fathers have dwelled, and they shall dwell in it—even they, and their children, and their children’s children forever. And My servant David shall be their prince forever. 26 Moreover I will make a covenant of peace with them. It shall be an
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Ezekiel 37:27
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everlasting covenant with them, and I will place them, and multiply them, and will set My sanctuary in their midst forevermore. 27 My tabernacle shall also be with them. Yes, I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 28 And the nations shall know that I, the Lord, sanctify Israel when My sanctuary shall be in their midst forevermore.”’” The Prophecy against Gog And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 2 “Son of man, set your face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him, 3 and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. 4 And I will turn you back and put hooks into your jaws, and I will bring you forth, and all your army, horses, and horsemen—all of them clothed with all sorts of armor, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords: 5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them, all of them with shield and helmet; 6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north regions, and all his troops; and many people with you. 7 “‘“You, be prepared, and prepare for yourself—you, and all your company who are assembled to you. And you be a guard to them. 8 After many days you shall be visited. In the latter years you shall come into the land that is brought back from the sword and is gathered from many peoples, against the mountains of Israel, which have always
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been desolate. But it is brought forth out of the nations, and they shall dwell safely—all of them. 9 You shall ascend and come like a storm; you shall be like a cloud to cover the land—you, and all your troops, and many people with you.” 10 “‘This is what the Lord God says: “It shall also come to pass, that at the same time things shall come into your mind, and you shall think an evil thought, 11 and you shall say, ‘I will go up to the land of unwalled villages; I will go to those who are at rest, who dwell safely, all of them dwelling outside walls, and having neither bars nor gates, 12 to take a spoil, and to take a plunder, to turn your hand on the desolate places that are now inhabited, and on the people who are gathered out of the nations, who have gotten cattle and goods, who dwell in the midst of the land.’ 13 Sheba, and Dedan, and the merchants of Tarshish, with all its young lions, shall say to you, ‘Have you come to take plunder? Have you gathered your company to take plunder? To carry away silver and gold, to take away cattle and goods, to take a great spoil?’”’ 14 “Therefore, son of man, prophesy and say to Gog, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “In that day when My people of Israel dwell safely, shall you not know it? 15 And you shall come from your place out of the north parts—you, and many people with you, all of them riding on horses, a great company and a mighty army. 16 And you shall come up against My people of Israel like a cloud to cover the land. It shall be
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in the latter days, and I will bring you against My land, that the nations may know Me, when I shall be sanctified in you, O Gog, before their eyes.” 17 “‘This is what the Lord God says: “Are you he of whom I have spoken in old time by My servants the prophets of Israel, who prophesied in those days many years that I would bring you against them? 18 And it shall come to pass at the same time when Gog shall come against the land of Israel,” says the Lord God, “that My fury shall come up in My face. 19 For in My jealousy and in the fire of My wrath I have spoken. Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel, 20 so that the fish of the sea, and the fowls of the heavens, and the beasts of the field, and all creeping things that creep on the earth, and all the men who are on the face of the earth, shall shake at My presence. And the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. 21 And I will call for a sword against him throughout all My mountains,” says the Lord God. “Every man’s sword shall be against his brother. 22 And I will plead against him with pestilence and with blood, and I will rain on him and on his soldiers and on the many people who are with him, an overflowing rain, and great hailstones, fire, and brimstone. 23 Thus I will magnify Myself and sanctify Myself, and I will be known in the eyes of many nations. And they shall know that I am the Lord.”’”
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The Prophecy against Gog, Continued “Therefore you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “Behold, I am against you, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. 2 And I will turn you back and leave but the sixth part of you, and will cause you to come up from the north parts and will bring you on the mountains of Israel. 3 And I will strike your bow out of your left hand and will cause your arrows to fall out of your right hand. 4 You shall fall on the mountains of Israel—you, and all your soldiers, and the people who are with you. I will give you to the ravenous birds of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. 5 You shall fall on the open field, for I have spoken it,” says the Lord God. 6 “And I will send a fire on Magog, and among those who dwell carelessly in the coastlands, and they shall know that I am the Lord. 7 “‘“So I will make My holy name known in the midst of My people Israel, and I will not let them defile My holy name any longer, and the nations shall know that I am the Lord, the Holy One in Israel. 8 Behold, it has come, and it is done,” says the Lord God. “This is the day of which I have spoken. 9 And those who dwell in the cities of Israel shall go forth and shall set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and the bucklers, the bows and the arrows, and the clubs and the spears. And they shall burn them with fire seven years, 10 so that they shall take no wood out of the field, nor cut down any out of the forests,
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for they shall burn the weapons with fire. And they shall plunder those who plundered them, and rob those who robbed them,” says the Lord God. 11 “‘“And it shall come to pass, in that day, that I will give to Gog a place of graves there in Israel, the valley of the travelers on the east of the sea, and it shall stop the noses of the travelers. And they shall bury Gog and all his multitude there, and they shall call it the Valley of Hamon-gog. 12 And for seven months the house of Israel shall be burying them, that they may cleanse the land. 13 Yes, all the people of the land shall bury them, and the day that I shall be glorified, it shall be to them a renown,” says the Lord God. 14 “And they shall set apart men of continual employment, passing through the land to bury with the travelers those who remain on the face of the earth, to cleanse it. After the end of seven months they shall search, 15 and the travelers who pass through the land, when any sees a man’s bone, then he shall set up a sign by it, until the buriers have buried it in the Valley of Hamongog. 16 And the name of the city also shall be Hamonah. Thus they shall cleanse the land.”’ 17 “And you, son of man, this is what the Lord God says: ‘Speak to every feathered fowl and to every beast of the field, “Assemble yourselves and come. Gather yourselves on every side to My sacrifice that I sacrifice for you, even a great sacrifice on the mountains of Israel, that you may eat flesh and drink blood. 18 You shall eat the flesh of
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the mighty and drink the blood of the princes of the earth, of rams, of lambs, and of goats, of bulls—all of them fattened animals of Bashan. 19 And of My sacrifice that I have sacrificed for you, you shall eat fat until you are full and drink blood until you are drunk. 20 Thus you shall be filled at My table with horses and chariots, with mighty men, and with all men of war,” says the Lord God. 21 “‘“And I will set My glory among the nations, and all the nations shall see My judgment that I have executed and My hand that I have laid on them. 22 So the house of Israel shall know that I am the Lord their God from that day and forward. 23 And the nations shall know that the house of Israel went into captivity for their iniquity, because they trespassed against Me; therefore I hid my face from them and gave them into the hand of their enemies, so they all fell by the sword. 24 According to their uncleanness and according to their transgressions I have done to them, and hidden My face from them.”’ 25 “Therefore this is what the Lord God says: ‘Now I will bring back the captives of Jacob and have mercy on the whole house of Israel, and will be jealous for My holy name. 26 After they have carried their shame and all their trespasses by which they have trespassed against Me, when they dwelled safely in their land and no one made them afraid, 27 when I have brought them back from the peoples and gathered them out of their enemies’ lands, and am sanctified in them in the sight of many nations— 28 then they shall know
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that I am the Lord their God, who caused them to be led into captivity among the nations. But I have gathered them to their own land and have left none of them there any longer. 29 Nor will I hide My face any longer from them, for I have poured out My Spirit on the house of Israel,’ says the Lord God.” Vision of the Man with the Measuring Rod In the twenty-fifth year of our captivity, in the beginning of the year, on the tenth day of the month, in the fourteenth year after the city was stricken, on this very same day the hand of the Lord was on me and brought me there. 2 In the visions of God, He brought me into the land of Israel and set me on a very high mountain, on the south of which was as the frame of a city. 3 And He brought me there, and behold, there was a man whose appearance was like the appearance of brass, with a line of flax in his hand and a measuring rod, and he stood in the gate. 4 And the man said to me, “Son of man, behold with your eyes and hear with your ears and set your heart on all that I shall show you. You have been brought here so that I might show them to you. Declare all that you see to the house of Israel.”
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Vision of the Future Temple 5 And behold, a wall on the outside of the house all around, and in the man’s hand a measuring rod of six cubits long by the cubit and a handbreadth. So he measured the breadth of the building, one rod;
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Ezekiel 40:16
and the height, one rod. 6 Then he came to the gate that looks toward the east and went up its stairs, and measured the threshold of the gate, which was one rod wide, and the other threshold of the gate, which was one rod wide. 7 And every little chamber was one rod long and one rod wide, and between the little chambers were five cubits, and the threshold of the gate by the porch of the gate inside was one rod. 8 He also measured the porch of the gate inside, one rod. 9 Then he measured the porch of the gate, eight cubits; and its posts, two cubits; and the porch of the gate was inside. 10 And the little chambers of the gate eastward were three on this side and three on that side; the three were of one measure, and the posts had one measure on this side and on that side. 11 And he measured the breadth of the entrance of the gate, ten cubits; and the length of the gate, thirteen cubits. 12 Also the space before the little chambers was one cubit on this side, and the space was one cubit on that side, and the little chambers were six cubits on this side and six cubits on that side. 13 Then he measured the gate from the roof of one little chamber to the roof of another; the breadth was twenty-five cubits, door against door. 14 He also made posts of sixty cubits, even to the post of the courtyard around the gate. 15 And from the face of the gate of the entrance to the face of the porch of the inner gate was fifty cubits. 16 And there were narrow windows to the little chambers, and to their posts within the gate all around, and likewise to the arches.
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And windows were around inside, and on each post were palm trees. 17 Then he brought me into the outer courtyard, and behold, there were chambers and a pavement made for the courtyard all around. Thirty chambers were on the pavement. 18 And the pavement by the side of the gates, over against the length of the gates, was the lower pavement. 19 Then he measured the breadth from the forefront of the lower gate to the forefront of the inner courtyard outside—a hundred cubits eastward and northward. 20 And the gate of the outer courtyard that looked toward the north, he measured its length and its breadth. 21 And its little chambers were three on this side and three on that side. And its posts and its arches were according to the measure of the first gate. Its length was fifty cubits and the breadth twenty- five cubits. 22 And their windows and their arches and their palm trees were according to the measure of the gate that looks toward the east, and they went up to it by seven steps. And its arches were before them. 23 And the gate of the inner courtyard was opposite the gate toward the north and toward the east. And he measured from gate to gate a hundred cubits. 24 After that he brought me toward the south, and behold, a gate toward the south. And he measured its posts and its arches according to these measurements. 25 And there were windows in it and in its arches all around, like those windows; the length was fifty cubits, and the breadth twenty-five cubits. 26 And
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there were seven steps to go up to it, and its arches were before them. And it had palm trees, one on this side and another on that side, on its posts. 27 And there was a gate in the inner courtyard toward the south, and he measured from gate to gate toward the south a hundred cubits. 28 And he brought me to the inner courtyard by the south gate, and he measured the south gate according to these measurements, 29 and its little chambers, and its posts, and its arches, according to these measurements. And there were windows in it and in its arches all around; it was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide. 30 And the arches all around were twenty-five cubits long and five cubits wide. 31 And its arches were toward the outer courtyard, and palm trees were on its posts, and the ascent to it had eight steps. 32 And he brought me into the inner courtyard toward the east, and he measured the gate according to these measurements. 33 And its little chambers and its posts and its arches were according to these measurements, and there were windows in it and in its arches all around; it was fifty cubits long and twenty-five cubits wide. 34 And its arches were toward the outward courtyard, and palm trees were on its posts—on this side and on that side—and the ascent to it had eight steps. 35 And he brought me to the north gate and measured it according to these measurements. 36 Its little chambers, its posts, and its arches, and the windows to it all around— the length was fifty cubits and the breadth twenty-five cubits. 37 And
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its posts were toward the outer courtyard, and palm trees were on its posts—on this side and on that side—and the ascent to it had eight steps. 38 And its chambers and its entries were by the posts of the gates, where they washed the burnt offering. 39 And in the porch of the gate were two tables on this side and two tables on that side, to slay on it the burnt offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering. 40 And at the side outside, as one goes up to the entrance of the north gate, were two tables. And on the other side, which was at the porch of the gate, were two tables. 41 Four tables were on this side and four tables on that side, by the side of the gate—eight tables on which they slew their sacrifices. 42 And the four tables for the burnt offering were of cut stone, of a cubit and a half long, and a cubit and a half wide, and one cubit high, on which they also laid the instruments with which they slew the burnt offering and the sacrifice. 43 And inside were hooks, a handbreadth wide, fastened all around, and on the tables was the flesh of the offering. 44 And outside the inner gate were the chambers of the singers in the inner courtyard, which was at the side of the north gate, and their aspect was toward the south, one at the side of the east gate having the aspect toward the north. 45 And he said to me, “This chamber, whose aspect is toward the south, is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the house. 46 And the chamber whose aspect is toward the north
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is for the priests, the keepers of the charge of the altar. These are the sons of Zadok among the sons of Levi, who come near to the Lord to minister to Him.” 47 So he measured the courtyard, a hundred cubits long and a hundred cubits wide, square, and the altar that was before the house. 48 And he brought me to the porch of the house and measured each post of the porch—five cubits on this side and five cubits on that side. And the breadth of the gate was three cubits on this side and three cubits on that side. 49 The length of the porch was twenty cubits and the breadth eleven cubits. And he brought me by the steps by which they went up to it, and there were pillars by the posts, one on this side and another on that side. Description of the Temple Afterward he brought me to the temple and measured the posts: six cubits wide on the one side and six cubits wide on the other side, which was the breadth of the tabernacle. 2 And the breadth of the door was ten cubits, and the sides of the door were five cubits on the one side and five cubits on the other side. And he measured its length, forty cubits, and the breadth, twenty cubits. 3 Then he went inside and measured the post of the door, two cubits; and the door, six cubits; and the breadth of the door, seven cubits. 4 So he measured its length, twenty cubits, and the breadth, twenty cubits, before the temple. And he said to me, “This is the Most Holy Place.”
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5 Afterward he measured the wall
of the house, six cubits, and the breadth of every side chamber, four cubits, all around the house on every side. 6 And there were three side chambers, one over another, and thirty in order, and they entered into the wall that was of the house for the side chambers all around, that they might have support, but they did not have support in the wall of the house. 7 And there was an enlarging and a winding around still upward to the side chambers, for the winding around of the house went still upward all around the house. Therefore the breadth of the house was still upward, and so increased from the lowest chamber to the highest by the middle. 8 I also saw the height of the house all around. The foundations of the side chambers were a full rod of six great cubits. 9 The thickness of the wall, which was for the side chamber outside, was five cubits, and what was left was the place of the side chambers that were within. 10 And between the chambers was the wideness of twenty cubits around the house on every side. 11 And the doors of the side chambers were toward the place that was left—one door toward the north and another door toward the south—and the breadth of the place that was left was five cubits all around. 12 Now the building that was before the separate place at the end toward the west was seventy cubits wide, and the wall of the building was five cubits thick all around, and its length ninety cubits. 13 So he measured the house, a
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hundred cubits long; and the separate place, and the building with its walls, a hundred cubits long; 14 also the breadth of the face of the house and of the separate place toward the east, a hundred cubits. 15 And he measured the length of the building facing the separate place that was behind it and its galleries on the one side and on the other side, a hundred cubits, with the inner temple and the porches of the courtyard. 16 The door posts, and the narrow windows, and the galleries all around on their three stories, opposite the door, were paneled with wood all around and from the ground up to the windows—and the windows were covered— 17 to that above the door, even to the inner house and outside, and by all the wall around inside and outside, by measure. 18 And it was made with cherubim and palm trees, so that a palm tree was between a cherub and a cherub, and every cherub had two faces, 19 so that the face of a man was toward the palm tree on the one side and the face of a young lion toward the palm tree on the other side. It was made throughout the house all around. 20 From the ground to above the door cherubim and palm trees were made, and on the wall of the temple. 21 The posts of the temple and the face of the sanctuary were squared, the appearance of the one like the appearance of the other. 22 The altar of wood was three cubits high and its length two cubits, and its corners, and its length, and its walls were of wood. And he said to me, “This is the table that is before the Lord.”
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ary had two doors. 24 And the doors had two leaves apiece, two turning leaves: two leaves for the one door and two leaves for the other door. 25 And there were made on them— on the doors of the temple—cherubim and palm trees, like those made on the walls. And there were thick planks on the face of the porch outside. 26 And there were narrow windows and palm trees on the one side and on the other side, on the sides of the porch, and on the side chambers of the house, and thick planks. Description of the Temple, Continued Then he brought me out into the outer courtyard, the way toward the north, and he brought me into the chamber that was opposite the separate place, and that was before the building toward the north. 2 Before the length of a hundred cubits was the north door, and the breadth was fifty cubits. 3 Opposite the twenty cubits that were for the inner courtyard, and opposite the pavement that was for the outer courtyard, was gallery against gallery in three stories. 4 And before the chambers was a walk of ten cubits breadth inward, a way of one cubit, and their doors toward the north. 5 Now the upper chambers were shorter, for the galleries were higher than these, than the lower, and than the middle ones of the building. 6 For they were in three stories but did not have pillars like the pillars of the courtyards. Therefore the building was narrowed more than the
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Ezekiel 42:14
lowest and the middle ones from the ground. 7 And the wall that was outside, facing the chambers toward the outer courtyard on the forepart of the chambers—its length was fifty cubits. 8 For the length of the chambers that were in the outer courtyard was fifty cubits, and behold, before the temple were a hundred cubits. 9 And the entrance on the east side was from under these chambers, as one goes into them from the outer courtyard. 10 The chambers were in the thickness of the wall of the courtyard toward the east, opposite the separate place and opposite the building. 11 And the way before them was like the appearance of the chambers that were toward the north, as long as them and as wide as them, and all their exits were both according to their fashions and according to their doors. 12 And according to the doors of the chambers that were toward the south was a door in the beginning of the way, even the way directly before the wall toward the east, as one enters into them. 13 Then he said to me, “The north chambers and the south chambers, which are before the separate place, they are holy chambers where the priests who approach the Lord shall eat the most holy things. There they shall lay the most holy things, and the grain offering, and the sin offering, and the trespass offering, for the place is holy. 14 When the priests enter in it, then they shall not go out from the Holy Place into the outer courtyard, but they shall lay there the garments in which
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Ezekiel 42:15
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they minister, for they are holy, and shall put on other garments, and shall approach those things that are for the people.” 15 Now when he had finished measuring the inner house, he brought me out toward the gate whose aspect is toward the east and measured it all around. 16 He measured the east side with the measuring rod, five hundred rods, with the measuring rod all around. 17 He measured the north side, five hundred rods, with the measuring rod all around. 18 He measured the south side, five hundred rods, with the measuring rod. 19 He turned around to the west side and measured five hundred rods with the measuring rod. 20 He measured it by the four sides; it had a wall all around, five hundred rods long and five hundred wide, to make a separation between the sanctuary and the profane place. Description of the Temple, Continued Afterward he brought me to the gate, even the gate that looks toward the east. 2 And behold, the glory of the God of Israel came from the way of the east, and His voice was like a noise of many waters. And the earth shone with His glory. 3 And it was according to the appearance of the vision that I saw, even according to the vision that I saw when I came to destroy the city. And the visions were like the vision that I saw by the river Chebar. And I fell on my face. 4 And the glory of the Lord came into the house by the way of the gate whose aspect is
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toward the east. 5 So the Spirit took me up and brought me into the inner courtyard. And, behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house. 6 And I heard Him speaking to me from the house, and the man stood by me. 7 And He said to me, “Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever—and My holy name. The house of Israel shall no longer defile, neither them nor their kings by their prostitution, nor by the bodies of their kings in their high places. 8 In their setting of their threshold by My thresholds, and their post by My posts, and the wall between Me and them, they have even defiled My holy name by their abominations that they have committed. Therefore I have destroyed them in My anger. 9 Now let them put away their prostitution and the bodies of their kings far from Me, and I will dwell in their midst forever. 10 “You, son of man, show the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities, and let them measure the pattern. 11 And if they are ashamed of all that they have done, show them the form of the house and its fashion, and its exits and its entrances, and all its forms and all its ordinances, and all its forms and all its laws. And write it in their sight, that they may keep its whole form and all its ordinances, and do them. 12 This is the law of the house. On the top of the mountain its whole limit all around shall be most holy. Behold, this is the law of the house.
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1147 13 “And
these are the measure ments of the altar according to cubits: the cubit is a cubit and a handbreadth. Even the bottom shall be a cubit, and the breadth a cubit, and its border by its edge all around shall be a span, and this shall be the higher place of the altar. 14 And from the bottom on the ground even to the lower ledge shall be two cubits and the breadth one cubit. And from the lesser ledge even to the greater ledge shall be four cubits and the breadth one cubit. 15 So the altar shall be four cubits, and from the altar and upward shall be four horns. 16 And the altar shall be twelve cubits long, twelve wide—square in its four squares. 17 And the ledge shall be fourteen cubits long and fourteen wide in its four squares. And the border around it shall be half a cubit, and the bottom of it shall be a cubit around. And its stairs shall look toward the east.” 18 And He said to me, “Son of man, this is what the Lord God says: ‘These are the ordinances of the altar in the day when they shall make it, to offer burnt offerings on it and to sprinkle blood on it. 19 And you shall give a young bull for a sin offering to the priests, the Levites who are of the descendants of Zadok, who approach Me to minister to Me,’ says the Lord God. 20 ‘And you shall take of its blood and put it on its four horns, and on the four corners of the ledge, and on the border all around. Thus you shall cleanse and purge it. 21 You shall also take the bull of the sin offering, and he shall burn it in the appointed place of the house, outside
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Ezekiel 44:3
the sanctuary. 22 And on the second day you shall offer a young goat without blemish for a sin offering, and they shall cleanse the altar as they cleansed it with the bull. 23 When you have finished cleansing it, you shall offer a young bull without blemish and a ram out of the flock without blemish. 24 And you shall offer them before the Lord, and the priests shall cast salt on them, and they shall offer them up for a burnt offering to the Lord. 25 Seven days you shall prepare, every day, a goat for a sin offering; they shall also prepare a young bull and a ram out of the flock, without blemish. 26 Seven days they shall purge the altar and purify it, and they shall consecrate themselves. 27 And when these days have expired, it shall be that on the eighth day and forward, the priests shall make your burnt offerings and your peace offerings on the altar, and I will accept you,’ says the Lord God.” The Gate for the Prince Then He brought me back the way of the gate of the outer sanctuary that looks toward the east, and it was shut. 2 Then the Lord said to me, “This gate shall be shut. It shall not be opened, and no man shall enter in by it, because the Lord, the God of Israel, has entered in by it. Therefore it shall be shut. 3 It is for the prince. The prince shall sit in it to eat bread before the Lord. He shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate and shall go out the same way.”
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The Glory Fills the House 4 Then He brought me the way of the north gate before the house. And I looked, and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the house of the Lord. And I fell on my face. 5 And the Lord said to me, “Son of man, mark well, and see with your eyes and hear with your ears all that I say to you concerning all the ordinances of the house of the Lord and all its laws. And mark well the entrance of the house, with every going forth of the sanctuary. 6 And you shall say to the rebellious, even to the house of Israel, ‘This is what the Lord God says: “O you house of Israel, let all your abominations suffice, 7 in that you have brought foreigners, uncircumcised in heart and uncircumcised in flesh, into My sanctuary, to be in My sanctuary to defile it—even My house—when you offer My bread, the fat and the blood, and they have broken My covenant because of all your abominations. 8 And you have not kept the charge of My holy things, but you have set keepers of My charge in My sanctuary for yourselves.”’” The Priests of the Future Temple 9 This is what the Lord God says: “No foreigner, uncircumcised in heart or uncircumcised in flesh, shall enter into My sanctuary, of any foreigner who is among the children of Israel. 10 And the Levites who have gone far away from Me, when Israel went astray, who went astray away from Me after their idols—even they shall bear their iniquity. 11 Yet they shall be ministers in My sanctuary,
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having charge at the gates of the house and ministering to the house. They shall slay the burnt offering and the sacrifice for the people, and they shall stand before them to minister to them. 12 Because they ministered to them before their idols and caused the house of Israel to fall into iniquity, therefore I have lifted up My hand against them,” says the Lord God, “and they shall bear their iniquity. 13 And they shall not come near to Me to do the office of a priest for Me, nor to come near to any of My holy things in the Most Holy Place, but they shall bear their shame and their abominations that they have committed. 14 But I will make them keepers of the charge of the house, for all its service and for all that shall be done in it. 15 “But the priests, the Levites, the sons of Zadok, who observed the charge of My sanctuary when the children of Israel went astray from Me, they shall come near to Me to minister to Me—and they shall stand before Me to offer to Me the fat and the blood,” says the Lord God. 16 “They shall enter into My sanctuary, and they shall come near to My table to minister to Me, and they shall keep My charge. 17 “And it shall come to pass that when they enter in at the gates of the inner courtyard, they shall be clothed with linen garments. And no wool shall come on them while they minister in the gates of the inner courtyard and within. 18 They shall have linen turbans on their heads and shall have linen undergarments on their loins; they shall not gird themselves with anything
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that causes sweat. 19 And when they go out into the outer courtyard, even into the outer courtyard to the people, they shall take off their garments in which they ministered and lay them in the holy chambers. And they shall put on other garments, and they shall not sanctify the people with their garments. 20 “Nor shall they shave their heads or allow their hair to grow long; they shall only trim their heads. 21 Nor shall any priest drink wine when they enter into the inner courtyard. 22 Nor shall they take a widow for their wives, nor her who is divorced, but they shall take virgins from the descendants of the house of Israel, or a widow who had a priest before. 23 And they shall teach My people the difference between the holy and profane, and cause them to discern between the unclean and the clean. 24 And in controversy they shall stand in judgment, and they shall judge it according to My judgments. And they shall keep My laws and My statutes in all My assemblies, and they shall hallow My Sabbaths. 25 And they shall not come near a dead person to defile themselves—but for father or for mother or for son or for daughter, for brother or for sister who has had no husband, they may defile themselves. 26 And after he is cleansed, they shall reckon seven days to him. 27 And on the day that he goes into the sanctuary, to the inner courtyard to minister in the sanctuary, he shall offer his sin offering,” says the Lord God. 28 “And it shall be to them for an inheritance. I am their inheritance,
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Ezekiel 45:5
and you shall give them no possession in Israel. I am their possession. 29 They shall eat the grain offering and the sin offering and the trespass offering, and every dedicated thing in Israel shall be theirs. 30 And the first of all the firstfruits of all things and every offering of all, of every sort of your offerings, shall be the priest’s. You shall also give to the priest the first of your dough, that he may cause the blessing to rest in your house. 31 The priests shall not eat of anything that is dead of itself, or torn, whether it is fowl or beast.” The Lord’s Portion of the Land “Moreover, when you divide the land for inheritance by lot, you shall offer an offering to the Lord, a holy portion of the land. The length shall be the length of twenty-five thousand rods, and the breadth shall be ten thousand. This shall be holy in all its borders all around. 2 Of this there shall be five hundred in length for the sanctuary, with five hundred in breadth, square all around, and fifty cubits for the outlying areas around it. 3 And of this measure you shall measure the length of twenty-five thousand, and the breadth of ten thousand, and the sanctuary and the Most Holy Place shall be in it. 4 The holy portion of the land shall be for the priests, the ministers of the sanctuary, who shall come near to minister to the Lord, and it shall be a place for their houses, and a holy place for the sanctuary. 5 And the twenty-five thousand of length and the ten thousand of breadth the Levites—the ministers of the house—shall also
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have for themselves, for a possession for twenty chambers. 6 And you shall appoint as possession for the city five thousand wide and twenty- five thousand long, next to the offering of the holy portion. It shall be for the whole house of Israel.” The Portion for the Prince 7 “And a portion shall be for the prince on the one side and on the other side of the offering of the holy portion and of the possession of the city, before the offering of the holy portion and before the possession of the city, from the west side westward, and from the east side eastward. And the length shall be across from one of the portions, from the west border to the east border. 8 In the land shall be his possession in Israel, and My princes shall no longer oppress My people. And the rest of the land they shall give to the house of Israel according to their tribes. 9 “This is what the Lord God says: ‘Let it suffice you, O princes of Israel. Remove violence and plundering, and execute judgment and justice. Take away your extortions from My people,’ says the Lord God. 10 “You shall have just scales and a just ephah and a just bath. 11 The ephah and the bath shall be of one measure, that the bath may contain the tenth part of a homer and the ephah the tenth part of a homer; its measure shall be according to the homer. 12 And the shekel shall be twenty gerahs; twenty shekels, twenty-five shekels, fifteen shekels shall be your mina.
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13 “This is the offering that you shall
offer: the sixth part of an ephah of a homer of wheat, and you shall give the sixth part of an ephah of a homer of barley. 14 Concerning the ordinance of oil—the bath of oil—you shall offer the tenth part of a bath out of the kor, which is a homer of ten baths, for ten baths are a homer. 15 And one lamb out of the flock, out of two hundred, out of the fat pastures of Israel—for a grain offering, and for a burnt offering, and for peace offerings, to make reconcil iation for them,” says the Lord God. 16 “All the people of the land shall give this offering for the prince in Israel. 17 And it shall be the prince’s part to give burnt offerings and grain offerings and drink offerings in the feasts, and in the New Moons, and in the Sabbaths, in all solemnities of the house of Israel. He shall prepare the sin offering and the grain offering and the burnt offering and the peace offerings to make reconciliation for the house of Israel.” 18 This is what the Lord God says: “In the first month, on the first day of the month, you shall take a young bull without blemish and cleanse the sanctuary. 19 And the priest shall take some of the blood of the sin offering and put it on the posts of the house, and on the four corners of the ledge of the altar, and on the posts of the gate of the inner courtyard. 20 And you shall do so the seventh day of the month for everyone who sins, and for him who is ignorant. So you shall reconcile the house. 21 “In the first month, on the fourteenth day of the month, you shall have the Passover, a feast of seven
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days; unleavened bread shall be eaten. 22 And on that day the prince shall prepare for himself and for all the people of the land a bull for a sin offering. 23 And he shall prepare a burnt offering to the Lord seven days of the feast—seven bulls and seven rams without blemish daily, the seven days, and a young goat daily for a sin offering. 24 And he shall prepare a grain offering of an ephah for a bull and an ephah for a ram, and a hin of oil for an ephah. 25 “In the seventh month, on the fifteenth day of the month, he shall do likewise in the feast of the seven days, according to the sin offering, according to the burnt offering, and according to the grain offering, and according to the oil.” The Worship of the Prince and the People This is what the Lord God says: “The gate of the inner courtyard that looks toward the east shall be shut the six working days, but on the Sabbath it shall be opened, and on the day of the New Moon it shall be opened. 2 And the prince shall enter by the way of the porch of that gate outside, and shall stand by the post of the gate, and the priests shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings, and he shall worship at the threshold of the gate. Then he shall go out, but the gate shall not be shut until the evening. 3 Likewise the people of the land shall worship at the door of this gate before the Lord on the Sabbaths and on the New Moons. 4 “And the burnt offering that the prince shall offer to the Lord on
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the Sabbath day shall be six lambs without blemish and a ram without blemish. 5 And the grain offering shall be an ephah for a ram, and the grain offering for the lambs as he shall be able to give, and a hin of oil to an ephah. 6 And on the day of the New Moon it shall be a young bull without blemish, and six lambs, and a ram; they shall be without blemish. 7 And he shall prepare a grain offering, an ephah for a bull and an ephah for a ram, and for the lambs according as his hand shall attain to, and a hin of oil to an ephah. 8 “And when the prince enters, he shall go in by the way of the porch of that gate, and he shall go out by the same way. 9 But when the people of the land come before the Lord in the solemn feasts, he who enters in to worship by the way of the north gate shall go out by the way of the south gate, and he who enters by the way of the south gate shall go out by the way of the north gate. He shall not return by the way of the gate by which he came in, but shall go out opposite it. 10 And the prince in the midst of them shall go in when they go in, and shall go out when they go out. 11 “And in the feasts and in the solemnities the grain offering shall be an ephah to a bull and an ephah to a ram, and to the lambs as he is able to give, and a hin of oil to an ephah. 12 Now when the prince prepares a voluntary burnt offering or peace offerings voluntarily to the Lord, one shall then open to him the gate that looks toward the east, and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings as he did on the
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Ezekiel 46:13
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Sabbath day. Then he shall go out, and after he goes out, one shall shut the gate. 13 “You shall prepare a daily burnt offering to the Lord of a lamb of the first year without blemish; you shall prepare it every morning. 14 And you shall prepare a grain offering for it every morning—the sixth part of an ephah, and the third part of a hin of oil—to temper with the fine flour, a grain offering continually by a perpetual ordinance to the Lord. 15 Thus they shall prepare the lamb and the grain offering and the oil every morning for a continual burnt offering.” 16 This is what the Lord God says: “If the prince gives a gift to any of his sons, its inheritance shall be his sons’; it shall be their possession by inheritance. 17 But if he gives a gift of his inheritance to one of his servants, then it shall be his to the year of liberty; afterward it shall return to the prince. But his inheritance shall be his sons’ for them. 18 Moreover the prince shall not take from the people’s inheritance by oppression, to thrust them out of their possession, but he shall give his sons inheritance out of his own possession, that My people not be scattered, every man from his possession.” 19 Afterward he brought me through the entrance that was at the side of the gate into the holy chambers of the priests that looked toward the north. And behold, there was a place on the two sides westward. 20 Then he said to me, “This is the place where the priests shall boil the trespass offering and the sin offering, where they shall bake the
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grain offering, that they not carry them out into the outer courtyard, to sanctify the people.” 21 Then he brought me out into the outer courtyard and caused me to pass by the four corners of the courtyard. And behold, in every corner of the courtyard there was a courtyard. 22 In the four corners of the courtyard there were courtyards of forty cubits long and thirty wide joined; these four corners were of one measure. 23 And there was a row of building all around in them, around the four, and it was made with boiling places under the rows all around. 24 Then he said to me, “These are the places of those who boil, where the ministers of the house shall boil the sacrifice of the people.” The River of the Sanctuary Afterward he brought me back to the door of the house. And behold, waters flowed out from under the threshold of the house eastward, for the forefront of the house stood toward the east, and the waters came down from under from the right side of the house, at the south side of the altar. 2 Then he brought me out by way of the gate northward and led me around the way outside to the outer gate by the way that looks eastward. And behold, there waters ran out on the right side. 3 And when the man who had the line in his hand went out eastward, he measured a thousand cubits, and he brought me through the waters; the waters were to the ankles. 4 Again he measured a thousand and brought me through
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the waters; the waters were to the knees. Again he measured a thousand and brought me through; the waters were to the loins. 5 Afterward he measured a thousand, and it was a river that I could not cross over, for the waters had risen—waters to swim in, a river that could not be crossed over. 6 And he said to me, “Son of man, have you seen this?” Then he brought me and caused me to return to the bank of the river. 7 Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. 8 Then said he to me, “These waters flow out toward the east country and go down into the desert and go into the sea. When being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. 9 And it shall come to pass that everything that lives, that moves, wherever the rivers come, shall live, and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come there. For they shall be healed, and everything shall live where the river comes. 10 And it shall come to pass that the fishermen shall stand on it from En-gedi even to En-eglaim. They shall be a place to spread out nets. Their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the great sea—exceedingly many. 11 But its miry places and its marshes shall not be healed; they shall be given to salt. 12 And by the river, on its bank on this side and on that side, all trees shall grow for food, whose leaves shall not fade, nor shall the fruit be ended. It shall bring forth new fruit according to
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its months, because their waters flowed out of the sanctuary. And its fruit shall be for food and its leaves for medicine.” The Borders of the Land 13 This is what the Lord God says: “This shall be the border, by which you shall inherit the land according to the twelve tribes of Israel. Joseph shall have two portions. 14 And you shall inherit it, one as well as another, concerning which I lifted up My hand to give it to your fathers. And this land shall fall to you as an inheritance. 15 “And this shall be the border of the land toward the north side, from the Great Sea, the way of Hethlon, as men go to Zedad, 16 Hamath, Berothah, Sibraim (which is between the border of Damascus and the border of Hamath), Hazar-hatticon (which is by the border of Hauran). 17 And the border from the sea shall be Hazar-enan, the border of Damascus, and the north northward, and the border of Hamath. And this is the north side. 18 “And the east side you shall measure from Hauran and from Damascus and from Gilead and from the land of Israel by the Jordan, from the border to the east sea. And this is the east side. 19 “And the south side southward, from Tamar even to the waters of strife in Kadesh, the river to the Great Sea. And this is the south side southward. 20 “Also the west side shall be the Great Sea from the border, until a man comes opposite Hamath. This is the west side.
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Ezekiel 47:21 21 “So
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you shall divide this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. 22 And it shall come to pass that you shall divide it by lot as an inheritance for you, and for the foreigners who sojourn among you, who shall beget children among you. And they shall be to you as born in the country among the children of Israel. They shall have an inheritance with you among the tribes of Israel. 23 And it shall come to pass that in what tribe the foreigner sojourns, there you shall give him his inheritance,” says the Lord God.
8 “And
by the border of Judah, from the east side to the west side, shall be the offering that you shall offer of twenty-five thousand rods in breadth, and in length as one of the other parts, from the east side to the west side. And the sanctuary shall be in the center of it. 9 “The offering that you shall offer to the Lord shall be twenty-five thousand in length and ten thousand in breadth.”
For the Priests and Levites 10 “And this holy offering shall be for them, even for the priests: toward The Division of the Land the north twenty-five thousand in “Now these are the names length, and toward the west ten of the tribes. From the north thousand in breadth, and toward end to the coast of the way of Heth the east ten thousand in breadth, lon, as one goes to Hamath, Hazar- and toward the south twenty-five enan, the border of Damascus thousand in length. And the sanctunorthward, to the coast of Hamath. ary of the Lord shall be in the cenFor these are his sides east and ter. 11 It shall be for the priests who west: a portion for Dan. are sanctified of the sons of Zadok, 2 “And by the border of Dan, from who have kept My charge, who did the east side to the west side, a por- not go astray when the children of tion for Asher. Israel went astray, as the Levites 3 “And by the border of Asher, went astray. 12 And this offering of from the east side even to the west the land that is offered shall be to side, a portion for Naphtali. them a most holy thing by the bor4 “And by the border of Naphtali, der of the Levites. 13 And near the from the east side to the west side, border of the priests the Levites a portion for Manasseh. shall have twenty-five thousand in 5 “And by the border of Manasseh, length and ten thousand in breadth; from the east side to the west side, all the length shall be twenty-five a portion for Ephraim. thousand and the breadth ten thou6 “And by the border of Ephraim, sand. 14 And they shall not sell or from the east side even to the west exchange any of it or alienate the side, a portion for Reuben. firstfruits of the land, for it is holy to 7 “And by the border of Reuben, the Lord. 15 “And the five thousand that are from the east side to the west side, a portion for Judah. left in the breadth as opposed to the
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twenty-five thousand shall be a profane place for the city—for dwellings and for outlying areas. And the city shall be in the center of it. 16 And these shall be its measurements: the north side, four thousand five hundred; and the south side, four thousand five hundred; and on the east side, four thousand five hundred; and the west side, four thousand five hundred. 17 And the outlying areas of the city shall be toward the north two hundred fifty, and toward the south two hundred fifty, and toward the east two hundred fifty, and toward the west two hundred fifty. 18 And the rest in length alongside the offering of the holy portion shall be ten thousand eastward and ten thousand westward. And it shall be next to the offering of the holy portion, and its increase shall be for food for those who serve the city. 19 And those who serve the city shall serve it out of all the tribes of Israel. 20 All the offering shall be twenty-five thousand by twenty-five thousand. You shall offer the holy offering square, with the possession of the city.” The Portion for the Prince 21 “And the remainder shall be for the prince, on the one side and on the other of the holy offering, and of the possession of the city, next to the twenty-five thousand of the offering toward the east border, and westward next to the twenty-five thousand toward the west border, alongside the portions for the prince. It shall be the holy offering, and the sanctuary of the house
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shall be in the center of it. 22 Moreover from the possession of the Le vites and from the possession of the city—being in the midst of what is the prince’s—between the border of Judah and the border of Benjamin shall be for the prince. 23 “As for the rest of the tribes, from the east side to the west side, Benjamin shall have a portion. 24 “And by the border of Benjamin, from the east side to the west side, Simeon shall have a portion. 25 “And by the border of Simeon, from the east side to the west side, Issachar a portion. 26 “And by the border of Issachar, from the east side to the west side, Zebulun a portion. 27 “And by the border of Zebulun, from the east side to the west side, Gad a portion. 28 “And by the border of Gad, at the south side southward, the border shall be even from Tamar to the waters of strife in Kadesh, and to the river toward the Great Sea. 29 “This is the land that you shall divide by lot to the tribes of Israel for inheritance, and these are their portions,” says the Lord God. The City and Its Gates 30 “And these are the exits of the city on the north side, four thousand five hundred measures. 31 And the gates of the city shall be according to the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward: one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi. 32 And at the east side, four thousand five hundred and three gates: one gate of Joseph, one gate
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of Benjamin, one gate of Dan. 33 And at the south side, four thousand five hundred measures and three gates: one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun. 34 At the west side, four thousand five
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hundred with their three gates: one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali. 35 It was around eighteen thousand measures. And the name of the city from that day shall be ‘The Lord is there.’”
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DANIEL INTRODUCTION TO DANIEL The book of Daniel contains some of the best-known stories in the Bible, but it also provides some of the most challenging and intriguing passages to attempt to comprehend. Some of the prophets had sent warning of a judgment of God’s people to come; others are present at the end of the captivity to help encourage and empower the beleaguered exiles. But Daniel goes into exile along with his countrymen and provides an insider’s view of Judah’s experiences in the faraway land of Babylon. AUTHOR Daniel came from a royal family. He is compared with Noah and Job in terms of faithfulness to God and righteousness (see Ezekiel 14:14). Daniel also demonstrates great wisdom, always giving God complete credit. OCCASION Daniel describes events that occurred during one of the worst situations the people of God ever experienced. The nation of Israel had fallen to the Assyrians more than one hundred years earlier, but Judah survived. Yet the people of Judah continue to refuse to heed God’s warning and soon face humiliating defeat themselves. The Babylonians breach the walls of Jerusalem, ransack the temple, and carry off most of the population in a series of deportations. Daniel is among the first group taken. His writing offers much assurance in that even though circumstances are bad, God is still with His people.
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The Personal History of Daniel In the third year of the reign of Jehoiakim, king of Judah, Neb uchadnezzar, king of Babylon, came to Jerusalem and besieged it. 2 And the Lord gave Jehoiakim, king of Judah, into his hand, with part of the vessels of the house of God, which he carried to the land of Shinar, to the house of his god. And he brought the vessels into the treasure house of his god. 3 And the king spoke to Ashpenaz, the master of his eunuchs, that he should bring some of the children of Israel and of the king’s descendants and of the princes, 4 children in whom was no blemish, but well-favored, and skillful in all wisdom, and cunning in knowledge, and understanding science, and who had ability in them to stand in the king’s palace, and whom they might teach the learning and the language of the Chaldeans. 5 And the king appointed them a daily provision of the king’s food and of the wine that he drank, so nourishing them three years, that at the end of which they might stand before the king. 6 Now among these from the children of Judah were Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 7 to whom the prince of the eunuchs gave names. For he gave to Daniel the name Belteshazzar; and to Hananiah, Shadrach; and to Mishael, Meshach; and to Azariah, Abed-nego. 8 But Daniel determined in his heart that he would not defile himself with the portion of the king’s food or with the wine that he drank. Therefore, he requested of
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the prince of the eunuchs that he might not defile himself. 9 Now God had brought Daniel into favor and tender love with the prince of the eunuchs. 10 And the prince of the eunuchs said to Daniel, “I fear my lord, the king, who has appointed your food and drink. For why should he see your faces looking worse than the children who are of your kind? Then you shall make me endanger my head to the king.” 11 Then Daniel said to Melzar, whom the prince of the eunuchs had set over Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, 12 “Test your servants, I beseech you, ten days. And let them give us vegetables to eat and water to drink. 13 Then let our appearance be looked on before you, and the appearance of the children who eat the portion of the king’s food. And as you see, deal with your servants.” 14 So he consented to them in this matter and tested them ten days. 15 And at the end of ten days their appearance appeared better and fatter in flesh than all the children who ate the portion of the king’s food. 16 Thus, Melzar took away the portion of their food and the wine that they should drink and gave them vegetables. 17 As for these four children, God gave them knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom. And Daniel had understanding in all visions and dreams. 18 Now at the end of the days that the king had said he would bring them in, then the prince of the eunuchs brought them in before Nebuchadnezzar. 19 And the king
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spoke with them, and among them all none was found like Daniel, Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah. Therefore, they stood before the king. 20 And in all matters of wisdom and understanding that the king inquired of them, he found them ten times better than all the magicians and astrologers who were in all his realm. 21 And Daniel continued even to the first year of King Cyrus. Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream And in the second year of the reign of Nebuchadnezzar, Neb uchadnezzar dreamed dreams by which his spirit was troubled, and his sleep passed from him. 2 Then the king commanded to call the magicians and the astrologers and the sorcerers and the Chaldeans to tell the king his dreams. So they came and stood before the king. 3 And the king said to them, “I have dreamed a dream, and my spirit was troubled to know the dream.” 4 Then the Chaldeans spoke to the king in Aramaic: “O king, live forever! Tell your servants the dream, and we will tell the interpretation.” 5 The king answered and said to the Chaldeans, “The thing is gone from me: if you will not make known to me the dream, with its interpretation, you shall be cut in pieces and your houses shall be made a dunghill. 6 But if you tell the dream, and its interpretation, you shall receive from me gifts and rewards and great honor. Therefore, tell me the dream and its interpretation.” 7 They answered again and said, “Let the king tell his servants the
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dream, and we will tell its interpretation.” 8 The king answered and said, “I know for certain that you would gain time, because you see the thing is gone from me. 9 But if you will not make known to me the dream, there is but one decree for you. For you have prepared lying and corrupt words to speak before me until the time has changed. Therefore, tell me the dream, and I shall know that you can tell me its interpretation.” 10 The Chaldeans answered before the king and said, “There is not a man on the earth who can tell the king’s matter. Therefore, there is no king, lord, or ruler who asked such things of any magician, astrologer, or Chaldean. 11 And it is a rare thing that the king requires, and there is no one else who can tell it before the king except the gods, whose dwelling is not with flesh.” 12 For this reason the king was angry and very furious and commanded to destroy all the wise men of Babylon. 13 And the decree went forth that the wise men should be slain. And they sought Daniel and his companions to slay them. The Prayer for Wisdom 14 Then Daniel answered with counsel and wisdom to Arioch, the captain of the king’s guard, who had gone forth to slay the wise men of Babylon. 15 He answered and said to Arioch, the king’s captain, “Why is the decree from the king so hasty?” Then Arioch made the thing known to Daniel. 16 Then Daniel went in and asked of the king that he would
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give him time, and that he would tell the king the interpretation. 17 Then Daniel went to his house and made the thing known to Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah, his companions, 18 that they would ask mercies of the God of heaven concerning this secret, that Daniel and his companions should not perish with the rest of the wise men of Babylon. 19 Then the secret was revealed to Daniel in a night vision. Then Daniel blessed the God of heaven. 20 Daniel answered and said, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever, for wisdom and might are His. 21 And He changes the times and the seasons. He removes kings and sets up kings. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who know understanding. 22 He reveals the deep and secret things. He knows what is in the darkness, and the light dwells with Him. 23 I thank You and praise You, O God of my fathers, who has given me wisdom and might and has made known to me now what we asked of You. For You have now made known to us the king’s matter.” 24 Therefore, Daniel went in to Arioch, whom the king had ordained to destroy the wise men of Babylon. He went and said this to him: “Do not destroy the wise men of Babylon. Bring me in before the king, and I will tell the interpretation to the king.” 25 Then Arioch brought Daniel in before the king in haste and said this to him: “I have found a man from the captives of Judah who will make known to the king the interpretation.”
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26 The king answered and said to
Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream that I have seen and its interpretation?” 27 Daniel answered in the presence of the king and said, “The wise men, the astrologers, the magicians, the soothsayers cannot tell the king the secret that the king has demanded. 28 But there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets and makes known to the king Nebuchadnezzar what shall be in the latter days. Your dream, and the visions of your head on your bed, are these: 29 As for you, O king, your thoughts came into your mind on your bed, what would come to pass after this. And He who reveals secrets makes known to you what shall come to pass. 30 But as for me, this secret is not revealed to me for any wisdom that I have more than anyone living, but for the sake of those who shall make known the interpretation to the king, and that you might know the thoughts of your heart. 31 “You, O king, saw, and behold, a great image. This great image, whose brightness was excellent, stood before you. And its form was terrible. 32 This image’s head was of fine gold, his chest and his arms of silver, his belly and his thighs of brass, 33 his legs of iron, his feet partly of iron and partly of clay. 34 You looked until a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on his feet that were of iron and clay and broke them to pieces. 35 Then the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold were broken to pieces together and became like
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the chaff of the summer threshing floors. And the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. 36 “This is the dream. And we will tell its interpretation before the king. 37 You, O king, are a king of kings. For the God of heaven has given you a kingdom, power, and strength, and glory. 38 And wherever the children of men dwell, He has given the beasts of the field and the birds of the heavens into your hand and has made you ruler over them all. You are this head of gold. 39 “And another kingdom inferior to you shall arise after you, and another third kingdom of brass, which shall rule over all the earth. 40 And the fourth kingdom shall be strong as iron, inasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things. And like iron that breaks all these, it shall break in pieces and bruise. 41 And whereas you saw the feet and toes, partly of potters’ clay and partly of iron, the kingdom shall be divided. But some of the strength of the iron shall be in it, in view of the fact that you saw the iron mixed with wet clay. 42 And as the toes of the feet were partly of iron and partly of clay, so the kingdom shall be partly strong and partly broken. 43 And just as you saw iron mixed with wet clay, they shall mix themselves with the descendants of men, but they shall not cling to one another, even as iron is not mixed with clay. 44 “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven shall set up a kingdom, which shall never be
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destroyed. And the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. 45 Just as you saw that the stone was cut out of the mountain without hands, and that it broke the iron, the brass, the clay, the silver, and the gold in pieces, the great God has made known to the king what shall come to pass after this. And the dream is certain, and its interpretation sure.” The Promotion of Daniel 46 Then King Nebuchadnezzar fell on his face and worshipped Daniel, and commanded that they should offer an offering and sweet odors to him. 47 The king answered Daniel and said, “It is true that your God is a God of gods and a Lord of kings and a revealer of secrets, seeing that you could reveal this secret.” 48 Then the king made Daniel a great man, and gave him many great gifts, and made him ruler over the whole province of Babylon and chief of the governors over all the wise men of Babylon. 49 Then Daniel requested of the king, and he set Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego over the affairs of the province of Babylon. But Daniel sat in the gate of the king. The Pride of Nebuchadnezzar: The Image of Gold Nebuchadnezzar the king made an image of gold whose height was sixty cubits, and its breadth six cubits. He set it up on the plain of Dura, in the province of Babylon. 2 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king
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sent to gather together the princes, the governors and the captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces to come to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 3 Then the princes, the governors and captains, the judges, the treasurers, the counselors, the sheriffs, and all the rulers of the provinces were gathered together to the dedication of the image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. And they stood in front of the statue that Nebuchadnezzar had set up. 4 Then a herald cried aloud, “It is commanded to you, O people, nations, and languages, 5 that at the time you hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, lyre, stringed instruments, dulcimer, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king has set up. 6 And whoever does not fall down and worship shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace.” 7 Therefore, at the time when all the people heard the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, lyre, stringed instruments, and all kinds of music, all the people, the nations, and the languages fell down and worshipped the golden image that Nebuchadnezzar the king had set up. 8 Therefore at that time certain Chaldeans came near and accused the Jews. 9 They spoke and said to the king Nebuchadnezzar, “O king, live forever! 10 You, O king, have made a decree that every man who hears the sound of the cornet, flute,
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harp, lyre, stringed instruments, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, shall fall down and worship the golden image. 11 And whoever does not fall down and worship should be cast into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. 12 There are certain Jews whom you have set over the affairs of the province of Babylon— Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego—these men, O king, have not regarded you. They do not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” 13 Then Nebuchadnezzar in his rage and fury commanded to bring Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Then they brought these men before the king. 14 Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said to them, “Is it true, O Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods or worship the golden image that I have set up? 15 Now if you are ready, that at the time you hear the sound of the cornet, flute, harp, lyre, stringed instruments, and dulcimer, and all kinds of music, you fall down and worship the image that I have made, it is well! But if you do not worship, you shall be cast the same hour into the midst of a burning fiery furnace. And who is the god who shall deliver you out of my hands?” 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we are not anxious to answer you in this matter. 17 If it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace. And He will deliver us out of your hand, O king. 18 But if not, let it be known to you,
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O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.” The Harmless Furnace 19 Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and his facial expression was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. Therefore, he spoke and commanded that they should heat the furnace seven times more than it was usually heated. 20 And he commanded the most mighty men who were in his army to bind Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego and cast them into the burning fiery furnace. 21 Then these men were bound in their coats, their trousers, and their hats, and their other garments and were cast into the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 22 Therefore, because the king’s commandment was urgent and the furnace exceedingly hot, the flames of the fire slew those men who took up Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego. 23 And these three men, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego, fell down bound in the midst of the burning fiery furnace. 24 Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished and rose up in haste and spoke and said to his counselors, “Did we not cast three men bound into the midst of the fire?” They answered and said to the king, “True, O king.” 25 He answered and said, “Behold, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are unharmed. And the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”
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The Convinced King 26 Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace and spoke and said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, you servants of the Most High God, come forth and come here.” Then Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego came forth from the midst of the fire. 27 And the princes, governors and captains, and the king’s counselors, being gathered together, saw these men on whose bodies the fire had no power, nor was a hair of their head singed, nor were their coats changed, nor had the smell of fire passed on them. 28 Then Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent His angel and delivered His servants who trusted in Him and have changed the king’s word and yielded their bodies, that they might not serve or worship any god except their own God. 29 Therefore, I make a decree that every people, nation, and language who speaks anything amiss against the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego shall be cut in pieces, and their houses shall be made a dunghill, because there is no other God who can deliver in this way.” 30 Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-nego in the province of Babylon. The King’s Proclamation Nebuchadnezzar the king, to all people, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: Peace be multiplied to you. 2 I thought it good to tell the signs and wonders that
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the high God has done toward me. 3 How great are His signs! And how mighty are His wonders! His kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and His dominion is from generation to generation. The Tree Vision of the King 4 I, Nebuchadnezzar, was at rest in my house and flourishing in my palace. 5 I saw a dream that made me afraid, and the thoughts on my bed and the visions of my head troubled me. 6 Therefore, I made a decree to bring in all the wise men of Babylon before me, that they might make the interpretation of the dream known to me. 7 Then the magicians, the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers came in. And I told the dream before them, but they did not make known to me its interpretation. 8 But at last Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar according to the name of my god, and in whom is the spirit of the holy gods, came in before me. And I told the dream before him, saying, 9 “O Belteshazzar, master of the magicians, because I know that the spirit of the holy gods is in you, and no secret troubles you, tell me the visions of my dream that I have seen and its interpretation. 10 “These were the visions of my head in my bed: I saw, and behold, a tree in the midst of the earth, and its height was great. 11 The tree grew and was strong, and its height reached to heaven, and the sight of it to the end of all the earth. 12 Its leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all. The beasts of the field had shade
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under it, and the birds of the heavens dwelled in its branches. And all flesh was fed from it. 13 “I saw in the visions of my head on my bed, and behold, a watcher, a holy one, came down from heaven. 14 He cried aloud and said this: ‘Cut down the tree and cut off his branches, shake off his leaves, and scatter his fruit. Let the beasts get away from under it and the birds from his branches. 15 Nevertheless, leave the stump of his roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of heaven. And let his portion be with the beasts in the grass of the earth. 16 Let his heart be changed from man’s, and let a beast’s heart be given to him. And let seven times pass over him. 17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones, to the intent that the living may know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He will and sets up over it the lowest of men.’ 18 I, King Nebuchadnezzar, have seen this dream. Now you, O Belteshazzar, declare its interpretation, since all the wise men of my kingdom are not able to make known to me the interpretation. But you are able, for the spirit of the holy gods is in you.” 19 Then Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, was astonished for one hour, and his thoughts troubled him. The king spoke and said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its interpretation trouble you.” Belteshazzar answered and said, “My lord, may the dream be for
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those who hate you and its interpretation for your enemies. 20 The tree that you saw—which grew and was strong, whose height reached to heaven and the sight of it to all the earth, 21 whose leaves were beautiful and its fruit abundant, and in it was food for all, under which the beasts of the field dwelled and on whose branches the birds of the heavens had their habitation— 22 it is you, O king, who have grown and become strong. For your greatness has grown and reaches to heaven, and your dominion to the end of the earth. 23 And whereas the king saw a watcher, a holy one, coming down from heaven and saying, ‘Cut the tree down and destroy it, yet leave the stump of its roots in the earth, even with a band of iron and brass, in the tender grass of the field, and let it be wet with the dew of heaven, and let his portion be with the beasts of the field until seven times pass over him’— 24 this is the interpretation, O king, and this is the decree of the Most High, which has come on my lord the king: 25 that they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. And they shall make you to eat grass like oxen, and they shall wet you with the dew of heaven. And seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He wishes. 26 And whereas they commanded to leave the stump of the tree roots, your kingdom shall be secure to you after you shall have known that the heavens rule. 27 Therefore, O king, let my counsel
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be acceptable to you, and break off your sins by righteousness and your iniquities by showing mercy to the poor, if it may be a lengthening of your tranquility.” 28 All this came on King Nebuchadnezzar. 29 At the end of twelve months he walked in the palace of the kingdom of Babylon. 30 The king spoke and said, “Is this not great Babylon, which I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power and for the honor of my majesty?” 31 While the word was in the king’s mouth, a voice fell from heaven, saying, “O King Nebuchadnezzar, to you it is spoken: the kingdom has departed from you. 32 And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you to eat grass like oxen. And seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men and gives it to whomever He wishes.” 33 In the same hour the thing was fulfilled on Nebuchadnezzar. And he was driven from men and ate grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until his hairs had grown like eagles’ feathers and his nails like birds’ claws. The Restoration of Nebuchadnezzar 34 And at the end of the days I, Neb uchadnezzar, lifted up my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me, and I blessed the Most High, and I praised and honored Him who lives forever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion,
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and His kingdom is from generation to generation. 35 And all the inhabitants of the earth are regarded as nothing. And He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth, and no one can stop His hand or say to Him, “What are You doing?” 36 At the same time my reason returned to me, and for the glory of my kingdom, my honor and brightness returned to me. And my counselors and my lords sought for me, and I was established in my kingdom. And excellent majesty was added to me. 37 Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise and extol and honor the King of heaven. All His works are truth and His ways judgment. And He is able to humble those who walk in pride. The Pride of Belshazzar and His Downfall Belshazzar the king made a great feast for a thousand of his lords and drank wine before the thousand. 2 Belshazzar, while he tasted the wine, commanded to bring the golden and silver vessels that his father, Nebuchadnezzar, had taken out of the temple that was in Jerusalem, that the king and his princes, his wives, and his concubines might drink from them. 3 Then they brought the golden vessels that were taken out of the temple of the house of God that was in Jerusalem. And the king and his princes, his wives and his concubines drank from them. 4 They drank wine and praised the gods of gold, and of silver, of brass, of iron, of wood, and of stone.
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the same hour, fingers of a man’s hand came forth and wrote opposite the candlestick on the plaster of the wall of the king’s palace. And the king saw the part of the hand that wrote. 6 Then the king’s face was changed and his thoughts troubled him, so that the joints of his loins were loosed and his knees knocked against each other. 7 The king cried aloud to bring in the astrologers, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. And the king spoke and said to the wise men of Bab ylon, “Whoever reads this writing and tells me its interpretation shall be clothed with scarlet and have a chain of gold around his neck and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.” 8 Then all the king’s wise men came in, but they could not read the writing or make known to the king its interpretation. 9 Then King Belshazzar was greatly troubled, and his face was changed in him. And his lords were astonished. 10 Now the queen, because of the words of the king and his lords, came into the banquet house. And the queen spoke and said, “O king, live forever. Do not let your thoughts trouble you or let your face be changed. 11 There is a man in your kingdom in whom is the spirit of the holy gods. And in the days of your father, light and understanding and wisdom, like the wisdom of the gods, was found in him, whom King Nebuchadnezzar, your father—the king, I say, your father—made master of the magicians, astrologers, Chaldeans, and soothsayers. 12 In view of the fact that an excellent spirit, and
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knowledge, and understanding, interpreting of dreams, and declaring of hard sentences, and dissolving of doubts were found in the same Daniel, whom the king named Belteshazzar, now let Daniel be called, and he will tell the interpretation.” 13 Then Daniel was brought in before the king. And the king spoke and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, whom the king, my father, brought out of Judea? 14 I have even heard of you, that the spirit of the gods is in you, and that light and understanding and excellent wisdom are found in you. 15 And now the wise men, the astrologers, have been brought in before me, that they should read this writing and make known to me its interpretation. But they could not tell the interpretation of the thing. 16 And I have heard of you, that you can make interpretations and dissolve doubts. Now if you can read the writing and make known to me its interpretation, you shall be clothed with scarlet and have a chain of gold around your neck, and shall be the third ruler in the kingdom.” 17 Then Daniel answered and said before the king, “Let your gifts be for yourself and give your rewards to another. Yet I will read the writing to the king and make known to him the interpretation. 18 O you, king, the Most High God gave Nebuchadnezzar, your father, a kingdom and majesty and glory and honor. 19 And because of the majesty that He gave him, all people, nations, and languages trembled and feared before him. Whom he wished, he slew;
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whom he wished, he kept alive; and whom he wished, he set up; and whom he wished, he put down. 20 But when his heart was lifted up and his mind hardened in pride, he was deposed from his kingly throne, and they took his glory from him. 21 And he was driven from the sons of men, and his heart was made like the beasts, and his dwelling was with the wild donkeys. They fed him with grass like oxen, and his body was wet with the dew of heaven, until he knew that the Most High God ruled in the kingdom of men and that He appoints over it whomever He will. 22 “And you, his son, O Belshazzar, have not humbled your heart, though you knew all this, 23 but have lifted yourself up against the Lord of heaven. And they have brought the vessels of His house before you, and you, and your lords, your wives, and your concubines have drunk wine out of them. And you have praised the gods of silver and gold, of brass, iron, wood, and stone, which do not see or hear or know. And you have not glorified the God in whose hand is your breath, and whose are all your ways. 24 Then the part of the hand was sent from Him, and this writing was written. 25 “And this is the writing that was written: Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin. 26 This is the interpretation of it. Mene: God has numbered your kingdom and finished it. 27 Tekel: You are weighed in the balances and are found lacking. 28 Peres: Your kingdom is divided and given to the Medes and Persians.” 29 Then Belshazzar commanded,
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and they clothed Daniel with scarlet and put a chain of gold around his neck and made a proclamation concerning him, that he should be the third ruler in the kingdom. 30 On that night Belshazzar, the king of the Chaldeans, was slain. 31 And Darius the Mede took the kingdom, being about sixty-two years old. History of Daniel to the Accession of Cyrus It pleased Darius to set over the kingdom one hundred and twenty princes, who should be over the whole kingdom, 2 and over these three presidents, of whom Daniel was first, that the princes might give accounts to them, and the king should have no damage. 3 Then this Daniel was preferred above the presidents and princes because an excellent spirit was in him. And the king thought to set him over the whole realm. 4 Then the presidents and princes sought to find a pretext against Daniel concerning the kingdom, but they could find no pretext or fault, because he was faithful, nor was any error or fault found in him. 5 Then these men said, “We shall not find any pretext against this Daniel unless we find it against him concerning the law of his God.” 6 Then these presidents and princes assembled together to the king and said this to him: “King Da rius, live forever. 7 All the presidents of the kingdom, the governors and the princes, the counselors and the captains, have consulted together to establish a royal statute and to make a firm decree, that whoever asks a
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petition of any god or man for thirty days, except of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions. 8 Now, O king, establish the decree and sign the writing, that it not be changed, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” 9 Therefore King Darius signed the writing and the decree. The Lions’ Den 10 Now when Daniel knew that the writing was signed, he went to his house, and—his windows being open in his chamber toward Jerusalem—he knelt on his knees three times a day and prayed and gave thanks before his God, as he did formerly. 11 Then these men assembled and found Daniel praying and making supplication before his God. 12 Then they came near and spoke before the king concerning the king’s decree: “Have you not signed a decree that every man who asks a petition of any god or man within thirty days, except of you, O king, shall be cast into the den of lions?” The king answered and said, “The thing is true, according to the law of the Medes and Persians, which does not alter.” 13 Then they answered and said before the king, “That Daniel, who is of the children of the captivity of Judah, does not regard you, O king, or the decree that you have signed, but makes his petition three times a day.” 14 Then the king, when he heard these words, was greatly displeased with himself and set his heart on Daniel to save him. And he labored until sunset to save him. 15 Then these men assembled
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to the king and said to the king, “Know, O king, that the law of the Medes and Persians is that no decree or statute that the king establishes may be changed.” 16 Then the king commanded, and they brought Daniel and cast him into the den of lions. Now the king spoke and said to Daniel, “Your God, whom you serve continually, He will deliver you.” 17 And a stone was brought and laid on the mouth of the den, and the king sealed it with his own signet and with the signet of his lords, that the determination might not be changed concerning Daniel. The Delivering God 18 Then the king went to his palace and spent the night fasting. Instruments of music were not brought before him, and his sleep went from him. 19 Then the king arose very early in the morning and went in haste to the den of lions. 20 And when he came to the den, he cried with a lamentable voice to Daniel. And the king spoke and said to Daniel, “O Daniel, servant of the living God, is your God, whom you serve continually, able to deliver you from the lions?” 21 Then Daniel said to the king, “O king, live forever. 22 My God has sent His angel and has shut the lions’ mouths, that they have not hurt me, since before Him innocence was found in me, and also before you, O king, I have done no harm.” 23 Then the king was exceedingly glad for him and commanded that they should take Daniel up out of the den. So Daniel was taken up
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out of the den, and no manner of harm was found on him, because he believed in his God. 24 And the king commanded, and they brought those men who had accused Daniel, and they cast them into the den of lions—them, their children, and their wives. And the lions had superiority over them and broke all their bones in pieces before they came to the bottom of the den. 25 Then King Darius wrote to all people, nations, and languages that dwell in all the earth: “Peace be multiplied to you. 26 I make a decree that in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel. For He is the living God, and steadfast forever, and His kingdom is one that shall not be destroyed. And His dominion shall be even to the end. 27 He delivers and rescues, and He works signs and wonders in heaven and on earth, who has delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.” 28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian. The Visions of Daniel In the first year of Belshazzar, king of Babylon, Daniel had a dream and visions of his head on his bed. Then he wrote the dream down and told the summary of the matter. 2 Daniel spoke and said, “I saw in my vision by night, and behold, the four winds of heaven strove on the great sea. 3 And four great beasts came up from the sea, different from one another. 4 “The first was like a lion and
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had eagle’s wings. I watched until its wings were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth and made to stand on feet like a man. And a man’s heart was given to it. 5 “And, behold, another beast, a second, like a bear. And it raised itself up on one side, and it had three ribs in its mouth between its teeth. And they said this to it: ‘Arise, devour much flesh.’ 6 “After this I looked, and behold, another, like a leopard, which had four wings of a bird on its back. The beast also had four heads, and dominion was given to it. 7 “After this I saw in the night visions and, behold, a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible and exceedingly strong. And it had great iron teeth. It devoured and broke in pieces and trampled the remainder with its feet. And it was different from all the beasts that were before it, and it had ten horns. 8 I considered the horns and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots. And, behold, on this horn were eyes like the eyes of man and a mouth speaking great things.” Vision of the Coming of the Son of Man in Glory 9 “I watched until the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of Days, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like the pure wool, sat. His throne was like the fiery flame, and His wheels like burning fire. 10 A fiery stream flowed and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to
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Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The judgment was set, and the books were opened. 11 “Then I looked because of the sound of the great words that the horn spoke. I looked even until the beast was slain and his body destroyed and given to the burning flame. 12 Concerning the rest of the beasts, they had their dominion taken away. Yet their lives were prolonged for a season and time. 13 “I saw in the night visions and, behold, one like the Son of Man came with the clouds of heaven and came to the Ancient of Days, and they brought Him near before Him. 14 And dominion and glory and a kingdom were given to Him, that all people, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.” The Interpretation of the Beast Vision 15 “I, Daniel, was grieved in my spirit in the midst of my body, and the visions of my head troubled me. 16 I came near to one of them who stood by and asked him the truth of all this. So he told me and made me know the interpretation of the things: 17 ‘These great beasts, which are four, are four kings who shall arise out of the earth. 18 But the saints of the Most High shall take the kingdom and possess the kingdom forever, even forever and ever.’ 19 “Then I wanted to know the truth of the fourth beast—which
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was different from all the others, exceedingly dreadful, whose teeth were of iron, and his nails of brass, which devoured, broke in pieces, and trampled the remainder with his feet— 20 and of the ten horns that were on his head, and of the other that came up, and before whom three fell, even of that horn that had eyes and a mouth that spoke very great things, whose look was more substantial than his fellows. 21 I looked, and the same horn made war with the saints and prevailed against them, 22 until the Ancient of Days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the Most High, and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. 23 “This is what he said: ‘The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom on earth, which shall be different from all kingdoms and shall devour the whole earth and shall trample it down and break it in pieces. 24 And the ten horns out of this kingdom are ten kings who shall arise. And another shall rise after them, and he shall be different from the first, and he shall subdue three kings. 25 And he shall speak great words against the Most High and shall wear out the saints of the Most High and hope to change times and laws. And they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. 26 But the judgment shall sit, and they shall take away his dominion, to consume and to destroy it to the end. 27 And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High, whose
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kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. And all dominions shall serve and obey Him.’ 28 “Here is the end of the matter. As for me, Daniel, my thoughts troubled me greatly, and my face changed in me. But I kept the matter in my heart.” The Ram and Goat Vision In the third year of the reign of King Belshazzar a vision appeared to me—even to me, Daniel—after what appeared to me at the first. 2 And I saw in a vision, and it came to pass when I saw, that I was at Susa, in the palace, which is in the province of Elam. And I saw in a vision, and I was by the river of Ulai. 3 Then I lifted up my eyes and saw, and behold, a ram that had two horns stood before the river. And the two horns were high, but one was higher than the other. And the higher one came up last. 4 I saw the ram pushing westward and northward and southward, so that no beasts might stand before him. Nor was there anyone who could deliver out of his hand, but he did according to his will and became great. 5 And as I was considering, behold, a male goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth and did not touch the ground. And the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. 6 And he came to the ram that had two horns, which I had seen standing before the river, and ran to him in the fury of his power. 7 And I saw him come close to the ram, and he was moved with anger against him and struck the ram and
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broke his two horns. And there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground and trampled on him. And there was no one who could deliver the ram out of his hand. 8 Therefore the male goat grew very great. And when he was strong, the great horn was broken, and in its place came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven. 9 And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which grew exceedingly great, toward the south and toward the east and toward the pleasant land. 10 And it grew great, even to the host of heaven. And it cast down some of the host and of the stars to the ground and trampled on them. 11 Yes, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host. And the daily sacrifice was taken away by him, and the place of the sanctuary was cast down. 12 And an army was given to him against the daily sacrifice because of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground. And it worked and prospered. 13 Then I heard one saint speaking. And another saint said to that certain saint who spoke, “How long shall the vision be concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the army to be trampled underfoot?” 14 And he said to me, “To two thousand and three hundred days. Then the sanctuary shall be cleansed.” The Vision Interpreted 15 And it came to pass, when I— even I, Daniel—had seen the vision
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and sought for the meaning, then, behold, one having the appearance of a man stood before me. 16 And I heard a man’s voice between the banks of Ulai, which called and said, “Gabriel, make this man to understand the vision.” 17 So he came near where I stood. And when he came, I was afraid and fell on my face. But he said to me, “Understand, O son of man. For the vision shall be at the time of the end.” 18 Now as he was speaking with me, I was in a deep sleep on my face toward the ground. But he touched me and set me upright. 19 And he said, “Behold, I will make you know what shall be in the last end of the indignation. For the end shall be at the appointed time. 20 The ram having two horns that you saw are the kings of Media and Persia, 21 and the rough goat is the king of Greece. And the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king. 22 Now that being broken, since four stood up for it, four kingdoms shall stand up out of the nation—but not in his power. 23 “And in the latter time of their kingdom, when the transgressors have come to their fullness, a king of fierce countenance and understanding dark sentences shall stand up. 24 And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power. And he shall destroy astonishingly, and shall prosper and work, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people. 25 And through his policy he shall also cause deceit to prosper in his hand. And he shall magnify himself in his heart and by peace shall
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destroy many. He shall also stand up against the Prince of princes. But he shall be broken without a hand. 26 And the vision of the evening and the morning that was told is true. Therefore shut up the vision, for it shall be many days from now.” 27 And I, Daniel, fainted and was sick some days. Afterward, I rose up and did the king’s business. And I was astonished at the vision, but no one understood it. The Vision of the Seventy Weeks In the first year of Darius, the son of Ahasuerus, of the descendants of the Medes, who was made king over the realm of the Chaldeans— 2 in the first year of his reign, I, Daniel, understood by books the number of the years, of which the word of the Lord came to Jeremiah the prophet, that He would accomplish seventy years in the desolations of Jerusalem. 3 And I set my face to the Lord God to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. 4 And I prayed to the Lord my God and made my confession and said, “O Lord, the great and awesome God, keeping the covenant and mercy for those who love Him and for those who keep His commandments, 5 we have sinned, and have committed iniquity, and have acted wickedly, and have rebelled, even by departing from Your precepts and from Your judgments. 6 Nor have we listened to Your servants the prophets, who spoke in Your name to our kings, our princes, and our fathers, and to all the people of the land.
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Daniel 9:15 7 “O Lord, righteousness belongs
to You, but to us shame of face, as at this day—to the men of Judah and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to all Israel, who are near and who are far off, through all the countries where You have driven them, because of their trespass that they have trespassed against You. 8 O Lord, to us belongs shame of face, to our kings, to our princes, and to our fathers, because we have sinned against You. 9 Mercies and forgivenesses belong to the Lord our God, though we have rebelled against Him. 10 Nor have we obeyed the voice of the Lord our God to walk in His laws, which He set before us by His servants the prophets. 11 Yes, all Israel has transgressed Your law, even by departing, that they might not obey Your voice. Therefore, the curse is poured on us, and the oath that is written in the law of Moses, the servant of God, because we have sinned against Him. 12 And He has confirmed His words, which He spoke against us and against our judges who judged us, by bringing on us a great evil. For under the whole heaven it has not been done as has been done to Jerusalem. 13 As it is written in the law of Moses, all this evil has come on us. Yet we did not make our prayer before the Lord our God, that we might turn from our iniquities and understand Your truth. 14 Therefore, the Lord has watched over the evil and brought it on us. For the Lord our God is righteous in all His works that He does. For we did not obey His voice. 15 “And now, O Lord our God, who
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has brought Your people forth out of the land of Egypt with a mighty hand and has gotten renown for Yourself, as in this day, we have sinned—we have acted wickedly. 16 O Lord, according to all Your righteousness, I beseech You, let Your anger and Your fury be turned away from Your city Jerusalem, Your holy mountain. Because of our sins and the iniquities of our fathers, Jerusalem and Your people have become a reproach to all who are around us. 17 Now, therefore, O our God, hear the prayer of Your servant and his supplications, and cause Your face to shine on Your sanctuary, which is desolate, for the Lord’s sake. 18 O my God, incline Your ear and hear. Open Your eyes and behold our desolations and the city that is called by Your name. For we do not present our supplications before You because of our righteous acts, but because of Your great mercies. 19 O Lord, hear. O Lord, forgive. O Lord, listen and act. Do not delay, for Your own sake, O my God. For Your city and Your people are called by Your name.” The Seventy Weeks of Years 20 And while I was speaking, and praying, and confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel, and presenting my supplication before the Lord my God for the holy mountain of my God— 21 yes, while I was speaking in prayer—even the man Gabriel, whom I had seen in the vision at the beginning, being caused to fly swiftly, touched me about the time of the evening offering. 22 And he informed me and talked with me
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and said, “O Daniel, I have come now to give you skill and understanding. 23 At the beginning of your supplications, the commandment came forth. And I have come to tell you, for you are greatly beloved. Therefore, understand the matter and consider the vision. 24 “Seventy weeks are determined for your people and for your holy city to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the Most Holy. 25 Know, therefore, and understand that from the issuing of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem to the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks. The street and the wall shall be built again, even in troublesome times. 26 And after sixty-two weeks the Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself. And the people of the prince who shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary, and its end shall be with a flood. And to the end of the war desolations are determined. 27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week, and in the middle of the week, he shall cause the sacrifice and the offering to cease. And for the overspreading of abominations, he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured on the desolate.” The Vision of the Glory of God In the third year of Cyrus, king of Persia, a thing was revealed to Daniel, whose name was
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called Belteshazzar. And the thing was true, but the appointed time was long. And he understood the thing and had understanding of the vision. 2 In those days I, Daniel, was mourning three full weeks. 3 I ate no pleasant bread, nor did meat or wine come into my mouth. Nor did I anoint myself at all until three whole weeks were fulfilled. 4 And on the twenty-fourth day of the first month, as I was by the side of the great river—which is the Tigris— 5 then I lifted up my eyes and looked. And, behold, a certain man clothed in linen, whose loins were girded with fine gold of Uphaz. 6 Also, his body was like beryl, and his face like the appearance of lightning, and his eyes like lamps of fire, and his arms and his feet like polished brass in color, and the sound of his words like the voice of a multitude. 7 And I, Daniel, alone saw the vision, for the men who were with me did not see the vision. But a great quaking fell on them, so that they fled to hide themselves. 8 Therefore, I was left alone and saw this great vision, and no strength remained in me. For my pleasant appearance was turned to corruption in me, and I retained no strength. 9 Yet I heard the sound of his words. And when I heard the sounds of his words, then I was in a deep sleep on my face, with my face toward the ground. 10 And, behold, a hand touched me, which set me on my knees and on the palms of my hands. 11 And he said to me, “O Daniel, a man greatly beloved, understand the words that I speak to you and stand upright.
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For I am now sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood trembling. 12 Then he said to me, “Do not fear, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart to understand and to humble yourself before your God, your words were heard. And I have come because of your words. 13 But the prince of the kingdom of Persia withstood me for twenty-one days. But, behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me. And I remained there with the kings of Persia. 14 Now I have come to make you understand what shall happen to your people in the latter days, for the vision is for many days yet to come.” 15 And when he had spoken such words to me, I set my face toward the ground and I became speechless. 16 And, behold, one with the likeness of the sons of men touched my lips. Then I opened my mouth and spoke and said to him who stood before me, “O my lord, my sorrows are turned on me by the vision, and I have retained no strength. 17 For how can the servant of you, my lord, talk with you, my lord? For as for me, immediately there remained no strength in me. Nor is there breath left in me.” 18 Then one like the appearance of a man came again and touched me, and he strengthened me 19 and said, “O man greatly beloved, do not fear. Peace be to you. Be strong. Yes, be strong.” And when he had spoken to me, I was strengthened and said, “Let my lord speak, for you have strengthened me.”
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20 Then
he said, “Do you know why I have come to you? And now I will return to fight with the prince of Persia. And when I have gone forth, behold, the prince of Greece shall come. 21 But I will show you what is recorded in the scripture of truth. And there is no one who stands with me in these things but Michael your prince.” From Darius to the Man of Sin “Also in the first year of Darius the Mede, I—even I—stood to confirm and strengthen him. 2 And now I will tell you the truth. Behold, three kings in Persia shall stand up. And the fourth shall be far richer than them all. And by his strength, through his riches, he shall stir up all against the realm of Greece. 3 And a mighty king shall stand up, who shall rule with great dominion and do according to his will. 4 And when he stand ups, his kingdom shall be broken and shall be divided toward the four winds of heaven, and not to his descendants, nor according to his dominion, which he ruled. For his kingdom shall be uprooted, even for others besides those. 5 “And the king of the south and one of his princes shall be strong. And he shall be strong above him and have dominion; his dominion shall be a great dominion. 6 And in the end of years, they shall join themselves together, for the king’s daughter of the south shall come to the king of the north to make an agreement. But she shall not retain the power of the arm. Neither he nor his arm shall stand. But she shall be given up, and those who
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brought her, and he who begot her, and he who strengthened her in these times. 7 But out of a branch of her roots one shall stand up in his place, who shall come with an army and shall enter into the fortress of the king of the north and shall deal against them, and shall prevail, 8 and shall also carry their gods captive into Egypt, with their princes and with their precious vessels of silver and of gold. And he shall continue more years than the king of the north. 9 So the king of the south shall come into his kingdom and shall return into his own land. 10 “But his sons shall be stirred up and shall assemble a multitude of great forces. And one shall certainly come and overflow and pass through; then he shall return, and be stirred up, even to his fortress. 11 And the king of the south shall be moved with anger and shall come forth and fight with him, even with the king of the north. And he shall set forth a great multitude, but the multitude shall be given into his hand. 12 And when he has taken away the multitude, his heart shall be lifted up. And he shall cast down many ten thousands, but he shall not be strengthened by it. 13 For the king of the north shall return and shall set forth a multitude greater than the former, and shall certainly come after some years with a great army and with much riches. 14 “And in those times many shall stand up against the king of the south. Also the robbers of your people shall exalt themselves to establish the vision, but they shall fail. 15 So
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the king of the north shall come and raise up a siege mound and take the most fortified cities. And the arms of the south shall not withstand, nor his chosen people. Nor shall there be any strength to withstand. 16 But he who comes against him shall do according to his own will, and no one shall stand before him. And he shall stand in the glorious land, which, by his hand, shall be consumed. 17 He shall also set his face to enter with the strength of his whole kingdom, and upright ones with him. This he shall do. And he shall give him the daughter of women, corrupting her, but she shall not stand on his side or be for him. 18 After this, he shall turn his face to the coastlands and shall take many. But a prince for his own behalf shall cause the reproach offered by him to cease. Without his own reproach, he shall cause it to turn on him. 19 Then he shall turn his face toward the fort of his own land. But he shall stumble and fall and not be found. 20 “Then a raiser of taxes shall stand up in his place in the glory of the kingdom. But within a few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger nor in battle. 21 And in his place a vile person shall stand up, to whom they shall not give the honor of the kingdom. But he shall come in peacefully and obtain the kingdom by flatteries. 22 And with the arms of a flood they shall be swept away from before him and shall be broken—yes, also the prince of the covenant. 23 And after the alliance made with him, he shall act deceitfully. For he shall come up and shall become strong with a small people.
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24 He shall enter peacefully even in
the richest places of the province, and he shall do what his fathers have not done, nor his fathers’ fathers. He shall scatter among them the plunder and spoils and riches. Yes, and he shall devise his schemes against the strongholds, even for a time. 25 And he shall stir up his power and his courage against the king of the south with a great army. And the king of the south shall be stirred up to battle with a very great and mighty army. But he shall not stand, for they shall devise schemes against him. 26 Yes, those who eat from the portion of his food shall destroy him. And his army shall be swept away, and many shall fall down slain. 27 And both of these kings’ hearts shall be intent to do evil, and they shall speak lies at one table. But it shall not prosper, for the end shall still be at the appointed time. 28 Then he shall return to his land with great riches, and his heart shall be against the holy covenant. And he shall do exploits and return to his own land. 29 “At the appointed time he shall return and come toward the south. But it shall not be like the former or like the latter. 30 For the ships of Cyprus shall come against him; therefore, he shall be grieved and return and have indignation against the holy covenant. So he shall do; he shall even return and have intelligence with those who abandon the holy covenant. 31 And armies shall stand on his part, and they shall defile the sanctuary of strength and shall take away the daily sacrifice, and they shall place the
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abomination that makes desolate. 32 And he shall corrupt by flatteries those who act wickedly against the covenant. But the people who know their God shall be strong and do exploits. 33 And those who understand among the people shall instruct many, yet they shall fall by the sword and by flame, by captivity and by plunder many days. 34 Now when they fall, they shall be helped with a little help, but many shall cling to them with flatteries. 35 And some of them of understanding shall fall, to test them, and to purge, and to make them white, even to the time of the end, because it is still for an appointed time. 36 “And the king shall do according to his will. And he shall exalt himself and magnify himself above every god, and shall speak astonishing things against the God of gods, and shall prosper until the indignation is accomplished. For what is determined shall be done. 37 He shall regard neither the God of his fathers nor the desire of women, nor regard any god, for he shall magnify himself above all. 38 But in their place he shall honor the god of forces, and he shall honor a god whom his fathers did not know with gold and silver and with precious stones and pleasant things. 39 He shall do this in the strongest of strongholds with a foreign god, whom he shall acknowledge and increase with glory. And he shall cause them to rule over many and shall divide the land for gain. 40 “And at the time of the end, the king of the south shall push at him. And the king of the north shall
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come against him like a whirlwind, with chariots, and with horsemen, and with many ships. And he shall enter into the countries and shall overflow and pass over. 41 He shall enter also into the Glorious Land, and many countries shall be overthrown. But these shall escape out of his hand: even Edom and Moab and the chief of the children of Ammon. 42 He shall stretch out his hand also on the countries, and the land of Egypt shall not escape. 43 But he shall have power over the treasures of gold and of silver and over all the precious things of Egypt, and the Libyans and the Ethiopians shall follow at his footsteps. 44 But news out of the east and out of the north shall trouble him. Therefore, he shall go forth with great fury to destroy and utterly annihilate many. 45 And he shall plant the tents of his palace between the seas on the glorious holy mountain. Yet he shall come to his end, and no one shall help him.” The Great Tribulation “And at that time Michael shall stand up, the great prince who stands for the children of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that same time. And at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone who shall be found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting contempt. 3 And those who are wise shall shine like the brightness of the
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heavens, and those who turn many to righteousness like the stars, forever and ever.” The Last Message to Daniel 4 “But you, O Daniel, shut up the words and seal the book, even to the time of the end. Many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased.” 5 Then I, Daniel, looked, and behold, there stood two others, the one on this side of the bank of the river and the other on that side of the bank of the river. 6 And one said to the man clothed in linen, who was on the waters of the river, “How long shall it be to the end of these wonders?” 7 And I heard the man clothed in linen, who was on the waters of the river, when he held up his right hand and his left hand to heaven and swore by Him who lives forever, that it shall be for a time, times, and a half. And when he shall have
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accomplished scattering the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished. 8 And I heard, but I did not understand. Then I said, “O my Lord, what shall be the end of these things?” 9 And he said, “Go your way, Daniel, for the words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end. 10 Many shall be purified and made white and tested. But the wicked shall act wickedly, and none of the wicked shall understand. But the wise shall understand. 11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that makes desolate set up, there shall be one thousand two hundred and ninety days. 12 Blessed is he who waits and comes to the one thousand three hundred and thirty- five days. 13 But you, go on your way until the end. For you shall rest and stand in your lot at the end of the days.”
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HOSEA INTRODUCTION TO HOSEA In our present age, fixed truths, moral absolutes, divine imperatives, sure hope, and life-transforming power often seem to be overshadowed by uncertainty, insecurity, and subjectivism. Yet in the story of Hosea, we are confronted with the truth about God’s persistent and unlikely love for an unfaithful people, the Israelites, even as we marvel at the tragic and remarkable beauty of one prophet’s unconditional love for his faithless wife that exemplifies the love story between God and humanity. AUTHOR Hosea’s prophecy may have existed first simply in spoken form; then later it may have been gathered together in written form by disciples or scribes. Still, this work is traditionally attributed to Hosea, the son of Beeri (1:1). We don’t know much about the prophet’s life except for the little that we learn from chapters 1 and 3. OCCASION When Hosea is called to serve as God’s prophet, Israel is in a state of rebellion. Based on the kings reigning during his prophecy (1:1), we know that the nation of Israel has been split by civil war (1 Kings 12) and that Hosea is sent to the northern kingdom of Israel, which is characterized by corrupt kings, crime, and compromised morality (Hosea 4:1–2).
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Jehovah’s Dishonored Wife The word of the Lord that came to Hosea, the son of Beeri, in the days of Uzziah, Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam, the son of Joash, king of Israel. 2 The beginning of the word of the Lord by Hosea. And the Lord said to Hosea, “Go, take for yourself a wife of prostitution and children of prostitution, for the land has committed great adultery, departing from the Lord.” 3 So he went and took Gomer, the daughter of Diblaim, who conceived and bore him a son. 4 And the Lord said to him, “Call his name Jezreel, for in but a little while, I will avenge the blood of Jezreel on the house of Jehu and will cause the kingdom of the house of Israel to cease. 5 And it shall come to pass in that day that I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.” 6 And she conceived again and bore a daughter. And God said to him, “Call her name Lo-ruhamah, for I will no longer have mercy on the house of Israel, but I will utterly take them away. 7 But I will have mercy on the house of Judah and will save them by the Lord their God, and will not save them by bow, or by sword, or by battle, by horses, or by horsemen.” 8 Now when she had weaned Lo-ruhamah, she conceived and bore a son. 9 Then God said, “Call his name Lo-ammi, for you are not My people, and I will not be your God.”
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The Future Blessing and Restoration of Israel 10 “Yet the number of the children of
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Israel shall be like the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured or numbered. And it shall come to pass that in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ there it shall be said to them, ‘You are the sons of the living God.’ 11 Then the children of Judah and the children of Israel shall be gathered together and appoint themselves one head. And they shall come up out of the land, for great shall be the day of Jezreel.” The Chastisement of Adulterous Israel “Say to your brothers, ‘Ammi,’ and to your sisters, ‘Ruhamah.’ 2 “Plead with your mother, plead, for she is not My wife, nor am I her husband. Therefore, let her put away her prostitution out of her sight and her adulteries from between her breasts, 3 lest I strip her naked and set her as in the day that she was born and make her like a wilderness and set her like a dry land and slay her with thirst. 4 And I will not have mercy on her children, for they are the children of prostitution. 5 For their mother has played the harlot. She who conceived them has done shamefully. For she said, ‘I will go after my lovers, who give me my bread and my water, my wool and my flax, my oil and my drink.’ 6 “Therefore, behold, I will hedge up your way with thorns and make a wall, that she shall not find her paths. 7 And she shall follow after her lovers, but she shall not overtake them. And she shall seek them but shall not find them. Then she
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shall say, ‘I will go and return to my first husband, for then it was better with me than now.’ 8 For she did not know that I gave her grain and wine and oil, and multiplied her silver and gold, which they prepared for Baal. 9 Therefore, I will return and take away My grain in its time and My wine in its season and will recover My wool and My flax, given to cover her nakedness. 10 And now I will discover her lewdness in the sight of her lovers. And no one shall deliver her out of My hand. 11 I will also cause all her joy to cease, her feast days, her New Moons and her Sabbaths, and all her solemn feasts. 12 And I will destroy her vines and her fig trees, of which she has said, ‘These are my rewards that my lovers have given me.’ And I will make them a forest. And the beasts of the field shall eat them. 13 And I will punish her for the days of the Baals, in which she burned incense to them. And she adorned herself with her earrings and her jewels. And she went after her lovers and forgot Me,” says the Lord. 14 “Therefore, behold, I will allure her and bring her into the wilderness and speak comfortingly to her. 15 And I will give her her vineyards from there and the Valley of Achor for a door of hope. And she shall sing there, as in the days of her youth and as in the day when she came up out of the land of Egypt. 16 And it shall be on that day,” says the Lord, “that you shall call Me Ishi and shall no longer call Me Baali. 17 For I will take away the names of the Baals out of her mouth. And they shall no longer be remembered by their
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name. 18 And on that day I will make a covenant for them with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven and with the creeping things of the ground. And I will break the bow and the sword and the battle out of the earth and will make them to lie down safely. 19 And I will betroth you to Me forever. Yes, I will betroth you to Me in righteousness and in judgment and in loving-kindness and in mercies. 20 I will even betroth you to Me in faithfulness. And you shall know the Lord. 21 “And it shall come to pass on that day that I will hear,” says the Lord. “I will hear the heavens, and they shall hear the earth. 22 And the earth shall hear the grain and the wine and the oil. And they shall hear Jezreel. 23 And I will sow her for Myself in the earth. And I will have mercy on her who had not obtained mercy. And I will say to those who were not My people, ‘You are My people.’ And they shall say, ‘You are my God.’” The Undying Love of Jehovah Then the Lord said to me, “Go again, love a woman who is beloved by her friend, yet an adulteress, according to the love of the Lord toward the children of Israel, who look to other gods and love flagons of wine.” 2 So I bought her for myself for fifteen pieces of silver and for a homer of barley and a half homer of barley. 3 And I said to her, “You shall live with me for many days. You shall not play the harlot, and you shall not belong to another man. So I will also be for you.”
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many days without a king and without a prince and without a sacrifice and without an image and without an ephod and without teraphim. 5 Afterward, the children of Israel shall return and seek the Lord their God and David their king and shall fear the Lord and His goodness in the latter days.
The Sinful People Hear the word of the Lord, you children of Israel. For the Lord has a controversy with the inhabitants of the land because there is no truth or mercy or knowledge of God in the land. 2 “By swearing and lying and killing and stealing and committing adultery, they break out, and blood touches blood. 3 Therefore, the land shall mourn. And everyone who dwells in it shall languish with the beasts of the field and with the fowls of heaven. Yes, the fish of the sea shall also be taken away. 4 Yet let no man contend or rebuke another. For your people are like those who contend with the priest. 5 Therefore, you shall fall in the day. And the prophet shall also fall with you in the night. And I will destroy your mother.”
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The Willful Ignorance and Idolatry of Israel 6 “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge because you have rejected knowledge. I will also reject you, that you shall be no priest to Me. Seeing that you have forgotten the law of your God, I will also forget your children. 7 As they increased, so they sinned against Me.
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Therefore, I will change their glory into shame. 8 They eat up the sin of My people, and they set their heart on their iniquity. 9 And it shall be like people, like priest. And I will punish them for their ways and repay their doings. 10 For they shall eat and not have enough. They shall commit prostitution and shall not increase because they have ceased taking heed of the Lord. 11 Prostitution and wine and new wine take away the heart. 12 “My people ask counsel from tree trunks, and their staff declares to them. For the spirit of prostitution has caused them to go astray. And they have been unfaithful to their God. 13 They sacrifice on the tops of the mountains and burn incense on the hills, under oaks and poplars and elms because their shadow is good. Therefore, your daughters shall commit prostitution and your spouses shall commit adultery. 14 I will not punish your daughters when they commit prostitution or your spouses when they commit adultery. For they are separated with prostitutes and they sacrifice with harlots. Therefore, the people who do not understand shall fall. 15 “Though you, Israel, play the harlot, do not let Judah offend. And do not come to Gilgal or go up to Beth-aven or swear, ‘The Lord lives.’ 16 For Israel slides back like a backsliding heifer. Now the Lord will feed them like a lamb in a large place. 17 Ephraim is joined to idols. Leave him alone. 18 Their drink is sour. They have committed prostitution continually. Her rulers love with shame, saying, 'Give.' 19 The
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wind has bound her up in her wings, and they shall be ashamed because of their sacrifices.” The Withdrawn Face of Jehovah “Hear this, O priests! And listen, you house of Israel! And give ear, O house of the king! For judgment is toward you because you have been a snare on Mizpah and a net spread on Tabor. 2 And the revolters are deep in slaughter, though I have been a rebuker of them all. 3 I know Ephraim. And Israel is not hidden from Me. For now, O Ephraim, you commit prostitution, and Israel is defiled. 4 “They will not form their deeds to turn to their God, for the spirit of prostitution is in the midst of them, and they have not known the Lord. 5 And the pride of Israel testifies to his face. Therefore, Israel and Ephraim shall fall in their iniquity. Judah also shall fall with them. 6 “They shall go with their flocks and with their herds to seek the Lord, but they shall not find Him. He has withdrawn Himself from them. 7 They have dealt treacherously against the Lord, for they have begotten foreign children. Now a month shall devour them with their portions. 8 “Blow the cornet in Gibeah and the trumpet in Ramah. Cry aloud at Beth-aven, ‘After you, O Benjamin!’ 9 Ephraim shall be desolate in the day of rebuke. Among the tribes of Israel I have made known what shall surely be. 10 “The princes of Judah were like those who remove the boundary. Therefore, I will pour out My wrath
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on them like water. 11 Ephraim is oppressed and broken in judgment because he willingly walked after the commandment. 12 Therefore, I will be to Ephraim like a moth and to the house of Judah like rottenness. 13 “When Ephraim saw his sickness and Judah saw his wound, then Ephraim went to the Assyrians and sent to King Jareb. Yet he could not heal you or cure you of your wound. 14 For I will be to Ephraim like a lion and like a young lion to the house of Judah. I, even I, will tear and go away. I will take away, and no one shall rescue him. 15 I will go and return to My place until they acknowledge their offense and seek My face. In their affliction, they will earnestly seek Me.” The Voice of the Remnant in the Last Days “Come and let us return to the Lord. For He has torn, and He will heal us. He has stricken, and He will bind us up. 2 After two days He will revive us. On the third day He will raise us up, and we shall live in His sight. 3 Then we shall know, if we follow on to know the Lord. His going forth is prepared like the morning. And He shall come to us like the rain, like the latter and former rain to the earth.”
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Response of Jehovah 4 “O Ephraim, what shall I do to you? O Judah, what shall I do to you? For your goodness is like a morning cloud, and like the early dew it goes away. 5 Therefore, I
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have cut them by the prophets. I have slain them by the words of My mouth. And your judgments are like the light that goes forth. 6 For I desired mercy and not sacrifice, and the knowledge of God more than burnt offerings. 7 But, like men, they have transgressed the covenant. There they have dealt treacherously against Me. 8 Gilead is a city of those who work iniquity and is polluted with blood. 9 And as troops of robbers wait for a man, so the company of priests murder on the road by consent, for they commit lewdness. 10 I have seen a horrible thing in the house of Israel: there is the prostitution of Ephraim; Israel is defiled. 11 Also, O Judah, a harvest is set for you when I return the captives of My people.” Response of Jehovah, Continued “When I would have healed Israel, then the iniquity of Ephraim was discovered, and the wickedness of Samaria. For they commit falsehood. And the thief comes in, and the troop of robbers plunders outside. 2 And they do not consider in their hearts that I remember all their wickedness. Now their own doings have surrounded them. They are before My face. 3 They make the king glad with their wickedness and the princes with their lies. 4 They are all adulterers, like an oven heated by the baker, who ceases from raising after he has kneaded the dough until it is leavened. 5 On the day of our king, the princes have made him sick with bottles of wine. He stretched out his hand
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with scorners. 6 For they have made their heart ready like an oven while they lie in wait. Their baker sleeps all night. In the morning it burns like a flaming fire. 7 They are all hot as an oven and have devoured their judges. All their kings have fallen. There is no one among them who calls to Me. 8 Ephraim, he has mixed himself among the people. Ephraim is a cake not turned. 9 Strangers have devoured his strength, and he does not know it. Yes, gray hairs are here and there on him, yet he does not know it. 10 And the pride of Israel testifies to his face. And they do not return to the Lord their God or seek Him for all this. 11 “Ephraim also is like a silly dove without sense. They call to Egypt. They go to Assyria. 12 When they go, I will spread My net on them. I will bring them down like the fowls of the heavens. I will chastise them, as their congregation has heard. 13 Woe to them, for they have fled from Me! Destruction to them, because they have transgressed against Me! Though I have redeemed them, yet they have spoken lies against Me. 14 And they have not cried to Me with their heart when they wailed on their beds. They assemble themselves for grain and wine, and they rebel against Me. 15 Though I have bound and strengthened their arms, yet they devise evil against Me. 16 They return, but not to the Most High. They are like a deceitful bow. Their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue. This shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.”
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Response of Jehovah, Continued “Set the trumpet to your mouth! He shall come like an eagle against the house of the Lord because they have transgressed My covenant and trespassed against My law. 2 Israel shall cry to Me, ‘My God, we know You!’ 3 Israel has cast off the thing that is good. The enemy shall pursue him. 4 They have set up kings, but not by Me. They have made princes, and I did not know it. Of their silver and their gold they have made themselves idols, that they may be cut off. 5 “Your calf, O Samaria, has cast you off. My anger is kindled against them. How long will it be before they attain to innocence? 6 For from Israel it was also. The workman made it. Therefore, it is not God. But the calf of Samaria shall be broken in pieces. 7 For they have sown the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind. It has no stalk. The bud shall not yield grain. If it should yield, the strangers shall swallow it up. 8 Israel is swallowed up. Now they shall be among the Gentiles like a vessel in which is no pleasure. 9 For they have gone up to Assyria, a wild donkey alone by himself. Ephraim has hired lovers. 10 Yes, though they have hired among the nations, I will now gather them. And they shall sorrow a little for the burden of the king of princes. 11 Because Ephraim has made many altars to sin, altars shall be for him to sin. 12 I have written to him the great things of My law, but they were considered a strange thing. 13 They sacrifice flesh for the
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sacrifices of My offerings and eat it. But the Lord does not accept them. Now He will remember their iniquity and punish their sins. They shall return to Egypt. 14 For Israel has forgotten his Maker and builds temples. And Judah has multiplied fortified cities, but I will send a fire on his cities, and it shall devour his palaces.” Response of Jehovah, Continued Do not rejoice, O Israel, for joy, like other people. For you have been unfaithful to your God. You have loved a reward on every threshing floor. 2 The floor and the winepress shall not feed them, and the new wine shall fail in her. 3 They shall not dwell in the Lord’s land. But Ephraim shall return to Egypt. And they shall eat unclean things in Assyria. 4 They shall not offer wine offerings to the Lord, nor shall they be pleasing to Him. Their sacrifices shall be to them like the bread of mourners. All who eat it shall be defiled, for their bread for their soul shall not come into the house of the Lord. 5 What will you do on the solemn day and on the day of the feast of the Lord? 6 For, behold, they are gone because of destruction. Egypt shall gather them up. Memphis shall bury them. Nettles shall possess the pleasant places for their silver. Thorns shall be in their tabernacles. 7 The days of punishment have come. The days of recompense have come. Israel shall know it. The prophet is a fool. The spiritual man is mad because of the multitude of
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your iniquity and the great hatred. 8 The watchman of Ephraim was with my God, but the prophet is a snare of a fowler in all his ways and hatred in the house of his God. 9 They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Gibeah. Therefore, He will remember their iniquity. He will punish their sins. 10 “I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the firstfruits in the fig tree at her first time. But they went to Baal of Peor and separated themselves to that shame. And their abominations were according to what they loved. 11 As for Ephraim, their glory shall fly away like a bird, from the birth and from the womb and from the conception. 12 Though they bring up their children, yet I will bereave them, that there shall not be a man left. Yes, woe also to them when I depart from them! 13 Ephraim, as I saw Tyre, is planted in a pleasant place. But Ephraim shall bring forth his children to the murderer.” 14 Give them, O Lord—what will You give? Give them a miscarrying womb and dry breasts. 15 “All their wickedness is in Gilgal, for there I hated them. For the wickedness of their doings I will drive them out of My house. I will love them no more. All their princes are revolters. 16 Ephraim is stricken. Their root is dried up. They shall bear no fruit. Yes, though they bring forth, yet I will slay the beloved fruit of their womb.” 17 My God will cast them away because they did not listen to Him. And they shall be wanderers among the nations.
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Response of Jehovah, Continued Israel is an empty vine. He brings forth fruit for himself. According to the multitude of his fruit, he has increased the altars. According to the goodness of his land, they have made fine images. 2 Their heart is divided. Now they shall be found faulty. He shall break down their altars. He shall spoil their images. 3 For now they shall say, “We have no king because we did not fear the Lord. What then should a king do for us?” 4 They have spoken words, swearing falsely in making a covenant. Thus, judgment springs up like hemlock in the furrows of the field. 5 The inhabitants of Samaria shall fear because of the calves of Beth-aven. For its people shall mourn over it, and its priests who rejoiced over it for its glory, because it has departed from it. 6 It also shall be carried to Assyria as a present to King Jareb. Ephraim shall receive shame, and Israel shall be ashamed of his own counsel. 7 As for Samaria, her king is cut off like the foam on the water. 8 Also the high places of Aven, the sin of Israel, shall be destroyed. The thorn and the thistle shall come up on their altars. And they shall say to the mountains, “Cover us,” and to the hills, “Fall on us.” 9 “O Israel, you have sinned from the days of Gibeah. There they stood. The battle in Gibeah against the children of iniquity did not overtake them. 10 It is My desire that I should chastise them. And the people shall be gathered against them when they bind themselves in their
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two furrows. 11 And Ephraim is like a heifer that is taught and loves to tread out the grain, but I passed over her beautiful neck. I will make Ephraim to ride, Judah shall plow, and Jacob shall break his clods. 12 “Sow for yourselves in righteousness. Reap in mercy. Break up your fallow ground. For it is time to seek the Lord until He comes and rains righteousness on you. 13 You have plowed wickedness. You have reaped iniquity. You have eaten the fruit of lies because you trusted in your way, in the multitude of your mighty men. 14 Therefore, a tumult shall arise among your people. And all your fortresses shall be plundered, as Shalman plundered Beth-arbel in the day of battle. The mother was dashed to pieces on her children. 15 So Bethel shall do to you because of your great wickedness. In a morning the king of Israel shall utterly be cut off.” Response of Jehovah, Continued “When Israel was a child, then I loved him and called My son out of Egypt. 2 As they called them, so they went from them. They sacrificed to the Baals and burned incense to carved images. 3 I also taught Ephraim to go, taking them by their arms. But they did not know that I healed them. 4 I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love. And I was to them as those who take off the yoke on their jaws. And I laid food before them. 5 “He shall not return into the land of Egypt, and the Assyrian shall be his king because they refused
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to return. 6 And the sword shall remain on his cities and shall destroy his branches and devour them because of their own counsels. 7 And My people are bent on backsliding from Me. Though they called them to the Most High, none at all would exalt Him. 8 “How shall I give you up, Ephraim? How shall I deliver you, Israel? How shall I make you like Admah? How shall I set you like Zeboiim? My heart is turned within Me. My compassions are kindled together. 9 I will not execute the fierceness of My anger. I will not return to destroy Ephraim. For I am God, and not man, the Holy One in the midst of you. And I will not enter into the city. 10 They shall walk after the Lord. He shall roar like a lion. When He roars, then the children shall tremble from the west. 11 They shall tremble like a bird out of Egypt and like a dove out of the land of Assyria. And I will place them in their houses,” says the Lord. 12 “Ephraim surrounds Me with lies, and the house of Israel with deceit. But Judah still rules with God and is faithful with the saints.” Response of Jehovah, Continued Ephraim feeds on wind and follows after the east wind. He daily increases lies and desolation. And they make a covenant with the Assyrians. And oil is carried into Egypt. 2 The Lord also has a controversy with Judah and will punish Jacob according to his ways. He will repay him according to his deeds. 3 He took his brother by the heel
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in the womb. And by his strength he had power with God. 4 Yes, he had power over the angel and prevailed. He wept and made supplication to Him. He found Him in Bethel, and there He spoke with us— 5 even the Lord God of hosts. The Lord is His name. 6 Therefore, return to your God. Keep mercy and judgment and wait for your God continually. 7 He is a merchant. The balances of deceit are in his hand; he loves to oppress. 8 And Ephraim said, “Yet I have become rich. I have found wealth for myself. In all my labors they shall find no iniquity in me that is sin.” 9 “And I who am the Lord your God, from the land of Egypt, will yet make you to dwell in tents, as in the days of the solemn feast. 10 I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions and used images by the ministry of the prophets.” 11 Is there iniquity in Gilead? Surely they are worthless. They sacrifice bulls in Gilgal. Yes, their altars are like heaps in the furrows of the fields. 12 And Jacob fled into the country of Syria. And Israel served for a wife, and for a wife he kept sheep. 13 And by a prophet the Lord brought Israel out of Egypt. And by a prophet he was preserved. 14 Ephraim provoked Him to anger most bitterly. Therefore, He shall leave his blood on him. And his Lord shall return his reproach to him. Response of Jehovah, Continued When Ephraim spoke, trembling, he exalted himself
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in Israel. But when he offended through Baal, he died. 2 And now they sin more and more, and have made for themselves cast images of their silver and idols according to their own understanding, all of it the work of the craftsmen. They say of them, “Let the men who sacrifice kiss the calves!” 3 Therefore, they shall be like the morning cloud and like the early dew that passes away, like the chaff that is driven with the whirlwind out of the threshing floor and like the smoke out of the chimney. 4 “Yet I am the Lord your God from the land of Egypt, and you shall know no god but Me. For there is no savior besides Me. 5 I knew you in the wilderness, in the land of great drought. 6 According to their pasture, so they were filled. They were filled, and their heart was exalted. Therefore, they have forgotten Me. 7 Therefore, I will be to them like a lion. Like a leopard by the road, I will observe them. 8 I will meet them like a bear that is bereaved of her cubs and will tear open the caul of their heart. And there I will devour them like a lion. The wild beast shall tear them. 9 “O Israel, you have destroyed yourself. But your help is in Me. 10 I will be your King. Where is any other who may save you in all your cities? And your judges, of whom you said, ‘Give me a king and princes’? 11 I gave you a king in My anger and took him away in My wrath. 12 The iniquity of Ephraim is bound up. His sin is stored up. 13 The sorrows of a woman in childbirth shall come on him. He is an unwise son, for he
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should not stay long in the place of the birth of children. 14 I will ransom them from the power of the grave. I will redeem them from death. O death, I will be your plagues. O grave, I will be your destruction. Compassion shall be hidden from My eyes.” 15 Though he is fruitful among his brothers, an east wind shall come. The wind of the Lord shall come up from the wilderness. And his spring shall become dry. And his fountain shall be dried up. He shall plunder the treasury of all pleasant vessels. 16 Samaria shall become desolate, for she has rebelled against her God. They shall fall by the sword. Their infants shall be dashed to pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up. Israel Restored at Last O Israel, return to the Lord your God, for you have fallen by your iniquity. 2 Take words with you and return to the Lord. Say to Him, “Take away all iniquity and receive us graciously, so we will
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render the sacrifices of our lips. 3 Assyria shall not save us. We will not ride on horses, nor will we say anymore to the work of our hands, ‘You are our gods.’ For in You the fatherless find mercy.” 4 “I will heal their backsliding. I will love them freely. For My anger is turned away from them. 5 I will be like the dew to Israel. He shall grow like the lily and cast forth his roots like Lebanon. 6 His branches shall spread, and his beauty shall be like the olive tree, and his smell like Lebanon. 7 Those who dwell under his shadow shall return. They shall revive like the grain and grow like the vine. Their scent shall be like the wine of Lebanon. 8 Ephraim shall say, ‘What have I to do anymore with idols?’ I have heard him and observed him. I am like a green fir tree. Your fruit is found in Me.” 9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? Prudent, and he shall know them? For the ways of the Lord are right, and the just shall walk in them. But the transgressors shall fall in them.
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JOEL INTRODUCTION TO JOEL The book of Joel is an intriguing book, beginning with the fact that we know little about the author, his historical time frame, or even whether he was writing to the northern kingdom of Israel or the southern kingdom of Judah. We are left, then, with the words themselves—the brute force of the message of the divine author. We may be unaware of the specifics of Joel’s personal information or the audience to whom he writes, yet he delivers the message of God with boldness and clarity. AUTHOR Joel (meaning “Jehovah is God”) is a popular name in the Old Testament, with a dozen other men bearing the same name. However, little is known about the prophet Joel. OCCASION Joel writes in response to a devastating attack by locusts. But the destructive insects are described as an invading army, symbolizing the potentially greater destruction awaiting those who do not heed the words of the prophet and repent. Then, beyond the immediate situation in the land, Joel writes of the day of the Lord, when judgment will come to the enemies of God’s people and Israel will eventually be restored.
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The Plague of Insects The word of the Lord that came to Joel the son of Pethuel: 2 Hear this, you old men, and give ear, all you inhabitants of the land. Has this been in your days or even in the days of your fathers? 3 Tell your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation. 4 What the palmerworm has left, the locust has eaten. And what the locust has left, the cankerworm has eaten. And what the cankerworm has left, the caterpillar has eaten. 5 Awake, you drunkards and weep. And wail, all you drinkers of wine because of the new wine, for it is cut off from your mouth. 6 For a nation has come up upon my land, strong and without number, whose teeth are the teeth of a lion, and he has the cheek teeth of a great lion. 7 He has laid my vine waste and removed bark from my fig tree. He has made it completely bare and cast it away. Its branches are made white. 8 Lament like a virgin girded with sackcloth for the husband of her youth. 9 The grain offering and the drink offering are cut off from the house of the Lord. The priests, the Lord’s ministers, mourn. 10 The field is destroyed. The land mourns, for the grain is destroyed. The new wine is dried up. The oil languishes. 11 Be ashamed, O you farmers. Wail, O you vinedressers, for the wheat and for the barley, because the harvest of the field has perished. 12 The vine is dried up and the fig tree languishes. The pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree—even all the trees of
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the field—are withered because joy is withered away from the sons of men. 13 Gird yourselves and lament, you priests. Wail, you ministers of the altar. Come, lie all night in sackcloth, you ministers of my God, for the grain offering and the drink offering are withheld from the house of your God. 14 Sanctify a fast. Call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land into the house of the Lord your God, and cry unto the Lord. The Plague of Insects: A Type of the Day of the Lord 15 Alas, for the day! For the day of the Lord is at hand, and it shall come like a destruction from the Almighty. 16 Is the food not cut off before our eyes, yes, joy and gladness from the house of our God? 17 The seed is rotten under their clods, the storehouses are laid desolate, the barns are broken down, for the grain is withered. 18 How the beasts groan! The herds of cattle are perplexed because they have no pasture. Yes, the flocks of sheep are made desolate. 19 O Lord, to You I will cry, for the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness and the flame has burned all the trees of the field. 20 The beasts of the field cry also to You, for the rivers of waters are dried up and the fire has devoured the pastures of the wilderness. The Day of the Lord: Invaders from the North Blow the trumpet in Zion and sound an alarm on My holy
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mountain. Let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord is coming, for it is close at hand. 2A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spreads on the mountains. A great and a strong people, the like of whom has never been, nor shall there be any more after them, even to the years of many generations. 3 A fire devours before them, and behind them a flame burns. The land is like the garden of Eden before them, and behind them, a desolate wilderness. Yes, and nothing shall escape them. 4 Their appearance is like the appearance of horses, and like horsemen, so they shall run. 5 Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains they shall leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devours the stubble, like a strong people set in battle array. 6 Before their face the people shall be very pained. All faces shall gather blackness. 7 They shall run like mighty men. They shall climb the wall like men of war, and they shall march, every one on his way, and they shall not break their ranks. 8 Nor shall one push another. They shall walk, every one in his path, and when they fall on the sword, they shall not be wounded. 9 They shall run to and fro in the city. They shall run on the wall. They shall climb up on the houses. They shall enter at the windows like a thief. 10 The earth shall quake before them. The heavens shall tremble. The sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. 11 And the Lord shall utter His voice
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before His army, for His camp is very great. For He is strong who executes His word. For the day of the Lord is great and very terrible, and who can withstand it? 12 “Therefore, also now,” says the Lord, “turn even to Me with all your heart, and with fasting, and with weeping, and with mourning.” 13 And tear your heart and not your garments, and turn to the Lord your God, for He is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and of great kindness, and relents from doing evil. 14 Who knows if He will return and relent and leave a blessing behind Him, even a grain offering and a drink offering to the Lord your God? 15 Blow the trumpet in Zion. Sanctify a fast. Call a solemn assembly. 16 Gather the people. Sanctify the congregation. Assemble the elders. Gather the children and nursing babies. Let the bridegroom go forth from his chamber and the bride out of her closet. 17 Let the priests, the ministers of the Lord, weep between the porch and the altar, and let them say, “Spare Your people, O Lord, and do not give Your heritage to reproach, that the nations should rule over them. Why should they say among the people, ‘Where is their God?’” The Lord’s Response in Promise of Deliverance 18 Then the Lord will be jealous for His land and pity His people. 19 Yes, the Lord will answer and say to His people: “Behold, I will send you grain and wine and oil, and you shall be satisfied with them. And I will no
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longer make you a reproach among the nations. 20 But I will remove the northern army far off from you and will drive him into a barren and desolate land, with his face toward the east sea and his rear part toward the farthest sea. His stink shall come up, and his stench shall come up, because he has done great things.” 21 Do not fear, O land. Be glad and rejoice, for the Lord will do great things. 22 Do not be afraid, you beasts of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness spring, for the tree bears her fruit, the fig tree and the vine yield their strength. 23 Be glad, then, you children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for He has given you the former rain moderately, and He will cause the rain to come down for you, the former rain and the latter rain in the first month. 24 And the floors shall be full of wheat, and the vats shall overflow with wine and oil. 25 “And I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpillar, and the palmerworm, My great army that I sent among you. 26 And you shall eat in plenty and be satisfied and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And My people shall never be ashamed. 27 And you shall know that I am in the midst of Israel and that I am the Lord your God and no one else. And My people shall never be ashamed. 28 “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out My Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, your
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young men shall see visions. 29 And also on the servants and on the handmaids in those days I will pour out My Spirit.” The Signs Preceding the Day of the Lord 30 “And I will show wonders in the heavens and in the earth: blood and fire and pillars of smoke. 31 “The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes. 32 And it shall come to pass that whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be delivered, for in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance, as the Lord has said, and in the remnant whom the Lord shall call.” The Restoration of Israel “For behold, in those days and in that time when I shall bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, 2 I will also gather all nations and will bring them down into the Valley of Jehoshaphat, and will plead with them there for My people and for My heritage, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations and parted My land. 3 And they have cast lots for My people and have given a boy for a prostitute and sold a girl for wine, that they might drink. 4 Yes, and what have you to do with Me, O Tyre and Sidon and all the coasts of Palestine? Will you render Me a recompense? And if you repay Me, swiftly and speedily I will return your recompense on your own head 5 because you have taken My
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silver and My gold and have carried into your temples My fine, pleasant things. 6 The children also of Judah and the children of Jerusalem you have sold to the Greeks, that you might remove them far from their border. 7 Behold, I will raise them out of the place where you have sold them and will return your recompense on your own head. 8 And I will sell your sons and your daughters into the hand of the children of Judah, and they shall sell them to the Sabeans, to a people far off, for the Lord has spoken it.” 9 Proclaim this among the Gentiles: Prepare for war. Wake up the mighty men. Let all the men of war draw near; let them come up. 10 Beat your plowshares into swords and your pruning hooks into spears. Let the weak say, “I am strong.” 11 Assemble yourselves and come, all you nations, and gather yourselves together all around. Cause Your mighty ones to come down there, O Lord. 12 “Let the nations be awakened and come up to the Valley of Jehoshaphat, for there I will sit to judge all the surrounding nations. 13 Put in the sickle, for the harvest is ripe. Come, get down, for the press is full, the vats overflow, for their wickedness is great.” 14 Multitudes, multitudes in the
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valley of decision, for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. 15 The sun and the moon shall be darkened, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. 16 The Lord also shall roar out of Zion and utter His voice from Jerusalem. And the heavens and the earth shall shake. But the Lord will be the hope of His people and the strength of the children of Israel. Full Kingdom Blessing 17 “So you shall know that I am the Lord your God dwelling in Zion, My holy mountain. Then Jerusalem shall be holy, and no foreigners shall pass through her anymore. 18 “And it shall come to pass in that day that the mountains shall drop down new wine, and the hills shall flow with milk, and all the rivers of Judah shall flow with waters, and a fountain shall come forth out of the house of the Lord and shall water the Valley of Shittim. 19 Egypt shall be a desolation, and Edom shall be a desolate wilderness for the violence against the children of Judah because they have shed innocent blood in their land. 20 But Judah shall dwell forever, and Jerusalem from generation to generation. 21 For I will cleanse their blood that I have not cleansed, for the Lord dwells in Zion.”
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AMOS INTRODUCTION TO AMOS The prophet Amos was a contemporary of Old Testament prophets Hosea and Isaiah. He stood for justice in an era of Israel’s history in which the nation was politically strong but spiritually weak. AUTHOR The first verse of this book attributes the writing to a man named Amos. Though his prophecy is directed to Israel, the northern kingdom, Amos himself is from Tekoa, a town in Judah, five miles south of Bethlehem. His work as a shepherd and gardener implies he belongs to the working class until the Lord commissions him to be one of His prophets. OCCASION Amos’s ministry falls in the first half of the eighth century BC, during the last half of the reign of Jeroboam II (793–753 BC). Israel is enjoying a measure of domestic affluence and international power that she has not known since the reign of Solomon. Israel and Judah have expanded to the point that they encompass nearly all the land that David and Solomon controlled two centuries before. It is a time of military conquest and economic prosperity. It is also a time of moral darkness.
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Judgments on Surrounding Peoples The words of Amos, who was among the herdsmen of Tekoa, which he saw concerning Israel in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah, and in the days of Jeroboam the son of Joash, king of Israel, two years before the earthquake. 2 And he said, “The Lord will roar from Zion and utter His voice from Jerusalem. And the dwellings of the shepherds shall mourn. And the top of Carmel shall wither.” 3 This is what the Lord says: “For three transgressions of Damascus, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they have threshed Gilead with threshing instruments of iron. 4 But I will send a fire into the house of Hazael that shall devour the palaces of Ben-hadad. 5 I will also break the bar of Damascus and cut off the inhabitant from the plain of Aven and he who holds the scepter from the house of Eden. And the people of Syria shall go into captivity to Kir,” says the Lord. 6 This is what the Lord says: “For three transgressions of Gaza, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they carried away captive the whole captivity to deliver them up to Edom. 7 But I will send a fire on the wall of Gaza that shall devour its palaces. 8 And I will cut off the inhabitant from Ashdod and he who holds the scepter from Ashkelon. And I will turn My hand against Ekron. And the remnant of the Philistines shall perish,” says the Lord God. 9 This is what the Lord says: “For
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three transgressions of Tyre, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they delivered up the whole captivity to Edom and did not remember the brotherly covenant. 10 But I will send a fire on the wall of Tyre that shall devour its palaces.” 11 This is what the Lord says: “For three transgressions of Edom, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because he pursued his brother with the sword and rejected all pity. And his anger tore perpetually, and he kept his anger forever. 12 But I will send a fire on Teman that shall devour the palaces of Bozrah.” 13 This is what the Lord says: “For three transgressions of the children of Ammon, and for four, I will not turn away their punishment, because they have ripped up the pregnant women of Gilead, that they might enlarge their border. 14 But I will kindle a fire on the wall of Rabbah, and it shall devour its palaces, with shouting on the day of battle, with a tempest on the day of the whirlwind. 15 And their king shall go into captivity, he and his princes together,” says the Lord. Judgments on Surrounding Peoples, Continued This is what the Lord says: “For three transgressions of Moab, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because he burned the bones of the king of Edom to lime. 2 But I will send a fire on Moab, and it shall devour the palaces of Ke rioth. And Moab shall die with tumult, with shouting, and with the
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sound of the trumpet. 3 And I will cut off the judge from its midst and will slay all its princes with him,” says the Lord. Judgment on Judah and Israel 4 This is what the Lord says: “For three transgressions of Judah, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they have despised the law of the Lord and have not kept His commandments, and their lies, after which their fathers have walked, have caused them to stray. 5 But I will send a fire on Judah, and it shall devour the palaces of Jerusalem.” 6 This is what the Lord says: “For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away its punishment, because they sold the righteous for silver and the poor for a pair of shoes. 7 They pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor and turn aside the way of the meek. And a man and his father will go in to the same young woman to profane My holy name. 8 And they lay themselves down on clothes laid to pledge by every altar. And they drink the wine of the condemned in the house of their god. 9 “Yet I destroyed the Amorite before them, whose height was like the height of the cedars, and he was strong as the oaks. Yet I destroyed his fruit from above and his roots from beneath. 10 I also brought you up from the land of Egypt and led you forty years through the wilderness to possess the land of the Amorite. 11 And I raised up some of your sons for prophets and some of your young men for Nazarites. Is it not
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even so, O you children of Israel?” says the Lord. 12 “But you gave the Nazarites wine to drink and commanded the prophets, saying, ‘Do not prophesy.’ 13 “Behold, I am pressed down under you, as a cart that is full of sheaves is pressed down. 14 Therefore, flight shall perish from the swift, and the strong shall not strengthen his force, nor shall the mighty deliver himself. 15 Nor shall he who handles the bow stand. And he who is swift of foot shall not deliver himself. Nor shall he who rides the horse deliver himself. 16 And he who is courageous among the mighty shall flee away naked on that day,” says the Lord. Jehovah’s Controversy with “the Whole Family” of Jacob Hear this word that the Lord has spoken against you, O children of Israel, against the whole family that I brought up from the land of Egypt, saying, 2 “You only have I known of all the families of the earth. Therefore, I will punish you for all your iniquities.” 3 Can two walk together unless they are agreed? 4 Will a lion roar in the forest when he has no prey? Will a young lion cry out of his den if he has caught nothing? 5 Can a bird fall in a snare on the earth where there is no snare for him? Shall one take up a snare from the earth and have caught nothing at all? 6 Shall a trumpet be blown in the city, and the people not be afraid? Shall there be disaster in a city, and the Lord has not done it? 7 Surely the Lord God will do
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nothing unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets. 8 The lion has roared. Who will not fear? The Lord God has spoken. Who can but prophesy? 9 “Proclaim in the palaces at Ashdod and in the palaces in the land of Egypt, and say, ‘Assemble yourselves on the mountains of Samaria and behold the great tumults in their midst and the oppressed in their midst. 10 For they do not know to do right,’ says the Lord, ‘who store up violence and robbery in their palaces.’” 11 Therefore, this is what the Lord God says: “There shall be an adversary even all around the land. And he shall bring down your strength from you, and your palaces shall be plundered.” 12 This is what the Lord says: “As the shepherd takes two legs or a piece of an ear out of the mouth of the lion, so shall the children of Israel who dwell in Samaria and Damascus be taken out—in the corner of a bed and on a couch. 13 Hear and testify in the house of Jacob,” says the Lord God, the God of hosts, 14 “that on the day that I punish the transgressions of Israel, I will also punish the altars of Bethel. And the horns of the altar shall be cut off and fall to the ground. 15 And I will strike the winter house with the summer house. And the houses of ivory shall perish. And the great houses shall come to an end,” says the Lord. The Sacrifices at Bethel Were the Scorn of Jehovah “Hear this word, you cows of Bashan who are on the mountain
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of Samaria, who oppress the poor, who crush the needy, who say to their masters, ‘Bring, and let us drink.’ 2 The Lord God has sworn by His holiness that, behold, the days shall come on you when He will take you away with hooks and your posterity with fishhooks. 3 And you shall go out through the breaches, every cow through what is before her. And you shall cast them into the palace,” says the Lord. 4 “Come to Bethel and transgress; multiply transgression at Gilgal. And bring your sacrifices every morning and your tithes after three years. 5 And offer a sacrifice of thanksgiving with leaven and proclaim and announce the free offerings. For you like this, O you children of Israel,” says the Lord God. 6 “And I have also given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities and lack of bread in all your places. Yet you have not returned to Me,” says the Lord. 7 “And I have also withheld the rain from you, when there were still three months to the harvest. And I caused it to rain on one city and caused it not to rain on another city. One piece was rained on, and the piece where it did not rain withered. 8 So two or three cities wandered to one city to drink water, but they were not satisfied. Yet you have not returned to Me,” says the Lord. 9 “I have struck you with blight and mildew. When your gardens and your vineyards and your fig trees and your olive trees increased, the palmerworm devoured them. Yet you have not returned to Me,” says the Lord.
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have sent the pestilence among you after the manner of Egypt. I have slain your young men with the sword and have taken away your horses. And I have made the stench of your camps to come up to your nostrils. Yet you have not returned to Me,” says the Lord. 11 “I have overthrown some of you, as God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah, and you were like a burning stick plucked out of the fire. Yet you have not returned to Me,” says the Lord. 12 “Therefore, I will do this to you, O Israel. And because I will do this to you, prepare to meet your God, O Israel!” 13 For, behold, He who forms the mountains and creates the wind and declares to man what His thought is, who makes the morning darkness and treads on the high places of the earth, The Lord, the God of Hosts, is His name. Jehovah’s Lamentation over Israel Hear this word that I take up against you, even a lamentation, O house of Israel. 2 The virgin of Israel has fallen. She shall rise no more. She is abandoned in her land. There is no one to raise her up. 3 For this is what the Lord God says: “The city that went out by a thousand shall leave a hundred, and the one that went forth by a hundred shall leave ten to the house of Israel.” 4 For this is what the Lord says to the house of Israel: “Seek Me, and you shall live. 5 But do not seek Bethel or enter into Gilgal. And do
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not pass to Beer-sheba. For Gilgal shall surely go into captivity, and Bethel shall come to nothing. 6 Seek the Lord, and you shall live, lest He break out like fire in the house of Joseph and devour it, and there is no one to quench it in Bethel— 7 you who turn judgment to wormwood and stop righteousness on the earth.” 8 Seek Him who makes the seven stars and Orion, and turns the shadow of death into the morning, and makes the day dark with night, who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the face of the earth. The Lord is His name. 9 He strengthens the plundered against the strong, so that the plundered shall come against the fortress. 10 They hate him who rebukes in the gate, and they hate him who speaks uprightly. 11 Therefore, because your treading is on the poor and you take burdens of wheat from him, you have built houses of cut stone, but you shall not dwell in them. You have planted pleasant vineyards, but you shall not drink wine from them. 12 For I know your many transgressions and your mighty sins. They afflict the just, they take a bribe, and they turn aside the poor in the gate from their rights. 13 Therefore, the prudent shall keep silent in that time, for it is an evil time. 14 Seek good, and not evil, that you may live. And so the Lord, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as you have spoken. 15 Hate the evil, and love the good, and establish judgment in the gate. It may be that the
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Lord God of hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph. The Day of the Lord 16 Therefore, the Lord, the God of hosts, the Lord, says this: “Wailing shall be in all the streets. And they shall say in all the highways, ‘Alas! Alas!’ And they shall call the farmer to mourning and those who are skilled at lamentation to wailing. 17 And in all vineyards there shall be wailing. For I will pass through you,” says the Lord. 18 Woe to you who desire the day of the Lord! To what end is it for you? The day of the Lord is darkness and not light— 19 as if a man fled from a lion, and a bear met him, or went into the house and leaned his hand on the wall, and a serpent bit him. 20 Shall not the day of the Lord be darkness and not light— even very dark, and no brightness in it? 21 “I hate, I despise, your feast days, and I will not savor your solemn assemblies. 22 Though you offer Me burnt offerings and your grain offerings, I will not accept them. Nor will I regard the peace offerings of your fattened beasts. 23 Take away from Me the noise of your songs, for I will not hear the melody of your harps. 24 But let judgment run down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream. 25 “Have you offered sacrifices and offerings to Me in the wilderness forty years, O house of Israel? 26 But you have carried the tabernacle of your Moloch and Chiun, your images, the star of your god, which you made for yourselves. 27 Therefore, I
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will cause you to go into captivity beyond Damascus,” says the Lord, whose name is The God of Hosts. Woe to Those at Ease in a Day of Unrighteousness Woe to those who are at ease in Zion and trust in the mountain of Samaria, who are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! 2 Pass to Calneh and see. And from there go to Hamath the great. Then go down to Gath of the Philistines. Are they better than these kingdoms, or is their border greater than your border? 3 Those who put the evil day far away and cause the seat of violence to come near; 4 who lie on beds of ivory, and stretch themselves out on their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock and the calves out of the midst of the stall; 5 who chant to the sound of the harp and invent for themselves instruments of music, like David; 6 who drink wine in bowls and anoint themselves with the chief ointments, but they are not grieved for the affliction of Joseph— 7 therefore, now they shall go captive with the first who go captive. And the banquet of those who stretched themselves out shall be removed. 8 The Lord God has sworn by Himself, the Lord the God of hosts says, “I hate the excellency of Jacob and hate his palaces. Therefore, I will deliver up the city with all that is in it.” 9 And it shall come to pass that if ten men remain in one house, they shall die. 10 And a man’s uncle, and he who burns him, shall take him up
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to bring the bones out of the house, and shall say to him who is by the sides of the house, “Is there still anyone with you?” And he shall say, “No.” Then he shall say, “Hold your tongue. For we may not make mention of the name of the Lord.” 11 For, behold, the Lord commands, and He will strike the great house with breaches and the little house with clefts. 12 Shall horses run on the rock? Will one plow there with oxen? For you have turned judgment into gall and the fruit of righteousness into hemlock, 13 you who rejoice in nothing, who say, “Have we not taken horns for ourselves by our own strength?” 14 “But, behold, I will raise up a nation against you, O house of Israel,” says the Lord, the God of hosts, “and they shall afflict you from the entrance of Hamath to the river of the wilderness.” The Prophet’s Intercession to Prevail No Longer The Lord God has shown this to me: And behold, He formed grasshoppers at the beginning of the late crop. And behold, it was the late growth after the king’s mowings. 2 And it came to pass that when they had finished eating the grass of the land, then I said, “O Lord God, forgive, I beseech You! By whom shall Jacob arise? For he is small.” 3 The Lord relented of this. “It shall not be,” the Lord said. 4 The Lord God has shown this to me: And, behold, the Lord God called to contend by fire, and it
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devoured the great deep and ate up a part. 5 Then I said, “O Lord God, cease, I beseech You! By whom shall Jacob arise? For he is small.” 6 The Lord relented of this. “This also shall not be,” the Lord God said. 7 He showed me this: And behold, the Lord stood on a wall made by a plumb line, with a plumb line in His hand. 8 And the Lord said to me, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A plumb line.” Then the Lord said, “Behold, I will set a plumb line in the midst of My people Israel. I will never pass by them again. 9 And the high places of Isaac shall be desolate, and the sanctuaries of Israel shall be laid waste. And I will rise against the house of Jeroboam with the sword.” The Priest of Bethel Charges Amos 10 Then Amaziah the priest of Bethel sent to Jeroboam, king of Israel, saying, “Amos has conspired against you in the midst of the house of Israel. The land is not able to bear all his words. 11 For this is what Amos said: ‘Jeroboam shall die by the sword, and Israel shall surely be led away captive out of their own land.’” 12 Amaziah also said to Amos, “O you seer, go! Flee away to the land of Judah, and eat bread there and prophesy there. 13 But never prophesy at Bethel again, for it is the king’s chapel, and it is the king’s court.” The Answer of Amos 14 Then Amos answered and said to Amaziah, “I was no prophet, nor was I a prophet’s son. But I was a
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herdsman and a gatherer of sycamore fruit. 15 And the Lord took me as I followed the flock. And the Lord said to me, ‘Go, prophesy to My people Israel.’ 16 Now, therefore, hear the word of the Lord. You say, ‘Do not prophesy against Israel and do not drop your word against the house of Isaac.’ 17 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: ‘Your wife shall be a prostitute in the city, and your sons and your daughters shall fall by the sword, and your land shall be divided by line, and you shall die in a defiled land. And Israel shall surely go forth into captivity from his land.’” The Basket of Summer Fruit: Israel Soon to Perish The Lord God has shown this to me: And behold, a basket of summer fruit. 2 And He said, “Amos, what do you see?” And I said, “A basket of summer fruit.” Then the Lord said to me, “The end has come on My people of Israel. I will never pass by them again. 3 And the songs of the temple shall be wailings on that day,” says the Lord God. “There shall be many dead bodies in every place. They shall cast them out with silence.” 4 Hear this, O you who swallow up the needy, even to make the poor of the land to fail, 5 saying, “When will the New Moon be gone, that we may sell grain, and the Sabbath, that we may set forth wheat, making the ephah small and the shekel great and falsifying the balances by deceit, 6 that we may buy the poor for silver and the needy for a pair
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of shoes—yes, and sell the refuse of the wheat?” 7 The Lord has sworn by the excellency of Jacob, “Surely I will never forget any of their works. 8 Shall the land not tremble for this, and everyone who dwells in it mourn? And it shall rise up wholly like a flood. And it shall be cast out and drowned as by the flood of Egypt. 9 “And it shall come to pass on that day,” says the Lord God, “that I will cause the sun to go down at noon, and I will darken the earth in the clear day. 10 And I will turn your feasts into mourning and all your songs into lamentation. And I will bring up sackcloth on all loins and baldness on every head. And I will make it like the mourning of an only son, and its end like a bitter day. 11 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord God, “when I will send a famine in the land—not a famine of bread or a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the Lord. 12 And they shall wander from sea to sea, and from the north even to the east; they shall run to and fro to seek the word of the Lord and shall not find it. 13 “On that day the beautiful virgins and young men shall faint from thirst. 14 Those who swear by the sin of Samaria and say, ‘Your god, O Dan, lives’ and ‘The way of Beersheba lives,’ even they shall fall and never rise up again.” The Final Prophecy of Dispersion I saw the Lord standing on the altar, and He said, “Strike the
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lintel of the door, that the posts may shake. And cut them in the head, all of them. And I will slay the last of them with the sword. He of those who flee shall not flee away. And he of those who escape shall not be delivered. 2 “Though they dig into hell, from there My hand shall take them. Though they climb up to heaven, from there I will bring them down. 3 And though they hide themselves on the top of Carmel, I will search and take them out from there. And though they hide from My sight on the bottom of the sea, I will command the serpent from there, and he shall bite them. 4 And though they go into captivity before their enemies, from there I will command the sword, and it shall slay them. And I will set My eyes on them for harm and not for good.” 5 And the Lord God of hosts is He who touches the land, and it shall melt. And all who dwell in it shall mourn. And it shall rise up wholly like a flood and shall be drowned, as by the flood of Egypt. 6 It is He who builds His upper rooms in the heavens and has founded His arch on the earth, He who calls for the waters of the sea and pours them out on the face of the earth. The Lord is His name. 7 “Are you not like children of the Ethiopians to Me, O children of Israel?” says the Lord. “Have I not brought up Israel out of the land of Egypt and the Philistines from Caphtor and the Syrians from Kir? 8 “Behold, the eyes of the Lord
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God are on the sinful kingdom, and I will destroy it from off the face of the earth, except that I will not utterly destroy the house of Jacob,” says the Lord. 9 “For, behold, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, as grain is sifted in a sieve. Yet not the least grain shall fall on the earth. 10 All the sinners of My people shall die by the sword, who say, ‘The evil shall not overtake or prevent us.’” Future Kingdom Blessing: The Lord’s Return 11 “On that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David that has fallen and close up its breaches. And I will raise up its ruins. And I will build it like in the days of old, 12 that they may possess the remnant of Edom and of all the nations, who are called by My name,” says the Lord who does this. 13 “Behold, the days are coming,” says the Lord, “when the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him who sows seed. And the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. 14 And I will bring back the captives of My people of Israel, and they shall build the desolate cities and inhabit them. And they shall plant vineyards and drink their wine. They shall also make gardens and eat their fruit. 15 And I will plant them on their land, and no longer shall they be pulled up out of their land that I have given them,” says the Lord your God.
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OBADIAH INTRODUCTION TO OBADIAH The book of Obadiah is the shortest of the Old Testament, yet its brief message has numerous applications far beyond its relevance to Edom. Obadiah provides a warning to anyone who mistakenly believes that sin will go unnoticed (and unpunished), but he also offers confidence that for those who continue to seek God, the Lord is able to both forgive and deliver. AUTHOR Personal facts are scarce concerning the prophet Obadiah. He provides no family references or pertinent locations that enlighten the reader as to his biography. Even his name (meaning “worshipper of the Lord”) was a common one in his day. At least a dozen Old Testament men are named Obadiah. OCCASION Obadiah has a single purpose in writing: to bring God’s message of judgment to the people of Edom. The nation’s deeply rooted sense of pride will result in its certain downfall.
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Edom Will Be Judged he vision of Obadiah. This is what the Lord God says concerning Edom. (We have heard a report from the Lord, and an ambassador was sent among the nations: “Arise, and let us rise up against her in battle.”) 2 “Behold, I have made you small among the nations. You are greatly despised. 3 “The pride of your heart has deceived you, you who dwell in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation is high, who say in your heart, ‘Who shall bring me down to the ground?’ 4 “Though you exalt yourself like the eagle, and though you set your nest among the stars, from there I will bring you down,” says the Lord. 5 “If thieves came to you, if robbers by night (how you are cut off !), would they not have stolen until they had enough? If the grape gatherers came to you, would they not leave some grapes? 6 How the things of Esau are searched out! How his hidden things are sought! 7 All the men of your confederacy have brought you even to the border. The men who were at peace with you have deceived you and prevailed against you. Those who eat your bread have laid a wound under you. There is no understanding in him. 8 Shall I not on that day,” says the Lord, “even destroy the wise men out of Edom and understanding out of the mount of Esau? 9 And your mighty men, O Teman, shall be dismayed, to the end that everyone of the mount of Esau may be cut off by slaughter.”
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Edom Mistreated God’s People 10 “For your violence against your brother Jacob, shame shall cover you, and you shall be cut off forever. 11 On the day that you stood on the other side, on the day that the strangers carried away captive his forces and foreigners entered into his gates and cast lots on Jerusalem, even you were as one of them. 12 “But you should not have looked on the day of your brother, on the day that he became a stranger. Nor should you have rejoiced over the children of Judah on the day of their destruction. Nor should you have spoken proudly on the day of distress. 13 You should not have entered into the gate of My people on the day of their calamity. Yes, you should not have looked on their affliction on the day of their calamity, nor have laid hands on their wealth on the day of their calamity. 14 Nor should you have stood in the crossway to cut off those of his who escaped. Nor should you have delivered up those of his who remained on the day of distress.” Edom Will Face the Day of the Lord 15 “For the day of the Lord is near on all the nations. As you have done, it shall be done to you. Your reward shall return on your own head. 16 For as you have drunk on My holy mountain, so shall all the nations drink continually. Yes, they shall drink, and they shall swallow down, and they shall be as though they had not been.”
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Edom Will Be Included in the Kingdom 17 “But on Mount Zion shall be deliverance. And there shall be holiness. And the house of Jacob shall possess their possessions. 18 And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble. And they shall kindle in them and devour them. And there shall not be any remaining of the house of Esau,” for the Lord has spoken it. 19 And those of the south shall
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possess the mount of Esau, and those of the plain, the Philistines. And they shall possess the fields of Ephraim and the fields of Samaria. And Benjamin shall possess Gilead. 20 And the captivity of this host of the children of Israel shall possess that of the Canaanites, even to Zarephath. And the captivity of Jerusalem, which is in Sepharad, shall possess the cities of the south. 21 And saviors shall come up on Mount Zion to judge the mount of Esau. And the kingdom shall be the Lord’s.
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JONAH INTRODUCTION TO JONAH Jonah is the only prophet who is recorded as having run away from God. In this way, Jonah is not known for his piety but for his prodigality. Jonah, in his rebellion, disobedience, and hardness of heart, is a man who typifies the rebellion of Israel as described by other prophets. Ironically, the name Jonah means “dove,” a bird often associated with peace. AUTHOR Very little is said of the prophet Jonah outside of the book of Jonah itself. It does seem safe to conclude that the Jonah in 2 Kings 14:25 is the same person who is the subject of the book of Jonah, especially since both are identified as the son of Amittai. The book of Jonah does not name its author. While it is about Jonah, there is no specific claim as to whether Jonah actually wrote it. OCCASION Jonah is a prophet in the northern kingdom of Israel during the first half of the eighth century BC. His predecessors are Elijah and Elisha. The ministries of Hosea and Amos immediately follow that of Jonah.
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Jonah Runs from the Lord Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah, the son of Amittai, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and cry against it, for their wickedness has come up before Me.” 3 But Jonah rose up to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord and went down to Joppa. And he found a ship going to Tarshish, so he paid the fare and went down into it, to go with them to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.
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The Lord Sends a Storm 4 But the Lord sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was likely to be broken. 5 Then the mariners were afraid, and every man cried to his god and cast forth the wares that were in the ship into the sea, to lighten it of them. But Jonah had gone down into the sides of the ship, and he lay and was fast asleep. 6 So the shipmaster came to him and said to him, “What do you mean, O sleeper? Arise, call on your God; it may be that God will think upon us, that we not perish.” Jonah Is Hurled into the Sea 7 And they said, every one to his fellow, “Come, and let us cast lots, that we may know for whose cause this evil is upon us.” So they cast lots and the lot fell on Jonah. 8 Then they said to him, “Tell us, we ask you, for whose cause this evil is upon us. What is your occupation? And where do you come from? What is your country? And of what people are you?” 9 And he said to them, “I am a
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Hebrew, and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who has made the sea and the dry land.” 10 Then the men were exceedingly afraid, and said to him, “Why have you done this?” For the men knew that he fled from the presence of the Lord because he had told them. 11 Then they said to him, “What shall we do to you, that the sea may be calm for us?” For the sea travailed and was tempestuous. 12 And he said to them, “Take me up and cast me forth into the sea. So the sea shall be calm for you. For I know that for my sake this great tempest is upon you.” 13 Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to bring it to the land, but they could not, for the sea travailed and was tempestuous against them. 14 Therefore they cried to the Lord and said, “We beseech You, O Lord, we beseech You. Let us not perish for this man’s life, and do not lay upon us innocent blood. For You, O Lord, have done as it pleased You.” 15 So they took up Jonah and cast him forth into the sea, and the sea ceased from her raging. 16 Then the men feared the Lord exceedingly, and offered a sacrifice to the Lord, and made vows. 17 Now the Lord had prepared a great fish to swallow Jonah. And Jonah was in the belly of the fish three days and three nights. Jonah Prays within the Fish Then Jonah prayed to the Lord his God out of the fish’s belly 2 and said,
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affliction to the Lord, and He heard me. Out of the belly of hell I cried, and You heard my voice. 3 For You had cast me into the deep, in the midst of the seas, and the floods surrounded me. All Your billows and Your waves passed over me. 4 Then I said, “I am cast out of Your sight, yet I will look again toward Your holy temple.” 5 The waters surrounded me, even to the soul; the depth closed me all around; the weeds were wrapped around my head. 6 I went down to the bottoms of the mountains; the earth with her bars was around me forever. Yet You have brought up my life from corruption, O Lord my God. 7 When my soul fainted within me, I remembered the Lord, and my prayer came in to You, into Your holy temple. 8 Those who observe lying vanities abandon their own mercy. 9 But I will sacrifice to You with the voice of thanksgiving. I will pay what I have vowed. Salvation is of the Lord. 10 And the Lord spoke to the fish,
and it vomited out Jonah on the dry land.
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Jonah Preaches; Nineveh Repents And the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time, saying, 2 “Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and preach to it the preaching that I bid you.” 3 So Jonah arose and went to Nineveh, according to the word of the Lord. Now Nineveh was an exceedingly great city of three days’ journey. 4 And Jonah began to enter into the city a day’s journey, and he cried and said, “Yet forty days, and Nineveh shall be overthrown.” 5 So the people of Nineveh believed God, and proclaimed a fast, and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them even to the least of them. 6 For word came to the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, and he laid his robe from him, and covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. 7 And he caused it to be proclaimed and published through Nineveh by the decree of the king and his nobles, saying, “Let neither man nor beast, herd nor flock, taste anything; let them not feed or drink water. 8 But let man and beast be covered with sackcloth and cry mightily to God. Yes, let them turn every one from his evil way and from the violence that is in their hands. 9 Who can tell if God will turn and relent, and turn away from His fierce anger, that we not perish?” 10 And God saw their works—that they turned from their evil way— and God relented of the disaster that He had said that He would do to them. And He did not do it.
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Jonah Is Angered by the Lord’s Mercy But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was very angry. 2 And he prayed to the Lord and said, “I ask You, O Lord, was not this my saying when I was yet in my country? Therefore I fled before to Tarshish, for I knew that You are a gracious God, and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and relenting of the disaster. 3 Therefore now, O Lord, I beseech You, take my life from me. For it is better for me to die than to live.” 4 Then the Lord said, “Do you do well to be angry?” 5 So Jonah went out of the city and sat on the east side of the city, and there made himself a booth and sat under it in the shade, until he might see what would become of the city. 6 And the Lord God prepared a gourd and made it to come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to deliver him from his grief. So Jonah was
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exceedingly glad for the gourd. 7 But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it struck the gourd so that it withered. 8 And it came to pass, when the sun arose, that God prepared a vehement east wind. And the sun beat on the head of Jonah, that he fainted and wished in himself to die, and said, “It is better for me to die than to live.” 9 And God said to Jonah, “Do you do well to be angry for the gourd?” And he said, “I do well to be angry, even to death.” 10 Then the Lord said, “You had pity on the gourd, for which you had not labored, nor made it grow, which came up in a night and perished in a night. 11 And should not I spare Nineveh, that great city, in which are more than one hundred and twenty thousand persons who cannot discern between their right hand and their left hand, and also much cattle?”
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MICAH INTRODUCTION TO MICAH Sometimes called the prophet of the poor, Micah is a contemporary of Isaiah and speaks a similar message, though, as recorded in the Bible, shorter. King Hezekiah initiates sweeping spiritual and moral reforms in Judah in response to the preaching of Micah and Isaiah, but unfortunately these reforms are short-lived. AUTHOR The first verse of this book ascribes the authorship to Micah, a prophet about whom we know very little outside of what is revealed through this prophecy. The prophet is mentioned in only one other place in the Bible, in Jeremiah 26:17–19. In this account, Micah is described as a prophet during the reign of King Hezekiah. When Micah prophesied a bad end for Jerusalem, the king repented, saving Jerusalem from the destruction Micah had prophesied. OCCASION The first verse of this prophecy identifies the monarchies under which Micah prophesies—Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah. This places Micah in the eighth century BC. The prophecy references the destruction of Samaria and the invasion of Sennacherib in 701 BC, which would agree with that chronology.
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The Case of Jehovah against the “House of Israel” The word of the Lord that came to Micah of Moresheth in the days of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah, kings of Judah, which he saw concerning Samaria and Jerusalem. 2 Hear, all you people! Listen, O earth, and all that is in it! And let the Lord God be a witness against you, the Lord from His holy temple. 3 For, behold, the Lord comes forth out of His place and will come down and tread on the high places of the earth. 4 And the mountains shall be melted under Him and the valleys shall be split, like wax before the fire and like waters that are poured down a steep place. 5 All this is for the transgression of Jacob and for the sins of the house of Israel. What is the transgression of Jacob? Is it not Samaria? And what are the high places of Judah? Are they not Jerusalem? 6 “Therefore, I will make Samaria like a heap of the field and like plantings of a vineyard. And I will pour down its stones into the valley. And I will uncover its foundations. 7 And all its carved images shall be beaten to pieces. And all its prostitutes’ wages shall be burned with fire. And all its idols I will make desolate. For she gathered it from the wages of a prostitute, and they shall return to the wages of a prostitute.” 8 Therefore, I will wail and howl. I will go stripped and naked. I will make a wailing like the jackals and mourning like the owls. 9 For her wound is incurable. For it has come to Judah. It has come to the gate of My people, even to Jerusalem.
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10 Do not declare it at Gath. Do not
weep at all. In the house of Aphrah, roll yourself in the dust. 11 Pass away, you inhabitant of Shaphir, having your shame naked. The inhabitant of Zaanan did not come forth in the mourning of Beth-ezel; he shall receive his standing from you. 12 For the inhabitant of Maroth waited carefully for good, but disaster came down from the Lord to the gate of Jerusalem. 13 O you inhabitant of Lachish, harness the chariot to the swift beast (she is the beginning of the sin to the daughter of Zion), for the transgressions of Israel were found in you. 14 Therefore, you shall give presents to Moresheth-gath. The houses of Achzib shall be a lie to the kings of Israel. 15 Yet I will bring an heir to you, O inhabitant of Mareshah. He, the glory of Israel, shall come to Adullam. 16 Make yourself bald and cut off your hair for your precious children; enlarge your baldness like the eagle, for they have gone from you into captivity. Jehovah against Israel, Continued Woe to those who devise iniquity and work evil on their beds! When the morning is light, they practice it because it is in the power of their hand. 2 And they covet fields and take them by violence, and houses, and take them away. So they oppress a man and his house, even a man and his heritage. 3 Therefore, this is what the Lord says: “Behold, I devise a disaster against this family, from which you shall not remove your necks. Nor
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shall you walk haughtily, for this time is evil. 4 In that day one shall take up a parable against you and lament with a mournful lamentation and say, ‘We are utterly ruined. He has changed the portion of my people. How He has removed it from me! Turning away, He has divided our fields.’” 5 Therefore, you shall have no one who shall cast a cord by lot in the congregation of the Lord. 6 “Do not prophesy,” they say to those who prophesy. They shall not prophesy to them, so that they shall not receive shame. 7 O you who are named the house of Jacob, “Is the Spirit of the Lord restricted? Are these His doings? Do My words not do good to him who walks uprightly? 8 “Even recently My people have risen up as an enemy. You pull off the robe with the garment from those who pass by securely, like men returned from war. 9 You have cast out the women of My people from their pleasant houses. You have taken away My glory from their children forever. 10 “Arise and depart, for this is not your rest. Because it is defiled, it shall destroy you, even with a severe destruction. 11 If a man walking in the spirit and falsehood should lie, saying, ‘I will prophesy to you of wine and of strong drink,’ even he shall be the prophet of this people.” The Promise to the Remnant 12 “I will surely assemble all of you, O Jacob; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel. I will put them
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together like the sheep of Bozrah, like the flock in the midst of their fold. They shall make great noise by reason of the multitude of men. 13 The breaker has come up before them. They have broken up and have passed through the gate and have gone out by it. And their king shall pass before them, and the Lord at the head of them.” The Coming Judgment of the Captivities And I said, “Hear, I ask you, O heads of Jacob and you princes of the house of Israel: Is it not for you to know judgment? 2 You who hate the good and love the evil, who pluck their skin from off them and their flesh from off their bones, 3 who also eat the flesh of my people and flay their skin from off them. And they break their bones and chop them in pieces as for the pot, like flesh within the cauldron.” 4 Then they shall cry to the Lord, but He will not hear them. He will even hide His face from them at that time, because they have behaved themselves wickedly in their deeds. 5 This is what the Lord says concerning the prophets who make my people go astray, who bite with their teeth and cry, “Peace,” and they even prepare war against him, he who puts nothing into their mouths: 6 “Therefore, night shall be for you, that you shall not have a vision. And it shall be dark for you, that you shall not divine. And the sun shall go down over the prophets, and the day shall be dark over them. 7 Then the seers shall be ashamed and the diviners confounded. Yes, they shall
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all cover their lips, for there is no answer from God.” 8 But truly I am full of power by the Spirit of the Lord, and of judgment and of might, to declare to Jacob his transgression and to Israel his sin. 9 Hear this, I ask you, you heads of the house of Jacob and princes of the house of Israel, who hate judgment and pervert all equity. 10 They build up Zion with blood and Jerusalem with iniquity. 11 Their heads judge for reward, their priests teach for wages, and their prophets divine for money. Yet they will lean on the Lord and say, “Is the Lord not among us? No evil can come upon us.” 12 Therefore, for your sake Zion shall be plowed like a field, and Jerusalem shall become ruins, and the mountain of the house like the high places of the forest. The Future Kingdom of Messiah But in the last days it shall come to pass that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established on the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills. And people shall flow to it. 2 And many nations shall come and say, “Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob, and He will teach us of His ways, and we will walk in His paths.” For the law shall go forth from Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. 3 And He shall judge among many people and rebuke nations afar off. And they shall beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation shall not
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lift up a sword against nation, nor shall they learn war anymore. 4 But every man shall sit under his vine and under his fig tree. And no one shall make them afraid. For the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken it. 5 For all people will walk, each one in the name of his god. And we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever. 6 “On that day,” says the Lord, “I will assemble her who halts. And I will gather her who is driven out and her who I have afflicted. 7 And I will make her who halts a remnant and her who was cast far off a strong nation. And the Lord shall reign over them on Mount Zion from now on, even forever. 8 And you, O tower of the flock, the stronghold of the daughter of Zion, it shall come to you, even the first dominion. The kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.” 9 Now why do you cry out aloud? Is there no king in you? Has your counselor perished? For pangs have taken you like a woman in labor. 10 Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in labor. For now you shall go forth out of the city, and you shall dwell in the field, and you shall go even to Babylon. There you shall be delivered. There the Lord shall redeem you from the hand of your enemies. 11 Now also many nations are gathered against you, who say, “Let her be defiled. And let our eye look on Zion.” 12 But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord, nor do they understand His counsel. For He shall gather them like the sheaves to the threshing floor.
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13 Arise
and thresh, O daughter of Zion. For I will make your horn iron and your hooves brass, and you shall beat in pieces many people. And I will consecrate their gain to the Lord and their wealth to the Lord of the whole earth. The Birth and Rejection of the King Now gather yourself in troops, O daughter of troops. He has laid siege against us. They shall strike the judge of Israel on the cheek with a rod. 2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me He who is to be ruler in Israel, whose goings forth have been from long ago, from everlasting.” 3 Therefore, He will give them up until the time that she who labors has brought forth. Then the remnant of His brothers shall return to the children of Israel.
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In the Kingdom Age 4 And He shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they shall abide. For now He shall be great to the ends of the earth. 5 And this Man shall be the peace when the Assyrian shall come into our land. And when he tramples our palaces, then we shall raise against him seven shepherds and eight principal men. 6 And they shall destroy the land of Assyria with the sword and the land of Nimrod in its entrances. Thus He shall deliver us from the Assyrian when he comes into our land and when he tramples within our borders.
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7 And the remnant of Jacob shall
be in the midst of many people like a dew from the Lord, like the showers on the grass, that do not wait for man or wait for the sons of men. 8 And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among the flocks of sheep, who, if he goes through, both tramples down and tears in pieces. And no one can deliver. 9 Your hand shall be lifted up against your adversaries, and all your enemies shall be cut off. 10 “And it shall come to pass on that day,” says the Lord, “that I will cut off your horses out of your midst, and I will destroy your chariots. 11 And I will cut off the cities of your land and throw down all your strongholds. 12 And I will cut off witchcraft out of your hand. And you shall have no more soothsayers. 13 I will also cut off your carved images and your standing images out of your midst. And you shall no longer worship the work of your hands. 14 And I will uproot your groves out of your midst. So I will destroy your cities. 15 And I will execute vengeance in anger and fury on those nations that have not heard.” The Lord’s Past and Present Controversy with Israel Hear now what the Lord says: “Arise, contend before the mountains, and let the hills hear your voice. 2 Hear, O you mountains, the Lord’s controversy, and you strong foundations of the earth. For the Lord has a controversy
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with His people. And He will plead with Israel. 3 “O My people, what have I done to you? And how have I wearied you? Testify against Me. 4 For I brought you up out of the land of Egypt and redeemed you out of the house of servants. And I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam before you. 5 O My people, remember now what Balak, king of Moab, purposed, and what Balaam, the son of Beor, answered him, from Shittim to Gilgal, that you may know the righteousness of the Lord.” 6 With what shall I come before the Lord and bow myself before the high God? Shall I come before Him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? 7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams or with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? 8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you, but to act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God? 9 The Lord’s voice cries to the city. And the man of wisdom shall see Your name: “Hear the rod. And who has appointed it? 10 Are the treasures of wickedness still in the house of the wicked and the small measure that is abominable? 11 Shall I count pure those with the wicked scales and with the bag of deceitful weights? 12 For its rich men are full of violence, and its inhabitants have spoken lies. And their tongue is deceitful in their mouth. 13 “Therefore, I will also make you
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sick in striking you, in making you desolate because of your sins. 14 You shall eat, but not be satisfied. And your hunger shall be in your midst. And you shall take hold, but shall not deliver. And what you deliver, I will give up to the sword. 15 “You shall sow, but you shall not reap. You shall tread the olives, but you shall not anoint yourselves with oil, and sweet wine, but shall not drink wine. 16 For the statutes of Omri are kept, and the works of the house of Ahab, and you walk in their purposes, that I should make you a desolation and your inhabitants a hissing. Therefore, you shall bear the reproach of My people.”
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Woe is me! For I am like when they have gathered the summer fruits, like the gleanings of the grape harvest. There is no cluster to eat. My soul desired the first-ripe fruit. 2 The good man has perished from the earth, and there is no one upright among men. They all lie in wait for blood. They hunt—every man his brother—with a net. 3 That they may do evil with both hands earnestly, the prince asks and the judge asks for a bribe. And the great man, he utters his evil desire, so they wrap it up. 4 The best of them is like a briar. The most upright is sharper than a thorn hedge. The day of your watchmen and your punishment comes. Now shall be their perplexity. 5 Do not trust in a friend. Do not put your confidence in a guide. Guard the doors of your mouth from her who lies on your chest. 6 For the son dishonors the father,
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the daughter rises up against her mother, the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s enemies are the men of his own house. The Voice of the Remnant in the Last Days 7 Therefore, I will look to the Lord. I will wait for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me. 8 Do not rejoice against me, O my enemy. When I fall, I shall arise. When I sit in darkness, the Lord shall be a light for me. 9 I will bear the indignation of the Lord, because I have sinned against Him, until He pleads my cause and executes judgment for me. He will bring me forth to the light, and I shall behold His righteousness. 10 Then she who is my enemy shall see it, and shame shall cover her who said to me, “Where is the Lord your God?” My eyes shall behold her. Now she shall be trampled down like the mud of the streets. 11 On the day that your walls are to be built, on that day the decree shall be far removed. 12 On that day also he shall come to you from Assyria, and from the fortified cities, and from the fortress even to the river, and from sea to sea, and from
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mountain to mountain. 13 Yet the land shall be desolate because of those who dwell there, for the fruit of their actions. 14 Feed Your people with Your rod, the flock of Your heritage, who dwell solitarily in the woods, in the midst of Carmel. Let them feed in Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old. 15 “According to the days of your coming out of the land of Egypt, I will show to him marvelous things.” 16 The nations shall see and be confounded at all their might. They shall lay their hand on their mouth. Their ears shall be deaf. 17 They shall lick the dust like a serpent. They shall move out of their holes like worms of the earth. They shall be afraid of the Lord our God and shall fear because of You. 18 Who is a God like You, who pardons iniquity and passes by the transgression of the remnant of His heritage? He does not retain His anger forever, because He delights in mercy. 19 He will turn again. He will have compassion on us. He will subdue our iniquities. And You will cast all their sins into the depths of the sea. 20 You will give truth to Jacob and mercy to Abraham, which You have sworn to our fathers from the days of old.
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NAHUM INTRODUCTION TO NAHUM Nahum is a book that calls into reckoning Judah’s enemy, Nineveh. A careful reading of this book reveals that the author has a high view of God and His Word; he preaches against idolatry, immorality, injustice, and all manner of sin. AUTHOR We don’t know many facts about Nahum, but there is no reason to doubt he is the primary author of the material that bears his name. From his writing style we can assume he was born into a family with enough means to provide him literary training. OCCASION Nahum witnessed the reduction of his nation to vassalage during the early campaigns of Assyria. These events, a prelude and a means to the judgment of both Judah and Nineveh, are part of the process that accomplishes the restoration of God’s people.
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The Holiness of Jehovah The burden of Nineveh. The book of the vision of Nahum the Elkoshite: 2 God is jealous, and the Lord avenges. The Lord avenges and is furious. The Lord will take vengeance on His adversaries, and He reserves wrath for His enemies. 3 The Lord is slow to anger and great in power and will not at all acquit the wicked. The Lord has His way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of His feet. 4 He rebukes the sea and makes it dry and dries up all the rivers. Bashan languishes, and Carmel, and the flower of Lebanon languishes. 5 The mountains quake at Him, and the hills melt, and the earth is burned at His presence, yes, the world and all who dwell in it. 6 Who can stand before His indignation? And who can endure the fierceness of His anger? His fury is poured out like fire, and the rocks are thrown down by Him. 7 The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, and He knows those who trust in Him. 8 But with an overrunning flood He will make an utter end of its place, and darkness shall pursue His enemies. 9 What do you devise against the Lord? He will make an utter end. Affliction shall not rise up the second time. 10 For while they are folded together like thorns, and while they are drunk like drunkards, they shall be devoured like fully dry stubble. 11 There is one who comes out from you who devises evil against the Lord, a wicked counselor. 12 This is what the Lord says: “Though they are quiet, and
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likewise many, yet they shall be cut down, when he shall pass through. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no longer. 13 For now I will break his yoke from off you and will burst your bonds in pieces.” 14 And the Lord has given a commandment concerning you, that no more of your name be sown: “I will cut off the carved image and the cast metal image out of the house of your gods. I will make your grave, for you are vile.” 15 Behold, on the mountains, the feet of him who brings good news, who proclaims peace! O Judah, keep your solemn feasts, fulfill your vows, for the wicked shall no longer pass through you; he is utterly cut off. The Battle in the Streets He who dashes in pieces has come before your face. Guard the rampart, watch the road, make your loins strong, fortify your power mightily. 2 For the Lord has turned away the excellency of Jacob, like the excellency of Israel, for the emptiers have emptied them out and ruined their vine branches. 3 The shield of his mighty men is made red; the valiant men are in scarlet. The chariots shall be with flaming torches on the day of his preparation, and the fir trees shall be terribly shaken. 4 The chariots shall rage in the streets; they shall jostle against one another in the broad ways. They shall seem like torches; they shall run like lightning. 5 He shall remember his worthy men. They shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to its wall, and the defense shall be prepared. 6 The gates of the rivers shall
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be opened, and the palace shall be dissolved. 7 And Huzzab shall be led away captive. She shall be brought up, and her young women shall lead her as with the voice of doves, beating on their breasts. 8 But Nineveh is of old like a pool of water, yet they shall flee away. “Stop! Stop!” they shall cry, but no one shall look back. 9 Take the plunder of silver. Take the plunder of gold. For there is no end to the abundance and glory of all the pleasant furniture. 10 She is empty and void and desolate. And the heart melts, and the knees knock together, and much pain is in all loins, and all their faces gather blackness. 11 Where is the dwelling of the lions and the feeding place of the young lions, where the lion, even the old lion, walked, and the lion’s cub, and no one made them afraid? 12 The lion tore in pieces enough for his cubs, and strangled for his lionesses, and filled his holes with prey and his dens with remnants. 13 “Behold, I am against you,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will burn her chariots in the smoke, and the sword shall devour your young lions. And I will cut off your prey from the earth, and the voice of your messengers shall no longer be heard.” As Nineveh Sowed, So Must She Reap Woe to the bloody city! It is all full of lies and robbery; the prey does not depart. 2 The noise of a whip, and the noise of the rattling of wheels, and of the prancing horses, and of the jumping chariots. 3 The
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horseman lifts up both the bright sword and the glittering spear. And there is a multitude of slain and a great number of bodies, and there is no end to their corpses; they stumble over their corpses— 4 because of the multitude of the prostitutions of the alluring prostitute, the mistress of witchcrafts, who sells nations through her prostitutions and families through her witchcrafts. 5 “Behold, I am against you,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will lift up your skirts over your face, and I will show the nations your nakedness and the kingdoms your shame. 6 And I will cast abominable filth on you and make you vile, and will set you as a spectacle. 7 And it shall come to pass that all those who look at you shall flee from you and say, ‘Nineveh is laid waste! Who will mourn for her? Where shall I seek comforters for you?’” 8 Are you better than populous Thebes that was situated among the rivers, that had the waters around her, whose rampart was the sea and her wall was from the sea? 9 Ethiopia and Egypt were her strength, and it was infinite; Put and Lubim were your helpers. 10 Yet she was carried away; she went into captivity. Her young children also were dashed to pieces at the top of all the streets. And they cast lots for her honorable men, and all her great men were bound in chains. 11 You also shall be drunk. You shall be hidden. You also shall seek strength because of the enemy. 12 All your strongholds shall be like fig trees with the first-ripe figs—if they are shaken, they shall
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even fall into the mouth of the eater. 13 Behold, your people in the midst of you are women. The gates of your land shall be set wide open to your enemies. The fire shall devour your bars. 14 Draw waters for the siege; fortify your strongholds. Go into clay and tread the mortar; make the brick kiln strong. 15 There the fire shall devour you. The sword shall cut you off; it shall eat you up like the cankerworm. Make yourself many like the cankerworm; make yourself many like the locusts. 16 You have multiplied your merchants more than the stars of heaven. The cankerworm
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plunders and flees away. 17 Your crowned are like the locusts and your captains like the great grasshoppers that camp in the hedges on a cold day, but when the sun rises, they flee away, and the place where they are is not known. 18 Your shepherds slumber, O king of Assyria. Your nobles shall dwell in the dust. Your people are scattered on the mountains, and no man gathers them. 19 There is no healing of your bruise; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news of you shall clap their hands over you, for on whom has your wickedness not passed continually?
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HABAKKUK INTRODUCTION TO HABAKKUK Like Nahum, Habakkuk begins by referring to his message as an oracle, or a message, placed upon his heart by God. Like Nahum, Habakkuk assures his readers that what he is about to relate is not from his own ingenuity but is from God. Unlike Nahum, however, Habakkuk does not state that his message is specifically directed at any one individual or group of people, though he will devote a great deal of space to a denunciation of the Chaldeans, which is a representation of the Babylonians. AUTHOR We don’t know anything more about Habakkuk than what can be gleaned from this book. We do know, however, that his authorship of this message was accepted from very early on. OCCASION While Habakkuk may differ from the other prophets in terms of whom he addresses in his message, he is similar in that he is troubled by the disobedience of his people. In Habakkuk’s case, however, rather than pleading with God for more time or with the people for more attention, he questions why God’s judgment hasn’t already fallen on his nation.
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Prayer of Habakkuk: Evil in Dispersed Israel The burden that Habakkuk the prophet saw: 2 “O Lord, how long shall I cry, and You will not hear, even cry out to You of violence, and You will not save? 3 Why do You show me iniquity and cause me to behold grievance? For plundering and violence are before me, and there are those who raise up strife and contention. 4 Therefore, the law is ignored, and judgment never goes forth. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore, wrong judgment proceeds.”
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Voice of Jehovah to Israel among the Nations 5 “Look among the nations, and pay attention, and wonder marvelously. For I will work a work in your days that you will not believe, though it is told to you. 6 For behold, I raise up the Chaldeans, that bitter and hasty nation, who shall march through the breadth of the land to possess the dwelling places that are not theirs. 7 They are terrible and dreadful; their judgment and their dignity shall proceed from themselves. 8 Their horses are also swifter than the leopards and are more fierce than the evening wolves. And their horsemen shall spread themselves out, and their horsemen shall come from afar; they shall fly like the eagle that hastens to eat. 9 They shall all come for violence. Their faces shall gulp like the east wind, and they shall gather the captives like sand. 10 And they shall scoff at the kings, and the princes shall be a scorn to them. They shall laugh at every
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stronghold, for they shall pile up dirt and capture it. 11 Then his mind shall change, and he shall pass over and offend, attributing this power to his god.” Habakkuk’s Testimony to Jehovah 12 Are You not from everlasting, O Lord my God, my Holy One? We shall not die. O Lord, You have ordained them for judgment. And, O mighty God, You have established them for correction. 13 You are of purer eyes than to behold evil and cannot look at iniquity. Why do You look on those who act treacherously and hold Your tongue when the wicked devours the man who is more righteous than he? 14 And why do You make men like the fish of the sea, like the creeping things that have no ruler over them? 15 They take up all of them with a hook; they catch them in their net and gather them in their dragnet. Therefore they rejoice and are glad. 16 Therefore they sacrifice to their net and burn incense to their dragnet, because by them their portion is large and their food plenteous. 17 Shall they therefore empty their net and continually slay the nations without sparing?
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I will stand at my watch and set myself on the tower, and will watch to see what He will say to me and what I shall answer when I am corrected. Jehovah’s Response to Habakkuk’s Testimony 2 And the Lord answered me and said, “Write the vision and make it
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plain on tablets, that he who reads it may run. 3 For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak and not lie. Though it delays, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not delay. 4 “Behold, his soul that is lifted up is not upright in him. But the just shall live by his faith. 5 Yes, also, because he transgresses by wine, he is a proud man and does not stay at home, who enlarges his desire like hell and is like death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathers to himself all nations and piles up for himself all people. 6 Shall all these not take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, ‘Woe to him who increases what is not his—how long? And to him who loads himself with thick clay’? 7 Shall those who bite you not rise up suddenly and awaken those who shall oppress you, and you shall be plunder for them? 8 Because you have plundered many nations, all the remnant of the people shall plunder you because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all who dwell in it. 9 “Woe to him who covets an evil covetousness to his house, that he may set his nest on high, that he may be delivered from the power of evil! 10 You have counseled shame to your house by cutting off many people and have sinned against your soul. 11 For the stone shall cry out of the wall, and the beam shall answer it out of the timber. 12 “Woe to him who builds a town with blood and establishes a city by iniquity! 13 Behold, is it not of the Lord of hosts that the people shall
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labor in the very fire and the people shall weary themselves for vanity? 14 For the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea. 15 “Woe to him who gives his neighbor drink, who puts your bottle to him and also makes him drunk, that you may look on his nakedness! 16 You are filled with shame instead of glory. You drink also, and let your foreskin be uncovered. The cup of the Lord’s right hand shall be turned to you, and shameful spewing shall be on your glory. 17 For the violence of Lebanon shall cover you, and the plunder of beasts, which made them afraid, because of men’s blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all who dwell in it. 18 “What profit is the carved image that its maker has carved it, the cast metal image, and a teacher of lies, that the maker of his work trusts in it, to make mute idols? 19 Woe to him who says to the wood, ‘Awake,’ to the mute stone, ‘Arise, it shall teach!’ Behold, it is overlaid with gold and silver, and there is no breath at all in the midst of it. 20 But the Lord is in His holy temple. Let all the earth keep silence before Him.” Habakkuk’s Answer of Faith A prayer of Habakkuk the prophet, on Shigionoth: 2 “O Lord, I have heard Your speech and was afraid. O Lord, revive Your work in the midst of the years, in the midst of the years make known. In wrath remember mercy. 3 God came from Teman, and the Holy One from Mount Paran. Selah.
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“His glory covered the heavens, and the earth was full of His praise. 4 And His brightness was like the light. He had horns coming out of His hand, and the hiding of His power was there. 5 Before Him went the pestilence, and burning coals went forth at His feet. 6 “He stood and measured the earth. He looked and drove apart the nations. And the everlasting mountains were scattered, the perpetual hills bowed. His ways are everlasting. 7 I saw the tents of Cushan in affliction, and the curtains of the land of Midian trembled. 8 Was the Lord displeased against the rivers? Was Your anger against the rivers? Was Your wrath against the sea, that You rode on Your horses and Your chariots of salvation? 9 Your bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even Your word. Selah. “You divided the earth with rivers. 10 The mountains saw You and they trembled. The overflowing of the water passed by. The deep uttered his voice and lifted up his hands on high. 11 The sun and moon stood still in their habitation; at the light of Your arrows they went, and at the shining of Your glittering spear. 12 You marched through the land in indignation; You threshed the nations
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in anger. 13 You went forth for the salvation of Your people, even for salvation with Your anointed. You wounded the head from the house of the wicked by uncovering the foundation to the neck. Selah. 14 “You struck the head of his villages through with his own lances. They came out like a whirlwind to scatter me; their rejoicing was as to devour the poor secretly. 15 You walked through the sea with Your horses, through the heap of great waters. 16 When I heard, my belly trembled; my lips quivered at the voice. Rottenness entered into my bones, and I trembled in myself, that I might rest on the day of trouble. When He comes up to the people, He will invade them with His troops. 17 “Although the fig tree shall not blossom, nor shall fruit be on the vines, the labor of the olive shall fail, and the fields shall yield no food, the flock shall be cut off from the fold, and there shall be no herd in the stalls,18 yet I will rejoice in the Lord. I will rejoice in the God of my salvation. 19 The Lord God is my strength, and He will make my feet like deer’s feet, and He will make me to walk on my high places.” To the chief singer, on my stringed instruments.
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ZEPHANIAH INTRODUCTION TO ZEPHANIAH Zephaniah denounced the materialism and greed that exploited the poor. He was aware of world conditions and announced God’s judgment on the nations for their sins. Above all, God’s prophet had a deep concern for God’s reputation and for the well-being of all who humbly trusted in Him. AUTHOR Although some concern has been raised with regard to many passages in the book that bears his name, Zephaniah has generally been accepted as the author of most of this book. Zephaniah traces his lineage four generations to a certain Hezekiah. Jewish and Christian commentators alike have commonly identified this Hezekiah with the king by that name, though this is not conclusive. OCCASION The occasion for Zephaniah’s prophecy lies in the deplorable spiritual and moral condition of Judah in the early days of Josiah’s reign. Taking the throne as an eight-year-old, Josiah finds himself the head of an immoral society. As Zephaniah writes, he is cognizant of the conditions that will surely spell the end of Judah itself (2 Kings 23:26–27).
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The Coming Judgment on Judah The word of the Lord that came to Zephaniah, the son of Cushi, the son of Gedaliah, the son of Amariah, the son of Hezekiah, in the days of Josiah the son of Amon, king of Judah: 2 “I will utterly destroy all things from off the land,” says the Lord. 3 “I will destroy man and beast. I will destroy the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea, and the stumbling blocks with the wicked. And I will cut off man from the land,” says the Lord. 4 “I will also stretch out My hand on Judah and on all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place and the name of the Chemarims with the priests, 5 and those who worship the host of heaven on the housetops, and those who worship and swear by the Lord, and swear by Malcam, 6 and those who have turned back from the Lord, and those who have not sought the Lord or inquired of Him.” 7 Be silent at the presence of the Lord God, for the day of the Lord is at hand. For the Lord has prepared a sacrifice; He has sanctified His guests. 8 “And it shall come to pass on the day of the Lord’s sacrifice that I will punish the princes, and the king’s children, and all those who are clothed with foreign apparel. 9 On the same day I will also punish all those who leap on the threshold, who fill their masters’ houses with violence and deceit. 10 And it shall
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come to pass on that day,” says the Lord, “that there shall be the noise of a cry from the Fish Gate, and a wailing from the Second, and a great crashing from the hills. 11 Wail, you inhabitants of Maktesh, for all the merchant people have been cut down. All those who bear silver are cut off. 12 “And it shall come to pass at that time that I will search Jerusalem with candles and punish the men who are settled on their dregs, who say in their heart, ‘The Lord will not do good, nor will He do harm.’ 13 Therefore their goods shall become a plunder and their houses a desolation. They shall also build houses but not inhabit them. And they shall plant vineyards but not drink their wine.” 14 The great day of the Lord is near; it is near and hastens greatly, even the sound of the day of the Lord. The mighty man shall cry bitterly there. 15 That day is a day of wrath, a day of trouble and distress, a day of destruction and desolation, a day of darkness and gloominess, a day of clouds and thick darkness, 16 a day of the trumpet and alarm against the fortified cities and against the high towers. 17 “And I will bring distress on men, that they shall walk like blind men because they have sinned against the Lord. And their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung.” 18 Neither their silver nor their gold shall be able to deliver them on the day of the Lord’s wrath, but the whole land shall be devoured by
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the fire of His jealousy. For He shall make even a speedy end of all those who dwell in the land. The Call to the Remnant Gather yourselves together; yes, gather together, O nation not desired, 2 before the decree is brought forth, before the day passes like the chaff, before the fierce anger of the Lord comes on you, before the day of the Lord’s anger comes on you. 3 Seek the Lord, all you meek of the earth, who have worked His justice; seek righteousness, seek humility. It may be you shall be hidden on the day of the Lord’s anger. 4 For Gaza shall be abandoned, and Ashkelon a desolation. They shall drive out Ashdod at noonday, and Ekron shall be uprooted. 5 Woe to the inhabitants of the seacoast, the nation of the Cherethites! The word of the Lord is against you, O Canaan, the land of the Philistines: “I will even destroy you, that there shall be no inhabitant.” 6 And the seacoast shall be dwellings and cottages for shepherds and folds for flocks. 7 And the coast shall be for the remnant of the house of Judah; they shall feed there. In the houses of Ashkelon they shall lie down in the evening, for the Lord their God shall visit them and turn away their captivity. 8 “I have heard the reproach of Moab and the reviling of the children of Ammon, whereby they have reproached My people and magnified themselves against their territory. 9 Therefore, as I live,” says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel,
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“Surely Moab shall be like Sodom, and the children of Ammon like Gomorrah—even possessed by nettles and salt pits, and a perpetual desolation. The remnant of My people shall plunder them, and the remnant of My people shall possess them.” 10 They shall have this for their pride because they have reproached and magnified themselves against the people of the Lord of hosts. 11 The Lord will be dreadful to them. For He will starve all the gods of the earth, and men shall worship Him, everyone from his place, even all the coastlands of the nations. 12 “You Ethiopians also, you shall be slain by My sword.” 13 And He will stretch out His hand against the north and destroy Assyria, and will make Nineveh a desolation and dry like a wilderness. 14 And flocks shall lie down in the midst of her, all the beasts of the nations. Both the cormorant and the heron shall lodge in her upper lintels; their voice shall sing in the windows; desolation shall be in the thresholds, for He shall uncover the cedar work. 15 This is the rejoicing city that dwelled carelessly, that said in her heart, “I am, and there is no one besides me.” How she has become a desolation, a place for beasts to lie down in! Everyone who passes by her shall hiss and shake his hand. The Moral State of Jerusalem Woe to her who is filthy and defiled, to the oppressing city! 2 She did not obey the voice, she
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did not receive correction, she did not trust in the Lord, she did not draw near to her God. 3 Her princes within her are roaring lions, her judges are evening wolves. They do not gnaw the bones until the morning. 4 Her prophets are frivolous and treacherous persons. Her priests have defiled the sanctuary. They have done violence to the law. 5 The just Lord is in her midst; He will not do iniquity. Every morning He brings His judgment to light. He does not fail, but the unjust knows no shame. 6 “I have cut off the nations. Their towers are desolate. I made their streets desolate so that no one passes by. Their cities are destroyed, so that there is no man, that there is no inhabitant. 7 I said, ‘Surely you will fear Me; you will receive instruction’—so their dwelling should not be cut off, regardless of how I punished them. But they rose early and corrupted all their actions.” The Judgment of the Nations 8 “Therefore, wait on Me,” says the Lord, “until the day that I rise up to the prey. For My determination is to gather the nations, that I may assemble the kingdoms, to pour My indignation on them, even all My fierce anger. For all the earth shall be devoured with the fire of My jealousy. 9 For then will I return to the people a pure language, that they may all call on the name of the Lord to serve Him with one accord. 10 From beyond the rivers of Ethiopia my worshippers, even the daughter of My dispersed, shall
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bring My offering. 11 On that day you shall not be ashamed for all your actions, by which you have transgressed against Me. For then I will take away out of the midst of you those who rejoice in your pride, and you shall no longer be haughty because of My holy mountain. 12 I will also leave in the midst of you an afflicted and poor people, and they shall trust in the name of the Lord. 13 The remnant of Israel shall not do iniquity or speak lies. Nor shall a deceitful tongue be found in their mouth. For they shall feed and lie down, and no one shall make them afraid.” The Kingdom Blessing of Israel 14 Sing, O daughter of Zion. Shout, O Israel. Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, O daughter of Jerusalem. 15 The Lord has taken away your judgments; He has cast out your enemy. The King of Israel, even the Lord, is in your midst. You shall not see disaster any longer. 16 On that day it shall be said to Jerusalem, “Do not fear,” and to Zion, “Don’t let your hands be weak.” 17 The Lord your God in your midst is mighty. He will save; He will rejoice over you with joy. He will rest in His love; He will rejoice over you with singing. 18 “I will gather those who are sorrowful for the solemn assembly, who are from you, to whom its reproach was a burden. 19 Behold, at that time I will undo all who afflict you. And I will save her who halts, and gather her who was driven out, and I will get them praise and fame
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in every land where they have been put to shame. 20 At that time I will bring you back, even in the time that I gather you. For I will make
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you a name and a praise among all people of the earth when I return your captives before your eyes,” says the Lord.
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HAGGAI INTRODUCTION TO HAGGAI Haggai’s message, so effective in shaking the Jews of 520 BC from their lethargy, has an abiding relevance for all who fail to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. The book of Haggai consists of four addresses. AUTHOR We know very little about Haggai outside of the four months of ministry described in this writing. He is mentioned in the book of Ezra. OCCASION Haggai’s purpose is clear. The exiles who returned to Jerusalem after their captivity in Babylonia have failed to complete the temple. Haggai calls these citizens to repentance and to action.
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In the second year of Darius the king, in the sixth month, on the first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, saying, 2 “This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘These people say, “The time has not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.”’” Jehovah’s Chastening Due to Interrupted Work 3 Then the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 4 “Is it time for you, O you, to dwell in your paneled houses and this house to remain desolate?” 5 Now, therefore, this is what the Lord of hosts says: “Consider your ways. 6 You have sown much and bring in little. You eat, but you do not have enough. You drink, but you are not filled with drink. You clothe yourselves, but there is no one warm. And he who earns wages earns wages to put it into a bag with holes.” 7 This is what the Lord of hosts says: “Consider your ways. 8 Go up to the mountain and bring wood and build the house. And I will take pleasure in it, and I will be glorified,” says the Lord. 9 “You looked for much, and behold, it came to little. And when you brought it home, I blew it away. Why?” says the Lord of hosts. “Because of My house that is desolate, and you run, every man, to his own house. 10 Therefore, the sky over you has withheld dew. And the earth has
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withheld her fruit. 11 And I called for a drought on the land, and on the mountains, and on the grain, and on the new wine, and on the oil, and on what the ground brings forth, and on men, and on cattle, and on all the labor of the hands.” The Work Begins Again 12 Then Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel and Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, with all the remnant of the people obeyed the voice of the Lord their God and the words of Haggai the prophet, as the Lord their God had sent him. And the people feared before the Lord. 13 Then Haggai, the Lord’s messenger, spoke the Lord’s message to the people, saying, “I am with you, says the Lord.” 14 And the Lord stirred up the spirit of Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and the spirit of Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and the spirit of all the remnant of the people. And they came and worked in the house of the Lord of hosts, their God, 15 on the twenty-fourth day of the sixth month, in the second year of Darius the king. The Glory of the Temple In the seventh month, on the twenty-first day of the month, the word of the Lord came by the prophet Haggai, saying, 2 “Speak now to Zerubbabel the son of Shealtiel, governor of Judah, and to Joshua the son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and to the remnant of the people, saying, 3 ‘Who is left among you who saw this house in her first
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glory? And how do you see it now? Is it not in your eyes like nothing in comparison? 4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel,’ says the Lord, ‘and be strong, O Joshua, son of Jehozadak, the high priest, and be strong, all you people of the land,’ says the Lord, ‘and work. For I am with you,’ says the Lord of hosts. 5 ‘According to the word that I covenanted with you when you came out of Egypt, so My Spirit remains among you. Do not fear.’ 6 “For this is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘Once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. 7 And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come. And I will fill this house with glory,’ says the Lord of hosts. 8 ‘The silver is Mine and the gold is Mine,’ says the Lord of hosts. 9 ‘The glory of this latter house shall be greater than of the former,’ says the Lord of hosts. ‘And in this place I will give peace,’ says the Lord of hosts.” The Chastening of the Lord for Impurity of the Priests 10 On the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came by Haggai the prophet, saying, 11 “This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘Now ask the priests concerning the law, saying, 12 “If one bears holy meat in the skirt of his garment, and with his skirt touches bread or stew or wine or oil or any food, shall it be holy?”’” And the priests answered and said, “No.” 13 Then Haggai said, “If one who
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is unclean by a dead body touches any of these, shall it be unclean?” And the priests answered and said, “It shall be unclean.” 14 Then Haggai answered and said, “‘So is this people, and so is this nation before Me,’ says the Lord. ‘And so is every work of their hands. And what they offer there is unclean. 15 And now, I ask you, consider from this day forward, from before a stone was laid on a stone in the temple of the Lord: 16 since those days, when one came to a heap of twenty measures, there were only ten; when one came to the winepress to draw fifty vessels out of the press, there were only twenty. 17 I struck you with blight and with mildew and with hail in all the labors of your hands, yet you did not turn to Me,’ says the Lord. 18 ‘Consider now from this day forward, from the twenty-fourth day of the ninth month, even from the day that the foundation of the Lord’s temple was laid, consider it. 19 Is the seed still in the barn? Yes, as yet the vine and the fig tree and the pomegranate and the olive tree have not brought forth. From this day I will bless you.’” The Future Destruction of Gentile Power 20 And again the word of the Lord came to Haggai on the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, 21 “Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, ‘I will shake the heavens and the earth. 22 And I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms, and I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations. And I will overthrow
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the chariots and those who ride in them. And the horses and their riders shall come down, every one by the sword of his brother. 23 On that day,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘I will
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take you, O Zerubbabel My servant, the son of Shealtiel,’ says the Lord, ‘and will make you like a signet ring. For I have chosen you,’” says the Lord of hosts.
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ZECHARIAH INTRODUCTION TO ZECHARIAH The books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi were composed in the postexilic period of Israel’s history to offer hope to a people whose national and personal lives had been shattered by the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and captivity of the people. Zechariah goes beyond Haggai’s burden for the immediate, earthly situation of the postexilic community and sees, through a vision and dream, the unfolding of divine purpose for all of God’s people and for all the ages to come. AUTHOR At least thirty people mentioned in the Bible bear the name Zechariah, which means “The Lord remembers.” The prophet and author of this book, however, is further identified as being the son of Berechiah and grandson of Iddo (1:1). He was born during Judah’s captivity in Babylon and returned to Jerusalem with a group led by Zerubbabel. Iddo was a priest during that time (Nehemiah 12:1–7), and Zechariah eventually succeeds his grandfather in that role. OCCASION After about seventy years of exile in a foreign land, God’s people are released to return to their homeland, only to discover that the walls and temple of Jerusalem have been demolished. Projects are planned for reconstruction, but the people need much encouragement and faith during this period. As both prophet and priest, Zechariah brings assurance of God’s faithfulness and hope for the future of His people.
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Symbolic Visions of the Messianic Hope In the eighth month, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet, saying, 2 “The Lord has been greatly displeased with your fathers. 3 Therefore say to them, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts says: “Turn to Me,” says the Lord of hosts, “and I will turn to you,” says the Lord of hosts. 4 “Do not be like your fathers, to whom the former prophets have cried, saying, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts says: “Turn now from your evil ways, and from your evil doings,”’ but they did not hear or listen to Me,” says the Lord. 5 “Your fathers, where are they? And the prophets, do they live forever? 6 But My words and My statutes, which I commanded My servants the prophets, did they not take hold of your fathers? And they returned and said, ‘Just as the Lord of hosts thought to do to us, according to our ways, and according to our actions, so He has dealt with us.’”’”
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The Ten Visions 7 On the twenty-fourth day of the eleventh month, which is the month of Shebat, in the second year of Darius, the word of the Lord came to Zechariah the son of Berechiah, the son of Iddo the prophet. 8 I saw at night, and behold, a man riding on a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom, and behind him there were red, speckled, and white horses. 9 Then I said, “O my lord, what are these?”
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And the angel who talked with me said to me, “I will show you what these are.” 10 And the man who stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, “These are they whom the Lord has sent to walk to and fro through the earth.” 11 And they answered the angel of the Lord who stood among the myrtle trees and said, “We have walked to and fro through the earth, and behold, all the earth sits still and is at rest.” Jehovah Displeased with the Nations 12 Then the angel of the Lord answered and said, “O Lord of hosts, how long will You not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which You have had indignation these seventy years?” 13 And the Lord answered the angel who talked with me with good and comforting words. 14 So the angel who spoke with me said to me, “Cry, saying, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts says: “I am jealous for Jerusalem and for Zion with a great jealousy. 15 And I am very greatly displeased with the nations who are at ease. For I was but a little displeased, and they furthered the affliction.” 16 Therefore this is what the Lord says: “I have returned to Jerusalem with mercies. My house shall be built in it,” says the Lord of hosts, “and a measuring line shall be stretched out on Jerusalem.”’ 17 Cry further, saying, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts says: “My cities shall yet be spread out through prosperity, and
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the Lord shall yet comfort Zion and shall yet choose Jerusalem.”’” 18 Then I lifted up my eyes and saw, and behold, four horns. 19 And I said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these?” And he answered me, “These are the horns that have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem.” 20 And the Lord showed me four carpenters. 21 Then I said, “What did these come to do?” And he spoke, saying, “These are the horns that have scattered Judah, so that no man lifted up his head. But these have come to frighten them, to cast out the horns of the Gentiles, who lifted up their horn over the land of Judah to scatter it.” The Ten Visions, Continued I lifted up my eyes again and looked, and behold, a man with a measuring line in his hand. 2 Then I said, “Where are you going?” And he said to me, “To measure Jerusalem, to see what is its breadth and what is its length.” 3 And behold, the angel who talked with me went forth, and another angel went out to meet him 4 and said to him, “Run! Speak to this young man, saying, ‘Jerusalem shall be inhabited like towns without walls because of the multitude of men and cattle in it. 5 For I,’ says the Lord, ‘will be to her a wall of fire all around and will be the glory in her midst.’” 6 “Oh! Oh! Come forth and flee from the land of the north,” says the Lord, “for I have spread you out
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like the four winds of the heavens,” says the Lord. 7 “Deliver yourself, O Zion, who dwells with the daughter of Babylon.” 8 For this is what the Lord of hosts says: “He has sent Me after the glory to the nations that plundered you, for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye. 9 For behold, I will shake My hand on them, and they shall be a plunder for their servants. And you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me. 10 “Sing and rejoice, O daughter of Zion, for behold, I am coming, and I will dwell in your midst,” says the Lord. 11 “And many nations shall be joined to the Lord on that day and shall be My people. And I will dwell in your midst, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent Me to you. 12 And the Lord shall inherit Judah, His portion in the holy land, and shall choose Jerusalem again. 13 Be silent, O all flesh, before the Lord, for He has arisen out of His holy habitation.” The Ten Visions, Continued And He showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the angel of the Lord and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, “The Lord rebuke you, O Satan, even the Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you. Is this not a brand plucked out of the fire?” 3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments and stood before the angel. 4 And He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, “Take the filthy garments away from him.” And He said
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to him, “Behold, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with a change of clothing.” 5 And I said, “Let them set a clean turban on his head.” So they set a clean turban on his head and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the Lord stood by. 6 And the angel of the Lord admonished Joshua, saying, 7 “This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘If you will walk in My ways, and if you will keep My command, then you shall also judge My house, and shall also keep My courts, and I will give you places to walk among these who stand by. 8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, you and your companions who sit before you—for they are men wondered at—for, behold, I will bring forth My servant the Branch. 9 For behold the stone that I have laid before Joshua; on one stone shall be seven eyes. Behold, I will engrave its inscription,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and I will remove the iniquity of that land in one day. 10 On that day,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘every one of you shall call his neighbor under the vine and under the fig tree.’” The Ten Visions, Continued And the angel who talked with me came back and woke me, like a man who is awakened out of his sleep, 2 and said to me, “What do you see?” And I said, “I have looked and behold, a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it, and its seven lamps on it, and seven pipes to the
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seven lamps, which are on the top of it, 3 and two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl and the other on its left side.” 4 So I answered and spoke to the angel who talked with me, saying, “What are these, my lord?” 5 Then the angel who talked with me answered and said to me, “Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 6 Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, “This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel, saying, ‘Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit,’ says the Lord of hosts. 7 ‘Who are you, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you shall become a plain, and he shall bring forth its top stone with shouts, crying, “Grace, grace to it!”’” 8 Moreover, the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 9 “The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house. His hands shall also finish it, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. 10 For who has despised the day of small things? For they shall rejoice and shall see the plumb line in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.” 11 Then I answered and said to him, “What are these two olive trees on the right side of the candlestick and on the left side of it?” 12 And I answered again and said to him, “What are these two olive branches that empty the golden oil out of themselves through the two golden pipes?” 13 And he answered me and said,
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“Do you not know what these are?” And I said, “No, my lord.” 14 Then he said, “These are the two anointed ones who stand by the Lord of the whole earth.” The Ten Visions, Continued Then I turned and lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, a flying scroll. 2 And he said to me, “What do you see?” And I answered, “I see a flying scroll; its length is twenty cubits, and its breadth ten cubits.” 3 Then he said to me, “This is the curse that goes forth over the face of the whole earth. For everyone who steals shall be cut off according to this side of it, and everyone who swears shall be cut off according to that side of it. 4 I will bring it forth,” says the Lord of hosts, “and it shall enter the house of the thief and the house of him who swears falsely by My name, and it shall remain in the midst of his house and shall destroy it with its timber and its stones.” 5 Then the angel who talked with me went forth and said to me, “Lift up your eyes now, and see what this is that goes forth.” 6 And I said, “What is it?” And he said, “This is a basket that goes forth.” He said moreover, “This is their appearance through all the earth.” 7 And behold, a talent of lead was lifted up. “And this is a woman who sits in the midst of the basket.” 8 And he said, “This is wickedness.” And he cast it into the midst of the basket, and he cast the weight of lead on its mouth.
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I lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, two women came out, and the wind was in their wings, for they had wings like the wings of a stork. And they lifted up the basket between the earth and the heavens. 10 Then I said to the angel who talked with me, “Where are these carrying the basket?” 11 And he said to me, “To build a house for it in the land of Shinar. And it shall be established and set there on its own base.” The Ten Visions, Continued And I turned and lifted up my eyes and looked, and behold, four chariots came out from between two mountains, and the mountains were mountains of brass. 2 With the first chariot were red horses, and with the second chariot black horses, 3 and with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot spotted and strong horses. 4 Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” 5 And the angel answered and said to me, “These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. 6 The black horses that are with it go forth into the north country, and the white go forth after them, and the spotted go forth toward the south country.” 7 And the strong went forth and sought to go, that they might walk to and fro through the earth. And He said, “Go, walk to and fro through the earth.” So they walked to and fro through the earth.
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to me, saying, “Behold, these who go toward the north country have quieted My Spirit in the north country.”
The Symbolic Crowning of Joshua 9 And the word of the Lord came to me, saying, 10 “Take from those of the captivity, even from Heldai, from Tobijah, and from Jedaiah, who have come from Babylon, and come the same day and go into the house of Josiah the son of Zephaniah. 11 “Then take silver and gold and make crowns, and set them on the head of Joshua the son of Jehozadak the high priest, 12 and speak to him, saying, ‘This is what the Lord of hosts speaks, saying: “Behold the Man whose name is The Branch, and He shall grow up out of His place, and He shall build the temple of the Lord. 13 Even He shall build the temple of the Lord, and He shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule on His throne, and He shall be a priest on His throne. And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”’ 14 And the crowns shall be for a memorial in the temple of the Lord to Helem, and to Tobijah, and to Jedaiah, and to Hen the son of Zephaniah. 15 And those who are far off shall come and build in the temple of the Lord, and you shall know that the Lord of hosts has sent me to you. And this shall come to pass if you will diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God.”
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The Mission from Babylon: The Question of the Fasts And it came to pass in the fourth year of king Darius that the word of the Lord came to Zechariah on the fourth day of the ninth month, even in Chislev, 2 when they had sent Sharezer and Regem-melech, and their men, to the house of God to pray before the Lord 3 and to speak to the priests who were in the house of the Lord of hosts, and to the prophets, saying, “Should I weep in the fifth month, separating myself, as I have done these so many years?”
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The Answer of Jehovah 4 Then the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, 5 “Speak to all the people of the land and to the priests, saying, ‘When you fasted and mourned in the fifth and seventh months, even those seventy years, did you at all fast to Me, even to Me? 6 And when you ate and when you drank, did you not eat for yourselves and drink for yourselves? 7 Should you not hear the words that the Lord has cried by the former prophets, when Jerusalem was inhabited and in prosperity, and her cities around her, when men inhabited the south and the plain?’” 8 And the word of the Lord came to Zechariah, saying, 9 “This is what the Lord of hosts speaks, saying: ‘Execute true judgment, and show mercy and compassion every man to his brother. 10 And do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the stranger or the poor, and let none
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of you plan evil against his brother in your heart.’ 11 But they refused to listen, and pulled away the shoulder, and stopped their ears, that they should not hear. 12 Yes, they made their hearts like an adamant stone, lest they should hear the law and the words that the Lord of hosts has sent in His Spirit by the former prophets. Therefore, a great wrath came from the Lord of hosts. 13 Therefore, it has come to pass that as He cried, and they would not hear, so they cried, and I would not hear,” says the Lord of hosts. 14 “But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they did not know. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through or returned. For they made the pleasant land desolate.” Jehovah’s Unchanged Purpose to Bless Israel Again the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, 2 “This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘I was jealous for Zion with great jealousy, and I was jealous for her with great fury.’ 3 “This is what the Lord says: ‘I have returned to Zion and will dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And Jerusalem shall be called a city of truth, and the mountain of the Lord of hosts the holy mountain.’ 4 “This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘Old men and old women shall yet dwell in the streets of Jerusalem, and every man with his staff in his hand because of old age. 5 And the streets of the city shall be full of
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boys and girls playing in its streets.’ 6 “This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘If it is marvelous in the eyes of the remnant of this people in these days, should it also be marvelous in My eyes?’ says the Lord of hosts. 7 “This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘Behold, I will save My people from the east country and from the west country, 8 and I will bring them, and they shall dwell in the midst of Jerusalem. And they shall be My people, and I will be their God, in truth and in righteousness.’” The People Heed the Restoration Prophets 9 “This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘Let your hands be strong, you who hear in these days these words by the mouth of the prophets, who were in the day that the foundation of the house of the Lord of hosts was laid, that the temple might be built. 10 For before these days there was no wage for man, nor any wage for beast, nor was there any peace to him who went out or came in because of the affliction. For I set all men, every one, against his neighbor. 11 But now I will not be to the remnant of this people as in the former days,’ says the Lord of hosts. 12 ‘For the seed shall be prosperous, the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew. And I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things. 13 And it shall come to pass, that as you were a curse among the nations, O house of Judah and house of Israel, so I will save you, and you
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shall be a blessing. Do not fear, but let your hands be strong.’ 14 “For this is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘As I thought to punish you, when your fathers provoked Me to wrath,’ says the Lord of hosts, ‘and I did not relent, 15 so again I have thought in these days to do good to Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. Do not fear. 16 These are the things that you shall do: every man speak the truth to his neighbor; execute the judgment of truth and peace in your gates. 17 And let none of you plan evil in your hearts against his neighbor, and love no false oath, for all these are things that I hate,’ says the Lord.” 18 And the word of the Lord of hosts came to me, saying, 19 “This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘The fast of the fourth month, and the fast of the fifth, and the fast of the seventh, and the fast of the tenth shall be joy and gladness and cheerful feasts to the house of Judah; therefore love the truth and peace.’” Jerusalem Yet to Be the Religious Center 20 “This is what the Lord of hosts says: ‘It shall yet come to pass that people shall come there, and the inhabitants of many cities, 21 and the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, “Let us go speedily to pray before the Lord and to seek the Lord of hosts. I will go also.” 22 Yes, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the Lord of hosts in Jerusalem and to pray before the Lord.’ 23 “This is what the Lord of hosts
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says: ‘In those days it shall come to pass that ten men shall take hold, out of all languages of the nations, even shall take hold of the garment of him who is a Jew, saying, “We will go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.”’” Burden on Cities Surrounding Palestine The burden of the word of the Lord in the land of Hadrach, and Damascus shall be its resting place, when the eyes of man, as of all the tribes of Israel, shall be toward the Lord. 2 And Hamath also shall border on it; Tyre and Sidon, though they are very wise. 3 And Tyre built herself a stronghold and piled up silver like the dust and fine gold like the mud of the streets. 4 Behold, the Lord will cast her out, and He will strike her power in the sea, and she shall be devoured with fire. 5 Ashkelon shall see it and fear. Gaza also shall see it and be very sorrowful, and Ekron, for her expectation shall be ashamed. And the king shall perish from Gaza, and Ashkelon shall not be inhabited. 6 “And a people of a mixed race shall dwell in Ashdod, and I will cut off the pride of the Philistines. 7 And I will take away his blood out of his mouth, and his abominations from between his teeth, but he who remains, even he, shall be for our God, and he shall be like a governor in Judah, and Ekron like a Jebusite. 8 And I will camp around My house because of the army, because of him who passes by, and because of him who returns. And no oppressor
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shall pass through them any longer, for now I have seen with My eyes.” Presentation of Christ as King at His First Advent 9 “Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion; shout, O daughter of Jerusalem. Behold, your King comes to you. He is just and possessing salvation, lowly, and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey. 10 And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off. And He shall speak peace to the nations. And His dominion shall be from sea even to sea, and from the river even to the ends of the earth. 11 As for you also, by the blood of your covenant I have sent forth your prisoners out of the pit in which is no water. 12 “Turn to the stronghold, you prisoners of hope. Even today I declare that I will repay double to you 13 when I have bent Judah for Myself, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up your sons, O Zion, against your sons, O Greece, and made you like the sword of a mighty man.” 14 And the Lord shall be seen over them, and His arrow shall go forth like lightning. And the Lord God shall blow the trumpet and shall go with whirlwinds of the south. 15 The Lord of hosts shall defend them. And they shall devour and subdue with sling stones, and they shall drink and make a noise as with wine, and they shall be filled like bowls and like the corners of the altar. 16 And the Lord their God shall save them on that day as the flock
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of His people. For they shall be like the stones of a crown, lifted up like a banner on His land. 17 For how great is His goodness, and how great is His beauty! Grain shall make the young men cheerful, and new wine the young women. The Future Strengthening of Judah and Ephraim Ask the Lord for rain in the time of the latter rain, so the Lord shall make bright clouds and give them showers of rain, to everyone grass in the field. 2 For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain. Therefore they went their way like a flock; they were troubled because there was no shepherd. 3 “My anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats. For the Lord of hosts has visited His flock, the house of Judah, and has made them like His majestic horse in the battle. 4 From him the corner came forth, from him the nail, from him the battle bow, from him every oppressor together. 5 And they shall be like mighty men, who trample down their enemies in the mud of the streets in the battle. And they shall fight, because the Lord is with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded. 6 “And I will strengthen the house of Judah, and I will save the house of Joseph, and I will bring them back to place them, for I have mercy on them. And they shall be as though I had not cast them off, for I am the Lord their God and will hear them. 7 And those of Ephraim shall be like
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a mighty man, and their heart shall rejoice as with wine. Yes, their children shall see it and be glad; their heart shall rejoice in the Lord. 8 I will whistle for them and gather them, for I have redeemed them. And they shall increase as they have increased.” Dispersion and Regathering of Israel 9 “And I will sow them among the people. And they shall remember Me in far countries, and they shall live with their children and return. 10 I will bring them back also out of the land of Egypt and gather them out of Assyria, and I will bring them into the land of Gilead and Lebanon, and space shall not be found for them. 11 And he shall pass through the sea with affliction and shall strike the waves in the sea, and all the depths of the river shall dry up. And the pride of Assyria shall be brought down, and the scepter of Egypt shall depart. 12 And I will strengthen them in the Lord, and they shall walk up and down in His name,” says the Lord. The First Advent and Rejection of Messiah Open your doors, O Lebanon, that the fire may devour your cedars. 2 Wail, fir tree, for the cedar has fallen, because the mighty have been ruined. Wail, O you oaks of Bashan, for the forest of the vintage has come down. 3 There is a sound of the wailing of the shepherds, for their glory is ruined. There is a sound of the roaring of young lions, for the pride of Jordan is ruined.
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Zechariah 11:13 4 This is what the Lord my God
says: “Feed the flock of the slaughter, 5 whose possessors slay them, and do not hold themselves guilty. And those who sell them say, ‘Blessed be the Lord, for I am rich.’ And their own shepherds do not pity them. 6 For I will no longer pity the inhabitants of the land,” says the Lord, “but behold, I will deliver every man into his neighbor’s hand and into the hand of his king, and they shall strike the land, and out of their hand I will not deliver them.” The Cause of the Wrath, the Rejection of Messiah 7 And I will feed the flock of slaughter, even you, O poor of the flock. And I took for myself two staffs: the one I called Beauty, and the other I called Bonds, and I fed the flock. 8 Also I cut off three shepherds in one month, and my soul loathed them, and their soul also hated me. 9 Then I said, “I will not feed you. What is to die, let it die, and what is to be cut off, let it be cut off, and let the rest, every one, eat the flesh of another.” 10 And I took my staff, even Beauty, and cut it into pieces, that I might break my covenant that I had made with all the people. 11 And it was broken on that day, and so the poor of the flock who waited on me knew that it was the word of the Lord. 12 And I said to them, “If you think it good, give me my wages, and if not, refrain.” So they weighed thirty pieces of silver for my wages. 13 And the Lord said to me, “Cast it to the potter”—a fine price that I
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was valued at by them. And I took the thirty pieces of silver and cast them to the potter in the house of the Lord. 14 Then I cut into pieces my other staff, Bonds, that I might break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel. The Beast and His Judgment 15 And the Lord said to me, “Take for yourself again the equipment of a foolish shepherd. 16 For behold, I will raise up a shepherd in the land who shall not visit those who are cut off, or seek the young one, or heal what is broken, or feed what stands still. But he shall eat the flesh of the fat and tear their claws in pieces. 17 Woe to the idol shepherd who leaves the flock! The sword shall be on his arm and on his right eye. His arm shall be completely dried up, and his right eye shall be utterly darkened.” The Siege of Jerusalem by the Beast and His Armies The burden of the word of the Lord for Israel, says the Lord, who stretches forth the heavens, and lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him: 2 “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of trembling to all the surrounding people when they shall be in the siege both against Judah and against Jerusalem. 3 And on that day I will make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people. All who burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth are gathered together against it. 4 On that day,” says the Lord, “I will strike every
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horse with astonishment and his rider with madness, and I will open My eyes on the house of Judah and will strike every horse of the people with blindness. 5 And the governors of Judah shall say in their hearts, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem shall be my strength in the Lord of hosts their God.’ 6 “On that day I will make the governors of Judah like a hearth of fire among the wood and like a torch of fire in a sheaf, and they shall devour all the surrounding people, on the right hand and on the left. And Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place, even in Jerusalem. 7 The Lord also shall save the tents of Judah first, that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem do not magnify themselves against Judah. 8 On that day the Lord shall defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and he who is feeble among them on that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the angel of the Lord before them. 9 And it shall come to pass on that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.” The Spirit Poured Out; the Pierced One Revealed 10 “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and of supplications. And they shall look on Me whom they have pierced, and they shall mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and shall be in grief for Him as one who is in grief for his firstborn. 11 On that
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day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the Valley of Megiddo. 12 And the land shall mourn, every family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves; 13 the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of Shimei by itself, and their wives by themselves; 14 all the families that remain, every family by itself, and their wives by themselves.” The Repentant Remnant Pointed to the Cross “On that day a fountain shall be opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness. 2 “And it shall come to pass on that day,” says the Lord of hosts, “that I will cut off the names of the idols out of the land, and they shall no longer be remembered. And also I will cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to pass out of the land. 3 And it shall come to pass that when any shall still prophesy, then his father and his mother who begot him shall say to him, ‘You shall not live, for you speak lies in the name of the Lord,’ and his father and his mother who begot him shall thrust him through when he prophesies. 4 And it shall come to pass on that day that the prophets shall each be ashamed of his vision, when he has prophesied; they shall not wear a rough garment to deceive. 5 But he shall say, ‘I am no prophet; I am a
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farmer, for man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.’ 6 And one shall say to him, ‘What are these wounds on your hands?’ Then he shall answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’ 7 “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, and against the Man who is My companion,” says the Lord of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered. And I will turn My hand on the little ones. 8 And it shall come to pass, that in all the land,” says the Lord, “two parts in it shall be cut off and die, but the third shall be left in it. 9 And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will test them as gold is tested. They shall call on My name, and I will hear them. I will say, ‘It is My people,’ and they shall say, ‘The Lord is my God.’” Armageddon Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, and your plunder shall be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken, and the houses ransacked, and the women raped, and half the city shall go forth into captivity, and the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord shall go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fought in the day of battle. 4 And on that day His feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall split in its middle toward the east
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and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley. And half the mountain shall move toward the north, and half of it toward the south. 5 And you shall flee to the valley of the mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azel. Yes, you shall flee, just as you fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah, king of Judah. And the Lord my God shall come, and all the saints with You. 6 And it shall come to pass on that day that the light shall not be clear or dark. 7 But it shall be one day that shall be known to the Lord, not day or night. But it shall come to pass that at evening time it shall be light. 8 And it shall be on that day that living waters shall go out from Jerusalem, half of them toward the eastern sea and half of them toward the western sea; it shall be in summer and in winter. The Kingdom Set Up on the Earth 9 And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. On that day there shall be one Lord, and His name one. 10 All the land shall be turned into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem. And it shall be lifted up and inhabited in her place, from Benjamin’s Gate to the place of the First Gate, to the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s winepresses. 11 And men shall dwell in it, and there shall no longer be utter destruction, but Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited. 12 And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who have fought against
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Jerusalem: their flesh shall rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes shall rot in their holes, and their tongue shall rot in their mouth. 13 And it shall come to pass on that day that a great tumult from the Lord shall be among them, and they shall lay hold, every one, on the hand of his neighbor, and his hand shall rise up against the hand of his neighbor. 14 And Judah also shall fight at Jerusalem, and the wealth of all the surrounding nations shall be gathered together—gold, and silver, and apparel, in great abundance. 15 And so the plague of the horse, of the mule, of the camel, and of the donkey, and of all the beasts that shall be in these tents shall be like this plague. The Worship and Spirituality of the Kingdom 16 And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations that came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17 And it shall be that whoever will not come up from all the families of the earth to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, no rain shall be on them. 18 And if the family of Egypt does not go up, and does not come, they shall have no rain. There shall be the plague, with which the Lord will strike the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.
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bells of the horses, Holiness to the Lord, and the pots in the Lord’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar. 21 Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and in Judah shall be holiness
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Zechariah 14:21
to the Lord of hosts. And all those who sacrifice shall come and take of them and boil in them. And on that day there shall no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts.
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MALACHI INTRODUCTION TO MALACHI The book of Malachi is a summons to repentance and revival. In six disputations, the prophet summons the people to forsake their spiritual doldrums and halfhearted commitment to the Lord and return to an active faith and the practice of devotion to God. AUTHOR Some have wondered if Malachi’s name, which means “my messenger,” could be a title rather than a name. But there is no reason to believe that Malachi is written by anyone other than Malachi himself. OCCASION The concerns raised by Ezra and Nehemiah in their work of reformation are some of the same that Malachi mentions: spiritually mixed marriages, the neglect of tithing, disregard for keeping the Sabbath, the corruption of the priesthood, and social injustice. Some scholars suggest that it is likely Malachi preached before the reforms of Ezra and Nehemiah, preparing the way for them.
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The Love of God for Israel The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi: 2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” says the Lord, “yet I loved Jacob, 3 and I hated Esau and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the jackals of the wilderness.” 4 Whereas Edom said, “We are im poverished, but we will return and build the desolate places,” this is what the Lord of hosts says: “They shall build, but I will throw down. And they shall call them “The Bor der of Wickedness” and “The Peo ple against Whom the Lord Has In dignation Forever." 5 And your eyes shall see, and you shall say, ‘The Lord will be magnified from the border of Israel.’”
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The Sins of the Restoration Priests 6 “‘A son honors his father and a ser vant his master. If then I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My fear?’ says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise My name. And you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’ 7 You offer defiled bread on My altar, and you say, ‘In what way have we defiled You?’ In that you say, ‘The table of the Lord is contemptible.’ 8 And if you offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? Offer it now to your gov ernor. Will he be pleased with you or accept you?” says the Lord of hosts.
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9 “And
now, I ask you, beseech God that He will be gracious to us. This has been by your means; will He regard you?” says the Lord of hosts. 10 “Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for no reason? Nor do you kindle fire on My altar for no reason. I have no pleasure in you,” says the Lord of hosts. “Nor will I accept an offer ing from your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun even to the going down of the same, My name shall be great among the Gentiles. And in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and a pure offering. For My name shall be great among the nations,” says the Lord of hosts. 12 “But you have profaned it, in that you say, ‘The table of the Lord is defiled, and its fruit, even its food, is contemptible.’ 13 You also say, ‘Be hold, what a weariness it is!’ and you have snorted in disgust at it,” says the Lord of hosts. “And you brought what was torn and the lame and the sick; thus you brought an offering. Should I accept this from your hand?” says the Lord. 14 “But cursed be the deceiver who has a male in his flock and vows and sacrifices a corrupt thing to the Lord. For I am a great King,” says the Lord of hosts, “and My name is feared among the nations.” The Message to the Priests, Continued “And now, O you priests, this commandment is for you. 2 If you will not hear, and if you will not take it to heart to give glory to My name,” says the Lord of hosts, “I will even send a curse on you, and I
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will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already because you do not take it to heart. 3 “Behold, I will corrupt your de scendants and spread dung on your faces, even the dung of your sol emn feasts. And one shall take you away with it. 4 And you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, that My covenant might be with Levi,” says the Lord of hosts. 5 “My covenant of life and peace was with him, and I gave them to him because of the fear with which he feared Me and was afraid before My name. 6 The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity and turned many away from iniquity. 7 For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. 8 “But you have departed from the way. You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have cor rupted the covenant of Levi,” says the Lord of hosts. 9 “Therefore I have also made you contemptible and lowly before all the people be cause you have not kept My ways but have been partial in the law.” The Sins of the People 10 Do we not all have one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we act treacherously, every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers? 11 Ju dah has acted treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the holiness of the Lord
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that He loved and has married the daughter of a foreign god. 12 The Lord will cut off the man who does this, the master and the scholar, out of the tents of Jacob, and him who offers an offering to the Lord of hosts. 13 And you have done this again, covering the altar of the Lord with tears, with weep ing, and with crying out, so much that He does not regard the offering anymore or receive it with goodwill from your hands. 14 Yet you say, “Why?” Because the Lord has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, against whom you have acted treacherously. Yet she is your com panion and the wife of your cov enant. 15 And did He not make one? Yet he had a remnant of the Spirit. And why one? That He might seek a godly descendant. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let no one act treacherously against the wife of his youth. 16 For the Lord, the God of Israel, says that He hates divorce. “For one covers violence with his garment,” says the Lord of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, that you not act treacherously.” 17 You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you say, “How have we wearied Him?” When you say, “Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He de lights in them,” or “Where is the God of judgment?” The Mission of John the Baptist Foretold “Behold, I will send My messen ger, and he shall prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom
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you seek, shall suddenly come to His temple, even the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight. Behold, He shall come,” says the Lord of hosts. 2 “But who may withstand the day of His coming? And who shall stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire, and like launderers’ soap. 3 And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver. And He shall purify the sons of Levi and purge them like gold and silver, that they may offer to the Lord an offering in righteousness. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem shall be pleas ant to the Lord, as in the days of old and as in former years. 5 “And I will come near to you for judgment. And I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those who oppress the hired hand in his wages, the widow, and the father less, and those who turn aside the stranger from justice and do not fear Me,” says the Lord of hosts. 6 “For I am the Lord; I do not change. Therefore you sons of Jacob are not consumed.” The People Have Robbed God 7 “Even from the days of your fa thers you have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of hosts. “But you said, ‘How shall we return?’ 8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me. But you say, ‘How have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings. 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you have robbed Me,
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even this whole nation. 10 Bring all your tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,” says the Lord of hosts, “if I will not open the win dows of heaven for you and pour out a blessing for you, that there shall not be enough room to receive it. 11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not de stroy the fruits of your ground. Nor shall your vine drop her fruit before the time in the field,” says the Lord of hosts. 12 “And all nations shall call you blessed, for you shall be a delightful land,” says the Lord of hosts. 13 “Your words have been strong against Me,” says the Lord. “Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken so much against You?’ 14 You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. And what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts? 15 And now we call the proud happy. Yes, those who work wickedness are built up. Yes, those who tempt God are even delivered.’” The Faithful Remnant 16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke often to one another. And the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared the Lord and thought on His name. 17 “And they shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “on that day when I make up My jewels, and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.” 18 Then you shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between
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him who serves God and him who does not serve Him. The Day of the Lord “For, behold, the day is coming that shall burn like an oven, and all the proud, yes, and all who do wickedly, shall be stubble. And the day that is coming shall burn them up,” says the Lord of hosts, “that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.”
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The Second Coming of Christ 2 “But to you who fear My name, the Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings, and you shall go forth and grow up like calves from the stall. 3 And you shall
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trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I shall do this,” says the Lord of hosts. 4 “Remember the law of Moses, My servant, which I commanded to him in Horeb for all Israel with the statutes and judg ments.” Elijah to Come Again before the Day of the Lord 5 “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. 6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”
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THE
NEW TESTAMENT
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MATTHEW INTRODUCTION TO MATTHEW Matthew’s author used a number of literary devices that indicate a Jewish audience. His writing captures a strong sense of messianic expectation and fulfillment. Matthew made much of fulfilled prophecy in his narrative. Quoting heavily from the Old Testament, Matthew claimed that fifteen Old Testament prophecies were fulfilled in Jesus’ ministry. He showed great interest in Jesus’ teaching on the law of Moses. Jesus’ statement that He came to fulfill the law rather than abolish it is found exclusively in Matthew (5:17–20). AUTHOR Our earliest records claim that the apostle Matthew wrote this Gospel. Early church tradition was almost unanimous in this regard. While there remains some continuing discussion about Matthew’s authorship, the Gospel itself was accepted without question by the early church and incorporated into the New Testament canon. OCCASION It is obvious that Matthew’s Gospel was addressed to a JewishChristian audience or community. Matthew presented Jesus to this audience as God’s messianic King.
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1
The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham: 2
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Abraham begot Isaac, and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot Judah and his brothers. And Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar, and Perez begot Hezron, and Hezron begot Ram. And Ram begot Ammin adab, and Amminadab begot Nahshon, and Nahshon begot Salmon. And Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, and Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, and Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king. And David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah. And Solomon begot Rehoboam, and Rehoboam begot Abijah, and Abijah begot Asa. And Asa begot Jehoshaphat, and Jehoshaphat begot Joram, and Joram begot Uzziah. And Uzziah begot Jotham, and Jotham begot Ahaz, and Ahaz begot Hezekiah. And Hezekiah begot Manasseh, and Manasseh begot Amon, and Amon begot Josiah. And Josiah begot Jeconiah and his brothers
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about the time they were carried away to Babylon. And after they were brought to Babylon, Jeconiah begot Shealtiel, and Shealtiel begot Zerubbabel. And Zerubbabel begot Abiud, and Abiud begot Eliakim, and Eliakim begot Azor. And Azor begot Zadok, and Zadok begot Achim, and Achim begot Eliud. And Eliud begot Eleazar, and Eleazar begot Matthan, and Matthan begot Jacob. And Jacob begot Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, who is called Christ. 17 So
all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations, and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations, and from the carrying away into Babylon to Christ are fourteen generations. Conception and Birth of Jesus 18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was in this way: when His mother, Mary, was betrothed to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child from the Holy Spirit. 19 Then Joseph, her husband, being a just man and not willing to make her a public example, was resolved to put her away secretly. 20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to
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him in a dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take to you Mary your wife, for what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. 21 And she shall bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He shall save His people from their sins.” 22 Now all this was done that it might be fulfilled what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: 23 “Behold, a virgin shall be with child and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which being interpreted is “God with us.” 24 Then Joseph, being raised from sleep, did as the angel of the Lord had told him and took to him his wife, 25 and did not know her until she had brought forth her firstborn Son. And he called His name Jesus. Visit of the Magi Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2 saying, “Where is He who is born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.” 3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 5 And they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for this is what is written by the prophet: 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are not the least among the princes of
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Judah. For out of you shall come a Governor who shall rule My people Israel.’” 7 Then Herod, when he had secretly called the wise men, diligently inquired of them what time the star appeared. 8 And he sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search diligently for the young Child, and when you have found Him, bring back word to me, that I may come and worship Him also.” 9 When they had heard the king, they departed. And behold, the star that they saw in the East went before them, until it came and stood over where the young Child was. 10 When they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceedingly great joy. 11 And when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary, His mother, and fell down and worshipped Him. And when they had opened their treasures, they presented gifts to Him: gold, and frankincense, and myrrh. 12 And being warned by God in a dream that they should not return to Herod, they departed to their own country another way. The Flight into Egypt 13 And when they had departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise, and take the young Child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and stay there until I bring you word, for Herod will seek the young Child to destroy Him.” 14 When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed into Egypt,
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was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled what was spoken from the Lord by the prophet, saying, “Out of Egypt I have called My Son.” Herod’s Slaughter of the Innocents 16 Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked by the wise men, was exceedingly angry and sent forth and slew all the children who were in Bethlehem and in all its surrounding area, from two years old and under, according to the time that he had diligently inquired of the wise men. 17 Then it was fulfilled what was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet, saying: 18 “A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children, and would not be comforted, because they are no more.” 19 But when Herod was dead, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt, 20 saying, “Arise, and take the young Child and His mother, and go into the land of Israel, for those who sought the young Child’s life are dead.” 21 And he arose, and took the young Child and His mother, and came into the land of Israel. 22 But when he heard that Archelaus was reigning in Judea in place of his father, Herod, he was afraid to go there. However, being warned by God in a dream, he turned aside into the parts of Galilee. 23 And he came and dwelled in a city called Nazareth, that it might be fulfilled what was spoken by the prophets: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”
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Ministry of John the Baptist In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” 3 For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying, “The voice of one crying in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.’” 4 And the same John had his clothing of camel’s hair and a leather belt around his loins, and his food was locusts and wild honey. 5 Then Jerusalem, and all Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him 6 and were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins. 7 But when he saw that many of the Pharisees and Sadducees had come to his baptism, he said to them, “O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bring forth fruits fitting for repentance, 9 and do not think to say within yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. 10 And also now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. 11 I indeed baptize you with water to repentance, but He who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to bear. He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 12 His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor and gather His wheat into the storehouse. But He will burn up the chaff with unquenchable fire.”
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Baptism of Jesus 13 Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John to be baptized by him. 14 But John forbade Him, saying, “I have need to be baptized by You, and are You coming to me?” 15 And Jesus, answering, said to him, “Allow it to be so now, for thus it becomes us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed Him. 16 And when He was baptized, Jesus went up immediately out of the water. And behold, the heavens were opened to Him, and He saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on Him. 17 And behold, a voice from heaven, saying, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” The Temptation of Jesus Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil. 2 And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry. 3 And when the tempter came to Him, he said, “If You are the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.” 4 But He answered and said, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God.’” 5 Then the devil took Him up into the holy city, and set Him on a pinnacle of the temple, 6 and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, cast Yourself down. For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge concerning you,’ and ‘In their hands they shall bear you up, lest at any time you dash your foot against a stone.’” 7 Jesus said to him, “It is written
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again, ‘You shall not tempt the Lord your God.’” 8 Again, the devil took Him up on an exceedingly high mountain and showed Him all the kingdoms of the world, and the glory of them, 9 and said to Him, “All these things I will give You if You will fall down and worship me.” 10 Then Jesus said to him, “Get away from here, Satan. For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only shall you serve.’” 11 Then the devil left Him, and behold, angels came and ministered to Him. Jesus Comes to Capernaum and Begins His Ministry 12 Now when Jesus heard that John had been cast into prison, He departed into Galilee. 13 And leaving Nazareth, He came and dwelled in Capernaum, which is on the seacoast, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali, 14 that it might be fulfilled what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, 15 “The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, by the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles: 16 the people who sat in darkness saw great light, and to those who sat in the region and shadow of death light has sprung up.” 17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” The Call of Peter, Andrew, James, and John 18 And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brothers—Simon
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called Peter and Andrew his brother—casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And He said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 21 And going on from there, He saw two other brothers—James the son of Zebedee and John his brother— in a ship with Zebedee, their father, mending their nets. And He called them, 22 and they immediately left the ship and their father and followed Him. 23 And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. 24 And His fame went throughout all Syria. And they brought to Him all sick people who were taken with various diseases and torments, and those who were possessed with demons, and those who were insane, and those who were paralyzed—and He healed them. 25 And there great multitudes of people followed Him, from Galilee, and from Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from Judea, and from beyond the Jordan. The Sermon on the Mount: The Beatitudes And seeing the multitudes, He went up on a mountain, and when He was seated, His disciples came to Him. 2 And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying,
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“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the
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kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the children of God. Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 “Blessed are you when men revile
you and persecute you, and say all manner of evil against you falsely for My sake. 12 Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13 “You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its savor, with what shall it be salted? It is thereafter good for nothing but to be cast out and to be trampled underfoot by men. 14 “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do men light a candle and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick, and it gives light to all
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who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” Relation of Christ to the Law 17 “Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I have come not to destroy but to fulfill. 18 For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no way pass from the law, until all is fulfilled. 19 Therefore whoever breaks one of these least commandments, and teaches men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven. But whoever does and teaches them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no circumstance enter the kingdom of heaven. 21 “You have heard that it was said by those of old, ‘You shall not kill, and whoever kills shall be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca,’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be in danger of hellfire. 23 Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has anything against you, 24 leave your gift there before the altar, and go your way. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 25 Agree with your adversary quickly, while you are on the
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way with him, lest at any time the adversary deliver you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and you be cast into prison. 26 Truly, I say to you, you shall by no means come out from there until you have paid the last farthing. 27 “You have heard that it was said by those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust after her has already committed adultery with her in his heart. 29 And if your right eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out, and cast it from you, for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell. 30 And if your right hand causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you, for it is profitable for you that one of your members should perish, and not that your whole body should be cast into hell.” Jesus and Divorce 31 “It has been said, ‘Whoever shall put away his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ 32 But I say to you that whoever divorces his wife, except for the cause of fornication, causes her to commit adultery. And whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery. 33 “Again you have heard that it has been said by those of old, ‘You shall not renounce your oath but shall perform your oaths to the Lord.’ 34 But I say to you, do not swear at all: neither by heaven, for it is God’s throne, 35 nor by the earth, for it is His footstool, nor by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the great King.
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36 Nor shall you swear by your head,
because you cannot make one hair white or black. 37 But let your communication be ‘Yes, yes’ or ‘No, no.’ For whatever is more than these comes from evil. 38 “You have heard that it has been said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, do not resist evil. But whoever strikes you on your right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if any man sues you in court and takes away your coat, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go a mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and do not turn away from him who would borrow from you. 43 “You have heard that it has been said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who despitefully use you and persecute you, 45 that you may be the children of your Father who is in heaven. For He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Don’t even the tax collectors do the same? 47 And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Don’t even the tax collectors do so? 48 Therefore be perfect, even as your Father who is in heaven is perfect.”
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Father who is in heaven. 2 Therefore when you do your deeds of charity, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. 3 But when you do deeds of charity, do not let your left hand know what your right hand does, 4 that your deeds of charity may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret shall Himself reward you openly. 5 “And when you pray, you shall not be as the hypocrites are. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and in the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. 6 But you, when you pray, enter into your closet, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret shall reward you openly. 7 But when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they shall be heard for their many words.” The New Revelation concerning Prayer 8 “Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows what things you have need of before you ask Him. 9 Therefore, pray according to this manner:
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Our Father who is in heaven, hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
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Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. 14 “For
if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, your Father will not forgive your trespasses. 16 “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad face. For they disfigure their faces, that they may appear to men to be fasting. Truly I say to you, they have their reward. 17 But you, when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face,18 that you do not appear to men to be fasting, but to your Father who is in secret. And your Father, who sees in secret, shall reward you openly. 19 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust corrupt, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust corrupts, and where thieves do not break in or steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 22 “The light of the body is the eye. Therefore if your eye is healthy, your whole body shall be full of light. 23 But if your eye is evil, your
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whole body shall be full of darkness. Therefore if the light that is in you is darkness, how great is that darkness! 24 “No man can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and riches. 25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry for your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink, or yet for your body, what you shall put on. Isn’t life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Behold the fowls of the air, for they do not sow; they neither reap nor gather into barns. Yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Aren’t you much more valuable than they are? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 28 “And why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they do not toil, nor do they spin, 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Therefore, if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is cast into the oven, shall He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘With what shall we be clothed?’ 32 For the Gentiles seek after all these things. For your heavenly Father knows that you have need of all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore
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don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow shall worry about its own things. The day has enough of its own trouble.” Judging Others “Do not judge, that you not be judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged. And with what measure you use, it shall be measured to you again. 3 And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye but do not consider the beam that is in your own eye? 4 Or how will you say to your brother, ‘Let me pull the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, a beam is in your own eye? 5 You hypocrite. First cast the beam out of your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to cast the speck out of your brother’s eye. 6 “Do not give what is holy to the dogs. Do not cast your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under their feet and turn back and tear you apart. 7 “Ask, and it shall be given to you. Seek, and you shall find. Knock, and it shall be opened to you. 8 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. 9 Or what man is there of you who, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a serpent? 11 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him? 12 Therefore, in all things, whatever you want men to do to you, do even so to them, for
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this is the Law and the Prophets. 13 “Enter in at the narrow gate, for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because the gate is narrow and the way is narrow that leads to life, and there are few who find it.” Warning against False Teachers: The Test 15 “Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves. 16 You shall know them by their fruit. Do men gather grapes from thorns, or figs from thistles? 17 Even so, every good tree brings forth good fruit, but a corrupt tree brings forth evil fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, nor can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire. 20 Therefore by their fruit you shall know them.” The Danger of Profession without Faith 21 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter into the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven. 22 Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, and have cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonderful works in Your name?’ 23 And then I will profess to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who work iniquity.’ 24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine and does them, I will compare him to a wise man
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who built his house on a rock. 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it did not fall, for it was founded on a rock. 26 “And everyone who hears these sayings of Mine and does not do them shall be compared to a foolish man who built his house on the sand. 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house, and it fell. And great was its fall.” 28 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these sayings, the people were astonished at His doctrine, 29 for He taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes. Jesus Heals a Leper and the Centurion’s Servant When He had come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed Him. 2 And behold, a leper came and worshipped Him, saying, “Lord, if You will, You can make me clean.” 3 And Jesus put out His hand and touched him, saying, “I will; be clean.” And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. 4 And Jesus said to him, “See that you tell no man, but go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.” 5 And when Jesus had entered into Capernaum, a centurion came to Him, beseeching Him 6 and saying, “Lord, my servant is lying at home paralyzed, grievously tormented.” 7 And Jesus said to him, “I will come and heal him.” 8 The centurion answered and
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said, “Lord, I am not worthy that You should come under my roof. But only speak the word, and my servant shall be healed. 9 For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to this man, ‘Go,’ and he goes; and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes; and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 10 When Jesus heard this, He marveled and said to those who followed, “Truly I say to you, I have not found such great faith, no, not in Israel. 11 And I say to you that many shall come from the east and west, and shall sit down with Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” 13 And Jesus said to the centurion, “Go your way, and as you have believed, so let it be done for you.” And his servant was healed in the very same hour. 14 And when Jesus had come into Peter’s house, He saw his wife’s mother lying and sick from a fever. 15 And He touched her hand, and the fever left her. And she arose and ministered to them. 16 When the evening had come, they brought to Him many who were possessed with demons. And He cast out the spirits with His word and healed all who were sick, 17 that what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, saying: “He Himself took our infirmities and bore our sicknesses.” 18 Now when Jesus saw great multitudes around Him, He gave a commandment to depart to the other side.
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Professed Disciples Tested 19 And a certain scribe came and said to Him, “Master, I will follow You wherever You go.” 20 And Jesus said to him, “The foxes have holes and the birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man has nowhere to lay His head.” 21 And another of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, first allow me to go and bury my father.” 22 But Jesus said to him, “Follow Me, and let the dead bury their dead.” Jesus Stills the Waves and Casts Out Demons 23 And when He had entered into a ship, His disciples followed Him. 24 And behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, to such an extent that the ship was covered with the waves. But He was asleep. 25 And His disciples came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Lord, save us! We are perishing.” 26 And He said to them, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith?” Then He arose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. 27 But the men marveled, saying, “What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey Him!” 28 And when He had come to the other side, into the country of the Gergesenes, two men possessed with demons met Him there, coming out of the tombs, exceedingly fierce, so that no man might pass by that way. 29 And behold, they cried out, saying, “What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God?
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Have You come here to torment us before the time?” 30 And there was a herd of many swine feeding a good way off from them. 31 So the demons begged Him, saying, “If You cast us out, permit us to go away into the herd of swine.” 32 And He said to them, “Go.” And when they had come out, they went into the herd of swine. And behold, the whole herd of swine ran violently down a steep place into the sea and perished in the waters. 33 And those who kept them fled, and went their way into the city, and told everything, and what had happened to those possessed by the demons. 34 And behold, the whole city came out to meet Jesus. And when they saw Him, they begged Him that He would depart out of their territory. Jesus Returns to Capernaum And He entered into a ship, and crossed over, and came into His own city. 2 And behold, they brought to Him a paralyzed man, lying on a bed. And Jesus, seeing their faith, said to the one who was paralyzed, “Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you.” 3 And behold, some of the scribes said to themselves, “This man blasphemes.” 4 And Jesus, knowing their thoughts, said, “Why do you think evil in your hearts? 5 For which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise and walk’? 6 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”—then He said to the one who was paralyzed, “Arise, take up your bed, and go to your house.” 7 And he
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arose and departed to his house. 8 But when the multitudes saw it, they marveled and glorified God, who had given such power to men.
break, and the wine runs out, and the bottles perish. But they put new wine into new bottles, and both are preserved.”
The Call of Matthew 9 And as Jesus passed forth from there, He saw a man named Matthew sitting at the place where tax was collected. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” And he arose and followed Him. 10 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at dinner in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and sat down with Him and His disciples. 11 And when the Pharisees saw it, they said to His disciples, “Why does your Master eat with tax collectors and sinners?” 12 But when Jesus heard that, He said to them, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but those who are sick. 13 But go and learn what this means: ‘I will have mercy and not sacrifice.’ For I have come to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.” 14 Then the disciples of John came to Him, saying, “Why do we and the Pharisees fast often, but Your disciples do not fast?” 15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the children of the bridechamber mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then they shall fast. 16 No man puts a piece of new cloth on an old garment. For what is put in to fill it up takes from the garment, and the tear is made worse. 17 Nor do men put new wine into old bottles. Otherwise the bottles
Jesus Heals a Woman and Raises a Daughter 18 While He spoke these things to them, behold, a certain ruler came there and worshipped Him, saying, “My daughter is even now dead, but come and lay Your hand on her and she shall live.” 19 And Jesus arose and followed him, and so did His disciples. 20 And behold, a woman who was diseased twelve years with an issue of blood came behind Him and touched the hem of His garment. 21 For she said to herself, “If I can but touch His garment, I shall be healed.” 22 But Jesus turned around, and when He saw her, He said, “Daughter, be of good comfort; your faith has made you well.” And the woman was healed from that hour. 23 And when Jesus came into the ruler’s house and saw the minstrels and the people making a noise, 24 He said to them, “Leave, for the girl is not dead, but sleeping.” And they laughed Him to scorn. 25 But when the people were sent out, He went in and took her by the hand, and the girl arose. 26 And the news of this went out into all that land. 27 And when Jesus departed from there, two blind men followed Him, crying and saying, “Son of David, have mercy on us.” 28 And when He had come into the house, the blind men came to Him. And Jesus said to them, “Do you
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believe that I am able to do this?” They said to Him, “Yes, Lord.” 29 Then He touched their eyes, saying, “According to your faith let it be to you.” 30 And their eyes were opened. And Jesus strictly charged them, saying, “See that no man knows it.” 31 But they, when they had departed, spread the news about Him in all that country. 32 As they went out, behold, they brought to Him a mute man possessed with a demon. 33 And when the demon was cast out, the mute man spoke. And the multitudes marveled, saying, “This has never been seen in Israel.” 34 But the Pharisees said, “He casts out demons through the prince of the demons.” 35 And Jesus went around to all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every sickness and every disease among the people. 36 But when He saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they fainted and were scattered about, like sheep having no shepherd. 37 Then He said to His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few. 38 Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest, that He will send forth laborers into His harvest.” The Twelve Instructed and Sent Out And when He had called His twelve disciples to Him, He gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all
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manner of disease. 2 Now the names of the twelve apostles are these: the first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip, and Bartholomew; Thomas, and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Lebbaeus, whose surname was Thaddaeus; 4 Simon the Canaanite and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. 5 Jesus sent forth these twelve and commanded them, saying, “Do not go into the way of the Gentiles, and do not enter into any city of the Samaritans. 6 But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out demons. Freely you have received; freely give. 9 Provide neither gold nor silver nor brass in your purses, 10 nor bag for your journey, nor two coats, nor shoes, nor staffs. For the workman is worthy of his food. 11 “And whatever city or town you enter into, inquire who is worthy in it, and remain there until you go from there. 12 And when you come into a house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come on it. But if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And whoever shall not receive you or hear your words, when you depart out of that house or city, shake the dust off your feet. 15 Truly I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that city. 16 “Behold, I send you forth as
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sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. 17 But beware of men, for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues. 18 And you shall be brought before governors and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them and the Gentiles. 19 But when they deliver you up, do not worry how or what you shall speak. For in that same hour it shall be given you what you shall speak. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you. 21 “And the brother shall deliver up the brother to death, and the father the child. And the children shall rise up against their parents and cause them to be put to death. 22 And you shall be hated by all men for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end shall be saved. 23 But when they persecute you in this city, flee to another. For truly I say to you, you shall not have gone through the cities of Israel before the Son of Man comes. 24 “The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord. 25 It is enough for the disciple that he be like his master, and the servant like his lord. If they have called the master of the house Beelzebub, how much more shall they call those of his household? 26 “Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, and hidden that shall not be known. 27 What I tell you in darkness, speak in the light. And what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops. 28 And do
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not fear those who kill the body but are not able to kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. 29 Aren’t two sparrows sold for a farthing? And not one of them shall fall on the ground without your Father. 30 But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. 31 Therefore do not fear; you are of more value than many sparrows. 32 “Therefore whoever confesses Me before men, I will also confess him before My Father who is in heaven. 33 But whoever denies Me before men, I will also deny him before My Father who is in heaven. 34 “Do not think that I have come to send peace on earth. I came to send not peace but a sword. 35 For I have come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter-in-law against her motherin-law. 36 And a man’s enemies shall be those of his own household. 37 “He who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me. And he who loves son or daughter more than Me is not worthy of Me. 38 And he who does not take his cross and follow after Me is not worthy of Me. 39 He who finds his life shall lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake shall find it. 40 “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me. 41 He who receives a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward. And he who receives a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. 42 And whoever gives
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to one of these little ones even a cup of cold water to drink in the name of a disciple, truly, I say to you, he shall in no way lose his reward.”
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And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished com manding His twelve disciples, He departed from there to teach and to preach in their cities. John the Baptist Sends Disciples to Question Jesus 2 Now when John had heard in the prison about the works of Christ, he sent two of his disciples 3 and said to Him, “Are You He who should come, or do we look for another?” 4 Jesus answered and said to them, “Go and tell John the things that you hear and see: 5 the blind receive their sight and the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed and the deaf hear, the dead are raised up and the poor have the gospel preached to them. 6 And blessed is he who shall not be offended by Me.” 7 And as they departed, Jesus began to say to the multitudes concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 8 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who wear soft clothing are in kings’ houses. 9 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and more than a prophet. 10 For this is he of whom it is written: ‘Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who shall prepare Your way before You.’ 11 “Truly I say to you, among those who are born of women
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there has not risen one greater than John the Baptist. However, he who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. 12 And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force. 13 For all the Prophets and the Law prophesied until John. 14 And if you will receive it, this is Elijah who is to come. 15 He who has ears to hear, let him hear. 16 “But to what shall I compare this generation? It is like children sitting in the markets and calling to their companions 17 and saying, ‘We have played the pipe for you, and you have not danced; we have mourned for you, and you have not lamented.’ 18 For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ 19 The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Behold a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is justified by her children.” Jesus, Rejected, Predicts His Judgment 20 Then He began to upbraid the cities in which most of His mighty works were done, because they did not repent: 21 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works that were done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented long ago in sackcloth and ashes. 22 But I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for Tyre and Sidon at the day of judgment than for you. 23 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, shall be brought down
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to hell. For if the mighty works that have been done in you had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. 24 But I say to you that it shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom on the day of judgment than for you.” 25 At that time Jesus answered and said, “I thank You, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have revealed them to infants. 26 Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 27 All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no man knows the Son but the Father. Nor does any man know the Father except the Son and he to whom the Son chooses to reveal Him.” The New Message of Jesus: Personal Discipleship 28 “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke on you and learn from Me, for I am meek and lowly in heart, and you shall find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Jesus Declares Himself Lord of the Sabbath At that time Jesus went through the grain on the Sabbath day. And His disciples were hungry and began to pluck the heads of grain and to eat. 2 But when the Pharisees saw it, they said to Him, “Behold, Your disciples are doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day.” 3 But He said to them, “Have you not read what David did when he
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was hungry, and those who were with him: 4 how he entered into the house of God and ate the showbread, which was not lawful for him to eat, or for those who were with him, but only for the priests? 5 Or have you not read in the Law how on the Sabbath days the priests in the temple profane the Sabbath and are blameless? 6 But I say to you that in this place is One greater than the temple. 7 But if you had known what this means, ‘I will have mercy and not sacrifice,’ you would not have condemned the guiltless. 8 For the Son of Man is Lord even of the Sabbath day.” 9 And when He had departed from there, He went into their synagogue. 10 And behold, there was a man who had his hand withered. And they asked Him, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?”—that they might accuse Him. 11 And He said to them, “What man is there among you who has one sheep, and if it falls into a pit on the Sabbath day, will he not take hold of it and lift it out? 12 How much better, then, is a man than a sheep? Therefore it is lawful to do good on the Sabbath day.” 13 Then He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and it was restored whole, like the other. 14 Then the Pharisees went out and held a council against Him, how they might destroy Him. 15 But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew Himself from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all 16 and charged them, that they should not make Him known, 17 that it might be
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fulfilled what was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying: 18
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Behold, My Servant whom I have chosen, My beloved in whom My soul is well pleased. I will put My Spirit on Him, and He shall show judgment to the Gentiles. He shall not contend or cry, nor shall any man hear His voice in the streets. A bruised reed He shall not break, and smoking flax He shall not quench, until He sends forth judgment to victory. And in His name the Gentiles shall trust. 22 Then one was brought to Him
who was possessed with a demon, blind, and mute. And He healed him, to such a degree that the blind and mute man both spoke and saw. 23 And all the people were amazed and said, “Isn’t this the Son of David?” 24 But when the Pharisees heard it, they said, “This fellow does not cast out demons but by Beelzebub, the prince of the demons.” 25 And Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desolation, and every city or house divided against itself shall not stand. 26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then shall his kingdom stand? 27 And if I cast out demons by
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Beelzebub, by whom do your children cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 28 But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. 29 Or else how can one enter into a strong man’s house and plunder his goods, except he first binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. 30 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters.” The Unpardonable Sin 31 “Therefore I say to you, all manner of sin and blasphemy shall be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Holy Spirit shall not be forgiven men. 32 And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him. But whoever speaks against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven him, either in this world or in the world to come. 33 “Either make the tree good and its fruit good, or else make the tree corrupt and its fruit corrupt. For the tree is known by its fruit. 34 O generation of vipers, how can you, being evil, speak good things? For the mouth speaks out of the abundance of the heart. 35 A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things, and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. 36 But I say to you that every idle word that men speak, they shall give account of it on the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned.”
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Jesus Foretells His Resurrection 38 Then some of the scribes and the Pharisees answered, saying, “Master, we want to see a sign from You.” 39 But He answered and said to them, “An evil and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and no sign shall be given to it but the sign of the prophet Jonah. 40 For as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale’s belly, so shall the Son of Man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth. 41 The men of Nineveh shall rise in judgment with this generation and shall condemn it, because they repented at the preaching of Jonah. And behold, something greater than Jonah is here. 42 The queen of the South shall rise up in the judgment with this generation and shall condemn it, for she came from the farthest parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 43 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest, and finds none. 44 Then he says, ‘I will return into my house from where I came out.’ And when he comes, he finds it empty, swept, and put in order. 45 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than himself, and they enter in and dwell there. And the last state of that man is worse than the first. Even so shall it also be with this wicked generation.” 46 While He was still talking to the people, behold, His mother and His brothers stood outside, desiring to speak with Him. 47 Then one said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and
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Your brothers are standing outside, desiring to speak with You.” 48 But He answered and said to him who told Him, “Who is My mother? And who are My brothers?” 49 And He stretched out His hand toward His disciples and said, “Behold, My mother and My brothers! 50 For whoever does the will of My Father who is in heaven, the same is My brother and sister and mother.” The Mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven The same day Jesus went out of the house and sat by the seaside. 2 And great multitudes were gathered together to Him, so that He went into a ship and sat. And the whole multitude stood on the shore. 3 And He spoke many things to them in parables, saying, “Behold, a sower went forth to sow. 4 And when he sowed, some seeds fell by the wayside. And the fowls came and devoured them up. 5 Some fell on stony places, where they did not have much earth. And they immediately sprang up because they had no depth of earth. 6 And when the sun was up, they were scorched, and because they had no root, they withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up and choked them. 8 But others fell into good ground and brought forth fruit: some a hundredfold, some sixtyfold, some thirtyfold. 9 Who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 10 And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 11 He answered and said to them,
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“Because it is given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whoever has, to him shall be given, and he shall have abundance. But whoever does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. 13 Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand. 14 And in them the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled, which says:
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By hearing you shall hear and shall not understand, and seeing you shall see and shall not perceive. For this people’s heart is callous and their ears are dull of hearing. And they have closed their eyes, lest at any time they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears, and should understand with their hearts and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 “But blessed are your eyes, for
they see, and your ears, for they hear. 17 For truly I say to you that many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things that you see, and have not seen them, and to hear those things that you hear, and have not heard them. 18 “Therefore hear the parable of the sower: 19 When anyone hears the word of the kingdom and does not understand it, then the wicked one
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comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. 20 But he who received the seed in stony places, the same is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy. 21 Yet he has no root in himself, but endures for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, before long he stumbles. 22 Also he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. 23 But he who received seed into the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who also bears fruit and brings forth: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” 24 He presented another parable to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sowed good seed in his field, 25 but while men slept, his enemy came and sowed weeds among the wheat and went his way. 26 But when the blade had sprung up and brought forth fruit, then the weeds also appeared. 27 So the servants of the landowner came and said to him, ‘Sir, did you not sow good seed in your field? How then does it have weeds?’ 28 He said to them, ‘An enemy has done this.’ The servants said to him, ‘Then do you want us to go and gather them up?’ 29 But he said, ‘No, lest while you gather up the weeds you also uproot the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the
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weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”’” 31 He presented another parable to them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, 32 which indeed is the least of all seeds. But when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in its branches.” 33 He spoke to them another parable: “The kingdom of heaven is similar to leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour until the whole was leavened.” 34 All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables. And without a parable He did not speak to them, 35 that it might be fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet, saying, “I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things that have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.” 36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away and went into the house. And His disciples came to Him, saying, “Declare to us the parable of the weeds of the field.” 37 He answered and said to them, “He who sows the good seed is the Son of Man. 38 The field is the world, the good seed are the children of the kingdom, but the weeds are the children of the wicked one. 39 The enemy who sowed them is the devil, the harvest is the end of the world, and the reapers are the angels. 40 Therefore as the weeds are gathered and burned in the fire, so shall it be in the end of this world.
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41 The Son of Man shall send forth
His angels, and they shall gather out of His kingdom all things that cause stumbling and those who do iniquity, 42 and shall cast them into a furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then the righteous shall shine forth like the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Whoever has ears to hear, let him hear. 44 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which, when a man had found it, he hid it. And for joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it. 47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48 which, when it was full, they pulled to shore and sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. 49 So shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come forth and separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and shall cast them into the furnace of fire. There shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.” 51 Jesus said to them, “Have you understood all these things?” They say to Him, “Yes, Lord.” 52 Then He said to them, “Therefore every scribe who is instructed in the kingdom of heaven is like a man who is a landowner who brings forth out of his treasure new and old things.”
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Jesus Returns to Nazareth: Again Rejected 53 And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished these parables, that He departed from there. 54 And when He had come into His own country, He taught them in their synagogue, to such a degree that they were astonished and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these mighty works? 55 Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t His mother called Mary? And His brothers James, and Joseph, and Simon, and Judas? 56 And His sisters, are they not all with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” 57 And they took offense at Him. But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own country and in his own house.” 58 And He did not do many mighty works there because of their unbelief. Murder of John the Baptist At that time Herod the tetrarch heard of the news of Jesus 2 and said to his servants, “This is John the Baptist. He has risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works show forth themselves in him.” 3 For Herod had taken hold of John and bound him and put him in prison for Herodias’s sake, his brother Philip’s wife. 4 For John said to him, “It is not lawful for you to have her.” 5 And while he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude because they counted him as a prophet. 6 But when Herod’s birthday arrived, the daughter of Herodias danced before them and pleased
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Herod. 7 Because of this he promised with an oath to give her whatever she would ask. 8 And being before instructed by her mother, she said, “Give me here John the Baptist’s head on a platter.” 9 And the king was sorry. Nevertheless, for the oath’s sake and those who sat with him at the table, he commanded it to be given to her. 10 And he sent and beheaded John in the prison. 11 And his head was brought on a platter and given to the young woman, and she brought it to her mother. 12 And his disciples came, and took up the body and buried it, and went and told Jesus. 13 When Jesus heard of it, He departed from there by ship to a deserted place by Himself. And when the people had heard of it, they followed Him on foot out of the cities. 14 And Jesus went forth and saw a great multitude and was moved with compassion for them, and He healed their sick. Feeding Five Thousand 15 And when it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the time is now late. Send the multitude away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food. 16 But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to depart. You give them something to eat.” 17 And they said to Him, “We have here but five loaves and two fish.” 18 He said, “Bring them here to Me.” 19 And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the grass, and took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven,
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He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 20 And they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. 21 And those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. 22 And immediately Jesus compelled His disciples to get into a ship and to go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up by Himself on a mountain to pray. And when the evening came, He was there alone. 24 But the ship was now in the midst of the sea, tossed with waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a spirit.” And they cried out in fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer. It is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, bid me to come to You on the water.” 29 And He said, “Come.” And when Peter came down out of the ship, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw the wind was boisterous, he was afraid. And beginning to sink, he cried, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And
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when they came into the ship, the wind ceased. 33 Then those who were in the ship came and worshipped Him, saying, “Truly You are the Son of God.” 34 And when they had gone over, they came into the land of Gennesaret. 35 And when the men of that place had knowledge of Him, they sent out into all that surrounding country and brought to Him all who were diseased, 36 and begged Him that they might only touch the hem of His garment. And as many as touched it were made perfectly whole. Jesus Rebukes Scribes and Pharisees Then scribes and Pharisees, who were from Jerusalem, came to Jesus, saying, 2 “Why do Your disciples transgress the tradition of the elders? For they do not wash their hands when they eat bread.” 3 But He answered and said to them, “Why do you also transgress the commandment of God by your tradition? 4 For God commanded, saying, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘He who curses father or mother, let him die the death.’ 5 But you say, ‘Whoever says to his father or his mother, “It is a gift, by whatever you might have profited by me,” 6 and he shall be free to not honor his father or his mother.’ Thus you have made the commandment of God of no effect by your tradition. 7 You hypocrites. Isaiah did well when he prophesied about you, saying: 8 ‘This people draws near to Me with their mouth, and honors
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Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 9 But in vain they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’” 10 And He called the multitude and said to them, “Hear and understand: 11 it is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a man, but what comes out of the mouth, this defiles a man.” 12 Then His disciples came and said to Him, “Do you know that the Pharisees were offended after they heard this saying?” 13 But He answered and said, “Every plant that My heavenly Father has not planted shall be uprooted. 14 Leave them alone. They are blind leaders of the blind. And if the blind leads the blind, both shall fall into the ditch.” 15 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Declare this parable to us.” 16 And Jesus said, “Are you also still without understanding? 17 Do you not yet understand that whatever enters in at the mouth goes into the belly and is cast out into the latrine? 18 But those things that proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart, and they defile the man. 19 For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies. 20 These are the things that defile a man, but to eat with unwashed hands does not defile a man.” The Syrophoenician Woman’s Daughter Healed 21 Then Jesus went from there and departed into the region of Tyre and Sidon. 22 And behold, a woman of Canaan came out of the same region and cried to Him, saying,
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“Have mercy on me, O Lord, Son of David. My daughter is grievously vexed with a demon.” 23 But He did not answer her a word. And His disciples came and implored Him, saying, “Send her away, for she cries after us.” 24 But He answered and said, “I was not sent but to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.” 25 Then she came and worshipped Him, saying, “Lord, help me.” 26 But He answered and said, “It is not proper to take the children’s bread and to cast it to dogs.” 27 And she said, “True, Lord, yet the dogs eat of the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.” 28 Then Jesus answered and said to her, “O woman, great is your faith. May it be to you even as you desire.” And her daughter was healed from that very hour. 29 And Jesus departed from there and came near to the Sea of Galilee, and went up on a mountain and sat down there. 30 And great multitudes came to Him, having with them those who were lame, blind, mute, maimed, and many others, and laid them down at Jesus’ feet, and He healed them, 31 to such a degree that the multitude wondered when they saw the mute speaking, the maimed made whole, the lame walking, and the blind seeing. And they glorified the God of Israel. Feeding the Four Thousand 32 Then Jesus called His disciples to Him and said, “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now continued with Me three days and have nothing to eat. And I will
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not send them away fasting, lest they faint on the way.” 33 And His disciples said to Him, “From where should we get so much bread in the wilderness as to fill so great a multitude?” 34 And Jesus said to them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven, and a few little fish.” 35 And He commanded the multitude to sit down on the ground. 36 And He took the seven loaves and the fish and gave thanks, and broke them, and gave to His disciples, and the disciples to the multitude. 37 And they all ate and were filled, and they took up seven baskets full of the broken food that was left. 38 And those who ate were four thousand men, besides women and children. 39 And He sent away the multitude, and got into the ship, and came into the region of Magdala. Jesus Rebukes the Blind Pharisees The Pharisees came with the Sadducees also and, testing Him, desired that He would show them a sign from heaven. 2 He answered and said to them, “When it is evening, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ 3 and in the morning, ‘It will be foul weather today, for the sky is red and overcast.’ O you hypocrites. You can discern the face of the sky, but can you not discern the signs of the times? 4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeks after a sign, and there shall be no sign given to it but the sign of the prophet Jonah.” And He left them and departed.
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5 And
when His disciples had come to the other side, they had forgotten to take bread. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees.” 7 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have taken no bread.” 8 When Jesus perceived this, He said to them, “O you of little faith, why do you reason among yourselves because you have brought no bread? 9 Do you not yet understand or remember the five loaves of the five thousand and how many baskets you took up? 10 Nor the seven loaves of the four thousand and how many baskets you took up? 11 How is it that you do not understand that I did not speak to you concerning bread, but that you should beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees?” 12 Then they understood that He told them to beware not of the leaven of bread but of the doctrine of the Pharisees and of the Sadducees. 13 When Jesus came into the region of Caesarea Philippi, He asked His disciples, saying, “Who do men say that I, the Son of Man, am?” 14 And they said, “Some say that You are John the Baptist, some Elijah, and others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 And Simon Peter answered and said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” First Mention of the Church 17 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Blessed are you, Simon
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Bar-Jonah, for flesh and blood has not revealed it to you, but My Father who is in heaven. 18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then He charged His disciples that they should tell no man that He was Jesus the Christ. Christ Foretells His Death and Resurrection 21 From that time forth Jesus began to show to His disciples that He must go to Jerusalem, and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and be raised again the third day. 22 Then Peter took Him and began to rebuke Him, saying, “Far be it from You, Lord. This shall not happen to You.” 23 But He turned and said to Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan. You are a stumbling block to Me, for you are interested not in the things that are of God but in those that are of men.” 24 Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If any man wants to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. 25 For whoever will save his life shall lose it, and whoever will lose his life for My sake shall find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul? Or what shall a man give in
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exchange for his soul? 27 For the Son of Man shall come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and then He shall reward every man according to his works. 28 Truly I say to you, there are some standing here who shall not taste of death until they see the Son of Man coming in His kingdom.” The Transfiguration And after six days Jesus took Peter, James, and John his brother, and brought them up on a high mountain by themselves, 2 and was transfigured before them. And His face shone like the sun, and His clothing was white as the light. 3 And behold, there appeared to them Moses and Elijah, talking with Him. 4 Then Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Lord, it is good for us to be here. If You will, let us make here three tabernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah.” 5 While he yet spoke, behold, a bright cloud overshadowed them. And behold, a voice out of the cloud said, “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Hear Him.” 6 And when the disciples heard it, they fell on their faces and were greatly afraid. 7 And Jesus came and touched them and said, “Arise, and do not be afraid.” 8 And when they had lifted up their eyes, they saw no man except Jesus only. 9 And as they came down from the mountain, Jesus charged them, saying, “Tell the vision to no man until the Son of Man has risen again from the dead.” 10 And His disciples asked Him,
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saying, “Why then do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 11 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly, Elijah shall come first and restore all things. 12 But I say to you that Elijah has already come, and they did not know him but have done to him whatever they wished. Likewise the Son of Man shall also suffer from them.” 13 Then the disciples understood that He spoke to them of John the Baptist. The Powerless Disciples and the Mighty Christ 14 And when they had come to the multitude, there came to him a certain man, kneeling down to Him and saying, 15 “Lord, have mercy on my son, for he is insane and greatly vexed. For often he falls into the fire and often into the water. 16 And I brought him to Your disciples, and they could not cure him.” 17 Then Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I bear with you? Bring him here to Me.” 18 And Jesus rebuked the demon, and he departed out of him. And the child was cured from that very hour. 19 Then the disciples came to Jesus by themselves and said, “Why could we not cast him out?” 20 And Jesus said to them, “Because of your unbelief. For truly, I say to you, if you have faith like a grain of mustard seed, you shall say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to a distant place,’ and it shall move, and nothing shall be impossible for you. 21 However, this kind does not go out but by prayer and fasting.”
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Matthew 18:3
Jesus Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection 22 And while they remained in Galilee, Jesus said to them, “The Son of Man shall be betrayed into the hands of men, 23 and they shall kill Him, and the third day He shall be raised again.” And they were exceedingly sorry. The Miracle of the Tribute Money 24 And when they had come to Capernaum, those who received tribute money came to Peter and said, “Does your Master not pay tribute?” 25 He said, “Yes.” And when he had come into the house, Jesus said to him first, “What do you think, Simon? From whom do the kings of the earth take custom or tribute? From their own children or from strangers?” 26 Peter said to Him, “From strangers.” Jesus said to him, “Then the children are free. 27 However, lest we should offend them, go to the sea and cast a hook, and take up the first fish that comes up. And when you have opened its mouth, you shall find a piece of money. Take that and give it to them for Me and you.” The Faith of Children At the same time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” 2 And Jesus called a little child to Him, and set him in the midst of them, 3 and said, “Truly, I say to
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you, unless you are converted and become like little children, you shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. 4 Therefore whoever humbles himself like this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. 5 And whoever receives one such little child in My name receives Me. 6 But whoever shall cause one of these little ones who believes in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of stumbling blocks! For it is necessary that stumbling blocks come, but woe to that man by whom the stumbling block comes! 8 “Therefore if your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed rather than to have two hands or two feet and be cast into everlasting fire. 9 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out and cast it from you. It is better for you to enter into life with one eye rather than to have two eyes and be cast into hellfire. 10 “Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I say to you that in heaven their angels always behold the face of My Father who is in heaven. 11 For the Son of Man has come to save what was lost. 12 “What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, does he not leave the ninety-nine, and go into the mountains, and seek what has gone astray? 13 And if it happens that he
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finds it, truly, I say to you, he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. 14 Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish.” Discipline in the Future Church 15 “Moreover, if your brother trespasses against you, go and tell him his fault between you and him alone. If he hears you, you have gained your brother. 16 But if he will not hear you, then take with you one or two more, that in the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17 And if he neglects to hear them, tell it to the church. But if he neglects to hear the church, let him be to you as a heathen man and a tax collector. 18 “Truly I say to you, whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 19 “Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it shall be done for them by My Father who is in heaven. 20 For where two or three are gathered together in My name, there I am in the midst of them.” The Law of Forgiveness 21 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. 23 Therefore the kingdom of heaven is compared to a certain king who would take
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account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to settle the accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But since he could not pay, his lord commanded him to be sold—and his wife, and children, and all that he had—and payment to be made. 26 Therefore the servant fell down and worshipped him, saying, ‘Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion and released him and forgave him the debt. 28 “But the same servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred pence. And he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe.’ 29 And his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ 30 And he would not, but went and cast him into prison until he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellow servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told to their lord all that had been done. 32 Then his lord, after he had called him, said to him, ‘O you wicked servant. I forgave you all that debt because you asked me. 33 Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, even as I had pity on you?’ 34 And his lord was angry and delivered him to the tormentors until he should pay all that was due to him. 35 So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also to every one of you if you do not forgive your brother his trespasses from your heart.”
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Jesus Again in Judea And it came to pass that when Jesus had finished these sayings, He departed from Galilee and came into the region of Judea beyond the Jordan. 2 And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them there. 3 The Pharisees also came to Him, testing Him, and saying to Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any reason?” 4 And He answered and said to them, “Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning ‘made them male and female’ 5 and said, ‘For this reason a man shall leave father and mother and shall cling to his wife, and they two shall be one flesh’? 6 Therefore they are no more two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no man separate.” 7 They said to Him, “Why then did Moses command to give a certificate of divorce and to send her away?” 8 He said to them, “Moses, because of the hardness of your hearts, allowed you to divorce your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. 9 And I say to you, whoever divorces his wife, except for fornication, and marries another commits adultery. And whoever marries her who is divorced commits adultery.” 10 His disciples said to Him, “If the case of the man with his wife is so, it is good not to marry.” 11 But He said to them, “All men cannot receive this saying, except those to whom it is given. 12 For there are some eunuchs who were so born from their mother’s womb,
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and there are some eunuchs who were made eunuchs by men, and there are eunuchs who have made themselves eunuchs for the kingdom of heaven’s sake. He who is able to receive it, let him receive it.” Jesus Receives and Blesses Little Children 13 Then there were little children brought to Him, that He should put His hands on them and pray. And the disciples rebuked them. 14 But Jesus said, “Allow little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them. For of such is the kingdom of heaven.” 15 And He laid His hands on them and departed from there. 16 And behold, one came and said to Him, “Good Master, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?” 17 And He said to him, “Why do you call Me good? There is no one good but One—that is, God. But if you will enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18 He said to Him, “Which ones?” Jesus said, “You shall not murder. You shall not commit adultery. You shall not steal. You shall not bear false witness. 19 Honor your father and your mother. And you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 20 The young man said to Him, “All these things I have kept from my youth. What do I still lack?” 21 Jesus said to him, “If you want to be perfect, go and sell what you have and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven. And come and follow Me.” 22 But when the young man heard that saying, he went away sorrowful, for he had great possessions.
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23 Then
Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you that a rich man shall enter into the kingdom of heaven with difficulty. 24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” 25 When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, “Who then can be saved?” 26 But Jesus looked at them and said to them, “With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” The Apostles’ Future Place in the Kingdom 27 Then Peter answered and said to Him, “Behold, we have abandoned all and followed You. Therefore what shall we have?” 28 And Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me shall also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. 29 And everyone who has abandoned houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for My name’s sake shall receive a hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life. 30 But many who are first shall be last, and the last shall be first.” Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man who was a landowner who went out early in the morning to hire laborers into his vineyard. 2 And when he had agreed
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with the laborers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. 3 And he went out about the third hour and saw others standing idle in the marketplace, 4 and said to them, ‘You go also into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ And they went their way. 5 Again he went out about the sixth and ninth hour and did likewise. 6 And about the eleventh hour he went out and found others standing idle, and said to them, ‘Why do you stand here idle all the day?’ 7 They said to him, ‘Because no man has hired us.’ He said to them, ‘You go also into the vineyard, and whatever is right, that you shall receive.’ 8 “So when evening came, the lord of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and give them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.’ 9 And when those came who were hired about the eleventh hour, every man received a penny. 10 But when the first came, they supposed that they should have received more. And likewise, every man received a penny. 11 And when they had received it, they murmured against the master of the house, 12 saying, ‘These last men have worked but one hour, and you have made them equal to us who have borne the burden and heat of the day.’ 13 But he answered one of them and said, ‘Friend, I did you no wrong. Did you not agree with me for a penny? 14 Take what is yours and go your way. I want to give to this last man the same as to you. 15 Is it not lawful for me to do what I want with my own? Is your eye evil because I am good?’ 16 So the last
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Matthew 20:25
shall be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few chosen.” Jesus Again Foretells His Death and Resurrection 17 And Jesus, going up to Jerusalem, took the twelve disciples by themselves on the road and said to them, 18 “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man shall be betrayed to the chief priests and to the scribes. And they shall condemn Him to death 19 and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles to mock and to scourge and to crucify Him. And the third day He shall rise again.” 20 Then the mother of Zebedee’s children came to Him with her sons, worshipping Him and desiring a certain thing from Him. 21 And He said to her, “What do you want?” She said to Him, “Grant that these two sons of mine may sit, the one on Your right hand and the other on the left, in Your kingdom.” 22 But Jesus answered and said, “You do not know what you ask. Are you able to drink of the cup that I shall drink of, and to be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” They said to Him, “We are able.” 23 And He said to them, “You shall indeed drink of My cup and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with. But to sit on My right hand and on My left is not mine to give, but it shall be given to those for whom it is prepared by My Father.” 24 And when the ten heard it, they were moved with indignation against the two brothers. 25 But
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Matthew 20:26
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Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever wants to be great among you, let him be your minister. 27 And whoever wants to be chief among you, let him be your servant, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be ministered to but to minister and to give His life as a ransom for many.” The Healing of Two Blind Men 29 And as they departed from Jericho, a great multitude followed Him. 30 And behold, two blind men sitting by the wayside, when they heard that Jesus passed by, cried out, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David.” 31 And the multitude rebuked them because they should remain silent, but they cried the more, saying, “Have mercy on us, O Lord, Son of David.” 32 And Jesus stood still and called them, and said, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 33 They said to Him, “Lord, that our eyes may be opened.” 34 So Jesus had compassion on them and touched their eyes. And immediately their eyes received sight, and they followed Him. Triumphal Entry And when they drew near to Jerusalem and had come to Bethphage, to the Mount of Olives, then Jesus sent two disciples, 2 saying to them, “Go into the village across from you, and immediately
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you shall find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to Me. 3 And if any man says anything to you, you shall say, ‘The Lord has need of them,’ and immediately he will send them.” 4 All this was done that it might be fulfilled what was spoken by the prophet, saying, 5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King comes to you, meek, and sitting on a donkey, and a colt, the foal of a donkey.’” 6 And the disciples went and did as Jesus commanded them, 7 and brought the donkey and the colt, and put their clothes on them, and they sat Him on them. 8 And a very great multitude spread their garments on the road. Others cut down branches from the trees and scattered them on the road. 9 And the multitudes who went before and those who followed cried, saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David. Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord. Hosanna in the highest!” 10 And when He had come into Jerusalem, all the city was moved, saying, “Who is this?” 11 And the multitude said, “This is Jesus the prophet from Nazareth of Galilee.” Jesus’ Purification of the Temple 12 And Jesus went into the temple of God and cast out all those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves, 13 and said to them, “It is written, ‘My house shall be called the house of prayer,’ but you have made it a den of thieves.”
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to Him in the temple, and He healed them. 15 And when the chief priests and scribes saw the wonderful things that He did, and the children crying in the temple and saying, “Hosanna to the Son of David,” they were greatly displeased 16 and said to Him, “Do you hear what these are saying?” And Jesus said to them, “Yes. Have you never read, ‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing children You have perfected praise’?” 17 And He left them and went out of the city into Bethany, and He lodged there.
The Barren Fig Tree Cursed 18 Now in the morning as He returned to the city, He was hungry. 19 And when He saw a fig tree by the road, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves only, and said to it, “Let no fruit grow on you ever again.” And presently the fig tree withered away. 20 And when the disciples saw it, they marveled, saying, “How soon the fig tree has withered away!” 21 Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you shall not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it shall be done. 22 And all things, whatever you ask in prayer, believing, you shall receive.” Jesus’ Authority Questioned 23 And when He came into the temple, the chief priests and the elders
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Matthew 21:32
of the people came to Him as He was teaching and said, “By what authority are You doing these things? And who gave You this authority?” 24 And Jesus answered and said to them, “I will also ask you one thing, which if you tell Me, I likewise will tell you by what authority I do these things: 25 The baptism of John— from where did it come? From heaven or from men?” And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say to us, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 26 But if we say, ‘From men,’ we fear the people, for all hold John as a prophet.” 27 And they answered Jesus and said, “We cannot tell.” And He said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things. 28 “But what do you think? A certain man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterward he repented and went. 30 And he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I will go, sir,’ and did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?” They said to Him, “The first.” Jesus said to them, “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and the prostitutes go into the kingdom of God before you. 32 For John came to you in the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him. But the tax collectors and the prostitutes believed him. And you, when you saw it, did not repent afterward that you might believe him.
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Matthew 21:33 33 “Hear
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another parable: There was a certain landowner who planted a vineyard, and put a hedge around it, and dug a winepress in it, and built a tower, and leased it out to farmers, and went into a far country. 34 And when the time of the fruit drew near, he sent his servants to the farmers, that they might receive its fruits. 35 And the farmers took his servants and beat one and killed another and stoned another. 36 Again he sent other servants, more than the first, and they did likewise to them. 37 But last of all he sent his son to them, saying, ‘They will reverence my son.’ 38 But when the farmers saw the son, they said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and let us seize his inheritance.’ 39 And they caught him and cast him out of the vineyard and slew him. 40 “Therefore, when the lord of the vineyard comes, what will he do to those farmers?” 41 They said to Him, “He will miserably destroy those wicked men and will lease his vineyard to other farmers who shall render him the fruits in their seasons.” 42 Jesus said to them, “Did you never read in the scriptures: ‘The stone that the builders rejected, the same has become the head of the corner. This is the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’? 43 Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God shall be taken from you and given to a nation bringing forth its fruits. 44 And whoever falls on this stone shall be broken. But on whomever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.”
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45 And when the chief priests and
Pharisees had heard His parables, they perceived that He was speaking of them. 46 But when they sought to lay hands on Him, they feared the multitude, because they took Him for a prophet.
Parable of the Marriage Feast And Jesus answered and spoke to them again by parables and said: 2 “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who made a marriage for his son 3 and sent forth his servants to call those who were invited to the wedding. And they would not come. 4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, ‘Tell those who are invited, “Behold, I have prepared my dinner. My oxen and my fattened cattle are killed, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage.”’ 5 But they made light of it and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his business. 6 And the rest took his servants, and treated them spitefully, and slew them. 7 But when the king heard of it, he was angry. And he sent forth his armies and destroyed those murderers and burned up their city. 8 Then he said to his servants, ‘The wedding is ready, but those who were invited were not worthy. 9 Therefore go into the highways and invite to the marriage as many as you find. 10 So those servants went out into the highways and gathered together all, as many as they found, both bad and good. And the wedding was furnished with guests. 11 “And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man
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who did not have on a wedding garment. 12 And he said to him, ‘Friend, how did you come in here not having a wedding garment?’ And he was speechless. 13 Then the king said to the servants, ‘Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ 14 For many are called, but few are chosen.” Jesus Answers the Herodians 15 Then the Pharisees went and took counsel how they might entangle Him in His talk. 16 And they sent out their disciples to Him, with the Herodians, saying, “Master, we know that You are true and teach the way of God in truth. You do not care for any man, for You do not regard the person of men. 17 Tell us, therefore, what do You think? Is it lawful to give tax to Caesar or not?” 18 But Jesus perceived their wickedness and said, “Why do you test Me, you hypocrites? 19 Show Me the tax money.” And they brought to Him a penny. 20 And He said to them, “Whose is this image and inscription?” 21 They said to Him, “Caesar’s.” Then He said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” 22 When they had heard these words, they marveled and left Him and went their way. 23 The same day the Sadducees, who say that there is no resurrection, came to Him and asked Him, 24 saying, “Master, Moses said if a man dies, having no children, his brother shall marry his wife and
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raise up offspring for his brother. 25 Now there were with us seven brothers. And the first, when he had married a wife, died, and having no children, left his wife to his brother. 26 Likewise the second also, and the third, to the seventh. 27 And last of all the woman also died. 28 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife of the seven shall she be? For they all had her.” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “You err, not knowing the scriptures or the power of God. 30 For in the resurrection they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels of God in heaven. 31 But concerning the resurrection of the dead, have you not read what was spoken to you by God, saying, 32 ‘I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob’? God is the God not of the dead but of the living.” 33 And when the multitude heard this, they were astonished at His doctrine. 34 But when the Pharisees had heard that He had put the Sadducees to silence, they were gathered together. 35 Then one of them, who was a lawyer, asked Him a question, testing Him, and saying, 36 “Master, which is the great commandment in the law?” 37 Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and great commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
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Jesus Questions the Pharisees 41 While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, 42 saying, “What do you think of Christ? Whose son is He?” They said to Him, “The Son of David.” 43 He said to them, “Then how does David in Spirit call Him ‘Lord,’ saying: 44 ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit on My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool”’? 45 If David then calls Him ‘Lord,’ how is He his son?” 46 And no man was able to answer Him a word, and from that day forth no man dared ask Him any more questions. The Marks of a Pharisee Then Jesus spoke to the multitude and to His disciples, 2 saying, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses’ seat. 3 Therefore whatever they tell you to observe, observe and do that. But do not do according to their works. For they say, and do not do. 4 For they bind heavy burdens, and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men’s shoulders. But they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers. 5 But they do all their works to be seen by men. They make their phylacteries broad and enlarge the borders of their garments, 6 and love the best places at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues, 7 and greetings in the markets, and to be called by men, ‘Rabbi, Rabbi.’ 8 But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi.’ For One is your Master, even Christ, and all you are brothers. 9 And do not call any man on the earth your father, for One is your Father, who is
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in heaven. 10 Do not be called masters, for One is your Master, even Christ. 11 But he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. 12 And whoever exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.” Jesus Pronounces Woe on the Pharisees 13 “But woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut up the kingdom of heaven against men. For you neither go in yourselves nor allow those who are entering to go in. 14 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. Therefore you shall receive the greater damnation. 15 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you travel sea and land to make one proselyte, and when he is made, you make him twofold more the child of hell than yourselves. 16 “Woe to you, you blind guides, who say, ‘Whoever swears by the temple, it is nothing. But whoever swears by the gold of the temple, he is a debtor!’ 17 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gold or the temple that sanctifies the gold? 18 And, ‘Whoever swears by the altar, it is nothing. But whoever swears by the gift that is on it, he is guilty.’ 19 You blind fools! For which is greater, the gift or the altar that sanctifies the gift? 20 Therefore whoever swears by the altar, swears by it and by all things on it. 21 And whoever swears by the temple, swears by it and by Him who dwells in it. 22 And he who swears by heaven, swears by the
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throne of God and by Him who sits on it. 23 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you pay tithe of mint and anise and cumin, and have omitted the weightier matters of the law: judgment, mercy, and faith. These you ought to have done, and not leave the others undone. 24 You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel. 25 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you make the outside of the cup and of the platter clean, but inside they are full of extortion and excess. 26 You blind Pharisee! First clean what is inside the cup and platter, that the outside of them may be clean also. 27 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed sepulchres that indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and of all uncleanness. 28 Even so you also outwardly appear righteous to men, but inside you are full of hypocrisy and iniquity. 29 “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! Because you build the tombs of the prophets and garnish the sepulchres of the righteous, 30 and say, ‘If we had been in the days of our fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.’ 31 “Therefore you are witnesses to yourselves that you are the children of those who killed the prophets. 32 Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. 33 You serpents, you generation of vipers, how can you escape the damnation of hell? 34 Therefore, behold, I send to you prophets, and
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wise men, and scribes. And some of them you shall kill and crucify, and some of them you shall scourge in your synagogues and persecute from city to city, 35 that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zechariah, son of Berechiah, whom you slew between the temple and the altar. 36 Truly I say to you, all these things shall come on this generation. 37 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those who are sent to you. How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chickens under her wings, and you would not! 38 Behold, your house is left to you desolate. 39 For I say to you, you shall not see Me from now on until you shall say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’” The Olivet Discourse And Jesus went out and departed from the temple, and His disciples came to Him to show Him the buildings of the temple. 2 And Jesus said to them, “Do you not see all these things? Truly I say to you, there shall not be one stone left here on another, that shall not be thrown down.” 3 And as He sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came to Him privately, saying, “Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of Your coming, and of the end of the world?” 4 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Take heed that no man
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deceives you. 5 For many shall come in My name, saying, ‘I am Christ,’ and shall deceive many. 6 And you shall hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you are not troubled. For all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. 7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. And there shall be famines and pestilences and earthquakes in various places. 8 All these are the beginning of sorrows. 9 “Then they shall deliver you up to be afflicted and shall kill you, and you shall be hated by all nations for My name’s sake. 10 And then many shall stumble, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another. 11 And many false prophets shall rise and shall deceive many. 12 And because iniquity shall abound, the love of many shall grow cold. 13 But he who endures to the end, the same shall be saved. 14 And this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world as a witness to all nations, and then the end shall come.” The Great Tribulation 15 “Therefore when you see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place (whoever reads, let him understand), 16 then let those who are in Judea flee into the mountains. 17 Let him who is on the housetop not come down to take anything out of his house. 18 Do not let him who is in the field return back to take his clothes. 19 And woe to those who are with child and to those who nurse children in those
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days! 20 But pray that your flight is not in the winter or on the Sabbath day. 21 For then there shall be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. 22 And except those days should be shortened, no flesh would be saved. But for the elect’s sake those days shall be shortened. 23 “Then if any man says to you, ‘Behold, here is Christ,’ or ‘There,’ do not believe it. 24 For false christs and false prophets shall arise and shall show great signs and wonders, to such a degree that, if it were possible, they shall deceive the very elect. 25 Behold, I have told you before. 26 “Therefore if they say to you, ‘Behold, He is in the desert,’ do not go forth, or ‘Behold, He is in the secret chambers,’ do not believe it. 27 For as the lightning comes out of the east and shines even to the west, so also shall be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 For wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together. 29 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun shall be darkened, and the moon shall not give its light, and the stars shall fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken. 30 And then the sign of the Son of Man shall appear in heaven, and then all the tribes of the earth shall mourn, and they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory. 31 And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the
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four winds, from one end of heaven to the other.” Parable of the Fig Tree 32 “Now learn a parable from the fig tree: When its branch is yet tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 33 So you, likewise, when you see all these things, know that it is near—even at the doors. 34 Truly I say to you, this generation shall not pass until all these things are fulfilled. 35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away. 36 “But of that day and hour no man knows, no, not the angels of heaven, but My Father only. 37 But as the days of Noah were, so also shall be the coming of the Son of Man. 38 For as in the days that were before the flood, they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, 39 and did not know until the flood came and took them all away, so also shall be the coming of the Son of Man. 40 Then two shall be in the field; the one shall be taken and the other left. 41 Two women shall be grinding at the mill; the one shall be taken and the other left. 42 Watch, therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord will come. 43 But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch the thief would come, he would have watched and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. 44 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at such an hour as you do not think. 45 “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has made
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Matthew 25:10
ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant whom his lord, when he comes, shall find so doing. 47 Truly, I say to you that he shall make him ruler over all his goods. 48 But if that evil servant says in his heart, ‘My lord delays his coming,’ 49 and begins to strike his fellow servants, and to eat and drink with the drunkards, 50 the lord of that servant shall come on a day when he does not look for him and in an hour that he is not aware of, 51 and shall cut him in pieces and appoint him his portion with the hypocrites. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” The Olivet Discourse: The Lord’s Return “Then the kingdom of heaven shall be compared to ten virgins who took their lamps and went forth to meet the bridegroom. 2 And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. 3 Those who were foolish took their lamps and took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps. 5 While the bridegroom delayed, they all slumbered and slept. 6 “And at midnight there was a cry made: ‘Behold, the bridegroom is coming. Go out to meet him.’ 7 Then all those virgins arose and trimmed their lamps. 8 And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ 9 But the wise answered, saying, “No, lest there be not enough for us and you. But go rather to those who sell, and buy for yourselves.’ 10 And while they went to buy, the bridegroom
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came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage, and the door was shut. 11 “Afterward the other virgins also came, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us.’ 12 But he answered and said, ‘Truly I say to you, I do not know you.’ 13 Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming. 14 “For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling into a far country, who called his own servants and delivered to them his goods. 15 And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to every man according to his separate ability, and immediately took his journey. 16 Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them another five talents. 17 And likewise he who had received two, he gained two others also. 18 But he who had received one went and dug in the earth and hid his lord’s money. 19 After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them. 20 “And so he who had received five talents came and brought another five talents, saying, ‘Lord, you delivered to me five talents. Behold, I have gained five more talents besides them.’ 21 His lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 22 He who had received two talents also came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents. Behold, I have gained two other talents besides them.’ 23 His
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lord said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things; I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.’ 24 “Then he who had received the one talent came and said, ‘Lord, I knew you, that you are a hard man, reaping where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered. 25 And I was afraid and went and hid your talent in the earth. Behold, there you have what is yours.’ 26 “His lord answered and said to him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant. You knew that I reap where I did not sow and gather where I have not scattered. 27 Therefore you ought to have put my money to the exchangers, and then at my coming I should have received my own with interest. 28 Therefore take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.’ 29 “For to everyone who has, more shall be given, and he shall have abundance. But from him who does not have, even what he has shall be taken away. 30 And cast the unprofitable servant into outer darkness. There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. 31 “When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the holy angels with Him, then He shall sit on the throne of His glory. 32 And all nations shall be gathered before Him, and He shall separate them from one another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. 33 And He shall set the sheep on His right hand, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King shall say to those on His right
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hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; 36 naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ 37 “Then the righteous shall answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You drink? 38 When did we see You a stranger and take You in? Or naked and clothe You? 39 Or when did we see You sick, or in prison, and come to You?’ 40 And the King shall answer and say to them, ‘Truly I say to you, because you have done it to one of the least of these My brothers, you have done it to Me.’ 41 “Then He shall also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; 43 I was a stranger and you did not take Me in; naked and you did not clothe me; sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’ 44 Then they also shall answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ 45 Then He shall answer them, saying, ‘Truly I say to you, because you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46 And these shall go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
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The Jewish Authorities Plan to Put Jesus to Death And it came to pass, when Jesus had finished all these sayings, He said to His disciples, 2 “You know that after two days is the Feast of the Passover, and the Son of Man will be betrayed to be crucified.” 3 Then the chief priests, and the scribes, and the elders of the people assembled together in the palace of the high priest, who was called Caiaphas, 4 and consulted that they might take Jesus deceitfully and kill Him. 5 But they said, “Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar among the people.” 6 Now when Jesus was in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, 7 a woman came to Him having an alabaster box of very precious ointment, and poured it on His head as He sat at the table. 8 But when His disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “To what purpose is this waste? 9 For this ointment might have been sold for much and given to the poor.” 10 When Jesus understood it, He said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has worked a good work for Me. 11 For you always have the poor with you, but you do not always have Me. 12 For in that she has poured this ointment on My body, she did it for My burial. 13 Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel shall be preached in the whole world, that what this woman has done shall also be told, for a memorial of her.” 14 Then one of the twelve, called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief
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priests 15 and said to them, “What will you give me, and I will deliver Him to you?” And they covenanted with him for thirty pieces of silver. 16 And from that time he sought opportunity to betray Him. 17 Now the first day of the Feast of Unleavened Bread the disciples came to Jesus, saying to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare for You to eat the Passover?” 18 And He said, “Go into the city to such a man, and say to him, ‘The Master says, “My time is at hand. I will keep the Passover at your house with My disciples.”’” 19 And the disciples did as Jesus had appointed them, and they made ready the Passover. 20 Now when evening had come, He sat down with the twelve. 21 And as they ate, He said, “Truly I say to you, that one of you shall betray Me.” 22 And they were exceedingly sorrowful, and every one of them began to say to Him, “Lord, is it I?” 23 And He answered and said, “He who dips his hand with Me in the dish, the same shall betray Me. 24 The Son of Man goes as it is written of Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good for that man if he had not been born.” 25 Then Judas, who betrayed Him, answered and said, “Master, is it I?” He said to him, “You have said it.” Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper 26 And as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave it to the disciples, and
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said, “Take. Eat. This is My body.” 27 And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, “Drink it, all of you. 28 For this is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. 29 But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom.” 30 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 31 Then Jesus said to them, “All of you shall be made to stumble because of Me this night, for it is written: ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock shall be scattered abroad.’ 32 But after I have risen again, I will go before you into Galilee.” 33 Peter answered and said to Him, “Though all men shall be made to stumble because of You, yet I will never be made to stumble.” 34 Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you that this night, before the rooster crows, you shall deny Me three times.” 35 Peter said to Him, “Though I should die with You, still I will not deny You.” All the disciples also said likewise. Jesus’ Agony in the Garden 36 Then Jesus came with them to a place called Gethsemane and said to the disciples, “Sit here while I go and pray over there.” 37 And He took with Him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. 38 Then He said to them, “My soul is exceedingly
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sorrowful, even to death. Remain here and watch with Me.” 39 And He went a little farther and fell on His face, and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me. Nevertheless, not as I will, but as You will.” 40 And He came to the disciples and found them asleep, and said to Peter, “What, could you not watch with Me one hour? 41 Watch and pray, that you do not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak.” 42 He went away again the second time and prayed, saying, “O My Father, if this cup may not pass away from Me unless I drink it, Your will be done.” 43 And He came and found them asleep again, for their eyes were heavy. 44 And He left them and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words. 45 Then He came to His disciples and said to them, “Sleep on now, and take your rest. Behold, the hour is at hand, and the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 46 Rise, let us be going. Behold, he who betrays Me is at hand.” 47 And while He yet spoke, behold, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he who betrayed Him gave them a sign, saying, “Whomever I kiss, that same is He. Hold Him fast.” 49 And immediately he came to Jesus and said, “Hail, Master,” and kissed Him. 50 And Jesus said to him, “Friend, why have you come?”
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Then they came and laid hands on Jesus and took Him. 51 And behold, one of those who was with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. 52 Then Jesus said to him, “Put up your sword into its place again, for all those who take the sword shall perish with the sword. 53 Do you think that I cannot now pray to My Father, and He shall presently give Me more than twelve legions of angels? 54 But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be this way?” 55 In that same hour Jesus said to the multitudes, “Have you come out, as against a thief, with swords and clubs to take Me? Daily I sat with you teaching in the temple, and you did not take hold of Me. 56 But all this was done that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled.” Then all the disciples abandoned Him and fled. Jesus Brought before Caiaphas and the Sanhedrin 57 And those who had taken hold of Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas the high priest, where the scribes and the elders were assembled. 58 But Peter followed Him afar off to the high priest’s palace and went in and sat with the servants to see the end. 59 Now the chief priests, and elders, and all the council sought false witness against Jesus to put Him to death, 60 but found none. Yes, though many false witnesses came, yet they found none. At the last came two false witnesses 61 and
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said, “This fellow said, ‘I am able to destroy the temple of God and to build it in three days.’” 62 And the high priest arose and said to Him, “Do You answer nothing? What is it that these men testify against You?” 63 But Jesus remained silent. And the high priest answered and said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said it. Nevertheless, I say to you, hereafter you shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of Power and coming in the clouds of heaven.” 65 Then the high priest tore his clothes, saying, “He has spoken blasphemy. What further need do we have of witnesses? Behold, now you have heard His blasphemy. 66 What do you think?” They answered and said, “He is guilty of death.” 67 Then they spat in His face and beat Him, and others struck Him with the palms of their hands, 68 saying, “Prophesy to us, You Christ. Who is he who struck You?” 69 Now Peter sat outside in the palace. And a young woman came to him, saying, “You also were with Jesus of Galilee.” 70 But he denied before them all, saying, “I do not know what you are saying.” 71 And when he had gone out into the porch, another maid saw him and said to those who were there, “This fellow was also with Jesus of Nazareth.” 72 And again he denied with an oath, “I do not know the man.”
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after a while those who stood by came to him and said to Peter, “Surely you also are one of them, for your speech betrays you.” 74 Then he began to curse and to swear, saying, “I do not know the man.” And immediately the rooster crowed. 75 And Peter remembered the word of Jesus, who said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you shall deny Me three times.” And he went out and wept bitterly. The Sanhedrin Deliver Jesus to Pilate When the morning came, all the chief priests and elders of the people took counsel against Jesus to put Him to death. 2 And when they had bound Him, they led Him away and delivered Him to Pontius Pilate the governor. 3 Then Judas, who had betrayed Him, when he saw that He was condemned, felt sorrowful and brought back the thirty pieces of silver to the chief priests and elders, 4 saying, “I have sinned in that I have betrayed innocent blood.” And they said, “What is that to us? You see to that.” 5 And he cast down the pieces of silver in the temple and departed, and went and hanged himself. 6 And the chief priests took the silver pieces and said, “It is not lawful for us to put them into the treasury, because it is the price of blood.” 7 And they took counsel and bought with them the potter’s field, to bury strangers in. 8 Therefore that field has been called the Field of Blood to this day. 9 Then what was spoken by
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Jeremiah the prophet was fulfilled: “And they took the thirty pieces of silver, the price of Him who was valued, whom those of the children of Israel valued, 10 and gave them for the potter’s field, as the Lord appointed me.” 11 And Jesus stood before the governor. And the governor asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And Jesus said to him, “You say so.” 12 And when He was accused by the chief priests and elders, He answered nothing. 13 Then Pilate said to Him, “Do You not hear how many things they testify against You?” 14 And He did not answer him a word, to such an extent that the governor marveled greatly. 15 Now at that feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the people a prisoner whom they wanted. 16 And they had then a notable prisoner called Barabbas. 17 Therefore when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas or Jesus, who is called Christ?” 18 For he knew that they had delivered Him because of envy. 19 When he was sitting down on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just man, for I have suffered many things in a dream this day because of Him.” 20 But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitude that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. 21 The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”
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They said, “Barabbas.” 22 Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus, who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified.” 23 And the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!” 24 When Pilate saw that he could prevail nothing, but rather that a tumult was made, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” 25 Then all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” 26 Then he released Barabbas to them. And when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified. The King Crowned with Thorns 27 Then the soldiers of the governor took Jesus into the common hall and gathered the whole band of soldiers to Him. 28 And they stripped Him and put a scarlet robe on Him. 29 And when they had woven a crown of thorns, they put it on His head, and a reed in His right hand. And they bowed their knees before Him and mocked Him, saying, “Hail, King of the Jews!” 30 And they spat on Him, and took the reed and struck Him on the head. 31 And after they had mocked Him, they took the robe off Him, and put His own clothing on Him, and led Him away to crucify Him. 32 And as they came out, they
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found a man of Cyrene, Simon by name. They compelled him to bear His cross. 33 And when they had come to a place called Golgotha (that is to say, a place of a skull), 34 they gave Him vinegar mixed with gall to drink. And when He had tasted it, He would not drink. 35 And they crucified Him and divided His garments, casting lots, that what was spoken by the prophet might be fulfilled: “They divided My garments among them, and for My clothing they cast lots.” 36 And sitting down, they watched Him there, 37 and set up over His head His written accusation: This Is Jesus the King of the Jews. 38 Then two thieves were crucified there with Him, one on the right hand and another on the left. 39 And those who passed by reviled Him, wagging their heads 40 and saying, “You who destroy the temple and build it in three days, save Yourself. If You are the Son of God, come down from the cross.” 41 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking Him with the scribes and elders, said, 42 “He saved others; He cannot save Himself. If He is the King of Israel, let Him come down now from the cross, and we will believe Him. 43 He trusted in God; let Him deliver Him now if He will have Him. For He said, ‘I am the Son of God.’” 44 The thieves who were crucified with Him also mocked Him in the same way. The Death of Jesus Christ 45 Now from the sixth hour to the ninth hour there was darkness over all the land. 46 And about the
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ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?”—that is to say, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 47 Some of those who stood there, when they heard that, said, “This man is calling for Elijah.” 48 And immediately one of them ran and took a sponge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to Him to drink. 49 The rest said, “Leave Him alone. Let us see whether Elijah will come to save Him.” 50 Jesus, when He had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the spirit. 51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. And the earth quaked, and the rocks split, 52 and the graves were opened. And many bodies of the saints who slept arose, 53 and came out of the graves after His resurrection, and went into the holy city and appeared to many. 54 Now when the centurion and those who were with him, watching Jesus, saw the earthquake and those things that were done, they feared greatly, saying, “Truly this was the Son of God.” 55 And many women who followed Jesus from Galilee, ministering to Him, were there watching afar off, 56 among whom were Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Joseph, and the mother of Zebedee’s children. The Burial of Christ 57 When the evening had come, there came a rich man of Arimathea named Joseph, who himself was also Jesus’ disciple. 58 He went to
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Pilate and begged for the body of Jesus. Then Pilate commanded the body to be delivered. 59 And when Joseph had taken the body, he wrapped it in a clean linen cloth 60 and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had cut out in the rock. And he rolled a great stone to the door of the sepulchre and departed. 61 And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting across from the sepulchre. 62 Now the next day, which followed the day of the preparation, the chief priests and Pharisees came together to Pilate, 63 saying, “Sir, we remember, while He was yet alive, that deceiver said, ‘After three days I will rise again.’ 64 Therefore command that the sepulchre be made secure until the third day, lest His disciples come by night and steal Him away, and say to the people, ‘He has risen from the dead.’ So the last error shall be worse than the first.” 65 Pilate said to them, “You have a guard. Go your way. Make it as secure as you can.” 66 So they went and made the sepulchre secure, sealing the stone, and setting a guard. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ At the end of the Sabbath, as it began to dawn toward the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the sepulchre. 2 And behold, there was a great earthquake, for the angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. 3 His appearance was like
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lightning, and his clothing white as snow. 4 And the guards shook for fear of him and became as dead men. 5 And the angel answered and said to the women, “Do not fear, for I know that you seek Jesus, who was crucified. 6 He is not here, for He has risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. 7 And go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead. And behold, He is going before you to Galilee. You shall see Him there. Behold, I have told you.” 8 And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy, and ran to bring His disciples word. 9 And as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “Rejoice.” And they came and held Him by the feet and worshipped Him. 10 Then Jesus said to them, “Do not be afraid. Go tell My brothers that they should go to Galilee, and there they shall see Me.” 11 Now when they were going, behold, some of the guard came into the city and revealed to the chief priests all the things that were done. 12 And when they had assembled with the elders and had taken counsel, they gave a large amount of money to the soldiers, 13 saying, “Say, ‘His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we slept.’ 14 And if this comes to the governor’s ears, we will persuade him and secure you.” 15 So they took the money and did as they were instructed. And this saying is commonly reported among the Jews until this day. 16 Then the eleven disciples went
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away into Galilee, to a mountain that Jesus had appointed for them. 17 And when they saw Him, they worshipped Him, but some doubted. 18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All power has been given to Me in heaven and on earth.
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19 Therefore
go and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, even to the end of the world.” Amen.
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MARK INTRODUCTION TO MARK The book of Mark is the shortest of the four Gospels and is considered by many to be the oldest. It may well have served as a source for the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. It was the opinion of the early church that Mark, the author, recorded the gospel that Peter preached. AUTHOR The writer of Mark never identifies himself, yet no serious suggestion of an author other than Mark has been put forward. John Mark was a young disciple who had traveled with Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13–14) but deserted them. His actions later caused such a rift between the two missionaries that they went their separate ways (Acts 15:36–41). Yet Mark’s subsequent spiritual growth and faithfulness eventually earned Paul’s trust once more (2 Timothy 4:11). OCCASION Mark probably wrote from Rome to an audience primarily comprised of Gentile Christians to provide them with a defense of the gospel and encourage them in their faith. The content of the Gospel contains several indications of Mark’s Roman and Gentile audience. He uses ten Latin words, some of which are found nowhere else in scripture; he makes a point to explain Jewish traditions; no genealogy is found for Jesus, as in Matthew and Luke; and he doesn’t go into geographic or historic detail because his audience would not have been familiar with such matters.
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The Ministry of John the Baptist The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. 2 As it is written in the prophets:
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Behold, I send My messenger before Your face, who shall prepare the way before You. The voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight.” 4 John
baptized in the wilderness and preached the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins. 5 And all the land of Judea and those of Jerusalem went out to him there and were all baptized by him in the Jordan River, confessing their sins. 6 And John was clothed with camel’s hair and with a belt of a skin around his loins, and he ate locusts and wild honey. 7 And he preached, saying, “After me comes One who is mightier than I, the straps of whose shoes I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. 8 I indeed have baptized you with water, but He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit.” The Baptism of Jesus 9 And it came to pass in those days that Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. 10 And immediately, coming up out of the water, He saw the heavens opened and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove. 11 And a voice came from heaven,
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saying, “You are My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 12 And immediately the Spirit drove Him into the wilderness. 13 And He was there in the wilderness forty days, tempted by Satan, and was with the wild beasts, and the angels ministered to Him. The First Galilean Ministry 14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe the gospel.” The First Disciples Are Called 16 Now as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 17 And Jesus said to them, “Come after Me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.” 18 And immediately they left their nets and followed Him. 19 And when He had gone a little farther from there, He saw James the son of Zebedee and his brother John, who were also in the ship mending their nets. 20 And immediately He called them. And they left their father, Zebedee, in the ship with the hired servants and went after Him. Jesus Casts Out an Unclean Spirit 21 And they went into Capernaum, and immediately on the Sabbath day He entered the synagogue and taught. 22 And they were astonished at His doctrine, for He taught them
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as one who had authority, and not as the scribes. 23 And in their synagogue there was a man with an unclean spirit, and he cried out, 24 saying, “Leave us alone. What do we have to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God.” 25 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Remain silent, and come out of him.” 26 And when the unclean spirit had torn him and cried with a loud voice, he came out of him. 27 And they were all amazed, so much that they questioned among themselves, saying, “What is this thing? What new doctrine is this? For He commands even the unclean spirits with authority, and they obey Him.” 28 And immediately His fame spread throughout all the region around Galilee. Peter’s Mother-in-Law Healed 29 And immediately, when they had come out of the synagogue, they entered into the house of Simon and Andrew, with James and John. 30 But Simon’s wife’s mother lay sick from a fever, and immediately they told Him about her. 31 And He came and took her by the hand and lifted her up, and immediately the fever left her, and she ministered to them. Jesus Performs Many Miracles 32 And at evening, when the sun had set, they brought to Him all who were diseased and those who were possessed with demons. 33 And all the city was gathered together at the door. 34 And He healed many who were sick from various diseases and
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cast out many demons. And He did not allow the demons to speak, because they knew Him. Preaching in Galilee 35 And in the morning, rising up a great while before day, He went out and departed to a solitary place and prayed there. 36 And Simon and those who were with Him followed after Him. 37 And when they had found Him, they said to Him, “All men are looking for You.” 38 And He said to them, “Let us go into the next towns, that I may also preach there, for this is why I came.” 39 And He preached in their synagogues throughout all Galilee and cast out demons. Jesus Heals a Leper 40 And a leper came to Him, beseeching Him and kneeling down to Him and saying to Him, “If You are willing, You can make me clean.” 41 And moved with compassion, Jesus put out His hand and touched him, and said to him, “I am willing. Be clean.” 42 And as soon as He had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. 43 And He strictly charged him, and immediately sent him away, 44 and said to him, “See that you say nothing to any man. But go your way, show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing those things that Moses commanded, for a testimony to them.” 45 But he went out and began to proclaim it freely and to spread the matter everywhere, so that Jesus could no longer openly enter into the city but was outside in deserted
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places. And they came to Him from every region. The Paralytic Healed And again He entered into Capernaum after some days, and it was reported that He was in the house. 2 And immediately many were gathered together, so that there was no room to receive them, no, not even around the door. And He preached the word to them. 3 And they came to Him, bringing a paralytic who was carried by four men. 4 And when they could not come near to Him because of the crowd, they uncovered the roof where He was. And when they had broken it up, they let down the bed on which the paralytic was lying. 5 When Jesus saw their faith, He said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” 6 But there were some of the scribes sitting there and reasoning in their hearts, 7 “Why does this man speak blasphemies like this? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 8 And immediately, when Jesus perceived in His spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, He said to them, “Why do you reason these things in your hearts? 9 Which is easier, to say to the one who is paralyzed, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Arise, and take up your bed, and walk’? 10 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins”— He said to the paralytic— 11 “I say to you, arise, and take up your bed, and go your way to your house.” 12 And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went out before
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them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We have never seen anything like this.” The Call of Levi 13 And He went out again by the seaside. And all the multitude came to Him, and He taught them. 14 And as He passed by, He saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the tax booth and said to him, “Follow Me.” And he arose and followed Him. 15 And it came to pass, as Jesus sat at the table in his house, that many tax collectors and sinners also sat together with Jesus and His disciples, for there were many, and they followed Him. 16 And when the scribes and Pharisees saw Him eating with tax collectors and sinners, they said to His disciples, “How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners?” 17 When Jesus heard it, He said to them, “Those who are healthy have no need of the physician, but those who are sick. I came to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.” 18 And the disciples of John and of the Pharisees were fasting. And they came and said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John and of the Pharisees fast, but Your disciples do not fast?” 19 And Jesus said to them, “Can the children of the bridechamber fast while the bridegroom is with them? As long as they have the bridegroom with them, they cannot fast. 20 But the days will come when the bridegroom shall be taken away from them, and then they shall fast in those days.”
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Parables of the Cloth and the Bottles 21 “Also, no man sews a piece of new cloth on an old garment. Otherwise the new piece that filled it up takes away from the old, and the tear is made worse. 22 And no man puts new wine into old bottles. Otherwise the new wine bursts the bottles, and the wine is spilled, and the bottles will be marred. But new wine must be put into new bottles.” 23 And it came to pass that He went through the grainfields on the Sabbath day, and as they went, His disciples began to pluck the heads of grain. 24 And the Pharisees said to Him, “Behold, why do they do what is not lawful on the Sabbath day?” 25 And He said to them, “Have you never read what David did, when he had need and was hungry, he and those who were with him, 26 how he went into the house of God in the days of Abiathar the high priest and ate the showbread, which is not lawful for anyone to eat but the priests, and also gave it to those who were with him?” 27 And He said to them, “The Sabbath was made for man, and not man for the Sabbath. 28 Therefore, the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath.” Jesus Heals the Withered Hand on the Sabbath And He entered into the synagogue again, and there was a man there who had a withered hand. 2 And they watched Him to see whether He would heal him on the Sabbath day, that they might accuse Him. 3 And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Stand
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up.” 4 And He said to them, “Is it lawful to do good on the Sabbath day or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they remained silent. 5 And when He had looked all around at them with anger, being grieved for the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored whole as the other. 6 And the Pharisees went out and immediately took counsel with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him. A Great Multitude Follows Jesus 7 But Jesus withdrew to the sea with His disciples. And a great multitude from Galilee followed Him, and from Judea 8 and from Jerusalem and from Idumea and from beyond the Jordan and those around Tyre and Sidon—a great multitude, when they had heard what great things He did, came to Him. 9 And He spoke to His disciples, that a small ship should be ready for Him because of the multitude, lest they should throng Him. 10 For He had healed many, so that as many as had plagues pressed on Him to touch Him. 11 And when unclean spirits saw Him, they fell down before Him and cried, saying, “You are the Son of God.” 12 And He strictly charged them that they should not make Him known. The Twelve Chosen 13 And He went up on a mountain and called to Him those whom He wanted, and they came to Him. 14 And He ordained twelve, that
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they should be with Him and that He might send them out to preach, 15 and to have power to heal sicknesses and to cast out demons. 16 And Simon He named Peter, 17 and James the son of Zebedee and John the brother of James (and He named them Boanerges, which is “The Sons of Thunder”), 18 and Andrew, and Philip, and Bartholomew, and Matthew, and Thomas, and James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus, and Simon the Canaanite, 19 and Judas Iscariot, who also betrayed Him. And they went into a house. A House Divided Cannot Stand 20 And the multitude came together again, so that they could not even eat bread. 21 And when His friends heard of it, they went out to take hold of Him, for they said, “He is beside Himself.” 22 And the scribes who came down from Jerusalem said, “He has Beelzebub” and “He casts out demons by the prince of the demons.” 23 And He called them to Himself and said to them in parables: “How can Satan cast out Satan? 24 And if a kingdom is divided against itself, that kingdom cannot stand. 25 And if a house is divided against itself, that house cannot stand. 26 And if Satan has risen up against himself and is divided, he cannot stand but has an end. 27 No man can enter into a strong man’s house and plunder his goods unless he will first bind the strong man, and then he will plunder his house. 28 Truly I say to you, all sins shall be forgiven the sons of men, and whatever blasphemies
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with which they shall blaspheme. 29 But he who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness but is in danger of eternal damnation.” 30 Because they said, “He has an unclean spirit.” The New Relationships 31 Then His brothers and His mother came and, standing outside, sent to Him, calling Him. 32 And the multitude sat around Him, and they said to Him, “Behold, Your mother and your brothers are outside seeking for You.” 33 And He answered them, saying, “Who is My mother, or My brothers?” 34 And He looked around at those who sat around Him and said, “Behold, My mother and My brothers! 35 For whoever does the will of God, the same is My brother and My sister and mother.” The Parable of the Sower And again He began to teach by the seaside. And a great multitude was gathered to Him, so that He entered into a ship and sat in it on the sea. And the whole multitude was on the land by the sea. 2 And He taught them many things by parables and said to them in His doctrine, 3 “Listen! Behold, a sower went out to sow. 4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some seed fell by the wayside, and the fowl of the air came and devoured it up. 5 And some fell on stony ground, where it did not have much earth, and immediately it sprang up because it had no depth of earth. 6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched, and because it had no root it withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns,
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and the thorns grew up and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. 8 And other seed fell on good ground and yielded fruit that sprang up and increased and brought forth some thirty and some sixty and some a hundred.” 9 And He said to them, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” The Purpose of Parables 10 And when He was alone, those who were around Him with the twelve asked Him about the parable. 11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God, but to those who are outside, all these things are done in parables, 12 that ‘seeing they may see and not perceive, and hearing they may hear and not understand, lest at any time they should be converted and their sins should be forgiven them.’” The Parable of the Sower Explained 13 And He said to them, “Do you not understand this parable? And how then will you understand all parables? 14 The sower sows the word. 15 And these are those by the wayside where the word is sown. But when they have heard, Satan immediately comes and takes away the word that was sown in their hearts. 16 And likewise these are those that were sown on stony ground, who, when they have heard the word, immediately receive it with gladness, 17 and have no root in themselves, and so endure but for a time. Afterward, when affliction or persecution arises for the word’s
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sake, immediately they are made to stumble. 18 And these are those that are sown among thorns, those who hear the word, 19 and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches and the lusts of other things enter in and choke the word, and it becomes unfruitful. 20 And these are those that are sown on good ground, those who hear the word and receive it and bring forth fruit: some thirtyfold, some sixty, and some a hundred.” The Parable of the Candle 21 And He said to them, “Is a candle brought to be put under a bushel or under a bed and not to be set on a candlestick? 22 For there is nothing hidden that shall not be made clear, nor is anything kept secret but that it should come into view. 23 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.” 24 And He said to them, “Take heed what you hear: with what measure you measure, it shall be measured to you, and more shall be given to you who hear. 25 For he who has, to him shall be given, and he who does not have, even what he has shall be taken from him.” The Parable of the Growing Seed 26 And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should cast seed into the ground, 27 and should sleep and rise night and day, and the seed should spring and grow up; he does not know how. 28 For the earth brings forth fruit by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the fruit is brought forth, immediately
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he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.” The Parable of the Mustard Seed 30 And He said, “To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what comparison shall we compare it? 31 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that are in the earth. 32 But when it is sown, it grows up and becomes greater than all herbs and shoots out great branches, so that the fowl of the air may lodge under its shadow.” 33 And He spoke the word to them with many such parables, as they were able to hear it. 34 But He did not speak to them without a parable. And He expounded all things to His disciples when they were alone. Jesus Calms the Storm 35 And the same day, when the evening came, He said to them, “Let us cross over to the other side.” 36 And when they had sent away the multitude, they took Him in the ship, just as He was. And other little ships were also with Him. 37 And a great storm of wind arose, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full. 38 And He was in the stern of the ship, asleep on a pillow. And they awoke Him and said to Him, “Master, do You not care that we are perishing?” 39 And He arose and rebuked the wind and said to the sea, “Peace, be still.” And the wind ceased and there was a great calm. 40 And He said to them, “Why are you so fearful? How
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is it that you have no faith?” 41 And they feared exceedingly and said to one another, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” The Demon-Possessed Man of Gadara And they came over to the other side of the sea, into the country of the Gadarenes. 2 And when He had come out of the ship, immediately there met Him out of the tombs a man with an unclean spirit, 3 who had his dwelling among the tombs. And no man could bind him, no, not with chains, 4 because he had often been bound with shackles and chains, and the chains had been plucked apart by him and the shackles broken in pieces. Nor could any man tame him. 5 And always, night and day, he was in the mountains and in the tombs, crying and cutting himself with stones. 6 But when he saw Jesus far off, he ran and worshipped Him, 7 and cried with a loud voice, and said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I solemnly charge You by God that You do not torment me.” 8 For He said to him, “Come out of the man, you unclean spirit!” 9 And He asked him, “What is your name?” And he answered, saying, “My name is Legion, for we are many.” 10 And he begged Him much that He would not send them away out of the country. 11 Now there was a great herd of swine feeding near the mountains. 12 And all the demons begged Him, saying, “Send us into
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the swine, that we may enter into them.” 13 And immediately Jesus gave them permission. And the unclean spirits went out and entered into the swine (they were around two thousand), and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the sea and were choked in the sea. 14 And those who fed the swine fled and told it in the city and in the country. And they went out to see what it was that had happened. 15 And they came to Jesus and saw him who was possessed with the demon, and had the legion, sitting and clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 16 And those who saw it told them how it happened to him who was possessed with the demon, and also concerning the swine. 17 And they began to ask Him to depart out of their region. 18 And when He came into the ship, he who had been possessed with the demon asked Him that he might be with Him. 19 However, Jesus did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them what great things the Lord has done for you, and how He has had compassion on you.” 20 And he departed and began to proclaim in Decapolis what great things Jesus had done for him. And all men marveled. Jesus Raises the Daughter of Jairus 21 And when Jesus had crossed over again by ship to the other side, many people gathered to Him, and He was near the sea. 22 And behold, one of the rulers of the synagogue, Jairus by name, came. And
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when he saw Him, he fell at His feet 23 and begged Him greatly, saying, “My little daughter lies at the point of death. I ask You, come and lay Your hands on her, that she may be healed and she shall live.” 24 And Jesus went with him, and many people followed Him and thronged Him. 25 And a certain woman who had an issue of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things under many physicians, and had spent all that she had and was no better but rather grew worse, 27 when she had heard of Jesus, came in the crowd behind Him and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If I may but touch His clothes, I shall be healed.” 29 And immediately the flow of her blood was dried up, and she felt in her body that she was healed of that plague. 30 And Jesus, immediately knowing in Himself that power had gone out of Him, turned Himself around in the crowd and said, “Who touched My clothes?” 31 And His disciples said to Him, “You see the multitude thronging You, and yet You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 32 And He looked around to see her who had done this thing. 33 But the woman, fearing and trembling, knowing what had been done in her, came and fell down before Him and told Him all the truth. 34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your plague.” 35 While He was still speaking, some people came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said,
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“Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Master any further?” 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” 37 And He allowed no man to follow Him except Peter and James and John the brother of James. 38 And He came to the house of the ruler of the synagogue and saw the tumult and those who wept and wailed greatly. 39 And when He came in, He said to them, “Why do you make this commotion and weep? The girl is not dead but is asleep.” 40 And they laughed Him to scorn. But when He had put them all out, He took the father and the mother of the girl, and those who were with Him, and entered in where the girl was lying. 41 And He took the girl by the hand and said to her, “Talitha cumi,” which, being interpreted, is, “Little girl, I say to you, arise.” 42 And immediately the girl arose and walked, for she was twelve years of age. And they were astonished with a great astonishment. 43 And He charged them strictly that no man should know it and commanded that something should be given to her to eat. Jesus Again at Nazareth And He went out from there and came into His own country, and His disciples followed Him. 2 And when the Sabbath day had come, He began to teach in the synagogue. And many who heard Him were astonished, saying, “From where did this man get these things? And what wisdom is this that is given to Him,
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that even such mighty works are performed by His hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James and Joseph, and of Judas and Simon? And are His sisters not here with us?” And they took offense at Him. 4 But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor but in his own country and among his own relatives and in his own house.” 5 And He could do no mighty work there, except that He laid His hands on a few sick folk and healed them. 6 And He marveled because of their unbelief. And He went all around the villages, teaching. Jesus Sends Out the Twelve 7 And He called the twelve to Himself and began to send them out two by two, and gave them power over unclean spirits, 8 and commanded them to take nothing for their journey except a staff only—no satchel, no bread, no money in their purse— 9 but wear sandals and not put on two coats. 10 And He said to them, “In whatever place you enter into a house, stay there until you depart from that place. 11 And whoever shall not receive you or hear you, when you depart from there, shake off the dust under your feet for a testimony against them. Truly I say to you, it shall be more tolerable for Sodom and Gomorrah on the day of judgment than for that city.” 12 And they went out and preached that men should repent. 13 And they cast out many demons and anointed with oil many who were sick and healed them.
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Murder of John the Baptist 14 And King Herod heard of Him, for His name had spread abroad. And he said, “John the Baptist has risen from the dead, and therefore mighty works show forth themselves in Him.” 15 Others said, “It is Elijah.” And others said, “It is a prophet, or similar to one of the prophets.” 16 But when Herod heard of it, he said, “It is John, whom I beheaded. He has risen from the dead.” 17 For Herod himself had sent forth and taken hold of John and bound him in prison for the sake of Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, for he had married her. 18 For John had said to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Therefore Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to kill him, but she could not, 20 for Herod feared John, knowing that he was a just and holy man, and he protected him. And when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly. 21 And an opportune day came when Herod on his birthday made a supper for his lords, high captains, and chief nobles of Galilee. 22 And when the daughter of Herodias came in and danced, and pleased Herod and those who sat with him, the king said to the girl, “Ask whatever you want from me, and I will give it to you.” 23 And he swore to her, “Whatever you shall ask of me, I will give it to you, up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 And she came in immediately
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with haste to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And the king was exceedingly sorry, yet he would not reject her for his oath’s sake and for the sakes of those who sat with him. 27 And immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded his head to be brought. And he went and beheaded him in the prison 28 and brought his head on a platter and gave it to the girl. And the girl gave it to her mother. 29 And when his disciples heard of it, they came and took his corpse and laid it in a tomb. Jesus Feeds the Five Thousand 30 And the apostles gathered themselves together to Jesus and told Him all things, both what they had done and what they had taught. 31 And He said to them, “Come by yourselves to a deserted place and rest a while.” For there were many coming and going, and they had no leisure even to eat. 32 And they departed privately by ship into a deserted place. 33 And the people saw them departing, and many knew Him and ran on foot out from all the cities, and went ahead of them and came together to Him. 34 And when Jesus came out, He saw many people and was moved with compassion toward them, because they were like sheep not having a shepherd. And He began to teach them many things. 35 And when the day was now far spent, His disciples came to Him and said, “This is a deserted place, and now the time is late. 36 Send
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them away that they may go into the surrounding country and into the villages and buy themselves bread, for they have nothing to eat.” 37 He answered and said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said to Him, “Shall we go and buy two hundred denarii worth of bread and give it to them to eat?” 38 He said to them, “How many loaves do you have? Go and see.” And when they found out, they said, “Five, and two fish.” 39 And He commanded them to make them all sit down by groups on the green grass. 40 And they sat down in ranks, by hundreds and by fifties. 41 And when He had taken the five loaves and the two fish, He looked up to heaven, and blessed and broke the loaves, and gave them to His disciples to set before them, and He divided the two fish among them all. 42 And they all ate and were filled. 43 And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments and of the fish. 44 And those who ate of the loaves were about five thousand men. Jesus Walks on the Sea 45 And immediately He compelled His disciples to get into the ship and to go before Him to the other side, to Bethsaida, while He sent away the people. 46 And when He had sent them away, He departed to a mountain to pray. 47 And when evening came, the ship was in the middle of the sea, and He alone on the land. 48 And He saw them toiling in rowing, for the wind was contrary to them. And
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around the fourth watch of the night He came to them, walking on the sea, and intended to pass by them. 49 But when they saw Him walking on the sea, they supposed it was a spirit and cried out, 50 for they all saw Him and were troubled. And immediately He talked with them and said to them, “Be of good cheer. It is I. Do not be afraid.” 51 And He went up into the ship with them, and the wind ceased. And they were greatly amazed in themselves beyond measure and wondered. 52 For they did not consider the miracle of the loaves, for their hearts were hardened. 53 And when they had crossed over, they came to the land of Gennesaret and drew to the shore. 54 And when they came out of the ship, immediately they knew Him 55 and ran through that whole surrounding region and began to carry around in beds those who were sick to where they heard He was. 56 And wherever He entered, into villages or cities or country, they laid the sick in the streets and begged Him that they might touch just the border of His garment. And as many as touched Him were healed. The Pharisees Rebuked Then the Pharisees and some of the scribes who came from Jerusalem came together to Him. 2 And when they saw some of His disciples eating bread with defiled—that is to say, with unwashed—hands, they found fault. 3 For the Pharisees and all the Jews do not eat unless they wash their hands often, holding the tradition of the elders. 4 And
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when they come from the market, they do not eat unless they wash. And there are many other things that they have received and hold to, such as the washing of cups and pots, brazen vessels, and tables. 5 Then the Pharisees and scribes asked Him, “Why do Your disciples not walk according to the tradition of the elders but eat bread with unwashed hands?” 6 He answered and said to them, “Isaiah prophesied well of you hypocrites, as it is written: ‘This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me. 7 However they worship Me in vain, teaching as doctrines the commandments of men.’ 8 For laying aside the commandment of God, you hold the tradition of men, such as the washing of pots and cups, and you do many other similar things.” 9 And He said to them, “Full well you reject the commandment of God, that you may keep your own tradition. 10 For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother,’ and, ‘Whoever curses father or mother, let him be put to death.’ 11But you say, ‘If a man shall say to his father or mother, “It is Corban” (that is to say, a gift), “by whatever you might have profited from me,” he shall be free.’ 12 And you no longer allow him to do anything for his father or his mother, 13 making the word of God of no effect through your tradition that you have delivered. And you do many similar things.” Defilement Comes from Within 14 And when He had called all the people to Himself, He said to them,
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“Listen to Me, every one of you, and understand: 15 there is nothing from outside a man that can defile him by entering into him. But the things that come out of him, those are what defile the man. 16 If any man has ears to hear, let him hear.” 17 And when He had entered into the house away from the people, His disciples asked Him concerning the parable. 18 And He said to them, “Are you also without understanding? Do you not perceive that anything from outside that enters into the man, it cannot defile him 19 because it enters not into his heart but into the belly and goes out into the latrine?” (thus purifying all foods). 20 And He said, “What comes out of the man is what defiles the man. 21 For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, adulteries, fornications, murders, 22 thefts, covetousness, wickedness, deceit, lewdness, envy, blasphemy, pride, foolishness. 23 All these evil things come from within and defile the man.” Jesus and the Syrophoenician Woman 24 And from there He arose and went into the region of Tyre and Sidon, and entered into a house and wanted no man to know it. But He could not be hidden. 25 For a certain woman whose young daughter had an unclean spirit heard of Him and came and fell at His feet. 26 The woman was a Greek, a Syrophoenician by birth, and she begged Him that He would cast the demon out of her daughter. 27 But Jesus said to her, “Let the
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children be filled first, for it is not proper to take the children’s bread and to cast it to the dogs.” 28 And she answered and said to Him, “Yes, Lord, yet the dogs under the table eat from the children’s crumbs.” 29 And He said to her, “For this saying go your way. The demon has gone out of your daughter.” 30 And when she came to her house, she found the demon gone and her daughter lying on the bed. A Deaf and Mute Man Healed 31 And again, departing from the region of Tyre and Sidon, He came to the Sea of Galilee, through the midst of the region of Decapolis. 32 And they brought to Him one who was deaf and had an impediment in his speech, and they begged Him to put His hand on him. 33 And He took him aside from the multitude and put His fingers into his ears, and He spat and touched his tongue. 34 And looking up to heaven, He sighed and said to him, “Ephphatha” (that is, “Be opened”). 35 And immediately his ears were opened, and the string of his tongue was released, and he spoke plainly. 36 And He charged them that they should tell no man, but the more He charged them, the more they proclaimed it a great deal. 37 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying, “He has done all things well. He makes both the deaf to hear and the mute to speak.” Four Thousand Fed In those days, the multitude being very great and having nothing to eat, Jesus called His disciples
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to Himself and said to them, 2 “I have compassion on the multitude, because they have now been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. 3 And if I send them away fasting to their own houses, they will faint on the way.” For some of them came from far away. 4 And His disciples answered Him, “From where can a man satisfy these men with bread here in the wilderness?” 5 And He asked them, “How many loaves do you have?” And they said, “Seven.” 6 And He commanded the people to sit down on the ground, and He took the seven loaves, and gave thanks and broke them, and gave them to His disciples to set before them. And they set them before the people. 7 And they had a few small fish. And He blessed them and also commanded them to be set before them. 8 So they ate and were filled, and they took up seven baskets of the broken food that was left. 9 And those who had eaten were about four thousand. And He sent them away. 10 And immediately He entered into a ship with His disciples and came to the region of Dalmanutha. 11 And the Pharisees came forth and began to question with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. 12 And He sighed deeply in His spirit and said, “Why does this generation seek after a sign? Truly I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.” 13 And He left them and, entering into the ship again, departed to the other side.
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Beware of the Leaven of the Pharisees and Herod 14 Now the disciples had forgotten to take bread—nor did they have more than one loaf in the ship with them. 15 And He charged them, saying, “Take heed. Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and of the leaven of Herod.” 16 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “It is because we have no bread.” 17 And when Jesus knew it, He said to them, “Why do you reason because you have no bread? Do you not perceive yet or understand? Are your hearts still hardened? 18 Having eyes, do you not see? And having ears, do you not hear? And do you not remember? 19 When I broke the five loaves among five thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?” They said to Him, “Twelve.” 20 “And when I broke the seven among four thousand, how many baskets full of fragments did you take up?” And they said, “Seven.” 21 And He said to them, “How is it that you do not understand?” The Blind Man Healed outside Bethsaida 22 And He came to Bethsaida. And they brought a blind man to Him and begged Him to touch him. 23 And He took the blind man by the hand and led him out of the town. And when He had spit on his eyes and put His hands on him, He asked him if he saw anything. 24 And he looked up and said, “I see men like trees, walking.”
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Mark 8:34 25 After that He put His hands on
his eyes again and made him look up. And he was restored and saw every man clearly. 26 And He sent him away to his house, saying, “Do not go into the town or tell it to anyone in the town.” Peter’s Confession of Faith 27 And Jesus and His disciples went out into the towns of Caesarea Philippi. And on the way He asked His disciples, saying to them, “Who do men say that I am?” 28 And they answered, “John the Baptist. But some say Elijah, and others, one of the prophets.” 29 And He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ.” 30 And He charged them that they should tell no man about Him. 31 And He began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and by the chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and after three days rise again. 32 And He spoke that saying openly. And Peter took Him and began to rebuke Him. 33 But when He had turned around and looked at His disciples, He rebuked Peter, saying, “Get behind Me, Satan! For you are interested not in the things that are of God but in the things that are of men.” Take Up Your Cross and Follow Christ 34 And when He had called the people to Himself, with His disciples also, He said to them, “Whoever wants to come after Me, let Him deny himself,
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and take up his cross, and follow Me. 35 For whoever wants to save his life shall lose it, but whoever shall lose his life for My sake and the gospel’s, the same shall save it. 36 For what shall it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul? 37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul? 38 Therefore whoever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man shall also be ashamed of him when He comes in the glory of His Father with the holy angels.” The Transfiguration And He said to them, “Truly I say to you that there are some of those who stand here who shall not taste of death until they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.” 2 And after six days Jesus took Peter and James and John with Him and led them up on a high mountain by themselves. And He was transfigured before them. 3 And His clothing became shining, exceedingly white, like snow, such as no launderer on earth can whiten them. 4 And Elijah with Moses appeared to them, and they were talking with Jesus. 5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. And let us make three tabernacles: one for You and one for Moses and one for Elijah.” 6 For he did not know what to say, for they were greatly afraid. 7 And there was a cloud that overshadowed them, and a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him.” 8 And
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suddenly, when they looked around, they saw no man anymore, except only Jesus with them. 9 And as they came down from the mountain, He charged them that they should tell no man what things they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. 10 And they kept that saying to themselves, questioning one another what the rising from the dead should mean. 11 And they asked Him, saying, “Why do the scribes say that Elijah must come first?” 12 And He answered and told them, “Elijah truly comes first and restores all things. And how is it written of the Son of Man that He must suffer many things and be despised? 13 But I say to you that Elijah has indeed come, and they have done to him whatever they wished, as it is written of him.” A Boy Is Healed 14 And when He came to His disciples, He saw a great multitude around them, and the scribes arguing with them. 15 And immediately all the people, when they saw Him, were greatly amazed and, running to Him, greeted Him. 16 And He asked the scribes, “What are you arguing about with them?” 17 And one from the multitude answered and said, “Master, I have brought to You my son, who has a mute spirit. 18 And wherever it takes him, it tears him and he foams and gnashes with his teeth and wastes away. And I spoke to Your disciples, that they should cast it out, and they could not.” 19 He answered him and said, “O
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faithless generation, how long shall I be with you? How long shall I put up with you? Bring him to Me.” 20 And they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit tore him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming. 21 And He asked his father, “How long has it been since this came to him?” And he said, “From childhood. 22 And oftentimes it has cast him into the fire and into the waters to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us.” 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.” 24 And immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief.” 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the foul spirit, saying to it, “You mute and deaf spirit, I charge you, come out of him, and enter into him no more!” 26 And the spirit cried, and tore him greatly, and came out of him. And he was like one dead, so that many said, “He is dead.” 27 But Jesus took him by the hand and lifted him up, and he arose. 28 And when He had come into the house, His disciples asked Him privately, “Why could we not cast it out?” 29 And He said to them, “This kind cannot come out by anything except by prayer and fasting.” Jesus Foretells His Death and Resurrection 30 And they departed from there and passed through Galilee, and He did
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not want any man to know about it. 31 For He taught His disciples and said to them, “The Son of Man is delivered into the hands of men, and they shall kill Him. And after He is killed, He shall rise the third day.” 32 But they did not understand that saying and were afraid to ask Him. 33 And He came to Capernaum. And being in the house He asked them, “What was it that you disputed among yourselves on the road?” 34 But they remained silent, for on the road they had disputed among themselves who should be the greatest. 35 And He sat down and called the twelve and said to them, “If any man desires to be first, the same shall be last of all and servant of all.” 36 And He took a child and set him in the midst of them, and when He had taken him in His arms, He said to them, 37 “Whoever receives one such child in My name receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives not Me but Him who sent Me.” Jesus Forbids Sectarianism 38 And John answered Him, saying, “Master, we saw someone casting out demons in Your name, and he does not follow us. And we forbade him because he does not follow us.” 39 But Jesus said, “Do not forbid him, for there is no man who shall do a miracle in My name who can lightly speak evil of Me. 40 For he who is not against us is on our side. 41 For whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name because you belong to Christ, truly I say to you, he shall not lose his reward.”
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Jesus Warns against Temptation 42 “And whoever causes one of these little ones who believes in Me to stumble, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea. 43 “And if your hand causes you to stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than, having two hands, to go into hell, into the fire that shall never be quenched, 44 where ‘their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 45 And if your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off ! It is better for you to enter lame into life than, having two feet, to be cast into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched, 46 where ‘their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 47 And if your eye causes you to stumble, pluck it out! It is better for you to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye than, having two eyes, to be cast into hellfire, 48 where ‘their worm does not die and the fire is not quenched.’ 49 “For everyone shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt. 50 Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its saltiness, with what will you season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace with one another.” Jesus’ Law of Divorce And He arose from there and came into the region of Judea by the farther side of the Jordan. And the people came to Him again, and again, as He was accustomed, He taught them.
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2 And the Pharisees came to Him
and, testing Him, asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” 3 And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?” 4 And they said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce and to divorce her.” 5 And Jesus answered and said to them, “He wrote you this precept because of the hardness of your heart. 6 But from the beginning of the creation ‘God made them male and female.’ 7 ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and cling to his wife, 8 and the two shall be one flesh.’ So then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9 Therefore, what God has joined together, do not let man divide.” 10 And in the house His disciples asked Him again of the same matter. 11 And He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. 12 And if a woman divorces her husband and is married to another, she commits adultery.” 13 And they brought young children to Him, that He should touch them, and His disciples rebuked those who brought them. 14 But when Jesus saw it, He was very displeased and said to them, “Allow the little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the kingdom of God. 15 Truly I say to you, whoever shall not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, he shall not enter in it.” 16 And He took them up in His arms, put His hands on them, and blessed them.
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The Rich Young Ruler 17 And when He had gone out into the road, one came running and knelt before Him and asked Him, “Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?” 18 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? There is no one good but One—that is, God. 19 You know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not kill,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false witness,’ ‘Do not defraud,’ ‘Honor your father and mother.’” 20 And he answered and said to Him, “Master, all these I have kept from my youth.” 21 Then, looking at him, Jesus loved him and said to him, “One thing you lack: go your way, sell whatever you have, and give to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven. And come, take up the cross and follow Me.” 22 And he was sad at that saying and went away grieved, for he had great possessions. The First Shall Be Last 23 And Jesus looked around and said to His disciples, “How hard it shall be for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” 24 And the disciples were astonished at His words. But Jesus answered again and said to them, “Children, how hard is it for those who trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” 26 And they were astonished beyond measure, saying among themselves, “Then who can be saved?”
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Mark 10:35 27 And looking at them, Jesus said,
“With men it is impossible, but not with God. For with God all things are possible.” 28 Then Peter began to say to Him, “Behold, we have left all and have followed You.” 29 And Jesus answered and said, “Truly I say to you, there is no man who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or lands for My sake and the gospel’s, 30 but that he shall receive a hundredfold now in this time— houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the world to come eternal life. 31 But many who are first shall be last, and the last, first.” Jesus Predicts His Death 32 And they were on the road going up to Jerusalem, and Jesus went before them. And they were amazed. And as they followed, they were afraid. And He again took the twelve and began to tell them what things would happen to Him, 33 saying, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and the Son of Man shall be delivered to the chief priests and to the scribes. And they shall condemn Him to death and shall deliver Him to the Gentiles. 34 And they shall mock Him and shall scourge Him and shall spit on Him and shall kill Him. And the third day He shall rise again.” The Greatest Shall Be the Servant 35 And James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying,
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“Master, we want You to do for us whatever we desire.” 36 And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” 37 They said to Him, “Grant to us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left hand, in Your glory.” 38 But Jesus said to them, “You do not know what you ask. Can you drink of the cup that I drink of, and be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with?” 39 And they said to Him, “We can.” And Jesus said to them, “You shall indeed drink of the cup that I drink of, and you shall be baptized with the baptism that I am baptized with, 40 but to sit on My right hand and on My left hand is not Mine to give, but it shall be given to those for whom it is prepared.” 41 And when the ten heard it, they began to be much displeased with James and John. 42 But Jesus called them to Him and said to them, “You know that those who are considered to rule over the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. 43 But it shall not be so among you. But whoever wants to be great among you shall be your minister, 44 and whoever of you wants to be the first shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered to, but to minister, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Bartimaeus Receives His Sight 46 And they came to Jericho. And as He went out of Jericho with His disciples and a great number of
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people, blind Bartimaeus, the son of Timaeus, sat begging by the highway. 47 And when he heard that it was Jesus of Nazareth, he began to cry out and say, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 48 And many charged him that he should remain silent, but he cried a great deal the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 49 And Jesus stood still and commanded him to be called. And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Be of good comfort. Rise. He is calling you.” 50 And casting away his garment, he rose and came to J esus. 51 And Jesus answered and said to him, “What do you want Me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “Lord, that I might receive my sight.” 52 And Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your faith has made you well.” And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus on the road. The Triumphal Entry And when they came near to Jerusalem, to Bethphage and Bethany, at the Mount of Olives, He sent forth two of His disciples 2 and said to them, “Go your way into the village across from you, and as soon as you have entered into it, you shall find a colt tied, on which no man has ever sat. Untie it and bring it. 3 And if any man says to you, ‘Why are you doing this?’ say that the Lord has need of it, and immediately he will send it here.” 4 And they went their way and found the colt tied by the door outside in a place where two roads met,
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and they untied it. 5 And some of those who stood there said to them, “What are you doing, untying the colt?” 6 And they said to them just as Jesus had commanded, and they let them go. 7 And they brought the colt to Jesus and cast their garments on it, and He sat on it. 8 And many spread their garments on the road, and others cut down branches off the trees and scattered them on the road. 9 And those who went before and those who followed cried, saying, “Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord! 10 Blessed is the kingdom of our father David that comes in the name of the Lord! Hosanna in the highest!” 11 And Jesus entered into Jerusalem and into the temple. And when He had looked all around at all things, and now the evening had come, He went out to Bethany with the twelve. The Fig Tree Withered 12 And the next morning, when they had come from Bethany, He was hungry. 13 And seeing a fig tree far off having leaves, He went to see if perhaps He might find anything on it. And when He came to it, He found nothing but leaves, for it was not yet the time of figs. 14 And Jesus answered and said to it, “May no man eat fruit from you ever again.” And His disciples heard it. Jesus Cleanses the Temple 15 And they came to Jerusalem. And Jesus went into the temple, and began to cast out those who sold and bought in the temple, and overthrew
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the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves, 16 and would not allow any man to carry any vessel through the temple. 17 And He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called the house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a den of thieves.” 18 And the scribes and chief priests heard it and were seeking how they might destroy Him. For they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His doctrine. 19 And when evening came, He went out of the city. 20 And as they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree dried up from the roots. 21 And Peter, remembering, said to Him, “Master, behold, the fig tree that You cursed has withered away.” The Prayer of Faith 22 And answering, Jesus said to them, “Have faith in God. 23 For truly I say to you that whoever shall say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ and shall not doubt in his heart but shall believe that those things that he says shall come to pass, he shall have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you desire when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them. 25 And when you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, that your Father who is in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
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Jesus’ Authority Questioned 27 And they came again to Jerusalem. And as He was walking in the temple, the chief priests and the scribes and the elders came to Him 28 and said to Him, “By what authority do You do these things? And who gave You this authority to do these things?” 29 And Jesus answered and said to them, “I will also ask one question of you. And answer Me, and I will tell you by what authority I do these things. 30 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men? Answer Me.” 31 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Then why did you not believe him?’ 32 But if we say, ‘From men’”—they feared the people, for all men considered John to have been a prophet indeed. 33 And they answered and said to Jesus, “We cannot tell.” And answering, Jesus said to them, “Neither do I tell you by what authority I do these things.” The Parable of the Householder And He began to speak to them by parables: “A certain man planted a vineyard and set a hedge around it, and dug a place for the winepress and built a tower, and leased it out to farmers and went into a far country. 2 And at the season he sent a servant to the farmers, that he might receive from the farmers some of the fruit of the vineyard. 3 And they caught him and beat him and sent him away empty-handed. 4 “And again he sent to them
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another servant, and they cast stones at him and wounded him in the head and sent him away shamefully handled. 5 And again he sent another, and they killed him, and many others, beating some and killing some. 6 Therefore having yet one son, his well-beloved, he also sent him to them last, saying, ‘They will reverence my son.’ 7 “But those farmers said among themselves, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us kill him, and the inheritance shall be ours.’ 8 And they took him and killed him and cast him out of the vineyard. 9 “Therefore what shall the owner of the vineyard do? He will come and destroy the farmers and will give the vineyard to others. 10 And have you not read this scripture: ‘The stone that the builders rejected has become the head of the corner. 11 This was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?” 12 And they sought to take hold of Him but feared the people, for they knew that He had spoken the parable against them. And they left Him and went their way. Give to Caesar What Is Caesar’s 13 And they sent to Him some of the Pharisees and some of the Herodians to catch Him in His words. 14 And when they had come, they said to Him, “Master, we know that You are true and care for no man. For You do not regard the person of men but teach the way of God in truth. Is it lawful to give taxes to Caesar or not? 15 Shall we give, or shall we not give?” But He, knowing their hypocrisy,
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said to them, “Why are you testing Me? Bring Me a penny, that I may see it.” 16 And they brought it. And He said to them, “Whose image and inscription is this?” And they said to Him, “Caesar’s.” 17 And answering, Jesus said to them, “Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.” And they marveled at Him. The Sadducees Question Jesus 18 Then the Sadducees, who say there is no resurrection, came to Him, and they asked Him, saying, 19 “Master, Moses wrote to us that if a man’s brother dies and leaves his wife behind him and leaves no children, his brother should take his wife and raise up children for his brother. 20 Now there were seven brothers. And the first took a wife and, dying, left no children. 21 And the second took her and died, and did not leave any children. And the third likewise. 22 And the seven had her and left no children. Last of all the woman also died. 23 Therefore, in the resurrection, when they shall rise, whose wife shall she be? For the seven had her as wife.” 24 And answering, Jesus said to them, “Do you not therefore err, because you do not know the scriptures or the power of God? 25 For when they rise from the dead, they neither marry nor are given in marriage but are like the angels who are in heaven. 26 And concerning the dead, that they rise, have you not read in the book of Moses how in the bush God spoke to him, saying, ‘I am the God of Abraham and the
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God of Isaac and the God of Jacob’? 27 He is not the God of the dead but the God of the living. Therefore you err greatly.” The Great Commandments 28 And one of the scribes came, and having heard them reasoning together, and perceiving that He had answered them well, asked Him, “Which commandment is the first of all?” 29 And Jesus answered him, “The first of all the commandments is ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord. 30 And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’ This is the first commandment. 31 And the second—namely this—is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.” 32 And the scribe said to Him, “Well said, Master. You have said the truth, for there is one God, and there is no other but Him. 33 And to love Him with all the heart and with all the understanding and with all the soul and with all the strength, and to love one’s neighbor as oneself, is more than all the whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.” 34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And after that no man dared ask Him any questions. Beware of the Scribes 35 And while He taught in the temple, Jesus answered and said, “How
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do the scribes say that Christ is the son of David? 36 For David himself said by the Holy Spirit: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ 37 Therefore David himself calls Him ‘Lord.’ And how is He then his son?” And the common people heard Him gladly. 38 And in His doctrine He said to them, “Beware of the scribes who love to go in long clothing and love greetings in the marketplaces, 39 and the chief seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, 40 who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers. These shall receive greater damnation.” Jesus and the Widow’s Mite 41 And Jesus sat across from the treasury and saw how the people cast money into the treasury. And many who were rich cast in much. 42 And a certain poor widow came, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing. 43 And He called His disciples to Himself and said to them, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has cast in more than all those who have cast into the treasury, 44 for all those cast in out of their abundance, but she, out of her need, cast in all that she had, even all her living.” The Olivet Discourse And as He went out of the temple, one of His disciples said to Him, “Master, see what kind of stones and what buildings are here!” 2 And answering, Jesus said to
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him, “Do you see these great buildings? Not one stone shall be left on another that shall not be thrown down.” 3 And as He sat on the Mount of Olives across from the temple, Peter and James and John and Andrew asked Him privately, 4 “Tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign when all these things shall be fulfilled?” 5 And answering them, Jesus began to say, “Be careful lest any man deceive you. 6 For many shall come in My name, saying, ‘I am Christ,’ and shall deceive many. 7 And when you hear of wars and rumors of wars, do not be troubled, for such things need to be, but the end shall not yet be. 8 For nation shall rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom. And there shall be earthquakes in various places. And there shall be famines and troubles. These are the beginnings of sorrows. 9 “But take heed to yourselves. For they shall deliver you up to councils, and you shall be beaten in the synagogues, and you shall be brought before rulers and kings for My sake, for a testimony against them. 10 And the gospel must first be proclaimed among all nations. 11 But when they lead you and deliver you up, do not worry beforehand or premeditate about what you shall speak. But speak whatever shall be given you in that hour. For it is not you who is speaking but the Holy Spirit. 12 “Now the brother shall betray the brother to death, and the father the son. And children shall rise up against their parents and
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shall cause them to be put to death. 13 And you shall be hated by all men for My name’s sake. But he who endures to the end, the same shall be saved.” The Great Tribulation 14 “But when you see the ‘abomination of desolation,’ spoken of by Daniel the prophet, standing where it ought not” (let him who reads understand), “then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains. 15 And let him who is on the housetop not go down into the house or enter in it to take anything out of his house. 16 And let him who is in the field not turn back again to take up his garment. 17 But woe to those who are with child and to those who are nursing children in those days! 18 And pray that your flight is not in the winter. 19 For in those days there shall be affliction such as has not been from the beginning of the creation that God created to this time, nor ever shall be. 20 And unless the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh would be saved. But for the elect’s sake, whom He has chosen, He has shortened the days. 21 “And then if any man says to you, ‘Behold, here is Christ!’ or, ‘Behold, there He is!’ do not believe him. 22 For false christs and false prophets shall arise and shall show signs and wonders to seduce, if it were possible, even the elect. 23 But take heed. Behold, I have foretold you all things.” The Lord’s Return in Glory 24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun shall be darkened
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and the moon shall not give its light, 25 and the stars of heaven shall fall, and the powers that are in the heavens shall be shaken. 26 And then they shall see the Son of Man coming in the clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then He shall send His angels and shall gather together His elect from the four winds, from the farthest part of the earth to the farthest part of heaven.” The Parable of the Fig Tree 28 “Now learn a parable from the fig tree: when its branch is yet tender and puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So you, in like manner, when you shall see these things come to pass, know that it is near, even at the doors. 30 Truly I say to you that this generation shall not pass away until all these things are done. 31 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away. 32 But no man knows of that day and that hour, no, not even the angels who are in heaven or the Son, but only the Father. 33 Take heed. Watch and pray. For you do not know when the time is.” Watchfulness in View of the Return of the Lord 34 “For the Son of Man is like a man taking a far journey, who left his house, and gave authority to his servants and to every man his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to watch. 35 Therefore watch, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming—at evening or at midnight or at the rooster’s crowing or in the morning— 36 lest, coming
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suddenly, he finds you sleeping. 37 And what I say to you, I say to all: Watch!” The Plot to Put Jesus to Death After two days it was the Passover and the Feast of Unleavened Bread. And the chief priests and the scribes sought how they might take Him by trickery and put Him to death. 2 But they said, “Not on the feast day, lest there be an uproar from the people.”
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The Anointing at Bethany 3 And being in Bethany in the house of Simon the leper, as He sat at the table, a woman came with an alabaster box of very precious ointment of spikenard. And she broke the box and poured it on His head. 4 And there were some who had indignation within themselves and said, “Why was this waste of the ointment made? 5 For it might have been sold for more than three hundred pence and have been given to the poor.” And they murmured against her. 6 And Jesus said, “Leave her alone. Why do you trouble her? She has performed a good work for Me. 7 For you always have the poor with you, and you may do them good whenever you want. But you do not always have Me. 8 She has done what she could. She has come beforehand to anoint My body for burial. 9 Truly I say to you, wherever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, what she has done shall also be spoken of as a memorial of her.” 10 And Judas Iscariot, one of the
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twelve, went to the chief priests to betray Him to them. 11 And they were glad when they heard it and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray Him. The Passover 12 And the first day of Unleavened Bread, when they killed the Passover, His disciples said to Him, “Where do You want us to go and prepare, that You may eat the Passover?” 13 And He sent out two of His disciples and said to them, “Go into the city, and a man bearing a pitcher of water shall meet you there. Follow him. 14 And wherever he goes in, say to the master of the house, ‘The Master says, “Where is the guest room where I shall eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 15 And he will show you a large upper room furnished and prepared. Prepare for us there.” 16 And His disciples went out, and came into the city, and found it as He had said to them. And they prepared the Passover. 17 And in the evening He came with the twelve. 18 And as they sat and ate, Jesus said, “Truly I say to you, one of you who eats with Me shall betray Me.” 19 And they began to be sorrowful and to say to Him one by one, “Is it I?” And another said, “Is it I?” 20 And He answered and said to them, “It is one of the twelve, who dips with Me in the dish. 21 The Son of Man indeed is going, as it is written about Him, but woe to that man by whom the Son of Man is betrayed! It would have been good
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for that man if he had never been born.” Jesus Institutes the Lord’s Supper 22 And as they ate, Jesus took bread and blessed and broke it, and gave it to them, and said, “Take. Eat. This is My body.” 23 And He took the cup, and when He had given thanks, He gave it to them, and they all drank from it. 24 And He said to them, “This is My blood of the new covenant, which is shed for many. 25 Truly I say to you, I will no longer drink of the fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new in the kingdom of God.” 26 And when they had sung a hymn, they went out to the Mount of Olives. 27 And Jesus said to them, “You shall all be made to stumble because of Me this night. For it is written, ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep shall be scattered.’ 28 But after I am raised, I will go before you into Galilee.” 29 But Peter said to Him, “Although all shall be made to stumble, yet I will not.” 30 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, that this day, even in this night, before the rooster crows twice, you shall deny Me three times.” 31 But he spoke more vehemently, “If I have to die with You, I will not deny You in any way.” They all said likewise. Jesus Prays in Gethsemane 32 And they came to a place that was named Gethsemane. And He said to His disciples, “Sit here while I pray.”
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33 And He took Peter and James and
John with Him, and began to be greatly distressed and to be very heavy, 34 and said to them, “My soul is exceedingly sorrowful, to death. Remain here and watch.” 35 And He went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from Him. 36 And He said, “Abba, Father, all things are possible for You. Take this cup away from Me. Nevertheless, not what I will, but what You will.” 37 And He came and found them sleeping, and said to Peter, “Simon, are you asleep? Could you not watch one hour? 38 Watch and pray, lest you enter into temptation. The spirit truly is willing, but the body is weak.” 39 And again He went away and prayed, and spoke the same words. 40 And when He returned, He again found them asleep, for their eyes were heavy. They did not know what to answer Him. 41 And He came the third time and said to them, “Sleep on now and take your rest. It is enough. The hour has come. Behold, the Son of Man is betrayed into the hands of sinners. 42 Rise up. Let us go. Behold, he who betrays Me is at hand.” The Betrayal and Arrest of Jesus 43 And immediately, while He was still speaking, Judas, one of the twelve, and with him a great multitude with swords and clubs, came from the chief priests and the scribes and the elders. 44 And he who betrayed Him had given them a sign, saying, “Whomever I shall
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kiss, that same is He. Take Him and lead Him away safely.” 45 And as soon as he had come, immediately he went to Him and said, “Master, Master,” and kissed Him. 46 And they laid their hands on Him and took Him. 47 And one of those who stood by drew a sword and struck a servant of the high priest and cut off his ear. 48 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Have you come out, as against a thief, with swords and with clubs to take Me? 49 Daily I was with you in the temple teaching, and you did not take Me. But the scriptures must be fulfilled.” 50 And they all abandoned Him and fled. 51 And a certain young man followed Him, having a linen cloth cast around his naked body. And the young men took hold of him, 52 and he left the linen cloth and fled from them naked. Jesus Faces the Sanhedrin 53 And they led Jesus away to the high priest, and all the chief priests and the elders and the scribes were assembled with him. 54 And Peter followed Him from afar, even into the palace of the high priest. And he sat with the servants and warmed himself at the fire. 55 And the chief priests and all the council sought for witness against Jesus to put Him to death, and found none. 56 For many bore false witness against Him, but their testimonies did not agree with each other. 57 And certain ones arose and bore false witness against Him, saying, 58 “We heard Him say, ‘I will destroy this temple that is made
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with hands, and within three days I will build another made without hands.’” 59 But even then their testimonies did not agree with each other. 60 And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, saying, “Do You answer nothing? What is it that these testify against You?” 61 But He remained silent and answered nothing. Again the high priest asked Him and said to Him, “Are You the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?” 62 And Jesus said, “I am. And you shall see the Son of Man sitting on the right hand of Power, and coming in the clouds of heaven.” 63 Then the high priest tore his clothes and said, “Why do we need any further witnesses? 64 You have heard the blasphemy. What do you think?” And they all condemned Him to be guilty of death. 65 And some began to spit on Him and to cover His face and to beat Him and to say to Him, “Prophesy!” And the servants struck Him with the palms of their hands. Peter Denies His Lord 66 And as Peter was below in the palace, one of the maids of the high priest came, 67 and when she saw Peter warming himself, she looked at him and said, “And you also were with Jesus of Nazareth.” 68 But he denied it, saying, “I do not know or understand what you are saying.” And he went out to the porch, and the rooster crowed. 69 And a maid saw him again and began to say to those who stood by, “This is one of them.” 70 And he denied it again. And after a little while,
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those who stood by said again to Peter, “Surely you are one of them, for you are a Galilean, and your speech agrees to it.” 71 But he began to curse and to swear, saying, “I do not know this man of whom you speak.” 72 And the rooster crowed the second time. And Peter called to mind the word that Jesus said to him: “Before the rooster crows twice, you shall deny Me three times.” And when he thought about it, he wept. Jesus Sent before Pilate And immediately in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus and carried Him away and delivered Him to Pilate. 2 And Pilate asked Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And answering, He said to him, “You say it.” 3 And the chief priests accused Him of many things, but He answered nothing. 4 And Pilate asked Him again, saying, “Do You answer nothing? Behold how many things they testify against You!” 5 But Jesus still answered nothing, so that Pilate marveled. 6 Now at that feast he released one prisoner to them, whomever they desired. 7 And there was one named Barabbas, who was bound with those who had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection. 8 And crying aloud, the multitude began to ask him to do as he had always done for them. 9 But Pilate answered them, saying, “Do you want me to release
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to you the King of the Jews?” 10 For he knew that the chief priests had delivered Him out of envy. 11 But the chief priests moved the people, that he should rather release Barabbas to them. 12 And Pilate answered and said again to them, “What then do you want me to do to Him whom you call the King of the Jews?” 13 And they cried out again, “Crucify Him.” 14 Then Pilate said to them, “Why? What evil has He done?” And they cried out the more exceedingly, “Crucify Him!” 15 And so Pilate, wishing to satisfy the people, released Barabbas to them and, when he had scourged Jesus, delivered Him to be crucified. Jesus Crowned with Thorns and Mocked 16 And the soldiers led Him away into the hall called Praetorium, and they called together the whole cohort. 17 And they clothed Him with purple, and wove a crown of thorns and put it around His head, 18 and began to salute Him: “Hail, King of the Jews!” 19 And they struck Him on the head with a reed and spat on Him and, bowing their knees, worshipped Him. 20 And when they had mocked Him, they took off the purple from Him and put His own clothes on Him and led Him out to crucify Him. 21 And they compelled one Simon, a Cyrenian, the father of Alexander and Rufus, who passed by coming out of the country, to bear His cross. 22 And they brought Him to the place Golgotha (which is, being
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interpreted, The Place of a Skull). 23 And they gave Him wine mingled with myrrh to drink, but He did not receive it. 24 And when they had crucified Him, they divided His garments, casting lots on them to decide what each man should take. 25 And it was the third hour, and they crucified Him. 26 And the inscription of His accusation was written above: The King of the Jews. 27 And they crucified two thieves with Him, the one on His right hand and the other on His left. 28 And the scripture was fulfilled that said, “And He was numbered with the transgressors.” 29 And those who passed by railed on Him, shaking their heads and saying, “Ah! You who are going to destroy the temple and rebuild it in three days, 30 save Yourself and come down from the cross!” 31 Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said, “He saved others; He cannot save Himself ! 32 Let Christ, the King of Israel, descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe.” And those who were crucified with Him reviled Him. The Crucifixion 33 And when the sixth hour had come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. 34 And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, “Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?” which is, being interpreted, “My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” 35 And some of those who stood by, when they heard it, said, “Behold!
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He is calling Elijah.” 36 And one ran and filled a sponge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave it to Him to drink, saying, “Leave Him alone. Let us see whether Elijah will come to take Him down.” 37 And Jesus cried with a loud voice and gave up the spirit. 38 And the veil of the temple was torn in two from the top to the bottom. 39 And when the centurion, who stood in front of Him, saw that He so cried out and gave up the spirit, he said, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” 40 There were also women looking on from afar, among whom was Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James the Less and of Joseph, and Salome, 41 who also followed Him and ministered to Him when He was in Galilee, and many other women who came up with Him to Jerusalem. The Burial 42 And now when the evening had come, because it was the preparation—that is, the day before the Sabbath— 43 Joseph of Arimathea, an honorable counselor, who also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly to Pilate, and asked for the body of Jesus. 44 And Pilate marveled that He was already dead. And calling the centurion, he asked him whether He was already dead. 45 And when he learned from the centurion, he gave the body to Joseph. 46 And he bought fine linen, and took Him down, and wrapped Him in the linen, and laid Him in a sepulchre that had been cut out of a rock, and rolled a stone against the door of the sepulchre.
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the mother of Joseph saw where He was laid.
The Resurrection of Jesus Christ And when the Sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene and Mary the mother of James and Salome bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint Him. 2 And very early in the morning the first day of the week, they came to the sepulchre at sunrise. 3 And they said among themselves, “Who shall roll away the stone from the door of the sepulchre for us?” 4 And when they looked, they saw that the stone was rolled away, for it was very great. 5 And entering into the sepulchre, they saw a young man clothed in a long white garment sitting on the right side, and they were frightened. 6 And he said to them, “Do not be frightened! You seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He is risen. He is not here. See the place where they laid Him. 7 But go your way. Tell His disciples and Peter that He is going before you into Galilee. You shall see Him there, as He said to you.” 8 And they went out quickly and fled from the sepulchre, for they trembled and were amazed. They did not say anything to any man, for they were afraid.
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Mary Magdalene Sees the Risen Christ 9 Now when Jesus had risen early the first day of the week, He appeared first to Mary Magdalene,
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out of whom He had cast seven demons. 10 And she went and told those who had been with Him, as they mourned and wept. 11 And when they heard that He was alive and had been seen by her, they did not believe. 12 After that He appeared in another form to two of them as they walked and went into the country. 13 And they went and told it to the rest, but they did not believe them. The Great Commission 14 Afterward He appeared to the eleven as they sat at the table and upbraided them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. 15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized shall be saved, but he who does not believe shall be condemned. 17 And these signs shall follow those who believe: in My name they shall cast out demons; they shall speak with new tongues; 18 they shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.” Christ Ascends into Heaven 19 So then, after the Lord had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God. 20 And they went out and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them and confirming the word with accompanying signs. Amen.
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LUKE INTRODUCTION TO LUKE As author of this Gospel and its sequel, the book of Acts, Luke is responsible for over a fourth of the content of the Greek New Testament. He brings a distinctive perspective to the writing as well. While many of Jesus’ followers had the reputation of being “unlearned and ignorant men” (Acts 4:13), Luke’s writ ing in his opening paragraph displays the sophisticated style of Greek historians. He then moves into smooth, everyday vernacular. His eye for detail is evident in numerous places. AUTHOR Luke doesn’t identify himself in either of the books he wrote, but there has been little dispute that he was the author of both. He was a physician (Colossians 4:14), and notes specifics in several of Jesus’ healings that other writers do not. Aside from the Colossians reference, Luke is mentioned only two other times in the New Testament (2 Timothy 4:11; Philemon 24). OCCASION Evidence points to Luke being a Gentile believer who wrote for a Gentile audience. The primary recipient of both his books was “Theophilus” (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1), a title that suggests someone of wealth and authority—perhaps a ranking offi cial. Luke tended to give details about Jewish locations that wouldn’t have been necessary for Jewish readers. These and other clues suggest that Luke’s intent was explaining the story of Jesus to Gentiles.
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Birth of John the Baptist Foretold Since many have undertaken to set in order a declaration of those things that are most surely believed among us, 2 even as those who from the beginning were eye witnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you in order, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you might know the certainty of those things in which you have been instructed. 5 In the days of Herod, the king of Judea, there was a certain priest named Zechariah, of the division of Abijah. And his wife was from the daughters of Aaron, and her name was Elizabeth. 6 And they were both righteous before God, walking blamelessly in all the command ments and ordinances of the Lord. 7 And they had no child, because Elizabeth was barren and they both were now well advanced in years. 8 And it came to pass, that while he executed the priest’s office before God in the order of his division, 9 ac cording to the custom of the priest’s office, his lot was to burn incense when he went into the temple of the Lord. 10 And the whole multitude of the people were praying outside at the time of incense. 11 And there ap peared to him an angel of the Lord, standing on the right side of the al tar of incense. 12 And when Zecha riah saw him, he was troubled, and fear fell on him. 13 But the angel said to him, “Do not fear, Zechariah, for your prayer
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is heard. And your wife, Elizabeth, shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name John. 14 And you shall have joy and gladness, and many shall rejoice at his birth. 15 For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink. And he shall be filled with the Holy Spirit, even from his mother’s womb. 16 And he shall turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God. 17 And he shall go before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready a people pre pared for the Lord.” 18 And Zechariah said to the an gel, “How shall I know this? For I am an old man, and my wife is well advanced in years.” 19 And the angel answered and said to him, “I am Gabriel, who stands in the presence of God. And I was sent to speak to you and to show you these glad tidings. 20 And behold, you shall be mute and not able to speak until the day that these things shall be performed, because you did not believe my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.” 21 And the people waited for Zech ariah and marveled that he re mained so long in the temple. 22 And when he came out, he could not speak to them. And they perceived that he had seen a vision in the tem ple, for he beckoned to them and remained speechless. 23 And it came to pass, that as soon as the days of his service were ac complished, he departed to his own house. 24 And after those days his
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wife, Elizabeth, conceived and hid herself five months, saying, 25 “This is the way the Lord has dealt with me in the days when He looked on me, to take away my reproach among men.” The Annunciation 26 And in the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And the angel came in and said to her, “Rejoice, you who are highly favored. The Lord is with you. You are blessed among women.” 29 And when she saw him, she was troubled at his saying and consid ered what manner of greeting this should be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not fear, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And, behold, you shall conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus. 32 He shall be great and shall be called the Son of the Highest. And the Lord God shall give to Him the throne of His father David. 33 And He shall reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of His kingdom there shall be no end.” 34 Then Mary said to the angel, “How shall this be, since I do not know a man?” 35 And the angel answered and said to her, “The Holy Spirit shall come on you, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow you. Therefore, also, the Holy One who shall be born of you shall be called the Son of God. 36 And behold, your
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cousin Elizabeth, she has also con ceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For with God noth ing shall be impossible.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold the handmaid of the Lord. Be it to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. Mary Visits Elizabeth 39 And in those days Mary arose and went with haste into the hill country, into a city of Judah, 40 and entered into the house of Zechariah, and greeted Elizabeth. 41 And it came to pass, that when Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. 42 And she spoke out with a loud voice and said, “You are blessed among women, and the fruit of your womb is blessed. 43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me? 44 For behold, as soon as the voice of your greeting sounded in my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy. 45 And blessed is she who believed, for there shall be a fulfillment of those things that were told her from the Lord.” 46 And Mary said,
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My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior. For He has regarded the low estate of His handmaiden. For, be hold, from now on all generations shall call me blessed.
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For He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is His name. And His mercy is on those who fear Him from generation to generation. He has shown strength with His arm; He has scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He has put down the mighty from their seats and exalted those of low degree. He has filled the hungry with good things, and He has sent the rich away empty. He has helped His servant Israel, in remem brance of His mercy, as He spoke to our fa thers, to Abraham and to his descendants forever.
Mary remained with her about three months and returned to her own house.
and said, “Not so, but he shall be called John.” 61 And they said to her, “There is no one of your relatives who is called by this name.” 62 And they made signs to his father, how he would have him called. 63 And he asked for a writing tab let and wrote, saying, “His name is John.” And they all marveled. 64 And immediately his mouth was opened and his tongue released, and he spoke and praised God. 65 And fear came on all who dwelled around them. And all these sayings were widely reported throughout all the hill country of Judea. 66 And all those who heard them laid them up in their hearts, saying, “What man ner of child shall this be?” And the hand of the Lord was with him. 67 And his father, Zechariah, was filled with the Holy Spirit and proph esied, saying, 68
56 And
Birth of John the Baptist 57 Now Elizabeth’s full time came that she should be delivered, and she brought forth a son. 58 And her neighbors and her relatives heard how the Lord had shown great mercy to her, and they rejoiced with her. 59 And it came to pass, that on the eighth day they came to circum cise the child. And they called him Zechariah, after the name of his father. 60 And his mother answered
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Blessed is the Lord God of Israel, for He has vis ited and redeemed His people, and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of His servant David, as He spoke by the mouth of His holy prophets, who have been since the world began, that we should be saved from our enemies, and from the hand of all who hate us, to perform the mercy promised to our fathers and to remember His
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holy covenant, the oath that He swore to our father Abraham, that He would grant to us, that we, being de livered out of the hand of our enemies, might serve Him without fear, in holiness and righ teousness before Him all the days of our life. And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Highest, for you shall go before the face of the Lord to prepare His ways, to give knowledge of salvation to His people by the remission of their sins, through the tender mercy of our God, with which the Dayspring from on high has visited us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace.
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strong in spirit, and was in the des erts until the day of his appearance to Israel.
The Birth of Jesus And it came to pass in those days that there went out a de cree from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be taxed. 2 (And this enrollment was first made when Quirinius was governor of Syria.)
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3 And all went to be registered, ev
eryone to his own city. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was great with child. 6 And so it was, that while they were there, the days were ac complished that she should be de livered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. 8 And in the same country there were shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And, behold, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were greatly afraid. 10 And the angel said to them, “Do not fear, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all peo ple. 11 For to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this shall be a sign to you: you shall find the baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly with the angel there was a multitude of the heav enly host praising God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.” 15 And it came to pass, as the an gels had gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us now go even to Bethlehem and see this thing that
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has come to pass, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they came with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they had seen it, they widely made known the say ing that was told them concerning this Child. 18 And all those who heard it wondered at those things that were told them by the shepherds. 19 But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told to them. 21 And when eight days were ac complished for the circumcising of the child, His name was called Jesus, which was so named by the angel before He was conceived in the womb. 22 And when the days of her purifi cation according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought Him to Jerusalem to present Him to the Lord 23 (as it is written in the law of the Lord, “Every male who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) 24 and to offer a sacrifice ac cording to what is said in the law of the Lord: “A pair of turtledoves or two young pigeons.” Adoration and Prophecy of Simeon; Adoration of Anna 25 And behold, in Jerusalem there was a man whose name was Sim eon, and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was on him. 26 And it was revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the
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Lord’s Christ. 27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the cus tom of the law, 28 then he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said, 29
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Lord, now You are let ting Your servant depart in peace, according to Your word. For my eyes have seen Your salvation that You have prepared before the face of all peoples, A light to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory of Your people Israel. 33 And
Joseph and His mother marveled at those things that were spoken of Him. 34 And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, His mother, “Behold, this Child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel, and for a sign that shall be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword shall pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.” 36 And there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Pha nuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity. 37 And she was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple but served God with fasting and prayer night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she likewise gave thanks to the Lord and spoke of Him to all
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those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem. 39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city, Nazareth. 40 And the Child grew and became strong in spirit, filled with wisdom. And the grace of God was on Him. Jesus and His Parents at the Passover 41 Now His parents went to Jeru salem every year at the Feast of the Passover. 42 And when He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem according to the custom of the feast. 43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the Child Jesus remained behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know of it. 44 But they, supposing Him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey, and they sought Him among their relatives and acquaintances. 45 And when they did not find Him, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking Him. 46 And it came to pass that after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both hearing them and asking them questions. 47 And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers. 48 And when they saw Him, they were amazed. And His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You dealt with us in this way? Behold, Your father and I have sought You sor rowing.” 49 And He said to them, “How is it that you sought Me? Did you not know that I must be about My
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Father’s business?” 50 And they did not understand the saying that He spoke to them. 51 And He went down with them, and came to Naza reth, and was obedient to them, but His mother kept all these sayings in her heart. 52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favor with God and man. The Ministry of John the Baptist Now in the fifteenth year of the reign of Tiberius Caesar, Pon tius Pilate being governor of Judea, and Herod being tetrarch of Galilee, and his brother Philip tetrarch of Iturea and of the region of Trach onitis, and Lysanias the tetrarch of Abilene, 2 Annas and Caiaphas being the high priests, the word of God came to John the son of Zech ariah in the wilderness. 3 And he came into all the country around the Jordan, preaching the baptism of repentance for the remission of sins, 4 as it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet, saying:
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The voice of one cry ing in the wilderness: “Prepare the way of the Lord; make His paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every moun tain and hill shall be brought low. And the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways shall be made smooth.
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And all flesh shall see the salvation of God.” 7 Then he said to the multitude that
came forth to be baptized by him, “O generation of vipers, who has warned you to flee from the wrath to come? 8 Therefore bring forth fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say within yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I say to you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones. 9 And also now the axe is laid to the root of the trees. Therefore every tree that does not bring forth good fruit is cut down and cast into the fire.” 10 And the people asked him, say ing, “What shall we do then?” 11 He answered and said to them, “He who has two coats, let him give to him who has none. And he who has food, let him do likewise.” 12 Then tax collectors also came to be baptized and said to him, “Mas ter, what shall we do?” 13 And he said to them, “Collect no more than what is appointed for you.” 14 And the soldiers likewise de manded of him, saying, “And what shall we do?” And he said to them, “Do not do violence to any man, and do not ac cuse anyone falsely. And be content with your wages.” 15 And as the people were in ex pectation, and all men mused in their hearts about John, whether he was the Christ or not, 16 John an swered, saying to them all, “Indeed I baptize you with water, but One mightier than I is coming, the strap
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of whose shoes I am not worthy to untie. He shall baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 His fan is in His hand, and He will thoroughly purge His floor and will gather the wheat into His storehouse. But He will burn the chaff with unquench able fire.” 18 And he preached to the people many other things in his exhorta tion. 19 But Herod the tetrarch, being reproved by him for Herodias, his brother Philip’s wife, and for all the evils that Herod had done, 20 added yet this above all, that he shut up John in prison. The Baptism of Jesus and the Genealogy of Mary 21 Now when all the people were baptized, it came to pass that Jesus also was baptized and was pray ing, and the heavens were opened. 22 And the Holy Spirit descended on Him in a bodily shape like a dove, and a voice came from heaven that said, “You are My beloved Son. In You I am well pleased.” 23 And Jesus Himself began to be about thirty years of age, being (as was supposed) the son of Joseph, 24
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who was the son of Heli, who was the son of Mat that, who was the son of Levi, who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Janna, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Mat tathias, who was the son of Amos, who was the son of Nahum, who was the son of Esli, who was
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the son of Naggai, who was the son of Maath, who was the son of Mattathias, who was the son of Semei, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Ju dah, who was the son of Joanan, who was the son of Rhesa, who was the son of Zerubbabel, who was the son of Shealtiel, who was the son of Neri, who was the son of Melchi, who was the son of Addi, who was the son of Cosam, who was the son of Elmadam, who was the son of Er, who was the son of Joshua, who was the son of Eliezer, who was the son of Jorim, who was the son of Matthat, who was the son of Levi, who was the son of Sim eon, who was the son of Judah, who was the son of Joseph, who was the son of Jonam, who was the son of Eliakim, who was the son of Me lea, who was the son of Menna, who was the son of Mattatha, who was the son of Nathan, who was the son of David, who was the son of Jesse, who was the son of Obed, who was the son of Boaz, who was the son of Salmon, who was the son of Nahshon,
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who was the son of Am minadab, who was the son of Ram, who was the son of Hezron, who was the son of Perez, who was the son of Ju dah, who was the son of Ja cob, who was the son of Isaac, who was the son of Abraham, who was the son of Terah, who was the son of Nahor, who was the son of Se rug, who was the son of Reu, who was the son of Peleg, who was the son of Eber, who was the son of Shelah, who was the son of Cainan, who was the son of Arphaxad, who was the son of Shem, who was the son of Noah, who was the son of Lamech, who was the son of Methuselah, who was the son of Enoch, who was the son of Jared, who was the son of Ma halalel, who was the son of Cainan, who was the son of Enosh, who was the son of Seth, who was the son of Adam, who was the son of God.
The Temptation of Christ And Jesus, being full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness, 2 being tempted for forty
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days by the devil. And in those days He ate nothing. And after they had ended, He was hungry. 3 And the devil said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, command this stone to be made bread.” 4 And Jesus answered him, saying, “It is written, ‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.’” 5 And the devil, taking Him up to a high mountain, showed to Him all the kingdoms of the world in a mo ment of time. 6 And the devil said to Him, “I will give You all this power, and their glory. For it is delivered to me and to whomever I will I give it. 7 Therefore, if You will worship me, all this shall be Yours.” 8 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Get behind Me, Satan. For it is written, ‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and you shall serve Him only.’” 9 And he brought Him to Jerusa lem, and set Him on a pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, “If You are the Son of God, cast Yourself down from here. 10 For it is written: ‘He shall give His angels charge over You, to guard You,’ 11 and, ‘In their hands they shall lift You up, lest at any time You dash your foot against a stone.’” 12 And Jesus answered and said to him, “It is said, ‘You shall not test the Lord your God.’” 13 And when the devil had finished all the temptation, he departed from Him for a season. 14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee, and a re port about Him went throughout all the surrounding region. 15 And He
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taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. Jesus in the Synagogue at Nazareth 16 And He came to Nazareth, where He had been brought up. And as His custom was, He went into the syna gogue on the Sabbath day and stood up to read. 17 And there was deliv ered to Him the book of the prophet Isaiah. And when He had opened the book, He found the place where it was written, 18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, because He has anointed Me to preach the gospel to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliver ance to the captives, and recovery of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are bruised, 19 to preach the acceptable year of the Lord.” 20 And He closed the book, and He gave it again to the minister and sat down. And the eyes of all those who were in the synagogue were fastened on Him. 21 And He began to say to them, “Today this scripture is fulfilled in your ears.” 22 And all bore Him witness and wondered at the gracious words that proceeded out of His mouth. And they said, “Is this not Joseph’s son?” 23 And He said to them, “You will surely say this proverb to Me: ‘Phy sician, heal Yourself. Whatever we have heard done in Capernaum, do also here in Your country.’” 24 And He said, “Truly I say to you, no prophet is accepted in his own coun try. 25 But I tell you the truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were
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shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land. 26 But Elijah was sent to none of them, except to Zarephath, a city of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow. 27 And many lepers were in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, and none of them was cleansed except Naaman the Syr ian.” 28 And when they heard these things, all those in the synagogue were filled with anger, 29 and rose up and drove Him out of the city, and led Him to the edge of the hill on which their city was built, that they might cast Him down headlong. 30 But passing through the midst of them, He went His way, 31 and came down to Capernaum, a city of Gali lee, and taught them on the Sabbath days. 32 And they were astonished at His doctrine, for His word was with power. Jesus Casts Out Demons and Heals Many 33 And in the synagogue there was a man who had a spirit of an unclean demon, and cried out with a loud voice, 34 saying, “Leave us alone. What have we to do with You, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to de stroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God.” 35 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, “Be quiet and come out of him.” And when the demon had thrown him in their midst, he came out of him and did not hurt him. 36 And they were all amazed and spoke among themselves, saying, “What a word this is! For He commands the unclean spirits with authority
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and power, and they come out.” 37 And the news about Him went out into every place in the surrounding country. 38 And He arose out of the syna gogue and entered into Simon’s house. And Simon’s wife’s mother was taken with a great fever, and they implored Him for her. 39 And He stood over her and rebuked the fever, and it left her. And immedi ately she arose and ministered to them. 40 Now when the sun was setting, all those who had any sick with var ious diseases brought them to Him. And He laid His hands on every one of them and healed them. 41 And de mons also came out of many, cry ing out and saying, “You are Christ, the Son of God.” And He, rebuking them, did not allow them to speak, for they knew that He was Christ. 42 And when it was day, He de parted and went into a deserted place. And the people sought Him and came to Him, and detained Him, that He would not depart from them. 43 And He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also, for that is why I was sent.” 44 And He preached in the synagogues of Galilee. Calling the First Disciples And it came to pass, that as the people pressed on Him to hear the word of God, He stood by the lake of Gennesaret 2 and saw two ships standing by the lake. But the fishermen had gone out of them and were washing their nets. 3 And He entered into one of the ships, which was Simon’s, and asked him
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to thrust out a little from the land. And He sat down and taught the people out of the ship. 4 Now when He had finished speaking, He said to Simon, “Launch out into the deep and let down your nets for a catch.” 5 And Simon answered and said to Him, “Master, we have toiled all the night and have taken nothing. Nevertheless, at Your word I will let down the net.” 6 And when they had done this, they caught a great mul titude of fish, and their net broke. 7 And they beckoned to their part ners who were in the other ship, that they should come and help them. And they came and filled both the ships, so that they began to sink. 8 When Simon Peter saw it, he fell down at Jesus’ knees, saying, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord.” 9 For he and all who were with him were astonished at the catch of the fish that they had taken. 10 And so also were James and John, the sons of Zebedee, who were partners with Simon. And Jesus said to Simon, “Do not fear. From now on you shall catch men.” 11 And when they had brought their ships to land, they abandoned all and followed Him. 12 And it came to pass, when He was in a certain city, behold, a man full of leprosy, who, seeing Jesus, fell on his face and begged Him, saying, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” 13 And He put forth His hand and touched him, saying, “I am willing. Be clean.” And immediately the lep rosy departed from him. 14 And He charged him to tell no man: “But go
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and show yourself to the priest, and offer for your cleansing as a testi mony to them, just as Moses com manded.” 15 But the news about Him spread out even more, and great multitudes came together to hear and to be healed of their infirmities by Him. 16 And He withdrew Himself into the wilderness and prayed. 17 And it came to pass on a certain day, as He was teaching, that there were Pharisees and teachers of the law sitting by, who had come out of every town of Galilee, and Judea, and Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was present to heal them. 18 And, behold, men brought on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they sought means to bring him in and to lay him before Him. 19 And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in, be cause of the multitude, they went on the housetop and let him down with his bed through the tiling into their midst before Jesus. 20 And when He saw their faith, He said to him, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” 21 And the scribes and the Phari sees began to reason, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” 22 But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, He answered and said to them, “Why do you reason in your hearts? 23 Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise up and walk’? 24 But that you may know that the Son of Man has power on earth to forgive sins,” He said to the paralyzed man, “I say
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to you, arise and take up your bed, and go to your house.” 25 And immediately he rose up be fore them, and picked up what he had been lying on, and departed to his own house, glorifying God. 26 And they were all amazed, and they glorified God and were filled with fear, saying, “We have seen strange things today.” The Call of Matthew 27 And after these things He went forth and saw a tax collector named Levi sitting at the place where tax was collected. And He said to him, “Follow Me.” 28 And he left all, rose up, and followed Him. 29 And Levi made Him a great feast in his own house. And there was a great company of tax collectors and of others who sat down with them. Jesus Answers the Scribes and Pharisees 30 But their scribes and Pharisees murmured against His disciples, saying, “Why do you eat and drink with tax collectors and sinners?” 31 And Jesus answered and said to them, “Those who are healthy do not need a physician, but those who are sick do. 32 I came to call not the righteous but sinners to repentance.” 33 And they said to Him, “Why do the disciples of John fast often and make prayers, and likewise the dis ciples of the Pharisees, but Yours eat and drink?” 34 And He said to them, “Can you make the children of the bride chamber fast while the bridegroom is with them? 35 But the days will come when the bridegroom shall
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be taken away from them, and then they shall fast in those days.” 36 And He also spoke a parable to them: “No man puts a piece of a new garment on an old one. Other wise, both the new will make a tear and the piece that was taken out of the new will not match the old. 37 And no man puts new wine into old bottles. Otherwise the new wine will burst the bottles and be spilled, and the bottles shall perish. 38 But new wine must be put into new bot tles, and both are preserved. 39 Also no man, having drunk old wine, im mediately desires new. For he says, ‘The old is better.’” Jesus and the Sabbath And it came to pass on the sec ond Sabbath after the first that He went through the grainfields. And His disciples plucked the heads of grain and ate them, rubbing them in their hands. 2 And some of the Pharisees said to them, “Why are you doing what is not lawful to do on the Sabbath day?” 3 And Jesus answered them and said, “Have you not read even this, what David did when he was hun gry, and those who were with him, 4 how he went into the house of God, and took and ate the showbread, and also gave it to those who were with him, which is not lawful except for the priests alone to eat?” 5 And He said to them, “The Son of Man is also Lord of the Sabbath.” 6 And it came to pass on another Sabbath, also, that He entered into the synagogue and taught. And there was a man whose right hand was withered. 7 And the scribes and
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Pharisees watched Him, whether He would heal on the Sabbath day, that they might find an accusation against Him. 8 But He knew their thoughts and said to the man who had the withered hand, “Rise up and stand forth in the midst.” And he arose and stood forth. 9 Then Jesus said to them, “I will ask you one thing: Is it lawful on the Sabbath day to do good or to do evil, to save life or to destroy it?” 10 And looking around at them all, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored healthy as the other. 11 And they were filled with rage and spoke with one another about what they might do to Jesus. The Twelve Chosen 12 And it came to pass in those days that He went out to a moun tain to pray and continued all night in prayer to God. 13 And when it was day, He called His disciples to Him, and He chose twelve of them whom He also named apostles: 14 Simon, whom He also named Pe ter, and Andrew his brother; James and John; Philip and Bartholomew; 15 Matthew and Thomas; James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon called the Zealot; 16 and Judas the brother of James, and Judas Iscariot, who also was the traitor. 17 And He came down with them and stood on the plain, and the company of His disciples, and a great multitude of people out of all Judea and Jerusalem and from the seacoast of Tyre and Sidon, who came to hear Him and to be healed of their diseases, 18 and those who
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were vexed with unclean spirits. And they were healed. 19 And the whole multitude sought to touch Him, for power went out of Him and healed them all. The Sermon on the Mount 20 And He lifted up His eyes toward His disciples and said:
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Blessed are you poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh. Blessed are you when men hate you, and when they separate you from their company, and re proach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of Man’s sake. Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, for, behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same manner their fathers did to the prophets. But woe to you who are rich! For you have re ceived your consolation. Woe to you who are full! For you shall hunger. Woe to you who laugh now! For you shall mourn and weep. Woe to you when all men speak well of you! For so their fathers did to the false prophets.
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27 “But I say to you who hear: Love
your enemies. Do good to those who hate you. 28 Bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you. 29 And to him who strikes you on the one cheek, offer the other also. And whoever takes away your cloak, do not forbid him to take your coat also. 30 Give to every man who asks of you. And whoever takes away your goods, do not ask for them back. 31 And as you want men to do to you, you also do to them likewise. 32 “For if you love those who love you, what thanks do you have? For sinners also love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who do good to you, what thanks do you have? For sinners also do even the same. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what thanks do you have? For sinners also lend to sinners to receive as much back. 35 But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing back. And your reward shall be great, and you shall be the children of the Highest. For He is kind to the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Therefore be merciful, as your Father also is merciful. 37 “Do not judge, and you shall not be judged. Do not condemn, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you shall be forgiven. 38 Give, and it shall be given to you. Good measure—pressed down, and shaken together, and running over—shall be given by men into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it shall be measured back to you.” 39 And He spoke a parable to them:
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“Can the blind lead the blind? Shall they not both fall into the ditch? 40 The disciple is not above his mas ter, but everyone who is perfect shall be like his master. 41 And why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye but do not per ceive the beam that is in your own eye? 42 How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me pull out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the beam that is in your own eye? You hypocrite! First cast the beam out of your own eye, and then you shall see clearly to pull out the speck that is in your brother’s eye. 43 “For a good tree does not bring forth corrupt fruit. Nor does a cor rupt tree bring forth good fruit. 44 For every tree is known by its own fruit. For men do not gather figs from thorns. Nor do they gather grapes from a bramble bush. 45 A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth what is good, and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth what is evil. For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. 46 “And why do you call Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ and do not do the things that I say? 47 Whoever comes to Me, and hears My sayings, and does them, I will show you to whom he is like: 48 He is like a man who built a house, and dug deep, and laid the founda tion on a rock. And when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently on that house and could not shake it, for it was founded on a rock. 49 But he who hears and does not do is like a man who built a house on the earth without a foundation, against
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which the stream beat vehemently, and immediately it fell. And the ruin of that house was great.” The Centurion’s Servant Healed Now when He had finished all His sayings in the hearing of the people, He entered into Caper naum. 2 And a certain centurion’s servant, who was dear to him, was sick and ready to die. 3 And when he heard of Jesus, he sent the elders of the Jews to Him, beseeching Him that He would come and heal his servant. 4 And when they came to Jesus, they begged Him earnestly, saying that he for whom He should do this was worthy: 5 “For he loves our nation, and he has built us a synagogue.” 6 Then Jesus went with them. And when He was now not far from the house, the centurion sent friends to Him, saying to Him, “Lord, do not trouble Yourself, for I am not wor thy that You should enter under my roof. 7 Therefore I did not think my self worthy to come to You. But say in a word, and my servant shall be healed. 8 For I also am a man set un der authority, having soldiers under me. And I say to one, ‘Go,’ and he goes, and to another, ‘Come,’ and he comes, and to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it.” 9 When Jesus heard these things, He marveled at him and turned around and said to the people who followed Him, “I say to you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Is rael.” 10 And returning to the house, those who were sent found the ser vant healed who had been sick. 11 And it came to pass the day
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after, that He went into a city called Nain. And many of His disciples and many people went with Him. 12 Now when He came near the gate of the city, behold, there was a dead man carried out, the only son of his mother, and she was a widow. And many people of the city were with her. 13 And when the Lord saw her, He had compassion on her and said to her, “Do not weep.” 14 And He came and touched the bier, and those who bore him stood still. And He said, “Young man, I say to you, arise.” 15 And he who was dead sat up and began to speak. And He de livered him to his mother. 16 And there came a fear on all, and they glorified God, saying, “A great prophet has risen up among us” and “God has visited His people.” 17 And this rumor of Him went forth throughout all Judea, and through out all the surrounding region. 18 And the disciples of John de clared to him all these things. 19 And John, calling to him two of his dis ciples, sent them to Jesus, saying, “Are You He who should come, or do we look for another?” 20 When the men had come to Him, they said, “John the Baptist has sent us to You, saying, ‘Are You He who should come, or do we look for an other?’” 21 And in that same hour He cured many of their infirmities and plagues and evil spirits, and He gave sight to many who were blind. 22 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Go your way, and tell John the things you have seen and heard: how the blind see, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, the gospel is
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preached to the poor. 23 And blessed is he who shall not stumble because of Me.” Jesus’ Testimony of John the Baptist 24 And when the messengers of John had departed, He began to speak to the people concerning John: “What did you go out into the wilderness to see? A reed shaken with the wind? 25 But what did you go out to see? A man clothed in soft clothing? Behold, those who are gorgeously appareled and live in luxury are in kings’ courts. 26 But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I say to you, and much more than a prophet. 27 This is he of whom it is written, ‘Behold, I send My messenger be fore Your face, who shall prepare Your way before You.’ 28 “For I say to you, among those who are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist. But he who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” 29 And all the people who heard Him, and the tax collectors, de clared God as righteous, being baptized with the baptism of John. 30 But the Pharisees and lawyers re jected the counsel of God against themselves, not being baptized by him. 31 And the Lord said, “To what then shall I compare the men of this gen eration, and to what are they like? 32 They are like children sitting in the marketplace and calling to one another, and saying: ‘We have piped for you, and you have not danced; we have mourned for you, and you
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have not wept.’ 33 For John the Bap tist came neither eating bread nor drinking wine, and you say, ‘He has a demon.’34 The Son of Man has come eating and drinking, and you say, ‘Behold a gluttonous man and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!’ 35 But wisdom is justi fied by all her children.” 36 And one of the Pharisees asked Him to eat with him. And He went into the Pharisee’s house and sat down for dinner. 37 And, behold, a woman in the city who was a sin ner, when she knew that Jesus sat for dinner in the Pharisee’s house, brought an alabaster box of oint ment, 38 and stood at His feet be hind Him weeping, and began to wash His feet with tears, and wiped them with the hair of her head, and kissed His feet, and anointed them with the ointment. 39 Now when the Pharisee who had invited Him saw it, he spoke to himself, saying, “If He were a prophet, this man would have known who and what manner of woman this is who is touching Him, for she is a sinner.” 40 And Jesus answered and said to him, “Simon, I have something to say to you.” And he said, “Master, say it.” Parable of the Creditor and Two Debtors 41 “There was a certain creditor who had two debtors. The one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. 42 And when they had nothing to pay, he freely forgave them both. Tell Me, therefore, which of them will love him most?” 43 Simon answered and said, “I
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suppose he to whom he forgave most.” And He said to him, “You have rightly judged.” 44 And He turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? I entered into your house. You gave Me no water for My feet, but she has washed My feet with tears and wiped them with the hair of her head. 45 You gave me no kiss, but this woman has not ceased to kiss My feet since the time I came in. 46 You did not anoint My head with oil, but this woman has anointed My feet with ointment. 47 Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little.” 48 And He said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” 49 And those who sat for dinner with Him began to say to them selves, “Who is this who also for gives sins?” 50 And He said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.” Jesus Preaches and Heals in Galilee And it came to pass, afterward, that He went throughout ev ery city and village, preaching and proclaiming the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. And the twelve were with Him, 2 and certain women who had been healed of evil spirits and infirmities—Mary called Mag dalene, out of whom went seven demons, 3 and Joanna the wife of Chuza, Herod’s steward, and Su sanna, and many others who min istered to Him from their substance.
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4 And
when many people were gathered together and had come to Him out of every city, He spoke by a parable: 5 “A sower went out to sow his seed. And as he sowed, some fell by the wayside, and it was tram pled down, and the fowls of the air devoured it. 6 And some fell on a rock, and as soon as it sprang up, it withered away because it lacked moisture. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns sprang up with it and choked it. 8 And others fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bore fruit a hundredfold.” And when He had said these things, He cried, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” 9 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “What might this parable be?” 10 And He said, “To you it is given to know the mysteries of the king dom of God, but to others it is given in parables, that ‘Seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.’ 11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12 Those by the wayside are those who hear; then the devil comes and takes away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved. 13 Those on the rock are those who, when they hear, receive the word with joy, and these have no root; they believe for a while and fall away in time of tempta tion. 14 And those that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go forth and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to
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perfection. 15 But those on the good ground are those who, having heard the word with an honest and good heart, keep it and bring forth fruit with patience. 16 “No man, when he has lit a can dle, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a can dlestick, that those who enter in may see the light. 17 For nothing is secret that shall not be made pub lic, nor anything hidden that shall not be known and come into view. 18 Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him shall be given. And whoever does not have, even what he seems to have shall be taken from him.” 19 Then His mother and His broth ers came to Him and could not come near Him because of the crowd. 20 And it was told Him by some who said, “Your mother and Your brothers stand outside, desir ing to see You.” 21 And He answered and said to them, “My mother and My brothers are these who hear the word of God and do it.” Jesus Stills the Waves 22 Now it came to pass, on a certain day, that He went into a ship with His disciples. And He said to them, “Let us go over to the other side of the lake.” And they launched forth. 23 But as they sailed He fell asleep. And a storm of wind came down on the lake, and they were filled with water and were in jeopardy. 24 And they came to Him and awoke Him, saying, “Master, Master, we are per ishing!” Then He arose and rebuked the wind and the raging of the water.
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And they ceased, and there was a calm. 25 And He said to them, “Where is your faith?” And being afraid, they wondered, saying to one another, “What man ner of man is this? For He com mands even the winds and water, and they obey Him.” 26 And they arrived at the country of the Gadarenes, which is across from Galilee. 27 And when He went forth to land, there a certain man out of the city met Him, who had demons for a long time and wore no clothes. He lived not in any house but in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out, and fell down before Him, and with a loud voice said, “What have I to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God Most High? I beseech You, do not torment me.” 29 For He had com manded the unclean spirit to come out of the man. For oftentimes it had caught him, and he was kept bound with chains and in shackles, and he broke the bonds and was driven by the demon into the wilderness. 30 And Jesus asked him, saying, “What is your name?” And he said, “Legion,” because many demons had entered into him. 31 And they begged Him that He would not command them to go out into the deep. 32 And there was a herd of many swine feeding on the mountain. And they begged Him that He would allow them to enter into them. And He allowed them. 33 Then the demons went out of the man and entered into the swine, and the herd ran violently down a steep place into the lake and were choked.
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what was done, they fled and went and told it in the city and in the country. 35 Then they went out to see what was done, and came to Jesus, and found the man, out of whom the demons had departed, sitting at the feet of Jesus, clothed and in his right mind. And they were afraid. 36 Those who saw it also told them by what means he who was possessed of the demons was healed. 37 Then the whole multitude of the country around the Gadarenes begged Him to depart from them, for they were taken with great fear. And He went up into the ship and returned. 38 Now the man out of whom the demons had departed begged Him that he might be with Him. But Jesus sent him away, saying, 39 “Re turn to your own house, and declare the great things God has done for you.” And he went his way and pro claimed throughout the whole city the great things Jesus had done for him. A Woman Healed and Jairus’s Daughter Raised 40 And it came to pass, that when Jesus had returned, the people gladly received Him, for they were all waiting for Him. 41 And behold, a man named Jairus came, and he was a ruler of the synagogue. And he fell down at Jesus’ feet and begged Him that He would come into his house, 42 for he had only one daughter, about twelve years of age, and she lay dying. But as He went the people thronged Him. 43 And a woman, having an issue of blood for twelve
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years, who had spent all her living on physicians and could not be healed by any, 44 came behind Him and touched the border of His gar ment. And immediately her issue of blood stopped. 45 And Jesus said, “Who touched Me?” When all denied, Peter and those who were with him said, “Master, the multitudes throng You and press You, and You say, ‘Who touched Me?’” 46 And Jesus said, “Somebody has touched Me, for I perceive that power has gone out from Me.” 47 And when the woman saw that she was not hidden, she came trem bling. And falling down before Him, she declared to Him before all the people the reason she had touched Him and how she was healed im mediately. 48 And He said to her, “Daughter, be of good comfort. Your faith has healed you. Go in peace.” 49 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house, saying to him, “Your daughter is dead. Do not trouble the Master.” 50 But when Jesus heard it, He answered him, saying, “Do not fear. Only believe, and she shall be healed.” 51 And when He came into the house, He allowed no man to go in, except Peter, and James, and John, and the father and the mother of the girl. 52 And all wept and mourned for her. But He said, “Do not weep. She is not dead, but sleeping.” 53 And they laughed Him to scorn, knowing that she was dead.
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54 And He sent them all out, and
took her by the hand, and called, saying, “Girl, arise.” 55 And her spirit came back, and she arose immedi ately. And He commanded that she be given food. 56 And her parents were astonished, but He charged them that they should tell no man what was done. The Twelve Sent Out to Preach Then He called His twelve dis ciples together and gave them power and authority over all de mons and to cure diseases. 2 And He sent them to preach the king dom of God and to heal the sick. 3 And He said to them, “Take noth ing for your journey, neither staffs nor bag, nor bread, nor money. And do not have two coats apiece. 4 And whatever house you enter into, stay there, and from there depart. 5 And whoever will not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testi mony against them.” 6 And they departed and went through the towns, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere. 7 Now Herod the tetrarch heard of all that was done by Him, and he was perplexed because it was said by some that John had risen from the dead, 8 and by some that Elijah had appeared, and by others that one of the old prophets had risen again. 9 And Herod said, “I have beheaded John, but who is this of whom I hear such things?” And he desired to see Him. 10 And when they had returned, the apostles told Him all that they had done. And He took them and
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went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 And the people, when they found out, followed Him. And He received them, and spoke to them of the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of heal ing. 12 And when the day began to wear away, then the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multi tude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country and lodge and get provisions, for we are in a deserted place here.” 13 But He said to them, “You give them something to eat.” And they said, “We have no more than five loaves and two fish, unless we go and buy food for all these people.” 14 For there were about five thousand men. And He said to His disciples, “Make them sit down by fifties in groups.” 15 And they did so, and made them all sit down. 16 Then He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed them, and broke them, and gave to the disciples to set before the multitude. 17 And they ate and were all filled, and twelve baskets of fragments that remained were taken up by them. 18 And it came to pass, as He was alone praying, His disciples were with Him, and He asked them, say ing, “Who do the people say that I am?” 19 They answered and said, “John the Baptist, but some say Elijah, and others say that one of the old prophets has risen again.” 20 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?”
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Peter answered and said, “The Christ of God.” 21 And He strictly charged them and commanded them to tell this to no man, 22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things, and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.” 23 And He said to them all, “If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow Me. 24 For whoever will save his life shall lose it, but whoever will lose his life for My sake, the same shall save it. 25 For what is a man profited if he gains the whole world and loses himself or is cast away? 26 For who ever shall be ashamed of Me and of My words, the Son of Man shall be ashamed of him when He comes in His own glory, and in His Father’s, and of the holy angels. 27 But I tell you the truth, there are some stand ing here who shall not taste of death until they see the kingdom of God.” The Transfiguration 28 And it came to pass, about eight days after these sayings, He took Peter and John and James and went up on a mountain to pray. 29 And as He prayed, the appearance of His face was altered, and His clothing was white and glistening. 30 And behold, two men talked with Him, who were Moses and Elijah, 31 who appeared in glory and spoke of His death that He was about to ac complish in Jerusalem. 32 But Peter and those who were with him were heavy with sleep, and when they were awake, they saw His glory
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and the two men who stood with Him. 33 And it came to pass, as they departed from Him, Peter said to Jesus, “Master, it is good for us to be here. And let us make three tab ernacles: one for You, and one for Moses, and one for Elijah”—not knowing what he said. 34 While he was saying this, a cloud came and overshadowed them, and they feared as they en tered into the cloud. 35 And a voice came out of the cloud, saying, “This is My beloved Son. Hear Him.” 36 And when the voice was past, Jesus was found alone. And they kept quiet and told no one in those days any of the things that they had seen. 37 And it came to pass, that on the next day, when they had come down from the hill, many people met Him. 38 And, behold, a man of the company cried out, saying, “Master, I beseech You, look at my son, for he is my only child. 39 And, behold, a spirit takes him, and he suddenly cries out, and it tears him so that he foams at the mouth. And it bruises him and departs from him with difficulty. 40 And I begged Your disciples to cast him out, and they could not.” 41 And Jesus answered and said, “O faithless and perverse genera tion, how long shall I be with you and put up with you? Bring your son here.” 42 And as he was yet coming, the demon threw him down and tore him. And Jesus rebuked the unclean spirit, and healed the child, and delivered him back to his fa ther. 43 And they were all amazed at the mighty power of God.
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But while everyone wondered at all the things that Jesus did, He said to His disciples, 44 “Let these say ings sink down into your ears, for the Son of Man shall be delivered into the hands of men.” 45 But they did not understand this saying, and it was hidden from them, that they did not perceive it. And they were afraid to ask Him about that saying. 46 Then there arose an argument among them as to which of them should be greatest. 47 And Jesus, perceiving the thought of their heart, took a child and set him by Him, 48 and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in My name re ceives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him who sent Me. For he who is least among you all, the same shall be great.” 49 And John answered and said, “Master, we saw one casting out demons in Your name, and we for bade him, because he does not fol low with us.” 50 And Jesus said to him, “Do not forbid him, for he who is not against us is for us.” 51 And it came to pass, when the time had come that He should as cend, He steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem 52 and sent messen gers ahead of Him. And they went and entered into a village of the Sa maritans, to make ready for Him. 53 And they did not receive Him, because His appearance was as though He would go to Jerusalem. 54 And when His disciples James and John saw this, they said, “Lord, do You want us to command fire to come down from heaven and con sume them, even as Elijah did?”
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55 But
He turned and rebuked them, and said, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of. 56 For the Son of Man came not to destroy men’s lives but to save them.” And they went to another village. Another Test of Discipleship 57 And it came to pass that, as they went on the road, a certain man said to Him, “Lord, I will follow You wherever You go.” 58 And Jesus said to him, “Foxes have holes and birds of the air have nests, but the Son of Man does not have anywhere to lay His head.” 59 And He said to another, “Follow Me.” But he said, “Lord, allow me first to go and bury my father.” 60 Jesus said to him, “Let the dead bury their dead, but you go and preach the kingdom of God.” 61 And another also said, “Lord, I will follow You, but let me first go bid farewell to those who are living at my house.” 62 And Jesus said to him, “No man who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.” The Seventy Sent before Him After these things the Lord appointed seventy others also and sent them two by two be fore His face into every city and place where He Himself would go. 2 Therefore He said to them, “The harvest is truly great, but the labor ers are few. Therefore pray to the Lord of the harvest, that He would send forth laborers into His harvest.
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out as lambs among wolves. 4 Carry neither purse, nor bag, nor shoes, and greet no man on the way. 5 And whatever house you enter into, first say, ‘Peace be to this house.’ 6 And if the son of peace is there, your peace shall rest on it; if not, it shall return to you. 7 And remain in the same house, eating and drinking such things as they give, for the la borer is worthy of his hire. Do not go from house to house. 8 And what ever city you enter into, and they receive you, eat such things as are set before you. 9 And heal the sick who are in it, and say to them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 10 But whatever city you enter into and they do not receive you, go your way out into the streets of the same and say, 11 ‘Even the very dust of your city that clings to us we wipe off against you. However, be sure of this, that the kingdom of God has come near to you.’ 12 But I say to you that it shall be more tol erable on that day for Sodom than for that city.” Jesus Pronounces Judgment on the Cities 13 “Woe to you, Chorazin! Woe to you, Bethsaida! For if the mighty works that have been done in you had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would have repented a great while ago, sitting in sackcloth and ashes. 14 But it shall be more tol erable for Tyre and Sidon at the judgment than for you. 15 And you, Capernaum, who are exalted to heaven, shall be thrust down to hell. 16 He who hears you hears Me, and
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he who despises you despises Me. And he who despises Me despises Him who sent Me.” 17 And the seventy returned with joy, saying, “Lord, even the demons are subject to us through Your name.” 18 And He said to them, “I saw Sa tan fall from heaven like lightning. 19 Behold, I give you power to tram ple on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you by any means. 20 However, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in heaven.” 21 In that hour Jesus rejoiced in spirit and said, “I thank You, O Fa ther, Lord of heaven and earth, that You have hidden these things from the wise and prudent and have re vealed them to infants. Even so, Father, for so it seemed good in Your sight. 22 All things are delivered to Me by My Father, and no man knows who the Son is but the Fa ther, and who the Father is but the Son, and he to whom the Son will reveal Him.” 23 And He turned to His disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see the things that you see. 24 For I tell you that many prophets and kings have desired to see those things that you see and have not seen them, and to hear those things that you hear and have not heard them.” 25 And, behold, a certain lawyer stood up and tempted Him, saying, “Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 He said to him, “What is written
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in the law? How do you read it?” 27 And he answered and said, “‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind,’ and ‘your neighbor as yourself.’” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered correctly. Do this and you shall live.” 29 But he, wanting to justify him self, said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” Parable of the Good Samaritan 30 And Jesus answered and said, “A certain man went down from Je rusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, and wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead. 31 And by chance there came down that way a certain priest. And when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 And likewise a Levite, when he was at the place, came and looked at him and passed by on the other side. 33 But a certain Samari tan, as he journeyed, came where he was. And when he saw him, he had compassion on him, 34 and went to him, and bound up his wounds, pouring in oil and wine, and sat him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn, and took care of him. 35 And the next day, when he de parted, he took out two pence and gave them to the host, and said to him, ‘Take care of him. And what ever more you spend, when I come back, I will repay you.’ 36 Now which of these three do you think was neighbor to him who fell among the thieves?”
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37 And he said, “He who showed
mercy to him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do likewise.” 38 Now it came to pass as they went, that He entered into a cer tain village. And a certain woman named Martha received Him into her house. 39 And she had a sister called Mary, who also sat at J esus’ feet and heard His word. 40 But Martha was troubled about much serving and came to Him and said, “Lord, do You not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Therefore tell her to help me.” 41 And Jesus answered and said to her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things. 42 But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part, which shall not be taken away from her.” Jesus’ Doctrine of Prayer And it came to pass, that, as He was praying in a certain place, when He ceased, one of His disciples said to Him, “Lord, teach us to pray, as John also taught his disciples.” 2 And He said to them, “When you pray, say:
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Our Father who is in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done, as in heaven, so on earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins,
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for we also forgive ev eryone who is indebted to us. And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil.” 5 And He said to them, “Which of
you shall have a friend, and shall go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, 6 for a friend of mine has come to me on his journey, and I have noth ing to set before him’; 7 and from within he shall answer and say, ‘Do not trouble me; the door is now shut, and my children are with me in bed; I cannot rise and give you anything’? 8 I say to you, though he will not rise and give to him be cause he is his friend, yet because of his persistence he will rise and give him as many as he needs. 9 And I say to you, ask, and it shall be given to you; seek, and you shall find; knock, and it shall be opened to you. 10 For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it shall be opened. 11 If a son asks for bread from any of you who is a father, will he give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will he give him a serpent instead of a fish? 12 Or if he asks for an egg, will he offer him a scorpion? 13 If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?” 14 And He was casting out a de mon, and it was mute. And it came to pass, when the demon had gone out, the mute person spoke, and the
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people wondered. 15 But some of them said, “He casts out demons through Beelzebub, the chief of the demons.” 16 And others, testing Him, sought from Him a sign from heaven. 17 But He, knowing their thoughts, said to them, “Every kingdom divided against itself is brought to desola tion, and a house divided against a house falls. 18 If Satan also is divided against himself, how shall his king dom stand? Because you say that I cast out demons through Beel zebub. 19 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebub, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they shall be your judges. 20 But if I cast out demons with the finger of God, no doubt the kingdom of God has come upon you. 21 When a strong, armed man keeps his palace, his goods are in peace. 22 But when a stronger man than he comes upon him and overcomes him, he takes from him all his armor in which he trusted and divides his spoils. 23 He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters. 24 “When the unclean spirit has gone out of a man, he walks through dry places, seeking rest. And find ing none, he says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came out.” 25 And when he comes, he finds it swept and put in order. 26 Then he goes and takes with him seven other spirits more wicked than him self, and they enter in and dwell there. And the last state of that man is worse than the first.” 27 And it came to pass, as He spoke these things, a certain woman of
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the company lifted up her voice and said to Him, “Blessed is the womb that bore You and the breasts that nursed You.” 28 But He said, “Yes, rather, blessed are those who hear the word of God and keep it.” The Sign of Jonah 29 And when the people were thickly gathered together, He began to say, “This is an evil generation. They seek a sign, and no sign shall be given to it but the sign of Jonah the prophet. 30 For as Jonah was a sign to the Ninevites, so also shall the Son of Man be to this generation. 31 The queen of the South shall rise up in the judgment with the men of this generation and condemn them, for she came from the farthest parts of the earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon. And behold, something greater than Solomon is here. 32 The men of Nineveh shall rise up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it, for they repented at the preaching of Jonah. And be hold, something greater than Jonah is here. 33 “No man, when he has lit a can dle, puts it in a secret place or un der a bushel, but on a candlestick, that those who come in may see the light. 34 The light of the body is the eye. Therefore when your eye is healthy, your whole body is also full of light. But when your eye is evil, your body is also full of dark ness. 35 Therefore take heed that the light that is in you is not darkness. 36 Therefore if your whole body is full of light, having no part dark, the whole shall be full of light, as when
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the bright shining of a candle gives you light.” Jesus Pronounces Woes upon the Pharisees 37 And as He spoke, a certain Phar isee begged Him to dine with him. And He went in and sat down for dinner. 38 And when the Pharisee saw it, he marveled that He had not first washed before dinner. 39 And the Lord said to him, “Now you Pharisees make the outside of the cup and the platter clean, but your inside is full of greed and wick edness. 40 You fools! Didn’t He who made what is outside also make what is inside? 41 But rather give to the poor of such things as you have, and behold, all things are clean to you. 42 “But woe to you, Pharisees! For you tithe mint and rue and all man ner of herbs, and pass over judg ment and the love of God. You ought to have done these, and not left the other undone. 43 Woe to you, Phari sees! For you love the best seats in the synagogues and greetings in the markets. 44 Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like unmarked graves, and the men who walk over them are not aware of them.” 45 Then one of the lawyers an swered and said to Him, “Master, by saying these things, You reproach us also.” 46 And He said, “Woe to you also, you lawyers! For you load men with burdens grievous to be borne, and you yourselves do not touch the burdens with one of your fingers. 47 Woe to you! For you build the
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sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them. 48 Truly you bear witness that you allow the deeds of your fathers, for they in deed killed them, and you build their sepulchres. 49 Therefore the wisdom of God also said, ‘I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute,’ 50 that the blood of all the prophets that was shed from the foundation of the world may be required of this generation, 51 from the blood of Abel to the blood of Zechariah, who perished between the altar and the temple. Truly I say to you, it shall be required of this generation. 52 “Woe to you, lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowl edge. You did not enter in your selves, and those who were entering in you hindered.” 53 And as He said these things to them, the scribes and the Pharisees began to urge Him vehemently, and to provoke Him to speak of many things, 54 lying in wait for Him, and seeking to catch something out of His mouth, that they might accuse Him. Jesus Warns of the Leaven of the Pharisees In the meantime, when an innumerable multitude of people were gathered together, to such a degree that they trampled on one another, He began to say to His disciples first of all, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy. 2 For there is nothing covered that shall not be revealed, nor hidden that shall not be known. 3 Therefore whatever you have
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spoken in darkness shall be heard in the light, and what you have spo ken in the ear in closets shall be proclaimed on the housetops. 4 “And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that have no more that they can do. 5 But I will fore warn you whom you shall fear: fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell. Yes, I say to you, fear Him. 6 “Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings? And not one of them is forgotten before God. 7 But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Therefore do not fear. You are of more value than many sparrows. 8 “Also I say to you, whoever con fesses Me before men, the Son of Man shall also confess him before the angels of God. 9 But he who de nies Me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. 10 “And whoever speaks a word against the Son of Man, it shall be forgiven him. But to him who blas phemes against the Holy Spirit, it shall not be forgiven. 11 “And when they bring you to the synagogues and to magistrates and powers, do not worry about how or what you shall answer or what you shall say. 12 For the Holy Spirit shall teach you in the same hour what you ought to say.” 13 And one of the company said to Him, “Master, speak to my brother, that he would divide the inheritance with me.” 14 And He said to him, “Man, who made Me a judge or a divider over you?” 15 And He said to them, “Take
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heed and beware of covetousness, for a man’s life does not consist in the abundance of the things that he possesses.” Parables and Warnings 16 And He spoke a parable to them, saying, “The ground of a certain rich man brought forth plentifully. 17 And he thought within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, because I have no room to store my fruits?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will pull down my barns and build greater ones, and there I will store all my fruits and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have many goods laid up for many years. Take your ease, eat, drink, and be merry.”’ 20 But God said to him, ‘You fool. This night your soul shall be required of you. Then whose shall those things be that you have provided?’ 21 So is he who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.” 22 And He said to His disciples, “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you shall eat, nor for the body, what you shall put on. 23 Life is more than food, and the body is more than clothing. 24 Consider the ravens, for they nei ther sow nor reap; they have neither storehouse nor barn, and God feeds them. How much more are you worth than the fowls? 25 And which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature? 26 If you then are not able to do that thing that is least, why do you worry about the rest? 27 Consider the lilies, how they grow: they do not toil; they do not spin. And yet I say to you that
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Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which to day is in the field and tomorrow is cast into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith? 29 “And do not seek what you shall eat or what you shall drink, nor be of doubtful mind. 30 For the nations of the world seek after all these things, and your Father knows that you have need of these things. 31 But rather seek the kingdom of God, and all these things shall be added to you. 32 “Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. 33 Sell what you have, and give to charity. Provide yourselves bags that do not grow old, a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief ap proaches, nor moth corrupts. 34 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. 35 “Let your loins be girded about and your lights burning. 36 And you yourselves be like men who wait for their master, when he will return from the wedding, that when he comes and knocks, they may open to him immediately. 37 Blessed are those servants whom the master, when he comes, shall find watching. Truly I say to you that he shall gird himself and make them to sit down for dinner, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he comes in the second watch, or comes in the third watch, and finds them so, those ser vants are blessed. 39 And know this, that if the master of the house had known what hour the thief would
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come, he would have watched and not have allowed his house to be broken into. 40 Therefore you also be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will.” 41 Then Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You speak this parable to us, or even to all?” 42 And the Lord said, “Who then is that faithful and wise steward, whom his master shall make ruler over his household, to give them their portion of food in due season? 43 Blessed is that servant whom his master shall find so doing when he comes. 44 Truly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all that he has. 45 But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My master delays his com ing,’ and begins to beat the menser vants and maidens, and to eat and drink and to be drunk, 46 the master of that servant will come on a day when he does not look for him, and at an hour when he is not aware, and will cut him in pieces and will appoint him his portion with the unbelievers. 47 And that servant who knew his master’s will, and did not prepare himself or do accord ing to his will, shall be beaten with many lashes. 48 But he who did not know and committed things wor thy of lashes shall be beaten with few lashes. For to whomever much is given, from him much shall be required. And to whom men have committed much, they will ask the more of him.” Christ a Divider of Men 49 “I have come to send fire on the earth, and how I wish it were already
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kindled! 50 But I have a baptism to be baptized with, and how distressed am I until it is accomplished! 51 Do you suppose that I have come to give peace on earth? I tell you, no, but rather division. 52 For from now on there shall be five divided in one house: three against two, and two against three. 53 The father shall be divided against the son and the son against the father; the mother against the daughter and the daugh ter against the mother; the motherin-law against her daughter-in-law and the daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law.” 54 And He also said to the people, “When you see a cloud rise out of the west, immediately you say, ‘There comes a shower.’ And so it is. 55 And when you see the south wind blow, you say, ‘There will be heat.’ And it comes to pass. 56 You hypo crites! You can discern the face of the sky and of the earth, but how is it that you do not discern this time? 57 Yes, and why, even of yourselves, do you not judge what is right? 58 When you go with your adversary to the magistrate, give diligence as you are on the way that you may be delivered from him, lest he drag you to the judge, and the judge deliver you to the officer, and the officer cast you into prison. 59 I tell you, you shall not depart from there until you have paid the very last mite.” Men Are Not to Judge, but to Repent There were some present at that time who told Him of the Galileans whose blood Pilate had mingled with their sacrifices.
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Jesus answered and said to them, “Do you suppose that these Galileans were sinners above all the other Galileans because they suf fered such things? 3 No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you shall all likewise perish. 4 Or those eighteen on whom the tower in Siloam fell and slew them, do you think that they were sinners above all men who dwelled in Jerusalem? 5 No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you shall all likewise perish.” 6 He also spoke this parable: “A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came and sought fruit on it and found none. 7 Then he said to the caretaker of his vineyard, ‘Behold, these three years I have come seeking fruit on this fig tree and find none. Cut it down. Why does it use up the ground?’ 8 And he answered and said to him, ‘Lord, leave it alone this year also, until I shall dig around it and put dung on it. 9 And if it bears fruit, well. And if not, then after that you shall cut it down.’” 10 And He was teaching in one of the synagogues on the Sabbath. 11 And behold, there was a woman who had a spirit of infirmity eigh teen years, and was bent over and could in no way lift herself up. 12 And when Jesus saw her, He called her to Himself and said to her, “Woman, you are released from your infir mity.” 13 And He laid His hands on her, and immediately she was made straight and glorified God. 14 And the ruler of the synagogue answered with indignation because Jesus had healed on the Sabbath day. And he said to the people,
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“There are six days in which men ought to work. Therefore, come and be healed on them, and not on the Sabbath day.” 15 The Lord then answered Him and said, “You hypocrite! Does not each one of you on the Sabbath un tie his ox or his donkey from the stall and lead him away to watering? 16 And ought not this woman, being a daughter of Abraham, whom Satan has bound, behold, these eighteen years, be released from this bond on the Sabbath day?” 17 And when He had said these things, all His ad versaries were ashamed. And all the people rejoiced for all the glorious things that were done by Him. 18 Then He said, “What is the king dom of God like? And to what shall I compare it? 19 It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and cast into his garden. And it grew and became a great tree, and the fowls of the air lodged in its branches.” 20 And again He said, “To what shall I compare the kingdom of God? 21 It is like leaven, which a woman took and hid in three measures of flour until the whole was leavened.” Teachings on the Way to Jerusalem 22 And He went through the cities and villages, teaching and journey ing toward Jerusalem. 23 Then one said to Him, “Lord, are there few who are saved?” And He said to them, 24 “Strive to enter in at the narrow gate. For I say to you, many will seek to enter in and shall not be able. 25 When once the master of the house has risen up
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and has shut the door, and you be gin to stand outside and to knock at the door, saying, ‘Lord, Lord, open to us,’ and He shall answer and say to you, ‘I do not know you or where you are from,’ 26 then you shall be gin to say, ‘We have eaten and drunk in Your presence, and You have taught in our streets.’ 27 But He shall say, ‘I tell you I do not know you or where you are from. Depart from Me, all you workers of iniq uity.’ 28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when you shall see Abraham and Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out. 29 And they shall come from the east and from the west, and from the north and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God. 30 And behold, there are last who shall be first, and there are first who shall be last.” 31 The same day some of the Phar isees came, saying to Him, “Get out and depart from here, for Herod will kill You.” 32 And He said to them, “Go, and tell that fox, ‘Behold, I cast out de mons and I do cures today and to morrow, and the third day I shall be perfected.’ 33 Nevertheless I must walk today, and tomorrow, and the day following. For it cannot be that a prophet should perish outside Je rusalem.” Jesus’ Lament over Jerusalem 34 “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to you. How often I would have gathered your children together, as a hen gathers her brood
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under her wings, and you would not! 35 Behold, your house is left to you desolate. And truly I say to you, you shall not see Me until the time comes when you shall say, ‘Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord.’” Jesus Heals on the Sabbath And it came to pass, as He went into the house of one of the chief Pharisees to eat bread on the Sabbath day, that they watched Him. 2 And, behold, there was a certain man before Him who had the dropsy. 3 And Jesus, answering, spoke to the lawyers and Pharisees, saying, “Is it lawful to heal on the Sabbath day?” 4 And they remained silent. And He took him and healed him, and let him go. 5 And He answered them, saying, “Which of you shall have a donkey or an ox that has fallen into a pit, and will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” 6 And again they could not answer Him for these things. 7 And He put forth a parable to those who were invited, when He observed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them: 8 “When you are invited by any man to a wedding, do not sit down in the place of honor, lest a more honor able man than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you and him come and say to you, ‘Give this man place,’ and with shame you be gin to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit down in the lowest place, that when he who invited you comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend, go up higher.’
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Then you shall have honor in the presence of those who sit at dinner with you. 11 For whoever exalts him self shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.” 12 Then He also said to him who invited Him, “When you make a dinner or a supper, do not call your friends or your brothers, or your relatives or your rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back and a recompense be made to you. 13 But when you make a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. 14 And you shall be blessed, for they cannot repay you. For you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” 15 And when one of those who sat at dinner with Him heard these things, he said to Him, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the king dom of God.” 16 Then He said to him, “A certain man made a great supper and in vited many, 17 and sent his servant at suppertime to say to those who were invited, ‘Come, for all things are now ready.’ 18 And they all with one con sent began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I have bought a piece of ground, and I need to go and see it. I ask you to have me excused.’ 19 And another said, ‘I have bought five yoke of oxen, and I am going to test them. I ask you to have me excused.’ 20 And another said, ‘I have married a wife, and therefore I cannot come.’ 21 So that servant came and told his master these things. Then the mas ter of the house, being angry, said to his servant, ‘Go out quickly into the streets and lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor, and the maimed,
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and the lame, and the blind.’ 22 And the servant said, ‘Lord, it is done as you have commanded, and yet there is room.’ 23 And the master said to the servant, ‘Go out into the high ways and hedges, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. 24 For I say to you that none of those men who were invited shall taste of my supper.’” Discipleship Again Tested 25 And great multitudes went with Him. And He turned and said to them, 26 “If any man comes to Me and does not hate his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brothers, and sisters, yes, and also his own life, he cannot be My dis ciple. 27 And whoever does not bear his cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple. 28 For which of you intending to build a tower does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it? 29 Perhaps after he has laid the foun dation and is not able to finish it, all who see it begin to mock him, 30 say ing, ‘This man began to build and was not able to finish.’ 31 Or what king going to make war against an other king does not sit down first and consult whether he is able with ten thousand to meet him who comes against him with twenty thousand? 32 Or else, while the other is still a great way off, he sends a delegation and desires conditions of peace. 33 So likewise, whoever of you who does not abandon all that he has cannot be My disciple. 34 “Salt is good, but if the salt has lost its taste, with what shall it be seasoned? 35 It is fit neither for the
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land nor for the dunghill, but men cast it out. He who has ears to hear, let him hear.” The Murmuring Pharisees Then all the tax collectors and sinners drew near to Him to hear Him. 2 And the Phari sees and scribes murmured, saying, “This man receives sinners and eats with them.” 3 And He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4 “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness and go after what is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neigh bors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’ 7 I say to you that likewise there shall be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who need no repentance. 8 “Or what woman, having ten pieces of silver, if she loses one piece, does not light a candle, and sweep the house, and seek dili gently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls her friends and her neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece that I had lost.’ 10 Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the pres ence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
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Parable of the Lost Son 11 And He said, “A certain man had two sons. 12 And the younger of
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them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ And he divided his wealth be tween them. 13 And not many days after, the younger son gathered everything together, and took his journey into a far country, and there wasted his substance with wasteful living. 14 And when he had spent all, there arose a mighty famine in that land, and he began to be in need. 15 And he went and hired himself to a citizen of that country, and he sent him into his fields to feed swine. 16 And he would willingly have filled his belly with the husks that the swine ate, and no man gave any thing to him. 17 “And when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have enough bread, and to spare, and I perish with hun ger! 18 I will arise and go to my father and will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you 19 and am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired servants.”’ 20 “And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring forth the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and shoes on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry. 24 For this my son was dead and is alive again. He was lost and is
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found.’ And they began to be merry. 25 “Now his elder son was in the field. And as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. 27 And he said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fatted calf be cause he has received him safe and sound.’ 28 And he was angry and would not go in. Therefore his father came out and entreated him. 29 And he answered and said to his father, ‘Behold, these many years I have served you, I never transgressed your commandment at any time. And yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might make merry with my friends. 30 But as soon as this your son came, who has devoured your wealth with prostitutes, you have killed the fatted calf for him.’ 31 And he said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that I have is yours. 32 It was fitting that we should make merry and be glad, for this your brother was dead and is alive again, and was lost and is found.” Parable of the Unjust Steward And He also said to His dis ciples, “There was a certain rich man who had a steward, and an accusation was made of him that he had wasted his goods. 2 And he called him and said to him, ‘How is it that I hear this of you? Give an ac count of your stewardship, for you may no longer be steward.’ 3 Then the steward said within himself, ‘What shall I do? For my master is taking away the stewardship from me. I cannot dig; I am ashamed to
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beg. 4 I have resolved what to do, that when I am put out of the stew ardship, they may receive me into their houses.’ 5 So he called every one of his master’s debtors to him and said to the first, ‘How much do you owe to my master?’ 6 And he said, ‘A hundred measures of oil.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and sit down quickly and write fifty.’ 7 Then he said to another, ‘And how much do you owe?’ And he said, ‘A hundred measures of wheat.’ And he said to him, ‘Take your bill, and write eighty.’ 8 And the master com mended the unjust steward because he had done wisely. For the children of this world are wiser in their gen eration than the children of light. 9 “And I say to you, make friends for yourselves by the riches of unrigh teousness, that when you fail, they may receive you into everlasting habitations. 10 He who is faithful in what is least is also faithful in much, and he who is unjust in the least is also unjust in much. 11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the un righteous riches, who will commit the true riches to your trust? 12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man’s, who shall give you what is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters. For either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will hold to the one and de spise the other. You cannot serve God and riches.” Jesus Answers the Pharisees 14 And the Pharisees, who were cov etous, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. 15 And He said to them, “You are those who
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justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God. 16 “The Law and the Prophets were until John. Since that time the king dom of God has been preached, and every man presses into it. 17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass than for one tittle of the law to fail. 18 “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and whoever marries her who is di vorced from her husband commits adultery.” The Rich Man and Lazarus 19 “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and feasted sumptuously ev ery day. 20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, who was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass that the beggar died and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 And being in torment in hell, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 “And he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am tormented in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things. But now he is comforted and you are
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tormented. 26 And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who would pass from here to you cannot, nor can those who would come from there pass to us.’ 27 “Then he said, ‘I ask you, there fore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, that he may tes tify to them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, “No, father Abraham. But if one went to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 And he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Mo ses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if one rises from the dead.’” An Instruction in Forgiveness Then He said to the disciples, “It is impossible that no stum bling blocks will come, but woe to him through whom they come! 2 It would be better for him if a mill stone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea, than that he should cause one of these little ones to stumble. 3 Take heed to yourselves. If your brother tres passes against you, rebuke him. And if he repents, forgive him. 4 And if he trespasses against you seven times in a day, and seven times in a day returns to you, saying, ‘I re pent,’ you shall forgive him.” 5 And the apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith.” 6 And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you might say to this mulberry tree,
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‘Be plucked up by the roots and be planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you. 7 But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say to him right away when he has come from the field, ‘Go and sit down to eat’? 8 And will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare some thing, that I may eat, and gird your self, and serve me until I have eaten and drunk, and afterward you shall eat and drink’? 9 Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not. 10 So likewise you, when you shall have done all those things that are commanded of you, say, ‘We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do.’” Ten Lepers Healed 11 And it came to pass, as He went to Jerusalem, that He passed through the midst of Samaria and Galilee. 12 And as He entered into a certain village, ten men who were lepers, who stood afar off, met Him. 13 And they lifted up their voices and said, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” 14 And when He saw them, He said to them, “Go show yourselves to the priests.” And it came to pass, that as they went, they were cleansed. 15 And one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, and with a loud voice glorified God, 16 and fell down on his face at His feet, giving Him thanks. And he was a Samaritan. 17 And Jesus answered and said, “Were there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? 18 There are none found who returned to give glory to God, save this foreigner.”
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19 And He said to him, “Arise, go your
way. Your faith has healed you.” 20 And when He was questioned by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God should come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with obser vation, 21 nor shall they say, ‘Look here!’ or ‘Look there!’ For behold, the kingdom of God is within you.” Jesus Foretells His Second Coming 22 And He said to the disciples, “The days will come when you shall de sire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you shall not see it. 23 And they shall say to you, ‘Look here’ or ‘Look there.’ Do not go after them or follow them. 24 For as the lightning that flashes out of the one part under heaven shines to the other part under heaven, so also shall the Son of Man be in His day. 25 But first He must suffer many things and be rejected by this gen eration. 26 And as it was in the days of Noah, so shall it also be in the days of the Son of Man. 27 They ate, they drank, they married wives, they were given in marriage, un til the day that Noah entered into the ark and the flood came and destroyed them all. 28 Likewise as it was also in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built. 29 But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven and destroyed them all. 30 It shall be even this way on the day when the Son of Man is re vealed. 31 “On that day, he who is on the
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housetop, and his belongings in the house, do not let him come down to take it away. And likewise, he who is in the field, let him not turn back. 32 Remember Lot’s wife. 33 Whoever seeks to save his life shall lose it, and whoever loses his life shall pre serve it. 34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken and the other shall be left. 35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken and the other left. 36 Two men shall be in the field; the one shall be taken and the other left.” 37 And they answered and said to Him, “Where, Lord?” And He said to them, “Wherever the body is, there the eagles will be gathered together.” Parable of the Unjust Judge And He spoke a parable to them to this end, that men ought always to pray and not to faint, 2 saying, “In a city there was a judge who did not fear God or re gard man. 3 And there was a widow in that city, and she came to him, saying, ‘Take vengeance on my ad versary.’ 4 And he would not for a while. But afterward he said within himself, ‘Though I do not fear God or regard man, 5 yet because this widow troubles me I will avenge her, lest by her continual coming she weary me.’” 6 And the Lord said, “Hear what the unjust judge said. 7 And shall not God avenge His own elect, who cry day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? 8 I tell you that He will avenge them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of Man
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comes, shall He find faith on the earth?” 9 And He spoke this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and de spised others: 10 “Two men went up into the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee and the other a tax collec tor. 11 The Pharisee stood by himself and prayed this: ‘God, I thank You that I am not as other men are— extortioners, unjust, adulterers, or even like this tax collector. 12 I fast twice in the week. I give tithes of all that I possess.’ 13 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as lift up his eyes to heaven, but struck his breast, say ing, ‘God, be merciful to me, a sinner.’ 14 I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other. For everyone who exalts himself shall be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.” Jesus Blesses Little Children 15 And they also brought infants to Him, that He would touch them. But when His disciples saw it, they rebuked them. 16 But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Allow little children to come to Me, and do not forbid them, for of such is the king dom of God. 17 Truly I say to you, whoever shall not receive the king dom of God like a little child shall in no way enter it.” 18 And a certain ruler asked Him, saying, “Good Master, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 19 And Jesus said to him, “Why do you call Me good? No one is good, save one—that is, God. 20 You
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know the commandments: ‘Do not commit adultery,’ ‘Do not kill,’ ‘Do not steal,’ ‘Do not bear false wit ness,’ ‘Honor your father and your mother.’” 21 And he said, “All these I have kept from my youth.” 22 Now when Jesus heard these things, He said to him, “Yet you lack one thing. Sell all that you have and distribute to the poor, and you shall have treasure in heaven. And come, follow Me.” 23 And when he heard this, he was very sorrowful, for he was very rich. 24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, He said, “How diffi cult it is for those who have riches to enter into the kingdom of God! 25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.” 26 And those who heard it said, “Who then can be saved?” 27 And He said, “The things that are impossible with men are possi ble with God.” 28 Then Peter said, “Behold, we have left all and followed You.” 29 And He said to them, “Truly I say to you, there is no man who has left house, or parents, or brothers, or wife, or children for the kingdom of God’s sake 30 who shall not re ceive many times more in this pres ent time, and in the world to come everlasting life.” 31 Then He took to Him the twelve and said to them, “Behold, we are going up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the proph ets concerning the Son of Man shall be accomplished. 32 For He
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shall be delivered to the Gentiles, and shall be mocked and spitefully treated and spit upon. 33 And they shall scourge Him and put Him to death. And the third day He shall rise again.” 34 And they understood none of these things. And this saying was hidden from them, nor did they know the things that were spoken. A Blind Man Healed Near Jericho 35 And it came to pass, that as He came near to Jericho, a certain blind man sat by the wayside beg ging. 36 And hearing the multitude pass by, he asked what it meant. 37 And they told him that Jesus of Nazareth was passing by. 38 And he cried, saying, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” 39 And those who went ahead re buked him, that he should remain si lent, but he cried so much the more, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” 40 And Jesus stood and com manded him to be brought to Him. And when he had come near, He asked him,41 saying, “What do you want Me to do for you?” And he said, “Lord, that I may re ceive my sight.” 42 And Jesus said to him, “Receive your sight. Your faith has saved you.” 43 And immediately he received his sight and followed Him, glorifying God. And all the people, when they saw it, gave praise to God. Conversion of Zacchaeus And Jesus entered and passed through Jericho. 2 And behold, there was a man named
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Zacchaeus, who was the chief among the tax collectors, and he was rich. 3 And he sought to see who Jesus was, and could not for the crowd, because he was little in stature. 4 And he ran ahead and climbed up into a sycamore tree to see Him, for He was to pass that way. 5 And when Jesus came to the place, He looked up and saw him, and said to him, “Zacchaeus, make haste, and come down, for today I must stay at your house.” 6 And he made haste and came down, and received Him joyfully. 7 And when they saw it, they all murmured, say ing, “He has gone to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” 8 And Zacchaeus stood and said to the Lord, “Behold, Lord, half of my goods I give to the poor. And if I have taken anything from any man by false accusation, I restore him fourfold.” 9 And Jesus said to him, “This day salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abra ham. 10 For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save what was lost.” 11 And as they heard these things, He added and spoke a parable, be cause He was near to Jerusalem and because they thought that the kingdom of God should appear im mediately. 12 Therefore He said: “A certain nobleman went into a far country to receive for himself a king dom and to return. 13 And he called his ten servants, and gave them ten pounds, and said to them, ‘Engage in business until I come.’ 14 But his citizens hated him and sent a mes sage after him, saying, ‘We will not
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have this man to reign over us.’ 15 “And it came to pass that when he returned, having received the kingdom, then he commanded these servants to be called to him, to whom he had given the money, that he might know how much every man had gained by trad ing. 16 Then the first came, saying, ‘Master, your pound has gained ten pounds.’ 17 And he said to him, ‘Well done, good servant. Because you have been faithful in very little, have authority over ten cities.’ 18 And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your pound has gained five pounds.’ 19 And likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’ 20 “And another came, saying, ‘Master, behold, here is your pound, which I have kept laid away in a handkerchief. 21 For I feared you, because you are an austere man. You take up what you did not lay down and reap what you did not sow.’ 22 And he said to him, ‘Out of your own mouth I will judge you, you wicked servant. You knew that I was an austere man, taking up what I had not laid down and reap ing what I did not sow. 23 Why then did you not put my money into the bank, that at my coming I might have claimed my own with inter est?’ 24 “And he said to those who stood by, ‘Take from him the pound, and give it to him who has ten pounds.’ 25 (And they said to him, ‘Master, he has ten pounds.’) 26 ‘For I say to you, that to everyone who has shall be given, and from him who does not have, even what he has shall be taken away from him. 27 But bring
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here those enemies of mine, who did not want me to reign over them, and slay them before me.’” The Triumphal Entry 28 And when He had said this, He went ahead, ascending to Jerusa lem. 29 And it came to pass, when He had come near to Bethphage and Bethany, at the mount called the Mount of Olives, He sent two of His disciples, 30 saying, “Go into the vil lage across from you, where at your entering you shall find a colt tied, on which a man has never sat. Untie him and bring him here. 31 And if any man asks you, ‘Why are you untying him?’ you shall say this to him: ‘Be cause the Lord has need of him.’” 32 And those who were sent went their way and found it even as He had said to them. 33 And as they were untying the colt, its owners said to them, “Why are you untying the colt?” 34 And they said, “The Lord has need of him.” 35 And they brought him to Jesus. And they cast their garments on the colt, and they set Jesus on it. 36 And as He went, they spread their clothes on the road. 37 And when He had come near, even now at the descent of the Mount of Olives, the whole multi tude of the disciples began to re joice and praise God with a loud voice for all the mighty works that they had seen, 38 saying: “Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Peace in heaven and glory in the highest.” 39 And some of the Pharisees from among the multitude said to Him, “Master, rebuke Your disciples.”
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40 And
He answered and said to them, “I tell you that if these should remain quiet, the stones would im mediately cry out.” Jesus Weeps over Jerusalem 41 And when He had come near, He looked at the city and wept over it, 42 saying, “If you had known, even you, at least in this your day, the things that belong to your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. 43 For the days shall come on you that your enemies shall cast a trench around you, and surround you, and keep you in on every side, 44 and shall lay you even with the ground, and your children within you, and they shall not leave in you one stone upon another, because you did not know the time of your visitation.” 45 And He went into the temple and began to cast out those who sold in it and those who bought, 46 saying to them, “It is written, ‘My house is the house of prayer,’ but you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’” 47 And He taught daily in the tem ple. But the chief priests and the scribes and the chief of the people sought to destroy Him 48 and could not find what they might do, for all the people were very attentive to hear Him. Jesus’ Authority Questioned And it came to pass that on one of those days, as He taught the people in the temple and preached the gospel, the chief priests and the scribes with the el ders came up to Him 2 and spoke to Him, saying, “Tell us, by what
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authority do You do these things? Or who is he who gave You this au thority?” 3 And He answered and said to them, “I will also ask you one thing, and answer Me: 4 The baptism of John—was it from heaven or from men?” 5 And they reasoned with them selves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’ 6 But if we say, ‘From men,’ all the people will stone us, for they are persuaded that John was a prophet.” 7 And they answered that they could not tell where it was from. 8 And Jesus said to them, “Neither will I tell you by what authority I do these things.” Parable of the Vineyard 9 Then He began to speak to the people this parable: “A certain man planted a vineyard, and leased it to farmers, and went into a far country for a long time. 10 And at the season he sent a servant to the farmers, that they should give him of the fruit of the vineyard. But the farm ers beat him and sent him away empty. 11 And again he sent another servant, and they also beat him, and treated him shamefully, and sent him away empty. 12 And again he sent a third, and they also wounded him and cast him out. 13 “Then the owner of the vineyard said, ‘What shall I do? I will send my beloved son. It may be they will reverence him when they see him.’ 14 But when the farmers saw him, they reasoned among themselves, saying, ‘This is the heir. Come, let us
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kill him, that the inheritance may be ours.’ 15 So they cast him out of the vineyard and killed him. Therefore what shall the owner of the vine yard do to them? 16 He shall come and destroy these farmers and shall give the vineyard to others.” And when they heard it, they said, “God forbid!” 17 And He looked at them and said, “What then is this that is writ ten: ‘The stone that the builders rejected, the same has become the head of the corner’? 18 Whoever falls on that stone shall be broken, but on whomever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder.” 19 And the same hour the chief priests and the scribes sought to lay hands on Him, and they feared the people, for they perceived that He had spoken this parable against them. 20 And they watched Him and sent forth spies who pretended to be righteous men, that they might catch Him in His words, so that they might deliver Him to the power and authority of the governor. 21 And they asked Him, saying, “Master, we know that You say and teach rightly. You do not favor any person but teach the way of God truly. 22 Is it lawful for us to give taxes to Caesar or not?” 23 But He perceived their craftiness and said to them, “Why do you test Me? 24 Show Me a penny. Whose im age and inscription does it have?” They answered and said, “Cae sar’s.” 25 And He said to them, “Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s.”
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26 And they could not catch Him
in His words before the people. And they marveled at His answer and remained quiet. Jesus Answers the Sadducees 27 Then some of the Sadducees, who deny that there is any resurrection, came to Him, and they asked Him, 28 saying, “Master, Moses wrote for us that if any man’s brother dies, having a wife, and he dies without children, that his brother should take his wife and raise up children for his brother. 29 Therefore there were seven brothers. And the first took a wife and died without chil dren. 30 And the second took her as wife, and he died childless. 31 And the third took her, and in like man ner the seven also. And they left no children and died. 32 Last of all the woman also died. 33 Therefore, in the resurrection, whose wife is she? For seven had her as a wife.” 34 And Jesus answered and said to them, “The children of this world marry and are given in marriage. 35 But those who shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection from the dead, neither marry nor are given in marriage. 36 Nor can they die anymore, for they are equal to the angels and are the children of God, being the children of the resurrection. 37 Now even Moses showed at the bush that the dead are raised when he called the Lord ‘the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.’ 38 For He is not a God of the dead but of the living, for all live to Him.” 39 Then some of the scribes an swered and said, “Master, You have
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said well.” 40 And after that they dared not ask Him any question at all. 41 And He said to them, “How is it that they say that Christ is David’s son? 42 And David himself said in the book of Psalms: ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “You sit at My right hand, 43 until I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ 44 Therefore David calls Him ‘Lord.’ How then is He his son?” 45 Then, in the hearing of all the people, He said to His disciples, 46 “Beware of the scribes, who de sire to walk in long robes, and love greetings in the markets, and the best seats in the synagogues, and the places of honor at feasts, 47 who devour widows’ houses, and for a show make long prayers. The same shall receive greater condemna tion.” The Widow’s Mite: Jesus’ Estimate of Giving And He looked up and saw the rich men casting their gifts into the treasury. 2 And He also saw a certain poor widow casting two mites in there. 3 And He said, “Truly I say to you that this poor widow has cast in more than all of them, 4 for all these have cast in to the offerings of God out of their abundance, but she out of her pov erty has cast in all the livelihood that she had.”
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The Olivet Discourse 5 And as some spoke of the temple, how it was adorned with beautiful stones and gifts, He said, 6 “As for these things that you see, the days will come in which there shall not
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be one stone left upon another that shall not be thrown down.” 7 And they asked Him, saying, “Master, but when shall these things be? And what sign will there be when these things shall come to pass?” 8 And He said, “Take heed that you are not deceived. For many shall come in My name, saying, ‘I am Christ’ and ‘The time draws near.’ Therefore do not go after them. 9 But when you hear of wars and commo tions, do not be terrified, for these things must first come to pass, but the end will not come right away.” 10 Then He said to them, “Nation shall rise against nation, and king dom against kingdom. 11 And great earthquakes shall be in various places, and famines and pestilences. And there shall be fearful sights and great signs from heaven. 12 But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for My name’s sake. 13 And it shall turn to you for a testimony. 14 Therefore settle it in your hearts not to meditate beforehand on what you shall answer. 15 For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to contradict or resist. 16 And you shall be betrayed both by parents and brothers, and relatives and friends, and they shall cause some of you to be put to death. 17 And you shall be hated by all men for My name’s sake. 18 But not a hair of your head shall perish. 19 In your patience you possess your souls. 20 “And when you see Jerusalem surrounded with armies, then know
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that its desolation is near. 21 Then let those who are in Judea flee to the mountains, and let those who are in the midst of it depart out, and do not let those who are in the coun tries enter into it. 22 For these are the days of vengeance, that all things that are written may be fulfilled. 23 But woe to those who are with child, and to those who are nursing babies in those days! For there shall be great distress in the land and wrath on this people. 24 And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations. And Jerusalem shall be trampled down by the Gentiles, un til the times of the Gentiles are ful filled.” The Return of the Lord in Glory 25 “And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and on the earth distress of nations, with perplexity, the sea and the waves roaring; 26 men’s hearts failing them for fear and for look ing after those things that are com ing on the earth, for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. 27 And then they shall see the Son of Man com ing in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 And when these things be gin to come to pass, then look up and lift up your heads, for your re demption draws near.” 29 And He spoke to them a para ble: “Behold the fig tree, and all the trees. 30 When they now shoot forth, you see and know of your own selves that summer is now near at hand. 31 So you likewise, when you see these things come to pass, know that the kingdom of God is near at
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hand. 32 Truly I say to you, this gen eration shall not pass away until all is fulfilled. 33 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My words shall not pass away. 34 “And take heed to yourselves, lest at any time your hearts be over charged with overindulgence, and drunkenness, and cares of this life, and so that day comes on you un expectedly. 35 For it shall come like a snare on all those who dwell on the face of the whole earth. 36 Watch therefore, and pray always, that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass and to stand before the Son of Man.” 37 And in the daytime He was teaching in the temple, and at night He went out and remained on the mount that is called the Mount of Olives. 38 And early in the morning all the people came to Him in the temple to hear Him. Judas Covenants to Betray Jesus Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. 2 And the chief priests and scribes sought how they might kill Him, for they feared the people. 3 Then Satan entered into Judas, surnamed Iscariot, being of the number of the twelve. 4 And he went his way and spoke with the chief priests and captains about how he might betray Him to them. 5 And they were glad and covenanted to give him money. 6 And he promised and sought opportunity to betray Him to them in the absence of the multitude.
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7 Then
came the day of Unleav ened Bread, when the Passover must be killed. 8 And He sent Peter and John, saying, “Go and prepare the Passover for us, that we may eat.” 9 And they said to Him, “Where do You want us to prepare?” 10 And He said to them, “Behold, when you have entered into the city, a man bearing a pitcher of water shall meet you. Follow him into the house where he enters. 11 And you shall say to the master of the house, ‘The Master says to you, “Where is the guest chamber, where I shall eat the Passover with My disciples?”’ 12 And he shall show you a large, furnished upper room. Prepare it there.” 13 And they went and found it as He had said to them, and they pre pared the Passover. 14 And when the hour had come, He sat down, and the twelve apos tles with Him. 15 And He said to them, “With desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. 16 For I say to you, I will not eat of it anymore until it is fulfilled in the kingdom of God.” 17 And He took the cup, and gave thanks, and said, “Take this and divide it among yourselves. 18 For I say to you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes.” The Lord’s Supper Instituted 19 And He took bread, and gave thanks and broke it, and gave to them, saying, “This is My body that is given for you. Do this in remem brance of Me.” 20 Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the
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new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you. 21 But behold, the hand of him who betrays Me is with Me on the table. 22 And truly the Son of Man goes as it was determined, but woe to that man by whom He is be trayed!” 23 And they began to inquire among themselves, which of them it was who would do this thing. 24 And there was also a dispute among them, as to which of them should be considered the greatest. 25 And He said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those who exer cise authority over them are called benefactors. 26 But you shall not be so. But he who is greatest among you, let him be as the younger, and he who is chief, as he who serves. 27 For who is greater, he who sits at dinner or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at dinner? But I am among you as He who serves. 28 “You are those who have con tinued with Me in my trials. 29 And I appoint to you a kingdom, as My Father has appointed to Me, 30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.” 31 And the Lord said, “Simon, Si mon. Behold, Satan has desired to have you, that he may sift you like wheat. 32 But I have prayed for you, that your faith not fail. And when you are converted, strengthen your brothers.” 33 And he said to Him, “Lord, I am ready to go with You, both into prison and to death.” 34 And He said, “I tell you, Peter, the rooster shall not crow this day
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before you deny three times that you know Me.” 35 And He said to them, “When I sent you without purse and bag and shoes, did you lack anything?” And they said, “Nothing.” 36 Then He said to them, “But now, he who has a purse, let him take it, and likewise his bag. And he who has no sword, let him sell his gar ment and buy one. 37 For I say to you that what is written must yet be accomplished in Me: ‘And He was counted among the transgressors.’ For the things concerning Me have an end.” 38 And they said, “Lord, behold, here are two swords.” And He said to them, “It is enough.” 39 And He came out, and went to the Mount of Olives, as He was accustomed to doing, and His dis ciples also followed Him. 40 And when He was at the place, He said to them, “Pray that you do not enter into temptation.” 41 And He was withdrawn from them about a stone’s throw and knelt down and prayed, 42 saying, “Father, if You are willing, remove this cup from Me. Nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.” 43 And there appeared to Him an angel from heaven, strengthening Him. 44 And being in agony, He prayed more earnestly. And His sweat was, as it were, great drops of blood fall ing down to the ground. 45 And when He rose up from prayer and had come to His disci ples, He found them sleeping for sorrow. 46 And He said to them, “Why do you sleep? Rise and pray, lest you enter into temptation.”
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Jesus Betrayed by Judas; Restores a Severed Ear 47 And while He still spoke, behold, a multitude, and he who was called Judas, one of the twelve, went be fore them and drew near to Jesus to kiss Him. 48 But Jesus said to him, “Judas, do you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” 49 When those who were around Him saw what would follow, they said to Him, “Lord, shall we strike with the sword?” 50 And one of them struck the servant of the high priest and cut off his right ear. 51 And Jesus answered and said, “Permit thus far.” And He touched his ear and healed him. 52 Then Jesus said to the chief priests, and captains of the tem ple, and the elders who had come to Him, “Have you come out, as against a thief, with swords and clubs? 53 When I was with you daily in the temple, you did not stretch out hands against Me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness.” 54 Then they took Him, and led Him, and brought Him into the high priest’s house. And Peter followed afar off. 55 And when they had kin dled a fire in the midst of the hall and had sat down together, Peter sat down among them. 56 But a cer tain maid saw him as he sat by the fire, and earnestly looked at him, and said, “This man was also with Him.” 57 And he denied Him, saying, “Woman, I do not know Him.” 58 And after a little while another saw him and said, “You also are of them.” And Peter said, “Man, I am not.”
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59 And about the space of one hour
after, another confidently affirmed, saying, “Truly this fellow also was with Him, for he is a Galilean.” 60 And Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are saying.” And immediately, while he still spoke, the rooster crowed. 61 And the Lord turned and looked at Peter. And Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how He had said to him, “Before the rooster crows, you shall deny Me three times.” 62 And Peter went out and wept bitterly. Jesus Struck 63 And the men who held Jesus mocked Him and struck Him. 64 And when they had blindfolded Him, they struck Him on the face and asked Him, saying, “Prophesy. Who is it who struck You?” 65 And they blasphemously spoke many other things against Him. 66 And as soon as it was day, the elders of the people and the chief priests and the scribes came to gether and led Him into their coun cil, saying, 67 “Are You the Christ? Tell us.” And He said to them, “If I tell you, you will not believe. 68 And if I also ask you, you will not answer Me or let Me go. 69 Hereafter the Son of Man shall sit at the right hand of the power of God.” 70 Then they all said, “Are You then the Son of God?” And He said to them, “You say that I am.” 71 And they said, “What further witness do we need? For we our selves have heard from His own mouth.”
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Jesus before Pilate And the whole multitude of them arose and led Him to Pilate. 2 And they began to accuse Him, saying, “We found this fellow corrupting the nation and forbid ding to give taxes to Caesar, saying that He Himself is Christ, a King.” 3 And Pilate asked Him, saying, “Are You the King of the Jews?” And He answered him and said, “You say it.” 4 Then Pilate said to the chief priests and to the people, “I find no fault in this man.” 5 And they were even more fierce, saying, “He stirs up the people, teaching throughout all Judea, be ginning from Galilee to this place.” 6 When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man was a Galilean. 7 And as soon as he knew that He belonged to Herod’s juris diction, he sent Him to Herod, who himself was also in Jerusalem at that time. 8 And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceedingly glad, for he had desired to see Him for a long season because he had heard many things about Him, and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by Him. 9 Then he questioned Him with many words, but He an swered him nothing. 10 And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused Him. 11 And Herod, with his men of war, de spised Him and mocked Him, and arrayed Him in a gorgeous robe, and sent Him again to Pilate. 12 And the same day Pilate and Herod be came friends with each other, for before they were at enmity with each other.
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Luke 23:26 13 And Pilate, when he had called
together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, 14 said to them, “You have brought this man to me, as one who corrupts the people. And behold, having exam ined Him before you, I have found no fault in this man concerning those things of which you accuse Him. 15 No, nor has Herod, for I sent you to him. And behold, nothing worthy of death has been done by Him. 16 I will therefore chastise Him and release Him” 17 (for of necessity he must release one to them at the feast). 18 And they all cried out at once, saying, “Away with this man, and release to us Barabbas”— 19 who was cast into prison for a certain rebellion made in the city and for murder. 20 Pilate, therefore, willing to re lease Jesus, spoke again to them. 21 But they cried, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” 22 And he said to them the third time, “Why, what evil has He done? I have found no cause for death in Him. I will therefore chastise Him and let Him go.” 23 And they were insistent with loud voices, demanding that He might be crucified. And the voices of them and of the chief priests pre vailed. 24 And Pilate gave sentence that it should be as they demanded. 25 And he released to them him whom they had desired, who was cast into prison for rebellion and murder. But he delivered Jesus to their will. 26 And as they led Him away, they laid hold on one Simon, a Cyrenian,
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coming out of the country, and they laid the cross on him, that he might bear it after Jesus. The Crucifixion 27 And a great company of people followed Him, and women who also mourned and lamented Him. 28 But Jesus, turning to them, said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for Me, but weep for your selves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming in which they shall say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursed.’ 30 Then they shall begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us,’ and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?” 32 And there were also two others, criminals, led with Him to be put to death. 33 And when they had come to the place that is called Calvary, there they crucified Him, and the criminals, one on the right hand and the other on the left. 34 Then Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” And they divided His clothing and cast lots. 35 And the people stood watching. And also the rulers with them derided Him, saying, “He saved others; let Him save Himself if He is the Christ, the chosen of God.” 36 And the soldiers also mocked Him, coming to Him and offering Him vinegar, 37 and saying, “If You are the King of the Jews, save Your self.”
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38 And
an inscription was also written over Him in letters of Greek, and Latin, and Hebrew: This Is the King of the Jews. The Repentant Thief 39 And one of the criminals who was hanged railed on Him, saying, “If You are Christ, save Yourself and us.” 40 But the other, answering, re buked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, seeing you are in the same condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly, for we receive the due reward of our deeds. But this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said to Jesus, “Lord, remember me when You come into Your kingdom.” 43 And Jesus said to him, “Truly I say to you, today you shall be with Me in paradise.” 44 And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. 45 And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was torn in the mid dle. Jesus Gives Up His Spirit 46 And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, He said, “Father, into Your hands I commend My spirit.” And having said this, He gave up the spirit. 47 Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, “Certainly this was a righ teous man.” 48 And all the people who came together to that sight, watching the things that were done, struck their breasts and returned. 49 And all His acquaintances, and the women who
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followed Him from Galilee, stood afar off, watching these things. 50 And, behold, there was a man named Joseph, a member of the council, and he was a good and a righteous man. 51 (The same had not consented to the council and their deed.) He was from Arimathea, a city of the Jews, who himself also waited for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and begged for the body of Jesus. 53 And he took it down, and wrapped it in linen, and laid it in a sepulchre that was cut in stone, in which no man had been laid before. 54 And that day was the preparation, and the Sab bath drew near. 55 And also the women who came with Him from Galilee followed after and saw the sepulchre and how His body was laid. 56 And they returned and prepared spices and ointments. And they rested on the Sabbath day according to the commandment. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ Now on the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they, and certain oth ers with them, came to the sepul chre, bringing the spices that they had prepared. 2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepul chre. 3 And they entered in and did not find the body of the Lord Jesus. 4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed about it, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments. 5 And as they were afraid and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said to them, “Why do you seek the living among the dead?
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6 He is not here but is risen. Remem
ber how He spoke to you when He was still in Galilee, 7 saying, ‘The Son of Man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be cru cified, and the third day rise again.’” 8 And they remembered His 9 words. And they returned from the sepulchre and told all these things to the eleven and to all the rest. 10 It was Mary Magdalene, and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women who were with them, who told these things to the apos tles. 11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they did not believe them. 12 Then Peter arose and ran to the sepulchre. And stoop ing down, he saw the linen cloths laid by themselves, and departed, wondering to himself at what had come to pass. Ministry of the Risen Christ 13 And, behold, two of them went that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was about sixty furlongs from Jerusalem. 14 And they talked together about all these things that had happened. 15 And it came to pass, that while they spoke and reasoned together, Jesus Him self drew near and went with them. 16 But their eyes were restrained, that they would not know Him. 17 And He said to them, “What manner of communications are these that you have with one an other as you walk and are sad?” 18 And the one of them, whose name was Cleopas, answered and said to Him, “Are You only a stranger in Jerusalem, and have not known the things that have
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come to pass there in these days?” 19 And He said to them, “What things?” And they said to Him, “Concern ing Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, 20 and how the chief priests and our rulers delivered Him to be condemned to death, and have crucified Him. 21 But we trusted that it was He who would have redeemed Israel. And besides all this, today is the third day since these things were done. 22 Yes, and some women also of our company, who were at the sepulchre early, made us astonished. 23 And when they did not find His body, they came saying that they had also seen a vision of angels who said that He was alive. 24 And some of those who were with us went to the sepulchre and found it even so as the women had said, but they did not see Him.” 25 Then He said to them, “O fools, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken. 26 Ought not Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?” 27 And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them the things concerning Himself in all the scriptures. 28 And they drew near to the vil lage where they went, and He made as though He would have gone far ther. 29 But they urged Him, saying, “Stay with us, for it is toward eve ning, and the day is far spent.” And He went in to stay with them. 30 And it came to pass, as He sat at dinner with them, He took bread, and blessed it, and broke it, and gave to them. 31 And their eyes were
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opened and they knew Him. And He vanished out of their sight. 32 And they said to one another, “Did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us on the road and while He opened the scriptures to us? 33 And they rose up the same hour and returned to Jerusalem and found the eleven and those who were with them gathered together, 34 saying, “The Lord has risen indeed and has appeared to Simon.” 35 And they told about the things that were done on the road, and how He was known to them in the breaking of bread. 36 And as they were saying this, Jesus Himself stood in their midst and said to them, “Peace be to you.” 37 But they were terrified and fright ened and supposed that they had seen a spirit. 38 And He said to them, “Why are you troubled? And why do thoughts arise in your hearts? 39 Be hold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself. Touch Me and see, for a spirit does not have flesh and bones as you see I have.” 40 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His feet. 41 And while they still did not believe for joy and wondered, He said to them, “Have you any food here?” 42 And they gave Him a piece of a broiled fish and some honey comb. 43 And He took it and ate be fore them. 44 And He said to them, “These are the words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled that were written in the law of Moses and in the Proph ets and in the Psalms concern ing Me. 45 Then He opened their
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understanding, that they might un derstand the scriptures, 46 and said to them, “So it is written, and thus it was necessary for Christ to suffer and to rise from the dead the third day, 47 and that repentance and re mission of sins should be preached in His name among all nations, be ginning in Jerusalem. 48 And you are witnesses of these things. 49 And be hold, I send the promise of My Fa ther on you. But remain in the city
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of Jerusalem until you are endowed with power from on high.” 50 And He led them out as far as to Bethany, and He lifted up His hands and blessed them. 51 And it came to pass, while He blessed them, He was parted from them and was carried up into heaven. 52 And they worshipped Him, and returned to Jerusalem with great joy, 53 and were continually in the temple praising and blessing God. Amen.
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JOHN INTRODUCTION TO JOHN While the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are identified together as the synoptic Gospels because of their similarities, the Gospel of John stands apart in style and in content. John’s style is simple in vocabulary, yet it is profound and even sometimes poetic. As for content, he records events that the synoptic Gospels don’t. Jesus’ teaching also has a different focus. In the synoptic Gospels, Jesus’ teaching focuses on the kingdom of God, but in John His teaching centers more on His own identity and how His presence manifests God the Father. AUTHOR The author of this Gospel does not identify himself by name, though he is referred to as the disciple “whom Jesus loved.” Through the years, a variety of possible authors have been proposed, yet the apostle John, of the original twelve disciples, still seems the most likely candidate. OCCASION John states his purpose for writing in the Gospel’s closing (see 20:30–31). The central theme of this Gospel is Jesus’ revelation of God the Father and the connection that revelation enables between humanity and God. This Gospel is a call to faith as well as an encouragement to those continuing in their faith.
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The Deity of Jesus Christ In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made. 4 In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shines in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God whose name was John. 7 The same came as a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that through him all men might believe. 8 He was not that Light but was sent to bear witness of that Light. 9 That was the true Light that gives light to every man who comes into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world did not know Him. 11 He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. 12 But as many as received Him, to them He gave power to become the sons of God, even to those who believe in His name, 13 who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh and dwelled among us (and we saw His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father), full of grace and truth.
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The Witness of John the Baptist 15 John bore witness of Him and cried, saying, “This was He of whom I spoke, ‘He who comes after me is preferred before me, for He was before me.’”
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16 And
we have all received of His fullness, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man has seen God at any time. The only begotten Son, who is in the bosom of the Father, He has declared Him. 19 And this is the record of John, when the Jews sent priests and Levites from Jerusalem to ask him, “Who are you?” 20 And he confessed, and did not deny, but confessed, “I am not the Christ.” 21 And they asked him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” And he said, “I am not.” “Are you the Prophet?” And he answered, “No.” 22 Then they said to him, “Who are you, that we may give an answer to those who sent us? What do you say about yourself ?” 23 He said, “I am ‘the voice of one crying in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of the Lord,”’ as the prophet Isaiah said.” 24 And those who were sent were of the Pharisees. 25 And they asked him and said to him, “Why then do you baptize, if you are not the Christ, nor Elijah, nor the Prophet?” 26 John answered them, saying, “I baptize with water, but there stands One among you, whom you do not know. 27 It is He who, coming after me, is preferred before me, whose shoe strap I am not worthy to untie.” 28 These things were done in Bethany beyond the Jordan, where John was baptizing. 29 The next day John saw Jesus coming to him and said, “Behold,
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the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. 30 This is He of whom I said, ‘After me comes a man who is preferred before me, for He was before me.’ 31 And I did not know Him, but I came baptizing with water so that He would be revealed to Israel.” 32 And John bore witness, saying, “I saw the Spirit descending from heaven like a dove, and it remained on Him. 33 And I did not know Him, but He who sent me to baptize with water, the same said to me, ‘On whom you shall see the Spirit descending, and remaining on Him, He is the same who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 And I saw and bore witness that this is the Son of God.” The Public Ministry of Jesus Christ 35 Again, the next day John stood, and two of his disciples, 36 and looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” 37 And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which is to say, being interpreted, Master), “where do You dwell?” 39 He said to them, “Come and see.” They came and saw where He dwelled and stayed with Him that day, for it was about the tenth hour. 40 One of the two who heard John speak and followed Him was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon
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and said to him, “We have found the Messiah,” which is, being interpreted, the Christ. 42 And he brought him to Jesus. And when Jesus saw him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is by interpretation, A Stone). 43 The following day Jesus wanted to go forth into Galilee, and found Philip, and said to him, “Follow Me.” 44 Now Philip was from Bethsaida, the city of Andrew and Peter. 45 Philip found Nathanael and said to him, “We have found Him of whom Moses in the Law, and the prophets, wrote, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.” 46 And Nathanael said to him, “Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?” Philip said to him, “Come and see.” 47 Jesus saw Nathanael coming to Him and said of him, “Behold an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!” 48 Nathanael said to Him, “How do You know me?” Jesus answered and said to him, “Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you.” 49 Nathanael answered and said to Him, “Rabbi, You are the Son of God. You are the King of Israel.” 50 Jesus answered and said to him, “Because I said to you, ‘I saw you under the fig tree,’ do you believe? You shall see greater things than these.” 51 And He said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, hereafter you shall see heaven open and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man.”
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The Wedding at Cana: The First Miracle And the third day there was a wedding in Cana of Galilee, and the mother of Jesus was there. 2 And both Jesus and His disciples were called to the wedding. 3 And when they lacked wine, the mother of Jesus said to Him, “They have no wine.” 4 Jesus said to her, “Woman, what have I to do with you? My hour has not yet come.” 5 His mother said to the servants, “Whatever He says to you, do it.” 6 And there were set there six waterpots of stone, according to the manner of the purifying of the Jews, containing two or three firkins apiece. 7 Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. 8 And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take it to the master of the feast.” And they took it. 9 When the master of the feast had tasted the water that was made wine and did not know where it was from (but the servants who drew the water knew), the master of the feast called the bridegroom 10 and said to him, “Every man at the beginning sets out good wine, and when men have well drunk, then what is worse. But you have kept the good wine until now.” 11 This beginning of miracles Jesus did in Cana of Galilee and revealed His glory. And His disciples believed in Him. 12 After this He went down to Capernaum, He and His mother and His brothers and His disciples. And they did not stay there many days.
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The First Passover 13 And the Jews’ Passover was at hand, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 14 And He found in the temple those who sold oxen and sheep and doves, and the money changers sitting. 15 And when He had made a whip of small cords, He drove them all out of the temple, and the sheep and the oxen, and poured out the changers’ money and overthrew the tables. 16 And He said to those who sold doves, “Take these things from here. Do not make My Father’s house a house of business.” 17 And His disciples remembered that it was written, “The zeal for Your house has eaten Me up.” 18 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “What sign do You show to us, seeing that You do these things?” 19 Jesus answered and said to them, “Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.” 20 Then the Jews said, “It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and You will raise it up in three days?” 21 But He spoke of the temple of His body. 22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them, and they believed the scripture and the word that Jesus had said. 23 Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, on the feast day, many believed in His name when they saw the miracles that He did. 24 But Jesus did not commit Himself to them because He knew all men 25 and had no need that any should testify of man, for He knew what was in man.
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John 3:1
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Jesus and Nicodemus: The New Birth There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. 2 The same came to Jesus by night and said to Him, “Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God. For no man can do these miracles that You do unless God is with him.” 3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a man is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” 4 Nicodemus said to Him, “How can a man be born when he is old? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb and be born?” 5 Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a man is born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 What is born of the flesh is flesh, and what is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Do not marvel that I said to you, ‘You must be born again.’ 8 The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear the sound of it but cannot tell where it comes from and where it goes. So is everyone who is born of the Spirit.” 9 Nicodemus answered and said to Him, “How can these things be?” 10 Jesus answered and said to him, “Are you a master of Israel and do not know these things? 11 Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we do know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not receive our testimony. 12 If I have told you earthly things and you do not believe, how shall you believe if I tell you of heavenly things? 13 And no man has ascended up to heaven but
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He who came down from heaven, even the Son of Man who is in heaven. 14 And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so the Son of Man must be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. 16 “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. 17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world might be saved through Him. 18 He who believes in Him is not condemned, but he who does not believe is condemned already because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. 19 And this is the condemnation, that light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil. 20 For everyone who does evil hates the light and does not come to the light, lest his deeds should be exposed. 21 But he who does truth comes to the light, that his deeds may be revealed, that they are worked in God.” Last Testimony of John the Baptist 22 After these things Jesus and His disciples came into the land of Judea, and there He remained with them and baptized. 23 And John was also baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there. And they came and were baptized. 24 For John was not yet cast into prison.
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1393 25 Then there arose a question be-
tween some of John’s disciples and the Jews about purifying. 26 And they came to John and said to him, “Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you bore witness—behold, the same baptizes, and all men are coming to Him.” 27 John answered and said, “A man can receive nothing except what is given him from heaven. 28 You yourselves bear me witness, that I said, ‘I am not the Christ,’ but that ‘I have been sent before Him.’ 29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom. But the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. 30 He must increase, but I must decrease.” Declarative Statement concerning Jesus Christ 31 “He who comes from above is above all. He who is of the earth is earthly and speaks of the earth. He who comes from heaven is above all. 32 And what He has seen and heard, that He testifies. And no man receives His testimony. 33 He who has received His testimony has certified that God is true. 34 For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God does not give the Spirit by measure to Him. 35 The Father loves the Son and has given all things into His hand. 36 He who believes in the Son has everlasting life, and he who does not believe the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.”
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Jesus Departs into Galilee Therefore, when the Lord knew how the Pharisees had heard that Jesus made and baptized more disciples than John 2 (though Jesus Himself did not baptize, but His disciples), 3 He left Judea and departed again into Galilee. 4 And He needed to go through Samaria. 5 Then He came to a city of Samaria that is called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 Now Jacob’s well was there. Jesus therefore, being wearied with His journey, sat there by the well. And it was about the sixth hour. 7 A woman of Samaria came to draw water. Jesus said to her, “Give Me a drink.” 8 (For His disciples had gone away to the city to buy food.) 9 Then the woman of Samaria said to Him, “How is it that You, being a Jew, ask for a drink from me, a woman of Samaria?” For the Jews have no dealings with the Samaritans. 10 Jesus answered and said to her, “If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, ‘Give Me a drink,’ you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water.” 11 The woman said to Him, “Sir, You have nothing to draw with, and the well is deep. From where then do You get that living water? 12 Are You greater than our father Jacob, who gave us the well and drank from it himself, and his children and his cattle?” 13 Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water shall thirst again, 14 but whoever drinks of
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the water that I shall give him shall never thirst. But the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.” 15 The woman said to Him, “Sir, give me this water, that I may not thirst, nor come here to draw.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Go, call your husband and come here.” 17 The woman answered and said, “I have no husband.” Jesus said to her, “You have correctly said, ‘I have no husband,’ 18 for you have had five husbands, and he whom you now have is not your husband. What you have said is true.” 19 The woman said to Him, “Sir, I perceive that You are a prophet. 20 Our fathers worshipped on this mountain, and You say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.” 21 Jesus said to her, “Woman, believe Me, the hour is coming when you shall worship the Father neither on this mountain nor in Jerusalem. 22 You worship what you do not know. We know what we worship, for salvation is of the Jews. 23 But the hour is coming, and now has come, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth. For the Father seeks such to worship Him. 24 God is a Spirit, and those who worship Him must worship Him in spirit and in truth.” 25 The woman said to Him, “I know that Messiah (who is called Christ) is coming. When He comes, He will tell us all things.” 26 Jesus said to her, “I who speak to you am He.”
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27 And just then His disciples came
and marveled that He talked with the woman. Yet no man said, “What do You seek?” or “Why are You talking with her?” 28 The woman then left her waterpot, and went her way into the city, and said to the men, 29 “Come, see a man who told me all things that I ever did. Is this not the Christ?” 30 Then they went out of the city and came to Him. 31 Meanwhile His disciples urged Him, saying, “Master, eat.” 32 But He said to them, “I have food to eat that you do not know about.” 33 Therefore the disciples said to one another, “Has any man brought Him anything to eat?” 34 Jesus said to them, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to finish His work. 35 Do you not say, ‘There are yet four months, and then comes harvest’? Behold, I say to you, ‘Lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest.’ 36 And he who reaps receives wages and gathers fruit to eternal life, that both he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together. 37 And in this is that saying true: ‘One sows and another reaps.’ 38 I sent you to reap that for which you did not labor. Other men labored, and you have entered into their labors.” 39 And many of the Samaritans of that city believed in Him because of the saying of the woman who testified, “He told me all that I ever did.” 40 So when the Samaritans had come to Him, they begged Him to remain with them, and He stayed there two days. 41 And many more
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believed because of His own word 42 and said to the woman, “Now we believe, not because of your saying, for we ourselves have heard Him and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Savior of the world.” 43 Now after two days He departed from there and went into Galilee. 44 For Jesus Himself testified that a prophet has no honor in his own country. 45 Then when He came into Galilee, the Galileans received Him, having seen all the things that He did In Jerusalem at the feast. For they also went to the feast. 46 So Jesus came again into Cana of Galilee, where He made the water wine. And there was a certain nobleman whose son was sick at Capernaum. 47 When he heard that Jesus had come out of Judea into Galilee, he went to Him and begged Him to come down and heal his son, for he was at the point of death. 48 Then Jesus said to him, “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe.” 49 The nobleman said to Him, “Sir, come down before my child dies.” 50 Jesus said to him, “Go your way. Your son lives.” And the man believed the word that Jesus had spoken to him, and he went his way. 51 And as he was now going down, his servants met him and told him, saying, “Your son lives.” 52 Then he inquired of them the hour when he began to get better. And they said to him, “Yesterday at the seventh hour the fever left him.” 53 So the father knew that it was at the same hour in which Jesus said to him, “Your son lives.” And he himself believed, and his whole house. 54 This again is the
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second miracle that Jesus did when He had come out of Judea into Galilee. Healing the Man at the Pool of Bethesda After this there was a feast of the Jews, and Jesus went up to Jerusalem. 2 Now there is in Jerusalem by the sheep market a pool, which is called in the Hebrew tongue Bethesda, having five porches. 3 In these lay a great multitude of feeble people—blind, lame, withered— waiting for the moving of the water. 4 For an angel went down at a certain season into the pool and troubled the water; then whoever stepped in first, after the troubling of the water, was healed of whatever disease he had. 5 And a certain man was there who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. 6 When Jesus saw him lying there, and knew that he had been now a long time in that condition, He said to him, “Do you want to be healed?” 7 The feeble man answered Him, “Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled. But while I am coming, another steps down before me.” 8 Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed, and walk.” 9 And immediately the man was healed and took up his bed and walked. And that day was the Sabbath. 10 Therefore the Jews said to him who was cured, “It is the Sabbath day. It is not lawful for you to carry your bed.” 11 He answered them, “He who healed me, the same said to me,
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John 5:12
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‘Take up your bed and walk.’” 12 Then they asked him, “Who is the man who said to you, ‘Take up your bed and walk’?” 13 And he who was healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had conducted Himself away, a multitude being in that place. 14 Afterward Jesus found him in the temple and said to him, “Behold, you are made whole. Do not sin anymore, lest a worse thing come to you.” 15 The man departed and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him. 16 And therefore the Jews persecuted Jesus and sought to slay Him, because He had done these things on the Sabbath day. 17 But Jesus answered them, “My Father has been working until now, and I work.” 18 Therefore the Jews sought all the more to kill Him, because He had not only broken the Sabbath but also said that God was His Father, making Himself equal with God. 19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do. For whatever things He does, the Son likewise also does. 20 For the Father loves the Son and shows Him all things that He does. And He will show Him greater works than these, that you may marvel. 21 For as the Father raises up the dead and gives them life, even so the Son gives life to whom He will. 22 For the Father judges no man but has committed all judgment to the Son, 23 that all men should honor the Son even as they honor the Father. He who does not honor the Son does not honor
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the Father who has sent Him. 24 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation but has passed from death to life. 25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, the hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God. And those who hear shall live. 26 For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has given to the Son to have life in Himself, 27 and has also given Him authority to execute judgment, because He is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves shall hear His voice 29 and shall come forth— those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. 30 Of Myself I can do nothing. As I hear, I judge. And My judgment is just, because I seek not My own will but the will of the Father who has sent Me. 31 “If I bear witness of Myself, My witness is not true. 32 There is another who bears witness of Me, and I know that the witness that He witnesses of Me is true.” The Fourfold Witness to Jesus 33 “You sent to John, and he bore witness to the truth. 34 But I do not receive testimony from man, but I say these things that you might be saved. 35 He was a burning and a shining light, and you were willing for a season to rejoice in his light. 36 “But I have greater witness than that of John, for the works that the
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John 6:15
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Father has given Me to finish—the same works that I do—bear witness of Me, that the Father has sent Me. 37 And the Father Himself, who has sent Me, has borne witness of Me. You have neither heard His voice at any time nor seen His shape. 38 And you do not have His word abiding in you, for whom He has sent, you do not believe Him. 39 Search the scriptures, for in them you think you have eternal life. And these are they that testify of Me. 40 And you will not come to Me that you might have life. 41 “I do not receive honor from men. 42 But I know you, that you do not have the love of God in you. 43 I have come in My Father’s name, and you did not receive Me. If another comes in his own name, you will receive him. 44 How can you believe, who receive honor from one another and do not seek the honor that comes from God only? 45 “Do not think that I will accuse you to the Father. There is one who accuses you, even Moses, in whom you trust. 46 For had you believed Moses, you would have believed Me, for he wrote about Me. 47 But if you do not believe his writings, how shall you believe My words?” Feeding the Five Thousand After these things Jesus went over the Sea of Galilee, which is the Sea of Tiberias. 2 And a great multitude followed Him, because they saw His miracles that He did on those who were diseased. 3 And Jesus went up on a mountain, and there He sat with His disciples. 4 And the Passover, a feast of the Jews, was near.
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5 Then
when Jesus lifted up His eyes and saw a great company coming to Him, He said to Philip, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” 6 And He said this to test him, for He Himself knew what He would do. 7 Philip answered Him, “Two hundred denarii worth of bread is not sufficient for them, that every one of them may take a little.” 8 One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish, but what are they among so many?” 10 And Jesus said, “Make the men sit down.” Now there was much grass in the place. So the men sat down, in number about five thousand. 11 And Jesus took the loaves, and when He had given thanks, He distributed to the disciples, and the disciples to those who were sitting down, and likewise of the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were filled, He said to His disciples, “Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing is lost.” 13 Therefore they gathered them together and filled twelve baskets with the fragments of the five barley loaves that remained, left over by those who had eaten. 14 Then those men, when they had seen the miracle that Jesus did, said, “This is truly that Prophet who should come into the world.” Jesus Walks on the Sea 15 Therefore when Jesus perceived that they would come and take Him by force to make Him a king, He departed again to a mountain by
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John 6:16
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Himself alone. 16 And when evening came, His disciples went down to the sea 17 and entered into a ship and went over the sea toward Capernaum. And it was now dark, and Jesus had not come to them. 18 And the sea arose because of a great wind that blew. 19 So when they had rowed about twenty-five or thirty furlongs, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and drawing near to the ship, and they were afraid. 20 But He said to them, “It is I. Do not be afraid.” 21 Then they willingly received Him into the ship, and immediately the ship was at the land where they were going. 22 The following day, when the people who stood on the other side of the sea saw that there was no other boat there, except the one that His disciples had entered, and that Jesus did not go with His disciples into the boat, but that His disciples had gone away alone 23 (although there were other boats from Tiberias near the place where they ate bread after the Lord had given thanks), 24 therefore when the people saw that Jesus was not there, nor His disciples, they also got into ships and came to Capernaum, seeking Jesus. 25 And when they had found Him on the other side of the sea, they said to Him, “Rabbi, when did You come here?” 26 Jesus answered them and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, you seek Me, not because you saw the miracles, but because you ate of the loaves and were filled. 27 Labor not for the food that perishes but for that food that endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man shall
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give to you, for God the Father has sealed Him.” 28 Then they said to Him, “What shall we do, that we might work the works of God?” 29 Jesus answered and said to them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He has sent.” 30 Therefore they said to Him, “What sign will You show then, that we may see and believe You? What work do You do? 31 Our fathers ate manna in the desert. As it is written, ‘He gave them bread from heaven to eat.’” 32 Then Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, Moses did not give you that bread from heaven, but My Father gives you the true bread from heaven. 33 For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world.” 34 Then they said to Him, “Lord, always give us this bread.” 35 And Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me shall never hunger, and he who believes in Me shall never thirst.36 But I said to you that you also have seen Me and do not believe. 37 All that the Father gives Me shall come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will in no way cast out. 38 For I came down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. 39 And this is the will of the Father who has sent Me, that I should lose nothing of all that He has given Me but should raise it up again on the last day. 40 And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting
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life. And I will raise him up on the last day.” 41 The Jews then murmured at Him because He said, “I am the bread that came down from heaven.” 42 And they said, “Is not this Jesus, the son of Joseph, whose father and mother we know? How is it then that He says, ‘I came down from heaven’?” 43 Therefore Jesus answered and said to them, “Do not murmur among yourselves. 44 No man can come to Me unless the Father who has sent Me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day. 45 It is written in the Prophets, ‘And they shall all be taught by God.’ Therefore every man who has heard and has learned from the Father comes to Me. 46 Not that any man has seen the Father, except He who is from God. He has seen the Father. 47 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me has everlasting life. 48 I am that bread of life. 49 Your fathers ate manna in the wilderness and are dead. 50 This is the bread that comes down from heaven, that a man may eat of it and not die. 51 I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If any man eats of this bread, he shall live forever. And the bread that I will give is My flesh, which I will give for the life of the world.” 52 Therefore the Jews argued among themselves, saying, “How can this man give us His flesh to eat?” 53 Then Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless you eat the flesh of the Son of Man and drink His blood, you have no life in you.
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John 6:68
54 Whoever eats My flesh and drinks
My blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up on the last day. 55 For My flesh is food indeed, and My blood is drink indeed. 56 He who eats My flesh and drinks My blood dwells in Me, and I in him. 57 As the living Father has sent Me, and I live by the Father, so he who eats Me, even he shall live by Me. 58 This is that bread that came down from heaven—not as your fathers ate manna, and are dead. He who eats of this bread shall live forever.” 59 He said these things in the synagogue as He taught in Capernaum. 60 Therefore many of His disciples, when they had heard this, said, “This is a hard saying. Who can hear it?” 61 When Jesus knew in Himself that His disciples murmured at it, He said to them, “Does this offend you? 62 What if you see the Son of Man ascending to where He was before? 63 It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh profits nothing. The words that I speak to you are spirit and they are life. 64 But there are some of you who do not believe.” For Jesus knew from the beginning who those were who did not believe and who would betray Him. 65 And He said, “Therefore I said to you that no man can come to Me unless it is given to him by My Father.” 66 From that time many of His disciples went back and no longer walked with Him. Peter’s Confession of Faith 67 Then Jesus said to the twelve, “Will you also go away?” 68 Then Simon Peter answered
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John 6:69
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Him, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life. 69 And we believe and are sure that You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 70 Jesus answered them, “Have I not chosen you twelve, and one of you is a devil?” 71 He spoke of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, for it was he who would betray Him, being one of the twelve. Jesus Urged to Go to the Feast of Tabernacles After these things Jesus walked in Galilee, for He would not walk in Judea because the Jews sought to kill Him. 2 Now the Jews’ Feast of Tabernacles was at hand. 3 Therefore His brothers said to Him, “Depart from here and go into Judea, that Your disciples may also see the works that You are doing. 4 For there is no man who does anything in secret when he himself seeks to be known openly. If You do these things, show Yourself to the world.” 5 For His brothers did not believe in Him. 6 Then Jesus said to them, “My time has not yet come, but your time is always ready. 7 The world cannot hate you, but it hates Me because I testify of it that its works are evil. 8 You go up to this feast. I will not go up yet to this feast, for My time has not yet fully come.” 9 When He had said these words to them, He remained in Galilee. 10 But when His brothers had gone up, then He also went up to the feast, not openly, but as it were in secret. 11 Then the Jews sought Him at the feast and said, “Where is He?”
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12 And there was much murmuring
among the people concerning Him. For some said, “He is a good man”; others said, “No, but He deceives the people.” 13 However, no man spoke openly of Him for fear of the Jews. 14 Now about the middle of the feast Jesus went up into the temple and taught. 15 And the Jews marveled, saying, “How does this man know letters, having never learned?” 16 Jesus answered them and said, “My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. 17 If any man will do His will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be from God or whether I speak from Myself. 18 He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory, but He who seeks the glory of Him who sent Him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him. 19 Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keeps the law? Why do you seek to kill Me?” 20 The people answered and said, “You have a demon. Who is seeking to kill You?” 21 Jesus answered and said to them, “I have done one work, and you all marvel. 22 Moses therefore gave to you circumcision (not because it is from Moses, but from the fathers), and you circumcise a man on the Sabbath day. 23 If a man receives circumcision on the Sabbath day, that the law of Moses should not be broken, are you angry at Me because I have made a man every bit whole on the Sabbath day? 24 Do not judge according to the appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.”
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salem said, “Is not this He whom they seek to kill? 26 But, behold, He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers indeed know that this is the very Christ? 27 However, we know where this man is from, but when Christ comes, no man will know where He is from.” 28 Then Jesus cried out in the temple as He taught, saying, “You both know Me and you know where I am from. And I have not come of Myself, but He who sent me is true, whom you do not know. 29 But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He has sent Me.” 30 Then they sought to take Him, but no man laid hands on Him because His hour had not yet come. 31 And many of the people believed in Him and said, “When Christ comes, will He do more miracles than these that this man has done?” 32 The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning Him, and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take Him. 33 Then Jesus said to them, “I am with you yet a little while, and then I go to Him who sent Me. 34 You shall seek Me and shall not find Me, and where I am you cannot come.” 35 Then the Jews said among themselves, “Where will He go that we shall not find Him? Will He go to the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? 36 What manner of saying is this that He said, ‘You shall seek Me and shall not find Me, and where I am you cannot come’?”
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John 7:50
The Great Prophecy concerning the Holy Spirit 37 On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, “If any man thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. 38 He who believes in Me, as the scripture has said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.” 39 (But He spoke this of the Spirit, whom those who believe in Him would receive. For the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.) The People Divided in Opinion 40 Therefore many of the people, when they heard this saying, said, “Truly this is the Prophet.” 41 Others said, “This is the Christ.” But some said, “Shall Christ come out of Galilee? 42 Has the scripture not said that Christ comes from the descendants of David and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was?” 43 So there was a division among the people because of Him. 44 And some of them would have taken Him, but no man laid hands on Him. 45 Then the officers came to the chief priests and Pharisees, and they said to them, “Why have you not brought Him?” 46 The officers answered, “No man ever spoke like this man.” 47 Then the Pharisees answered them, “Are you also deceived? 48 Have any of the rulers or the Pharisees believed in Him? 49 But these people who do not know the law are cursed.” 50 Nicodemus (he who came to Jesus by night, being one of them)
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John 7:51
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said to them, 51 “Does our law judge any man before it hears him and knows what he does?” 52 They answered and said to him, “Are you also from Galilee? Search and look, for no prophet has arisen out of Galilee.” 53 And every man went to his own house. The Woman Taken in Adultery Jesus went to the Mount of Olives.2 And early in the morning He came again into the temple, and all the people came to Him. And He sat down and taught them. 3 And the scribes and Pharisees brought to Him a woman caught in adultery. And when they had set her in the midst, 4 they said to Him, “Master, this woman was caught in adultery, in the very act. 5 Now Moses, in the Law, commanded us that such should be stoned. But what do You say?” 6 They said this, testing Him, that they might have reason to accuse Him. But Jesus stooped down and with His finger wrote on the ground, as though He did not hear them. 7 So when they continued asking Him, He lifted Himself up and said to them, “He who is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her.” 8 And again He stooped down and wrote on the ground. 9 And those who heard it, being convicted by their own consciences, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10 When Jesus had lifted Himself up and saw no one but the woman, He said to her,
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“Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no man condemned you?” 11 She said, “No man, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you. Go and sin no more.” Jesus the Light of the World 12 Then Jesus spoke again to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life.” 13 Therefore the Pharisees said to Him, “You bear witness of Yourself. Your testimony is not true.” 14 Jesus answered and said to them, “Though I bear witness of Myself, yet My witness is true, for I know from where I came and where I go. But you cannot tell from where I come and where I go. 15 You judge according to the flesh; I judge no man. 16 And yet if I judge, My judgment is true, for I am not alone, but I and the Father who sent Me. 17 It is also written in your law that the testimony of two men is true. 18 I am one who bears witness of Myself, and the Father who sent Me bears witness of Me.” 19 Then said they to Him, “Where is Your Father?” Jesus answered, “You know neither Me nor My Father. If you had known Me, You would have known My Father also.” 20 Jesus spoke these words in the treasury as He taught in the temple. And no man laid hands on Him, for His hour had not yet come. 21 Then Jesus said again to them, “I go My way, and you shall seek
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John 8:46
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Me and shall die in your sins. Where I go you cannot come.” 22 Then the Jews said, “Will He kill Himself, because He said, ‘Where I go you cannot come’?” 23 And He said to them, “You are from beneath; I am from above. You are of this world; I am not of this world. 24 Therefore I said to you that you shall die in your sins. For if you do not believe that I am He, you shall die in your sins.” 25 Then they said to Him, “Who are You?” And Jesus said to them, “Even the same that I said to you from the beginning. 26 I have many things to say and to judge of you, but He who sent Me is true. And I speak to the world those things that I have heard from Him.” 27 They did not understand that He spoke to them of the Father. 28 Then said Jesus to them, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man, then you shall know that I am He, and that I do nothing of Myself. But as My Father has taught Me, I speak these things. 29 And He who sent Me is with Me. The Father has not left Me alone, for I always do those things that please Him.” 30 As He spoke these words, many believed in Him. 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed in Him, “If you continue in My word, then you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” 33 They answered Him, “We are Abraham’s descendants and were never in bondage to any man. How do You say, ‘You shall be made free’?”
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34 Jesus
answered them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is the servant of sin. 35 And the servant does not remain in the house forever, but the Son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed. 37 I know that you are Abraham’s descendants, but you seek to kill Me because My word has no place in you. 38 I speak what I have seen with My Father, and you do what you have seen with your father.” 39 They answered and said to Him, “Abraham is our father.” Jesus said to them, “If you were Abraham’s children, you would do the works of Abraham. 40 But now you seek to kill Me, a man who has told you the truth, which I have heard from God. Abraham did not do this. 41 You do the deeds of your father.” Then they said to Him, “We were not born of fornication. We have one Father, even God.” 42 Jesus said to them, “If God were your Father, you would love Me, for I proceeded forth and came from God. I did not come of Myself, but He sent Me. 43 Why do you not understand My speech? Even because you cannot hear My word. 44 You are from your father the devil, and the lusts of your father you will do. He was a murderer from the beginning and did not remain in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a lie, he speaks of his own, for he is a liar and the father of it. 45 And because I tell you the truth, you do not believe Me. 46 Which of you convicts Me of sin?
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John 8:47
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And if I say the truth, why do you not believe Me? 47 He who is of God hears God’s words. Therefore you do not hear them, because you are not of God.” 48 Then the Jews answered and said to Him, “Do we not rightly say that You are a Samaritan and have a demon?” 49 Jesus answered, “I do not have a demon, but I honor My Father, and you dishonor Me. 50 And I do not seek My own glory. There is One who seeks and judges. 51 Truly, truly, I say to you, if a man keeps My saying, he shall never see death.” 52 Then the Jews said to Him, “Now we know that You have a demon. Abraham is dead, and the prophets. And You say, ‘If a man keeps My saying, he shall never taste of death.’ 53 Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?” 54 Jesus answered, “If I honor Myself, My honor is nothing. It is My Father who honors Me, of whom you say that He is your God. 55 Yet you have not known Him, but I know Him. And if I should say, ‘I do not know Him,’ I shall be a liar like you. But I know Him and keep His saying. 56 Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” 57 Then the Jews said to Him, “You are not yet fifty years old, and have You seen Abraham?” 58 Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” 59 Then they took up stones to cast at Him. But Jesus hid Himself and went out of the temple, going
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through the midst of them, and so passed by. The Man Born Blind Is Healed And as Jesus passed by, He saw a man who was blind from his birth. 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, “Master, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?” 3 Jesus answered, “Neither this man nor his parents sinned, but that the works of God should be revealed in him. 4 I must work the works of Him who sent Me while it is day. The night is coming when no man can work. 5 As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world.” 6 When He had thus spoken, He spat on the ground and made clay with the saliva. And He anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay 7 and said to him, “Go, wash in the pool of Siloam” (which is by interpretation, Sent). Therefore he went his way and washed, and came back seeing. 8 Therefore the neighbors and those who before had seen that he was blind said, “Is this not he who sat and begged?” 9 Some said, “This is he.” Others said, “He is like him.” But he said, “I am he.” 10 Therefore they said to him, “How were your eyes opened?” 11 He answered and said, “A man who is called Jesus made clay and anointed my eyes and said to me, ‘Go to the pool of Siloam and wash.’ And I went and washed, and I received sight.” 12 Then said they to him, “Where is He?”
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He said, “I do not know.” 13 They brought him who formerly was blind to the Pharisees. 14 And it was the Sabbath day when Jesus made the clay and opened his eyes. 15 Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said to them, “He put clay on my eyes, and I washed, and I see.” 16 Therefore some of the Pharisees said, “This man is not from God because He does not keep the Sabbath day.” Others said, “How can a man who is a sinner do such miracles?” And there was a division among them. 17 They said to the blind man again, “What do you say about Him, that He has opened your eyes?” He said, “He is a prophet.” 18 But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind and received his sight, until they called the parents of him who had received his sight. 19 And they asked them, saying, “Is this your son, who you say was born blind? How then does he now see?” 20 His parents answered them and said, “We know that this is our son and that he was born blind, 21 but we do not know by what means he now sees. We do not know who has opened his eyes. He is of age; ask him. He shall speak for himself.” 22 His parents spoke these words because they feared the Jews, for the Jews had already agreed that if any man confessed that He was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. 23 Therefore his parents said, “He is of age; ask him.” 24 Then again they called the man
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John 9:37
who was blind and said to him, “Give God the praise. We know that this man is a sinner.” 25 He answered and said, “Whether He is a sinner or not I do not know. One thing I know: that although I was blind, now I see.” 26 Then they said to him again, “What did He do to you? How did He open your eyes?” 27 He answered them, “I have told you already, and you did not hear. Why do you want to hear it again? Will you also be His disciples?” 28 Then they reviled him and said, “You are His disciple, but we are Moses’ disciples. 29 We know that God spoke to Moses. As for this fellow, we do not know where He is from.” 30 The man answered and said to them, “Why, here is a marvelous thing, that you do not know where He is from, and yet He has opened my eyes. 31 Now we know that God does not hear sinners, but if any man is a worshipper of God and does His will, He hears him. 32 Since the world began it was not heard that any man opened the eyes of one who was born blind. 33 If this man were not of God, He could do nothing.” 34 They answered and said to him, “You were altogether born in sins, and do you teach us?” And they cast him out. 35 Jesus heard that they had cast him out, and when He had found him, He said to him, “Do you believe in the Son of God?” 36 He answered and said, “Who is He, Lord, that I might believe in Him?” 37 And Jesus said to him, “You
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John 9:38
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have both seen Him and it is He who talks with you.” 38 And he said, “Lord, I believe.” And he worshipped Him. 39 And Jesus said, “For judgment I have come into this world, that those who do not see might see, and that those who see might be made blind.” 40 And some of the Pharisees who were with Him heard these words and said to Him, “Are we blind also?” 41 Jesus said to them, “If you were blind, you would have no sin. But now you say, ‘We see.’ Therefore your sin remains.” Discourse on the Good Shepherd “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who does not enter by the door into the sheepfold, but climbs up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2 But he who enters in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3 To him the doorkeeper opens, and the sheep hear his voice. And he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. 4 And when he brings out his own sheep, he goes before them, and the sheep follow him, for they know his voice. 5 And they will not follow a stranger but will flee from him, for they do not know the voice of strangers.” 6 Jesus spoke this parable to them, but they did not understand what things they were that He spoke to them. 7 Then Jesus said to them again, “Truly, truly, I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. 8 All who ever came before Me are thieves and robbers, but the sheep did not hear
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them. 9 I am the door. If any man enters in by Me, he shall be saved and shall go in and out and find pasture. 10 The thief does not come except to steal and to kill and to destroy. I have come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11 “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd gives His life for the sheep. 12 But he who is a hired hand, and not the shepherd, who does not own the sheep, sees the wolf coming and leaves the sheep and flees. And the wolf catches them and scatters the sheep. 13 The hired hand flees because he is a hired hand and does not care for the sheep. 14 “I am the good shepherd, and know My sheep, and am known by My own. 15 As the Father knows Me, even so I know the Father, and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16 And I have other sheep that are not of this fold. I must bring them also, and they shall hear My voice. And there shall be one fold and one shepherd. 17 Therefore My Father loves Me, because I lay down My life that I might take it again. 18 No man takes it from Me, but I lay it down of Myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment I have received from My Father.” 19 Therefore there was a division again among the Jews because of these sayings. 20 And many of them said, “He has a demon and is mad. Why do you listen to Him?” 21 Others said, “These are not the words of him who has a demon. Can a demon open the eyes of the blind?”
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Jesus Asserts His Deity 22 And it was the Feast of the Dedication in Jerusalem, and it was winter. 23 And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon’s porch. 24 Then the Jews came around Him and said to Him, “How long do You make us to doubt? If You are the Christ, tell us plainly.” 25 Jesus answered them, “I told you, and you do not believe. The works that I do in My Father’s name, they bear witness of Me. 26 But you do not believe because you are not of My sheep, as I said to you. 27 My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. 28 And I give eternal life to them, and they shall never perish, nor shall any man pluck them out of My hand. 29 My Father, who gave them to Me, is greater than all. And no man is able to pluck them out of My Father’s hand. 30 My Father and I are one.” 31 Then the Jews took up stones again to stone Him. 32 Jesus answered them, “I have shown you many good works from My Father. For which of those works do you stone Me?” 33 The Jews answered Him, saying, “For a good work we do not stone You, but for blasphemy, and because You, being a man, make Yourself God.” 34 Jesus answered them, “Is it not written in your Law, ‘I said, “You are gods”?’ 35 If He called them gods, to whom the word of God came (and the scripture cannot be broken), 36 do you say of Him whom the Father has sanctified and sent into the world, ‘You are blaspheming,’
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because I said, ‘I am the Son of God’? 37 If I do not do the works of My Father, do not believe Me. 38 But if I do, though you do not believe Me, believe the works, that you may know and believe that the Father is in Me and I in Him.” 39 Therefore they sought again to take Him, but He escaped out of their hand 40 and went away again beyond the Jordan to the place where John at first baptized, and there He remained. 41 And many came to Him and said, “John did no miracle, but all things that John spoke of this man were true.” 42 And many believed in Him there. The Raising of Lazarus Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with ointment and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 3 Therefore his sisters sent to Him, saying, “Lord, behold, he whom You love is sick.” 4 When Jesus heard that, He said, “This sickness is not to death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified by it.” 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 6 Therefore when He had heard that he was sick, He remained two days still in the same place where He was. 7 Then after that He said to His disciples, “Let us go into Judea again.” 8 His disciples said to Him, “Master, lately the Jews have sought to stone You, and You are going there again?”
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answered, “Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walks in the day, he does not stumble because he sees the light of this world. 10 But if a man walks in the night, he stumbles because there is no light in him.” 11 He said these things, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps. But I go that I may awake him out of sleep.” 12 Then His disciples said, “Lord, if he sleeps, he shall do well.” 13 However, Jesus spoke of his death, but they thought that He had spoken of taking rest in sleep. 14 Then said Jesus to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 15 And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, so that you may believe. Nevertheless let us go to him.” 16 Then Thomas, who is called Didymus, said to his fellow disciples, “Let us also go, that we may die with Him.” 17 Then when Jesus came, He found that he had already been lying in the grave four days. 18 Now Bethany was near to Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off. 19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met Him, but Mary sat still in the house. 21 Then Martha said to Jesus, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died. 22 But even now I know that whatever You will ask of God, God will give it You.” 23 Jesus said to her, “Your brother shall rise again.” 24 Martha said to Him, “I know
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that he shall rise again in the resurrection on the last day.” 25 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live. 26 And whoever lives and believes in Me shall never die. Do you believe this?” 27 She said to Him, “Yes, Lord, I believe that You are the Christ, the Son of God, who is coming into the world.” 28 And when she had said this, she went her way and called Mary her sister secretly, saying, “The Master has come and calls for you.” 29 As soon as she heard that, she arose quickly and came to Him. 30 Now Jesus had not yet come into the town, but was in that place where Martha met Him. 31 Then the Jews who were with her and comforted her in the house, when they saw Mary, that she rose up hastily and went out, followed her, saying, “She goes to the grave to weep there.” 32 Then when Mary had come where Jesus was and saw Him, she fell down at His feet, saying to Him, “Lord, if You had been here, my brother would not have died.” 33 Therefore when Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who came with her also weeping, He groaned in the spirit and was troubled, 34 and said, “Where have you laid him?” They said to Him, “Lord, come and see.” 35 Jesus wept. 36 Then the Jews said, “Behold how He loved him!” 37 And some of them said, “Could not this man, who opened the eyes of the blind, have caused that even this man should not have died?”
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1409 38 Therefore Jesus, again groaning
in Himself, came to the grave. It was a cave, and a stone lay on it. 39 Jesus said, “Take away the stone.” Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time he stinks, for he has been dead four days.” 40 Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe, you should see the glory of God?” 41 Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. 42 And I knew that You always hear Me, but because of the people who stand by I said it, that they may believe that You have sent Me.” 43 And when He had spoken this, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come out!” 44 And he who was dead came out, bound hand and foot with grave clothes, and his face was bound about with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Unbind him, and let him go.” 45 Then many of the Jews who came to Mary and had seen the things that Jesus did believed in Him. 46 But some of them went their ways to the Pharisees and told them what things Jesus had done. The Pharisees Plot to Put Jesus to Death 47 Then the chief priests and the Pharisees gathered a council and said, “What do we do? For this man does many miracles. 48 If we leave Him alone like this, all men will believe in Him, and the Romans shall come and take away both our place and nation.”
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49 And
one of them, named Ca iaphas, being the high priest that same year, said to them, “You know nothing at all, 50 nor consider that it is expedient for us that one man should die for the people, and that the whole nation should not perish.” 51 And he spoke this not of himself. But being high priest that year he prophesied that Jesus would die for that nation, 52 and not for that nation only, but also that He would gather together in one the children of God who were scattered abroad. 53 Then from that day forth, they took counsel together to put Him to death. 54 Therefore Jesus no longer walked openly among the Jews but went from there to a country near to the wilderness, into a city called Ephraim, and stayed there with His disciples. 55 And the Jews’ Passover was near at hand, and many went out of the country up to Jerusalem before the Passover to purify themselves. 56 Then they sought Jesus and spoke among themselves as they stood in the temple, “What do you think, that He will not come to the feast?” 57 Now both the chief priests and the Pharisees had given a commandment, that if any man knew where He was, he should reveal it, that they might take Him. The Supper at Bethany Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom He raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper, and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat
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at the table with Him. 3 Then Mary took a pound of very costly ointment of spikenard, and anointed the feet of Jesus, and wiped His feet with her hair. And the house was filled with the odor of the ointment. 4 Then one of His disciples, Judas Iscariot, Simon’s son, who would betray Him, said, 5 “Why was this ointment not sold for three hundred pence and given to the poor?” 6 He said this, not that he cared for the poor, but because he was a thief, and had the bag, and bore what was put in it. 7 Then Jesus said, “Leave her alone. She has kept this for the day of My burial. 8 For the poor you always have with you, but you do not always have Me.” 9 Therefore many people of the Jews knew that He was there, and they came not only for Jesus’ sake but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests consulted that they might also put Lazarus to death, 11 because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. The Triumphal Entry 12 On the next day many people who had come to the feast, when they heard that Jesus was coming to Jerusalem, 13 took branches of palm trees and went out to meet Him, and cried, “Hosanna! Blessed is the King of Israel who comes in the name of the Lord.” 14 And Jesus, when He had found a young donkey, sat on it. As it is written, 15 “Fear not, daughter of Zion; behold, your King comes, sitting on a donkey’s
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colt.” 16 His disciples did not understand these things at first, but when Jesus was glorified, then they remembered that these things were written of Him and that they had done these things to Him. 17 Therefore the people who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his grave and raised him from the dead bore witness. 18 For this reason the people also met Him, for they heard that He had done this miracle. 19 Therefore the Pharisees said among themselves, “You perceive how you accomplish nothing? Behold, the world has gone after Him.” 20 And there were certain Greeks among them who came up to worship at the feast. 21 Therefore the same came to Philip, who was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” 22 Philip came and told Andrew, and again Andrew and Philip told Jesus. Jesus’ Answer 23 And Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified. 24 Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains alone. But if it dies, it brings forth much fruit. 25 He who loves his life shall lose it, and he who hates his life in this world shall keep it to eternal life. 26 If any man serves Me, let him follow Me. And where I am, there My servant shall be also. If any man serves Me, My Father will honor him. 27 Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this reason I came to this hour.
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1411 28 Father, glorify Your name.”
Then there came a voice from heaven, saying, “I have both glorified it and will glorify it again.” 29 Therefore the people who stood by and heard it said that it thundered. Others said, “An angel spoke to Him.” 30 Jesus answered and said, “This voice did not come because of Me, but for your sakes. 31 Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world shall be cast out. 32 And if I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw all men to Me.” 33 He said this, signifying what death He would die. 34 The people answered Him, “We have heard from the Law that Christ remains forever. And how can You say, ‘The Son of Man must be lifted up’? Who is this Son of Man?” 35 Then Jesus said to them, “The light is with you yet a little while. Walk while you have the light, lest darkness come on you, for he who walks in darkness does not know where he goes. 36 While you have light, believe in the light, that you may be the children of light.” Jesus spoke these things and departed and hid Himself from them. 37 But though He had done so many miracles before them, they still did not believe in Him, 38 that the saying of Isaiah the prophet might be fulfilled, which he spoke, “Lord, who has believed our report? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed?” 39 Therefore they could not believe, because Isaiah said again, 40 “He has blinded their eyes and hardened their heart, that they should not see with their eyes or understand with their heart,
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John 13:2
and be converted, and I should heal them.” 41 Isaiah said these things when he saw His glory and spoke of Him. 42 Nevertheless many among the chief rulers also believed in Him, but because of the Pharisees they did not confess Him, lest they should be put out of the synagogue, 43 for they loved the praise of men more than the praise of God. 44 Jesus cried and said, “He who believes in Me does not believe in Me but in Him who sent Me. 45 And he who sees Me sees Him who sent Me. 46 I have come as a light into the world, that whoever believes in Me should not abide in darkness. 47 And if any man hears my words and does not believe, I do not judge him, for I came not to judge the world but to save the world. 48 He who rejects Me and does not receive My words has one who judges him—the word that I have spoken. The same shall judge him in the last day. 49 For I have not spoken of Myself, but the Father who sent me, He gave Me a commandment, what I should say and what I should speak. 50 And I know that His commandment is everlasting life. Therefore whatever I speak, even as the Father said to Me, so I speak.” The Last Passover Now before the Feast of the Passover, when Jesus knew that His hour had come that He should depart out of this world to the Father, having loved His own who were in the world, He loved them to the end. 2 And supper being ended, the devil having now put into the heart of Judas Iscariot,
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Simon’s son, to betray Him, 3 Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and went to God, 4 He rose from supper and laid aside His garments and took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded. 6 Then He came to Simon Peter. And Peter said to Him, “Lord, do You wash my feet?” 7 Jesus answered and said to him, “What I do you do not understand now, but you shall understand hereafter.” 8 Peter said to Him, “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no part with Me.” 9 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, not only my feet, but also my hands and my head.” 10 Jesus said to him, “He who is washed does not need to wash, except his feet, but is every bit clean. And you are clean, but not all.” 11 For He knew who would betray Him; therefore He said, “You are not all clean.” 12 So after He had washed their feet, and had taken His garments, and had sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Master and Lord, and you are right to say it, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Truly, truly, I
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say to you, the servant is not greater than his master, nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, you are happy if you do them. 18 “I do not speak of you all. I know whom I have chosen. But that the scripture may be fulfilled, ‘He who eats bread with Me has lifted up his heel against Me.’ 19 Now I tell you before it comes, that when it has come to pass, you may believe that I am He. 20 Truly, truly, I say to you, he who receives whoever I send receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.” Jesus Foretells His Betrayal 21 When Jesus had said this, He was troubled in spirit and testified and said, “Truly, truly, I say to you, that one of you shall betray Me.” 22 Then the disciples looked at one another, doubting of whom He spoke. 23 Now there was one of His disciples, whom Jesus loved, leaning on Jesus’ chest. 24 Therefore Simon Peter beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom He spoke. 25 Then, lying on Jesus’ chest, he said to Him, “Lord, who is it?” 26 Jesus answered, “It is he to whom I shall give a piece of bread when I have dipped it.” And when He had dipped the piece of bread, He gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. 27 And after the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. Then Jesus said to him, “What you do, do quickly.” 28 Now no man at the table knew why He spoke this to him. 29 For some of them thought, because Judas had the bag, that Jesus
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had said to him, “Buy those things that we have need of in preparation for the feast,” or that he should give something to the poor. 30 Having received the piece of bread, he then went out immediately. And it was night. 31 Therefore, when he had gone out, Jesus said, “Now is the Son of Man glorified, and God is glorified in Him. 32 If God is glorified in Him, God shall also glorify Him in Himself, and shall glorify Him immediately. 33 Little children, I am with you yet a little while. You shall seek Me, and as I said to the Jews, ‘Where I go, you cannot come,’ so now I say to you. 34 A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. 35 By this shall all men know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” Jesus Foretells Peter’s Denial 36 Simon Peter said to Him, “Lord, where are You going?” Jesus answered him, “Where I go, you cannot follow Me now, but you shall follow me afterward.” 37 Peter said to Him, “Lord, why can I not follow You now? I will lay down my life for Your sake.” 38 Jesus answered him, “Will you lay down your life for My sake? Truly, truly, I say to you, the rooster shall not crow until you have denied me three times.” Jesus Foretells His Coming for His Own “Do not let your hearts be troubled; you believe in God,
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John 14:13
believe also in Me. 2 In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also. 4 And you know where I go, and you know the way.” 5 Thomas said to Him, “Lord, we do not know where You go, and how can we know the way?” 6 Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through Me.” Jesus and the Father Are One 7 “If you had known Me, you would have known My Father also. And from now on you know Him and have seen Him.” 8 Philip said to Him, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is sufficient for us.” 9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and still you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father. And how do you say then, ‘Show us the Father’? 10 Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father in Me? The words that I speak to you I speak not of Myself, but the Father who dwells in Me, He does the works. 11 Believe Me that I am in the Father and the Father in Me, or else believe Me for the very works’ sake. 12 “Truly, truly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he shall do also. And greater works than these he shall do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you
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John 14:14
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ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.” The Promise of the Spirit 15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray to the Father, and He shall give you another Comforter, that He may abide with you forever— 17 even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it does not see Him, nor does it know Him. But you know Him, for He dwells with you and shall be in you. 18 I will not leave you comfortless; I will come to you. 19 “Yet a little while, and the world will see Me no more, but you see Me. Because I live, you shall live also. 20 On that day you shall know that I am in My Father, and you in Me, and I in you. 21 He who has My commandments and keeps them, it is he who loves Me. And he who loves Me shall be loved by My Father, and I will love him, and will reveal Myself to him.” 22 Judas (not Iscariot) said to Him, “Lord, how is it that You will reveal Yourself to us and not to the world?” 23 Jesus answered and said to him, “If a man loves Me, he will keep My words, and My Father will love him, and We will come to him and make Our dwelling with him. 24 He who does not love Me does not keep My sayings, and the word that you hear is not Mine but the Father’s who sent Me. 25 “These things I have spoken to you, being yet present with you. 26 But the Comforter, who is the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send
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in My name, He shall teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all things that I have said to you. 27 I leave peace with you; I give to you My peace. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your heart be troubled or let it be afraid. 28 You have heard how I said to you, ‘I am going away away and coming back to you.’ If you loved Me, you would rejoice because I said, ‘I am going to the Father,’ for My Father is greater than I. 29 “And now I have told you before it comes to pass, that when it has come to pass, you might believe. 30 From now on I will not talk much with you, for the prince of this world is coming, and has nothing in Me. 31 But that the world may know that I love the Father, and as the Father gave Me commandment, even so I do. Arise, let us go from here.” The Vine and the Branches “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser. 2 Every branch in Me that does not bear fruit He takes away, and every branch that bears fruit He purges, that it may bring forth more fruit. 3 Now you are clean through the word that I have spoken to you. 4 Abide in Me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, no more can you, unless you abide in Me. 5 “I am the vine; you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, the same brings forth much fruit. For without Me you can do nothing. 6 If a man does not abide in Me, he is cast forth like a branch and is withered, and men
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gather them and cast them into the fire, and they are burned. 7 If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you shall ask what you will, and it shall be done for you. 8 In this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you shall be My disciples. 9 “As the Father has loved Me, so have I loved you; continue in My love. 10 If you keep My commandments, you shall abide in My love, even as I have kept My Father’s commandments and abide in His love. 11 These things I have spoken to you, that My joy might remain in you, and that your joy might be full. 12 This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. 13 Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends. 14 You are My friends if you do whatever I command you.” The New Intimacy 15 “From now on I do not call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master does, but I have called you friends, for all things that I have heard from My Father I have made known to you. 16 You have not chosen Me, but I have chosen you and ordained you, that you should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you shall ask of the Father in My name, He may give it you. 17 These things I command you, that you love one another. 18 “If the world hates you, you know that it hated Me before it hated you. 19 If you were of the world, the world would love its own. But because you are not of the world, but
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John 16:4
I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. 20 Remember the word that I said to you, ‘The servant is not greater than his master.’ If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also. 21 But they will do all these things to you for My name’s sake, because they do not know Him who sent Me. 22 If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have had sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. 23 He who hates Me also hates My Father. 24 If I had not done among them the works that no other man did, they would not have had sin, but now they have both seen and hated both Me and My Father. 25 But this comes to pass that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without a cause.’ 26 “But when the Comforter comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, even the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He shall testify of Me. 27 And you shall also bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.” The Disciples Warned of Persecutions “I have spoken these things to you that you should not stumble. 2 They shall put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he is serving God. 3 And they will do these things to you because they have not known the Father or Me. 4 But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them.
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And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.” The Work of the Spirit 5 “But now I go My way to Him who sent Me, and none of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6 But sorrow has filled your heart because I have said these things to you. 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is expedient for you that I go away. For if I do not go away, the Comforter will not come to you. But if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He comes, He will convict the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father, and you will see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the prince of this world is judged. 12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 13 Although when He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth. For He shall not speak of Himself, but whatever He hears, that He shall speak. And He will show you things to come. 14 He shall glorify Me, for He shall receive of Mine and shall declare it to you. 15 All things that the Father has are Mine. Therefore I said that He shall take of Mine and shall declare it to you.” Jesus Speaks of His Death and Resurrection 16 “A little while, and you shall not see Me. And again, a little while, and you shall see Me, because I go to the Father.” 17 Then some of His disciples said
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among themselves, “What is this that He says to us, ‘A little while, and you shall not see Me. And again, a little while, and you shall see Me’; and, ‘because I go to the Father’?” 18 Therefore they said, “What is this that He says, ‘A little while’? We cannot tell what He says.” 19 Now Jesus knew that they desired to ask Him, and said to them, “Are you inquiring among yourselves of what I said, ‘A little while, and you shall not see Me. And again, a little while, and you shall see Me’? 20 Truly, truly, I say to you that you shall weep and lament, but the world shall rejoice. And you shall be sorrowful, but your sorrow shall be turned into joy. 21 A woman, when she is in labor, has sorrow because her hour has come. But as soon as she has delivered the child, she no longer remembers the anguish, for joy that a man is born into the world. 22 And therefore you now have sorrow, but I will see you again and your heart shall rejoice, and no man will take your joy from you. 23 And on that day you shall ask Me nothing. Truly, truly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. 24 Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you shall receive, that your joy may be full. 25 “I have spoken these things to you in proverbs, but the time is coming when I shall no longer speak to you in proverbs, but I shall tell you plainly about the Father. 26 On that day you shall ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I will ask the Father for you. 27 For the Father Himself loves you because you have
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loved Me and have believed that I came from God. 28 I came forth from the Father and have come into the world. Again, I leave the world and go to the Father.” 29 His disciples said to Him, “Behold, now You speak plainly and do not speak a proverb. 30 Now we are sure that You know all things and do not need any man to ask You. By this we believe that You came forth from God.” 31 Jesus answered them, “Do you now believe? 32 Behold, the hour is coming, yes, has now come, that you shall be scattered, every man to his own, and shall leave Me alone. And yet I am not alone because the Father is with Me. 33 I have spoken these things to you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer: I have overcome the world.” The Prayer of Intercession Jesus spoke these words, and lifted up His eyes to heaven, and said, “Father, the hour has come. Glorify Your Son, that Your Son may also glorify You, 2 as You have given Him power over all flesh, that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him. 3 And this is life eternal, that they might know You, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom You have sent. 4 I have glorified You on the earth. I have finished the work that You gave Me to do. 5 And now, O Father, glorify Me with Yourself, with the glory that I had with You before the world was. 6 “I have made Your name known
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John 17:19
to the men whom You gave Me out of the world. They were Yours, and You gave them to Me, and they have kept Your word. 7 Now they have known that all things that You have given Me are from You. 8 For I have given to them the words that You gave Me, and they have received them and have surely known that I came from You. And they have believed that You sent Me. 9 I pray for them. I do not pray for the world, but for those whom You have given Me, for they are Yours. 10 And all Mine are Yours, and Yours are Mine, and I am glorified in them. 11 And now I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to You. Holy Father, keep through Your own name those whom You have given Me, that they may be one, as We are. 12 While I was with them in the world, I kept them in Your name. I have kept those whom You gave Me, and none of them is lost but the son of perdition, that the scripture might be fulfilled. 13 “And now I come to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they might have My joy fulfilled in themselves. 14 I have given them Your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 15 I do not ask that You take them out of the world, but that You would keep them from evil. 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. 17 Sanctify them through Your truth. Your word is truth. 18 As You have sent Me into the world, even so I have also sent them into the world. 19 And for their sakes I sanctify Myself, that they
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also might be sanctified through the truth. 20 “I do not ask for these alone, but also for those who shall believe in Me through their word, 21 that they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You have sent Me. 22 “And I have given them the glory that You gave Me, that they may be one, even as We are one: 23 I in them, and You in Me, that they may be made perfect in unity and that the world may know that You have sent Me and have loved them as You have loved Me. 24 Father, I desire that they, whom You have given Me, may also be with Me where I am, that they may behold My glory, which You have given Me. For You loved Me before the foundation of the world. 25 O righteous Father, the world has not known You, but I have known You, and these have known that You have sent Me. 26 And I have declared Your name to them and will declare it, that the love with which You have loved Me may be in them, and I in them.” Jesus Arrives at Gethsemane When Jesus had spoken these words, He went out with His disciples over the brook Kidron, where there was a garden, into which He and His disciples entered. 2 And Judas, who betrayed Him, also knew the place, for Jesus often met there with His disciples. 3 Then Judas, having received a band of men and officers from the chief priests and Pharisees, came there with
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lanterns and torches and weapons. 4 Therefore Jesus, knowing all things that would come on Him, went forth and said to them, “Whom do you seek?” 5 They answered Him, “Jesus of Nazareth.” Jesus said to them, “I am He.” And Judas, who betrayed Him, also stood with them. 6 Then as soon as He had said to them, “I am He,” they went backward and fell to the ground. 7 Then He asked them again, “Whom do you seek?” And they said, “Jesus of Nazareth.” 8 Jesus answered, “I have told you that I am He. Therefore, if you seek Me, let these go their way,” 9 that the saying that He spoke might be fulfilled, “I have lost none of those whom You gave Me.” 10 Then Simon Peter, having a sword, drew it and struck the high priest’s servant, and cut off his right ear. The servant’s name was Malchus. 11 Then Jesus said to Peter, “Put up your sword into the sheath. Shall I not drink the cup that My Father has given Me?” 12 Then the cohort and the captain and officers of the Jews took Jesus and bound Him 13 and led Him away first to Annas, for he was fatherin-law to Caiaphas, who was the high priest that same year. 14 Now Caiaphas was he who gave counsel to the Jews that it was expedient that one man should die for the people. Peter’s Denial 15 And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple. That
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disciple was known to the high priest and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest. 16 But Peter stood at the door outside. Then that other disciple, who was known to the high priest, went out and spoke to her who kept the door, and brought Peter in. 17 Then the young woman who kept the door said to Peter, “Are you not also one of this man’s disciples?” He said, “I am not.” 18 And the servants and officers who had made a fire of coals stood there, for it was cold, and they warmed themselves. And Peter stood with them and warmed himself. 19 The high priest then asked Jesus about His disciples and about His doctrine. 20 Jesus answered him, “I spoke openly to the world. I always taught in the synagogue and in the temple, where the Jews always meet, and I have said nothing in secret. 21 Why do you ask Me? Ask those who heard Me what I have said to them. Behold, they know what I said.” 22 And when He had said this, one of the officers who stood by struck Jesus with the palm of his hand, saying, “Do You answer the high priest like that?” 23 Jesus answered him, “If I have spoken evil, bear witness of the evil, but if well, why did you strike Me?” 24 Now Annas had sent Him bound to Caiaphas the high priest. 25 And Simon Peter stood and warmed himself. Therefore they said to him, “Are you not also one of His disciples?”
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He denied it and said, “I am not.” 26 One of the servants of the high priest, being a relative of the man whose ear Peter cut off, said, “Did I not see you in the garden with Him?” 27 Peter then denied again, and immediately the rooster crowed. Jesus Brought before Pilate 28 Then they led Jesus from Caiaphas to the hall of judgment, and it was early. And they themselves did not go into the judgment hall, lest they should be defiled, but that they might eat the Passover. 29 Then Pilate went out to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” 30 They answered and said to him, “If He were not a criminal, we would not have delivered Him up to you.” 31 Then Pilate said to them, “You take Him and judge Him according to your law.” Therefore the Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put any man to death,” 32 that the saying of Jesus might be fulfilled that He spoke, signifying what death He should die. 33 Then Pilate entered into the judgment hall again and called Jesus and said to Him, “Are You the King of the Jews?” 34 Jesus answered him, “Do you say this thing of yourself, or did others tell it to you of Me?” 35 Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered You to me. What have You done?” 36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom
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were of this world, then My servants would fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews. But now My kingdom is not from here.” 37 Therefore Pilate said to Him, “Are You a king then?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born, and for this purpose I came into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” 38 Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all. 39 But you have a custom that I should release to you one at the Passover. Therefore do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” 40 Then they all cried again, saying, “Not this man, but Barabbas.” Now Barabbas was a robber. Jesus Crowned with Thorns Therefore Pilate then took Jesus and scourged Him. 2 And the soldiers wove a crown of thorns and put it on His head, and they put a purple robe on Him 3 and said, “Hail, King of the Jews!” And they struck Him with their hands. 4 Therefore Pilate went out again and said to them, “Behold, I bring Him out to you, that you may know that I find no fault in Him.” 5 Then Jesus came out, wearing the crown of thorns and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, “Behold the Man!” 6 Therefore when the chief priests and officers saw Him, they cried out, saying, “Crucify Him, crucify Him!”
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Pilate said to them, “You take Him and crucify Him, for I find no fault in Him.” 7 The Jews answered him, “We have a law, and by our law He ought to die because He made Himself the Son of God.” 8 Therefore when Pilate heard that saying, he was even more afraid, 9 and went into the judgment hall again, and said to Jesus, “Where are You from?” But Jesus gave him no answer. 10 Then Pilate said to Him, “Will You not speak to me? Do You not know that I have power to crucify You and have power to release You?” 11 Jesus answered, “You would have no power at all against Me unless it were given you from above. Therefore he who delivered Me to you has the greater sin.” 12 And from then on Pilate sought to release Him, but the Jews cried out, saying, “If you let this man go, you are not Caesar’s friend. Whoever makes himself a king speaks against Caesar.” 13 Therefore when Pilate heard that saying, he brought Jesus out and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha. 14 And it was the preparation of the Passover and about the sixth hour. And he said to the Jews, “Behold your King!” 15 But they cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him!” Pilate said to them, “Shall I crucify your King?” The chief priests answered, “We have no king but Caesar.”
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The Crucifixion of Jesus Christ 16 Therefore he then delivered Him to them to be crucified. And they took Jesus and led Him away. 17 And He, bearing His cross, went out to a place called The Place of a Skull, which is called in the Hebrew, Golgotha, 18 where they crucified Him and two others with Him, one on either side, and Jesus in the middle. 19 And Pilate wrote a title and put it on the cross. And the writing was Jesus of Nazareth the King of the Jews. 20 Many of the Jews then read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near to the city. And it was written in Hebrew and Greek and Latin. 21 Then the chief priests of the Jews said to Pilate, “Do not write, ‘The King of the Jews,’ but that ‘He said, “I am King of the Jews.”’” 22 Pilate answered, “What I have written, I have written.” 23 Then the soldiers, when they had crucified Jesus, took His garments and made four parts, for every soldier a part, and also His coat. Now the coat was without seam, woven from the top throughout. 24 Therefore they said among themselves, “Let us not tear it but cast lots for it to see whose it shall be,” that the scripture might be fulfilled that says, “They parted My garments among them, and they cast lots for My clothing.” Therefore the soldiers did these things. 25 Now by the cross of Jesus stood His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene. 26 Therefore when Jesus saw His mother and the disciple whom He loved standing by,
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He said to His mother, “Woman, behold, your son!” 27 Then He said to the disciple, “Behold, your mother!” And from that hour that disciple took her to his own home. 28 After this, Jesus, knowing that all things were now accomplished, that the scripture might be fulfilled, said, “I thirst.” 29 Now a vessel full of vinegar was sitting there, and they filled a sponge with vinegar, and put it on hyssop, and put it to His mouth. 30 Therefore when Jesus had received the vinegar, He said, “It is finished.” And He bowed His head and gave up the spirit. “No Bone of His Shall Be Broken” 31 Therefore, because it was the day of preparation, that the bodies should not remain on the cross on the Sabbath day (for that Sabbath day was a high day), the Jews asked Pilate that their legs might be broken, and that they might be taken away. 32 Then the soldiers came and broke the legs of the first and of the other who was crucified with Him. 33 But when they came to Jesus and saw that He was dead already, they did not break His legs. 34 But one of the soldiers with a spear pierced His side, and immediately blood and water came out. 35 And he who saw it has borne witness, and his witness is true, and he knows that what he says is true, that you might believe. 36 For these things were done that the scripture should be fulfilled: “A bone of Him shall not be broken.” 37 And again another scripture says, “They shall look on Him whom they pierced.”
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38 And
after this, Joseph of Arimathea, being a disciple of Jesus, but secretly, for fear of the Jews, asked Pilate that he might take away the body of Jesus, and Pilate gave him permission. Therefore he came and took the body of Jesus. 39 And Nicodemus, who at first came to Jesus by night, also came and brought a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. 40 Then they took the body of Jesus and wound it in linen cloths with the spices to bury, as is the manner of the Jews. 41 Now in the place where He was crucified there was a garden, and in the garden a new sepulchre, in which no man was yet laid. 42 Therefore they laid Jesus there because of the Jews’ preparation day, for the sepulchre was nearby. The Resurrection of Jesus Christ The first day of the week Mary Magdalene came to the sepulchre early, when it was still dark, and saw the stone taken away from the sepulchre. 2 Then she ran and came to Simon Peter and to the other disciple, whom Jesus loved, and said to them, “They have taken away the Lord out of the sepulchre, and we do not know where they have laid Him.” 3 Therefore Peter and that other disciple went out and went to the sepulchre. 4 So they both ran together, and the other disciple outran Peter and came to the sepulchre first. 5 And he, stooping down and looking in, saw the linen cloths lying there, yet he did not go in. 6 Then
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Simon Peter came, following him, and went into the sepulchre and saw the linen cloths lying there, 7 and the cloth that was around His head not lying with the linen cloths but wrapped together in a place by itself. 8 Then that other disciple, who came first to the sepulchre, also went in, and he saw and believed. 9 For as yet they did not know the scripture, that He must rise again from the dead. 10 Then the disciples went away again to their own homes. Jesus Appears to Mary Magdalene 11 But Mary stood outside the sepulchre weeping, and as she wept she stooped down and looked into the sepulchre. 12 And she saw two angels in white sitting, the one at the head and the other at the feet, where the body of Jesus had lain. 13 And they said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping?” She said to them, “Because they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid Him.” 14 And when she had said this, she turned herself back and saw Jesus standing there, and did not know that it was Jesus. 15 Jesus said to her, “Woman, why are you weeping? Whom do you seek?” Supposing Him to be the gardener, she said to Him, “Sir, if You have carried Him from here, tell me where You have laid Him, and I will take Him away.” 16 Jesus said to her, “Mary.” She turned herself and said to Him, “Rabboni” (which is to say, Master).
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Me, for I have not yet ascended to My Father, but go to My brothers and say to them, ‘I am ascending to My Father and your Father, and to My God and your God.” 18 Mary Magdalene came and told the disciples that she had seen the Lord and that He had spoken these things to her. 19 Then at evening the same day, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled, for fear of the Jews, Jesus came and stood in the midst and said to them, “Peace be to you.” 20 And when He had said this, He showed them His hands and His side. Then the disciples were glad when they saw the Lord. 21 Then Jesus said to them again, “Peace be to you. As My Father has sent Me, even so I send you.” 22 And when He had said this, He breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 Whoever’s sins you remit, they are remitted to them; and whoever’s sins you retain, they are retained.” Jesus Appears to the Disciples: Thomas Present 24 But Thomas, called Didymus, one of the twelve, was not with them when Jesus came. 25 Therefore the other disciples said to him, “We have seen the Lord.” But he said to them, “Unless I see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.” 26 And after eight days His disciples were again inside, and Thomas
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John 21:4
with them. Then Jesus came, the doors being shut, and stood in the midst, and said, “Peace be to you.” 27 Then He said to Thomas, “Reach your finger here, and behold My hands. And reach your hand here and thrust it into My side. And do not be faithless, but believing.” 28 And Thomas answered and said to Him, “My Lord and my God.” 29 Jesus said to him, “Thomas, because you have seen Me, you have believed. Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” 30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book. 31 But these are written that you might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you might have life through His name. The Risen Christ Is Master of Our Service After these things Jesus again showed Himself to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias, and He showed Himself in this way. 2 There were together Simon Peter, and Thomas called Didymus, and Nathanael of Cana in Galilee, and the sons of Zebedee, and two others of His disciples. 3 Simon Peter said to them, “I am going fishing.” They said to him, “We will also go with you.” They went out and immediately entered into a ship, and that night they caught nothing. 4 But when the morning had come, Jesus stood on the shore, but the disciples did not know that
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it was Jesus. 5 Then Jesus said to them, “Children, do you have any food?” They answered Him, “No.” 6 And He said to them, “Cast the net on the right side of the ship, and you shall find some.” Therefore they cast, and now they were not able to draw it for the multitude of fish. 7 Therefore that disciple whom Jesus loved said to Peter, “It is the Lord.” Now when Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his fisher’s coat (for he was naked) and cast himself into the sea. 8 And the other disciples came in a little ship (for they were not far from land, but about two hundred cubits away), dragging the net with fish. 9 Then as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there and fish laid on it and bread. 10 Jesus said to them, “Bring some of the fish that you have now caught.” 11 Simon Peter went up and dragged to land the net full of great fish, a hundred and fifty-three. And although there were so many, still the net was not broken. The Master Enough for the Need of His Servants 12 Jesus said to them, “Come and dine.” And none of the disciples dared ask Him, “Who are You?” knowing that it was the Lord. 13 Then Jesus came and took bread and gave it to them, and likewise fish. 14 This is now the third time that Jesus showed Himself to His disciples after He was raised from the dead. 15 So when they had dined, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of
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Jonah, do you love Me more than these?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My lambs.” 16 He said to him again the second time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” He said to Him, “Yes, Lord; You know that I love You.” He said to him, “Feed My sheep.” 17 He said to him the third time, “Simon, son of Jonah, do you love Me?” Peter was grieved because He said to him the third time, “Do you love Me?” And he said to Him, “Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You.” Jesus said to him, “Feed My sheep. 18 Truly, truly, I say to you, when you were young, you dressed yourself and walked where you wanted. But when you are old, you shall stretch out your hands and another shall dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” 19 This He spoke, signifying by what death he would glorify God. And when He had spoken this, He said to him, “Follow Me.” If the Lord Returns, the Servants Will Not Die 20 Then Peter, turning around, saw the disciple whom Jesus loved following, who also leaned on His breast at supper, and said, “Lord, who is he who betrays You?” 21 Peter, seeing him, said to Jesus, “Lord, and what shall this man do?” 22 Jesus said to him, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you? You follow Me.” 23 Then this
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saying spread among the brothers that that disciple would not die. Yet Jesus did not say to him that he shall not die, but, “If I want him to remain until I come, what is that to you?” 24 This is the disciple who testifies of these things, and wrote these
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John 21:25
things, and we know that his testimony is true. 25 And there are also many other things that Jesus did, and if each of them were written, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written. Amen.
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ACTS INTRODUCTION TO ACTS One of the earliest titles for this book of the Bible was simply “Acts,” with other early titles being “Acts of the Holy Apostles,” and the popular “The Acts of the Apostles,” which isn’t really accurate. The acts of Peter and Paul are highlighted in this book, yet many of the other apostles are hardly mentioned. AUTHOR As was the case with his Gospel, Luke doesn’t identify himself as the writer of Acts, though his authorship is seldom questioned. The information he provided in the book of Luke was a result of his research to verify the testimony of eyewitnesses (Luke 1:1–4). His involvement in Acts is even more personal. Much of this book, like Luke’s Gospel, is written in the third person. But certain sections (16:10–17; 20:5–15; 21:1–18; 27:1–28:16) switch to first person. It is evident that Luke accompanied Paul on various legs of his missionary journeys. Luke was a doctor (Colossians 4:14) who had an eye for detail. OCCASION Like his Gospel, Luke’s book of Acts is addressed to Theophilus (1:1). The purpose of the Gospel narrative was so that readers would have an accurate account of what happened (Luke 1:4). With his follow-up book of Acts, Luke is sending his primary recipient (and perhaps his financial sponsor) a well-researched account of the spread of Christianity throughout both Jewish and Gentile communities. Since Luke was personally involved in the growth of the church, he was able to provide both an insightful historical overview and a corresponding apologetic emphasis.
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Greeting I made the former account, O Theophilus, of all that Jesus began both to do and teach, 2 until the day in which He was taken up, after He had given commandments to the apostles whom He had chosen through the Holy Spirit, 3 to whom He also showed Himself alive after His passion by many infallible proofs, being seen by them forty days and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God. 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem but wait for the promise of the Father. “Which,” He said, “you have heard from Me. 5 For truly John baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
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The Ministry of Jesus 6 Therefore when they had come together, they asked of Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore again the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know the times or the seasons that the Father has put in His own power. 8 But you shall receive power after the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you shall be witnesses to Me both in Jerusalem and in all Judea and in Samaria and to the farthest part of the earth.” 9 And when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight.
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Acts 1:18
The Promise of the Return of Jesus to the Earth 10 And while they looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel,11 who also said, “Men of Galilee, why do you stand gazing up into heaven? This same Jesus, who has been taken up from you to heaven, shall so come in similar manner as you have seen Him go into heaven.” 12 Then they returned to Jerusalem from the mount called Olivet, which is a Sabbath day’s journey from Jerusalem. 13 And when they had come in, they went up into an upper room, where they stayed: Peter and James and John and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James the son of Alphaeus, and Simon the Zealot and Judas the brother of James. 14 All these with one accord continued in prayer and supplication, with the women, and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with His brothers. The Choice of Matthias 15 And in those days Peter stood up in the midst of the disciples (the number of names together were about a hundred and twenty) and said, 16 “Men and brothers, this scripture needed to have been fulfilled, which the Holy Spirit spoke before by the mouth of David concerning Judas, who was a guide to those who took Jesus. 17 For he was numbered with us and had obtained part of this ministry.” 18 Now this man purchased a field with the reward of iniquity, and falling headlong, he burst apart in the
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middle and all his intestines gushed out. 19 And it was known to all the dwellers at Jerusalem, to such an extent that the field is called in their proper tongue, Akeldama—that is to say, the Field of Blood. 20 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, ‘Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell in it,’ and ‘Let another take his office.’ 21 “Therefore, of these men who have accompanied us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, 22 beginning from the baptism of John to that same day that He was taken up from us, one must be ordained to be a witness with us of His resurrection.” 23 And they appointed two: Joseph called Barsabbas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias. 24 And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all men, show which of these two You have chosen, 25 that he may take part in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas fell by transgression, that he might go to his own place.” 26 And they gave forth their lots, and the lot fell on Matthias. And he was numbered with the eleven apostles. The Preaching of the Gospel at Pentecost And when the day of Pentecost had fully come, they were all with one accord in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled all the house where they were sitting. 3 And cloven tongues like fire appeared to them and sat on each of them. 4 And they were all
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filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them speech. 5 And there were Jews dwelling in Jerusalem, devout men from every nation under heaven. 6 Now when this was reported abroad, the multitude came together and were confounded, because every man heard them speak in his own language. 7 And they were all amazed and marveled, saying to one another, “Behold, are not all these who speak Galileans? 8 And how do we hear every man in our own tongue, in which we were born? 9 Parthians and Medes and Elamites and the dwellers in Mesopotamia, and in Judea, and Cappadocia, in Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, in Egypt and in the parts of Libya around Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, Jews and proselytes, 11 Cretans and Arabs—we hear them speaking in our tongues the wonderful works of God.” 12 And they were all amazed and were in doubt, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” 13 Others mocking said, “These men are full of new wine.” Joel’s Prophecy Fulfilled 14 But Peter, standing up with the eleven, lifted up his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all you who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you and listen to my words. 15For these are not drunk, as you suppose, seeing it is but the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days,’ God says, ‘I will
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pour out My Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. 18 And on My servants and on My handmaidens I will pour out My Spirit in those days, and they shall prophesy. 19 And I will show wonders in heaven above and signs in the earth beneath: blood and fire and vapor of smoke. 20 The sun shall be turned into darkness and the moon into blood before that great and notable day of the Lord comes. 21 And it shall come to pass that whoever shall call on the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ 22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God among you by miracles and wonders and signs that God did by Him in the midst of you, as you yourselves also know— 23 Him, being delivered by the determinate counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken and by wicked hands have crucified and slain, 24 whom God has raised up, having removed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it. 25 For David speaks concerning Him, ‘I foresaw the Lord always in my presence, for He is at my right hand, that I should not be moved. 26 Therefore my heart rejoiced and my tongue was glad; moreover my body shall also rest in hope, 27 because You will not leave my soul in hell, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. 28 You have made known to me the ways of life; You shall make me full of joy with Your presence.’
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Acts 2:39 29 “Men and brothers, let me freely
speak to you of the patriarch David, that he is both dead and buried, and his sepulchre is with us to this day. 30 Therefore being a prophet and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that from the fruit of his loins, according to the flesh, He would raise up Christ to sit on his throne, 31 he, foreseeing this, spoke of the resurrection of Christ, that His soul was not left in hell, nor did His flesh see corruption.” His Resurrection Proves That He Is Lord and Christ 32 “This Jesus God has raised up, of which we all are witnesses. 33 Therefore being exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured this out that you now see and hear. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says, ‘The Lord said to my Lord, “Sit at My right hand, 35 until I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ 36 Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made that same Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.” 37 Now when they heard this, they were pricked in their heart and said to Peter and to the rest of the apostles, “Men and brothers, what shall we do?” 38 Then Peter said to them, “Repent, and every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. 39 For the promise is to you and to your children and to all who are far
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off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.” 40 And he testified and exhorted with many other words, saying, “Save yourselves from this perverse generation.” 41 Then those who gladly received his word were baptized, and the same day about three thousand souls were added to them. 42 And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship and in the breaking of bread and in prayers. 43 And fear came on every soul, and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles. 44 And all who believed were together and had all things in common, 45 and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all men, as every man had need. 46 And continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and singleness of heart, 47 praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who would be saved. The Lame Man Healed Now Peter and John went up together into the temple at the hour of prayer, being the ninth hour. 2 And a certain man lame from his mother’s womb was carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called Beautiful, to ask for charitable gifts from those who entered into the temple. 3 Seeing Peter and John about to go into the temple, he asked for a charitable gift. 4 And Peter, with John, fastening his eyes on him, said, “Look at us.” 5 And he gave heed to them,
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expecting to receive something from them. 6 Then Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but I give you such as I have: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!” 7 And he took him by the right hand and lifted him up, and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength. 8 And leaping up, he stood and walked and entered into the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. 9 And all the people saw him walking and praising God. 10 And they knew that it was he who sat begging for charitable gifts at the Beautiful Gate of the temple. And they were filled with wonder and amazement at what had happened to him. 11 And as the lame man who was healed held Peter and John, all the people, greatly wondering, ran together to them in the porch that is called Solomon’s. Peter Addresses the Crowd 12 And when Peter saw it, he answered to the people, “Men of Israel, why do you marvel at this? Or why do you look so earnestly at us, as though by our own power or holiness we have made this man walk? 13 The God of Abraham and of Isaac and of Jacob, the God of our fathers, has glorified His Son, Jesus, whom you delivered up and denied in the presence of Pilate, when he was determined to let Him go. 14 But you denied the Holy and the Just One, and desired that a murderer be granted to you, 15 and killed the Prince of life, whom God has raised from the dead, to which
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we are witnesses. 16 And His name, through faith in His name, has made this man—whom you see and know—strong. Yes, the faith that is by Him has given him this perfect soundness in the presence of you all. 17 “And now, brothers, I know that you did it through ignorance, as did your rulers also. 18 But those things that God had foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that Christ would suffer, He has so fulfilled. 19 Repent therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord. 20 And He shall send Jesus Christ, who was preached to you before, 21 whom heaven must receive until the times of restitution of all things, which God has spoken by the mouth of all His holy prophets since the world began. 22 For Moses truly said to the fathers, ‘The Lord your God shall raise up for you a Prophet similar to me from your brothers; you shall hear Him in all things, whatever He shall say to you. 23 And it shall come to pass that every soul who will not hear that Prophet shall be destroyed from among the people.’ 24 “Yes, and all the prophets from Samuel and those who followed after, as many as have spoken, have likewise foretold these days. 25 You are the children of the prophets and of the covenant that God made with our fathers, saying to Abraham, ‘And in your offspring all the families of the earth shall be blessed.’ 26 God, having raised up His Son, Jesus, sent Him to you first, to bless
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Acts 4:12
you in turning away every one of you from your iniquities.” The First Persecution And as they spoke to the people, the priests and the captain of the temple and the Sadducees came on them, 2 being grieved that they taught the people and preached through Jesus the resurrection from the dead. 3 And they laid hands on them and put them in prison until the next day, for it was now evening. 4 However, many of those who heard the word believed, and the number of the men was about five thousand. 5 And it came to pass on the next day that their rulers and elders and scribes, 6 and Annas the high priest and Caiaphas and John and Alexander, and as many as were of the family of the high priest, gathered together at Jerusalem. 7 And when they had set them in the midst, they asked, “By what power or by what name have you done this?” 8 Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers of the people and elders of Israel, 9 if we are being examined this day for the good deed done to the feeble man, by what means he has been healed, 10 let it be known to you all and to all the people of Israel that by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God raised from the dead, even by Him this man stands here before you healed. 11 This is the ‘stone that was rejected by you builders, which has become the head of the corner.’ 12 Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under
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heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” Preaching in the Name of Jesus Forbidden 13 Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marveled. And they recognized them, that they had been with Jesus. 14 And seeing the man who was healed standing with them, they could say nothing against it. 15 But when they had commanded them to go aside out of the council, they conferred among themselves, 16 saying, “What shall we do to these men? For indeed, that a notable miracle has been done by them is clear to all those who dwell in Jerusalem, and we cannot deny it. 17 But so that it spreads no further among the people, let us strictly threaten them, that from now on they speak to no man in this name.” 18 And they called them and commanded them not to speak at all or teach in the name of Jesus. 19 But Peter and John answered and said to them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. 20 For we cannot but speak the things that we have seen and heard.” 21 So when they had threatened them further, they let them go, finding no way in which they might punish them, because of the people, for all men glorified God for what had been done. 22 For the man on whom this miracle of healing was performed was over forty years old. 23 And being let go, they went to their own company and reported
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all that the chief priests and elders had said to them. 24 And when they heard that, they lifted up their voices to God with one accord and said, “Lord, You are God, who made heaven and earth and the sea and all that is in them, 25 who by the mouth of Your servant David has said, ‘Why did the nations rage and the people plot vain things? 26 The kings of the earth stood up, and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against His Christ.’ 27 For truly both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, were gathered together against Your holy child Jesus, whom You anointed, 28 to do whatever Your hand and Your counsel determined before to be done. 29 And now, Lord, behold their threats and grant to Your servants that they may speak Your word with all boldness, 30 by stretching out Your hand to heal, and that signs and wonders may be done by the name of Your holy child Jesus.” 31 And when they had prayed, the place where they were assembled together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and they spoke the word of God with boldness. State of the Church at Jerusalem 32 And the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and of one soul; none of them said that any of the things that he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness of the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And
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great grace was on them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked, for as many as were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them down at the apostles’ feet. And distribution was made to every man according to his need. 36 And Joseph, who was surnamed Barnabas by the apostles (which is, being interpreted, The Son of Consolation), a Levite from the country of Cyprus, 37 having land, sold it and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet. The Sin and Death of Ananias and Sapphira But a certain man named Ananias, with Sapphira his wife, sold a possession 2 and kept back part of the proceeds, his wife also being informed of it, and brought a certain part and laid it at the apostles’ feet. 3 But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back part of the proceeds of the land? 4 While it remained, was it not your own? And after it was sold, was it not in your own power? Why have you conceived this thing in your heart? You have lied not to men but to God.” 5 And hearing these words, Ananias fell down and gave up the spirit. And great fear came on all those who heard these things. 6 And the young men arose, wrapped him up, and carried him out and buried him. 7 And it was about the space of three hours afterward when his wife came in, not knowing what had
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Acts 5:18
happened. 8 And Peter answered to her, “Tell me whether you sold the land for so much.” And she said, “Yes, for so much.” 9 Then Peter said to her, “How is it that you have agreed together to test the Spirit of the Lord? Behold, the feet of those who have buried your husband are at the door and shall carry you out.” 10 Then she immediately fell down at his feet and yielded up the spirit. And the young men came in, and found her dead, and, carrying her out, buried her by her husband. 11 And great fear came on all the church and on as many as heard these things. Continuing Power in the Church 12 And many signs and wonders were worked by the hands of the apostles among the people. And they were all with one accord in Solomon’s Porch. 13 And none of the rest dared join himself to them, but the people magnified them. 14 And more believers were added to the Lord, multitudes of both men and women, 15 to such an extent that they brought out the sick into the streets and laid them on beds and couches, that at least the shadow of Peter passing by might overshadow some of them. 16 A multitude also came out of the cities all around Jerusalem, bringing sick folks and those who were afflicted with unclean spirits, and they were all healed. 17 Then the high priest rose up and all those who were with him (which is the sect of the Sadducees), and they were filled with indignation 18 and laid their hands on
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the apostles and put them in the common prison. 19 But by night the angel of the Lord opened the prison doors and brought them out and said, 20 “Go, stand in the temple and speak to the people all the words of this life.” 21 And when they heard that, they entered into the temple early in the morning and taught. But the high priest and those who were with him came and called the council together, and all the senate of the children of Israel, and sent to the prison to have them brought. 22 But when the officers came and did not find them in the prison, they returned and reported, 23 saying, “Truly we found the prison shut securely and the keepers standing outside before the doors, but when we had opened them, we found no man inside.” 24 Now when the high priest and the captain of the temple and the chief priests heard these things, they were perplexed as to what end this would grow. 25 Then one came and told them, saying, “Behold, the men whom you put in prison are standing in the temple and teaching the people.” 26 Then the captain went with the officers and brought them without violence, for they feared the people, lest they should be stoned. The Apostles Are Tried 27 And when they had brought them, they set them before the council. And the high priest asked them, 28 saying, “Did we not strictly command you that you should not teach in this name? And, behold, you have filled Jerusalem with your doctrine
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and intend to bring this man’s blood on us.” 29 Then Peter and the other apostles answered and said, “We ought to obey God rather than men. 30 The God of our fathers raised up J esus, whom you slew and hung on a tree. 31 God has exalted Him with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 32 And we are His witnesses of these things, and so also is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey Him.” 33 When they heard that, they were cut to the heart and took counsel to slay them. 34 Then one in the council, a Pharisee named Gamaliel, a teacher of the law held in reputation among all the people, stood up and commanded to put the apostles out for a little time, 35 and said to them, “Men of Israel, take heed to yourselves what you intend to do concerning these men. 36 For before these days Theudas rose up, boasting himself to be somebody, to whom a number of men, about four hundred, joined themselves. He was slain, and all who obeyed him were scattered and brought to nothing. 37 After this man, Judas of Galilee rose up in the days of the census and drew away many people after him. He also perished, and all who obeyed him were dispersed. 38 “And now I say to you, stay away from these men and leave them alone, for if this counsel or this work is of men, it will come to nothing, 39 but if it is of God, you cannot overthrow it, lest perhaps you may even be found to fight against God.”
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The Apostles Beaten 40 And they agreed with him. And when they had called the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. 41 And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. 42 And daily, in the temple and in every house, they did not cease to teach and preach Jesus Christ. The First Deacons And in those days, when the number of the disciples was multiplying, a murmuring arose by the Greeks against the Hebrews because their widows were neglected in the daily administration. 2 Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples to them and said, “It is not right that we should leave the word of God and serve tables. 3 Therefore, brothers, choose from among you seven men of honest reputation, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. 4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer and to the ministry of the word.” 5 And the saying pleased the whole multitude, and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas, a proselyte of Antioch, 6 whom they set before the apostles. And when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them. 7 And the word of God increased, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and
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Acts 7:2
a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith. Stephen Brought before the Council 8 And Stephen, full of faith and power, did great wonders and miracles among the people. 9 Then some arose from the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines—and Cyrenians and Alexandrians, and of those from Cilicia and from Asia—disputing with Stephen. 10 And they were not able to resist the wisdom and the Spirit by which he spoke. 11 Then they persuaded men who said, “We have heard him speak blasphemous words against Moses and against God.” 12 And they stirred up the people and the elders and the scribes, and came on him and caught him, and brought him to the council, 13 and set up false witnesses, who said, “This man does not cease to speak blasphemous words against this holy place and the law, 14 for we have heard him say that this Jesus of Nazareth shall destroy this place and shall change the customs that Moses delivered to us.” 15 And looking steadfastly on him, all who sat in the council saw his face as if it had been the face of an angel. Address of Stephen before the Council Then the high priest said, “Are these things so?” 2 And he said, “Men, brothers and fathers, listen. The God of glory appeared to our father Abraham when he was in Mesopotamia, before he
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dwelled in Haran, 3 and said to him, ‘Get out from your country and from your relatives and come into the land that I shall show you.’ 4 Then he came out of the land of the Chaldeans and dwelled in Haran. And from there, when his father was dead, He moved him into this land in which you now dwell. 5 And He gave him no inheritance in it, no, not so much as to set his foot on. Yet He promised that He would give it to him for a possession and to his descendants after him, when as yet he had no child. 6 And God spoke in this way, that his descendants would sojourn in a foreign land, and that they would bring them into bondage and mistreat them four hundred years. 7 ‘And I will judge the nation to whom they shall be in bondage,’ God said, ‘and after that they shall come out and serve Me in this place.’ 8 And He gave him the covenant of circumcision. And so Abraham begot Isaac and circumcised him on the eighth day, and Isaac begot Jacob, and Jacob begot the twelve patriarchs. 9 “And the patriarchs, moved with envy, sold Joseph into Egypt. But God was with him 10 and delivered him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom in the sight of Pharaoh, king of Egypt. And he made him governor over Egypt and all his house. 11 “Now a famine came over all the land of Egypt and Canaan, and great affliction, and our fathers found no sustenance. 12 But when Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent out our fathers the first time. 13 And at the second
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time Joseph was made known to his brothers, and Joseph’s family was made known to Pharaoh. 14 Then Joseph sent and called his father, Jacob, to him, and all his relatives, seventy-five souls. 15 So Jacob went down into Egypt and died, he and our fathers, 16 and they were carried over into Shechem and laid in the sepulchre that Abraham bought for a sum of money from the sons of Hamor, the father of Shechem.” The Calling of Moses 17 “But when the time of the promise drew near, which God had sworn to Abraham, the people grew and multiplied in Egypt 18 until another king arose who did not know Joseph. 19 The same dealt deceitfully with our people, and mistreated our fathers so that they cast out their young children, so they might not live. 20 “In that time Moses was born and was exceedingly beautiful and brought up for three months in his father’s house. 21 And when he was cast out, Pharaoh’s daughter took him up and brought him up as her own son. 22 And Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians and was mighty in words and in deeds. 23 “And when he was fully forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. 24 And seeing one of them suffer wrong, he defended him, and avenged him who was oppressed, and struck the Egyptian, 25 for he supposed his brothers would have understood that God would deliver them by his hand, but they did not
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understand. 26 And the next day he showed himself to them as they fought and wanted to reconcile them, saying, ‘Sirs, you are brothers. Why do you wrong one another?’ 27 “But he who did his neighbor wrong thrust him away, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge over us? 28 Will you kill me as you did the Egyptian yesterday?’ 29 Then, at this saying, Moses fled and was a stranger in the land of Midian, where he had two sons. 30 “And when forty years had ended, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in the wilderness of Mount Sinai, in a flame of fire in a bush. 31 When Moses saw it, he wondered at the sight. And as he drew near to see it, the voice of the Lord came to him, 32 saying, ‘I am the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob.’ Then Moses trembled and did not dare to look. 33 “Then the Lord said to him, ‘Take your shoes off your feet, for the place where you are standing is holy ground. 34 I have seen; I have seen the affliction of My people who are in Egypt, and I have heard their groaning and have come down to deliver them. And now come; I will send you into Egypt.’ 35 “This Moses, whom they refused, saying, ‘Who made you a ruler and a judge?’—the same God sent to be a ruler and a deliverer by the hand of the angel who appeared to him in the bush. 36 He brought them out, after he had shown wonders and signs in the land of Egypt and in the Red Sea and in the wilderness forty years.”
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Israel’s Rejection of God 37 “This is that Moses who said to the children of Israel, ‘The Lord your God shall raise up for you a Prophet similar to me from your brothers. You shall hear Him.’ 38 This is he who was in the congregation in the wilderness with the angel who spoke to him on Mount Sinai and with our fathers, who received the living words to give to us, 39 to whom our fathers would not obey but thrust him from them, and in their hearts turned back again into Egypt, 40 saying to Aaron, ‘Make us gods to go before us. For as for this Moses who brought us out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’ 41 And they made a calf in those days and offered sacrifices to the idol and rejoiced in the works of their own hands. 42 Then God turned and gave them up to worship the host of heaven, as it is written in the book of the Prophets: ‘Have you offered slain beasts and sacrifices to Me during the forty years in the wilderness, O house of Israel? 43 Yes, you took up the tabernacle of Moloch and the star of your god Rephan, figures that you made to worship. And I will carry you away beyond Babylon.’ 44 “Our fathers had the tabernacle of witness in the wilderness, as He had appointed, speaking to Moses that he should make it according to the fashion that he had seen, 45 which our fathers who came after also brought in with Joshua into the possession of the Gentiles, whom God drove out before the face of our fathers, to the days of David, 46 who found favor before God and desired
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to find a tabernacle for the God of Jacob. 47 But Solomon built Him a house. 48 Although the Most High does not dwell in temples made with hands, as the prophet says, 49 ‘Heaven is My throne, and earth is My footstool. What house will you build Me?’ says the Lord, ‘Or what is the place of My rest? 50 Has My hand not made all these things?’ 51 “You stiff-necked people, and uncircumcised in heart and ears. You always resist the Holy Spirit. As your fathers did, so do you. 52 Which of the prophets did your fathers not persecute? And they have slain those who foretold the coming of the Just One, of whom you have now become the betrayers and murderers, 53 who have received the law by the disposition of angels and have not kept it.” The First Martyr and the First Mention of Saul 54 When they heard these things, they were cut to the heart, and they gnashed at him with their teeth. 55 But he, being full of the Holy Spirit, looked up steadfastly into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God, 56 and said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” 57 Then they cried out with a loud voice, and stopped their ears, and ran at him with one accord, 58 and cast him out of the city, and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man’s feet, whose name was Saul. 59 And they stoned Stephen as
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he was calling on God and saying, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” 60 And he knelt down and cried with a loud voice, “Lord, do not lay this sin to their charge.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Saul the Chief Persecutor And Saul was consenting to his death. And at that time there was a great persecution against the church that was at Jerusalem. And they were all scattered out throughout the regions of Judea and Samaria, except the apostles. 2 And devout men carried Stephen to his burial and made great lamentation over him. 3 As for Saul, he began destroying the church, entering into every house and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. 4 Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.
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The Ministry of Philip 5 Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria and preached Christ to them. 6 And the people with one accord gave heed to those things that Philip spoke, hearing and seeing the miracles that he did. 7 For unclean spirits, crying with loud voices, came out of many who were possessed with them. And many who were paralyzed and who were lame were healed. 8 And there was great joy in that city. 9 But there was a certain man called Simon, who in the same city formerly used sorcery and bewitched the people of Samaria, saying that he was some great one,
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the least to the greatest, saying, “This man is the great power of God.” 11 And they gave regard to him because for a long time he had bewitched them with sorceries. 12 But when they believed Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. 13 Then Simon himself also believed, and when he was baptized, he continued with Philip and wondered as he saw the miracles and signs that were done. 14 Now when the apostles who were in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had received the word of God, they sent Peter and John to them, 15 who, when they came down, prayed for them that they might receive the Holy Spirit. 16 (For as yet He had not fallen on any of them; they had only been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus.) 17 Then they laid their hands on them and they received the Holy Spirit. 18 And when Simon saw that the Holy Spirit was given through laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money, 19 saying, “Give me this power also, that on whomever I lay hands, he may receive the Holy Spirit.” 20 But Peter said to him, “May your money perish with you because you thought that the gift of God could be purchased with money. 21 You have neither part nor lot in this matter, for your heart is not right in the sight of God. 22 Therefore, repent of this wickedness of yours, and pray
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Acts 8:32
to God; perhaps the thought of your heart may be forgiven you. 23 For I perceive that you are in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity.” 24 Then Simon answered and said, “Pray to the Lord for me, that none of these things that you have spoken come on me.” 25 And when they had testified and preached the word of the Lord, they returned to Jerusalem and preached the gospel in many villages of the Samaritans. 26 And the angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, “Arise, and go toward the south to the road that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza, which is desolate.” 27 And he arose and went. And behold, a man of Ethiopia, a eunuch of great authority under Candace, queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure and had come to Jerusalem to worship, 28 was returning and sitting in his chariot reading Isaiah the prophet. Philip Ministers to the Eunuch 29 Then the Spirit said to Philip, “Go near and join yourself to this chariot.” 30 And Philip ran to him, and heard him reading the prophet Isaiah, and said, “Do you understand what you are reading?” 31 And he said, “How can I, unless some man should guide me?” And he asked Philip if he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the scripture that he read was this: “He was led like a sheep to the slaughter, and like a lamb before its shearer is silent, so He did not open
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His mouth. 33 In His humiliation His judgment was taken away. And who shall declare His generation? For His life is taken from the earth.” 34 And the eunuch answered Philip and said, “I ask you, of whom does the prophet speak, of himself or of some other man?” 35 Then Philip opened his mouth and, beginning at the same scripture, preached Jesus to him. 36 And as they went on their way, they came to some water, and the eunuch said, “See, here is water! What hinders me from being baptized?” 37 And Philip said, “If you believe with all your heart, you may.” And he answered and said, “I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.” 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still, and they went down into the water, both Philip and the eunuch, and he baptized him. 39 And when they had come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord took Philip away, so that the eunuch saw him no more, and he went on his way rejoicing. 40 But Philip was found at Azotus. And passing through, he preached in all the cities until he came to Caesarea. The Conversion of Saul And Saul, still breathing out threats and slaughter against the disciples of the Lord, went to the high priest 2 and desired letters from him to the synagogues in Damascus, that if he found anyone of this Way, whether they were men or women, he might bring them bound to Jerusalem. 3 And as he journeyed, he came
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near Damascus, and suddenly a light from heaven shone all around him. 4 And he fell to the earth and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?” 5 And he said, “Who are You, Lord?” And the Lord said, “I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. It is hard for you to kick against the goads.” 6 And trembling and astonished, he said, “Lord, what do You want me to do?” And the Lord said to him, “Arise, and go into the city, and it shall be told to you what you must do.” 7 And the men who journeyed with him stood speechless, hearing a voice but seeing no man. 8 And Saul arose from the earth, and when his eyes were opened, he saw no man. But they led him by the hand and brought him into Damascus. 9 And for three days he was without sight and neither ate nor drank. 10 And there was a certain disciple at Damascus named Ananias. And the Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Behold, I am here, Lord.” 11 And the Lord said to him, “Arise and go to the street that is called Straight, and inquire in the house of Judas for one called Saul of Tarsus. For, behold, he is praying, 12 and in a vision has seen a man named Ananias coming in and putting his hand on him, that he might receive his sight.” 13 Then Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done
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to Your saints in Jerusalem. 14 And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on Your name.” 15 But the Lord said to him, “Go your way, for he is a chosen vessel for Me, to bear My name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. 16 For I will show him how many things he must suffer for My name’s sake.” 17 And Ananias went his way, and entered into the house, and putting his hands on him said, “Brother Saul, the Lord, even Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me, that you might receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” Saul (Paul) Is Baptized 18 And immediately something like scales fell from his eyes, and he received sight immediately and arose and was baptized. 19 And when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then for some days Saul was with the disciples who were at Damascus. 20 And immediately he preached Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 21 But all who heard him were amazed and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem and has come here for that intent, that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength and confounded the Jews who dwelled at Damascus, proving that this is truly Christ. 23 And after many days were fulfilled, the Jews took counsel to kill him, 24 but their plot was known by
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Saul. And they watched the gates day and night to kill him. 25 Then the disciples took him by night and let him down by the wall in a basket. 26 And when Saul had come to Jerusalem, he tried to join himself to the disciples. But they were all afraid of him and did not believe that he was a disciple. 27 But Bar nabas took him and brought him to the apostles and declared to them how he had seen the Lord on the road, and that He had spoken to him, and how at Damascus he had preached boldly in the name of Jesus. 28 And he was coming in and going out with them in Jerusalem. 29 And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Greeks. But they went about to slay him. 30 When the brothers learned of it, they brought him down to Caesarea and sent him forth to Tarsus. 31 Then the churches throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had rest and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. 32 And it came to pass, as Peter passed throughout all the regions, he also came down to the saints who dwelled at Lydda. 33 And there he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” And he arose immediately. 35 And all who dwelled at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.
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Tabitha Raised from the Dead 36 Now at Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha (who by interpretation is called Dorcas). This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds that she did. 37 And it came to pass in those days that she became sick and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper chamber. 38 And since Lydda was near to Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, desiring that he would not delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him into the upper chamber. And all the widows stood by him, weeping and showing the coats and garments that Dorcas had made while she was with them. 40 But Peter put them all out and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes. And when she saw Peter, she sat up. 41 And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. And when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord. 43 And it came to pass that he remained in Joppa many days with Simon, a tanner. The Gospel Given to Gentiles There was a certain man in Caesarea called Cornelius, a centurion of the cohort called the Italian Cohort, 2 a devout man and one who feared God with all his house, who gave many charitable gifts to the people and always
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prayed to God. 3 About the ninth hour of the day he clearly saw in a vision an angel of God coming to him and saying to him, “Cornelius.” 4 And when he looked at him, he was afraid and said, “What is it, Lord?” And he said to him, “Your prayers and your charitable gifts have come up for a memorial before God. 5 And now send men to Joppa and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter. 6 He is lodging with Simon, a tanner, whose house is by the seaside. He shall tell you what you ought to do.” 7 And when the angel who spoke to Cornelius had departed, he called two of his household servants and a devout soldier from those who waited on him continually. 8 And when he had declared all these things to them, he sent them to Joppa. 9 On the next day, as they went on their journey and drew near the city, Peter went up on the housetop about the sixth hour to pray. 10 And he became very hungry and wanted to eat, but while they made preparations, he fell into a trance 11 and saw heaven opened and a certain vessel descending on him, as if it had been a great sheet tied at the four corners and let down to the earth, 12 in which were all manner of four-footed beasts of the earth and wild beasts and creeping things and fowl of the air. 13 And a voice came to him, “Rise, Peter; kill and eat.” 14 But Peter said, “Not so, Lord, for I have never eaten anything that is common or unclean.” 15 And the voice spoke to him again the second time, “What God
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has cleansed, do not call that common.” 16 This was done three times, and the vessel was received up into heaven again. 17 Now while Peter doubted in himself what this vision that he had seen should mean, behold, the men who had been sent from Cornelius made inquiry for Simon’s house and stood before the gate, 18 and called and asked whether Simon, who was surnamed Peter, was lodging there. 19 While Peter thought about the vision, the Spirit said to him, “Behold, three men are seeking you. 20 Arise therefore and get down and go with them, doubting nothing, for I have sent them.” 21 Then Peter went down to the men who had been sent to him from Cornelius and said, “Behold, I am he whom you seek. What is the reason for which you have come?” 22 And they said, “Cornelius the centurion, a just man and one who fears God and has a good reputation among all the nation of the Jews, was warned by a holy angel from God to send for you to come to his house and to hear words from you.” 23 Then he called them in and gave them lodging. And on the next day Peter went away with them, and some brothers from Joppa accompanied him. Peter Goes to Caesarea 24 And the next day they entered into Caesarea. And Cornelius was waiting for them and had called together his relatives and close friends. 25 And as Peter was coming in, Cornelius met him and fell down at his feet and worshipped
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him. 26 But Peter took him up, saying, “Stand up; I myself am also a man.” 27 And as he talked with him, he went in and found many who had come together. 28 And he said to them, “You know how it is an unlawful thing for a man who is a Jew to keep company with or visit someone of another nation, but God has shown me that I should not call any man common or unclean. 29 Therefore as soon as I was sent for, I came to you without objection. I ask, therefore, for what intent have you sent for me?” 30 And Cornelius said, “Four days ago I was fasting until this hour, and I prayed in my house at the ninth hour. And behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing 31 and said, ‘Cornelius, your prayer has been heard, and your charitable gifts have been remembered in the sight of God. 32 Send therefore to Joppa and call Simon here, whose surname is Peter. He is lodging in the house of Simon, a tanner, by the seaside. When he comes, he shall speak to you.’ 33 Therefore I sent to you immediately, and you have done well that you have come. Now, therefore, we are all here, present before God, to hear all things that you have been commanded by God.” Salvation through Faith 34 Then Peter opened his mouth and said: “Truly I perceive that God shows no partiality, 35 but in every nation he who fears Him and works righteousness is accepted by Him. 36 The word that God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ (He is Lord of all),
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37 that word, I say, you know, which
was proclaimed throughout all Judea and began from Galilee after the baptism that John preached: 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. 39 “And we are witnesses of all things that He did both in the land of the Jews and in Jerusalem, whom they slew and hung on a tree. 40 God raised Him up the third day and showed Him openly, 41 not to all the people, but to witnesses chosen before by God, even to us who ate and drank with Him after He rose from the dead. 42 And He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be the Judge of the living and the dead. 43 To Him all the prophets give witness, that through His name, whoever believes in Him shall receive remission of sins.” 44 While Peter still spoke these words, the Holy Spirit fell on all those who heard the word. 45 And those of the circumcision who believed, as many as came with Peter, were astonished because the gift of the Holy Spirit was also poured out on the Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speak with tongues and magnify God. Then Peter answered, 47 “Can any man forbid water, that these should not be baptized who have received the Holy Spirit just as we have?” 48 And he commanded them to be baptized in the name of the Lord. Then they asked him to remain for some days.
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Peter Vindicates His Ministry to Gentiles And the apostles and brothers who were in Judea heard that the Gentiles had also received the word of God. 2 And when Peter had come up to Jerusalem, those who were of the circumcision contended with him, 3 saying, “You went to uncircumcised men and ate with them.” 4 But Peter rehearsed the matter from the beginning and expounded it to them by order, saying: 5 “I was in the city of Joppa praying, and in a trance I saw a vision, a certain vessel descending as if it were a great sheet let down from heaven by four corners, and it came even to me. 6 When I had fastened my eyes on it, I considered and saw four-footed beasts of the earth and wild beasts and creeping things and fowl of the air. 7 And I heard a voice saying to me, ‘Arise, Peter; slay and eat.’ 8 “But I said, ‘Not so, Lord, for nothing common or unclean has entered into my mouth at any time.’ 9 “But the voice answered me again from heaven, ‘What God has cleansed, do not call that common.’ 10 “And this was done three times, and all was drawn up again into heaven. 11 And behold, immediately there were three men who had already come to the house where I was, sent to me from Caesarea. 12 And the Spirit told me to go with them, doubting nothing. Moreover, these six brothers accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house. 13 And he showed us how he had seen an angel in his house, who stood and said to him, ‘Send
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men to Joppa and call for Simon, whose surname is Peter, 14 who shall tell you words by which you and all your house shall be saved.’ 15 “And as I began to speak, the Holy Spirit fell on them, as He did on us at the beginning. 16 Then I remembered the word of the Lord, how He said, ‘John indeed baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit.’ 17 Because God gave them the same gift as He did to us, who believed on the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I could withstand God?” 18 When they heard these things, they were silent and glorified God, saying, “Then God has also granted to the Gentiles repentance to life.” The Church at Antioch, The New Name 19 Now those who were scattered because of the persecution that arose about Stephen traveled as far as Phoenicia and Cyprus and Antioch, preaching the word to no one but to the Jews only. 20 And some of them were men from Cyprus and Cyrene, who, when they came to Antioch, spoke to the Greeks, preaching the Lord Jesus. 21 And the hand of the Lord was with them, and a great number believed and turned to the Lord. 22 Then news of these things came to the ears of the church that was in Jerusalem, and they sent forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch. 23 When he came and saw the grace of God, he was glad and exhorted them all that with purpose of heart they would cling to the Lord. 24 For he was a good man and
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full of the Holy Spirit and of faith. And many people were added to the Lord. 25 Then Barnabas departed to Tarsus to seek Saul, 26 and when he had found him, he brought him to Antioch. And it came to pass that for a whole year they assembled themselves with the church and taught many people. And the disciples were first called Christians in Antioch. The Church at Antioch Sends Relief to Jerusalem 27 And in these days prophets came from Jerusalem to Antioch. 28 And one of them named Agabus stood up and signified by the Spirit that there would be great famine throughout all the world, which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar. 29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief to the brothers dwelling in Judea, 30 which they also did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul. The Arrest of Peter Now about that time Herod the king stretched out his hands to trouble some from the church. 2 And he killed James the brother of John with the sword. 3 And because he saw it pleased the Jews, he proceeded further to take Peter also. (These were the days of Unleavened Bread.) 4 And when he had apprehended him, he put him in prison and delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers to guard him, intending to bring him forth to the people after Easter.
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Praying for Peter’s Deliverance, and Angel Sent 5 Therefore Peter was kept in prison, but prayer for him was made to God without ceasing by the church. 6 And the same night when Herod wanted to bring him forth, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains. And the keepers before the door guarded the prison. 7 And behold, the angel of the Lord came to him, and a light shone in the prison. And he struck Peter on the side and raised him up, saying, “Rise up quickly.” And his chains fell off from his hands. 8 And the angel said to him, “Gird yourself and tie on your sandals.” And he did so. And he said to him, “Cast your garment around you and follow me.” 9 And he went out and followed him, and did not know that what was done by the angel was true, but thought he saw a vision. 10 When they were past the first and the second guard, they came to the iron gate that leads to the city, which opened to them of its own accord. And they went out and passed on through one street, and immediately the angel departed from him. 11 And when Peter had come to himself, he said, “Now I know for certain that the Lord has sent His angel and has delivered me out of the hand of Herod and from all the expectation of the people of the Jews.” 12 And when he had considered this, he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark, where many were gathered together praying. 13 And as Peter knocked at the door of the
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gate, a young woman named Rhoda came to answer. 14 And when she recognized Peter’s voice, for gladness she did not open the gate but ran in and told how Peter stood before the gate. 15 And they said to her, “You are mad.” But she constantly affirmed that it was even so. Then they said, “It is his angel.” 16 But Peter continued knocking, and when they had opened the door and saw him, they were astonished. 17 But he, beckoning to them with the hand to remain silent, declared to them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, “Go tell these things to James and to the brothers.” And he departed and went to another place. 18 Now as soon as it was day, there was no small stir among the soldiers about what had become of Peter. 19 And when Herod had sought for him and had not found him, he examined the keepers and commanded that they should be put to death. And he went down from Judea to Caesarea and remained there. Death of Herod 20 And Herod was highly displeased with those of Tyre and Sidon, but they came to him with one accord and, having made Blastus, the king’s chamberlain, their friend, desired peace, because their country was nourished by the king’s country. 21 And on a set day Herod, arrayed in royal apparel, sat on his throne and made an oration to them. 22 And the people gave a shout, saying, “It is the voice of a god and not of a man!”
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immediately the angel of the Lord struck him because he did not give God the glory. And he was eaten by worms and gave up the spirit. 24 But the word of God grew and multiplied. 25 And Barnabas and Saul returned from Jerusalem when they had fulfilled their ministry, and took with them John, whose surname was Mark. Saul and Barnabas Called by the Holy Spirit Now in the church that was at Antioch there were certain prophets and teachers: Barna bas, and Simeon who was called Niger, and Lucius of Cyrene, and Manaen who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch, and Saul. 2 As they ministered to the Lord and fasted, the Holy Spirit said, “Separate Barnabas and Saul for Me for the work to which I have called them.” 3 And when they had fasted and prayed and laid their hands on them, they sent them away. 4 So, being sent forth by the Holy Spirit, they departed to Seleucia, and from there they sailed to Cyprus. 5 And when they were at Sal amis, they preached the word of God in the synagogues of the Jews. And they also had John as their assistant.
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Opposition from Satan 6 And when they had gone through the isle to Paphos, they found a certain sorcerer, a false prophet, a Jew whose name was Bar-Jesus, 7 who was with the deputy of the
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country, Sergius Paulus, a prudent man, who called for Barnabas and Saul and desired to hear the word of God. 8 But Elymas the sorcerer (for so is his name by interpretation) withstood them, seeking to turn the deputy away from the faith. 9 Then Saul (who also is called Paul), filled with the Holy Spirit, set his eyes on him 10 and said, “O full of all deceit and all evil, you child of the devil, you enemy of all righteousness, will you not cease perverting the right ways of the Lord? 11 And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is on you, and you shall be blind, not seeing the sun for a season.” And immediately a mist and a darkness fell on him, and he went about seeking someone to lead him by the hand. Preaching at Antioch 12 Then the deputy believed when he saw what had been done, being astonished at the doctrine of the Lord. 13 Now when Paul and his company set sail from Paphos, they came to Perga in Pamphylia. And John, departing from them, returned to Jerusalem. 14 But when they departed from Perga, they came to Antioch in Pisidia and on the Sabbath day went into the synagogue and sat down. 15 And after the reading of the Law and the Prophets, the rulers of the synagogue sent to them, saying, “Men and brothers, if you have any word of exhortation for the people, say it.” 16 Then Paul stood up and, beckoning with his hand, said, “Men of Israel and you who fear God, listen. 17 The God of this people of Israel
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chose our fathers and exalted the people when they dwelled as foreigners in the land of Egypt, and with an uplifted arm He brought them out of it. 18 And for the time of about forty years He put up with their behavior in the wilderness. 19 And when He had destroyed seven nations in the land of Canaan, He divided their land to them by lot. 20 And after that He gave judges to them for about four hundred and fifty years, until Samuel the prophet. 21 “And afterward they desired a king, and God gave to them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for the time of forty years. 22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David to be their king, to whom He also gave testimony and said, ‘I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who shall fulfill all My will.’ 23 “From this man’s descendants, according to His promise, God raised for Israel a Savior, Jesus, 24 when, before His coming, John had first preached the baptism of repentance to all the people of Israel. 25 And as John fulfilled his course, he said, ‘Who do you think that I am? I am not He. But behold, One comes after me whose shoes of His feet I am not worthy to untie.’ 26 “Men and brothers, children of the stock of Abraham, and whoever among you fears God, the word of this salvation is sent to you. 27 For those who dwell in Jerusalem and their rulers, because they did not know Him or yet the voices of the prophets that are read every
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Sabbath day, they have fulfilled them in condemning Him. 28 And though they found no cause of death in Him, yet they asked Pilate that He should be slain. 29 “And when they had fulfilled all that was written of Him, they took Him down from the tree and laid Him in a sepulchre. 30 But God raised Him from the dead, 31 and for many days He was seen by those who came up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, who are His witnesses to the people. 32 “And we declare to you glad tidings—how the promise that was made to the fathers, 33 God has fulfilled the same to us their children in that He has raised up Jesus again, as it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son; this day I have begotten You.’ 34 And concerning that He raised Him up from the dead, now no more to return to corruption, He said in this way: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’ 35 Therefore He also says in another psalm: ‘You shall not allow Your Holy One to see corruption.’ 36 For David, after he had served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep and was laid with his fathers and saw corruption, 37 but He whom God raised again saw no corruption. 38 “Therefore let it be known to you, men and brothers, that through this man the forgiveness of sins is preached to you, 39 and by Him all who believe are justified from all things, from which you could not be justified by the law of Moses. 40 Beware, therefore, lest what is spoken of in the Prophets comes on you:
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1449 41 ‘Behold, you despisers, and won-
der and perish. For I work a work in your days, a work that you shall in no way believe, even if a man were to declare it to you.’” 42 And when the Jews had gone out of the synagogue, the Gentiles begged that these words might be preached to them the next Sabbath. 43 Now when the congregation had broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God. Opposition from the Jews 44 And the next Sabbath day almost the whole city came together to hear the word of God. 45 But when the Jews saw the multitudes, they were filled with envy and spoke against those things that were spoken by Paul, contradicting and blaspheming. 46 Then Paul and Barnabas grew bold and said, “It was necessary that the word of God should have been spoken to you first. But seeing you put it from you and judge yourselves unworthy of everlasting life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles. 47 For so the Lord has commanded us, saying, ‘I have set you to be a light to the Gentiles, that you should be for salvation to the ends of the earth.’” 48 And when the Gentiles heard this, they were glad and glorified the word of the Lord, and as many as were ordained to eternal life believed. 49 And the word of the Lord was proclaimed throughout all the region.
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50 But the Jews stirred up the de-
vout and honorable women and the chief men of the city, and raised persecution against Paul and Barna bas, and expelled them out of their territory. 51 But they shook off the dust from their feet against them and went to Iconium. 52 And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. The Work in Iconium And it came to pass in Iconium that they both went together into the synagogue of the Jews and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and also of the Greeks believed. 2 But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and agitated their minds against the brothers. 3 Therefore they remained there a long time, speaking boldly in the Lord, who gave testimony to the word of His grace and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands. 4 But the multitude of the city was divided, and part held with the Jews and part with the apostles. 5 And when an assault was made both by the Gentiles and also by the Jews with their rulers, to use them despitefully and to stone them, 6 they became aware of it and fled to Lystra and Derbe, cities of Lycaonia, and to the surrounding region, 7 and they preached the gospel there. 8 And at Lystra a certain man was sitting, weak in his feet, who had never walked, being lame from his mother’s womb. 9 The same man heard Paul speak. Paul, steadfastly looking at him and perceiving that he had faith to be healed, 10 said
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with a loud voice, “Stand upright on your feet.” And he leaped and walked. 11 And when the people saw what Paul had done, they lifted up their voices, saying in the speech of Lycaonia, “The gods have come down to us in the likeness of men!” 12 And Barnabas they called Jupiter, and Paul, Mercurius, because he was the chief speaker. 13 Then the priest of Jupiter, who was before their city, brought oxen and garlands to the gates and wanted to sacrifice with the people. 14 But when the apostles Barnabas and Paul heard about it, they tore their clothes and ran in among the people, crying out 15 and saying, “Sirs, why are you doing these things? We also are men of similar passions as you, and preach to you that you should turn from these vanities to the living God, who made heaven and earth and the sea and all things that are in them, 16 who in times past allowed all nations to walk in their own ways. 17 Nevertheless He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good and gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” 18 And with these sayings they scarcely restrained the people, that they should not sacrifice to them.
around him, he rose up and came into the city. And the next day he departed with Barnabas to Derbe. 21 And when they had preached the gospel to that city and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra and to Iconium and Antioch, 22 confirming the souls of the disciples and exhorting them to continue in the faith and that through much tribulation we must enter into the kingdom of God.
Paul Stoned at Lystra 19 And certain Jews from Antioch and Iconium came there, who persuaded the people and, having stoned Paul, drew him out of the city, supposing he was dead. 20 However, as the disciples stood all
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Elders Appointed in Every Church 23 And when they had ordained elders for them in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord in whom they believed. 24 And after they had passed throughout Pisidia, they came to Pamphylia. 25 And when they had preached the word in Perga, they went down into Attalia 26 and from there sailed to Antioch, from where they had been commended to the grace of God for the work that they fulfilled. 27 And when they had come and had gathered the church together, they rehearsed all that God had done with them and how He had opened the door of faith to the Gentiles. 28 And they remained there a long time with the disciples. Council at Jerusalem And certain men who came down from Judea taught the brothers and said, “Unless you are circumcised according to the manner of Moses, you cannot be saved.” 2 Therefore, when Paul and Barna bas had no small dissension and
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debate with them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas and certain others of them should go up to Jerusalem to the apostles and elders about this question. 3 And being brought on their way by the church, they passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, declaring the conversion of the Gentiles, and they caused great joy to all the brothers. 4 And when they had come to Jerusalem, they were received by the church and by the apostles and elders, and they declared all things that God had done with them. The Questions at Issue 5 But some of the sect of the Pharisees who believed rose up, saying that it was necessary to circumcise them and to command them to keep the law of Moses. 6 And the apostles and elders came together to consider this matter. 7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up and said to them, “Men and brothers, you know that a good while ago God made a choice among us that by my mouth the Gentiles should hear the word of the gospel and believe. 8 And God, who knows the heart, bore witness to them, giving them the Holy Spirit, even as He did to us, 9 and put no difference between us and them, purifying their hearts by faith. 10 Now, therefore, why do you test God by putting a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear? 11 But we believe that we shall be saved through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, even as they shall.”
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Acts 15:23 12 Then all the multitude kept silent
and listened to Barnabas and Paul declaring the miracles and wonders God had worked through them among the Gentiles. 13 And after they had become silent, James answered, saying, “Men and brothers, listen to me. 14 Simon has declared how God first visited the Gentiles to take out from them a people for His name. 15 And the words of the prophets agree to this, as it is written: 16 ‘After this I will return and will build again the tabernacle of David that has fallen down. And I will build again its ruins, and I will set it up, 17 that the rest of mankind might seek after the Lord, and all the Gentiles who are called by My name, says the Lord, who does all these things.’ 18 All His works are known to God from the beginning of the world. 19 “Therefore my judgment is that we should not trouble those who turn to God from among the Gentiles, 20 but that we write to them to abstain from the pollutions of idols, and from fornication, and from things that have been strangled, and from blood. 21 For Moses of old has had those who preach him in every city, being read in the synagogues every Sabbath day.” 22 Then it pleased the apostles and elders, with the whole church, to send chosen men from their own company to Antioch with Paul and Barnabas—namely, Judas, surnamed Barsabbas, and Silas, chief men among the brothers. 23 And they wrote letters by them according to this manner: “The apostles and elders and brothers
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send greetings to the brothers who are of the Gentiles in Antioch and Syria and Cilicia. 24 Since we have heard that certain ones who went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, ‘You must be circumcised and keep the law’—to whom we gave no such commandment— 25 it seemed good to us, being assembled with one accord, to send chosen men to you with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, 26 men who have risked their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. 27 Therefore we have sent Judas and Silas, who shall also tell you the same things by mouth. 28 For it seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us to lay on you no greater burden than these necessary things: 29 that you abstain from meat offered to idols, and from blood, and from things that have been strangled, and from fornication. If you keep yourselves from these, you shall do well. Farewell.” 30 So when they were dismissed, they came to Antioch. And when they had gathered the multitude together, they delivered the letter, 31 which, when they had read it, they rejoiced for the consolation. 32 And Judas and Silas, also being prophets themselves, exhorted the brothers with many words and confirmed them. 33 And after they had remained there a time, they were sent back from the brothers in peace to the apostles. 34 However, it pleased Silas to remain there still. 35 Paul and Barnabas also continued in Antioch, teaching and preaching the word of the Lord, with many others also.
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Paul’s Second Missionary Journey and the Selection of Silas 36 And after some days Paul said to Barnabas, “Let us go again and visit our brothers in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord and see how they are doing.” 37 And Barnabas determined to take John, whose surname was Mark, with them. 38 But Paul did not think it good to take with them him who had departed from them in Pamphylia and had not gone with them to the work. 39 And the contention was so sharp between them that they departed separately, one from the other. And so Barnabas took Mark and sailed to Cyprus. 40 And Paul chose Silas and departed, having been recommended by the brothers to the grace of God. 41 And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. Paul Finds Timothy Then he came to Derbe and Lystra. And behold, a certain disciple was there named Timothy, the son of a certain woman who was a Jew and believed, but his father was a Greek. 2 He was well spoken of by the brothers who were at Lystra and Iconium. 3 Paul wanted him to go forth with him and took and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those regions, for they all knew that his father was a Greek. 4 And as they went through the cities, they delivered to them the decrees to keep that were ordained by the apostles and elders who were at Jerusalem. 5 And so the churches were established in the faith and increased in number daily.
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when they had gone throughout Phrygia and the region of Galatia, and were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia, 7 after they had come to Mysia, they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not allow them. 8 And passing by Mysia, they came down to Troas. 9 And a vision appeared to Paul in the night: a man of Macedonia stood there and begged him, saying, “Come over into Macedonia and help us.” 10 And after he had seen the vision, we immediately endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us to preach the gospel to them. 11 Therefore, setting sail from Troas, we came with a straight course to Samothrace, and the next day to Neapolis. Paul and Silas at Philippi 12 And from there we went to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia and a colony. And we were staying some days in that city. 13 And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was accustomed to be made. And we sat down and spoke to the women who met there. 14 And a certain woman named Lydia, a seller of purple from the city of Thyatira who worshipped God, heard us. The Lord opened her heart, and she paid attention to the things that were spoken by Paul. 15 And when she was baptized, and her household, she begged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay
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there.” And she compelled us. 16 And it came to pass, as we went to prayer, a certain young woman possessed with a spirit of divination met us, who brought her masters much gain by fortune-telling. 17 The same followed Paul and us and cried, saying, “These men are the servants of the Most High God, who show to us the way of salvation.” 18 And she did this many days. But Paul, being grieved, turned and said to the spirit, “I command you in the name of Jesus Christ to come out of her.” And it came out the same hour. 19 And when her masters saw that the hope of their gains was gone, they caught Paul and Silas, and dragged them into the marketplace to the rulers, 20 and brought them to the magistrates, saying, “These men, being Jews, exceedingly trouble our city 21 and teach customs that are not lawful for us, being Romans, to receive or to observe.” 22 And the multitude rose up together against them, and the magistrates tore off their clothes and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many lashes on them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailer to guard them safely. 24 Having received such a charge, he thrust them into the inner prison and made their feet fast in the stocks. Conversion of the Philippian Jailer 25 And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed and sang praises to God, and the prisoners heard them. 26 And suddenly there was a great
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earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s chains were loosened. 27 And the keeper of the prison, awaking out of his sleep and seeing the prison doors open, drew out his sword and thought to kill himself, supposing that the prisoners had fled. 28 But Paul cried with a loud voice, saying, “Do not harm yourself, for we are all here.” 29 Then he called for a light and sprang in, and came trembling and fell down before Paul and Silas, 30 and brought them out and said, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” 31 And they said, “Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you shall be saved, and your house.” 32 And they spoke the word of the Lord to him and to all who were in his house. 33 And he took them the same hour of the night and washed their wounds, and immediately was baptized, he and all his household. 34 And when he had brought them into his house, he set food before them and rejoiced, believing in God with all his house. 35 And when it was day, the magistrates sent the officers, saying, “Let those men go.” 36 And the keeper of the prison told this saying to Paul: “The magistrates have sent to let you go. Now therefore, depart and go in peace.” 37 But Paul said to them, “They have beaten us openly, without a trial, being Romans, and have cast us into prison. And now they are sending us out secretly? No, truly! But let them come themselves and take us out.”
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38 And the officers told these words
to the magistrates, and they were afraid when they heard that they were Romans. 39 And they came and begged them, and brought them out, and asked them to depart out of the city. 40 And they went out of the prison and entered into the house of Lydia. And when they had seen the brothers, they comforted them and departed. Founding of the Church at Thessalonica Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessaloni ca, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. 2 And Paul, as his custom was, went in to them and for three Sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, 3 opening and alleging that Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, “This Jesus, whom I preach to you, is Christ.” 4 And some of them believed and consorted with Paul and Silas, and a great multitude of the devout Greeks, and not a few of the chief women.
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Jewish Opposition at Thessalonica 5 But the Jews who did not believe, moved with envy, took certain lewd fellows of the lower sort and gathered a company, and set all the city in an uproar. And they assaulted the house of Jason and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 And when they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some brothers to the rulers of the city, crying, “These who have turned the world upside down
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have also come here. 7 Jason has received them, and they all are acting contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.” 8 And they troubled the people and the rulers of the city when they heard these things. 9 And when they had taken security from Jason and from the others, they let them go. Paul and Silas in Berea 10 And the brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and arriving there they went into the synagogue of the Jews. 11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind and searched the scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. 12 Therefore many of them believed, also not a few honorable women, who were Greeks, and men. 13 But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached by Paul at Berea, they came there also and stirred up the people. 14 And then the brothers immediately sent Paul away to go, as it were, to the sea. But Silas and Timothy remained there still. 15 And those who conducted Paul brought him to Athens, and receiving a commandment to Silas and Timothy for them to come to him with all speed, they departed. The Philosophers in Athens 16 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry. 17 Therefore he disputed in the synagogue with the Jews and
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with the devout persons and in the market daily with those who met with him. 18 Then some philosophers of the Epicureans and of the Stoics encountered him. And some said, “What will this babbler say?” Some others, “He seems to be a proclaimer of foreign gods,” because he preached Jesus and the resurrection to them. 19 And they took him and brought him to the Areopagus, saying, “May we know what this new doctrine is of which you speak? 20 For you are bringing certain strange things to our ears. Therefore we want to know what these things mean.” 21 (For all the Athenians and foreigners who were there spent their time in nothing else but either to tell or to hear some new thing.) The Sermon from Mars’ Hill 22 Then Paul stood in the midst of Mars’ Hill and said: “Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are too superstitious. 23 For as I passed by and saw your devotions, I found an altar with this inscription: ‘To the Unknown God.’ Therefore whom you worship ignorantly, I declare Him to you. 24 “God, who made the world and all things in it, seeing that He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. 25 Nor is He worshipped with men’s hands, as though He needed anything, seeing He gives to all life and breath and all things, 26 and has made from one blood all nations of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined the
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times previously appointed and the boundaries of their habitation, 27 that they should seek the Lord, if perhaps they might feel for Him and find Him, though He is not far from every one of us. 28 For in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, ‘For we are also His offspring.’ 29 “Since, then, we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is similar to gold or silver or stone, engraved by art and man’s device. 30 And God winked at the times of this ignorance but now commands all men everywhere to repent, 31 because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He has ordained, by which He has given assurance to all men in that He has raised Him from the dead.” 32 And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked. And others said, “We will hear you again about this matter.” 33 So Paul departed from among them. 34 However some men clung to him and believed, among whom was Dionysius the Areopagite and a woman named Damaris and others with them. Paul at Corinth After these things Paul departed from Athens and went to Corinth, 2 and found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, who had recently come from Italy with his wife, Priscilla (because Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome). He came to
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them. 3 And because he was of the same trade, he stayed with them and worked, for by their occupation they were tentmakers. 4 And he reasoned in the synagogue every Sabbath and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5 And when Silas and Timothy had come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. 6 And when they opposed and blasphemed, he shook his clothing and said to them, “Your blood is on your own heads. I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles.” 7 And he departed from there and entered into the house of a certain man named Justus, one who worshipped God, whose house was adjoined to the synagogue. 8 And Crispus, the chief ruler of the synagogue, believed in the Lord with all his house. And many of the Corinthians, hearing, believed and were baptized. 9 Then the Lord spoke to Paul by a vision in the night, “Do not be afraid, but speak and do not remain silent. 10 For I am with you, and no man shall attack you to hurt you, for I have many people in this city.” 11 And he continued there a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them. 12 And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul and brought him to the judgment seat, 13 saying, “This fellow persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” 14 And when Paul was now about to open his mouth, Gallio said to the
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Jews, “If it were a matter of wrong or wicked lewdness, O you Jews, it would be reasonable that I should bear with you. 15 But if it is a question of words and names and of your law, you look to it, for I will not be a judge of such matters.” 16 And he drove them from the judgment seat. 17 Then all the Greeks took Sosthenes, the chief ruler of the synagogue, and beat him before the judgment seat. And Gallio cared for none of those things. Paul Returns to Antioch 18 And after this Paul remained there yet a good while and then took his leave of the brothers and sailed from there to Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila. He shaved his head in Cenchrea, for he had taken a vow. 19 And he came to Ephesus and left them there, but he himself entered into the synagogue and reasoned with the Jews. 20 When they asked him to remain for a longer time with them, he did not consent 21 but bade them farewell, saying, “I must by all means keep this feast that is coming in Jerusalem, but I will return to you again if God wills.” And he sailed from Ephesus. 22 And when he had landed at Caesarea and went up and greeted the church, he went down to Antioch. 23 And after he had spent some time there, he departed and went in order through all the region of Galatia and Phrygia, strengthening all the disciples. Apollos at Ephesus 24 And a certain Jew named Apollos, born in Alexandria, an eloquent
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man and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. 25 This man was instructed in the way of the Lord, and being fervent in the spirit, he spoke and diligently taught the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. 26 And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue. When Aquila and Priscilla heard him, they took him and expounded to him the way of God more perfectly. 27 And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brothers wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him. When he had come, he greatly helped those who had believed through grace, 28 for he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publicly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. The Disciples of John Become Christians And it came to pass that while Apollos was in Corinth, Paul, having passed through the upper regions, came to Ephesus. And finding certain disciples, 2 he said to them, “Have you received the Holy Spirit since you believed?” And they said to him, “We have not so much as heard whether there is any Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said to them, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Then Paul said, “John truly baptized with the baptism of repentance, saying to the people that they should believe in Him who would come after him—that is, in Christ Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were
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baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them, and they spoke with tongues and prophesied. 7 And there were about twelve men in all. 8 And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God. 9 But when some were hardened and did not believe, but spoke evil of the Way before the multitude, he departed from them and separated the disciples, disputing daily in the school of a certain Tyrannus. 10 And this continued for two years, so that all those who dwelled in Asia heard the word of the Lord Jesus, both Jews and Greeks. Miracles by Paul 11 And God worked special miracles by the hands of Paul, 12 so that handkerchiefs or aprons from his body were brought to the sick, and the diseases departed from them and the evil spirits went out of them. 13 Then some of the vagabond Jews, exorcists, took it on themselves to call the name of the Lord Jesus over those who had evil spirits, saying, “We solemnly charge you by Jesus whom Paul preaches.” 14 And there were seven sons of a certain Sceva, a Jew and chief of the priests, who did so. 15 And the evil spirit answered and said, “I know Jesus, and I know Paul, but who are you?” 16 And the man in whom was the evil spirit leaped on them and overcame them and prevailed against them, so that they fled out of that house naked and wounded.
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17 And this was known to all the
Jews and also Greeks dwelling in Ephesus. And fear fell on them all, and the name of the Lord Jesus was magnified. 18 And many who believed came and confessed, and showed their deeds. 19 Also many of those who used magic arts brought their books together and burned them before all men. And they counted the price of them and found it to be fifty thousand pieces of silver. 20 So the word of God grew mightily and prevailed. 21 After these things had ended, Paul purposed in the Spirit, when he had passed through Macedonia and Achaia, to go to Jerusalem, saying, “After I have been there, I must also see Rome.” 22 So he sent into Macedonia two of those who ministered to him, Timothy and Erastus, but he himself stayed in Asia for a season. The Uproar of the Silversmiths at Ephesus 23 And the same time there arose no small stir about the Way. 24 For a certain man named Demetrius, a silversmith who made silver shrines for Diana, brought no small gain to the craftsmen, 25 whom he called together with the workmen of similar occupation and said, “Sirs, you know that by this trade we have our wealth. 26 Moreover you see and hear that not only in Ephesus but throughout almost all Asia, this Paul has persuaded and turned away many people, saying that there are no gods that are made with hands, 27 so that not only is this our trade in danger to be set at nothing, but also that the temple of the great goddess
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Diana should be despised and her magnificence should be destroyed, whom all Asia and the world worship.” 28 And when they heard these sayings, they were full of wrath and cried out, saying, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians.” 29 And the whole city was filled with confusion. And having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul’s companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theater. 30 And when Paul wanted to enter in to the people, the disciples did not allow him. 31 And some of the chiefs of Asia who were his friends sent to him, asking him not to venture into the theater. 32 Some therefore cried one thing and some another, for the assembly was confused, and most of them did not know why they had come together. 33 And they drew Alexander out of the multitude, the Jews putting him forward. And Alexander beckoned with the hand and wanted to make his defense to the people. 34 But when they realized that he was a Jew, all with one voice cried out for about two hours, “Great is Diana of the Ephesians!” 35 And when the town clerk had appeased the people, he said, “Men of Ephesus, what man is there who does not know that the city of the Ephesians is a worshipper of the great goddess Diana and of the image that fell down from Jupiter? 36 Seeing then that these things cannot be spoken against, you ought to be quiet and to do nothing rashly. 37 For you have brought these men here who are neither robbers of
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churches nor yet blasphemers of your goddess. 38 Therefore, if Demetrius and the craftsmen who are with him have a matter against any man, the law is open and there are deputies; let them bring charges against one another. 39 But if you inquire anything concerning other matters, it shall be determined in a lawful assembly. 40 For we are in danger of being called in question for this day’s uproar, there being no cause by which we may give an account for this riotous crowd.” 41 And when he had said this, he dismissed the assembly. Paul’s Travel to Macedonia and Greece And after the uproar had ceased, Paul called the disciples to himself and embraced them, and departed to go into Macedonia. 2 And when he had gone over those parts and had given them much exhortation, he came into Greece 3 and stayed there three months. And when the Jews laid wait for him as he was about to sail to Syria, he purposed to return through Macedonia. 4 And he was accompanied into Asia by Sopater of Berea; and Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia. 5 These, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. 6 And we sailed away from Philippi after the days of Unleavened Bread and in five days came to them at Troas, where we stayed seven days. 7 And on the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached to
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them, ready to depart on the next day, and continued his speech until midnight. 8 And there were many lights in the upper chamber where they were gathered together. 9 And a certain young man named Eutychus sat in a window, having fallen into a deep sleep. And as Paul was long preaching, he sunk down with sleep and fell down from the third loft and was taken up dead. 10 And Paul went down and fell on him, and embracing him said, “Do not trouble yourselves, for his life is in him.” 11 Therefore when he had come up again and had broken bread and eaten, and talked a long while, even until daybreak, he departed. 12 And they brought the young man alive and were not a little comforted. 13 And we went ahead to the ship and sailed to Assos, intending to take in Paul there, for he had so appointed, intending himself to go on foot. 14 And when he met with us at Assos, we took him in and came to Mitylene. 15 And we sailed from there and the next day came opposite Chios. And the next day we arrived at Samos and stayed at Trogyllium. And the next day we came to Miletus. 16 For Paul had determined to sail past Ephesus because he did not want to spend the time in Asia. For he hastened to be in Jerusalem, if it were possible for him, the day of Pentecost. Paul and the Ephesian Elders 17 And from Miletus he sent to Ephesus and called the elders of the church. 18 And when they had come to him, he said to them: “You know, from the first day that I came to
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Asia, according to what manner I have been with you at all seasons, 19 serving the Lord with all humility of mind and with many tears and trials, which happened to me by the plotting of the Jews, 20 and how I kept back nothing that was profitable to you but have shown you and have taught you publicly and from house to house, 21 testifying both to the Jews and also to the Greeks repentance toward God and faith in our Lord Jesus Christ. 22 “And now, behold, I am going to Jerusalem, bound in the spirit, not knowing the things that shall happen to me there, 23 except that the Holy Spirit witnesses in every city, saying that chains and afflictions await me. 24 But none of these things move me. Nor do I count my life dear to myself, so that I might finish my course with joy and the ministry that I have received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. 25 “And now, behold, I know that you all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall no longer see my face. 26 Therefore I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. 27 For I have not avoided declaring to you all the counsel of God. 28 Therefore take heed to yourselves and to all the flock, over which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which He has purchased with His own blood. 29 For I know this, that after my departure grievous wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flock. 30 Also from among your own selves men shall
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arise, speaking perverse things to draw away disciples after them. 31 Therefore watch, and remember that for the time of three years I did not cease to warn everyone night and day with tears. 32 “And now, brothers, I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you an inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33 I have coveted no man’s silver or gold or apparel. 34 Yes, you yourselves know that these hands have ministered to my necessities and to those who were with me. 35 I have shown in all things that by laboring in this way you ought to support the weak and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” 36 And when he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37 And they all wept greatly and fell on Paul’s neck and kissed him, 38 sorrowing most of all for the words that he spoke, that they should no longer see his face. And they accompanied him to the ship.
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And it came to pass, after we had departed from them and had launched, that we came with a straight course to Cos, and the following day to Rhodes, and from there to Patara. 2 And finding a ship sailing over to Phoenicia, we went aboard and set forth. 3 Now when we had discovered Cyprus, we left it on the left hand and sailed into Syria and landed at Tyre, for the ship was to unload its cargo there.
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The Holy Spirit Forbids Paul to Go to Jerusalem 4 And finding disciples, we remained there seven days. And through the Spirit they said to Paul that he should not go up to Jerusalem. 5 And when we had completed those days, we departed and went our way. And they all, with wives and children, brought us on our way until we were out of the city. And we knelt down on the shore and prayed. 6 And when we had taken our leave of one another, we got into the ship, and they returned home again. 7 And when we had finished our course from Tyre, we came to Ptolemais and greeted the brothers and stayed with them one day. 8 And the next day we who were of Paul’s company departed and came to Caesarea, and we entered into the house of Philip the evangelist, who was one of the seven, and stayed with him. 9 And the same man had four daughters, virgins, who prophesied. 10 And as we remained there many days, a certain prophet named Agabus came down from Judea. 11 And when he had come to us, he took Paul’s belt and bound his own hands and feet, and said, “This is what the Holy Spirit says: ‘So shall the Jews at Jerusalem bind the man who owns this belt and shall deliver him into the hands of the Gentiles.’” 12 And when we heard these things, both we and those from that place begged him not to go up to Jerusalem. 13 Then Paul answered, “What do you mean to weep and to break my heart? For I am ready not only to be
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bound but also to die in Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.” 14 And when he would not be persuaded, we ceased, saying, “The will of the Lord be done.” Paul at Jerusalem 15 And after those days we took up our luggage and went up to Jerusalem. 16 Some of the disciples from Caesarea also went with us and brought with them Mnason of Cyprus, an old disciple, with whom we were to lodge. 17 And when we had come to Jerusalem, the brothers received us gladly. 18 And the following day Paul went in with us to James, and all the elders were present. 19 And when he had greeted them, he declared specifically what things God had worked among the Gentiles by his ministry. 20 And when they heard it, they glorified the Lord and said to him, “You see, brother, how many thousands of Jews there are who believe, and they are all zealous of the law. 21 And they are informed of you, that you teach all the Jews who are among the Gentiles to forsake Moses, saying that they ought not to circumcise their children or to walk according to the customs. 22 What is it therefore? The multitude must come together, for they will hear that you have come. 23 Therefore do what we say to you. We have four men who have made a vow for themselves. 24 Take them and purify yourself with them, and pay their expenses, that they may shave their heads. And all may know that those
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things of which they were informed concerning you are nothing, but that you yourself also walk orderly and keep the law. 25 But concerning the Gentiles who believe, we have written and concluded that they observe no such thing, except that they only keep themselves from things offered to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from fornication.” 26 Then Paul took the men and the next day, purifying himself with them, entered into the temple to signify the completion of the days of purification, until an offering would be offered for each one of them. 27 And when the seven days were almost finished, the Jews who were from Asia, when they saw him in the temple, stirred up all the people and laid hands on him, 28 crying out, “Men of Israel, help! This is the man who teaches all men everywhere against the people and the law and this place. And furthermore, he also brought Greeks into the temple and has polluted this holy place.” 29 (For they had previously seen Trophimus, an Ephesian, with him in the city, whom they supposed that Paul had brought into the temple.) 30 And all the city was moved and the people ran together. And they took Paul and dragged him out of the temple, and immediately the doors were shut. 31 And as they went about to kill him, news came to the chief captain of the cohort that all Jerusalem was in an uproar. 32 He immediately took soldiers and centurions and ran down to them. And when they saw the chief captain and the soldiers, they stopped beating Paul.
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Paul Bound with Chains 33 Then the chief captain came near and took him, and commanded him to be bound with two chains, and demanded to know who he was and what he had done. 34 And some among the multitude cried one thing, some another. And when he could not know with certainty because of the tumult, he commanded him to be carried into the castle. 35 And when he came to the stairs, so it was that he was carried by the soldiers because of the violence of the people. 36 For the multitude of the people followed after, crying, “Away with him!” 37 And as Paul was to be led into the castle, he said to the chief captain, “May I speak to you?” He said, “Can you speak Greek? 38 Are you not that Egyptian who before these days made an uproar and led four thousand men who were murderers out into the wilderness?” 39 But Paul said, “I am a man who is a Jew from Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, a citizen of no insignificant city. And I beseech you, allow me to speak to the people.” 40 And when he had given him permission, Paul stood on the stairs and beckoned with his hand to the people. And when there was a great silence, he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, saying: Paul’s Defense before the Multitude “Men, brothers and fathers, hear my defense that I make to you now.” 2 And when they heard that he spoke to them in the Hebrew tongue, they kept even more silent.
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And he said, 3 “I am truly a man who is a Jew, born in Tarsus, a city in Cilicia, yet brought up in this city at the feet of Gamaliel, and taught according to the perfect manner of the law of the fathers, and was zealous toward God as you all are this day. 4 And I persecuted this Way to the death, binding and delivering both men and women into prisons, 5 as also the high priest and all the council of the elders can bear me witness. From them I also received letters to the brothers and went to Damascus to bring those who were there to Jerusalem, in bonds, to be punished. 6 “And it came to pass that as I made my journey and had come near to Damascus, about noon a great light from heaven suddenly shone all around me. 7 And I fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to me, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me?’ 8 “And I answered, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said to me, ‘I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom you are persecuting.’ 9 And those who were with me indeed saw the light and were afraid, but they did not hear the voice of Him who spoke to me. 10 “And I said, ‘What shall I do, Lord?’ And the Lord said to me, ‘Arise and go into Damascus, and there it shall be told to you of all things that are appointed for you to do.’ 11 “And when I could not see for the glory of that light, I came into Damascus being led by the hand of those who were with me. 12 And one Ananias, a devout man according to the law, having a good reputation
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with all the Jews who dwelled there, 13 came to me and stood and said to me, ‘Brother Saul, receive your sight.’ And the same hour I looked up at him. 14 “And he said, ‘The God of our fathers has chosen you, that you should know His will and see the Just One, and should hear the voice of His mouth. 15 For you shall be His witness to all men of what you have seen and heard. 16 And now why are you waiting? Arise and be baptized, and wash away your sins, calling on the name of the Lord.’ 17 “And it came to pass, that when I came again to Jerusalem, even while I prayed in the temple, I was in a trance 18 and saw Him saying to me, ‘Make haste and get out of Jerusalem quickly, for they will not receive your testimony concerning Me.’ 19 “And I said, ‘Lord, they know that in every synagogue I imprisoned and beat those who believed in You, 20 and when the blood of Your martyr Stephen was shed, I was also standing by and consenting to his death and kept the clothing of those who slew him.’ 21 “And He said to me, ‘Depart, for I will send you far from here to the Gentiles.’” 22 And they listened to him until this word and then lifted up their voices and said, “Away with such a fellow from the earth, for it is not fit that he should live.” 23 And as they cried out and cast off their clothes and threw dust into the air, 24 the chief captain commanded him to be brought into the castle and commanded that he should be examined by scourging,
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that he might know why they so cried against him. Paul a Roman Citizen 25 And as they bound him with straps, Paul said to the centurion who stood by, “Is it lawful for you to scourge a man who is a Roman and has not been tried?” 26 When the centurion heard that, he went and told the chief captain, saying, “Take heed what you do, for this man is a Roman.” 27 Then the chief captain came and said to him, “Tell me, are you a Roman?” He said, “Yes.” 28 And the chief captain answered, “I obtained this freedom with a great sum.” And Paul said, “But I was born free.” 29 Then immediately those who would have examined him departed from him. And the chief captain was also afraid after he realized that he was a Roman and because he had bound him. 30 On the next day, because he wanted to know for certain why he had been accused by the Jews, he released him from his chains and commanded the chief priests and all their council to appear, and brought Paul down and set him before them. Paul before the Sanhedrin And Paul, earnestly looking at the council, said, “Men and brothers, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” 2 And the high priest Ananias commanded those who stood by him to strike him on the mouth. 3 Then Paul
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said to him, “God shall strike you, you whitewashed wall! For do you sit to judge me according to the law and command me to be struck contrary to the law?” 4 And those who stood by said, “Do you revile God’s high priest?” 5 Then Paul said, “I did not know, brothers, that he was the high priest. For it is written, ‘You shall not speak evil of the ruler of your people.’” 6 But when Paul perceived that the one part were Sadducees and the other Pharisees, he cried out in the council, “Men and brothers, I am a Pharisee, the son of a Pharisee. Because of the hope and resurrection of the dead I am called in question.” 7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees, and the multitude was divided. 8 For the Sadducees say that there is no resurrection or angel or spirit, but the Pharisees confess both. 9 And a great cry arose, and the scribes who were of the Pharisees’ part arose and argued, saying, “We find no evil in this man. But if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God.” 10 And when a great dissension arose, the chief captain, afraid lest Paul should be pulled to pieces by them, commanded the soldiers to go down and to take him from among them by force and to bring him into the castle. The Lord’s Grace to Paul 11 And the following night the Lord stood by him and said, “Be of good cheer, Paul. For as you have testified of Me in Jerusalem, so you must also bear witness in Rome.”
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12 And
when it was day, some of the Jews banded together and bound themselves under a curse, saying that they would neither eat nor drink until they had killed Paul. 13 And there were more than forty who had made this conspiracy. 14 And they came to the chief priests and elders and said, “We have bound ourselves under a great curse that we will eat nothing until we have slain Paul. 15 Now therefore you, with the council, signify to the chief captain that he bring him down to you tomorrow, as though you were going to more thoroughly inquire about something concerning him. And we are ready to kill him before he ever comes near.” 16 And when Paul’s sister’s son heard about their plot, he went and entered into the castle and told Paul. 17 Then Paul called one of the centurions to him and said, “Take this young man to the chief captain, for he has a certain thing to tell him.” 18 So he took him and brought him to the chief captain and said, “Paul the prisoner called me to him and asked me to bring this young man to you. He has something to say to you.” 19 Then the chief captain took him by the hand and went with him aside privately and asked him, “What is it that you have to tell me?” 20 And he said, “The Jews have agreed to ask you that you would bring Paul down tomorrow into the council, as though they wanted to inquire somewhat more thoroughly about him. 21 But do not yield to them, for more than forty of them are lying in wait for him, men who
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have bound themselves with an oath that they will neither eat nor drink until they have killed him. And now they are ready, looking for a promise from you.” 22 So the chief captain let the young man depart and charged him, “See that you tell no man that you have told these things to me.” Paul Sent to Felix at Caesarea 23 And he called two centurions to him, saying, “Prepare two hundred soldiers and seventy horsemen and two hundred spearmen to go to Caesarea at the third hour of the night. 24 And provide them beasts that they may set Paul on, and bring him safely to Felix the governor.” 25 And he wrote a letter according to this manner: 26 “Claudius Lysias, to the most excellent governor Felix, sends greetings. 27 This man was taken by the Jews and would have been killed by them. Then I came with an army and rescued him, having understood that he was a Roman. 28 And when I wanted to know the reason for which they accused him, I brought him forth into their council, 29 and I perceived him to be accused concerning questions of their law, but to have nothing charged against him worthy of death or of chains. 30 And when it was told to me that the Jews were lying in wait for the man, I sent him immediately to you and also gave commandment to his accusers to say before you what they had against him. Farewell.” 31 Then the soldiers, as they were commanded, took Paul and brought him by night to Antipatris. 32 On the
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next day they left the horsemen to go with him and returned to the castle. 33 When they came to Caes area and delivered the letter to the governor, they also presented Paul before him. 34 And when the governor had read the letter, he asked what province he was from. And when he understood that he was from Cilicia, 35 he said, “I will hear you when your accusers also have come.” And he commanded him to be kept in Herod’s judgment hall. Paul before Felix And after five days Ananias the high priest descended with the elders and with a certain orator named Tertullus, who informed the governor of the charges against Paul. 2 And when he was called forth, Tertullus began to accuse him saying, “Seeing that we enjoy great peace because of you, and that very worthy deeds are being done for this nation by your providence, 3 we accept it always and in all places, most noble Felix, with all thankfulness. 4 However, that I not be tedious to you any further, I ask you that you would, out of your mercy, hear a few words from us. 5 For we have found this man to be a troublesome fellow and a mover of sedition among all the Jews throughout the world and a ringleader of the sect of the Nazarenes. 6 He has also gone about to profane the temple. We took him and wanted to judge him according to our law. 7 But the chief captain Lysias came on us and with great violence took him away out of our hands, 8 commanding his accusers to come to you. By examining
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him yourself, you may become fully acquainted with all these things of which we accuse him.” 9 And the Jews also agreed, saying that these things were so. 10 Then after the governor had beckoned to him to speak, Paul answered, “Because I know that for many years you have been a judge to this nation, I more cheerfully defend myself, 11 because you may understand that there are but twelve days since I went up to Jerusalem to worship. 12 And they found me neither in the temple disputing with any man nor stirring up the people, neither in the synagogues nor in the city. 13 Nor can they prove the things of which they now accuse me. 14 But I confess this to you, that according to the Way, which they call heresy, so I worship the God of my fathers, believing all things that are written in the Law and in the Prophets, 15 and have hope toward God, which they themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of the dead, of both the just and the unjust. 16 And in this I exercise myself to always have a conscience void of offense toward God and toward men. 17 “Now after many years I came to bring charitable gifts to my nation, and offerings. 18 Because of this certain Jews from Asia found me purified in the temple, neither with multitude nor with tumult, 19 who ought to have been here before you to object if they had anything against me. 20 Or else let these same here say if they have found any evil doing in me while I stood before the council, 21 unless it is for this one statement
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that I cried standing among them: ‘Concerning the resurrection of the dead I am being put on trial by you this day.’” 22 And when Felix heard these things, having a more thorough knowledge of the Way, he deferred them and said, “When Lysias the chief captain shall come down, I will ascertain exactly your matter.” 23 And he commanded a centurion to guard Paul and to let him have liberty, and that he should not forbid his friends to minister or come to him. 24 And after some days, when Felix came with his wife Drusilla, who was Jewish, he sent for Paul and heard him concerning the faith in Christ. 25 And as he reasoned of righteousness, self-control, and judgment to come, Felix trembled and answered, “Go your way for now. When I have a convenient time, I will call for you.” 26 He also hoped that money would be given to him from Paul, that he might release him. Therefore he sent for him often and communed with him. The Two Silent Years at Caesarea 27 But after two years Porcius Festus succeeded Felix. And Felix, wanting to give the Jews a favor, left Paul bound. Paul before Festus Now when Festus had come into the province, after three days he ascended from Caesarea to Jerusalem. 2 Then the high priest and the chief of the Jews informed him of the charges against Paul, and
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begged him, 3 and asked as a favor against him, that he would send for him to Jerusalem—while they plotted to kill him on the way. 4 But Festus answered that Paul should be kept at Caesarea and that he himself would depart shortly to go there. 5 “Therefore,” he said, “let those who are able among you go down with me and accuse this man, if there is any wickedness in him.” 6 And when he had remained among them more than ten days, he went down to Caesarea and the next day, sitting on the judgment seat, commanded Paul to be brought. 7 And when he had come, the Jews who came down from Jerusalem stood all around and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove, 8 while he answered for himself: “Neither against the law of the Jews, nor against the temple, nor yet against Caesar have I offended anything at all.” 9 But Festus, wanting to do a favor for the Jews, answered Paul and said, “Are you willing to go up to Jerusalem and there be judged before me of these things?” Paul Appeals to Caesar 10 Then Paul said, “I stand at Caesar’s judgment seat, where I ought to be judged. I have done no wrong to the Jews, as you know very well. 11 For if I am an offender or have committed anything worthy of death, I do not refuse to die. But if there is nothing to these things of which these accuse me, no man may deliver me to them. I appeal to Caesar.” 12 Then Festus, when he had
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conferred with the council, answered, “Have you appealed to Caesar? To Caesar you shall go.” 13 And after some days King Agrippa and Bernice came to Caes area to greet Festus. 14 And when they had been there many days, Festus declared Paul’s cause to the king, saying, “There is a certain man left in chains by Felix, 15 about whom, when I was at Jerusalem, the chief priests and the elders of the Jews informed me, desiring to have judgment against him. 16 To them I answered, ‘It is not the manner of the Romans to deliver any man to die before he who is accused has met the accusers face to face and has had opportunity to answer for himself concerning the crime laid against him.’ 17 Therefore, when they had come here, without any delay, on the next day I sat on the judgment seat and commanded the man to be brought forth. 18 When the accusers stood up against him, they brought no accusation of such things as I supposed 19 but had certain questions against him of their own superstition and of one Jesus, who was dead, whom Paul affirmed to be alive. 20 And because I doubted of such manner of questions, I asked him whether he was willing to go to Jerusalem and there be judged of these matters. 21 But when Paul had appealed to be reserved to the hearing of Augustus, I commanded him to be kept until I might send him to Caesar.” 22 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “I also want to hear the man myself.” “Tomorrow,” he said, “you shall hear him.”
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on the next day, when Agrippa and Bernice had come with great pomp and had entered into the place of hearing with the chief captains and principal men of the city, Paul was brought forth at Festus’s commandment. 24 And Festus said, “King Agrippa and all men who are present here with us, you see this man about whom all the multitude of the Jews have dealt with me, both at Jerusalem and also here, crying that he ought not to live any longer. 25 But when I found that he had committed nothing worthy of death and that he himself appealed to Augustus, I determined to send him. 26 I have no certain thing to write of him to my lord. Therefore I have brought him forth before you, and especially before you, O King Agrippa, that after examination has been done I might have something to write. 27 For it seems unreasonable to me to send a prisoner and not to signify the crimes laid against him.” Paul’s Defense before Agrippa Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You are permitted to speak for yourself.” Then Paul stretched out his hand and answered for himself: 2 “I think myself happy, King Agrippa, because this day I shall answer for myself before you concerning all the things of which I am accused by the Jews, 3 especially because I know you to be expert in all customs and questions that are among the Jews. Therefore I beseech you to hear me patiently. 4 “My manner of life from my youth, which was at the first among
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my own nation at Jerusalem, is known by all the Jews, 5 who knew me from the beginning, if they were willing to testify, that I according to the strictest sect of our religion I lived as a Pharisee. 6 And now I stand and am judged for the hope of the promise made by God to our fathers, 7 the promise to which our twelve tribes, earnestly serving God day and night, hope to come. For this hope’s sake, King Agrippa, I am accused by the Jews. 8 Why should it be thought an incredible thing by you that God should raise the dead? 9 “I truly thought to myself that I ought to do many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth. 10 I also did this thing in Jerusalem, and many of the saints I shut up in prison, having received authority from the chief priests. And when they were put to death, I gave my voice against them. 11 And I punished them often in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme. And being exceedingly mad against them, I persecuted them even to foreign cities. 12 “And then, as I went to Damascus with authority and commission from the chief priests, 13 at midday, O king, in the road I saw a light from heaven, above the brightness of the sun, shining all around me and those who journeyed with me. 14 And when we all had fallen to the earth, I heard a voice speaking to me and saying in the Hebrew tongue, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is hard for you to kick against the goads.’ 15 “And I said, ‘Who are You, Lord?’ And He said, ‘I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting. 16 But
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rise and stand on your feet, for I have appeared to you for this purpose, to make you a minister and a witness both of these things that you have seen and of those things in which I will appear to you, 17 delivering you from the people and from the Gentiles, to whom I am now sending you, 18 to open their eyes and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith that is in Me.’ 19 “Therefore, O King Agrippa, I was not disobedient to the heavenly vision 20 but declared first to those of Damascus, and in Jerusalem and throughout all the region of Judea, and then to the Gentiles, that they should repent and turn to God and do works suitable for repentance. 21 For these reasons the Jews caught me in the temple and went about to kill me. 22 Therefore, having obtained help from God, to this day I continue witnessing both to small and great, saying no other things than those that the prophets and Moses said would come: 23 that Christ would suffer, and that He would be the first who would rise from the dead, and would show light to the people and to the Gentiles.” 24 And as he spoke these things for himself, Festus said with a loud voice, “Paul, you are beside yourself! Much learning has made you insane.” 25 But he said, “I am not mad, most noble Festus, but speak forth the words of truth and soberness. 26 For
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the king, before whom I also speak freely, knows of these things. For I am persuaded that none of these things are hidden from him, for this thing was not done in a corner. 27 King Agrippa, do you believe the prophets? I know that you believe.” 28 Then Agrippa said to Paul, “You almost persuade me to become a Christian.” 29 And Paul said, “I wish to God that not only you but also all who hear me this day were both almost and altogether such as I am, except for these chains.” 30 And when he had said this, the king and the governor and Bernice rose up, and those who sat with them, 31 and when they had gone aside, they talked between themselves, saying, “This man is doing nothing worthy of death or of chains.” 32 Then Agrippa said to Festus, “This man might have been set at liberty if he had not appealed to Caesar.” Paul Is Sent to Rome And when it was determined that we should sail into Italy, they delivered Paul and certain other prisoners to one named Jul ius, a centurion of Augustus’s cohort. 2 And entering into a ship of Adramyttium, we launched, meaning to sail by the coasts of Asia. Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica, was with us. 3 And the next day we landed at Sidon. And Julius treated Paul courteously and gave him liberty to go to his friends to refresh himself. 4 And when we had launched from there,
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we sailed under Cyprus because the winds were contrary. 5 And when we had sailed over the sea of Cilicia and Pamphylia, we came to Myra, a city of Lycia. 6 And there the centurion found a ship from Alexandria sailing into Italy, and he put us in it. 7 And when we had sailed slowly many days, and had scarcely come near Cnidus, the wind not allowing us, we sailed under Crete, near Salmone, 8 and passing it with difficulty, came to a place that is called Fair Havens, near to the city of Lasea. 9 Now when much time had been spent, and when sailing was now dangerous, because the fast was already over, Paul admonished them 10 and said to them, “Sirs, I perceive that this voyage will be with harm and much damage, not only of the cargo and ship, but also of our lives.” 11 Nevertheless the centurion believed the master and the owner of the ship more than those things that were spoken by Paul. 12 And because the haven was not suitable to winter in, the majority advised to depart from there also, if by any means they might reach Phoenix, which is a haven of Crete and lies toward the southwest and northwest, and to winter there. 13 And when the south wind blew softly, supposing that they had obtained their purpose, setting sail from there, they sailed close by Crete. The Storm 14 But not long after a tempestuous wind, called Euroclydon, arose against it. 15 And when the ship was caught and could not bear up into
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the wind, we let it drive. 16 And running under a certain island that is called Cauda, we had much work to secure the skiff, 17 which, when they had taken it up, they used supports, undergirding the ship. And fearing lest they should fall into the quicksands, they struck sail and so were driven. 18 And since we were exceedingly tossed with a tempest, the next day they lightened the ship. 19 And the third day we cast out the tackle of the ship with our own hands. 20 And when neither sun nor stars appeared for many days, and no small tempest lay on us, all hope that we would be saved was then taken away. 21 But after a long time without food, Paul stood forth in the midst of them and said, “Sirs, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and gained this harm and loss. 22 And now I exhort you to be of good cheer, for there shall be no loss of any man’s life among you, but only of the ship. 23 For this night the angel of God, to whom I belong and whom I serve, stood by me, 24 saying, ‘Do not fear, Paul. You must be brought before Caesar. And behold, God has given you all those who sail with you.’ 25 Therefore, be of good cheer, sirs, for I believe God that it shall be even as it was told me. 26 However, we must be cast on a certain island.” 27 But when the fourteenth night had come, as we were driven up and down in the Adriatic Sea, about midnight the sailors deemed that they were drawing near to some country 28 and sounded and found it to be twenty fathoms. And when
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they had gone a little farther, they sounded again and found it fifteen fathoms. 29 Then, fearing lest we might fall on rocks, they cast four anchors out of the stern and prayed for day. 30 And as the sailors were about to flee out of the ship, when they had let down the boat into the sea, under pretense as though they wanted to cast anchors out of the bow, 31 Paul said to the centurion and to the soldiers, “Unless these remain in the ship, you cannot be saved.” 32 Then the soldiers cut off the ropes of the boat and let it fall off. 33 And while the day was coming on, Paul urged them all to take food, saying, “This day is the fourteenth day that you have waited and continued fasting, having taken nothing. 34 Therefore I ask you to take some food, for this is for your health, for not a hair shall fall from the head of any of you.” 35 And when he had spoken this, he took bread and gave thanks to God in the presence of them all, and when he had broken it, he began to eat. 36 Then they all were of good cheer, and they also took some food. 37 And in all we were two hundred and seventy-six souls in the ship. 38 And when they had eaten enough, they lightened the ship and cast out the wheat into the sea. 39 And when it was day, they did not recognize the land, but they discovered a certain bay with a shore, into which they were determined to thrust in the ship if it were possible. 40 And when they had taken up the anchors, they committed themselves to the sea, and untied the
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ropes of the rudder, and hoisted up the mainsail to the wind, and made toward shore. 41 And falling into a place where two seas met, they ran the ship aground. And the bow stuck fast and remained unmovable, but the stern was broken with the violence of the waves. 42 And the soldiers’ counsel was to kill the prisoners, lest any of them should swim out and escape. 43 But the centurion, wanting to save Paul, kept them from their purpose and commanded that those who could swim should cast themselves into the sea first and get to land, 44 and the rest, some on boards and some on broken pieces of the ship. And so it came to pass that they all escaped safely to land. The Landing on Malta and the Miracle of the Viper’s Bite And when they had escaped, they then knew that the island was called Malta. 2 And the native people showed us no little kindness, for they kindled a fire and received every one of us, because of the present rain and because of the cold. 3 And when Paul had gathered a bundle of sticks and laid them on the fire, a viper came out of the heat and fastened on his hand. 4 And when the native people saw the venomous beast hanging on his hand, they said among themselves, “No doubt this man is a murderer, whom, though he has escaped the sea, yet vengeance does not allow him to live.” 5 And he shook off the beast into the fire and felt no harm. 6 However, they looked, expecting that he would have swelled or fallen
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down dead suddenly. But after they had looked a great while and saw no harm come to him, they changed their minds and said that he was a god. 7 In the same region were lands of the chief man of the island, whose name was Publius, who received us and lodged us courteously three days. 8 And it came to pass that the father of Publius lay sick of a fever and of dysentery. Paul went in to see him and prayed and laid his hands on him and healed him. 9 So when this was done, others on the island who had diseases also came and were healed. 10 They also honored us with many honors, and when we departed, they loaded us with such things as were necessary. 11 And after three months we departed in a ship of Alexandria that had wintered in the isle, whose sign was Castor and Pollux. 12 And landing at Syracuse, we stayed there three days. 13 And from there we sailed around and came to Rhegium. And after one day the south wind blew, and the next day we came to Puteoli, 14 where we found brothers and were asked to stay with them seven days. And so we went toward Rome. 15 And from there, when the brothers heard of us, they came as far as the Forum of Appias and Three Taverns to meet us. When Paul saw them, he thanked God and took courage. 16 And when we came to Rome, the centurion delivered the prisoners to the captain of the guard. But Paul was allowed to dwell by himself with a soldier who guarded him.
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Paul in Rome and His Ministry to the Jews in Rome 17 And it came to pass after three days that Paul called together the Jewish leaders. And when they had come together, he said to them, “Men and brothers, though I have committed nothing against the people or customs of our fathers, yet I was delivered as a prisoner from Jerusalem into the hands of the Romans, 18 who, when they had examined me, wanted to let me go because there was no cause in me for death. 19 But when the Jews spoke against it, I was forced to appeal to Caesar, not that I had anything to accuse my nation of. 20 For this reason, therefore, I have called for you, to see you and to speak with you, because I am bound with this chain for the hope of Israel.” 21 And they said to him, “We have not received letters out of Judea concerning you, nor have any of the brothers who came reported or spoken any harm about you. 22 But we desire to hear from you what you think. For as concerning this sect, we know that it is spoken against everywhere.” 23 And when they had appointed him a day, many came to him into his lodging, to whom he expounded and testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses and out of the Prophets, from morning until evening. 24 And some believed the things that were spoken, and some did not believe. Paul Turns to the Gentiles 25 And when they did not agree among themselves, they departed
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after Paul had spoken one word: “The Holy Spirit spoke well by Isaiah the prophet to our fathers, 26 saying, ‘Go to this people and say: “Hearing you shall hear, and shall not understand, and seeing you shall see, and not perceive; 27 for the heart of this people has grown callous, and their ears are dull of hearing. And they have closed their eyes, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and should be converted, and I should
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heal them.”’ 28 Therefore, let it be known to you that the salvation of God has been sent to the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.” 29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed and had great disputing among themselves. 30 And Paul dwelled two whole years in his own hired house, and received all who came to him, 31 preaching the kingdom of God and teaching those things that concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
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ROMANS INTRODUCTION TO ROMANS It is easy to forget that the letter to the Romans is a letter and not a theological treatise. It is so often used in doctrinal studies and pursuits that we may miss the heartfelt passion that the author, Paul, had for his readers, many of whom he had never met. It isn’t the first of Paul’s letters chronologically, though it is placed first among his letters in the New Testament. AUTHOR Paul is the writer of this letter. Skeptics have challenged the authenticity of some of Paul’s other letters, but Romans has never seriously been questioned. OCCASION Paul considered himself an apostle to the Gentiles (11:13), yet he had never been to Rome, the center of the secular Roman Empire. He was planning a visit on his way to Spain (15:23–24, 28) and was writing in anticipation of his arrival. Yet his letter is far more than a casual letter. He lays out a fresh and clear explanation of God’s plan of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles—one that has continued to inspire and motivate Bible readers for centuries.
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Greeting Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God, 2 which He had promised before by His prophets in the holy scriptures, 3 concerning His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of a descendant of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power, according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 5 By Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name, 6 among whom you are also the called of Jesus Christ. 7 To all who are in Rome, beloved of God, called to be saints: grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 8 First, I thank my God through Jesus Christ for you all, that your faith is spoken of throughout the whole world. 9 For God, whom I serve with my spirit in the gospel of His Son, is my witness that without ceasing I always make mention of you in my prayers, 10 making request, if by any means, now, finally, I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come to you. 11 For I long to see you, that I may impart some spiritual gift to you, to the end you may be established— 12 that is, that I may be comforted together with you by the mutual faith of both you and me. 13 Now I do not want to have you ignorant, brothers, that oftentimes I purposed to come to you (but was hindered until now), that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.
1
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14 I am a debtor both to the Greeks
and to the barbarians, both to the wise and to the unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you also who are at Rome. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, “The just shall live by faith.”
The Guilty World 18 For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness, 19 because what may be known of God is evident in them, for God has shown it to them. 20 For from the creation of the world the invisible things of Him are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that they are without excuse, 21 because when they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish hearts were darkened. 22 Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools 23 and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man and to birds and four-footed beasts and creeping things. 24 Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between
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themselves, 25 who changed the truth of God into a lie and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen. 26 For this reason God gave them up to vile affections. For even their women changed the natural use into what is against nature, 27 and likewise the men also, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust toward one another; men with men working what is unseemly and receiving in themselves the recompense that was fitting of their error. 28 And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things that are not proper, 29 being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, bad character; whisperers, 30 backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31 without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful; 32 who, knowing the judgment of God, that those who commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same but have pleasure in those who do them. The Gentile Moralizers Are No Better than Other Pagans Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judges, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself. For you who judge do the same things. 2 But we are sure that the judgment
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of God is according to truth against those who commit such things. 3 And do you think this, O man, you who judge those who do such things and do the same, that you shall escape the judgment of God? 4 Or do you despise the riches of His goodness and patience and long-suffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance? 5 But according to your hardness and impenitent heart you treasure up for yourself wrath toward the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, 6 who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 to those who by patient continuance in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality— eternal life; 8 but to those who are contentious and do not obey the truth but obey unrighteousness— indignation and wrath, 9 tribulation and anguish on every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Gentile; 10 but glory, honor, and peace to every man who works good, to the Jew first and also to the Gentile. 11 For there is no partiality with God. 12 For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law. 13 For the hearers of the law are not just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. 14 For when the Gentiles, who do not have the law, by nature do the things contained in the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves, 15 who show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also
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bearing witness, and their thoughts meanwhile accusing or else excusing one another 16 on the day when, according to my gospel, God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ. The Jew Who Knows the Law Is Condemned by the Law 17 Behold, you are called a Jew and rest in the law and make your boast in God, 18 and know His will and approve the things that are more excellent, being instructed out of the law, 19 and are confident that you yourself are a guide of the blind, a light for those who are in darkness, 20 an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of children, who have the form of knowledge and of the truth in the law. 21 You therefore, who teach another, do you not teach yourself ? You who preach that a man should not steal, do you steal? 22 You who say that a man should not commit adultery, do you commit adultery? You who abhor idols, do you commit sacrilege? 23 You who make your boast of the law, through breaking the law do you dishonor God? 24 For as it is written, “The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles through you.” 25 For circumcision truly profits if you keep the law, but if you are a breaker of the law, your circumcision is made uncircumcision. 26 Therefore if the uncircumcised man keeps the righteousness of the law, shall his uncircumcision not be counted for circumcision? 27 And shall uncircumcision that is by nature, if it fulfills the law, not judge
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you who, by the letter and circumcision, transgress the law? 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh. 29 But he is a Jew who is one inwardly— and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, and not in the letter— whose praise is not from men but from God. The Advantage of the Law Then what advantage does the Jew have? Or what is the profit of circumcision? 2 Much in every way. Chiefly, because the oracles of God were committed to them. 3 For what if some did not believe? Shall their unbelief make the faithfulness of God without effect? 4 God forbid! Yes, let God be true but every man a liar. As it is written, “That You might be justified in Your sayings and might overcome when You are judged.” 5 But if our unrighteousness demonstrates the righteousness of God, what shall we say? Is God, who takes vengeance, unrighteous? (I speak as a man.) 6 God forbid! For then how shall God judge the world? 7 For if through my lie the truth of God has more abounded to His glory, why am I also still judged as a sinner? 8 And why not rather say (as we are slanderously reported and as some affirm that we say), “Let us do evil that good may come?” Their condemnation is just. 9 What then? Are we better than they? No, in no way. For we have proved before that both Jews and Gentiles are all under sin. 10 As it is written:
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“There is no one righteous, no, not one. 11 There is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks after God. 12 They have all gone out of the way; they have together become unprofitable. There is no one who does good. No, not one.” “Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit.” “The poison of asps is under their lips.” “Their mouth is full of cursing and bitterness.” “Their feet are swift to shed blood; 16 destruction and misery are in their ways, 17 and they have not known the way of peace.” “There is no fear of God before their eyes.”
19 Now
we know that whatever things the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore no flesh shall be justified in His sight by the deeds of the law, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Justification by Faith in Christ Crucified 21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God
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that is by faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all those who believe. For there is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God has set forth to be a propitiation in His blood, through faith, to declare His righteousness, for the remission of sins that are past, through the patience of God, 26 to declare, I say, at this time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of him who believes in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 29 Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also,30 seeing it is one God who shall justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid! Yes, we establish the law. The Faith of Abraham as an Illustration What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found as pertaining to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he would have had something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the reward is counted not as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not
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work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness, 6 even as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness without works, 7 saying: “Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.” 9 Does this blessedness then come only on the circumcised or also on the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted? When he was circumcised or uncircumcised? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith that he had yet being uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are not circumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. 13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith.
the promise might be secure to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) before Him in whom he believed, even God, who revives the dead and calls those things that are not as though they were. 18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to what was spoken: “So shall your descendants be.” 19 And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body now dead, when he was about a hundred years old, nor even the deadness of Sarah’s womb. 20 He did not stagger at the promise of God through unbelief but was strong in faith, giving glory to God 21 and being fully persuaded that He was able also to perform what He had promised. 22 And therefore “it was imputed to him for righteousness.” 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us, to whom it shall be imputed if we believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered for our offenses and was raised again for our justification.
Justification by Faith 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is made of no effect, 15 because the law works wrath. For where there is no law, there is no transgression. 16 Therefore it is by faith, that it might be by grace, to the end that
Results of Justification Therefore, being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 by whom we also have access by faith into this grace in which we stand and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.
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not only so, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation works patience, 4 and patience experience, and experience hope. 5 And hope does not make us ashamed, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us. 6 For when we were still without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For one will scarcely die for a righteous man, yet perhaps for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God demonstrates His love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, being now justified by His blood, we shall be saved from wrath through Him. 10 For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of His Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. 11 And not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom we have now received the atonement. Death in Adam, Life in Christ 12 Therefore, as through one man sin entered into the world, and death through sin, and so death passed on to all men, for all have sinned— 13 for until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of Him who was to come. 15 But the free gift is not like the offense. For if many died through the
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offense of one, much more have the grace of God and the gift by grace that is by one man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many. 16 And the gift is not like what came through one who sinned. For the judgment was through one to condemnation, but the free gift is of many offenses to justification. 17 For if by one man’s offense death reigned through one, much more shall those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life through one, Jesus Christ. 18 Therefore, as judgment came on all men to condemnation through the offense of one, even so the free gift came on all men to justification of life through the righteousness of one. 19 For as through one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so through the obedience of one many shall be made righteous. 20 Moreover the law entered, that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more, 21 that, as sin has reigned to death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Deliverance from the Power of Indwelling Sin What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? 2 God forbid! How shall we who are dead to sin live any longer in it? 3 Do you not know that so many of us who were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him by baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised up
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from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been planted together in the likeness of His death, we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that hereafter we should not serve sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, being raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For in that He died, He died to sin once, but in that He lives, He lives to God. By Yielding the New Life to God 11 Likewise you also consider yourselves to be dead indeed to sin but alive to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. 12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, that you should obey it in its lusts. 13 Do not yield the parts of your body to sin as instruments of unrighteousness, but yield yourselves to God as those who are alive from the dead, and the parts of your body as instruments of righteousness to God. 14 For sin shall not have dominion over you, for you are not under the law but under grace. 15 What then? Shall we sin because we are not under the law but under grace? God forbid! 16 Do you not know that the one to whom you yield yourselves as servants to obey, you are his servants to whom you obey, whether of sin to death, or of
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obedience to righteousness? 17 But thanks be to God, that you were the servants of sin, but you have obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine that was delivered to you. 18 Having been made free from sin, then, you became the servants of righteousness. 19 I speak according to the manner of men because of the infirmity of your flesh. For as you have yielded the parts of your body as servants to uncleanness and to iniquity and more iniquity, even so now yield the parts of your body as servants to righteousness for holiness. 20 For when you were the servants of sin, you were free from righteousness. 21 What fruit did you have then in those things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death. 22 But now, having been made free from sin and having become servants of God, you have your fruit to holiness and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. Christ Has Delivered Us from the Law Do you not know, brothers (for I speak to those who know the law), how the law has dominion over a man as long as he lives? 2 For the woman who has a husband is bound by the law to her husband as long as he lives. But if the husband is dead, she is released from the law of her husband. 3 So then she shall be called an adulteress if she is married to another man while her husband lives. But if her husband is
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dead, she is free from that law, so that she is not an adulteress, though she is married to another man. 4 Therefore, my brothers, you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you should be married to another, even to Him who was raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit to God. 5 For when we were in the flesh, the passions of sins, which were by the law, worked in the parts of our body to bring forth fruit to death. 6 But now we have been delivered from the law, that being dead in what we had been held, that we should serve in newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter. The Believer Is Not Made Holy by the Law 7 What shall we say then? Is the law sin? God forbid! No, I would not have known sin but by the law. For I would not have known lust unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, worked in me all manner of strong desire. For without the law sin was dead. 9 For I was once alive without the law, but when the commandment came, sin revived and I died. 10 And the commandment, which was ordained to life, I found to be to death. 11 For sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, deceived me and by it slew me. 12 Therefore the law is holy, and the commandment holy and just and good. 13 Was then what is good made death to me? God forbid! But sin, that it might appear sin, working death in me by what is good, that
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Romans 8:1
by the commandment sin might become exceedingly sinful. 14 For we know that the law is spiritual, but I am carnal, sold under sin. The Strife of the Two Natures under the Law 15 For what I do, I do not understand. For I do not do what I want to do, but I do what I hate. 16 If, then, I do what I do not want to do, I consent to the law that it is good. 17 Now then it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 18 For I know that no good thing dwells in me (that is, in my flesh). For the will is present with me, but I do not find how to perform what is good. 19 For I do not do the good that I want, but I do the evil that I do not want. 20 Now if I do what I do not want, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. 21 I find then a law that when I want to do good, evil is present with me. 22 For I delight in the law of God according to the inner man, 23 but I see another law in the parts of my body, warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin that is in the parts of my body. 24 O wretched man that I am! Who shall deliver me from the body of this death? 25 I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then, with the mind I myself serve the law of God, but with the flesh, the law of sin. No Condemnation for Those Who Are in Christ Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not
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according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. 3 For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Conflict of the Spirit with the Flesh 5 For those who are according to the flesh think about the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. 6 For to be carnally minded is death, but to be spiritually minded is life and peace, 7 because the carnal mind is enmity against God, for it is not subject to the law of God, nor indeed can be. 8 So then, those who are in the flesh cannot please God. 9 But you are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if indeed the Spirit of God dwells in you. Now if any man does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His. 10 And if Christ is in you, the body is dead because of sin, but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. 11 But if the Spirit of Him who raised up Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised up Christ from the dead shall also revive your mortal bodies by His Spirit who dwells in you. 12 Therefore, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. 13 For if you live
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according to the flesh, you shall die, but if through the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you shall live. The Full Result of the Gospel 14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For you have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption, by whom we cry, “Abba, Father!” 16 The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are the children of God, 17 and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. 18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed in us. 19 For the earnest expectation of the creation waits for the revealing of the sons of God. 20 For the creation was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but because of Him who has subjected the same in hope, 21 because the creation itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God. 22 For we know that the whole creation groans and labors in pain together until now. 23 And not only that, but also we ourselves who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting for the adoption—namely, the redemption of our body. 24 For we are saved by hope, but hope that is seen is not hope. For why does a man still hope for what he sees? 25 But if we hope
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for what we do not see, then we wait for it with patience. 26 Likewise the Spirit also helps our infirmities. For we do not know what we should pray for as we ought, but the Spirit Himself makes intercession for us with groanings that cannot be uttered. 27 And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He makes intercession for the saints according to the will of God. 28 And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. 29 For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers. 30 Moreover those whom He predestined, He also called, and those whom He called, He also justified, and those whom He justified, He also glorified. 31 What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us? 32 He who did not spare His own Son but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not also with Him freely give us all things? 33 Who shall bring anything to the charge of God’s elect? It is God who justifies. 34 Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, yes, rather, who was raised again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us. The Believer Secure 35 Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine,
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Romans 9:8
or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other creature shall be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. The Gospel Does Not Set Aside Israel’s Covenants I say the truth in Christ. I do not lie, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Spirit, 2 that I have great heaviness and continual sorrow in my heart. 3 For I could wish that I myself were accursed from Christ for my brothers, my countrymen according to the flesh, 4 who are Israelites, to whom pertain the adoption, and the glory, and the covenants, and the giving of the law, and the service of God, and the promises, 5 whose are the fathers, and from whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came, who is over all, God blessed forever. Amen. 6 It is not as though the word of God has taken no effect. For they are not all Israel who are of Israel, 7 nor are they all children because they are the descendants of Abraham, but “In Isaac your descendants shall be called.” 8 That is, those who are the children of the flesh, they are not the children of God, but the children of the promise are counted
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as the descendants. 9 For this is the word of promise: “At this time I will come and Sarah shall have a son.” 10 And not only this, but when Rebekah also had conceived by one man, even by our father Isaac 11 (for the children being not yet born, not having done any good or evil, that the purpose of God according to election might stand, not by works but by Him who calls), 12 it was said to her, “The elder shall serve the younger.” 13 As it is written, “Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated.” 14 What shall we say then? Is there unrighteousness with God? God forbid! 15 For He says to Moses, “I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion.” 16 So then it is not by him who wills or by him who runs but by God, who shows mercy. 17 For the scripture says to Phar aoh, “Even for this same purpose I have raised you up, that I might show My power in you, and that My name might be declared throughout all the earth.” 18 Therefore He has mercy on whom He will have mercy, and He hardens whom He wills. 19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still find fault? For who has resisted His will?” 20 No, but who are you, O man, who replies against God? Shall the thing formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?” 21 Does the potter not have power over the clay, to make from the same lump one vessel to honor and another to dishonor? 22 What if God, wanting to show His wrath and to make His power known, endured with much long-
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suffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction, 23 and that He might make known the riches of His glory on the vessels of mercy, which He had prepared beforehand for glory, 24 even us whom He has called, not from the Jews only but also from the Gentiles? The Prophets Foretold the Blinding of Israel 25 As He says also in Hosea: “Those who were not My people I will call ‘My people,’ and her who was not beloved, ‘beloved.’” 26 “And it shall come to pass that in the place where it was said to them, ‘You are not My people,’ there they shall be called the children of the living God.” 27 Isaiah also cries concerning Israel: “Though the number of the children of Israel is as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved. 28 For He will finish the work and cut it short in righteousness, because the Lord will make a short work on the earth.” 29 And as Isaiah said before, “Unless the Lord of Sabaoth had left us descendants, we would have been like Sodom and been made like Gomorrah.” 30 What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, who did not follow after righteousness, have attained righteousness, even the righteousness that is by faith. 31 But Israel, who followed after the law of righteousness, has not attained the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they sought it not by faith but, as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone, 33 as it is written: “Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and
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a rock of offense, and whoever believes in Him shall not be ashamed.”
“whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
The Apparent Failure of the Promises to Israel Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they might be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For, being ignorant of God’s righteousness and going about to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes. 5 For Moses describes the righteousness that is of the law, that the man who does those things shall live by them. 6 But the righteousness that is of faith speaks in this way: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who shall ascend into heaven?’ (that is, to bring Christ down from above) 7 or, ‘Who shall descend into the deep?’ (that is, to bring up Christ again from the dead).” 8 But what does it say? “The word is near you, even in your mouth and in your heart” (that is, the word of faith that we preach): 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you shall be saved. 10 For with the heart man believes to righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made to salvation. 11 For the scripture says: “Whoever believes in Him shall not be ashamed.” 12 For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek, for the same Lord over all is rich to all who call on Him. 13 For
Israel’s Rejection of God 14 How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher? 15 And how shall they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace and bring glad tidings of good things!” 16 But they have not all obeyed the gospel. For Isaiah says, “Lord, who has believed our report?” 17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. 18 But I say, have they not heard? Yes, truly: “Their sound went into all the earth and their words to the ends of the world.” 19 But I say, did Israel not know? First Moses says: “I will provoke you to jealousy by those who are not a people, and I will anger you by a foolish nation.” 20 But Isaiah is very bold and says: “I was found by those who did not seek Me. I was made plain to those who did not ask after Me.” 21 But to Israel He says, “All day long I have stretched out My hands to a disobedient and rebellious people.”
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Spiritual Israel Is Finding Salvation I say then, has God rejected His people? God forbid! For I also am an Israelite, of the descendants of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin. 2 God has not rejected His people whom He foreknew. Do
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you not know what the scripture says of Elijah, how he makes intercession to God against Israel, saying, 3 “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and destroyed Your altars, and I alone am left, and they are seeking my life”? 4 But what does the answer of God say to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to the image of Baal.” 5 Even so then, at this present time, there also is a remnant according to the election of grace. 6 And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, then it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work. 7 What then? Israel has not obtained what it seeks, but the elect have obtained it and the rest were blinded. 8 According to what is written, “God has given them the spirit of slumber, eyes that they should not see and ears that they should not hear, to this day.” 9 And David says, “Let their table be made a snare and a trap, and a stumbling block and a recompense to them. 10 Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back always.” Israel May Still Be Saved 11 I say, then, have they stumbled that they should fall? God forbid! But rather salvation has come to the Gentiles through their fall, to provoke them to jealousy. 12 Now if their fall is riches for the world, and their diminishing riches for the Gentiles, how much more their fullness! 13 For I speak to you Gentiles.
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Since I am the apostle of the Gentiles, I magnify my office 14 if by any means I may provoke those who are my own people to jealousy and might save some of them. 15 For if their rejection is the reconciling of the world, what shall the receiving of them be but life from the dead? 16 For if the firstfruit is holy, the lump is also holy, and if the root is holy, so are the branches. 17 And if some of the branches were broken off, and you, being a wild olive tree, were grafted in among them and with them partake of the root and fatness of the olive tree, 18 do not boast against the branches. But if you boast, you do not support the root, but the root supports you. 19 You will say then, “The branches were broken off, that I might be grafted in.” 20 Very well. They were broken off because of unbelief, and you stand by faith. Do not be proud, but fear. 21 For if God did not spare the natural branches, take heed lest He also does not spare you. 22 Therefore behold the goodness and severity of God: severity on those who fell, but goodness toward you, if you continue in His goodness. Otherwise you also shall be cut off. 23 And they also, if they do not still remain in unbelief, shall be grafted in, for God is able to graft them in again. 24 For if you were cut out of the olive tree that is wild by nature, and were grafted, contrary to nature, into a good olive tree, how much more shall these, who are the natural branches, be grafted into their own olive tree? 25 For I do not want you, brothers,
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to be ignorant of this mystery—lest you should be wise in your own opinions—that blindness in part has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in. 26 And so all Israel shall be saved, as it is written: “The Deliverer shall come out of Zion and shall turn away ungodliness from Jacob. 27 For this is My covenant to them, when I shall take away their sins.” 28 Concerning the gospel, they are enemies for your sake. But concerning the election, they are beloved for the fathers’ sake. 29 For the gifts and calling of God are irrevocable. 30 For as you in times past have not believed God, yet have now obtained mercy through their unbelief, 31 even so these also have now not believed, that through your mercy they also may obtain mercy. 32 For God has confined them all in unbelief, that He might have mercy on all. 33 O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! 34 “For who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His counselor? 35 Or who has first given to Him and it shall be repaid to him?” 36 For from Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Christian Life and Service Therefore I beseech you, brothers, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by
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the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. 3 For through the grace given to me I say to every man who is among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think soberly, according to the measure of faith God has dealt to every man. 4 For as we have many parts in one body and all parts do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and each one is a member of the others. 6 Having then differing gifts according to the grace that is given to us: whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; 7 or ministry, let us attend to our ministering; or he who teaches, on teaching; 8 or he who exhorts, on exhortation; he who gives, let him do it with simplicity; he who rules, with diligence; he who shows mercy, with cheerfulness. 9 Let love be without hypocrisy. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. 10 Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, preferring one another in honor, 11 not slothful in business, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord, 12 rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing persistently in prayer, 13 distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality. 14 Bless those who persecute you. Bless, and do not curse. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. 16 Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not think about high things, but associate with men of low position. Do not be wise in your own opinions.
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17 Do not repay evil for evil to any
man. Provide honest things in the sight of all men. 18 If it is possible, as much as it lies in you, live peaceably with all men. 19 Do not avenge yourselves, dearly beloved, but rather give place to wrath, for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine. I will repay,” says the Lord. 20 Therefore, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him a drink. For in so doing you shall heap coals of fire on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Submit to Governing Authorities Let every soul be subject to the higher authorities. For there is no authority but by God, and the authorities that exist are ordained by God. 2 Therefore whoever resists authority resists the ordinance of God, and those who resist shall receive condemnation for themselves. 3 For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Will you then not be afraid of the one in authority? Do what is good and you shall have praise from the same, 4 for he is the minister of God to you for good. But if you do what is evil, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword in vain. For he is the minister of God, an avenger to execute wrath on him who does evil.
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Love Is the Fulfillment of the Law 5 Therefore you need to be subject, not only for wrath but also for the sake of conscience. 6 For this reason you also pay taxes, for they are
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God’s ministers attending continually on this very thing. 7 Therefore render to all their due: tax to whom tax is due, custom to whom custom, fear to whom fear, honor to whom honor. 8 Owe no man anything but to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law. 9 For this, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not kill,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not bear false witness,” “You shall not covet,” and if there is any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying—namely, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love works no ill to his neighbor; therefore love is the fulfilling of the law. 11 And knowing the time, that now it is high time to awake out of sleep. For now our salvation is nearer than when we believed. 12 The night is far spent; the day is at hand. Therefore let us cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armor of light. 13 Let us walk honestly, as in the day, not in rioting and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and wantonness, not in strife and envying. 14 But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not make provision for the flesh, to fulfill its lusts. The Law of Love concerning Doubtful Things Receive him who is weak in the faith, but not to doubtful disputes. 2 For one believes that he may eat all things; another who is weak eats vegetables. 3 Do not let him who eats despise him who does not eat, and do not let him who does not eat judge him who eats,
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for God has received him. 4 Who are you who judges another man’s servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Yes, he shall be upheld, for God is able to make him stand. 5 One man esteems one day above another; another esteems every day alike. Let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind. 6 He who regards the day, regards it to the Lord, and he who does not regard the day, to the Lord he does not regard it. He who eats, eats to the Lord, for he gives God thanks. And he who does not eat, to the Lord he does not eat and gives God thanks. 7 For none of us lives to himself, and no man dies to himself. 8 For whether we live, we live to the Lord, and whether we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and revived, that He might be Lord of both the dead and living. 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you despise your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: “‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee shall bow to Me and every tongue shall confess to God.’” 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. 13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather judge this: that no man should put a stumbling block or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way. 14 I know and am persuaded by the Lord Jesus that there is nothing unclean in itself, but to him who esteems anything to be unclean, to him it is unclean. 15 But if your brother is grieved with your food,
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now you are not walking in love. Do not destroy with your food him for whom Christ died. 16 Then do not let your good be spoken of as evil, 17 for the kingdom of God is not food and drink but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. 18 For he who serves Christ in these things is acceptable to God and approved by men. 19 Therefore let us follow after the things that make for peace, and things by which one may edify another. 20 Do not destroy the work of God for food. All things indeed are pure, but it is evil for that man who eats with offense. 21 It is good neither to eat meat nor to drink wine nor to do anything by which your brother stumbles or is offended or is made weak. 22 Do you have faith? Keep it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in that thing that he allows. 23 And he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat by faith. For whatever is not of faith is sin. The Law of Love concerning Doubtful Things, Continued We, then, who are strong ought to bear the frailties of the weak, and not to please ourselves. 2 Let every one of us please his neighbor for his good, for edification. 3 For even Christ did not please Himself, but as it is written: “The reproaches of those who reproached You fell on Me.” 4 For whatever things were written formerly were written for our learning, that through patience and comfort from the scriptures we might have hope.
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Romans 15:5 5 Now
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may the God of patience and consolation grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, 6 that with one mind and one mouth you may glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore receive one another, as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. 8 Now I say that J esus Christ was a minister of the circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises made to the fathers, 9 and that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, as it is written: “For this reason I will confess to You among the Gentiles and sing to Your name.” 10 And again he says: “Rejoice, you Gentiles, with His people!” 11 And again: “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and laud Him, all you people!” 12 And again, Isaiah says: “There shall be a root of Jesse, and He who shall rise to reign over the Gentiles, in Him the Gentiles shall trust.” 13 Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit. 14 And I myself also am convinced of you, my brothers, that you also are full of goodness, filled with all knowledge, also able to admonish one another. 15 Nevertheless, brothers, I have written more boldly to you about some things, as reminding you, because of the grace that was given to me by God, 16 that I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Spirit.
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17 Therefore, I have something of
which I may boast through Jesus Christ in those things that pertain to God. 18 For I will not dare to speak of any of those things that Christ has not worked through me to make the Gentiles obedient—by word and deed, 19 through mighty signs and wonders, by the power of the Spirit of God—so that from Jerusalem and all around to Illyricum I have fully preached the gospel of Christ. 20 Yes, I have so labored to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build on another man’s foundation, 21 but as it is written: “Those to whom He was not spoken of shall see, and those who have not heard shall understand.” 22 For this reason I also have been much hindered from coming to you. 23 But now, no longer having a place in these parts, and having a great desire these many years to come to you, 24 I will come to you whenever I take my journey to Spain. For I trust to see you in my journey and to be brought on my way there by you, if first I may be somewhat filled with your company. 25 But now I am going to Jerusalem to minister to the saints. 26 For it has pleased those of Macedonia and Achaia to make a certain contribution for the poor saints who are in Jerusalem. 27 It has truly pleased them, and they are their debtors. For if the Gentiles have been made partakers of their spiritual things, their duty is also to minister to them in material things. 28 Therefore, when I have performed this and have sealed this fruit to them, I will
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go by way of you to Spain. 29 And I am sure that when I come to you, I shall come in the fullness of the blessing of the gospel of Christ. 30 Now I beseech you, brothers, for the Lord Jesus Christ’s sake and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me, 31 that I may be delivered from those in Judea who do not believe, and that my service that I have for Jerusalem may be accepted by the saints, 32 that I may come to you with joy by the will of God and may be refreshed with you. 33 Now the God of peace be with you all. Amen. The Outflow of Christian Love I commend to you our sister Phoebe, who is a servant of the church that is at Cenchrea, 2 that you receive her in the Lord as becomes saints, and that you assist her in whatever business she may have need from you, for she has been a helper of many, and of myself also. 3 Greet Priscilla and Aquila, my helpers in Christ Jesus, 4 who have laid down their own necks for my life, to whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. 5 Likewise greet the church that is in their house. Greet my well-beloved Epaenetus, who is the firstfruits of Achaia to Christ. 6 Greet Mary, who bestowed much labor on us. 7 Greet Andronicus and Junia, my countrymen and my fellow prisoners, who are of note among the apostles, who also were in Christ before me. 8 Greet Ampliatus, my beloved in the Lord. 9 Greet Urbanus, our helper in Christ,
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and Stachys, my beloved. 10 Greet Apelles, approved in Christ. Greet those who are of Aristobulus’s household. 11 Greet Herodion, my countryman. Greet those who are of the household of Narcissus, who are in the Lord. 12 Greet Tryphaena and Tryphosa, who labor in the Lord. Greet the beloved Persis, who labored much in the Lord. 13 Greet Rufus, chosen in the Lord, and his mother and mine. 14 Greet Asyncritus, Phlegon, Hermes, Patrobas, Hermas, and the brothers who are with them. 15 Greet Philologus and Julia, Nereus and his sister, and Olympas, and all the saints who are with them. 16 Greet one another with a holy kiss. The churches of Christ greet you. 17 Now I beseech you, brothers, mark those who cause divisions and offenses contrary to the doctrine that you have learned, and avoid them. 18 For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and deceive the hearts of the simple by good words and fair speeches. 19 For your obedience has become known to all men. Therefore I am glad on your behalf, but I would still have you wise to what is good, and simple concerning evil. 20 And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen. 21 Timothy, my fellow worker, and Lucius and Jason and Sosipater, my countrymen, greet you. 22 I, Tertius, who wrote this letter, greet you in the Lord. 23 Gaius, my host and host of the
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whole church, greets you. Erastus the treasurer of the city greets you, and Quartus, a brother. 24 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen. 25 Now to Him who has power to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation
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of the mystery that was kept secret since the world began 26 but now is made evident, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations, for the obedience of faith— 27 to the only wise God be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
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1 CORINTHIANS INTRODUCTION TO 1 CORINTHIANS During his second missionary journey, Paul remained in Corinth for about eighteen months (about AD 51–52), teaching and establishing the church there. He then returned to his home base at Antioch and subsequently set off on his third missionary journey. He traveled to Ephesus, the key city in the Roman province of Asia, where he remained for three years, establishing churches there and in the surrounding regions. Paul considered himself the spiritual father of the Corinthian church (4:14–15). It was his love for the believers that motivated him to confront them so directly concerning spiritual and moral issues. Personally, he had experienced weakness, fear, and trembling in his previous association with the church (2:3), but Paul knew it was the power of God that would sustain both him as the messenger and the Corinthian believers as a body. AUTHOR The letter of 1 Corinthians both begins and ends with an identification of Paul as the author (1:1; 16:21). The early church was quick to affirm his authorship, and few modern scholars dispute it. OCCASION A delegation from Corinth (Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus [16:17]) came to Paul with a financial gift from the church. They probably also brought a list of questions from the church, since Paul answers these questions in his letter (7:1). The report of these three men, along with a report from members of the household of a woman named Chloe (1:11), and perhaps a report from his fellow missionary Apollos (1:12; 16:12), prompted Paul to write the letter.
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Greeting Paul, called to be an apostle of Jesus Christ through the will of God, and Sosthenes our brother, 2 to the church of God that is at Corinth, to those who are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all who in every place call on the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: 3 grace to you and peace from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.
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The Believer’s Position in Grace 4 I thank my God always on your behalf, for the grace of God that is given you by Jesus Christ, 5 that in everything you are enriched by Him in all speech and in all knowledge, 6 even as the testimony of Christ was confirmed in you, 7 so that you do not lack any gift, waiting for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, 8 who shall also confirm you to the end, that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 God is faithful, by whom you were called to the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. A Call to Be Unified 10 Now I beseech you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment. 11 For it has been declared to me of you, my brothers, by those who are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. 12 Now I say this, that each one of you says, “I am of Paul,” and “I of Apollos,”
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and “I of Cephas,” and “I of Christ.” 13 Is Christ divided? Was Paul crucified for you? Or were you baptized in the name of Paul? 14 I thank God that I baptized none of you but Crispus and Gaius, 15 lest any should say that I had baptized in my own name. 16 And I also baptized the household of Stephanas. Besides that, I do not know whether I baptized any others. 17 For Christ sent me not to baptize but to preach the gospel, not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of no effect. God Has Confounded the Wisdom of the World 18 For the preaching of the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are saved it is the power of God. 19 For it is written: “I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.” 20 Where is the wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the disputer of this world? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? 21 For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God by wisdom, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save those who believe. 22 For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified, a stumbling block to the Jews and foolishness to the Greeks, 24 but to those who are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men. 26 For you see your calling,
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brothers, how not many wise men according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. 27 But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things that are mighty. 28 And God has chosen lowly things of the world and things that are despised, yes, and things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, 29 that no flesh should boast in His presence. 30 But of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who from God was made for us wisdom, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, 31 that, according to what is written, “He who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.” Christian Revelation Owes Nothing to Human Wisdom And when I came to you, brothers, I did not come with excellency of speech or of wisdom declaring to you the testimony of God. 2 For I determined not to know anything among you except Jesus Christ and Him crucified. 3 And I was with you in weakness and in fear and in much trembling. 4 And my speech and my preaching were not with enticing words of man’s wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, 5 that your faith should stand not in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. 6Although we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this world or of the princes of this world who come to nothing. 7 But we speak
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the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom that God ordained before the world for our glory, 8 which none of the princes of this world knew. For had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. 9 But as it is written: “Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those who love Him.” 10 But God has revealed them to us by His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of God. 11 For what man knows the things of a man, except the spirit of man that is in him? Even so no man knows the things of God but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received not the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that are freely given to us by God. 13 We also speak these things, not in the words that man’s wisdom teaches, but that the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. Nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 But he who is spiritual judges all things, yet he himself is judged by no man. 16 “For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him?” But we have the mind of Christ. A Carnal Condition Prevents Spiritual Growth And I, brothers, could not speak to you as to spiritual, but as to people of the flesh, even as to babies in Christ. 2 I have fed you with
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milk and not with food, for up to this point you were not able to bear it, nor are you able to even now. 3 For you are still of the flesh. For since there are envying and strife and divisions among you, are you not of the flesh and walking as men? 4 For while one says, “I am of Paul,” and another, “I am of Apollos,” are you not of the flesh? 5 Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, even as the Lord gave to every man? 6 I have planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. 7 So then neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but God who gives the increase. 8 Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labor. 9 For we are laborers together with God. You are God’s field; you are God’s building. 10 According to the grace of God that was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another is building on it. But let every man take heed how he builds on it. 11 For no man can lay a foundation other than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man builds on this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble, 13 every man’s work shall be made plain. For the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire, and the fire shall test every man’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If any man’s work that he has built on it remains, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss, but
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he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire. 16 Do you not know that you are the temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwells in you? 17 If any man defiles the temple of God, God shall destroy him, for the temple of God is holy; you are that temple. The Wisdom of This World Is Foolishness to God 18 Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seems to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. 19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written: “He takes the wise in their own craftiness.” 20 And again: “The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are useless.” 21 Therefore let no man boast in men. For all things are yours, 22 whether Paul or Apollos or Cephas or the world or life or death or things present or things to come—all are yours, 23 and you are Christ’s, and Christ is God’s. Judgment of Christ’s Servants Let a man so consider us, as of the ministers of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. 2 Moreover, it is required of stewards that a man be found faithful. 3 But with me it is a very small thing that I should be judged by you or by man’s judgment. Yes, I do not judge my own self. 4 For I know nothing by myself, yet I am not justified by this. But He who judges me is the Lord. 5 Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and make plain the
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counsels of the hearts. And then every man shall have praise from God. A Warning and a Plea to Follow Paul’s Example 6 And these things, brothers, I have figuratively transferred to myself and to Apollos for your sakes, that in us you might learn not to think of men above what is written, that none of you may be puffed up for one against another. 7 For who makes you to differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you received it, why do you boast as if you had not received it? 8 Now you are full. Now you are rich. You have reigned as kings without us. And I wish to God you did reign, that we also might reign with you. 9 For I think that God has set forth us, the apostles, last, as it were appointed to death, for we are made a spectacle to the world and to angels and to men. 10 We are fools for Christ’s sake, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are honorable, but we are despised. 11 Even to this present hour we both hunger and thirst, and are naked and are beaten and have no certain dwelling place, 12 and labor, working with our own hands. Being reviled, we bless; being persecuted, we endure it; 13 being defamed, we entreat. We are made as the filth of the world and are the offscouring of all things to this day. 14 I do not write these things to shame you, but I warn you as my beloved sons. 15 For though you have ten thousand instructors in Christ,
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still you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. 16 Therefore I beseech you: be followers of me. 17 For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, who is my beloved and faithful son in the Lord, who shall remind you of my ways that are in Christ, as I teach everywhere in every church. 18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you. 19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord wills, and will know, not the speech of those who are puffed up, but the power. 20 For the kingdom of God is not in words but in power. 21 What do you want? Shall I come to you with a rod or in love and in the spirit of meekness? Immorality Rebuked, Discipline Commanded It is commonly reported that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not even named among the Gentiles—that one would have his father’s wife. 2 And you are puffed up and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3 For truly, as absent in body but present in spirit, I have already judged, as though I were present, concerning him who has done this deed. 4 When you are gathered together in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5 deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved on the day of the Lord Jesus.
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1 Corinthians 5:6
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A Little Leaven Leavens the Whole Lump 6 Your boasting is not good. Do you not know that a little leaven leavens the whole lump? 7 Therefore purge out the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. 8 Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven or with the leaven of malice and wickedness, but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. 9 I wrote to you in a letter not to associate with fornicators— 10 yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous or extortioners, or with idolaters, for then you would need to go out of the world. 11 But now I have written to you not to associate with any man who is called a brother if he is a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a reviler, or a drunkard, or an extortioner. Do not eat with such a one. 12 For what have I to do with judging those who are outside? Do you not judge those who are within? 13 But God judges those who are outside. Therefore “put away that wicked person from among yourselves.” Saints Forbidden to Go to Law with Each Other Dare any one of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust and not before the saints? 2 Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? And if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3 Do you not know that we
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shall judge angels? How much more things that pertain to this life? 4 If you then have judgments of things pertaining to this life, set those who are least esteemed in the church to judge. 5 I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you—no, not one who shall be able to judge between his brothers? 6 But brother goes to law with brother, and that before the unbelievers! 7 Now, therefore, there is utterly a fault among you because you go to law with one another. Why do you not rather take wrong? Why do you not rather allow yourselves to be defrauded? 8 No, you do wrong and defraud, and this to your brothers. Sanctity of the Body and Marriage 9 Do you not know that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners shall inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God. 12 All things are lawful to me, but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of anything. 13 Food for the belly and the belly for food, but God shall destroy both of them. Now the body is not for fornication but for the Lord,
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and the Lord for the body. 14 And God has both raised up the Lord and will also raise us up by His own power. 15 Do you not know that your bodies are the members of Christ? Shall I then take the members of Christ and make them the members of a prostitute? God forbid! 16 What, do you not know that he who is joined to a prostitute is one body? For “two,” He says, “shall be one flesh.” 17 But he who is joined to the Lord is one spirit. 18 Flee fornication. Every sin that a man does is outside the body, but he who commits fornication sins against his own body. 19 What, do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought with a price. Therefore glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s. The Call to Singleness and Instructions for Husbands and Wives Now concerning the things about which you wrote to me: it is good for a man not to touch a woman. 2 Nevertheless, to avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife, and let every woman have her own husband. 3 Let the husband render due benevolence to the wife, and likewise also the wife to the husband. 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise, the husband also does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. 5 Do not deprive one another, unless
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1 Corinthians 7 :15
it is with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer. And come together again, that Satan will not tempt you for your lack of self-control. 6 But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment. 7 For I wish that all men were even as I myself am. But every man has his proper gift from God, one according to this manner and another after that. 8 Therefore I say to the unmarried and widows: It is good for them if they remain even as I am. 9 But if they cannot exercise self-control, let them marry, for it is better to marry than to burn. The Regulation of Marriage among Gentile Believers 10 And to the married I command, yet not I, but the Lord: Do not let the wife depart from her husband. 11 But if she departs, let her remain unmarried or be reconciled to her husband. And do not let the husband divorce his wife. 12 But to the rest I, not the Lord, speak: If any brother has a wife who does not believe, and she is pleased to dwell with him, do not let him divorce her. 13 And the woman who has a husband who does not believe, if he is pleased to dwell with her, do not let her leave him. 14 For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband. Otherwise your children would be unclean, but now they are holy. 15 But if the unbeliever departs, let him depart. A brother or a sister is not under bondage in such cases. But God has called us to peace.
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1 Corinthians 7:16 16 For
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what do you know, O wife, whether you shall save your husband? Or how do you know, O man, whether you shall save your wife? 17 But as God has distributed to every man, as the Lord has called every one, so let him walk. And this I ordain in all churches. 18 Was any man called being circumcised? Do not let him become uncircumcised. Was anyone called in uncircumcision? Do not let him be circumcised. 19 Circumcision is nothing and uncircumcision is nothing, but the keeping of the commandments of God. 20 Let every man remain in the same calling in which he was called. 21 Were you called while a servant? Do not be concerned about it. But if you may be made free, rather use it. 22 For he who was called in the Lord being a servant is the Lord’s freedman. Likewise also he who was called being free is Christ’s servant. 23 You were bought with a price; do not become the servants of men. 24 Brothers, let every man, in which he is called, abide with God in that. 25 Now concerning virgins, I have no commandment of the Lord, yet I give my judgment as one who has obtained mercy from the Lord to be faithful. 26 I suppose, therefore, that this is good for the present distress. I say that it is good for a man to be as he is. 27 Are you bound to a wife? Do not seek to be released. Are you released from a wife? Do not seek a wife. 28 But if you marry, you have not sinned, and if a virgin marries, she has not sinned. Nevertheless such shall have trouble in the flesh, but I spare you.
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29 But I say this, brothers: the time
is short. It remains that those who have wives should be as though they had none, 30 and those who weep as though they did not weep, and those who rejoice as though they did not rejoice, and those who buy as though they did not possess, 31 and those who use this world as not abusing it. For the form of this world is passing away. 32 But I want you to be without concern. He who is unmarried cares for the things that belong to the Lord—how he may please the Lord. 33 But he who is married cares for the things that are of the world—how he may please his wife. 34 There is also difference between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman cares for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit. But she who is married cares for the things of the world—how she may please her husband. 35 And I speak this for your own profit, not that I may cast a snare on you, but for what is good, and that you may serve the Lord without distraction. 36 But if any man thinks that he is behaving improperly toward his virgin, if she is past the flower of her age and his needs require it, let him do what he will. He does not sin; let them marry. 37 Nevertheless, he who stands steadfast in his heart, having no necessity but having power over his own will, and having so decreed in his heart that he will keep his virgin, does well. 38 So then he who gives her in marriage does well, but he who does not give her in marriage does better.
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1 Corinthians 9 :10
1503 39 The wife is bound by the law as
long as her husband lives, but if her husband is dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she wishes, only in the Lord. 40 But she is happier if she so remains according to my judgment. And I think that I also have the Spirit of God.
Food and the Limitations of Christian Liberty Now concerning things offered to idols: we know that we all have knowledge. Knowledge puffs up, but love edifies. 2 And if any man thinks that he knows anything, he knows nothing yet as he ought to know. 3 But if any man loves God, the same is known by Him. 4 Therefore, concerning the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice to idols, we know that an idol is nothing in the world and that there is no other God but one. 5 For though there are those that are called gods, whether in heaven or on earth (as there are many gods and many lords), 6 but to us there is but one God, the Father, from whom are all things, and we in Him, and one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom are all things, and we through Him. 7 However, that knowledge is not in every man. For some, with conscience of the idol to this hour, eat it as a thing offered to an idol, and their conscience, being weak, is defiled. 8 But food does not commend us to God, for neither are we the better if we eat, nor are we the worse if we do not eat. 9 But take heed lest this liberty of yours by any means becomes a stumbling block to those who are weak.
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10 For
if any man sees you who have knowledge sitting to eat in the idol’s temple, shall the conscience of him who is weak not be emboldened to eat those things that are offered to idols? 11 And through your knowledge shall the weak brother perish, for whom Christ died? 12 But when you sin this way against the brothers and wound their weak conscience, you sin against Christ. 13 Therefore, if food makes my brother stumble, I will not eat meat while the world stands, lest I cause my brother to stumble. Paul Vindicates His Apostleship Am I not an apostle? Am I not free? Have I not seen Jesus Christ our Lord? Are you not my work in the Lord? 2 If I am not an apostle to others, yet doubtless I am to you, for you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 3 My defense to those who examine me is this: 4 Do we not have the right to eat and to drink? 5 Do we not have the right to take along a sister, a wife, as well as other apostles and as the brothers of the Lord and Cephas? 6 Or do only Barnabas and I have no right to refrain from working? 7 Who, at any time, goes to war at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who feeds a flock and does not drink the milk of the flock? 8 Do I say these things as a man? Or does the law not say the same also? 9 For it is written in the law of Moses: “You shall not muzzle the mouth of the ox that treads out the grain.” Is God concerned about oxen? 10 Or does He say it altogether
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1 Corinthians 9:11
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for our sake? This is written, no doubt, for our sake, that he who plows should plow in hope, and that he who threshes in hope should be partaker of his hope. 11 If we have sown spiritual things for you, is it too much if we reap your material things? 12 If others are partakers of this right over you, aren’t we even more? Nevertheless, we have not used this right but endure all things lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. 13 Do you not know that those who minister about holy things live from the things of the temple, and those who wait at the altar are partakers with the altar? 14 Even so the Lord has ordained that those who preach the gospel should live by the gospel. 15 But I have used none of these things, nor have I written these things, that it should be done so to me. For it would be better for me to die than for any man to make my boasting void. 16 For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for necessity is laid on me. Yes, woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! 17 For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward, but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel has been committed to me. 18 What then is my reward? Truly that, when I preach the gospel, I may offer the gospel of Christ without charge, that I not abuse my right in the gospel. The Method and Reward of True Ministry 19 For though I am free from all men, still I have made myself servant to all, that I might gain more. 20 And to the Jews I became as a Jew, that I
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might gain the Jews; to those who are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain those who are under the law; 21 to those who are without the law, as without the law (not being without the law of God, but under the law of Christ), that I might gain those who are without the law; 22 to the weak I became as weak, that I might gain the weak. I have become all things to all men, that by all means I might save some. 23 And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker of it with you. 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? So run, that you may obtain it. 25 And every man who strives for victory has self-control in all things. Now those do it to obtain a corruptible crown, but we, an incorruptible crown. 26 So I run, therefore, not with uncertainty. So I fight, not as one who beats the air, 27 but I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be disqualified. Israel in the Wilderness, a Warning Example Moreover, I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, how all our fathers were under the cloud and all passed through the sea, 2 and were all baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, 3 and all ate the same spiritual food, 4 and all drank the same spiritual drink, for they drank from that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ. 5 But God was not well pleased with many of them, for they were overthrown in the wilderness.
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1 Corinthians 10:32
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ples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were. As it is written, “The people sat down to eat and drink, and rose up to play.” 8 Nor let us commit fornication, as some of them committed, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9 Nor let us test Christ as some of them also tested and were destroyed by serpents, 10 nor murmur as some of them also murmured and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11 Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, on whom the ends of the world have come. 12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed lest he fall. 13 No temptation has taken you but such as is common to man. But God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted above what you are able, but with the temptation will also make a way of escape, that you may be able to bear it. Fellowship at the Lord’s Table Demands Separation 14 Therefore, my dearly beloved, flee from idolatry. 15 I speak as to wise men; judge what I say. 16 The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? 17 For we, being many, are one bread and one body. For we are all partakers of that one bread. 18 Behold Israel according to the flesh: Are those who eat of the sacrifices not partakers of the altar?
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19 What
do I say then? That the idol is anything, or what is offered in sacrifice to idols is anything? 20 But I say that the things that the Gentiles sacrifice, they sacrifice to demons and not to God, and I do not want you to have fellowship with demons. 21 You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons. You cannot be partakers of the Lord’s Table and of the table of demons. 22 Do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He? The Law of Love in Relation to Eating and Drinking 23 All things are lawful for me, but not all things are expedient. All things are lawful for me, but not all things edify. 24 Let no man seek his own, but each man another’s well-being. 25 Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake, 26 “for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness of it.” 27 If any of those who do not believe invites you to a feast and you are disposed to go, eat whatever is set before you, asking no questions for the sake of conscience. 28 But if any man says to you, “This was offered in sacrifice to idols,” do not eat for the sake of the one who told you and for conscience’ sake, “for the earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness of it.” 29 Not your own conscience, I say, but of the other. For why is my liberty judged by another man’s conscience? 30 For if I am a partaker by grace, why am I slandered for what I give thanks for? 31 Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all for the glory of God. 32 Give no offense,
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1 Corinthians 10:33
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neither to the Jews nor to the Gentiles nor to the church of God, 33 even as I please all men in all things, not seeking my own profit but the profit of many, that they may be saved. Christian Order and the Lord’s Supper Be followers of me, even as I also am of Christ. 2 Now I praise you, brothers, that you remember me in all things and keep the ordinances as I delivered them to you. 3 But I would have you know that the head of every man is Christ, and the head of the woman is the man, and the head of Christ is God. 4 Every man praying or prophesying, having his head covered, dishonors his head. 5 But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is even as if she were shaved. 6 For if the woman is not covered, let her also have her hair cut off. But if it is shameful for a woman to have her hair cut or be shaved, let her be covered. 7 For indeed a man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God, but the woman is the glory of the man. 8 For the man was not from the woman, but the woman from the man. 9 Nor was the man created for the woman, but the woman for the man. 10 For this reason the woman ought to have authority on her head, because of the angels. 11 Nevertheless, in the Lord neither is the man without the woman nor the woman without the man. 12 For as the woman is from the man, even so the man is also through the woman. But all things are from God. 13 Judge for yourselves: Is it
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proper for a woman to pray to God uncovered? 14 Does not even nature itself teach you that if a man has long hair, it is a shame to him? 15 But if a woman has long hair, it is a glory to her, for her hair is given to her for a covering. 16 But if any man seems to be contentious, we have no such custom, nor do the churches of God. 17 Now in this that I declare to you I do not praise you, that you come together not for the better but for the worse. 18 For first of all, when you come together in the church, I hear that there are divisions among you, and I believe it in part. 19 For there must be also heresies among you, that those who are approved may be made evident among you. 20 Therefore when you come together into one place, it is not to eat the Lord’s Supper. 21 For in eating, each one takes his own supper before others. And one is hungry and another is drunk. 22 What? Do you not have houses to eat and to drink in? Or do you despise the church of God and shame those who have nothing? What shall I say to you? Shall I praise you in this? I do not praise you. 23 For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus, the same night in which He was betrayed, took bread, 24 and when He had given thanks, He broke it and said, “Take. Eat. This is My body, which is broken for you. Do this in remembrance of Me.” 25 After the same manner He also took the cup when He had eaten, saying, “This cup is the new testament in My blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of Me.”
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and drink this cup, you declare the Lord’s death until He comes. 27 Therefore whoever eats this bread and drinks this cup of the Lord unworthily shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. 28 But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread and drink of that cup. 29 For he who eats and drinks unworthily eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord’s body. 30 For this reason many are weak and sickly among you, and many asleep. 31 For if we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged, we are chastened by the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. 33 Therefore, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another. 34 And if any man is hungry, let him eat at home, that you do not come together for condemnation. And I will set the rest in order when I come. Spiritual Gifts in the Body of Christ Now concerning spiritual gifts, brothers, I would not have you ignorant. 2 You know that you were Gentiles carried away to these mute idols, even as you were led. 3 Therefore I want you to understand that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calls Jesus accursed, and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord but by the Holy Spirit. 4 Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. 5 And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. 6 And there are
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diversities of operations, but it is the same God who works all in all. 7 But the evidence of the Spirit is given to every man to profit with it. 8 For to one is given the word of wisdom by the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit, 9 to another faith by the same Spirit, to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit, 10 to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. 11 But one and the very same Spirit works all these, distributing to each man separately as He wills. Every Believer Is a Member of Christ’s Body 12 For as the body is one and has many parts, and all the parts of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. 13 For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body, whether we are Jews or Gentiles, whether we are slaves or free, and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. 14 For the body is not one part, but many. 15 If the foot says, “Because I am not the hand, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 16 And if the ear says, “Because I am not the eye, I am not of the body,” is it therefore not of the body? 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the hearing be? If the whole were hearing, where would the smelling be? 18 But now God has set the parts in the body, each one of them, as it has pleased Him. 19 And if they were
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1 Corinthians 12:20
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all one part, where would the body be? 20 But now there are many parts, yet one body. 21 And the eye cannot say to the hand, “I have no need of you,” or again the head to the feet, “I have no need of you.” 22 No, much more, those parts of the body that seem to be more feeble are necessary. 23 And those parts of the body that we think to be less honorable, on these we bestow more abundant honor, and our unpresentable parts are given more abundant modesty, 24 for our presentable parts have no need. But God has put the body together, having given more abundant honor to the part that lacked, 25 that there should be no schism in the body, but that the parts should have the same care for one another. 26 And whether one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, or if one part is honored, all the parts rejoice with it. 27 Now you are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God has set some in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Are all workers of miracles? 30 Do all have the gifts of healing? Do all speak with tongues? Do all interpret? 31 But earnestly covet the best gifts. And yet, I show to you a more excellent way. The Ministry Gifts Must Be Governed by Love Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not love, I have become as
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sounding brass or a tinkling cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith so that I could remove mountains, and have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I give all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and do not have love, it profits me nothing. 4 Love endures patiently and is kind; love does not envy; love does not boast, is not puffed up, 5 does not behave improperly, does not seek its own, is not easily provoked, does not think evil, 6 does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth; 7 it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they shall fail; whether there are tongues, they shall cease; whether there is knowledge, it shall vanish away. 9 For we know in part and we prophesy in part. 10 But when what is perfect has come, then what is in part shall be done away with. 11 When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. But when I became a man, I put away childish things. 12 For now we see through a glass darkly, but then face to face. Now I know in part, but then I shall know even as I also am known. 13 And now remain faith, hope, love, these three. But the greatest of these is love. Prophecy Is the Greatest of the Gifts Follow after love, and desire spiritual gifts, but even more
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1 Corinthians 14:23
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that you may prophesy. 2 For he who speaks in an unknown tongue speaks not to men but to God. For no man understands him, although he speaks mysteries in the Spirit. 3 But he who prophesies speaks to men for edification and exhortation and comfort. 4 He who speaks in an unknown tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5 I wish that you all spoke with tongues, but even more that you prophesied. For he who prophesies is greater than he who speaks with tongues, unless he interprets, that the church may receive edification. 6 Now, brothers, if I come to you speaking with tongues, how shall I benefit you unless I speak to you either by revelation or by knowledge or by prophesying or by doctrine? 7 And even things without life that give sound, whether pipe or harp, unless they give a distinction in the sounds, how shall it be known what is piped or harped? 8 For if the trumpet gives an uncertain sound, who shall prepare himself for the battle? 9 So likewise you, unless you utter by the tongue words easy to understand, how shall it be known what is spoken? For you shall speak into the air. 10 There are, it may be, so many kinds of voices in the world, and none of them are without significance. 11 Therefore if I do not know the meaning of the voice, I shall be a barbarian to him who speaks, and he who speaks shall be a barbarian to me. 12 Even so you, since you are zealous of spiritual gifts, seek that you may excel for the edification of the church.
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13 Therefore
let him who speaks in an unknown tongue pray that he may interpret. 14 For if I pray in an unknown tongue, my spirit prays, but my understanding is unfruitful. 15 What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will also pray with the understanding. I will sing with the spirit, and I will also sing with the understanding. 16 Otherwise, when you bless with the spirit, how shall he who occupies the place of the unlearned say “Amen” at your giving of thanks, since he does not understand what you say? 17 For you truly give thanks, but the other is not edified. 18 I thank my God I speak with tongues more than you all. 19 However, in the church I would rather speak five words with my understanding, that by my voice I might also teach others, than ten thousand words in an unknown tongue. 20 Brothers, do not be children in understanding; however, in malice be children, but in understanding be men. 21 In the law it is written, “With men of other tongues and other lips I will speak to this people, and yet, for all that, they will not hear Me,” says the Lord. 22 Therefore tongues are for a sign, not to those who believe but to those who do not believe, but prophesying serves not for those who do not believe but for those who believe. The Order of the Ministry of Gifts in the Local Church 23 Therefore if the whole church comes together into one place and all speak with tongues, and those who are unlearned or unbelievers
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1 Corinthians 14:24
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come in, will they not say that you are mad? 24 But if all prophesy, and one who does not believe or one who is unlearned comes in, he is convicted by all, he is judged by all. 25 And thus the secrets of his heart are made plain, and so, falling down on his face, he will worship God and report that God is truly in you. 26 How is it then, brothers? When you come together, each one of you has a psalm, has a doctrine, has a tongue, has a revelation, has an interpretation. Let all things be done for edification. 27 If any man speaks in an unknown tongue, let it be by two or at the most by three, and that in turn, and let one interpret. 28 But if there is no interpreter, let him keep silent in the church, and let him speak to himself and to God. 29 Let two or three prophets speak, and let the others judge. 30 If anything is revealed to another who sits by, let the first hold his peace. 31 For you may all prophesy one by one, that all may learn and all may be comforted. 32 And the spirits of the prophets are subject to the prophets. 33 For God is the author not of confusion but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. 34 Let your women keep silent in the churches, for it is not permitted for them to speak. But they are commanded to be under obedience, as the law also says. 35 And if they want to learn anything, let them ask their husbands at home. For it is a shame for women to speak in the church. 36 What, did the word of God come out from you? Or did it come to you only? 37 If any man thinks himself to be a prophet or spiritual, let him
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acknowledge that the things that I write to you are the commandments of the Lord. 38 But if any man is ignorant, let him be ignorant. 39 Therefore, brothers, covet to prophesy, and do not forbid speaking with tongues. 40 Let all things be done decently and in order. The Coming of the Lord and the First Resurrection Moreover, brothers, I declare to you the gospel that I preached to you, which you also have received and in which you stand, 2 by which you also are saved, if you keep in memory what I preached to you—unless you have believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all what I also received, that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. 6 After that He was seen by more than five hundred brothers at once, of whom the greater portion remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep. 7 After that He was seen by James, then by all the apostles. 8 And last of all He was also seen by me, as by one born out of due time. 9 For I am the least of the apostles, and am not suitable to be called an apostle, because I persecuted the church of God. 10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace that was bestowed on me was not in vain. But I labored more abundantly than all of them, yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 11 Therefore,
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whether it was I or they, so we preach and so you believed. 12 Now if Christ is preached, that He rose from the dead, how do some among you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is useless and your faith is also useless. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up—if indeed the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is useless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then also those who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 19 If we have hope in Christ only in this life, we are of all men most miserable. 20 But now Christ has been raised from the dead and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since death came through man, the resurrection of the dead also came through man. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ’s at His coming. 24 Then the end comes, when He shall deliver up the kingdom to God, even the Father, when He has put down all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign until He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death. 27 For “He has put all things under His feet.” But when He says “all things are put under
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Him,” it is evident that He who put all things under Him is the exception. 28 And when all things shall be subdued to Him, then the Son Himself shall also be subject to Him who put all things under Him, that God may be all in all. 29 Otherwise, what shall those who are baptized for the dead do, if the dead do not rise at all? Why then are they baptized for the dead? 30 And why do we stand in jeopardy every hour? 31 I affirm, by your rejoicing that I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die daily. 32 If, after the manner of men, I have fought with beasts at Ephesus, what advantage is it to me if the dead are not raised? “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we die.” 33 Do not be deceived: “Evil company corrupts good manners.” 34 Awake to righteousness and do not sin, for some do not have the knowledge of God. I speak this to your shame. 35 But some man will say, “How are the dead raised up? And with what body do they come?” 36 You fool! What you sow is not revived unless it dies. 37 And what you sow, you do not sow the body that shall be, but bare grain—it may perhaps be wheat or some other grain. 38 But God gives it a body as it has pleased Him, and to every seed its own body. 39 All flesh is not the same flesh, but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fish, and another of birds. 40 There are also celestial bodies and terrestrial bodies, but the glory of the celestial is one and the glory of the terrestrial is another. 41 There is one glory of the sun, and another glory
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of the moon, and another glory of the stars, for one star differs from another star in glory. 42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption. 43 It is sown in dishonor; it is raised in glory. It is sown in weakness; it is raised in power. 44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body. 45 And so it is written, “The first man Adam was made a living soul.” The last Adam was made a reviving spirit. 46 However, what is spiritual is not first, but what is natural, and afterward what is spiritual. 47 The first man was from the earth, earthly; the second man is the Lord from heaven. 48 As is the earthly man, so also are those who are earthly, and as is the heavenly man, so also are those who are heavenly. 49 And as we have borne the image of the earthly, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly. All Believers Will Not Die 50 Now I say this, brothers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God. Nor does corruption inherit incorruption. 51 Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, 52 in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump. For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption and this mortal has
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put on immortality, then the saying that is written shall come to pass: “Death is swallowed up in victory. 55 O death, where is your sting? O grave, where is your victory?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, since you know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord. Closing Instructions and Greetings Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I have given order to the churches of Galatia, even do so yourselves. 2 On the first day of the week, let every one of you lay in store by yourself, as God has prospered you, that there are no collections when I come. 3 And when I come, I will send whomever you shall approve by your letters to bring your gift to Jerusalem. 4 And if it is suitable that I go also, they shall go with me. 5 Now I will come to you when I shall pass through Macedonia, for I am passing through Macedonia. 6 And it may be that I will remain, yes, and winter with you, that you may send me on my journey, wherever I go. 7 For I will not see you now on the way, but I trust to remain with you a while, if the Lord permits. 8 But I will remain at Ephesus until Pentecost, 9 for a great and effective door has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 10 Now if Timothy comes, see that
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he may be with you without fear, for he works the work of the Lord, as I also do. 11 Therefore let no man despise him. But send him forth in peace, that he may come to me, for I am expecting him with the brothers. 12 Concerning our brother Apollos, I greatly desired him to come to you with the brothers, but his will was not at all to come at this time. But he will come when he has an opportunity. 13 Watch, stand fast in the faith, act like men, be strong. 14 Let all your things be done with love. 15 I beseech you, brothers—you know the house of Stephanas, that it is the firstfruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the ministry of the saints— 16 that you submit yourselves to such and to everyone who helps and labors
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with us. 17 I am glad of the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, for they have supplied what was lacking on your part. 18 For they have refreshed my spirit and yours. Therefore acknowledge such as them. 19 The churches of Asia greet you. Aquila and Priscilla greet you much in the Lord, with the church that is in their house. 20 All the brothers greet you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. 21 The greeting is by me, Paul, with my own hand. 22 If any man does not love the Lord Jesus Christ, let him be accursed. Maranatha! 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. 24 My love be with you all in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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2 CORINTHIANS INTRODUCTION TO 2 CORINTHIANS This letter from Paul to the Corinthian church is a follow-up letter to 1 Corinthians. The topics he discusses are similar, particularly the concern over the false teachers who continued to plague them. Though Paul addresses both general principles and issues specific to the Corinthian community, there is much here for the church today. AUTHOR Paul not only identifies himself as the author of 2 Corinthians (1:1; 10:1) but also provides more autobiographical information than in any of his other letters. OCCASION After establishing a church at Corinth (Acts 18:1–11), Paul continued to correspond with the believers there. Some of the correspondence between them has never been discovered (1 Corinthians 5:9; 7:1; 2 Corinthians 2:4; 7:8). In 1 Corinthians, Paul had addressed specific issues that had been raised in previous communications. He firmly advised the church how to handle its problems.
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Paul’s Principles of Action Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in all Achaia: 2 grace and peace be to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, by the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. 5 For as the sufferings of Christ abound in us, so our consolation also abounds through Christ. 6 And if we are afflicted, it is for your consolation and salvation, which is effective in the enduring of the same sufferings that we also suffer. Or if we are comforted, it is for your consolation and salvation. 7 And our hope for you is steadfast, knowing that as you are partakers of the sufferings, so also you shall be of the consolation. 8 For we would not have you ignorant, brothers, of our trouble that came to us in Asia, that we were pressed beyond measure, beyond strength, so that we despaired even of life. 9 But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should trust not in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, 10 who delivered us from so great a death and does deliver. We trust in Him that He will yet deliver us, 11 you also helping together through prayer for us, that thanks may be given by
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many on our behalf for the gift bestowed on us through the means of many persons. 12 For our rejoicing is this: the testimony of our conscience, that we have had our conduct in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. 13 For we write no other things to you than what you read or acknowledge, and I trust you shall acknowledge even to the end— 14 as you also have acknowledged us in part—that we are your rejoicing, even as you also are ours on the day of the Lord Jesus. 15 And in this confidence I was determined to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit,16 and to pass by you into Macedonia, and to come again to you out of Macedonia, and by you to be brought on my way toward Judea. 17 Therefore, when I determined this, was I careless? Or the things that I purpose, do I purpose according to the flesh, that with me there should be yes, yes, and no, no? 18 But as God is true, our word toward you was not yes and no. 19 For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us— even by me and Silas and Timothy—was not yes and no, but in Him was yes. 20 For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. 21 Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, 22 who has also sealed us and given the guarantee of the Spirit in our hearts. 23 Moreover I call God as a witness
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on my soul, that to spare you I did not come as yet to Corinth. 24 Not that we have dominion over your faith, but we are helpers of your joy, for by faith you stand. The Principles, Continued But I determined this with myself, that I would not come again to you in heaviness. 2 For if I make you sorrowful, then who is he who makes me glad but the same who is made sorrowful by me? 3 And I wrote this same thing to you, lest when I came, I should have sorrow from those of whom I ought to rejoice, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all. 4 For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love that I have more abundantly for you. 5 But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but in part— that I may not overburden you all. 6 This punishment, which was inflicted by many, is sufficient for such a man, 7 so that on the contrary you ought rather to forgive him and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8 Therefore I beseech you that you would confirm your love toward him. 9 For I also wrote for this purpose, that I might prove you, whether you are obedient in all things. 10 To whom you forgive anything, I also forgive. For if I forgave anything to whom I forgave it, I forgave it for your sakes in the person of Christ, 11 lest Satan should get an advantage of us. For
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we are not ignorant of his schemes. 12 Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel and a door was opened to me by the Lord, 13 I had no rest in my spirit because I did not find my brother Titus. But taking my leave of them, I went from there into Macedonia. 14 Now thanks be to God, who always causes us to triumph in Christ, and through us makes evident the fragrance of His knowledge in every place. 15 For we are to God a sweet fragrance of Christ in those who are saved and in those who are perishing. 16 To the one we are the fragrance of death to death, and to the other the fragrance of life to life. And who is sufficient for these things? 17 For we are not like many who corrupt the word of God, but as from sincerity, but as from God, we speak in Christ in the sight of God. The Ministry Do we begin again to commend ourselves? Or do we need, as some others, letters of commendation to you or letters of commendation from you? 2 You are our letter, written in our hearts, known and read by all men, 3 since you are manifestly declared to be the letter of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on fleshly tablets of the heart. 4 And such trust we have through Christ toward God. 5 Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to think anything as from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, 6 who also
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made us able ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit. For the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life. 7 But if the ministry of death, written and engraved on stones, was glorious, so that the children of Israel could not steadfastly look at the face of Moses because of the glory of his appearance—glory that was passing away— 8 how shall the ministry of the Spirit not be even more glorious? 9 For if the ministry of condemnation is glorious, much more does the ministry of righteousness exceed in glory. 10 For even what was made glorious had no glory in this respect, because of the glory that excels. 11 For if what is passing away was glorious, what remains is much more glorious. 12 Seeing then that we have such hope, we use great plainness of speech, 13 and not as Moses, who put a veil over his face, that the children of Israel could not look steadfastly at the end of what was abolished. 14 But their minds were blinded. For until this day in the reading of the old covenant, the same veil remains unremoved, because the veil is removed in Christ. 15 But even to this day, when Moses is read, the veil is on their hearts. 16 Nevertheless when they shall turn to the Lord, the veil shall be taken away. 17 Now the Lord is that Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with open faces, looking as in a mirror at the glory of the Lord, are being changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
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The Ministry, Continued Therefore, since we have this ministry, as we have received mercy, we do not lose hope 2 but have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness or handling the word of God deceitfully, but by the revealing of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God. 3 But if our gospel is hidden, it is hidden to those who are lost. 4 The god of this world has blinded the minds of those who do not believe, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine to them. 5 For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord, and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake. 6 For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be from God and not from us. 8 We are troubled on every side, yet not distressed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed; 10 always bearing about in the body the dying of the Lord Jesus, that the life of Jesus might also be made evident in our body. 11 For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus might also be made evident in our mortal flesh. 12 So then death works in us, but life in you.
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13 Since we have the same spirit of
faith according to what is written, “I believed, and therefore I have spoken,” we also believe and therefore speak, 14 knowing that He who raised up the Lord Jesus shall also raise us up by Jesus and shall pre sent us with you. 15 For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace, through the thanksgiving of many, might overflow to the glory of God. 16 For this reason we do not lose hope, but though our outward man is perishing, yet the inner man is being renewed day by day. 17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory, 18 while we look, not at the things that are seen, but at the things that are not seen. For the things that are seen are temporal, but the things that are not seen are eternal. Death Itself Has No Terrors for the Servant of the Lord For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle is dissolved, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. 2 For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed with our house that is from heaven, 3 if indeed, being clothed, we shall not be found naked. 4 For we who are in this tabernacle groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but clothed, that mortality might be swallowed up by life. 5 Now He who has fashioned us for the very same thing is God, who also has given to
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us the guarantee of the Spirit. 6 Therefore, we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord, 7 for we walk by faith, not by sight. 8 We are confident, I say, and even more willing to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord. 9 Therefore we labor, that whether present or absent, we may be accepted by Him. 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether it be good or bad. 11 Therefore, knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men, but we are made known to God and I trust are also made known in your consciences. 12 For we do not commend ourselves to you again but are giving you opportunity to boast on our behalf, that you may have something to answer those who boast in appearance and not in heart. 13 For if we are beside ourselves, it is to God. Or if we are sober, it is for your cause. 14 For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge this: that if one died for all, then all were dead. 15 And He died for all, that those who live should hereafter live not for themselves but for Him who died for them and rose again. 16 Therefore, from now on we know no man according to the flesh. Yes, though we have known Christ according to the flesh, yet now hereafter we no longer know Him. 17 Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature. Old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 And all things
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are from God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ and has given to us the ministry of reconciliation— 19 namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were beseeching you by us. We ask you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He has made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might be made the righteousness of God in Him. Summary of Ministry As workers together with Him, then, we also beseech you that you do not receive the grace of God in vain. 2 For He says, “In an accepted time I have heard you, and in the day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 3 Giving no offense in anything, that the ministry may not be blamed, 4 but in all things approving ourselves as the ministers of God: in much patience, in afflictions, in necessities, in distresses, 5 in beatings, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labors, in sleepless nights, in fastings; 6 by pureness, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness, by the Holy Spirit, by sincere love, 7 by the word of truth, by the power of God, by the armor of righteousness on the right hand and on the left, 8 by honor and dishonor, by evil report and good report; as deceivers and yet true; 9 as unknown and yet
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well known, as dying and behold, we live; as chastened and not killed, 10 as sorrowful yet always rejoicing, as poor yet making many rich, as having nothing and yet possessing all things. 11 O Corinthians, our mouth is open to you; our heart is enlarged. 12 You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections. 13 Now for a recompense in the same (I am speaking as to my children), you also be enlarged. 14 Do not be unequally yoked together with unbelievers. For what fellowship does righteousness have with unrighteousness? And what communion does light have with darkness? 15 And what agreement does Christ have with Belial? Or what part does he who believes have with an unbeliever? 16 And what agreement does the temple of God have with idols? For you are the temple of the living God. As God has said, “I will dwell in them and walk in them, and I will be their God, and they shall be My people. 17 Therefore, come out from among them and be separate,” says the Lord. “And do not touch the unclean thing, and I will receive you 18 and will be a Father to you, and you shall be My sons and daughters,” says the Lord Almighty.
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Therefore, having these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God. The Heart of Paul 2 Receive us. We have wronged no
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man, we have corrupted no man, we have defrauded no man. 3 I do not speak this to condemn you. For I have said before that you are in our hearts, to die and live with you. 4 My boldness of speech is great toward you; my boasting of you is great. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation. 5 For when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were troubled on every side: conflicts were outside, fears were inside. 6 Nevertheless God, who comforts those who are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus, 7 and not only by his coming, but by the consolation with which he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me, so that I rejoiced the more. 8 For though I made you sorrowful with a letter, I do not regret it, though I did regret it, for I perceive that the same letter has made you sorrowful, though it was but for a time. 9 Now I rejoice, not that you were made sorrowful, but that you sorrowed to repentance. For you were made sorrowful according to a godly manner, that you might suffer loss from us in nothing. 10 For godly sorrow produces repentance to salvation, not to be regretted, but the sorrow of the world produces death. 11 For behold this very same thing, that you sorrowed according to a godly sort: what carefulness it produced in you, yes, what clearing of yourselves, yes, what indignation, yes, what fear, yes, what vehement desire, yes, what zeal, yes, what
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vindication! In all things you have proved yourselves to be innocent in this matter. 12 Therefore, though I wrote to you, I did not do it for the sake of him who had done the wrong or for the sake of him who suffered wrong, but that our care for you in the sight of God might appear to you. 13 Therefore, we were comforted in your comfort. Yes, and we rejoiced exceedingly more for the joy of Titus, because his spirit was refreshed by you all. 14 For if I have boasted to him anything about you, I am not ashamed. But as we spoke all things to you in truth, even so our boasting that I made before Titus is found to be truth. 15 And his inner affection is more abundant toward you, while he remembers the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling. 16 Therefore I rejoice that I have confidence in you in all things. The Collection for the Poor Moreover, brothers, we make known to you of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia, 2 how in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity. 3 For I bear witness of their ability, yes, and beyond their ability; they were willing of themselves, 4 asking us with much earnestness that we would receive the gift and take on us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. 5 And they did this, not as we had hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord and to us by the will of God.
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we asked Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also. 7 Therefore, as you abound in everything— in faith and speech and knowledge and in all diligence and in your love to us—see that you also abound in this grace. 8 I speak not by commandment but to prove the sincerity of your love by reason of the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, that you through His poverty might be rich. 10 And in this I give my advice, for this is expedient for you, who a year ago began not only to do this, but also to be willing. 11 Now therefore fulfill the doing of it, that as there was a readiness to be willing, so also there may be a fulfillment out of what you have. 12 For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man has, and not according to what he does not have. 13 For I mean not that other men should be eased and you burdened, 14 but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their lack, that their abundance also may be a supply for your lack, that there may be equality. 15 As it is written, “He who had gathered much had nothing left over, and he who had gathered little had no lack.” 16 But thanks be to God who put the same earnest care for you into the heart of Titus. 17 For indeed he accepted the exhortation, but being more earnest, he went to you
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of his own accord. 18 And we have sent with him the brother whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches, 19 and not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us for the glory of the same Lord and a declaration of your willing mind,20 avoiding this: that no man should blame us in this abundance that is administered by us, 21 providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord but also in the sight of men. 22 And with them we have sent our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things but now much more diligent because of the great confidence that I have in you. 23 If anyone inquires of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you. Or if our brothers are inquired about, they are the messengers of the churches and the glory of Christ. 24 Therefore show to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.
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For concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you, 2 for I know the willingness of your mind, for which I boast about you to those of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago. And your zeal has provoked very many. 3 Yet I have sent the brothers, lest our boasting about you should be in vain in this behalf, that you may be ready, as I said, 4 lest perhaps those from Macedonia come with me and find you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you)
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should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brothers that they would go ahead to you and make up your generous gift of which you had promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not as of covetousness. God Loves a Cheerful Giver; If We Give, He Will Give 6 But I say this: he who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. 7 So let every man give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that always having all sufficiency in all things, you may abound to every good work. 9 (As it is written: “He has dispersed abroad; He has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.” 10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and supplies bread for your food will multiply seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness.) 11 You will be enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causes thanksgiving to God through us. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints but also is abundant through many thanksgivings to God, 13 while by the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for your professed submission to the gospel of Christ and for your generous distribution to them and to all men, 14 and by their prayer for you, who long after you for the exceeding grace of God
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in you. 15 Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift. The Vindication of Paul’s Apostleship Now I, Paul, myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence am lowly among you, but being absent am bold toward you. 2 But I beseech you that when I am present, I may not be bold with that confidence with which I think to be bold against some, who think of us as if we walked according to the flesh. 3 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh, 4 for the weapons of our warfare are not of the world but mighty through God in the pulling down of strongholds, 5 casting down imaginations and every haughty thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ, 6 and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled. 7 Do you look on things according to the outward appearance? If any man trusts in himself that he is Christ’s, let him think this again in himself, that as he is Christ’s, even so we are Christ’s. 8 For though I should boast somewhat more of our authority, which the Lord has given us for edification and not for your destruction, I should not be ashamed, 9 that I may not seem as if I would terrify you with letters. 10 For they say, “His letters are weighty and powerful, but his bodily presence is weak and his
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speech contemptible.” 11 Let such a one think this, that such as we are in word by letters when we are absent, such we will also be in deed when we are present. 12 For we dare not make ourselves of the number or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. But they, measuring themselves by themselves and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 13 But we will boast not of things outside our measure but according to the measure of the rule that God has distributed to us, a measure to reach even to you. 14 For we do not stretch ourselves beyond our measure (as though we did not reach to you), for we have come also as far as to you in preaching the gospel of Christ, 15 not boasting of things outside our measure—that is, of other men’s labors—but having hope that when your faith is increased, we shall be abundantly enlarged by you according to our rule, 16 to preach the gospel in the regions beyond you, and not to boast in another man’s line of things made ready to our hand. 17 But “he who boasts, let him boast in the Lord.” 18 For not he who commends himself is approved, but whom the Lord commends. The Godly Jealousy I wish to God you could bear with me a little in my folly, and indeed bear with me. 2 For I am jealous for you with godly jealousy. For I have betrothed you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 3 But I fear,
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lest by any means, as the serpent deceived Eve through his trickery, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ. 4 For if he who comes preaches another Jesus whom we have not preached, or if you receive another spirit that you have not received, or another gospel that you have not accepted, you might well bear with him. 5 For I suppose I was not a bit behind the most prominent apostles. 6 But though I am unskilled in speech, yet I am not in knowledge. But we have been thoroughly made plain among you in all things. 7 Have I committed an offense in humbling myself, that you might be exalted, because I freely have preached to you the gospel of God? 8 I robbed other churches, taking wages from them to serve you. 9 And when I was present with you and was in need, I was burdensome to no man, for the brothers who came from Macedonia supplied for me what was lacking. And in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome to you, and so I will keep myself. 10 As the truth of Christ is in me, no man shall stop me of this boasting in the regions of Achaia. 11 Why? Because I do not love you? God knows. 12 But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off opportunity from those who desire opportunity, that in what they boast about, they may be found even as we. The Warning against False Teachers 13 For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ.
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14 And no wonder, for Satan himself
is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also are transformed as the ministers of righteousness, whose end shall be according to their works. 16 I say again, let no man think me a fool. If otherwise, yet receive me as a fool, that I may boast myself a little. 17 What I speak, I do not speak according to the Lord, but foolishly, as it were, in this confidence of boasting. 18 Since many boast according to the flesh, I will also boast. 19 For you gladly put up with fools, since you yourselves are wise. 20 For you put up with it if a man brings you into bondage, if a man devours you, if a man takes from you, if a man exalts himself, if a man strikes you in the face. 21 I speak as concerning reproach, as though we had been weak. But in whatever anyone is bold—I am speaking foolishly—I am also bold. 22 Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they the descendants of Abraham? So am I. 23 Are they ministers of Christ? (I am speaking as a fool.) I am more: more abundant in labors, above measure in beatings, more frequent in prisons, often near death. 24 Five times I received from the Jews forty lashes less one. 25 Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I endured shipwreck. A night and a day I have been in the deep. 26 I have been on journeys often, in peril from waters, in peril from robbers, in peril by my own countrymen, in peril by the Gentiles, in peril in the city, in peril
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in the wilderness, in peril in the sea, in peril among false brothers, 27 in weariness and painfulness, often in sleepless nights, in hunger and thirst, in fasting often, in cold and nakedness. 28 Besides those things that are outside, those that come on me daily—the concern for all the churches. 29 Who is weak, and am I not weak? Who is made to stumble, and do I not burn? 30 If I must boast, I will boast of the things that concern my weaknesses. 31 The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is blessed forevermore, knows that I do not lie. 32 In Damascus the governor under Aretas the king guarded the city of the Damascenes with a garrison, desiring to apprehend me, 33 and I was let down in a basket through a window by the wall and escaped his hands.
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It is doubtless not expedient for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 I knew a man in Christ more than fourteen years ago (whether in the body I cannot tell, or whether out of the body I cannot tell; God knows). Such a one was caught up to the third heaven. 3 And I knew such a man (whether in the body or out of the body, I cannot tell; God knows), 4 how he was taken up into paradise and heard unspeakable words, which are not lawful for a man to utter. 5 Of such a one I will boast; yet of myself I will not boast, but in my weaknesses. 6 For though I would desire to boast, I shall not be a fool, for I will say the truth. But now I refrain, lest any man should think of me more than what he sees
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me to be or what he hears from me. 7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, the messenger of Satan to beat me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 Three times I begged the Lord for this thing, that it might depart from me. 9 And He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast most gladly even more in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 11 I have become a fool in boasting; you have compelled me. For I ought to have been commended by you, for I was behind the most prominent apostles in nothing, though I am nothing. 12 Truly the signs of an apostle were worked among you in all patience, in signs and wonders and mighty deeds. 13 For what is it in which you were inferior to other churches, except that I myself was not burdensome to you? Forgive me this wrong! 14 Behold, the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be burdensome to you, for I do not seek yours, but you. For the children ought not to lay up for the parents, but the parents for the children. 15 And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you, though the more abundantly I love you, the less I am loved. 16 But so be it. I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty,
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I caught you with trickery. 17 Did I make a gain from you by any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I asked Titus, and I sent a brother with him. Did Titus make a gain from you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps? The Warning 19 Again, do you think that we excuse ourselves to you? We speak before God in Christ. But, dearly beloved, we do all things for your edification. 20 For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found to you such as you do not wish, lest there be debate, envying, wrath, strife, backbiting, whispering, arrogance, tumults, 21 and lest, when I come again, my God will humble me among you, and I shall mourn many who have already sinned and have not repented of the uncleanness and fornication and lewdness that they have committed.
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This is the third time I am coming to you. “Every word shall be established in the mouth of two or three witnesses.” 2 I told you before, and foretell to you as if I were present the second time, and now being absent I write to those who have sinned before and to all others, that if I come again, I will not spare, 3 since you seek a proof of Christ speaking in me, who is not weak toward you but is mighty in you. 4 For though He was crucified through weakness, yet He lives by the power of God. For we also are weak in Him, but we shall live with Him by the power of God toward you.
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2 Corinthians 13:5 5 Examine
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yourselves to see whether you are in the faith. Prove your own selves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you—unless you are reprobates? 6 But I trust that you shall know that we are not reprobates. 7 Now I pray to God that you do no evil, not that we should appear approved, but that you should do what is honest, though we seem to be reprobates. 8 For we can do nothing against the truth, but for the truth. 9 For we are glad when we are weak and you are strong. And also this we pray for, even your perfection. 10 Therefore I write these things
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being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the authority that the Lord has given me for edification and not for destruction. Conclusion 11 Finally, brothers, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace. And the God of love and peace shall be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the saints greet you. 14 The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all. Amen.
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GALATIANS INTRODUCTION TO GALATIANS The book of Galatians is a centerpiece of New Testament theology that had a great influence during the Protestant Ref ormation. (Martin Luther’s Commentary on Galatians ranks with the most influential books to come out of the Reformation.) Galatians is the only one of Paul’s letters addressed to a group of churches rather than to a single location. The letter has been called a spiritual Magna Carta due to its masterful explanation and defense of justification by faith alone. AUTHOR The style of writing and the method of thinking are so true to those of Paul that few scholars throughout the centuries have questioned his authorship. The early church held a strong and unwavering belief that Paul was the writer. OCCASION The letter to the Galatians was written to emphasize the com plete sufficiency of justification by faith alone in one’s rela tionship with God. The Galatian churches (where many new believers were Gentiles) were being strongly influenced to add traditional Jewish beliefs and practices to their newfound faith. While it was quite natural for Jewish believers to continue to worship as they always had in the past, to require the same for Gentiles was, to Paul, tantamount to promoting a different gospel (1:6).
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Greeting Paul, an apostle (not of men, nor by man, but by Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised Him from the dead), 2 and all the brothers who are with me, to the churches of Galatia: 3 grace and peace be to you from God the Father and from our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Him self for our sins, that He might de liver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 6 I marvel that you are so soon removed from Him who called you into the grace of Christ to another gospel, 7 which is not another, but there are some who trouble you and would pervert the gospel of Christ. 8 But though we or an angel from heaven preach any other gospel to you than what we have preached to you, let him be accursed. 9 As we said before, so I now say again, if any man preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
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Paul’s Gospel Is a Revelation 10 For do I now persuade men or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I yet pleased men, I would not be the servant of Christ. 11 But I assure you, brothers, that the gos pel that was preached by me is not according to man— 12 for I neither received it by man, nor was I taught it—but by the revelation of Jesus Christ. 13 For you have heard of my conduct in time past in the Jews’ religion, how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God and destroyed it, 14 and profited in
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the Jews’ religion above many of my equals in my own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers. 15 But when it pleased God, who separated me from my mother’s womb and called me by His grace, 16 to reveal His Son in me, that I might preach Him among the nations, immediately I did not confer with flesh and blood. 17 Nor did I go up to Jerusalem to those who were apostles before me, but I went into Arabia and returned again to Damascus. 18 Then after three years I went up to Jerusalem to see Peter and stayed with him fif teen days. 19 But I saw none of the other apostles, except James the Lord’s brother. 20 Now the things that I write to you, behold, before God, I do not lie. 21 Afterward I came into the re gions of Syria and Cilicia 22 and was unknown by face to the churches of Judea that were in Christ. 23 But they had heard only that he who persecuted us in times past now preached the faith that once he de stroyed, 24 and they glorified God in me.
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Then fourteen years after, I went up again to Jerusalem with Bar nabas and took Titus with me also. 2 And I went up by revelation and communicated to them that gospel that I preach among the Gentiles, but privately to those who were of reputation, lest by any means I should run, or had run, in vain. 3 But not even Titus, who was with me, being a Greek, was compelled to be circumcised, 4 and that because of false brothers unexpectedly
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brought in, who came in secretly to spy out our liberty that we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage, 5 to whom we did not yield in submission, not for an hour, that the truth of the gospel might continue with you. 6 But of these who seemed to be something (whatever they were, it makes no matter to me; God does not show partiality), for those who seemed to be something together added nothing to me. 7 But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel of the uncircumcision was committed to me, as the gospel of the circumcision was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectually in Peter to the apostleship of the circumci sion, the same was mighty in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that was given to me, they gave to me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the nations and they to the circumcision. 10 Only they desired that we should remember the poor, the same that I also was eager to do. 11 But when Peter came to Antioch, I opposed him to the face because he was to be blamed. 12 For before certain men came from James, he ate with the Gentiles, but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing those who were of the circumcision. 13 And the other Jews dissembled likewise with him, to such an extent that Barnabas also was carried away with their hypoc risy. 14 But when I saw that they did not walk uprightly according to the
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Galatians 3:1
truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, “If you, being a Jew, live according to the manner of Gentiles and not as the Jews do, why do you compel the Gentiles to live as the Jews do?” Justification Is by Faith without Law 15 “We who are Jews by nature, and not sinners of the Gentiles, 16 know ing that a man is justified not by the works of the law but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ and not by the works of the law, for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified. 17 “But if, while we seek to be justified by Christ, we ourselves also are found sinners, is there fore Christ the minister of sin? God forbid! 18 For if I build again the things that I destroyed, I make my self a transgressor. 19 For I through the law am dead to the law, that I might live for God. 20 I am crucified with Christ; nevertheless, I live, yet not I, but Christ lives in me, and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. 21 I do not frustrate the grace of God, for if righteousness comes by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.” The Gift of the Spirit Is by Faith, Not by Law-Works O foolish Galatians, who has be witched you that you should not obey the truth, before whose eyes Jesus Christ has been evidently set
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forth, crucified among you? 2 This only would I learn from you: Have you received the Spirit by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun in the Spirit, are you now made perfect by the flesh? 4 Have you suf fered so many things in vain—if it be yet in vain? 5 Therefore He who ministers the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law or by the hearing of faith? 6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness, 7 know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham. 8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the nations through faith, preached the gospel before to Abraham, saying, “In you all nations shall be blessed.” 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham. 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse. For it is written: “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things that are written in the Book of the Law to do them.” 11 But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.” 12 And the law is not of faith, but “the man who does them shall live in them.” Christ Is the Fulfillment of the Law 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— 14 that the blessing of Abraham
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might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith. 15 Brothers, I speak according to the manner of men. Though it is but a man’s covenant, yet if it is con firmed, no man annuls or adds to it. 16 Now to Abraham and his seed were the promises made. He did not say, “And to seeds,” as of many, but as of one, “And to your seed,” which is Christ. 17 And this I say, that the covenant that was confirmed before by God in Christ, the law, which was four hundred and thirty years after, cannot annul, that it should make the promise of no effect. 18 For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no more of promise, but God gave it to Abraham by promise. 19 For what then does the law serve? It was added because of transgressions, until the seed should come to whom the promise was made, and it was ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator. 20 Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one. 21 Is the law then against the prom ises of God? God forbid, for if there had been a law given that could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law. 22 But the scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. 23 But before faith came, we were kept under the law, confined for the faith that would afterward be revealed. 24 Therefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
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The Rule of the Believer’s Life Is Gracious, Not Legal 25 But after that faith has come, we are no longer under a schoolmas ter. 26 For you are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been bap tized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abra ham’s descendants and heirs ac cording to the promise. The Believer Is Redeemed from under the Law Now I say that the heir, as long as he is a child, is no different from a servant, though he is mas ter of all, 2 but is under tutors and governors until the time appointed by the father. 3 Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world, 4 but when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 5 to redeem those who were un der the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. 6 And because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into your hearts, crying, “Abba, Father!” 7 Therefore, you are no longer a servant but a son, and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. 8 However, then, when you did not know God, you served those who by nature are not gods. 9 But now, after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how do you turn again to the weak and beggarly
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elements to which you desire again to be in bondage? 10 You observe days and months and times and years. 11 I am afraid for you, lest I have bestowed on you labor in vain. 12 Brothers, I beseech you, be as I am, for I am as you are; you have not injured me at all. 13 You know how through infirmity of the flesh I preached the gospel to you at the first. 14 And my trial that was in my flesh you did not despise or reject, but you received me as an angel of God, even as Christ Jesus. 15 Where then is the blessedness you spoke of ? For I bear you witness, that, if it had been possible, you would have plucked out your own eyes and given them to me. 16 Have I there fore become your enemy because I tell you the truth? 17 They zealously seek you, but not well; yes, they would exclude you, that you might seek them. 18 But it is good to be zealously sought always in a good thing, and not only when I am pres ent with you. The Two Systems, Law and Grace, Cannot Coexist 19 My little children, of whom I labor in birth again until Christ is formed in you, 20 I desire to be present with you now and to change my voice, for I stand in doubt of you. 21 Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not hear the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23 But he who was of the bondwoman was born according to the flesh, but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24 These things are an allegory. For
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these are the two covenants: the one from Mount Sinai, which be gets bondage, which is Hagar. 25 For this Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia, and answers to Jerusalem that now is, and is in bondage with her chil dren. 26 But Jerusalem that is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27 For it is written: “Rejoice, you bar ren, who does not bear; break forth and cry, you who do not labor, for the desolate has many more chil dren than she who has a husband.” 28 Now we, brothers, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29 But as then he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, even so it is now. 30 Nevertheless what does the scripture say? “Cast out the bondwoman and her son, for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the free woman.” 31 So then, brothers, we are children not of the bondwoman but of the free. Application of the Allegory Stand fast, therefore, in the lib erty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. 2 Behold, I, Paul, say to you, that if you are circumcised, Christ shall profit you nothing. 3 For I testify again to every man who is circumcised that he is a debtor to do the whole law. 4 Christ has become of no effect to you, who ever of you are justified by the law; you have fallen from grace. 5 For we through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith. 6 For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails any
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thing, but faith that works by love. 7 You ran well. Who hindered you that you should not obey the truth? 8 This persuasion does not come from Him who calls you. 9 A little leaven leavens the whole lump. 10 I have confidence in you through the Lord, that you will not think other wise, but he who troubles you shall bear his judgment, whoever he is. 11 And I, brothers, if I still preach circumcision, why do I still suffer persecution? Then the offense of the cross has ceased. 12 I wish that those who trouble you were even cut off. 13 For, brothers, you have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another. 14 For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” 15 But if you bite and devour one another, take heed that you are not con sumed by one another. Walking in the Spirit 16 This I say then: walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit and the Spirit against the flesh, and these are contrary to one another, so that you cannot do the things that you want to do. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law. 19 Now the works of the flesh are evident, which are these: adultery, fornication, un cleanness, lewdness, 20 idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, dissensions, jeal ousies, wrath, strife, rebellions, her esies, 21 envyings, murders, drunk enness, carousing, and the like, of which I tell you before, as I have
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also told you in time past, that those who do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, gentle ness, goodness, faith, 23 meekness, self-control. Against such there is no law. 24 And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with the af fections and lusts. 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. 26 Let us not be boastful, provoking one another, envying one another. The New Life as a Brotherhood Brothers, if a man is overtaken in a fault, you who are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness, considering yourself, lest you also be tempted. 2 Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. 3 For if a man thinks himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 But let every man prove his own work, and then he shall have rejoicing in himself alone, and not in another. 5 For every man shall bear his own burden. 6 Let him who is taught in the word share with him who teaches in all good things.
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Sow in the Spirit 7 Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he shall also reap. 8 For he who sows to his flesh shall of the flesh
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reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9 And let us not be weary in doing good, for in due sea son we shall reap, if we do not lose hope. 10 Therefore, as we have op portunity, let us do good to all men, especially to those who are of the household of faith. 11 You see how large a letter I have written to you with my own hand. 12 As many as desire to make a good show in the flesh, they compel you to be circumcised, only lest they should suffer persecution for the cross of Christ. 13 For they them selves who are circumcised do not keep the law but desire to have you circumcised that they may boast in your flesh. 14 But God forbid that I should boast, except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified to me, and I to the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor un circumcision avails anything, but a new creature. The Peace of the New Life 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace and mercy be on them, and upon the Israel of God. 17 From now on let no man trouble me, for I bear in my body the marks of the Lord Jesus. 18 Brothers, the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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EPHESIANS INTRODUCTION TO EPHESIANS The book of Ephesians is a powerful and uplifting contribution to the canon of scripture. Lacking any specific rebuttals of false doctrines, and addressed primarily to Gentile believers, it has long been beloved by seekers and new believers. Its doctrinal foundation has made it a favorite of Bible scholars as well. AUTHOR Paul is the named author of this book. The logic, the structure of the book, the emphasis on the grace of God, and the full acceptance of Gentile believers are distinct indications that Ephesians was indeed written by the apostle Paul. OCCASION Although some of Paul’s letters address specific problems within a particular church, Ephesians doesn’t. Rather, it challenges the reader to set a higher standard for living—the imitation of God (5:1). Paul was writing to a prominently Gentile church and makes clear that its members have been fully reconciled to God and are entitled to every spiritual blessing that He offers (1:3; 3:16–19).
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Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, to the saints who are at Ephesus and to the faithful in Christ Jesus: 2 grace and peace be to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord’s Blessings 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with all spiritual blessings in the heavenly places in Christ, 4 according as He has chosen us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, 5 having predestined us to the adoption of children by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, 6 to the praise of the glory of His grace, in which He has made us accepted in the Beloved, 7 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace, 8 in which He has abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence, 9 having made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His good pleasure that He has purposed in Himself, 10 that in the dispensation of the fullness of times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both things that are in heaven and that are on earth, even in Him. 11 In Him we also have obtained an inheritance, being predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His own will, 12 that we should be to the praise of His glory, who first trusted in Christ. 13 In Him you also trusted, after you
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heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, in whom also after you believed you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory. The Apostle’s Prayer 15 Therefore I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and love for all the saints, 16 do not cease to give thanks for you, making mention of you in my prayers, 17 that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of Him, 18 the eyes of your understanding be enlightened, that you may know what is the hope of His calling, and what are the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints, 19 and what is the exceeding greatness of His power to us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power, 20 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and set Him at His own right hand in the heavenly places, 21 far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world but also in that which is to come. 22 And He has put all things under His feet and gave Him to be the head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all. The Believer’s Salvation And He has made alive you who were dead in trespasses
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and sins, 2 in which you previously walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the children of disobedience, 3 among whom we all also conducted ourselves in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature the children of wrath, just as others. 4 But God, who is rich in mercy, for His great love with which He loved us 5 even when we were dead in sins, has made us alive together with Christ (by grace you are saved) 6 and has raised us up together and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus, 7 that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. 8 For by grace you are saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest any man should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them. The Unity of Believers 11 Therefore remember that you, being previously Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands, 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being foreigners from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who sometimes were far off are made
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near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He is our peace, who has made both one and has broken down the middle wall of partition between us, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinances, to make of the two, one new man in Himself, so making peace 16 and that He might reconcile both to God in one body by the cross, having slain the enmity by it. 17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners but fellow citizens with the saints and of the household of God, 20 and are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief cornerstone, 21 in whom all the building properly framed together grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are built together for a dwelling of God through the Spirit. The Mission to the Gentiles For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Jesus Christ for you Gentiles, 2 if you have heard of the dispensation of the grace of God that is given me for you, 3 how that by revelation He made known to me the mystery (as I wrote before in few words, 4 by which, when you read it, you may understand my knowledge of the mystery of Christ), 5 which in other ages was not made known to the sons of men, as it is now revealed to His holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit, 6 that the
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Gentiles should be fellow heirs, and of the same body, and partakers of His promise in Christ by the gospel 7 for which I was made a minister, according to the gift of the grace of God given to me by the effective working of His power. 8 To me, who am less than the least of all saints, is this grace given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, 9 and to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hidden in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ, 10 to the intent that now to the principalities and powers in heavenly places might be known by the church the manifold wisdom of God, 11 according to the eternal purpose that He purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord, 12 in whom we have boldness and access with confidence by faith in Him. 13 Therefore I desire that you not lose hope by my tribulations for you, which are your glory. 14 For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named, 16 that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might by His Spirit in the inner man, 17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith, that you, being rooted and grounded in love, 18 may be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth and length and depth and height, 19 and to know the love of Christ, which surpasses knowledge, that you might be filled with all the fullness of God. 20 Now to Him who is able to do
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exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, 21 to Him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen. Christ’s Gifts and Their Function I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the vocation to which you are called, 2 with all lowliness and meekness, with long-suffering, forbearing one another in love, 3 endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. 4 There is one body and one Spirit, even as you are called in one hope of your calling, 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism, 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all and through all and in you all. 7 But to every one of us is given grace according to the measure of the gift of Christ. 8 Therefore He says, “When He ascended on high, He led captivity captive and gave gifts to men.” 9 (Now that He ascended, what is it but that He also descended first into the lower parts of the earth? 10 He who descended is the same also who ascended far above all heavens, that He might fill all things.) 11 And He gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers 12 for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, 13 until we all come to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a perfect man, to the measure of the stature
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of the fullness of Christ, 14 that we from now on no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about by every wind of doctrine, by the deception of men and cunning craftiness, by which they lie in wait to deceive, 15 but speaking the truth in love, may grow up in all things into Him who is the head, even Christ, 16 from whom the whole body, properly joined together and compacted by what every joint supplies, according to the effective working in the measure of every part, makes growth of the body for the edifying of itself in love. Living in Christ Jesus 17 This I say, therefore, and testify in the Lord, that from now on you do not walk as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, 18 having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them because of the blindness of their heart, 19 who, being past feeling, have given themselves over to lewdness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. 20 But you have not so learned Christ, 21 if indeed you have heard Him and have been taught by Him as the truth is in Jesus, 22 that you put off, concerning the former conduct, the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts, 23 and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, 24 and that you put on the new man, which is created according to God in righteousness and true holiness. 25 Therefore, putting away lying, speak truth every man with his
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neighbor, for we are members of one another. 26 Be angry and do not sin. Do not let the sun go down on your wrath 27 or give place to the devil. 28 Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands the thing that is good, that he may have to give to him who is in need. 29 Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for the use of edifying, that it may minister grace to the hearers. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you are sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. 32 And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake has forgiven you. Living as God’s Dear Child Therefore be followers of God as dear children, 2 and walk in love, as Christ has also loved us and has given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet- smelling savor. 3 But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not be once named among you, as is becoming for saints, 4 neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not proper, but rather giving of thanks. 5 For this you know that no fornicator, or unclean person, or covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. 6 Do not let any man deceive you with vain words, for because of these
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things the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience. 7 Therefore do not be partakers with them. 8 For you were sometimes darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light 9 (for the fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness and righteousness and truth), 10 proving what is acceptable to the Lord. 11 And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them. 12 For it is a shame even to speak of those things that are done by them in secret. 13 But all things that are reproved are made plain by the light, for whatever makes plain is light. 14 Therefore He says, “Awake you who sleep, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give you light.” 15 See then that you walk carefully, not as fools, but as wise, 16 redeeming the time because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is excess, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting yourselves to one another in the fear of God. Husbands and Wives 22 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as to the Lord. 23 For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the church, and He is the Savior of the
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body. 24 Therefore as the church is subject to Christ, so let the wives be to their own husbands in everything. 25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for it, 26 that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 that He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing, but that it should be holy and without blemish. 28 So men ought to love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. 29 For no man ever hated his own flesh but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord does the church. 30 For we are members of His body, of His flesh, and of His bones. 31 For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother, and shall be joined to his wife, and the two of them shall be one flesh. 32 This is a great mystery, but I speak concerning Christ and the church. 33 Nevertheless let every one of you in particular so love his wife even as himself and the wife see that she reverence her husband. The Believer’s Relationships Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with promise, 3 that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth. 4 And you, fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath, but bring them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. 5 Servants, be obedient to those
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who are your masters according to the flesh, with fear and trembling, in singleness of your heart, as to Christ, 6 not with eye-service, as men pleasers, but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart, 7 with goodwill doing service as to the Lord and not to men, 8 knowing that whatever good thing any man does, the same he shall receive from the Lord, whether he is slave or free. 9 And you, masters, do the same things to them, giving up threatening, knowing that your Master also is in heaven; there is no partiality with Him. Spiritual Warfare of Believers 10 Finally, my brothers, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 11 Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Therefore, take for yourself the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins
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girded with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness 15 and your feet fitted with the preparation of the gospel of peace, 16 above all, taking the shield of faith, with which you shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, 18 praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching with all perseverance and supplication for all saints, 19 and for me, that words may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel 20 for which I am an ambassador in chains, that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. 21 But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things, 22 whom I have sent to you for this purpose, that you might know our affairs and that he might comfort your hearts. 23 Peace be to the brothers and love with faith from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.
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PHILIPPIANS INTRODUCTION TO PHILIPPIANS Paul’s letter to the church in Philippi is remembered for its joyful tone of gratitude against the stark background of the fact that Paul was in prison while writing. Paul writes about the peace, joy, and contentment he finds in Christ, regardless of his situation or circumstances. AUTHOR According to Philippians 1:1, the apostle Paul is the writer of this letter. The theology and personal comments fit with what we know of Paul from other writings in the New Testament. Early church fathers and historians also affirmed Paul’s authorship. OCCASION When Epaphroditus visited Paul, he brought news of troubles in the Philippian church: The Judaizing threat had appeared (Jewish Christians claiming Gentiles must first become Jews in order to be saved), financial troubles and other problems were creating doubts about the Philippians’ newfound faith, and discord had surfaced in the church. Knowing they were in need of help, they asked Paul to send them Timothy, but he could not come immediately. However, Paul sent back with Epaphroditus this letter full of thanksgiving and encouragement, instruction and correction, and doctrine and exhortation.
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Rejoicing in Spite of Suffering Paul and Timothy, the servants of Jesus Christ, to all the saints in Christ Jesus who are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons: 2 grace and peace be to you from God our Father, and from the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 I thank my God on every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine for you all, making request with joy 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ. 7 Even as it is fitting for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of my grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long after you all in the heart of Jesus Christ. 9 And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment, 10 that you may approve things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense until the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God. 12 But I want you to understand, brothers, that the things that happened to me have occurred rather for the furtherance of the gospel 13 so that my chains in Christ are evident in all the palace and in all other places. 14 And many of the brothers in the Lord, becoming confident by my chains, are much more bold to
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speak the word without fear. 15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill. 16 The one preaches Christ from contention, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains, 17 but the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached, and in that I do rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. 19 For I know that this shall turn to my salvation through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and my hope, that in nothing I shall be ashamed but that with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ shall be magnified in my body, whether it be by life or by death. 21 For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labor. Yet what I shall choose I do not know. 23 For I am in a tension between two, having a desire to depart and to be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And having this confidence, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your furtherance and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing may be more abundant in Jesus Christ for me by my coming to you again. 27 Only let your conduct be as is proper for the gospel of Christ, that whether I come and see you or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and in nothing terrified by your adversaries,
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which is to them an evident sign of destruction, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it is given on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict that you saw in me and now hear to be in me. Rejoicing in Lowly Service If there is therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affections and mercies, 2 fulfill my joy, that you be like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or boastfulness, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. 5 Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God 7 but made Himself of no reputation and took on Himself the form of a servant and was made in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him a name that is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven and things in earth and things under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. 12 Therefore, my beloved, as you
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have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 13 For it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure. 14 Do all things without murmurings and arguments, 15 that you may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, 16 holding forth the word of life, that I may rejoice in the day of Christ that I have not run in vain or labored in vain. 17 Yes, and if I am offered on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all. 18 For the same reason also you be glad and rejoice with me. 19 But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy shortly to you, that I also may be of good comfort when I know your condition. 20 For I have no like-minded man who will naturally care for your condition. 21 For all seek their own, not the things that are Jesus Christ’s. 22 But you know his proven character, that, as a son with the father, he has served with me in the gospel. 23 Therefore I hope to send him presently, as soon as I see how it will go with me. 24 But I trust in the Lord that I also myself shall come shortly. 25 Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother and companion in labor, and fellow soldier, but your messenger, and he who ministered to my needs. 26 For he longed after you all and was full of heaviness because
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you had heard that he had been sick. 27 For indeed he was sick and near death, but God had mercy on him, and not on him only but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow. 28 I sent him therefore the more carefully, that when you see him again, you may rejoice and that I may be the less sorrowful. 29 Receive him therefore in the Lord with all gladness, and hold such people in regard, 30 because for the work of Christ he was near death, not regarding his life to supply your lack of service toward me. Christ, Object of the Believer’s Faith and Desire Finally, my brothers, rejoice in the Lord. For me indeed it is not grievous to write the same things to you, but for you it is safe. 2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the mutilation. 3 For we are the circumcision who worship God in the Spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh, 4 though I might also have confidence in the flesh. If any other man thinks that he has that of which he might trust in the flesh, I more: 5 circumcised the eighth day, of the stock of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of the Hebrews; concerning the law, a Pharisee; 6 concerning zeal, persecuting the church; concerning the righteousness that is in the law, blameless. 7 But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. 8 Yes, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all
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things and count them but dung, that I may win Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness that is from God by faith, 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable to His death, 11if by any means I might attain to the resurrection of the dead. 12 Not as though I had already attained, or were already perfect, but I follow after, if that I may apprehend that for which also I am apprehended of Christ Jesus. 13 Brothers, I do not count myself to have apprehended, but this one thing I do, forgetting those things that are behind and reaching forward to those things that are ahead, 14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15 Let us, therefore, as many as are perfect, be thus minded, and if in anything you are otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this to you. 16 Nevertheless, to what we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing. 17 Brothers, be followers together of me, and mark those who walk so as you have us for an example. 18 (For many walk, of whom I have told you often, and now tell you even weeping that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ, 19 whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.) 20 For our citizenship is in heaven, from where we also look for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, 21 who shall change our
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vile body, that it may be fashioned like His glorious body, according to the working whereby He is able even to subdue all things to Himself. Christ, the Believer’s Strength Therefore, my brothers, dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved. 2 I beseech Euodia and beseech Syntyche, that they be of the same mind in the Lord. 3 And I entreat you also, true companion: help those women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and with my other fellow laborers, whose names are in the book of life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say, rejoice. 5 Let your moderation be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. 7 And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, shall guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honest, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue, and if there is any praise, think on these things. 9 Those things that you have both learned and received, and heard and seen in me, do, and the God of peace shall be with you. 10 But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly,
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that now at last your care of me has flourished again, in which you were also careful, but you lacked opportunity. 11 Not that I speak in respect of need, for I have learned in whatever state I am to be content with it. 12 I know both how to be brought low and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. 13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. 14 However, you have done well, that you shared in my affliction. 15 Now you Philippians know also that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church shared with me concerning giving and receiving but you only. 16 For even in Thessalonica you sent once and again for my necessity, 17 not because I desire a gift, but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received from Epaphroditus the things that were sent from you, an odor of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, well pleasing to God. 19 But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus. 20 Now to God and our Father be glory forever and ever. Amen. 21 Greet every saint in Christ Jesus. The brothers who are with me greet you. 22 All the saints greet you, chiefly those who are of Caesar’s household. 23 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
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COLOSSIANS INTRODUCTION TO COLOSSIANS The New Testament letter to the Colossians presents the person and work of Jesus Christ as the Savior, the Creator, and the Sustainer of the universe and the total solution for humanity’s needs, both for time and eternity. AUTHOR We can confidently assert that Paul was the author as the letter identifies (1:1; 4:18). OCCASION Paul’s purpose in writing Colossians was threefold: (1) to express his personal interest in the Colossians (1:3–4; 2:1–3); (2) to warn them against reverting to their old pagan vices (3:5 and following); and (3) to counteract a particular theological heresy that was being promoted within the church at Colossae (2:4–23). The Colossian heresy wore the mask of Christianity, but it was false.
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Apostolic Greeting and Prayer Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, 2 to the saints and faithful brothers in Christ who are at Colosse: grace and peace be to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, always praying for you 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, 5 for the hope that is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as it is in all the world, and brings forth fruit, as it does also in you, since the day you heard of it and knew the grace of God in truth. 7 As you also learned of Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ, 8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit. 9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you and desire that you might be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding, 10 that you might walk worthy of the Lord to all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God, 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, to all patience and long-suffering with joyfulness, 12 giving thanks to the Father, who has made us suitable to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light, 13 who has delivered us from the power of darkness and has translated us into the kingdom of His
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dear Son, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins. The Exaltation of Christ 15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether they are thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created by Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and by Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He might have the preeminence. 19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all fullness should dwell, 20 and, having made peace through the blood of His cross, by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, I say, whether they are things on earth or things in heaven. 21 And you, who were formerly alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death to present you holy and blameless and unreprovable in His sight— 23 if you continue in the faith grounded and settled and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which you have heard and which was preached to every creature who is under heaven, of which I, Paul, am made a minister, 24 who now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for His body’s sake, which is the church, 25 of which I am made
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a minister, according to the dispensation of God that is given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 even the mystery that has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now is made plain to His saints, 27 to whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 Toward this end I also labor, striving according to His working, which works in me mightily. Christ, in Whom the Believer Is Complete For I wish that you knew what great conflict I have for you, and for those at Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts might be comforted, being knit together in love, and to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the acknowledgment of the mystery of God, and of the Father, and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge. 4 And this I say, lest any man should deceive you with enticing words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ. 6 As you have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.
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8 Beware lest any man seduce you
through philosophy and vain deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the rudiments of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily. 10 And you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power, 11 in whom you are also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which also you are risen with Him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your sins and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to His cross. 15 And having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it. 16 Let no man therefore judge you in food, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the Sabbath days, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the body is of Christ. 18 Let no man deceive you of your reward in a voluntary humility and worshipping of angels, intruding into those things that he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding the Head, from whom all the body, by joints and bands having nourishment ministered and knit together,
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increases with the increase of God. 20 Therefore if you are dead with Christ from the rudiments of the world, why, as though living in the world, are you subject to ordinances 21 (Do not touch; do not taste; do not handle— 22 which all are to perish with the using) according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things have indeed an appearance of wisdom in selfwilled worship, and humility, and neglecting of the body, not in any honor to the satisfying of the flesh. The Believer’s Union with Christ, Now and Hereafter If you then are risen with Christ, seek those things that are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. 2 Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth. 3 For you are dead, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, appears, then you shall also appear with Him in glory.
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Christian Living, the Fruit of Union with Christ 5 Put to death therefore the parts of your body that are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry, 6 for these things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience, 7 in which you also formerly walked when you lived in them. 8 But now also put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. 9 Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man
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Colossians 3:23
with his deeds 10 and have put on the new man, who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, 11 where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free. But Christ is all and in all. 12 Put on, therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, hearts of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering, 13 being patient with one another and forgiving one another if any man has a quarrel against any. Even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. 14 And above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which you also are called in one body. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father by Him. 18 Wives, submit yourselves to your own husbands, as it is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives, and do not be bitter against them. 20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, lest they be discouraged. 22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye-service, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever
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Colossians 3:24
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you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you shall receive the reward of the inheritance, for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong shall receive for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality. Christian Fellowship Masters, give to your servants what is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. 2 Continue in prayer, and watch in the same with thanksgiving, 3 moreover praying also for us, that God would open to us a door of expression to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it plain, as I ought to speak. 5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are without, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer every man. 7 Tychicus shall declare to you all my condition. He is a beloved brother and a faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord, 8 whom I have sent to you for the same purpose, that he might know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of
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you. They shall make known to you all things that are done here. 10 Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, greets you, and Mark, sister’s son to Barnabas (concerning whom you received commandments; if he comes to you, receive him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God who have been a comfort to me. 12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness, that he has a great zeal for you and those who are in Laodicea and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke, the beloved physician, and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brothers who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas, and the church that is in his house. 16 And when this letter is read among you, cause it to be read also in the church of the Laodiceans and that you likewise read the letter from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord.” 18 The greeting by the hand of me, Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.
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1 THESSALONIANS INTRODUCTION TO 1 THESSALONIANS First Thessalonians is a short letter written to a predominantly Gentile church of new converts. It provides all the basic requirements for holy living (a regular “walk” with God) as well as great insight into the importance and specifics of the anticipated return of Jesus. As such, it is a worthwhile study for believers of all ages. AUTHOR Early church authorities agreed that Paul is the author of this letter, and little serious opposition has been raised since. With the possible exception of Galatians (for which the date is debated), this is most likely Paul’s first letter among those that are included in scripture. OCCASION The church at Thessalonica was facing persecution, yet it was continuing to grow and had developed a dynamic testimony of faith. Paul’s letter was an effort to comfort and motivate the believers there with the truth of the Lord’s sure return.
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1 Thessalonians 1:1
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The Model Church and the Christian Life Paul, and Silas, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians that is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: grace and peace be to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father, 4 knowing, beloved brothers, your election by God. 5 For our gospel came to you not in word only but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance, as you know what manner of men we were among you for your sake. 6 And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, 7 so that you were examples to all who believe in Macedonia and Achaia. 8 For from you sounded out the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God is spread abroad, so that we do not need to speak anything. 9 For they themselves report about us what kind of reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead—even Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.
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The Model Servant For you yourselves, brothers, know that our visit to you was
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not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were shamefully treated in Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much contention. 3 For our exhortation was not of deceit or of uncleanness or in trickery. 4 But as we were allowed by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak—not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts. 5 For at no time did we use flattering words, as you know, or a cloak of covetousness. God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have been burdensome as the apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own souls, because you were dear to us. 9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil. For laboring night and day, so that we would not be burdensome to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe. 11As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father does his children, 12 that you would walk worthy of God, who has called you to His kingdom and glory. 13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you
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received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers, became followers of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. For you also have suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they have from the Jews, 15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us. And they do not please God and are contrary to all men, 16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, so as always to fill up their sins. For the wrath has come on them at last. 17 But we, brothers, having been taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore, we would have come to you—even I, Paul— once and again, but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy. The Model Brother and the Believer’s Sanctification Therefore, when we could no longer bear it, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone 2 and sent Timothy—our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ—to establish you and to comfort you concerning your faith, 3 that no man should be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4 For, truly,
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1 Thessalonians 4:1
when we were with you before, we told you that we would suffer tribulation, even as it came to pass, and you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer bear it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you and our labor be in vain. 6 But now when Timothy came from you to us—and brought us good tidings of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you— 7 therefore, brothers, in all our affliction and distress, we were comforted about you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face and might perfect what is lacking in your faith? 11 Now may God Himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you, 13 so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints. The Model Walk and the Believer’s Hope Furthermore, then, we beseech you, brothers, and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you
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1 Thessalonians 4:2
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would abound more and more. 2 For you know what commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus. 3 For this is the will of God, even your sanctification, that you should abstain from fornication, 4 that every one of you should know how to possess his vessel in sanctification and honor, and 5 not in the lust of strong desire, even as the Gentiles who do not know God, 6 that no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter, because the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. 7 For God has called us not to uncleanness but to holiness. 8 Therefore, he who despises this despises not man but God, who has also given us His Holy Spirit. 9 But, concerning brotherly love, you have no need that I should write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another. 10 And indeed you do so toward all the brothers who are in all Macedonia. But we beseech you, brothers, that you increase more and more 11 and that you study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you, 12 that you may walk honestly toward those who are outside, and that you may lack nothing. 13 But I do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, that you not sorrow even as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those also who sleep in Jesus. 15 For we say this to you by the
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word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore, comfort one another with these words. The Model Walk and the Day of the Lord But of the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that I write to you. 2 For you yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. 3 For when they say, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, as labor on a woman with child. And they shall not escape. 4 But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that this day should overtake you like a thief. 5 You are all the children of light and the children of the day. We are not of the night or of darkness. 6 Therefore, let us not sleep, as others do. But let us watch and be sober. 7 For those who sleep, sleep in the night. And those who get drunk are drunk in the night. 8 But let us, who are of the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation. 9 For God has appointed us not to wrath but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 who died for
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us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him. 11 Therefore, comfort yourselves together and edify one another, even as you also are doing. 12 And we beseech you, brothers, to know those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, 13 and to esteem them very highly in love for their work’s sake. And be at peace among yourselves. 14 Now we exhort you, brothers, warn those who are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. 15 See that no one renders evil for evil to any man. But always follow what is good, both among yourselves and to all men. 16 Rejoice always. 17 Pray without
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1 Thessalonians 5:28
ceasing. 18 Give thanks in everything, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. 19 Do not quench the Spirit. 20 Do not despise prophecies. 21 Test all things. Hold fast what is good. 22 Abstain from all appearance of evil. 23 And may the very God of peace sanctify you wholly. And I pray to God that your whole spirit and soul and body will be preserved, blameless, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 Faithful is He who calls you, who will also do it. 25 Brothers, pray for us. 26 Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss. 27 I charge you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the holy brothers. 28 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
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2 THESSALONIANS INTRODUCTION TO 2 THESSALONIANS The second letter to the Thessalonian church is a timely follow-up to 1 Thessalonians and, as such, deals with the same concerns for the believers in Thessalonica. (See the introduction to 1 Thessalonians.) Yet some in the church were not responding to the first letter, so 2 Thessalonians has a more urgent tone. AUTHOR Most scholars support the authorship of Paul as stated in 1:1. OCCASION The persecution of the Thessalonian church seems to have intensified since the previous letter (1:4–5). So Paul writes this follow-up letter from Corinth after Silas and Timothy inform him of the recent developments in Thessalonica.
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Paul, and Silas, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: 2 grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 3 We are bound to thank God always for you, brothers, as it is fitting, because your faith grows exceedingly, and the love of every one of you all toward each other abounds, 4 so that we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that you endure. Comfort in Persecution 5 This is a clear sign of the righteous judgment of God that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you also suffer. 6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to repay tribulation to those who trouble you, 7 and rest to you who are troubled with us when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, 8 in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, 9 who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be glorified in His saints and to be admired by all those who believe (because our testimony among you was believed) on that day. 11 Therefore also we pray always for you that our God will count you worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power,
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12 that the name of our Lord Jesus
Christ may be glorified in you and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
The Day of the Lord and the Man of Sin Now we beseech you, brothers, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and by our gathering together to Him, 2 that you not be quickly shaken in mind or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as though the day of Christ is at hand. 3 Let no man deceive you by any means. For that day shall not come unless a falling away comes first and that man of sin is revealed: the son of destruction, 4 who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped, so that he as God sits in the temple of God, declaring himself that he is God. 5 Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things? 6 And now you know what restrains him, that he might be revealed in his time. 7 For the mystery of iniquity is already working. Only He who now restrains will restrain, until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then that Wicked shall be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the breath of His mouth and shall destroy with the brightness of His coming— 9 even him, whose coming is according to the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, 10 and with all deception of unrighteousness in those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth,
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2 Thessalonians 2:11
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that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason, God shall send them strong delusion that they should believe a lie, 12 that all those who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness might be condemned. Exhortation and Instruction 13 But we are bound to give thanks always to God for you, brothers, beloved of the Lord, because God has from the beginning chosen you for salvation through sanctification of the Spirit and belief in the truth, 14 to which He called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 Therefore, brothers, stand fast, and hold the traditions that you have been taught, whether by word or our letter. 16 Now our Lord Jesus Christ Himself and God, even our Father, who has loved us and has given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, 17 comfort your hearts and establish in you every good word and work.
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Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may have free course and be glorified, even as it is with you, 2 and that we may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men, for all men do not have faith. 3 But the Lord is faithful, who shall establish you and keep you from evil. 4 And we have confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you both do and will do the things that we command you. 5 And may the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the patient waiting for Christ.
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6 Now we command you, brothers,
in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition that he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we ourselves did not behave disorderly among you, 8 nor did we eat any man’s bread for nothing, but worked with labor and pain night and day, that we might not be burdensome to any of you, 9 not because we do not have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you to follow us. 10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: that if any will not work, he should not eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you disorderly, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with quietness they work and eat their own bread. 13 But you, brothers, do not be weary in doing good. 14 And if any man does not obey our word in this letter, note that man and have no company with him, that he may be ashamed. 15 Yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. 16 Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all. 17 The greeting of Paul with my own hand, which is the token in every letter, so I write. 18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
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1 TIMOTHY INTRODUCTION TO 1 TIMOTHY First Timothy is a letter from a faith mentor to one of his dearest disciples. It is a look into the first-century relationships that made up the early church and the issues with which the believers grappled. AUTHOR The author of this letter introduces himself as the apostle Paul. Of all the letters of Paul, the pastoral letters (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus) are by far the most disputed in terms of authorship. Differences of language, style, and theology have caused many scholars to doubt that Paul was the original author. Some believe that a disciple of Paul wrote these after his death. Others think he may have had one of his missionary companions write out these letters (see Romans 16:22), and this scribe left his own stylistic mark. In any case, the differences are not as great as is sometimes supposed, and there are many features of the letter consistent with Paul’s language and style. Evangelical scholars continue to assert that these letters came from the apostle’s hand. OCCASION Paul wrote this letter from Macedonia sometime after being released from his first Roman imprisonment—around AD 63–64. Paul had left his protégé, Timothy, to minister at the church in Ephesus (1:3). At this particular time, the church was plagued by false teachers and dissension. Paul was going to be delayed in returning to Ephesus to be with Timothy and guide him in person, so he wrote this letter to offer guidance on how to choose and strengthen the leaders of the church and train them to preserve godliness and reject false teaching.
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1 Timothy 1:1
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Rebuke of Legalism and Unsound Teaching Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of God our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ, who is our hope, 2 to Timothy, my own son in the faith: grace, mercy, and peace from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord. 3 As I urged you to remain still in Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that you might charge some not to teach any other doctrine 4 or give heed to fables and endless genealogies, which minister questions rather than godly edifying that is in faith: do so. 5 Now the end of the commandment is love out of a pure heart and of a good conscience and of sincere faith, 6 from which some, having swerved, have turned aside to meaningless talk, 7 desiring to be teachers of the law, understanding neither what they say nor what they affirm. 8 But we know that the law is good if a man uses it lawfully, 9 knowing this: that the law is made not for a righteous man but for the lawless and disobedient, for the ungodly and for sinners, for unholy and profane, for murderers of fathers and murderers of mothers, for manslayers, 10 for fornicators, for those who defile themselves with mankind, for kidnappers, for liars, for perjured persons, and if there is any other thing that is contrary to sound doctrine, 11 according to the glorious gospel of the blessed God, which was committed to my trust. 12 And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has enabled me, that He counted me faithful, putting me
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into the ministry, 13 who was before a blasphemer and a persecutor and violent. But I obtained mercy because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. 14 And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant with faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. 15 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am chief. 16 However, for this reason I obtained mercy, that in me first Jesus Christ might show forth all long-suffering as a pattern to those who should hereafter believe in Him for life everlasting. 17 Now to the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen. 18 This charge I commit to you, son Timothy, according to the prophecies that were made before about you, that by them you might fight a good warfare, 19 holding faith and a good conscience, which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck, 20 of whom are Hymenaeus and Alexander, whom I have delivered to Satan that they may learn not to blaspheme. Prayer and the Divine Order of the Sexes I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, 2 for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceful life in all godliness and honesty. 3 For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior, 4 who wants all men to be saved and to come to
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the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave Himself as a ransom for all, to be testified in due time. 7 For this I am ordained a preacher and an apostle (I speak the truth in Christ and do not lie), a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and truth. 8 Therefore, I want men to pray everywhere, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting. 9 Also in like manner that women adorn themselves in modest apparel, with reverence and self-control, not with braided hair or gold or pearls or costly array, 10 but with good works, which become women professing godliness. 11 Let the woman learn in silence with all submission. 12 But I do not allow a woman to teach or to usurp authority over the man, but to be in silence. 13 For Adam was first formed, then Eve. 14 And Adam was not deceived, but the woman, being deceived, was in the transgression. 15 However, she shall be saved in childbearing if they continue in faith and love and holiness, with self-control. The Qualifications of Elders and Deacons This is a true saying: if a man desires the office of a bishop, he desires a good work. 2 A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, able to teach, 3 not given to wine, not violent, not greedy of filthy gain, but patient, not a brawler, not
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covetous, 4 one who rules his own house well, having his children in submission with all dignity 5 (for if a man does not know how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?), 6 not a new convert, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. 7 Moreover he must have a good report from those who are outside, lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. 8 Likewise the deacons must be grave, not double-tongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy gain, 9 holding the mystery of the faith with a pure conscience. 10 And also let them first be tested. Then, being found blameless, let them serve in the office of a deacon. 11 Even so their wives must be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. 12 Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. 13 For those who have served well in the office of a deacon obtain for themselves a good degree and great boldness in the faith that is in Christ Jesus. 14 I write these things to you hoping to come to you shortly, 15 but if I remain long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. 16 And without controversy, great is the mystery of godliness: God was revealed in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen by angels, preached to the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.
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The Walk of a Good Minister of Jesus Christ Now the Spirit speaks expressly that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of demons, 2 speaking lies in hypocrisy, having their consciences seared with a hot iron, 3 forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from foods that God has created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth. 4 For every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving, 5 for it is sanctified by the word of God and prayer. 6 If you remind the brothers of these things, you shall be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished in the words of faith and of good doctrine that you have attained. 7 But refuse profane and old wives’ fables, and rather exercise yourself toward godliness. 8 For bodily exercise profits little, but godliness is profitable for all things, having promise of the life that is now and of that which is to come. 9 This is a faithful saying and worthy of all acceptance. 10 For therefore we both labor and suffer reproach, because we trust in the living God, who is the Savior of all men, especially of those who believe. 11 Command and teach these 12 things. Do not let any man despise your youth, but be an example to the believers in word, in conduct, in love, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 13 Until I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. 14 Do not neglect the gift that is in you, which was given to you by
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prophecy with the laying on of the hands of the council of elders. 15 Meditate on these things. Give yourself wholly to them, that your progress may appear to all. 16 Take heed to yourself and to the doctrine. Continue in them, for in doing this you shall save both yourself and those who hear you. The Work of a Good Minister of Jesus Christ Do not rebuke an elder, but treat him as a father, and the younger men as brothers, 2 the elder women as mothers, the younger as sisters, with all purity. 3 Honor widows who are widows indeed. 4 But if any widow has children or nephews, let them first learn to show piety at home and to repay their parents, for that is good and acceptable before God. 5 Now she who is a widow indeed, and desolate, trusts in God and continues in supplications and prayers night and day. 6 But she who lives in pleasure is dead while she lives. 7 And command these things, that they may be blameless. 8 But if any does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever. 9 Do not let a widow be taken into the number if she is under sixty years old, having been the wife of one man, 10 well spoken of for good works: if she has brought up children, if she has lodged strangers, if she has washed the saints’ feet, if she has relieved the afflicted, if she has diligently followed every good work. 11 But refuse the younger widows,
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for when they have begun to grow undisciplined against Christ, they will marry, 12 having condemnation because they have cast off their first faith. 13 And with that they learn to be idle, wandering about from house to house, and not only idle, but also tattlers and busybodies, speaking things that they ought not. 14 Therefore I want the younger women to marry, bear children, guide the house, give no opportunity to the adversary to speak reproachfully. 15 For some have already turned aside after Satan. 16 If any man or woman who believes has widows, let them relieve them, and do not let the church be charged, that it may relieve those who are widows indeed. 17 Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine. 18 For the scripture says, “You shall not muzzle the ox that treads out the grain” and “The laborer is worthy of his reward.” 19 Do not receive an accusation against an elder, but before two or three witnesses. 20 Rebuke before all those who sin, that others also may fear. 21 I charge you before God and the Lord Jesus Christ and the elect angels, that you observe these things without preferring one over another, doing nothing with partiality. 22 Do not lay hands on any man suddenly or be a partaker of other men’s sins. Keep yourself pure. 23 No longer drink water, but use a little wine for your stomach’s sake and your frequent infirmities.
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24 Some men’s sins are plain before
all men, going before them to judgment, and some men they follow after. 25 Likewise the good works of some also are revealed beforehand, and those who are otherwise cannot be hidden. More of the Work of a Good Minister of Jesus Christ Let as many servants as are under the yoke count their own masters worthy of all honor, that the name of God and His doctrine not be blasphemed. 2 And those who have believing masters, do not let them despise them, because they are brothers, but rather do them service because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. Teach and exhort these things. 3 If any man teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine that is according to godliness, 4 he is proud, knowing nothing but harping about questions and strifes of words, from which come envy, strife, slander, evil suspicions, 5 perverse disputes of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness. Withdraw yourself from such. 6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and clothing, let us be content with that. 9 But those who will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in
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destruction and perdition. 10 For the love of money is the root of all evil, which while some coveted after, they have gone astray from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 11 But you, O man of God, flee these things and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith, take hold of eternal life, to which you are also called and have professed a good profession before many witnesses. 13 I give you charge in the sight of God, who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession, 14 that you keep this commandment without stain, unrebukable until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He shall show in His time, who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of
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lords, 16 who alone has immortality, dwelling in the light that no man can approach, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and power everlasting. Amen. 17 Charge those who are rich in this world, that they not be haughty or trust in uncertain riches but to trust in the living God, who richly gives us all things to enjoy, 18 that they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to share, 19 laying up in store for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may take hold of eternal life. 20 O Timothy, guard what is committed to your trust, avoiding profane and vain babblings and oppositions of what is falsely called knowledge, 21 by which some professing have gone astray concerning the faith. Grace be with you. Amen.
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2 TIMOTHY INTRODUCTION TO 2 TIMOTHY Paul wrote this letter to Timothy—someone who came to faith through Paul’s ministry, then worked as a colleague, and finally took on a leadership role at the church in Ephesus. The instructions in this letter serve to give Timothy guidance in leading the church, which includes battling with false teachers. AUTHOR The author of this letter introduces himself as the apostle Paul. Of all the letters of Paul, the pastoral letters (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus) are by far the most disputed in terms of authorship. Differences of language, style, and theology have caused many scholars to doubt that Paul was the original author. Some believe that a disciple of Paul wrote these after his death. Others think he may have had one of his missionary companions write out these letters (see Romans 16:22), and this scribe left his own stylistic mark. In any case, the differences are not as great as is sometimes supposed, and there are many features of the letter consistent with Paul’s language and style. Evangelical scholars continue to assert that these letters came from the apostle’s hand. OCCASION When Paul wrote this letter, he was in prison in Rome and had been deserted by most of his colleagues. He was also aware that his life was reaching its end and may have had some sense of passing on the torch of leadership. Timothy was in Ephesus, troubled by corrupted doctrine that was affecting his congregation. Paul reached out to Timothy through this letter to offer guidance and to connect and communicate as old friends will do.
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The Apostolic Greeting Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, 2 to Timothy, my dearly beloved son: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. 3 I thank God, whom I serve as my forefathers did, with pure conscience, that without ceasing I remember you in my prayers night and day, 4 greatly desiring to see you, being mindful of your tears, that I may be filled with joy 5 when I am reminded of the sincere faith that is in you, which dwelled first in your grandmother Lois and your mother, Eunice, and I am persuaded that it is also in you. 6 Therefore I remind you that you stir up the gift of God that is in you by the laying on of my hands. 7 For God has given us a spirit not of fear but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 8 Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me, His prisoner, but be a partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God, 9 who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given to us in Christ Jesus before the world began 10 but is now made plain by the appearing of our Savior, Jesus Christ, who has abolished death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel, 11 to which I am appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher of the Gentiles. 12 For this reason I also suffer these things; nevertheless I am not
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ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to guard what I have committed to Him until that day. 13 Hold fast the form of sound words that you have heard from me, in faith and love that is in Christ J esus. 14 Keep that good thing that was committed to you by the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. 15 You know this, that all those who are in Asia have turned away from me, among whom are Phygelus and Hermogenes. 16 The Lord give mercy to the house of Onesiphorus, for he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. 17 But when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently and found me. 18 The Lord grant to him that he may find mercy from the Lord on that day. And you know very well in how many things he ministered to me at Ephesus. The Life of a “Good Soldier” You, therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that you have heard from me among many witnesses, the same commit to faithful men who shall also be able to teach others. 3 You therefore endure hardship as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. 4 No man who fights in a war entangles himself with the affairs of this life, that he may please him who has chosen him to be a soldier. 5 And if a man also strives for victories, he is not crowned unless he competes lawfully. 6 The farmer who labors must be the first partaker of the fruits. 7 Consider what I say, and
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may the Lord give you understanding in all things. 8 Remember that Jesus Christ, of the descendants of David, was raised from the dead according to my gospel, 9 for which I suffer trouble as an evildoer, even to imprisonment, but the word of God is not bound. 10 Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sake, that they may also obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory. 11 It is a faithful saying: For if we died with Him, we shall also live with Him. 12 If we suffer, we shall also reign with Him. If we deny Him, He also will deny us. 13 If we do not believe, still He remains faithful. He cannot deny Himself. 14 Remind them of these things, charging them before the Lord that they not strive about words to no profit, but to the ruin of the hearers. 15 Study to show yourself approved to God, a workman who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 16 But shun profane and vain babblings, for they will increase to more ungodliness. 17 And their word will eat as does a cancer, of whom are Hymenaeus and Philetus, 18 who have gone astray concerning the truth, saying that the resurrection is already past, and overthrow the faith of some. 19 Nevertheless the foundation of God stands sure, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His” and “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.” 20 But in a great house there are vessels not only of gold and of silver but also of wood and of clay, and some for honor and some for
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dishonor. 21 Therefore if a man purges himself from these, he shall be a vessel for honor, sanctified and fit for the Master’s use, and prepared for every good work. 22 Also flee youthful lusts, but follow righteousness, faith, love, peace with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. 23 But avoid foolish and ignorant questions, knowing that they beget strife. 24 And the servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all men, able to teach, patient, 25 in meekness instructing those who oppose themselves, if God perhaps will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth, 26 and that they may rescue themselves out of the snare of the devil, those who are taken captive by him at his will. Ungodly People in the Last Days Know this also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. 2 For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, 3 without natural affection, truce breakers, false accusers, without self-control, fierce, despisers of those who are good, 4 traitors, reckless, haughty, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God, 5 having a form of godliness but denying its power. Turn away from such. 6 For of this sort are those who creep into houses and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away by various lusts, 7 ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. 8 Now as
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Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, condemned concerning the faith. 9 But they shall proceed no further, for their folly shall be plain to all men, as theirs also was. The Believer’s Resource— the Scriptures 10 But you have fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, long-suffering, love, patience, 11 persecutions, afflictions, which happened to me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra—what persecutions I endured. But out of them all the Lord delivered me. 12 Yes, and all who will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. 13 But evil men and seducers shall grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But you continue in the things that you have learned and have been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, 15 and that from childhood you have known the holy scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith that is in Christ Jesus. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished for all good works. A Faithful Servant and His Faithful Lord I charge you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom: 2 Preach the word. Be ready
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in season, out of season. Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long-suffering and doctrine. 3 For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own lusts they shall heap for themselves teachers, having itching ears, 4 and they shall turn away their ears from the truth and shall be turned to fables. 5 But you watch in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of your ministry. 6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. 7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. 8 Hereafter there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give me on that day, and not to me only, but also to all those who love His appearing. 9 Be diligent to come to me shortly, 10 for Demas has abandoned me, having loved this present world, and has departed for Thessalonica, Crescens for Galatia, Titus for Dalmatia. 11 Only Luke is with me. Take Mark and bring him with you, for he is profitable to me for the ministry. 12 And I have sent Tychicus to Ephesus. 13 When you come, bring with you the cloak that I left at Troas with Carpus and the books, but especially the parchments. 14 Alexander the coppersmith did me much evil; may the Lord reward him according to his works. 15 You also beware of him, for he has greatly opposed our words. 16 At my first defense no man stood with me, but all men abandoned me. I pray to God that it may
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not be laid to their charge. 17 However, the Lord stood with me and strengthened me, that by me the preaching might be fully known and that all the Gentiles might hear. And I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. 18 And the Lord shall deliver me from every evil work and will preserve me for His heavenly kingdom, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
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2 Timothy 4:22 19 Salute Prisca and Aquila and the
household of Onesiphorus. 20 Erastus remained in Corinth, but I have left Trophimus sick in Miletus. 21 Be diligent to come before winter. Eubulus greets you, and Pudens and Linus and Claudia and all the brothers. 22 The Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Grace be with you. Amen.
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TITUS INTRODUCTION TO TITUS The books of Titus and 1 and 2 Timothy comprise Paul’s pastoral letters—not an entirely accurate name for the three letters. Titus and Timothy were not pastors, at least not by the modern definition. Still, both Timothy and Titus were Paul’s associates who did a lot of legwork for him, and his letters to them about the expectations of church leaders are valuable guidelines for spiritual leadership. AUTHOR The author of this letter introduces himself as the apostle Paul. Of all the letters of Paul, the pastoral letters (1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Titus) are by far the most disputed in terms of authorship. Differences of language, style, and theology have caused many scholars to doubt that Paul was the original author. Some believe that a disciple of Paul wrote these after his death. Others think he may have had one of his missionary companions write out these letters (see Romans 16:22), and this scribe left his own stylistic mark. In any case, the differences are not as great as is sometimes supposed, and there are many features of the letters consistent with Paul’s language and style. Evangelical scholars continue to assert that these letters came from the apostle’s hand. OCCASION Paul’s ministry had initiated Titus’s conversion to Christianity, and the Gentile convert soon had taken on the responsibility of traveling and ministering with Paul and at other times on his own. This was one of the latter cases as Paul had left Titus in Crete while the apostle was elsewhere (perhaps Corinth). Paul desired to stay in touch with his protégé and offers him some practical advice for overseeing a church.
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Titus 2:9
Greeting Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect and the acknowledging of the truth that is according to godliness, 2 in hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised before the world began, 3 but has in due times revealed His word through preaching, which is committed to me according to the commandment of God our Savior. 4 To Titus, my own son according to the common faith: grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior.
even a prophet of their own, said, “The Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.” 13 This witness is true. Therefore rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, 14 not giving heed to Jewish fables and commandments of men who turn from the truth. 15 To the pure all things are pure, but to those who are defiled and unbelieving nothing is pure, but even their mind and conscience are defiled. 16 They profess that they know God, but in works they deny Him, being abominable and disobedient, and condemned for every good work.
The Divine Order for the Church 5 For this reason I left you in Crete, that you should set in order the things that are lacking and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed you, 6 if anyone is blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children not accused of riot or unruly. 7 For a bishop must be blameless as the steward of God, not self-willed, not quickly angered, not given to wine, not violent, not given to filthy gain, 8 but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober, just, holy, self-controlled, 9 holding fast the faithful word as he has been taught, that he may be able, by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convince those who contradict. 10 For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, 11 whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses teaching things that they ought not for filthy gain’s sake. 12 One of them,
The Pastoral Work of a True Minister But speak the things that become sound doctrine, 2 that the aged men be sober, grave, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, in patience. 3 The aged women, likewise, that they behave in a way that becomes holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things, 4 that they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, 5 to be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God not be blasphemed. 6 Young men, likewise, exhort to be sober-minded. 7 In all things show yourself a pattern of good works: in doctrine showing incorruptness, gravity, sincerity, 8 sound speech that cannot be condemned, that he who is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. 9 Exhort servants to be obedient to their own masters and
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to please them well in all things: not answering back, 10 not stealing, but showing all good fidelity, that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior in all things. 11 For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, 12 teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world, 13 looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity and purify to Himself a special people, zealous of good works. 15 These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise you. Pastoral Work, Continued Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no man, to be not brawlers but gentle, showing all meekness to all men. 3 For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, and hating one another. 4 But after that the kindness and love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness that we have done,
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but according to His mercy He saved us, by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that being justified by His grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8 This is a faithful saying, and these things I want you to affirm constantly, that those who have believed in God might be careful to maintain good works. These things are good and profitable to men. 9 But avoid foolish questions and genealogies and contentions and strivings about the law, for they are unprofitable and vain. 10 Reject a man who is a heretic after the first and second admonition, 11 knowing that he who is such is subverted and sins, being condemned by himself. Closing Instructions 12 When I shall send Artemas to you, or Tychicus, be diligent to come to me to Nicopolis, for I have determined to winter there. 13 Bring Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their journey diligently, that they lack nothing. 14 And let ours also learn to maintain good works for necessary uses, that they not be unfruitful. 15 All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all. Amen.
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PHILEMON INTRODUCTION TO PHILEMON Of the thirteen letters traditionally attributed to Paul in scripture, his letter to Philemon is the most personal. Most were written to entire churches. The three pastoral letters (1 and 2 Timothy and Titus) were to individuals but had churchwide applications. Philemon, too, contains public greetings and was intended to be read publicly. Philemon’s situation was very specific, yet Paul’s advice, as usual, contains wisdom appropriate for all believers. AUTHOR Paul identifies himself as the author (verses 1, 9, 19), and there is nothing in the letter theologically or grammatically to suggest otherwise. OCCASION Paul had come upon a runaway servant (slave) named Onesimus and had convinced him to return to his owner, Philemon. This letter is Paul’s appeal to Philemon to forgive the servant and accept him back into the household.
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aul, a prisoner of Jesus Christ, and Timothy our brother: to Philemon, our dearly beloved and fellow laborer, 2 and to our beloved Apphia, and Archippus, our fellow soldier, and to the church in your house. 3 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. 4 I thank my God, making mention of you always in my prayers, 5 hearing of your love and faith, which you have toward the Lord Jesus and toward all saints, 6 that the communication of your faith may become effective by the acknowledging of every good thing that is in you in Christ Jesus. 7 For we have great joy and consolation in your love, because the hearts of the saints are refreshed by you, brother. 8 Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to command you to do what is proper, 9 yet for love’s sake I rather beseech you—being such a one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ. 10 I beseech you for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my imprisonment, 11 who in time past was unprofitable to you but now is profitable to you and to me. 12 I have sent him back. You therefore receive him—that is, my own heart— 13 whom I would have retained with me, that in your
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stead he might have ministered to me in the imprisonment for the gospel. 14 But without your consent I would do nothing, that your benefit should be not, as it were, of necessity but willingly. 15 For perhaps he therefore departed for a season, that you should receive him forever, 16 not now as a servant, but above a servant—a brother beloved, especially to me, but how much more to you, both in the flesh and in the Lord? 17 If you consider me therefore a partner, receive him as myself. 18 If he has wronged you or owes you anything, put that on my account. 19 I, Paul, have written it with my own hand: I will repay it (although I do not say to you how you owe to me even your own self besides). 20 Yes, brother, let me have joy from you in the Lord: refresh my heart in the Lord. 21 Having confidence in your obedience I wrote to you, knowing that you will also do more than I say. 22 But with that prepare me also a lodging, for I trust that through your prayers I shall be granted to you. 23 Epaphras, my fellow prisoner in Christ Jesus, greets you, 24 as do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow laborers. 25 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit. Amen.
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HEBREWS INTRODUCTION TO HEBREWS The book of Hebrews is rightly identified as a letter (or “epistle”) because it was written to a specific group of people to address problems and concerns of that community. Like a letter, it contains some personal comments and greetings (13:22–25). But in contrast to most other New Testament letters, Hebrews is fundamentally a sermon—a word of exhortation (13:22). It can be read aloud in less than an hour and, like most sermons today, is structured around the citation, exposition, and application of scripture. AUTHOR No one can say with certainty who wrote Hebrews. Some attribute it to Paul, yet in every other Pauline letter, the apostle opens by identifying himself. In addition, the author’s statement about hearing the gospel from others (2:3) does not jibe with Paul’s other statements that emphasize his receiving the gospel directly from Christ (Galatians 1:11–12, for example). Furthermore, the language, style, and theological perspective are very different from Paul’s found elsewhere. Other educated guesses for authorship include Barnabas, Luke, and Apollos. OCCASION The original recipients of this letter, as the title indicates, were Jewish Christians. They had suffered persecution for their new faith and had stood firm at first. But as time passed, they had begun to waver and were tempted to return to the comfort of their old, familiar ways. Some had apparently already made the decision to leave the Christian faith and return to Judaism, which placed added pressure on the ones who were still in the church.
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The Great Salvation God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, 2 has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, by whom He also made the worlds— 3 who, being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 being made so much better than the angels, as He has obtained by inheritance a more excellent name than they. 5 For to which of the angels did He say at any time, “You are My Son, this day I have begotten You”? And again, “I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to Me a Son”? 6 And again, when He brings the firstborn into the world, He says, “And let all the angels of God worship Him.” 7 And of the angels He says, “Who makes His angels spirits and His ministers a flame of fire.” 8 But to the Son He says, “Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated iniquity; therefore God, even Your God, has anointed You with the oil of gladness above Your companions.” 10 And, “You, Lord, in the beginning have laid the foundation of the earth, and the heavens are the works of Your hands. 11 They shall perish, but You remain. And they all shall become old as does a
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garment, 12 and you shall fold them up like a garment, and they shall be changed. But You are the same, and Your years shall not fail.” 13 But to which of the angels did He say at any time, “Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool”? 14 Are they not all ministering spirits, sent forth to minister to those who shall be heirs of salvation? Hearers Warned Therefore we ought to give more earnest heed to the things that we have heard, lest we should let them slip at any time. 2 For if the word spoken by angels was steadfast, and every transgression and disobedience received a just recompense of reward, 3 how shall we escape if we neglect so great a salvation, which at first began to be spoken by the Lord and was confirmed to us by those who heard Him, 4 God also bearing them witness both with signs and wonders, and with various miracles, and gifts of the Holy Spirit, according to His own will? 5 For He has not put the world to come, of which we speak, in subjection to the angels. 6 But in a certain place one testified, saying, “What is man, that You are mindful of him, or the son of man, that You care for him? 7 You made him a little lower than the angels. You crowned him with glory and honor and set him over the works of Your hands. 8 You have put all things in subjection under his feet.” For in that He put all in subjection under him, He left nothing that is not put under him. But
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now we do not yet see all things put under him. Jesus, Made for a Little Time Lower than the Angels 9 But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death, crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, should taste death for every man. 10 For it was fitting for Him, for whom are all things and by whom are all things, in bringing many sons to glory, to make the captain of their salvation perfect through sufferings. 11 For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brothers, 12 saying, “I will declare Your name to My brothers; in the midst of the church I will sing praise to You.” 13 And again, “I will put My trust in Him.” And again, “Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me.” 14 Since, then, as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, He also Himself likewise took part of the same, that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death—that is, the devil— 15 and deliver those who through fear of death were subject to bondage all their lifetime. 16 For truly He did not take on Himself the nature of angels, but He took on Himself the seed of Abraham. 17 Therefore in all things it was necessary for Him to be made like His brothers, that He might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the
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people. 18 For in that He Himself has suffered being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted. Christ the Son Better than Moses the Servant Therefore, holy brothers, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus, 2 who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses was also faithful in all His house. 3 For this man was counted worthy of more glory than Moses, to the degree that He who has built the house has more honor than the house. 4 For every house is built by some man, but He who built all things is God. 5 And Moses truly was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things that were to be spoken afterward, 6 but Christ as a son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end. 7 Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you will hear His voice, 8 do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, in the day of temptation in the wilderness, 9 when your fathers tempted Me, tested Me, and saw My works forty years. 10 Therefore I was grieved with that generation and said, ‘They do always go astray in their hearts, and they have not known My ways.’ 11 So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter into My rest.’” 12 Take heed, brothers, lest there be in any of you an evil heart of unbelief in departing from the living God. 13 But exhort one another
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Hebrews 3:14
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daily, while it is called “today,” lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. 14 For we are made partakers of Christ if we hold the beginning of our confidence steadfast to the end, 15 while it is said, “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” 16 For some, when they had heard, provoked Him, although not all who came out of Egypt by Moses. 17 But with whom was He grieved forty years? Was it not with those who had sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? 18 And to whom did He swear that they would not enter into His rest, but to those who did not believe? 19 So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief. There Is a Better Rest for the Believer Therefore, since a promise has been left to us of entering into His rest, let us fear, lest any of you should seem to come short of it. 2 For the gospel was preached to us as well as to them, but the word preached did not benefit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it. 3 For we who have believed enter into rest, as He said, “As I have sworn in My wrath, if they shall enter into My rest,” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world. 4 For He spoke in a certain place of the seventh day in this way: “And God rested on the seventh day from all His works”; 5 and again in this place, “If they shall enter into My rest.” 6 Therefore, seeing it remains that some must enter it, and those to
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whom it was first preached did not enter in because of unbelief, 7 again He appoints a certain day, saying in David, “Today,” after so long a time, as it is said, “Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.” 8 For if Joshua had given them rest, then He would not afterward have spoken of another day. 9 Therefore there remains a rest for the people of God. 10 For he who has entered into His rest, he has also ceased from his own works as God did from His. 11 Therefore let us labor to enter into that rest, lest any man fall according to the same example of unbelief. 12 For the word of God is living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 There is no creature that is not made plain in His sight, but all things are naked and opened to the eyes of Him with whom we have to answer to. 14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot be concerned with the feeling of our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Our Great High Priest For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men
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in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins, 2 who can have compassion on the ignorant and on those who are wayward, for he himself is also covered in weakness. 3 And by reason of this he ought to offer for sins for the people and also for himself. 4 And no man takes this honor for himself, but he who is called by God, as Aaron was. 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself to be made a high priest, but He who said to Him, “You are My Son; today I have begotten You.” 6 As He also says in another place, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” 7 In the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because He feared, 8 though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things that He suffered. 9 And being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation to all those who obey Him, 10 called by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek, 11 of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, since you are dull of hearing. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the words of God and have become like one who needs milk and not solid food. 13 For everyone who uses milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby. 14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, even those who because of use have their
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senses exercised to discern both good and evil. Progressing in Salvation Therefore, leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection, not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith toward God, 2 of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. 3 And we will do this, if God permits. 4 For it is impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted of the heavenly gift, and were made partakers of the Holy Spirit, 5 and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the world to come, 6 if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, seeing they crucify afresh to themselves the Son of God and put Him to an open shame. 7 For the earth that drinks in the rain that often comes on it, and brings forth vegetation suitable for those by whom it is tended, receives blessing from God. 8 But what bears thorns and briars is rejected and is near to being cursed, whose end is to be burned. 9 But, beloved, though we speak like this, we are persuaded of better things concerning you, and things that accompany salvation. 10 For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labor of love, which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and continue to minister. 11 And we desire that every one of you show the same diligence to the
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Hebrews 6:12
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full assurance of hope to the end, 12 that you be not slothful but followers of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises. 13 For when God made a promise to Abraham, because He could swear by no one greater, He swore by Himself, 14 saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.” 15 And so, after he had patiently endured, he obtained the promise. 16 For men truly swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is to them an end of all strife. 17 In this, God, willing to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, 18 that by two immutable things, in which it was impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge to take hold of the hope set before us might have a strong consolation. 19 We have this hope as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters into that within the veil, 20 where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, made a high priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek. The Melchizedek High Priesthood Resumed For this Melchizedek—king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom Abraham also gave a tenth part of all—was first by interpretation “king of righteousness” and after that also king of Salem, which is “king of peace,” 3 without father, without mother, without descent, having neither
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beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually. 4 Now consider how great this man was, to whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils. 5 And truly those who are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment, according to the law, to take tithes from the people—that is, from their brothers—though they come out of the loins of Abraham. 6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 And without all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. 8 And here men who die receive tithes, but there he receives them, of whom it is witnessed that he lives. 9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10 for he was still in the loins of his father when Melchizedek met him. 11 Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek and not be called according to the order of Aaron? 12 For the priesthood being changed, of necessity there is also made a change of the law. 13 For He of whom these things are spoken pertains to another tribe, from which no man has served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood.
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it is yet far more evident if according to the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest, 16 who is made, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. 17 For He testifies, “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” 18 For there is certainly an annulling of the former commandment because of its weakness and unprofitableness, 19 for the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did, by which we draw near to God. 20 And since He was not made priest without an oath 21 (for those priests were made without an oath, but this with an oath by Him who said to Him, “The Lord swore and will not change His mind, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’”), 22 by so much more Jesus was made a surety of a better covenant. 23 And truly there were many priests, because they were not allowed to continue by reason of death. 24 But this man, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For such a high priest was fitting for us, one who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens, 27 who does not need, as those high priests, to offer up daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the people’s, for He did this once
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when He offered up Himself. 28 For the law makes high priests of men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which was since the law, makes the Son, who is consecrated forevermore. Our High Priest’s Ministry Now this is the sum of the things that we have spoken: we have such a high priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens, 2 a minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle that the Lord pitched, and not man. 3 For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is of necessity that this man also have something to offer. 4 For if He were on earth, He would not be a priest, seeing that there are priests who offer gifts according to the law, 5 who serve to the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished by God when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown to you on the mount.” 6 But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much He is also the mediator of a better cov enant, which was established on better promises.
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The New Covenant Better than the Old 7 For if that first covenant had been faultless, then no place would have been sought for the second. 8 For finding fault with them, He said, “Behold, the days are coming, says the Lord, when I will make a new
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covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah, 9 not according to the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to lead them out of the land of Egypt, because they did not continue in My covenant, and I disregarded them, says the Lord. 10 For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their minds and write them in their hearts. And I will be to them a God, and they shall be to Me a people. 11 And they shall not teach, every man his neighbor and every man his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for all shall know Me, from the least to the greatest. 12 For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and I will remember their sins and their iniquities no more.” 13 In that He says, “A new covenant,” He has made the first old. Now what decays and grows old is ready to vanish away. The Ordinances of the Old Covenant Then truly the first covenant also had ordinances of divine service and a worldly sanctuary. 2 For a tabernacle was made, the first—in which was the candlestick and the table and the showbread— is called the sanctuary. 3 And after the second veil, the tabernacle that is called the Holiest of All, 4 which had the golden censer and the ark of the covenant overlaid all around with gold, in which was the golden pot that had manna, and Aaron’s rod that budded, and the tablets
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of the covenant. 5 And over it were the cherubim of glory shadowing the mercy seat, of which we cannot now speak particularly. 6 Now when these things were ordained this way, the priests always went into the first tabernacle, accomplishing the service of God. 7 But into the second the high priest went alone once every year, not without blood, which he offered for himself and for the unintentional sins of the people. 8 The Holy Spirit is signifying this, that the way into the Holiest of All was not yet made plain while the first tabernacle was still standing. 9 That was a symbol for the present time, in which both gifts and sacrifices were offered that could not make him who did the service perfect as pertaining to the conscience, 10 which stood only in foods and drinks, and various washings and fleshly ordinances imposed on them until the time of reformation. 11 But Christ came as a high priest of good things to come, by a greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands—that is to say, not of this building— 12 or by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood He entered in once into the Holy Place, having obtained eternal redemption for us. 13 For if the blood of bulls and of goats and the ashes of a heifer sprinkling the unclean sanctifies to the purifying of the flesh, 14 how much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?
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for this reason He is the mediator of the new covenant, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first covenant, those who are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance. New Covenant Sealed by Christ’s Blood 16 For where a covenant is, there must also of necessity be the death of the one who made it. 17 For a covenant is in force after men are dead; otherwise it is of no strength at all while the one who made it lives. 18 Therefore the first covenant was not dedicated without blood. 19 For when Moses had spoken every precept to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and of goats, with water, and scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled both the book and all the people, 20 saying, “This is the blood of the covenant that God has commanded you.” 21 Moreover he sprinkled with blood both the tabernacle and all the vessels of the ministry. 22 And by the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission. 23 Therefore it was necessary that the patterns of things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these. 24 For Christ has entered not into the holy places made with hands, which are the symbols of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us. 25 It is not that He should offer Himself often, as the high priest enters into the
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Holy Place every year with blood of others, 26 for then He must have suffered often since the foundation of the world, but now He has appeared once at the end of the world to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself. 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment, 28 so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. And to those who look for Him, He shall appear the second time without sin for salvation.
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For the law, having a shadow of good things to come and not the very image of the things, can never continually make those who approach it perfect with those sacrifices that they offer year by year. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? Because the worshippers, once purified, would no longer have had consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices there is again a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and of goats could take away sins. 5 Therefore when He came into the world, He said, “You did not want sacrifice and offering, but You have prepared a body for Me. 6 You have had no pleasure in burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin. 7 Then I said, ‘Behold, I have come (in the volume of the book it is written of Me) to do Your will, O God.’” 8 When He said above, “You did not want sacrifice and offering and burnt offerings and offerings for sin, nor had pleasure in them” (which are offered by the law), 9 then He said, “Behold, I have come to do Your will, O God.”
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He takes away the first, that He may establish the second. 10 By that will we are sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. 11 And every priest stands daily ministering and oftentimes offering the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from now on expectantly waiting until His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are sanctified. 15 The Holy Spirit is also a witness of this to us. For after what He had said before, 16 “This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put my laws into their hearts, and I will write them in their minds, 17 and I will remember their sins and iniquities no more.” 18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no more offering for sin. The Believer Worships in the Holiest 19 Therefore, brothers, having boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way that He has consecrated for us through the veil—that is to say, His flesh— 21 and having a high priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering, for He
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who promised is faithful. 24 And let us consider one another to provoke to love and to good works, 25 not giving up the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another, and so much the more as you see the Day approaching. 26 For if we sin willfully after we have received the knowledge of the truth, there remains no more sacrifice for sins 27 but a certain fearful expectation of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries. 28 He who despised Moses’ law died without mercy under two or three witnesses. 29 Of how much more severe punishment, do you suppose, shall he be thought worthy who has trampled underfoot the Son of God, and has counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified an unholy thing, and has scorned the Spirit of grace? 30 For we know Him who has said, “Vengeance belongs to Me; I will repay,” says the Lord. And again, “The Lord shall judge His people.” 31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. 32 But remember the former days in which, after you were illuminated, you endured a great conflict of afflictions: 33 partly while you were made a spectacle by both reproaches and afflictions, and partly while you became companions of those who were so used. 34 For you had compassion on me in my chains, and joyfully accepted the robbing of your goods, knowing in yourselves that you have a better and an enduring possession in heaven. 35 Therefore do not cast away your
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confidence, which has great recompense of reward. 36 For you have need of patience, that after you have done the will of God, you might receive the promise. 37 “For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not delay. 38 Now the just shall live by faith, but if any man draws back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him.” 39 But we are not of those who draw back to destruction but of those who believe to the saving of the soul. The Superiority of the Faith Way Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. 2 For by it the elders obtained a good report. 3 Through faith we understand that the worlds were formed by the word of God, so that things that are seen were not made of things that appear. 4 By faith Abel offered to God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts. And by it he, being dead, still speaks. 5 By faith Enoch was taken up that he should not see death, and was not found, because God had taken him. For before he was taken he had this testimony, that he pleased God. 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him. 7 By faith Noah, being warned by God of things not yet seen, moved with fear, prepared an ark to the
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saving of his house, by which he condemned the world and became heir of the righteousness that is by faith. 8 By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out into a place that he would later receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he looked for a city that has foundations, whose builder and maker is God. 11 Through faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive and delivered a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised. 12 Therefore even from one man, and he as good as dead, there sprang so many as the stars of the sky in number and innumerable as the sand that is by the seashore. 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them from afar and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were foreigners and pilgrims on the earth. 14 For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a country. 15 And truly if they had been mindful of that country from where they came out, they might have had opportunity to have returned. 16 But now they desire a better country— that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them. 17 By faith Abraham, when he was
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tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, 18 of whom it was said, “Through Isaac your descendants shall be called,” 19 considering that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him figuratively. 20 By faith Isaac blessed Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. 21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed both the sons of Joseph, and worshipped, leaning on the top of his staff. 22 By faith Joseph, when he died, made mention of the departing of the children of Israel and gave commandment concerning his bones. 23 By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden three months by his parents, because they saw he was a proper child, and they were not afraid of the king’s commandment. 24 By faith Moses, when he was grown in years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, 25 choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season, 26 esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures in Egypt, for he considered the recompense of the reward. 27 By faith he renounced Egypt, not fearing the wrath of the king, for he endured as seeing Him who is invisible. 28 Through faith he kept the Passover and the sprinkling of blood, lest he who destroyed the firstborn should touch them. 29 By faith they passed through the Red Sea as on dry land; the Egyptians who attempted to do so were drowned.
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30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell
down after they were surrounded for seven days. 31 By faith the prostitute Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace. The Many Heroes of Faith 32 And what more shall I say? For the time would fail me to tell of Gideon, and of Barak, and of Samson, and of Jephthah, also of David, and Samuel, and of the prophets, 33 who through faith subdued kingdoms, worked righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions, 34 quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, grew valiant in battle, turned the armies of the foreigners to flight. 35 Women received their dead raised to life again, and others were tortured, not accepting deliverance, that they might obtain a better resurrection. 36 And others had trials of cruel mockings and scourgings, yes, moreover of chains and imprisonment. 37 They were stoned, they were sawed in two, were tempted, were slain with the sword. They wandered about in sheepskins and goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, tormented— 38 of whom the world was not worthy. They wandered in deserts and in mountains and in dens and caves of the earth. 39 And all these, having obtained a good report through faith, did not receive the promise, 40 God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect without us.
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The Walk and Worship of the Believer-Priest Therefore, since we also are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin that so easily besets us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 For consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners against Himself, lest you be wearied and discouraged in your minds. 4 You have not yet resisted to bloodshed, striving against sin. 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation that speaks to you as to children, “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord or be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him, 6 for whom the Lord loves He chastens, and He scourges every son whom He receives.” 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons, for what son is he whom the father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastisement, of which all are partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had fathers of our flesh who corrected us, and we gave them reverence. Shall we not much rather be in submission to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they truly for a few days chastened us according to their own pleasure, but He for our benefit, that we might be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no
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chastening seems to be joyous for the present, but grievous; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who are exercised by it. 12 Therefore lift up the hands that hang down, and the feeble knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet, lest what is lame be turned out of the way, but rather let it be healed. 14 Pursue peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord, 15 looking diligently, lest any man fall short of the grace of God; lest any root of bitterness springing up trouble you, and many be defiled by it; 16 lest there be any fornicator or profane person like Esau, who for one morsel of food sold his birthright. 17 For you know that afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected, for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears. 18 For you have not come to the mount that might be touched and that burned with fire, nor to blackness and darkness and tempest, 19 and the sound of a trumpet and the sound of words—those who heard that sound entreated that the word should not be spoken to them anymore. 20 (For they could not endure what was commanded: “And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or thrust through with a dart.” 21 And so terrible was the sight that Moses said, “I exceedingly fear and tremble.”) 22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem,
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and to an innumerable company of angels, 23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are written in heaven, and to God, the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, 24 and to Jesus, the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel. 25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if those who refused him who spoke on earth did not escape, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven, 26 whose voice shook the earth then. But now He has promised, saying, “Yet once more I shake not only the earth but also heaven.” 27 And this word “Yet once more” signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things that cannot be shaken may remain. 28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be moved, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. 29 For our God is a consuming fire.
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Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by this some have entertained angels unawares. 3 Remember those who are in chains, as if bound with them, and those who suffer adversity, as being yourselves in the body also. 4 Marriage is honorable in all and the bed undefiled, but God will judge fornicators and adulterers. 5 Let your conduct be without
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covetousness, and be content with the things that you have, for He has said, “I will never leave you or abandon you.” 6 So we may boldly say, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not fear what man shall do to me.” 7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken to you the word of God. Follow their faith, considering the result of their conduct. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. 9 Do not be carried about with various and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing for the heart to be established with grace, not with foods that have not benefited those who have been occupied with them. Christian Separation and Worship 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, that He might sanctify the people with His own blood. 13 Therefore let us go forth to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we have no continuing city, but we seek one to come. 15 Therefore by Him let us continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God—that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name. 16 But do not forget to do good and to share, for God is well pleased with such sacrifices. 17 Obey those who have leadership
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over you and submit yourselves, for they watch over your souls as those who must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief, for that is not beneficial for you. The Apostolic Benediction and Final Words 18 Pray for us, for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly. 19 But I beseech you rather to do this, that I may be restored to you sooner. 20 Now may the God of peace, who brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the
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everlasting covenant, 21 make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. 22 And I beseech you, brothers, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written a letter to you in few words. 23 Know that our brother Timothy is set at liberty, with whom I will see you if he comes shortly. 24 Greet all those who have leadership over you and all the saints. Those of Italy greet you. 25 Grace be with you all. Amen.
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JAMES INTRODUCTION TO JAMES James’s instructions echo those found in the Old Testament, but they also repeat Jesus’ own teachings. James is teaching new believers what it means to live out their faith in Christ as Lord. (The Greek word pistis, translated as faith, appears fifteen times in the letter.) AUTHOR James was the natural son of Joseph and Mary and the younger half brother of Jesus, since they shared a mother but not a father. James is always mentioned first in the lists of Jesus’ siblings (Matthew 13:55; Mark 6:3), indicating that he was most likely the eldest of Jesus’ half siblings. He is also mentioned in Acts 15:13; 21:18; 1 Corinthians 15:7; Galatians 1:19; 2:9, 12; James; and Jude. OCCASION James was a Jewish Christian writing to a Jewish Christian audience. The letter is replete with Old Testament teachings and allusions, but it is clear that James wrote from a distinctly Christian perspective and from the experience of one who had spent time with Jesus. The audience was a group of Christians who were experiencing persecution for their faith. James wrote to them to encourage them in the face of trials and to help them know how to stand firm in the faith.
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The Testings of Faith James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes that are scattered abroad: greetings. 2 My brothers, count it all joy when you fall into various temptations, 3 knowing this, that the testing of your faith works patience. 4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach, and it shall be given him. 6 But let him ask in faith, without wavering. For he who wavers is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 7 For do not let that man think that he shall receive anything from the Lord. 8 A double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. 9 Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted, 10 but the rich in that he is made low, because like the flower of the grass, he shall pass away. 11 For the sun no sooner has risen with a burning heat but it withers the grass and its flower falls, and the grace of its fashion perishes. So also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. 12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he is tested, he shall receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love Him. 13 Let no man say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, nor does He tempt any man. 14 But every man is tempted when he is drawn away by his own lust and enticed. 15 Then when lust has
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conceived, it brings forth sin. And sin, when it is finished, brings forth death. 16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. 18 Of His own will He begot us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. 19 Therefore, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger. 20 For the anger of man does not work the righteousness of God. 21 Therefore lay apart all filthiness and abundant wickedness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word that is able to save your souls. 22 But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror. 24 For he looks at himself and goes his way and immediately forgets what manner of man he was. 25 But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it— not being a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work—this man shall be blessed in his deed. 26 If any man among you seems to be religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. 27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unblemished from the world.
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The Test of Brotherly Love My brothers, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. 2 For if a man with a gold ring, in fine apparel, comes to your assembly and also a poor man in vile clothing comes in, 3 and you have respect for him who wears the fine clothing and say to him, “You sit here in a good place,” and say to the poor, “You stand there, or sit here under my footstool,” 4 are you not then partial in yourselves and have become judges with evil thoughts? 5 Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him? 6 But you have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you and drag you before the judgment seats? 7 Do they not blaspheme that worthy name by which you are called? 8 If you fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you do well. 9 But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet offends in one point, he is guilty of all. 11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not kill.” Now if you do not commit adultery, yet you kill, you have become a transgressor of the law. 12 So speak and so do as those who shall be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For he who has shown no mercy shall have judgment without
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mercy; and mercy triumphs over judgment. 14 What does it profit, my brothers, though a man says he has faith and does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, “Depart in peace; be warmed and filled,” but you do not give them those things that are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it does not have works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yes, a man may say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well; the demons also believe, and tremble. 20 But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? The Illustration of Abraham 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he had offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see how faith worked with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness.” And he was called “the Friend of God.” 24 You see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she had received the messengers and had sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.
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James 4:6
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The Power of the Tongue My brothers, not many of you should be teachers, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we all offend. If any man does not offend in word, the same is a perfect man and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body. 4 Behold also the ships, which though they are so great and are driven by fierce winds, yet they are turned about with a very small helm, wherever the pilot wishes. 5 Even so the tongue is a little body part and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles! 6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. So is the tongue among the parts of our body, that it defiles the whole body and sets on fire the course of nature. And it is set on fire by hell. 7 For every kind of beast—and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea—is tamed and has been tamed by mankind. 8 But no man can tame the tongue; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless God, even the Father, and with it we curse men who are made according to the likeness of God. 10 Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so. 11 Does a fountain send forth sweet water and bitter at the same place? 12 Can the fig tree, my brothers, bear olive berries or a vine figs? So no fountain can yield both salt water and fresh.
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13 Who is a wise man and endowed
with knowledge among you? Let him show his works by good conduct, with meekness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, do not boast, and do not lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom does not descend from above but is earthly, sensual, demonic. 16 For where envying and strife are, there are confusion and every evil work. 17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to reason with; full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. 18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. The Rebuke of Worldliness From where do wars and fighting come among you? Do they not come from here: even of your lusts that war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have. You kill and desire to have and cannot obtain. You fight and war, yet you do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive because you ask wrongly, that you may spend it on your lusts. 4 You adulterers and adulteresses, do you not know that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? Therefore, whoever will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. 5 Do you think that the scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us longs with envy”? 6 But He gives more grace. Therefore He says, “God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.”
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7 Submit yourselves, therefore, to
God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be afflicted and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned to mourning and your joy to heaviness. 10 Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He shall lift you up. 11 Do not speak evil of one another, brothers. He who speaks evil of his brother and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law and judges the law. But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. 12 There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you who judges another? 13 Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go into such a city and continue there a year and buy and sell and gain a profit,” 14 although you do not know what shall happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor, that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. 15 Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.” 16 But now you rejoice in your boastings. All such rejoicing is evil. 17 Therefore to him who knows to do good and does not do it, to him it is sin. The Rich Warned Come now, you rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come on you. 2 Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth-eaten. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded, and the rust on them shall be a witness against you and
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shall eat your flesh like fire. You have heaped treasure together for the last days. 4 Behold, the wages of the laborers who have reaped your fields, which you kept back by fraud, cry out. And the cries of those who have reaped have entered into the ears of the Lord of Sabaoth. 5 You have lived in pleasure on the earth and been extravagant. You have nourished your hearts as in a day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and killed the just, and he does not resist you. Exhortations in View of the Coming of the Lord 7 Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth and has long patience for it, until he receives the early and latter rain. 8 You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord draws near. 9 Do not grumble against one another, brothers, lest you be condemned. Behold, the Judge stands before the door. 10 My brothers, take the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction and of patience. 11 Behold, we count them happy who endure. You have heard of the patience of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord—that the Lord is very compassionate and of tender mercy. 12 But above all things, my brothers, do not swear, neither by heaven, nor by the earth, nor by any other oath. But let your yes be yes, and your no, no, lest you fall into condemnation.
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Let him pray. Is anyone merry? Let him sing psalms. 14 Is anyone sick among you? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up. And if he has committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. 16 Confess your faults to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man
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avails much. 17 Elijah was a man subject to similar passions as we have, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain. And it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months. 18 And he prayed again, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. 19 Brothers, if any of you strays from the truth and one converts him, 20 let him know that he who converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall hide a multitude of sins.
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1 PETER INTRODUCTION TO 1 PETER First Peter is a great book to shatter any false expectations about who God is and what it means to serve God. It gives us realistic expectations about what this world has to offer and what perspective can help us through the tough times. AUTHOR This letter was written by Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples, who became a leader of the first-century Christian church. Like other New Testament writers who penned their letters with the help of scribes (see Romans 16:22; Galatians 6:11), Peter may have dictated the letter to Silas, who improved the style and quality of the Greek. OCCASION Peter writes to believers living in Asia Minor to encourage them to faithfully endure persecution in light of the glorious salvation Christ had accomplished for them and to see their suffering as a normal part of their service to God.
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Christian Suffering and Conduct Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, to the strangers scattered throughout Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, to obedience and sprinkling of the blood of J esus Christ: grace and peace be multiplied to you. 3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His abundant mercy has begotten us again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, 4 to an inheritance incorruptible and undefiled, and which does not fade away, reserved in heaven for you, 5 who are kept by the power of God through faith for salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. 6 In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, you are in heaviness through many different temptations, 7 that the trial of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tried with fire, might be found to praise and honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 8 Having not seen Him, you love Him, in whom, though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory, 9 receiving the result of your faith, even the salvation of your souls. 10 Of this salvation the prophets have inquired and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, 11 searching what, or what manner of time, the Spirit of Christ who was in them was signifying when He testified
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beforehand the sufferings of Christ and the glory that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were ministering to us, not to themselves, the things that are now reported to you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent down from heaven, things that the angels desire to look into. 13 Therefore prepare your mind for action. Be sober, and hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 14 As obedient children, not fashioning yourselves according to the former lusts in your ignorance, 15 but as He who has called you is holy, so you be holy in all manner of conduct, 16 because it is written, “Be holy, for I am holy.” 17 And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear, 18 because you know that you were redeemed from your empty conduct received by tradition from your fathers not with corruptible things, like silver and gold, 19 but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without stain, 20 who truly was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for you, 21 who through Him believe in God, who raised Him up from the dead and gave Him glory, that your faith and hope might be in God. 22 Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the
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brothers, see that you love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, through the word of God, which lives and abides forever. 24 For, “All flesh is like grass, and all the glory of man like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and its flower falls away, 25 but the word of the Lord endures forever.” And this is the word by which the gospel is preached to you. Christian Suffering and Conduct, Continued Therefore laying aside all malice, and all deceit, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, 2 as newborn babies, desire the sincere milk of the word, that you may grow by it, 3 if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious. 4 Coming to Him, as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God, and precious, 5 you also, as living stones, are built up as a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 6 Therefore it is also contained in the scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, and he who believes in Him shall not be confounded.” 7 Therefore to you who believe, He is precious, but to those who are disobedient, “The stone that the builders rejected, the same is made the head of the corner,” 8 and “A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”—even to those who stumble at the word, being disobedient, to which they were also appointed.
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The Believer’s Life in View of the Suffering of Christ 9 But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a special people, that you should declare the praises of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light, 10 who in time past were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 11 Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts that war against the soul, 12 having your conduct honorable among the Gentiles, that although they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall see, glorify God on the day of visitation. 13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake, whether it be to the king as supreme 14 or to governors as to those who are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers and for the praise of those who do good. 15 For so is the will of God, that with doing good you may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men, 16 as free, and not using your liberty for a cloak of maliciousness, but as the servants of God. 17 Honor all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honor the king. 18 Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear, not only to the good and gentle, but also to the hostile. 19 For this is commendable, if a man because of conscience toward God endures grief, suffering wrongfully. 20 For what glory is it if, when you are beaten for your
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faults, you take it patiently? But if, when you do good and suffer for it, you take it patiently, this is acceptable to God. 21 For even to this you were called because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example that you should follow His steps: 22 “Who did no sin, nor was deceit found in His mouth,” 23 who, when He was reviled, did not revile in return; when He suffered, He did not threaten but committed Himself to Him who judges righteously, 24 who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live for righteousness, by whose wounds you were healed. 25 For you were like sheep going astray but have now returned to the Shepherd and Bishop of your souls.
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Likewise, wives, be in submission to your own husbands, that if any do not obey the word, they also may without the word be won by the conduct of the wives 2 while they see your chaste conduct coupled with fear. 3 Let your adornment not be the outward adorning of braiding the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on apparel, 4 but let it be the hidden man of the heart, in what is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is of great price in the sight of God. 5 For in this way in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being submissive to their own husbands, 6 even as Sarah obeyed Abraham calling him lord, whose daughters you are, as long as you do well and
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are not afraid with any fear. 7 Likewise, husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor to the wife as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers not be hindered. 8 Finally, be all of one mind, having compassion for one another, love as brothers, be sympathetic, be courteous, 9 not rendering evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, blessing, knowing that you are called to this, that you should inherit a blessing. 10 For “He who will love life and see good days, let him refrain his tongue from evil, and his lips that they do not speak deceit. 11 Let him turn away from evil and do good. Let him seek peace and pursue it. 12 For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayers, but the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” 13 And who is he who will harm you if you are followers of what is good? 14 But even if you suffer for righteousness’ sake, happy are you! “And do not be afraid of their terror or be troubled,” 15 but sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give an answer to every man who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you with meekness and fear, 16 having a good conscience, that although they speak evil of you, as of evildoers, those who falsely accuse your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed. 17 For it is better, if the will of God be so, that you suffer for doing good than for doing evil. 18 For Christ also has once suffered
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1 Peter 3:19
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for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit, 19 by whom He also went and preached to the spirits in prison, 20 who formerly were disobedient, when the long-suffering of God waited in the days of Noah while the ark was being prepared, in which few—that is, eight—souls were saved by water. 21 The similar symbol even to baptism, which also now saves us (not the putting away of the filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience toward God) through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, 22 who has gone into heaven and is at the right hand of God, angels and authorities and powers having been made subject to Him.
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Since, then, as Christ has suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves likewise with the same mind. For he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin 2 that he should live the rest of his time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men but for the will of God. 3 For the time past of our life was sufficient for us to have worked the will of the Gentiles, when we walked in lewdness, lusts, excess of wine, carousing, drinking parties, and abominable idolatries. 4 In this they think it strange that you do not run with them to the same excess of riot, speaking evil of you. 5 They shall give an account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead. 6 For this reason the gospel was preached also to those who are dead, that they might be judged
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according to men in the flesh but live according to God in the spirit. 7 But the end of all things is at hand. Therefore, be sober and watch in prayer. 8 And above all things have fervent love among yourselves, for love shall cover the multitude of sins. 9 Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 As every man has received the gift, even so minister the same to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 11 If any man speaks, let him speak as though speaking the words of God; if any man ministers, let him do it as with the ability that God gives, that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial that is to test you as though some strange thing happened to you. 13 But rejoice because you are partakers of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory shall be revealed, you may be glad also with exceeding joy. 14 If you are reproached for the name of Christ, happy are you, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you. On their part, He is spoken of evilly, but on your part, He is glorified. 15 But let none of you suffer as a murderer, or as a thief, or as an evildoer, or as a busybody in other men’s matters. 16 Yet if any man suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this matter. 17 For the time has come that judgment must begin at the house of God. And if it first begins with us, what shall the end be for
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those who do not obey the gospel of God? 18 And if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? 19 Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit the keeping of their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator. Christian Service in View of the Chief Shepherd The elders who are among you, I exhort, as I am also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed. 2 Feed the flock of God that is among you, taking care of them not by constraint but willingly, not for filthy gain, but eagerly, 3 nor as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you shall receive a crown of glory that does not fade away. 5 Likewise, you who are younger, submit yourselves to the elders. Yes, all of you be submissive to one another and be clothed with humility, for God resists the proud and gives
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grace to the humble. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, 7 casting all your care on Him, for He cares for you. 8 Be sober, be vigilant, because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. 9 Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are experienced by your brothers who are in the world. 10 But may the God of all grace, who has called us to His eternal glory through Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, make you perfect and establish, strengthen, and settle you. 11 To Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 12 By Silas, a faithful brother to you, as I suppose, I have written briefly, exhorting and testifying that this is the true grace of God in which you stand. 13 The church that is at Babylon, elected together with you, greets you, and so does Mark, my son. 14 Greet one another with a kiss of love. Peace be with you all who are in Christ Jesus. Amen.
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2 PETER INTRODUCTION TO 2 PETER Late in the first century, the church was in an increasingly vulnerable position. In addition to the continuing threat of persecution, false teachers began to arise and distort the true message. At the same time, the apostles, who had established the church and provided its early leadership, were beginning to die off or suffer martyrdom. This letter deals with the problems that come when false teachers sneak into the Christian fold with the goal of turning people away from the message of Christ and enticing them with their own false message grounded in worldly wisdom and human achievement. AUTHOR The writer of this book identifies himself as Peter, one of Jesus’ twelve disciples. Many have questioned Peter’s authorship because of language differences with 1 Peter, among other things. However, conservative scholars, while acknowledging the difficulties of the letter’s authorship, still agree that Peter is a likely option. OCCASION Peter’s goal in writing is to fortify the church against false teaching. He wants to give the standard of truth to the church so that once he and the rest of the apostles are gone, the church will be able to stand strong against heresy. In order for the standard of truth to be established, Peter must show the true knowledge of God, the nature of the false teachers, and how to stand firm in the midst of both.
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The Great Christian Virtues Simon Peter, a servant and an apostle of Jesus Christ, to those who have obtained the same precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our Savior Jesus Christ: 2 grace and peace be multiplied to you through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who has called us to glory and virtue, 4 by which are given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that by these you might be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust. 5 And besides this, giving all diligence, add to your faith, virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; 6 and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, patience; and to patience, godliness; 7 and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. 8 For if these things are in you and abound, they make you that you shall be neither barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. 9 But he who lacks these things is blind and cannot see from afar, and has forgotten that he was purified from his old sins. 10 Therefore, brothers, be diligent rather to make your calling and election sure, for if you do these things, you shall never fall, 11 for so an entrance shall be ministered to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
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I will not be negligent to always remind you of these things, though you know them and are established in the present truth. 13 Yes, I think it fitting, as long as I am in this tent, to stir you up by reminding you, 14 knowing that shortly I must put off this tent of mine, even as our Lord Jesus Christ has declared to me. 15 Moreover, I will endeavor that after my death you may be able to always remember these things. The Scriptures Exalted 16 For we did not follow cunningly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. 17 For He received honor and glory from God the Father when there came such a voice to Him from the excellent glory: “This is My beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.” 18 And we heard this voice that came from heaven when we were with Him on the holy mount. 19 We also have a more sure word of prophecy, to which you do well to take heed, as to a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the day star rises in your hearts, 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of scripture is of any private interpretation. 21 For the prophecy did not come in old time by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit. Warnings concerning Apostate Teachers But there were also false prophets among the people, even as
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there shall be false teachers among you, who shall secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. 2 And many shall follow their ruinous ways. Because of them the way of truth shall be spoken of evilly. 3 And through covetousness they shall exploit you with deceitful words. Their judgment of long ago does not linger, and their condemnation does not slumber. 4 For if God did not spare the angels who sinned but cast them down to hell and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved for judgment; 5 and did not spare the old world but saved Noah, the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood on the world of the ungodly; 6 and turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes, condemned them with an overthrow, making them an example to those who afterward would live ungodly; 7 and delivered just Lot, distressed with the filthy conduct of the wicked 8 (for that righteous man, dwelling among them, troubled his righteous soul from day to day in seeing and hearing their unlawful deeds)— 9 the Lord knows how to deliver the godly out of temptations and to reserve the unjust to be punished on the day of judgment, 10 but chiefly those who walk according to the flesh in the lust of uncleanness and despise government. They are presumptuous, self-willed. They are not afraid to speak evil of dignitaries, 11 whereas angels, who are greater in power and might, do not
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bring a reviling accusation against them before the Lord. 12 But these, as natural brute beasts made to be taken and destroyed, speak evil of the things that they do not understand, and shall utterly perish in their own corruption, 13 and shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as those who count it pleasure to riot in the daytime. They are stains and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceptions while they feast with you, 14 having eyes full of adultery and that cannot cease from sin, deceiving unstable souls. They have a heart exercised in covetous practices, accursed children 15 who have abandoned the right way and have gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness 16 but was rebuked for his iniquity: the mute donkey speaking with a man’s voice restrained the madness of the prophet. 17 These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest, to whom the mist of darkness is reserved forever. 18 For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much shamelessness, those who have completely escaped from those who live in error. 19 While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption. For by whom a man is overcome, by the same he is brought in bondage. 20 For if, after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, they are again entangled in them
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and overcome, the latter end is worse for them than the beginning. 21 For it would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than after they have known it, to turn from the holy commandment delivered to them. 22 But it has happened to them according to the true proverb: “The dog returns to his own vomit,” and “the sow that was washed to her wallowing in the mire.” The Return of the Lord and the Day of the Lord Beloved, I now write to you this second letter. In both of them I stir up your pure minds by way of a reminder, 2 that you may be mindful of the words that were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandment of us, the apostles of the Lord and Savior, 3 knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking according to their own lusts 4 and saying, “Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation.” 5 For they are willingly ignorant of this, that by the word of God the heavens were of old, and the earth standing out of the water and in the water, 6 by which the world that was then perished, being overflowed with water. 7 But the heavens and the earth, which now by the same word are kept in store, are reserved for fire until the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. 8 But, beloved, do not be ignorant
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of this one thing, that one day with the Lord is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 9 The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some men count slowness, but is long-suffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance. 10 But the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night, in which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat. The earth also and the works that are in it shall be burned up. 11 Since all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought you to be in all holy conduct and godliness, 12 looking for and hastening the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? 13 Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells. 14 Therefore, beloved, since you look for such things, be diligent that you may be found by Him in peace, without blemish and blameless. 15 And consider that the long- suffering of our Lord is salvation, even as our beloved brother Paul has also written to you according to the wisdom given to him, 16 as also in all his letters, speaking in them of these things, in which some things are hard to understand, which those who are unlearned and unstable distort, as they do also the other scriptures, to their own destruction. 17 You therefore, beloved, since
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you already know these things, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked. 18 But
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grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be glory both now and forever. Amen.
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1 JOHN INTRODUCTION TO 1 JOHN The New Testament book we refer to as 1 John is a letter to a community of faith. Much of this letter is written to combat heresy regarding the identity of Jesus. The conflict over this heresy caused part of the congregation to split from the rest. John writes to ground the community in a true picture of not only Jesus’ identity but the identity of the children of God in light of who Jesus is. AUTHOR Determining the author of 1 John is somewhat different from determining the author of 2 and 3 John. In the case of 1 John, no author is identified in the work itself. However, the author does identify himself as an eyewitness of Jesus’ ministry. He also speaks with an apostolic kind of authority and writes in a similar style to that of the Gospel of John. There is good evidence, both historical and internal, that supports the traditional view of John the apostle as the author. OCCASION John appears to be writing to a community to which he is well known (and to which he may belong). Because this Christian community has undergone a serious split and a substantial part of the community has withdrawn from fellowship over doctrinal issues, John writes to reassure them of their faith. The group that has split off is continuing to propagate its own beliefs, seeking to persuade more community members to join them. John writes to warn members of the community to resist the proselytizing efforts of these false teachers by bolstering their understanding of the truth.
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Fellowship in the Father’s Family That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked on and our hands have handled, of the Word of life 2 (for the life was made known, and we have seen it and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life, which was with the Father and was made known to us), 3 we declare to you what we have seen and heard, that you also may have fellowship with us. And truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son, Jesus Christ. 4 And these things we write to you, that your joy may be full. 5 This then is the message that we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness, we lie and do not perform the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light, as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin. 8 If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
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Fellowship Maintained by Christ’s Advocacy My little children, I write these things to you, that you may not sin. And if any man sins, we have
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an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 2 And He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. 3 And by this we do know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. 4 He who says “I know Him” and does not keep His commandments is a liar, and the truth is not in him. 5 But whoever keeps His word, truly the love of God is perfected in him. By this we know that we are in Him: 6 he who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk even as He walked. 7 Brothers, I write no new commandment to you, but an old commandment that you had from the beginning. The old commandment is the word that you have heard from the beginning. 8 Again, a new commandment I write to you, which is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is past and the true light now shines. 9 He who says he is in the light and hates his brother is in darkness even until now. 10 He who loves his brother abides in the light, and there is no cause of stumbling in him. 11 But he who hates his brother is in darkness and walks in darkness, and does not know where he goes, because that darkness has blinded his eyes. 12 I write to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for His name’s sake. 13 I write to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I write to you, young men, because you have overcome the wicked one.
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I write to you, little children, because you have known the Father. 14 I have written to you, fathers, because you have known Him who is from the beginning. I have written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one. Believers Must Not Love the Present World 15 Do not love the world or the things that are in the world. If any man loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world—the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not of the Father but is of the world. 17 And the world is passing away, and its lusts, but he who does the will of God abides forever. 18 Little children, it is the last time, and as you have heard that the antichrist shall come, even now there are many antichrists, by which we know that it is the last time. 19 They went out from us, but they were not of us, for if they had been of us, they no doubt would have continued with us. But they went out that it might be made plain that they were not of us. 20 But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. 21 I have written to you not because you do not know the truth but because you know it, and that no lie is of the truth. 22 Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist who denies the Father and the Son. 23 Whoever denies the Son, the same does not have the Father;
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he who acknowledges the Son also has the Father. 24 Therefore let what you have heard from the beginning abide in you. If what you have heard from the beginning remains in you, you also shall continue in the Son and in the Father. 25 And this is the promise that He has promised us: even eternal life. 26 These things I have written to you concerning those who seduce you. 27 But the anointing that you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need any man to teach you, but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in Him. 28 And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone who does righteousness is born of Him. How Believers May Know Each Other Behold, what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called the sons of God. Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. 2 Beloved, now we are the sons of God, and it does not yet appear what we shall be, but we know that when He appears, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is. 3 And every man who has this hope in Him purifies himself, even as He is pure. 4 Whoever commits sin also transgresses the law, for sin is the
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transgression of the law. 5 And you know that He was revealed to take away our sins, and in Him is no sin. 6 Whoever abides in Him does not sin. Whoever sins has not seen Him or known Him. 7 Little children, let no man deceive you. He who does righteousness is righteous, even as He is righteous. 8 He who commits sin is of the devil, for the devil sinned from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was made known, that He might destroy the works of the devil. 9 Whoever is born of God does not commit sin, for His seed remains in him, and he cannot sin, because he is born of God. 10 In this the children of God and the children of the devil are revealed: whoever does not do righteousness is not of God, nor is he who does not love his brother. How Believers Must Live Together 11 For this is the message that you heard from the beginning, that we should love one another, 12 not as Cain, who was of that wicked one and slew his brother. And why did he slay him? Because his own works were evil and his brother’s righteous. 13 Do not marvel, my brothers, if the world hates you. 14 We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brothers. He who does not love his brother abides in death. 15 Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him. 16 By this we perceive the love of
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God, because He laid down His life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 17 But whoever has this world’s goods and sees his brother in need and shuts up his heart of compassion from him, how does the love of God dwell in him? 18 My little children, let us love not in word or in tongue but in deed and in truth. 19 And by this we know that we are of the truth and shall assure our hearts before Him. 20 For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart and knows all things. 21 Beloved, if our heart does not condemn us, then we have confidence toward God. 22 And whatever we ask we receive from Him, because we keep His commandments and do those things that are pleasing in His sight. 23 And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and love one another, as He commanded us. 24 And he who keeps His commandments dwells in Him, and He in him. And by this we know that He abides in us: by the Spirit whom He has given us. The Family and the World Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits, whether they are of God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world. 2 By this you know the Spirit of God: every spirit that confesses that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is of God, 3 and every spirit that does not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh is not of God. And this is that spirit of antichrist, which you have heard is
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coming, and even now it is already in the world. 4 You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world. 5 They are of the world; therefore they speak of the world and the world hears them. 6 We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the spirit of truth and the spirit of error. 7 Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God, and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God. 8 He who does not love does not know God, for God is love. 9 In this the love of God was revealed toward us, because God sent His only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through Him. 10 In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins. Love in Action 11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 12 No man has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God dwells in us and His love is perfected in us. 13 In this we know that we dwell in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit. 14 And we have seen and testify that the Father sent the Son to be the Savior of the world. 15 Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God dwells in him, and he in God. 16 And we have known and believed the love that God has for us. God is love, and he who dwells in love dwells in God, and God in him. 17 In this our love
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is made perfect: that we may have boldness on the day of judgment, because as He is, so are we in this world. 18 There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear because fear has torment. He who fears is not made perfect in love. 19 We love Him because He first loved us. 20 If a man says “I love God” and hates his brother, he is a liar, for how can he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, love God, whom he has not seen? 21 And we have this commandment from Him: that he who loves God also love his brother. Faith Is the Overcoming Principle Whoever believes that Jesus is the Christ is born of God, and everyone who loves Him who begot also loves him who is begotten of Him. 2 By this we know that we love the children of God: when we love God and keep His commandments. 3 For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not grievous. 4 For whatever is born of God overcomes the world, and this is the victory that overcomes the world, even our faith. 5 Who is he who overcomes the world, but he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God? 6 This is He who came by water and blood, even Jesus Christ, not only by water but by water and blood. And it is the Spirit who bears witness because the Spirit is truth. 7 For there are three who bear witness in heaven: the Father, the Word, and the Holy Spirit. And these three
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are one. 8 And there are three who bear witness on earth: the Spirit, and the water, and the blood. And these three agree in one. 9 If we receive the witness of men, the witness of God is greater, for this is the witness of God that He has testified of His Son. 10 He who believes in the Son of God has the witness in himself; he who does not believe God has made Him a liar, because he did not believe the testimony that God gave of His Son. 11 And this is the testimony, that God has given to us eternal life, and this life is in His Son. 12 He who has the Son has life, and he who does not have the Son of God does not have life. 13 I have written these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may believe in the name of the Son of God. 14 And this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He
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hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired from Him. 16 If any man sees his brother sin a sin that is not to death, he shall ask, and He shall give him life for those who do not sin to death. There is a sin to death. I do not say that he shall pray for it. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and there is a sin that is not to death. 18 We know that whoever is born of God does not sin, but he who is begotten of God keeps himself, and that wicked one does not touch him. 19 And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lies in wickedness. 20 And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true. And we are in Him who is true, even in His Son, Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life. 21 Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen.
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2 JOHN INTRODUCTION TO 2 JOHN Second John is a personal letter written to warn a sister congregation some distance away. In its original Greek manuscript, it is shorter than any other New Testament book, except 3 John. The length of both 2 and 3 John is governed by the size of a single sheet of papyrus, which would have measured about 25 by 20 centimeters. AUTHOR As with the Gospel of John, the author does not explicitly identify himself as the apostle John. Instead, he uses the designation the elder. He obviously assumes the readers know him. However, the style of writing is unmistakably similar to that of 1 John. Also, as early as the second century, Christian historians and theologians recognized the author as the apostle John, one of the original twelve disciples. OCCASION The purpose of this letter is to warn its readers of the missionary efforts of false teachers and the dangers of welcoming them whenever they should arrive.
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he elder, to the elect lady and her children, whom I love in the truth—and not only I, but also all those who have known the truth— 2 for the truth’s sake, which dwells in us and shall be with us forever: 3 grace, mercy, and peace be with you, from God the Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of the Father, in truth and love. 4 I rejoiced greatly that I found some of your children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father. 5 And now I beseech you, lady, not as though I wrote a new commandment to you, but what we had from the beginning—that we love one another. 6 And this is love: that we walk according to His commandments. This is the commandment, that, as you have heard from the beginning, you should walk in it. 7 For
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many deceivers have entered into the world who do not confess that Jesus Christ has come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we not lose those things that we have worked for, but that we receive a full reward. 9 Whoever transgresses and does not abide in the doctrine of Christ does not have God. He who abides in the doctrine of Christ has both the Father and the Son. 10 If there comes anyone to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house or bid him Godspeed. 11 For he who bids him Godspeed is partaker of his evil deeds. 12 Having many things to write to you, I do not want to write with paper and ink, but I trust to come to you and speak face to face, that our joy may be full. 13 The children of your elect sister greet you. Amen.
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3 JOHN INTRODUCTION TO 3 JOHN Third John, like 2 John, is written in the standard correspondence format for the first century. It is slightly shorter than 2 John and is the shortest book of the New Testament. It is one of only a few New Testament letters to be addressed to a named individual. AUTHOR As with the Gospel of John, the author does not explicitly identify himself as the apostle John but instead uses the designation the elder. As early as the second century, though, Christian historians and theologians recognized the author as the apostle John, one of the original twelve disciples. OCCASION John wrote this letter to commend two church leaders, Gaius and Demetrius, and to send a warning about Diotrephes, a man who opposed John’s leadership.
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he elder, to the well-beloved Gaius, whom I love in the truth. 2 Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as your soul prospers. 3 For I rejoiced greatly when the brothers came and testified of the truth that is in you, even as you walk in the truth. 4 I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth. 5 Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brothers and for strangers, 6 who have borne witness of your love before the church.If you send them forward on their journey according to a godly manner, you shall do well, 7 because for His name’s sake they went forth, taking nothing from the Gentiles. 8 We therefore ought to receive such, that we might be fellow helpers to the truth. 9 I wrote to the church, but Diotrephes, who loves to have the
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preeminence among them, did not receive us. 10 Therefore, if I come, I will remember his deeds that he does, talking against us with malicious words—and not content with that, he himself does not receive the brothers, and forbids those who want to, and casts them out of the church. 11 Beloved, follow not what is evil but what is good. He who does good is of God, but he who does evil has not seen God. 12 Demetrius has good report from all men and from the truth itself. Yes, and we also bear witness, and you know that our testimony is true. 13 I had many things to write, but I will not write to you with ink and pen, 14 but I trust I shall shortly see you and we shall speak face to face. Peace be to you. Our friends greet you. Greet the friends by name.
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JUDE INTRODUCTION TO JUDE Truth and discernment are two key themes of this book. A believer’s security in God’s love opens and closes the letter, but the meat of the content pertains to the false teachers in the believers’ midst and the need for believers to stand firm in the truth. AUTHOR The author of this letter is Jude, the brother of James. Most likely these brothers are the same brothers listed in Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3 as Jesus’ half brothers (born to Joseph and Mary after Jesus’ birth). It was common in the history of the church to shorten the name of Judas to Jude, in the interest of changing one’s name from that of the great betrayer, Judas Iscariot. While these two brothers did not have faith in Jesus as Lord during His lifetime (John 7:5), they became leaders in the first-century Christian church, and each wrote a New Testament letter. OCCASION This letter is a passionate plea for the readers to contend for their faith. In light of a growing heresy in the church that understood grace as a license for immorality, Jude wrote to an unidentified group of Christ followers to call them back to faith.
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ude, the servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, to those who are sanctified by God the Father, and preserved in Jesus Christ, and called: 2 mercy and peace and love be multiplied to you. 3 Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write to you of the common salvation, it was necessary for me to write to you and exhort you that you should earnestly contend for the faith that was once delivered to the saints. 4 For there are certain men who have crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation—ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lewdness and denying the only Lord God and our Lord Jesus Christ. 5 I will therefore remind you, though you once knew this: that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe. 6 And the angels who did not keep their first estate but left their own dwelling place, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day, 7 even as Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities around them, in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication and going after strange flesh, are set forth as an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. 8 Likewise also these filthy dreamers defile the flesh, despise authority, and speak evil of dignitaries. 9 Yet Michael the archangel, when contending with the devil he disputed about the body of Moses, did not dare bring against him a railing accusation but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”
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these speak evil of those things that they do not know. But what they know naturally, as brute beasts, in those things they corrupt themselves. 11 Woe to them! For they have gone in the way of Cain, and run greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the disobedience of Korah. 12 These are blemishes in your feasts of love when they feast with you, feeding themselves without fear. They are clouds without water, carried about by winds; trees whose fruit withers, without fruit, twice dead, plucked up by the roots; 13 raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness forever. 14 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints 15 to execute judgment on all, and to convict all who are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds that they have committed in an ungodly manner, and of all their harsh speeches that ungodly sinners have spoken against Him.” 16 These are murmurers, complainers, walking after their own lusts. And their mouths speak great swelling words, holding men in admiration to gain advantage. 17 But, beloved, remember the words that were spoken before by the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ, 18 how they told you there would be mockers in the last time who would walk according to their own ungodly lusts. 19 These are those who separate themselves— sensual, not having the Spirit.
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you, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, 21 keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. 22 And on some have compassion, making a difference, 23 and others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire, hating
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even the garment stained by the flesh. 24 Now to Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, 25 to the only wise God, our Savior, be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
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REVELATION INTRODUCTION TO REVELATION The word revelation means “unveiling,” or “disclosure.” This is a book that reveals how the person, righteousness, and judgment of Jesus are going to be revealed in all of the fullness and power of God. Understanding a symbolic book like this requires putting together whole sections rather than reading select verses in isolation. The meaning of Revelation comes from unfolding the entire book chapter by chapter. The message is God’s sovereignty over all. AUTHOR As with most New Testament books, through the centuries there has been discussion as to the author of this letter. While the writer identifies himself as John (1:1), some have wondered if it is safe to assume that this means the apostle John. Many of the arguments on this topic center around the language differences with the other New Testament books attributed to the apostle (the Gospel of John and 1 John). There has been no irrefutable evidence, though, to sway conservative scholars from accepting John’s authorship. OCCASION Since so many of the images in Revelation are often interpreted in relation to governments and political leaders, discussions about when the book was written focus on which emperor was ruling at the time. Many suggest that Nero must have been ruling, but most suggest that John wrote during the time of Domitian, which would have placed the writing of this vision letter around AD 90–95. One of the biggest supports for this date is the fact that emperor worship—which is repeatedly alluded to in John’s visions—was a much greater issue during Domitian’s rule than during Nero’s.
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Revelation 1:20
“The Things That You Have Seen” The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave to Him to show to His servants things that must shortly come to pass. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John, 2 who bore witness to the word of God, and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, and to all things that he saw. 3 Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things that are written in it, for the time is at hand. 4 John, to the seven churches that are in Asia: grace and peace be to you from Him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits that are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the firstborn of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to God and His Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 7 Behold, He comes with clouds, and every eye shall see Him, and also those who pierced Him. And all tribes of the earth shall wail because of Him. Even so, Amen. 8 “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending,” says the Lord, “who is, and who was, and who is to come, the Almighty.”
Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ. 10 I was in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, 11 saying, “I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last,” and, “What you see, write in a book, and send it to the seven churches that are in Asia: to Ephesus, and to Smyrna, and to Pergamum, and to Thyatira, and to Sardis, and to Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.” 12 And I turned to see the voice that spoke with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks, 13 and in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet, and girded about the chest with a golden girdle. 14 His head and His hair were white like wool, as white as snow, and His eyes were like a flame of fire. 15 And His feet like fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace, and His voice like the sound of many waters. 16 And He had in His right hand seven stars, and out of His mouth went a sharp two-edged sword, and His face was like the sun shining in its strength. 17 And when I saw Him, I fell at His feet as dead. And He laid His right hand on me, saying to me, “Do not fear; I am the first and the last. 18 I am He who lives, and was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore. Amen. And I have the keys of hell and of death.”
The Patmos Vision 9 I, John, who also am your brother and companion in tribulation and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called
The Command to Write 19 “Write the things that you have seen, and the things that are, and the things that shall be hereafter. 20 The mystery of the seven stars
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that you saw in My right hand and the seven golden candlesticks: the seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven candlesticks that you saw are the seven churches.” To the Church in Ephesus “Write to the angel of the church of Ephesus: ‘He who holds the seven stars in His right hand, who walks in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks, says these things: 2 I know your works, and your labor, and your patience, and how you cannot bear those who are evil. And you have tested those who say they are apostles and are not, and have found them liars, 3 and have persevered and had patience, and for My name’s sake have labored and have not fainted. 4 Nevertheless I have something against you, because you have left your first love. 5 Remember therefore from where you have fallen, and repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and will remove your candlestick out of its place, unless you repent. 6 But you have this: that you hate the deeds of the Nicolaitans, which I also hate. 7 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.’”
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To the Church in Smyrna 8 “And write to the angel of the church in Smyrna: ‘The first and the last, who was dead and is alive, says these things: 9 I know your works, and tribulation, and poverty (but
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you are rich), and I know the blasphemy of those who say they are Jews and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan. 10 Do not fear any of those things that you shall suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and you shall have tribulation ten days. Be faithful to death, and I will give you a crown of life. 11 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt by the second death.’” To the Church in Pergamum 12 “And write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: ‘He who has the sharp sword with two edges says these things: 13 I know your works, and where you dwell, even where Satan’s seat is. And you hold fast My name and have not denied My faith even in those days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was slain among you, where Satan dwells. 14 But I have a few things against you, because you have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balak to cast a stumbling block before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed to idols, and to commit fornication. 15 So you also have those who hold the doctrine of the Nicolaitans, a thing that I hate. 16 Repent, or else I will come to you quickly and will fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give of the hidden manna to eat, and will give him a white stone and a new name written on the stone
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that no man knows except him who receives it.’” To the Church in Thyatira 18 “And write to the angel of the church in Thyatira: ‘The Son of God, who has His eyes like a flame of fire and His feet like fine brass, says these things: 19 I know your works, and love and service, and faith, and your patience, and your works, and the last are more than the first. 20 However, I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce My servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her fornication, and she did not repent. 22 Behold, I will cast her into a bed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 And I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to every one of you according to your works. 24 But to you I say, and to the rest in Thya tira, as many as do not have this doctrine, and who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you already have until I come. 26 And he who overcomes and keeps My works to the end, to him I will give power over the nations. 27 “And he shall rule them with a rod of iron, like the vessels of a potter they shall be broken to pieces,” even as I received from My Father. 28 And I will give
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him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” To the Church in Sardis “And write to the angel of the church in Sardis: ‘He who has the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars says these things: I know your works, that you have a name that you are alive, and are dead. 2 Be watchful, and strengthen the things that remain, that are ready to die, for I have not found your works perfect before God. 3 Remember therefore how you have received and heard, and hold fast and repent. Therefore if you shall not watch, I will come on you like a thief, and you shall not know what hour I will come on you. 4 You have a few names even in Sardis that have not defiled their garments, and they shall walk with Me in white, for they are worthy. 5 He who overcomes, the same shall be clothed in white clothing, and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. 6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’”
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To the Church in Philadelphia 7 “And write to the angel of the church in Philadelphia: ‘He who is holy, He who is true, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no man shuts, and shuts and no man opens, says these things: 8 I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it, for you have a little strength and have kept My word
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and have not denied My name. 9 Behold, I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie—behold, I will make them to come and worship before your feet and to know that I have loved you. 10 Because you have kept the word of My patience, I will also keep you from the hour of testing that shall come on all the world, to try those who dwell on the earth. 11 Behold, I come quickly. Hold fast what you have, that no man take your crown. 12 I will make him who overcomes a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more. And I will write on him the name of My God and the name of the city of My God, which is new Jerusalem, which comes down out of heaven from My God. And I will write on him My new name. 13 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” To the Church in Laodicea 14 “And write to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans: ‘The Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God, says these things: 15 I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish that you were cold or hot. 16 So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew you out of My mouth. 17 Because you say, “I am rich and increased with goods and have need of nothing”—and do not know that you are wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked— 18 I counsel you to buy from Me gold refined in the fire, that you may be rich, and white
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clothing, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness does not appear, and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. 19 As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. 20 Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If any man hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and will eat with him, and he with Me. 21 To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, even as I also overcame and have sat down with My Father on His throne. 22 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.’” The Heavenly Throne After this I looked, and behold, a door was opened in heaven. And the first voice that I heard was like a trumpet talking with me, which said, “Come up here, and I will show you things that must happen after this.” 2 And immediately I was in the Spirit. And behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. 3 And He who sat looked like a jasper and a sardius stone, and there was a rainbow around the throne in appearance like an emerald. 4 And around the throne were twenty-four seats, and on the seats I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white clothing. And they had crowns of gold on their heads. 5 And out of the throne proceeded lightning and thundering and voices. And before the throne there were seven lamps of fire burning, which are the seven Spirits of God. 6 And before the throne there was a sea of glass like crystal. And in
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the midst of the throne, and around the throne, were four beasts full of eyes in front and behind. 7 And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face like a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle. 8 And each of the four beasts had six wings around him, and they were full of eyes within. And they do not rest day and night, saying, “Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come.” 9 And when those beasts give glory and honor and thanks to Him who sat on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty- four elders fall down before Him who sat on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power, for You have created all things, and for Your pleasure they are and were created.” The Seven-Sealed Book And I saw in the right hand of Him who sat on the throne a book written inside and on the back side, sealed with seven seals. 2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, “Who is worthy to open the book and to loosen its seals?” 3 And no man in heaven or on earth or under the earth was able to open the book or to look on it. 4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, or to look on it. 5 And one of the elders said to me, “Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of
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David, has prevailed to open the book and to loosen its seven seals.” 6 And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And He came and took the book out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne. 8 And when He had taken the book, the four beasts and twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, every one of them having harps and golden vials full of incense, which are the prayers of saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “You are worthy to take the book and to open its seals, for You were slain and have redeemed us to God by Your blood out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation, 10 and have made us kings and priests to our God. And we shall reign on the earth.” 11 And I looked, and I heard the voice of many angels around the throne and the beasts and the elders. And the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands, 12 saying with a loud voice, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” 13 And I heard every creature that is in heaven and on the earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, saying, “Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits
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on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” 14 And the four beasts said, “Amen.” And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped Him who lives forever and ever. The Seals And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard a noise like thunder, one of the four beasts saying, “Come and see.” 2 And I saw, and behold, a white horse. And he who sat on it had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he went forth conquering and to conquer. 3 And when He had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, “Come and see.” 4 And there went out another horse that was red. And power was given to him who sat on it to take peace from the earth and that they should kill one another. And a great sword was given to him. 5 And when He had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, “Come and see.” And I looked, and behold, a black horse. And he who sat on it had a pair of balances in his hand. 6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, “A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny. And see you do not hurt the oil and the wine.” 7 And when He had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, “Come and see.” 8 And I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given to
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them over the fourth part of the earth to kill with sword and with hunger and with death and with the beasts of the earth. 9 And when He had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who were slain for the word of God and for the testimony that they held. 10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, will You not judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 And white robes were given to every one of them. And it was said to them that they should still rest for a little season, until their fellow servants and also their brothers, who would be killed as they were, would be fulfilled. 12 And I looked when He had opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake. And the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as like blood. 13 And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, even as a fig tree casts her untimely figs when she is shaken by a mighty wind. 14 And the heavens parted as a scroll when it is rolled together, and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15 And the kings of the earth and the great men and the rich men and the chief captains and the mighty men and every bondman and every free man hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains, 16 and said to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. 17 For the great day of
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His wrath has come, and who shall be able to stand?” The Saved of the Tribulation Period And after these things I saw four angels standing on the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth or on the sea or on any tree. 2 And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was given to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying, “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God on their foreheads.” 4 And I heard the number of those who were sealed. And there were one hundred and forty-four thousand sealed of all the tribes of the children of Israel:
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of the tribe of Judah twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Reuben twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Gad twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Asher twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Naphtali twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Manasseh twelve thousand were sealed;
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of the tribe of Simeon twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Levi twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Issachar twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Zebulun twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Joseph twelve thousand were sealed; of the tribe of Benjamin twelve thousand were sealed. 9 After this I looked, and behold,
a great multitude—which no man could number, of all nations and tribes and people and tongues— stood before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes and palms in their hands, 10 and cried with a loud voice, saying, “Salvation to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.” 11 And all the angels stood around the throne and around the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces and worshipped God, 12 saying, “Amen. Blessing and glory and wisdom and thanksgiving and honor and power and might be to our God forever and ever. Amen.” 13 And one of the elders answered, saying to me, “Who are these who are arrayed in white robes, and where did they come from?” 14 And I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are
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those who came out of great tribulation and have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore they are before the throne of God and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne shall dwell among them. 16 They shall neither hunger anymore nor thirst anymore, nor shall the sun fall on them, nor any heat, 17 for the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shall feed them and shall lead them to living fountains of waters. And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.” The Seventh Seal And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. 2 And I saw the seven angels who stood before God, and seven trumpets were given to them. 3 And another angel, having a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. And there was given to him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints on the golden altar that was before the throne. 4 And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel’s hand. 5 And the angel took the censer and filled it with fire from the altar and cast it to the earth. And there were voices and thundering and lightning and an earthquake. 6 And the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared themselves to sound. 7 The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mingled with blood, and they were cast on
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the earth. And the third part of trees was burned up, and all green grass was burned up. 8 And the second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea, and the third part of the sea became blood. 9 And the third part of the creatures that were in the sea and had life died, and the third part of the ships were destroyed. 10 And the third angel sounded, and from heaven there fell a great star, burning like a lamp, and it fell on the third part of the rivers and on the fountains of waters. 11 And the name of the star is called Wormwood. And the third part of the waters became wormwood, and many men died from the waters because they were made bitter. 12 And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was struck, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars, so that the third part of them was darkened. And the day did not shine for a third part of it, and likewise the night. 13 And I looked and heard an angel flying through the midst of heaven, saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth, because of the other voices of the trumpet of the three angels that are yet to sound!”
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And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven to the earth. And to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. 2 And he opened the bottomless pit, and there arose a smoke out of the pit, like the smoke of a great furnace. And the
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sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 3 And out of the smoke there came locusts on the earth, and to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 And it was commanded to them that they should not harm the grass of the earth or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months. And their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 And in those days men shall seek death and shall not find it, and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. 7 And the shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for battle. And on their heads were what looked like crowns like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. 8 And they had hair like the hair of women, and their teeth were like the teeth of lions. 9 And they had breastplates, like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. 10 And they had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. And their power was to hurt men five months. 11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue his name is Apollyon. 12 One woe is past, and behold, after this there come two more woes. 13 And the sixth angel sounded,
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and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar that is before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels that are bound in the great river Euphrates.” 15 And the four angels, who were prepared for an hour and a day and a month and a year, were released to slay the third part of men. 16 And the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million. And I heard the number of them. 17 And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and those who sat on them having breastplates of fire and of jacinth and brimstone. And the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. 18 By these three the third part of men were killed—by the fire and by the smoke and by the brimstone that issued out of their mouths. 19 For their power is in their mouth and in their tails, for their tails were like serpents and had heads, and with them they do harm. 20 And the rest of the men, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons and idols of gold and silver and brass and stone and of wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. 21 Nor did they repent of their murders or of their sorceries or of their fornication or of their thefts. The Mighty Angel and the “Little Book” And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven,
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clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, and his face was like the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire. 2 And he had a little book open in his hand. And he set his right foot on the sea and his left foot on the earth 3 and cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roars. And when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. 4 And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write. And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Seal up those things that the seven thunders uttered, and do not write them.” 5 And the angel that I saw stand on the sea and on the earth lifted up his hand to heaven, 6 and swore by Him who lives forever and ever, who created heaven and the things that are in it, and the earth and the things that are in it, and the sea and the things that are in it, that there should no longer be delay, 7 but in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he begins to sound, the mystery of God should be finished, as He has declared to His servants the prophets. 8 And the voice that I heard from heaven spoke to me again and said, “Go and take the little book that is open in the hand of the angel who stands on the sea and on the earth.” 9 And I went to the angel and said to him, “Give me the little book.” And he said to me, “Take it, and eat it up. And it shall make your belly bitter, but it shall be sweet as honey in your mouth.” 10 And I took the little book out of the angel’s hand and ate it up, and it was sweet as honey in my mouth. And as soon as I had
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eaten it, my belly was bitter. 11 And he said to me, “You must prophesy again before many peoples and nations and tongues and kings.” The “Time of the Gentiles” to End in Forty-Two Months And there was given me a reed like a rod. And the angel stood, saying, “Rise and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and those who worship in it.” 2 But leave out the court that is outside the temple, and do not measure it, for it is given to the Gentiles. And they shall tread the holy city underfoot forty-two months. 3 And I will give power to my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy 1,260 days, clothed in sackcloth.” 4 These are the two olive trees and the two candlesticks standing before the God of the earth. 5 And if any man wants to harm them, fire proceeds out of their mouth and devours their enemies. And if any man wants to harm them, he must be killed in this manner. 6 These have power to shut heaven, that it not rain in the days of their prophecy, and have power over waters to turn them to blood and to strike the earth with all plagues, as often as they want. 7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascends out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. 8 And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where our Lord was also crucified. 9 And those of the
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people and tribes and tongues and nations shall see their dead bodies three and a half days, and shall not allow their dead bodies to be put in graves. 10 And those who dwell on the earth shall rejoice over them and make merry, and shall send gifts to one another, because these two prophets tormented those who dwelled on the earth. 11 And after three and a half days the Spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood on their feet, and great fear fell on those who saw them. 12 And they heard a great voice from heaven saying to them, “Come up here.” And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw them. 13 And the same hour there was a great earthquake, and the tenth part of the city fell. And in the earthquake seven thousand men were slain, and the remnant were afraid and gave glory to the God of heaven. 14 The second woe is past, and behold, the third woe comes quickly. 15 And the seventh angel sounded, and there were great voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever.” 16 And the twenty-four elders who sat before God on their seats fell on their faces and worshipped God, 17 saying, “We give You thanks, O Lord God Almighty, who is and was and is to come, because You have taken to You Your great power and have reigned. 18 And the nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You
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should give reward to Your servants the prophets and to the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.” 19 And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings and voices and thundering and an earthquake and great hail. The Seven Personages And there appeared a great wonder in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. 2 And being with child, she cried, laboring in birth, and pained to be delivered. 3 And there appeared another wonder in heaven: and behold a great red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven crowns upon his heads. 4 And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven and cast them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to be delivered, to devour her child as soon as it was born. 5 And she gave birth to a male child, who was to rule all nations with a rod of iron. And her child was caught up to God and to His throne. 6 And the woman fled into the wilderness, where she has a place prepared by God, that they should feed her there one thousand two hundred and sixty days. 7 And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought 8 and did not prevail;
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their place was no longer found in heaven. 9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the devil and Satan, who deceives the whole world. He was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. 10 And I heard a loud voice in heaven saying, “Now salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of our God, and the power of His Christ have come, for the accuser of our brothers, who accused them before our God day and night, is cast out. 11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony, and they did not love their lives to the death. 12 Therefore rejoice, you heavens, and you who dwell in them. Woe to the inhabitants of the earth and of the sea! For the devil has come down to you, having great wrath, because he knows that he has but a short time.” 13 And when the dragon saw that he was cast to the earth, he persecuted the woman who brought forth the male child. 14 And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness into her place, where she is nourished for a time and times and half a time, away from the face of the serpent. 15 And the serpent cast water out of his mouth like a flood after the woman, that he might cause her to be carried away by the flood. 16 And the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed up the flood that the dragon cast out of his mouth. 17 And the dragon was angry with the woman
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and went to make war with the remnant of her offspring, who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.
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And I stood on the sand of the sea and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his horns ten crowns, and on his heads the name of blasphemy. 2 And the beast that I saw was like a leopard, and his feet were like the feet of a bear, and his mouth like the mouth of a lion. And the dragon gave him his power and his throne and great authority. 3 And I saw one of his heads as if it were wounded to death, and his deadly wound was healed. And all the world wondered after the beast. 4 And they worshipped the dragon who gave power to the beast, and they worshipped the beast, saying, “Who is like the beast? Who is able to make war with him?” 5 And there was given to him a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies, and power was given to him to continue forty-two months. 6 And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme His name and His tabernacle and those who dwell in heaven. 7 And it was given to him to make war with the saints and to overcome them. And power was given to him over all tribes and tongues and nations. 8 And all who dwell on the earth shall worship him, whose names are not written in the book of life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. 9 If any man has an ear, let him hear. 10 He who leads into captivity
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shall go into captivity. He who kills with the sword must be killed with the sword. Here is the patience and the faith of the saints. 11 And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth, and he had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon. 12 And he exercises all the power of the first beast before him and causes the earth and those who dwell in it to worship the first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. 13 And he does great wonders, so that he makes fire come down from heaven on the earth in the sight of men, 14 and deceives those who dwell on the earth by the means of those miracles that he had power to do in the sight of the beast, saying to those who dwell on the earth that they should make an image to the beast, who had the wound by a sword and lived. 15 And he had power to give life to the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak and cause as many as would not worship the image of the beast to be killed. 16 And he causes all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and slave, to receive a mark on their right hand or on their foreheads, 17 and that no man might buy or sell, except him who has the mark or the name of the beast, or the number of his name. 18 Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding count the number of the beast, for it is the number of a man, and his number is six hundred and sixty-six. Vision of the Lamb And I looked, and behold, a Lamb stood on Mount Zion,
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and with Him one hundred and forty-four thousand, having His Father’s name written on their foreheads. 2 And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder. And I heard the voice of harpists playing with their harps. 3 And they sang what seemed like a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders. And no man could learn that song but the one hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth. 4 These are those who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are those who follow the Lamb wherever He goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 5 And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of God. Vision of the Angel with the Everlasting Gospel 6 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those who dwell on the earth, and to every nation and tribe and tongue and people— 7 saying with a loud voice, “Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come. And worship Him who made heaven and earth and the sea and the fountains of waters.” 8 And another angel followed, saying, “Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication.” 9 And the third angel followed
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them, saying with a loud voice, “If any man worships the beast and his image, and receives his mark on his forehead or on his hand, 10 the same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of His indignation. And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb. 11 And the smoke of their torment ascends up forever and ever. And they have no rest day or night, who worship the beast and his image, and whoever receives the mark of his name.” 12 Here is the patience of the saints; here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus. 13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.’” “Yes,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.” 14 And I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and on the cloud sat one like the Son of Man, having on His head a golden crown, and in His hand a sharp sickle. 15 And another angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to Him who sat on the cloud, “Thrust in Your sickle and reap, for the time has come for You to reap, for the harvest of the earth is ripe.” 16 And He who sat on the cloud thrust in His sickle on the earth, and the earth was reaped. 17 And another angel came out of the temple that is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. 18 And out from the altar came another angel
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who had power over fire and cried with a loud cry to him who had the sharp sickle, saying, “Thrust in your sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth, for its grapes are fully ripe.” 19 And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trampled outside the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even to the horses’ bridles, for a distance of one thousand six hundred furlongs. The Seven Vials And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels having the seven last plagues, for in them the wrath of God is filled up. 2 And I saw what looked like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who had gotten the victory over the beast and over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name standing on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. 3 And they sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, “Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are Your ways, You King of saints. 4 Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before You. For Your judgments are made plain.” 5 And after that I looked, and behold, the temple of the tabernacle of the testimony in heaven was opened. 6 And out of the temple
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came the seven angels having the seven plagues, clothed in pure and white linen, and having their breasts girded with golden girdles. 7 And one of the four beasts gave to the seven angels seven golden vials full of the wrath of God, who lives forever and ever. 8 And the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power, and no man was able to enter into the temple until the seven plagues of the seven angels were fulfilled.
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And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, “Go your ways and pour out the vials of the wrath of God on the earth.” 2 And the first went and poured out his vial on the earth, and there fell a harmful and grievous sore on the men who had the mark of the beast and on those who worshipped his image. 3 And the second angel poured out his vial on the sea, and it became like the blood of a dead man, and every living soul died in the sea. 4 And the third angel poured out his vial on the rivers and fountains of waters, and they became blood. 5 And I heard the angel of the waters say, “You are righteous, O Lord, who is, and was, and shall be, because You have judged these things. 6 For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink, for they are worthy.” 7 And I heard another out of the altar say, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.”
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his vial on the sun, and power was given to it to scorch men with fire. 9 And men were scorched with great heat and blasphemed the name of God, who has power over these plagues, and they did not repent to give Him glory. 10 And the fifth angel poured out his vial on the throne of the beast, and his kingdom was full of darkness. And they gnawed their tongues in pain 11 and blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and did not repent of their deeds. 12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial on the great river Euphrates, and the water in it was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are the spirits of demons, working miracles, which go out to the kings of the earth and to the whole world to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 “Behold, I come like a thief. Blessed is he who watches and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.” 16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. 17 And the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air, and a great voice came out of the temple of heaven from the throne, saying, “It is done.” 18 And there were voices and thundering and lightning. And there
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was a great earthquake, so mighty an earthquake and so great, such as has not been since men were on the earth. 19 And the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon came in remembrance before God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. 20 And every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. 21 And there fell on men a great hail out of heaven, every stone about the weight of a talent. And men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, for the plague was exceedingly great. The Seven Dooms And one of the seven angels who had the seven vials came and talked with me, saying to me, “Come here. I will show to you the judgment of the great prostitute who sits on many waters, 2 with whom the kings of the earth have committed fornication, and the inhabitants of the earth have been made drunk with the wine of her fornication.” 3 So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. 4 And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet color, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the filthiness of her fornication. 5 And on her forehead a name was written: Mystery, Babylon the Great, the Mother of Prostitutes and
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Abominations of the Earth. 6 And I saw the woman, drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I wondered with great astonishment. 7 And the angel said to me, “Why did you wonder? I will tell you the mystery of the woman and of the beast that carries her, which has the seven heads and ten horns. 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and shall ascend out of the bottomless pit and go into destruction. And those who dwell on the earth, whose names were not written in the book of life from the foundation of the world, shall wonder when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. 9 “And here is the mind that has wisdom: The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sits. 10 And there are seven kings. Five have fallen, and one is, and the other has not yet come. And when he comes, he must continue a short time. 11 And the beast that was and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goes to destruction. 12 And the ten horns that you saw are ten kings who have received no kingdom as yet, but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. 13 These have one mind and shall give their power and strength to the beast. 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are called and chosen and faithful.” 15 And he said to me, “The waters that you saw, where the prostitute
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sits, are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues. 16 And the ten horns that you saw on the beast, these shall hate the prostitute, and shall make her desolate and naked, and shall eat her flesh and burn her with fire. 17 For God has put in their hearts to fulfill His will, and to agree and give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. 18 And the woman that you saw is that great city that reigns over the kings of the earth.” The Warning to God’s People And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power, and the earth was illuminated with his glory. 2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, “Bab ylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and has become the habitation of demons, and the prison of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. 3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth have become rich through the abundance of her delicacies.” 4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, “Come out of her, my people, that you not be partakers of her sins, and that you not receive of her plagues. 5 For her sins have reached to heaven, and God has remembered her iniquities. 6 Reward her even as she rewarded you, and double to her double according to her works. In the cup that she has filled, fill to her double. 7 How much she has glorified herself and
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lived in luxury, give her as much torment and sorrow, for she says in her heart, “I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow.” 8 Therefore her plagues shall come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she shall be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her. 9 “And the kings of the earth, who have committed fornication and lived in luxury with her, shall mourn her and lament for her when they see the smoke of her burning, 10 standing far off for the fear of her torment, saying, ‘Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! For in one hour your judgment has come.’ 11 “And the merchants of the earth shall weep and mourn over her, for no man buys their merchandise anymore: 12 the merchandise of gold and silver, and precious stones and of pearls, and fine linen and purple, and silk and scarlet, and all thyine wood, and all manner of vessels of ivory, and all manner of vessels of most precious wood, and of brass, and iron, and marble, 13 and cinnamon and incense, and ointments and frankincense, and wine and oil, and fine flour and wheat, and beasts and sheep, and horses and chariots, and slaves and souls of men. 14 “And the fruits that your soul lusted after have departed from you, and all things that were dainty and fine have departed from you, and you shall no longer find them at all. 15 “The merchants of these things, who were made rich by her, shall stand far off for the fear of her torment, weeping and wailing, 16 and
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saying, ‘Alas, alas that great city that was clothed in fine linen and purple and scarlet, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls! 17 For in one hour such great riches came to nothing.’ “And every shipmaster, and all the company in ships, and sailors, and as many as trade by sea, stood far off 18 and cried when they saw the smoke of her burning, saying, ‘What city is like this great city!’ 19 And they cast dust on their heads and cried, weeping and wailing, saying, ‘Alas, alas that great city, in which all who had ships in the sea were made rich because of her costliness! For in one hour she is made desolate.’ 20 “Rejoice over her, you heaven, and you holy apostles and prophets, for God has avenged you on her.” 21 And a mighty angel took up a stone like a great millstone and cast it into the sea, saying, “Thus with violence that great city Babylon shall be thrown down and shall no longer be found at all. 22 And the voice of harpists and musicians and of pipers and trumpeters shall no longer be heard in you at all. And no craftsman, of whatever craft he is, shall be found in you anymore. And the sound of a millstone shall no longer be heard in you at all. 23 And the light of a candle shall no longer shine in you at all, and the voice of the bridegroom and of the bride shall no longer be heard in you at all. For your merchants were the great men of the earth, for by your sorceries all nations were deceived. 24 And the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all who were slain on the earth was found in her.”
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The Four Alleluias of the Glorified Saints And after these things I heard a great voice of many people in heaven, saying, “Alleluia. Salvation and glory and honor and power to the Lord our God. 2 For His judgments are true and righteous, for He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her fornication and has avenged the blood of His servants at her hand.” 3 And again they said, “Alleluia. And her smoke rises up forever and ever.” 4 And the twenty-four elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen. Alleluia.” 5 And a voice came out of the throne, saying, “Praise our God, all you His servants and you who fear Him, both small and great.” 6 And I heard what seemed like the voice of a great multitude, and like the voice of many waters, and like the voice of mighty thundering, saying, “Alleluia. For the Lord God omnipotent reigns. 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give honor to Him, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.” 8 And it was granted to her that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white, for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 9 And he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’” And he said to me, “These are the true sayings of God.” 10 And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said to me, “See that you do not do it. I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers who
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have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God. For the testimony of J esus is the spirit of prophecy.” The Second Coming of Christ in Glory 11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. 12 His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. And He had a name written that no man knew but He Himself. 13 And He was clothed with a garment dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies that were in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 And out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He shall rule them with a rod of iron. And He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has a name written on His garment and on His thigh: King of Kings and Lord of Lords. The Battle of Armageddon 17 And I saw an angel standing in the sun, and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, “Come and gather yourselves together for the supper of the great God, 18 that you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.”
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19 And
I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. 20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet who worked miracles before him, by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast, and those who worshipped his image. These two were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone. 21 And the remnant were slain with the sword of Him who sat on the horse, the sword that proceeded out of His mouth. And all the birds were filled with their flesh. Satan Bound in the Abyss during the Kingdom Age And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold of the dragon, that old serpent who is the devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 3 and cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, that he should not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years should be fulfilled. And after that he must be released for a little while. 4 And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who were beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the word of God, and who had not worshipped the beast or his image, nor had received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived
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and reigned with Christ a thousand years. 5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. 6 Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. On such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ and shall reign with Him a thousand years. 7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be released out of his prison 8 and shall go out to deceive the nations that are in the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle, the number of whom is like the sand of the sea. 9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of the saints and the beloved city. And fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them. 10 And the devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night forever and ever. 11 And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and heaven fled away. And no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God, and the books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their works, out of those things that were written in the books. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and death and hell delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were
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judged, every man according to his works. 14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And whoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. The Seven New Things And I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no more sea. 2 And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. And God Himself shall be with them and be their God. 4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes, and there shall be no more death or sorrow or crying, nor shall there be any more pain, for the former things have passed away.” 5 And He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.” 6 And He said to me, “It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. To him who is thirsty I will freely give of the fountain of the water of life. 7 He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he shall be My son. 8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and fornicators, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake
21
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that burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” 9 And one of the seven angels that had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues came to me and talked with me, saying, “Come here; I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” 10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain and showed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, 11 having the glory of God. And its light was like a most precious stone, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal. 12 And it had a great and high wall, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written on them, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: 13 on the east three gates, on the north three gates, on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. 14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. 15 And he who talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city and its gates and its wall. 16 And the city is laid out as a square, and the length is as large as the breadth. And he measured the city with the reed: twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. 17 And he measured its wall: one hundred and forty-four cubits, according to the measure of a man—that is, of the angel. 18 And the building of its wall was of jasper. And the city was pure gold, like clear glass. 19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were
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Revelation 22:2
garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third a chalcedony, the fourth an emerald, 20 the fifth sardonyx, the sixth sardius, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth a topaz, the tenth a chrysoprase, the eleventh a jacinth, the twelfth an amethyst. 21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every individual gate was of one pearl. And the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass. 22 And I saw no temple in it, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 And the city had no need of the sun or of the moon to shine in it, for the glory of God illuminated it, and the Lamb is its light. 24 And the nations of those who are saved shall walk in its light, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. 25 And its gates shall not be shut at all by day, for there shall be no night there. 26 And they shall bring the glory and honor of the nations into it. 27 And in no way shall anything that defiles enter into it, nor whatever works abomination or makes a lie, but those who are written in the Lamb’s book of life. The New Paradise and Its River of the Water of Life And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. 2 In the midst of its street, and on either side of the river, there was the tree of life, which bore twelve kinds of fruit and yielded its fruit every
22
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month. And the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. 3 And there shall be no more curse, but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it, and His servants shall serve Him. 4 And they shall see His face, and His name shall be on their foreheads. 5 And there shall be no night there, and they need no candle or light of the sun, for the Lord God gives them light. And they shall reign forever and ever. 6 And he said to me, “These sayings are faithful and true.” And the Lord God of the holy prophets sent His angel to show to His servants the things that must shortly be done. 7 “Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” 8 And I, John, saw these things and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel who showed me these things. 9 Then he said to me, “See that you do not do it. For I am your fellow servant, and of your brothers the prophets, and of those who keep the sayings of this book. Worship God.” 10 And he said to me, “Do not seal the sayings of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. 11 He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; and he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; and he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; and he who is holy, let him be holy still.” 12 “And, behold, I come quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give
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every man according to what his work is. 13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.” 14 Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter in through the gates into the city. 15 For outside are dogs, and sorcerers, and fornicators, and murderers, and idolaters, and whoever loves and makes a lie. 16 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David and the bright and morning star.” 17 And the Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let him who hears say, “Come.” And let him who is thirsty come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely. 18 For I testify to every man who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If any man adds to these things, God shall add to him the plagues that are written in this book. 19 And if any man takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things that are written in this book. The Last Promise and the Last Prayer of the Bible 20 He who testifies these things says, “Surely I come quickly.” Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus. 21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
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THE SIMPLIFIED KJV REVISION PROCESS The Simplified KJV builds off the familiarity and trustworthiness of the King James Bible while removing the challenges of its antiquated language and punctuation. Keeping all the original translation work of the beloved 1611 Bible, the Simplified KJV brings many elements of its predecessor in line with modern style, improving both readability and understandability. There are no substantive changes to the original text. Major categories of stylistic changes, along with numerous representative examples, follow. Revise/update/add punctuation as appropriate. Break up long sentences by Add or remove commas to conchanging colons and semicolons form to modern style. Change colons and semicolons to periods. Capitalize first letter following. to commas when appropriate. Add quotation marks to spoken words. Run verses together to create paragraphs. Capitalize divine pronouns (He, His, Him, Himself, You, Your, Yours, Me, My, Mine, Us, Our). Lowercase extraneous capitals in the middle of sentences. Fix archaic phrasing of numbers, for example, “thirty and six” to “thirty-six.” Change “an” to “a” before words beginning with h. Change “which” to “that” when appropriate. Update old forms of address: thougyou thine g your, yours ye g you thy g your thee g you thyself g yourself Update old verb styles, for example, those with est and eth endings. Certain other changes vary by context. The list beginning on the next page shows the types of changes that were made. The updated words often reflect the tone and style of the change but may not reflect the exact word change. Please note that this is not a complete list, nor have these changes been applied globally:
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abated g deducted; reduced; weakened abhor g hate; detest abide g remain; withstand; stay; live accomplished g completed; experienced account(ed) g consider(ed) accounted to g told of accursed of g cursed by addicted themselves g devoted themselves adjure(d) g solemnly charge(d) advance(d) g raise(d) up adventure g venture; risk (i.e., one’s life) advertise g inform; tell affect/affected g seek/sought agree with g match allow g know amend g get better amerce g fine (i.e., pay a fine as a punishment) answer g fulfill answering said g answered and said appertain g pertain appointed g assigned approved g proved array g dress art g are asked leave of me g asked my permission ask of . . . g ask . . . for assay g attempt; try assent(ed) g agree(d) asswage g assuage attend upon g serve at the least such as g at least those who augment g add to avails me nothing g does not serve me avenge g take vengeance on avenge me of you g take vengeance on you for me avoided out of g escaped from
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avouched g declared bade g asked; told; said; commanded baptizest thou g do you baptize bare g bore bare rule g lorded it be g are (e.g., there be/are many that) bear g lift; carry; support; hold (up) be at charges with them g pay their expenses be at his steps g follow at his heels beat off g thresh be avenged of/on g take vengeance on became g was fitting for be doing g get to work be done away g not lasting befall g happens to befell/befallen g happened to begat g begot beguile g deceive behave itself unseemly g behave improperly behaved themselves ill g been evil beheld g saw; looked at behold g see; look at beholding g watching; looking at behoved g was necessary for believest thou g you believe bemoaned g expressed deep grief over be molten g melt bereave g deprive beset g surrounded besought g begged; implored; asked; urged bestir g set out bestow g use; store; give bestowed g stationed be sure g know for sure bethink themselves g come to themselves bewail g lament; mourn be well with g go well for bewrayeth g betrays
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bid g ask; tell; command bidden g invited; asked; commanded bind g harness blameless of g not be bound to blaze g proclaim; spread (did) blow upon it g blew it away bolled g budded bored g drilled born g borne (past tense of bear) borne g carried borne g endured; persevered borne g pressed borne with g carried with borrowed g asked bound g captured bowed the knee g knelt bowed themselves (himself, herself) g bowed (down) bowed together g bent over brake g break bray g crush; pound breaking up g breaking in bring again g bring back bring forth g give birth bring into/unto bondage g force into slavery bring you into rememberance g remind you brought away g took away brought to pass g come to pass brought under g subdued brought up g raised bud forth g have bloomed buffeted g beat burnt g burned (but left as “burnt” when used as an adjective) build g rebuild builded g built called in question g being put on trial calling to remembrance g remembering calve g give birth to a calf; produce offspring came forth g emerged; went out care for g be concerned about
carry forth g take cast a bank g build a siege mound cast a cord g extend a measuring line cast away/off g rejected cast his/her fruit g fall off; drop cast in her mind g considered carry forth g take cast his fruit g fall off cast their young/cast her calf g miscarry cast the same in his teeth g likewise mocked cast up g raise up catcheth g snatches caught g taken caught hold on g took hold of cause . . . to g have cause to go g led ceased g waited cease out of the land g cease being in the land certify g assure; inform change g exchange charge g warn; command; instruct chasten g discipline; humble cherish g care for chide/chode g argue/argued choked g drowned clave g clung; joined with clave/cleave g split; divided cleave/cleaved g cling/clung closest g enclose come abroad g become known come after you g walk behind you come again/went again g return(ed) come alike g happen the same come behind in no gift g do not lack any gift come by g control cometh to nought g come to nothing; are ruined come to g reached come to pass g happen come to the full g reached their fullness
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commanded g gave the command commanded me a business g commanded me to some business commend g demonstrate commune g speak; discuss; propose communicate g share company (verb) g associate companied with g accompanied compasseth/compass about g surrounds/ surround; circles/circle; goes around/go around; travel around compassed with g covered in concluded g enclosed; confined condemned g imposed a tribute on condescend to g associate with conduct g escort; send confederate g allied confirm g make firm constrain g force; compel; urge consume g destroy; spend; vanish consumed g perished; decayed; wasted away; destroyed consumeth g decays contain g exercise self-control contend g argue (a) case content g satisfy continue g stay; dwell conversant among g residing among; familiar with; acquainted with conveyed himself away g withdrawn convey me over g permit me to pass through couch g lie down to rest couched g crouched counted g considered countenance g favor countervail g compensate for count . . . for a g consider a covenanted g made a covenant with
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cover his feet g relieve himself craved g asked for crouch g bow down cumber(ed)/cumbereth g trouble(d); hinder(ed); use up cut him asunder g cut him in pieces cut off g destroyed damned g condemned dandled g rocked dash g smash daub g cover deal subtilly g act cleverly dealt g distributed dealt with g did to decline g turn away defer g put off defraud g deprive deliver g save delivered g sent demanded of g questioned by denounce g announce deride g laugh at descry g spy out desired g asked despair of g lose hope of; despair over devised g schemed did but g only did escape g escaped (did remain g remained, etc.) diminish g take away dirt g excrement discover g uncover; reveal discover thy skirts upon thy face g lift up your skirts over your face disposed g given control of; arranged (the whole disposing g the decision-making) dissembled g concealed dissolved g destroyed distil g drip divided g distributed dividing asunder g dividing do g answer to; act do after g imitate
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do as occasion serve thee g do as the occasion requires done g finished done away g removed done him shame g treated him shamefully dote g decay doth set g sets doubted of g was uncertain about drave g drove draw g march drawn g pulled dread g fear dress g tend; care for; prepare dresseth g prepares; trims drew g dragged driveth g drives drop g drip droppeth through g leaks durst not g did not dare; dared not dwellest thou g do you dwell dwelt g dwelled ear/eared g plow/plowed ease thyself g relieve yourself effected g completed employed about g opposed encamp g camp encamped against g besieged endamage g cause damage to ended g had finished endued g endowed enjoin g command; order enlarged g relieved enlighten g illuminate (left unchanged when meaning “give spiritual insight to”) enquire g inquire ensue g pursue entreat g treat; behave toward (left unchanged when meaning “ask urgently”) entreat them evil g mistreat them environ g surround err g go astray; be deceived erred g gone astray
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erred exceedingly g made a very great mistake eschew g turn away from espied g saw espoused g betrothed espy g spy evil affected g negatively influenced evil spoken of g slandered exact g collect; extort exercised (with) g troubled (with) expecting g expectantly waiting expired g ended; finished expressed g designated fail g is lacking; be empty faint g lose strength, courage, or hope (adj. “discouraged”) fallen out g occurred; turned out falleth out g arises; occurs fall not out g don’t quarrel, argue, or fight fall on g attack; kill famish g starve fared g feasted feared (to) g was afraid (to) feed g eat feedest/feedeth g feed a flock feel g experience feign g pretend fell a lusting g began to lust fell on sleep g fell asleep fell sick g became sick fell to g defected to fell upon g struck down fenced g protected fetch g take; bring; get fetch a compass g circle; go around fetches g swings fill g feed find out g find flay g skin folden g folded forbad g forbade; prevented forbear g endure; tolerate; have patience with; bear; do not
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come; refrain; choose not to; stop forbeareth g ceases; refrain forbearing g being patient with; giving up force g assault forcast g devise forsake g abandon; neglect forsook g left; abandoned; ignored forswear thyself g renounce an oath frame/framed g form/formed frameth mischief g brings about harm fray g frighten; scare fretteth g is angry fret thyself g fret gat him unto g went to; make (a name) for oneself gat them up g went up gave attendance g has served gave charge of g put in charge of gave her son suck g nursed her son gave my heart g set my heart gave place g yielded gave their hands g made a promise gender g breed; give birth to; beget get away from under it g get out from under it get gain g gain a profit get thee hence g get away get up g get away get you down g get away get you hence g go girded up his loinsg fastened his cloak into his belt girdest thyself g dressed yourself gird up the loins g prepare for action (1 Peter 1:13) give audience g listen give ear g listen given children suck g nursed children given to g have a tendency to give occasions of speech
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against g speaks out against give out from among you g choose from among you give place g leave give charge concerning thee g give orders concerning give you to g want you to give up the ghost g give up the spirit giving out g saying gleaned g captured glory/glorying g boast/boasting; rejoice go g walk go about g set about go a whoring g prostitute themselves; are unfaithful go captive g go into captivity go from g leave gone about g completed go to g come gotten thee renown g made a name for Yourself go up g ascend grave/graven g engrave/ engraved; carved greedy of filthy lucre g greedy of filthy gain grudge g grumble; complain; groan had g held had respect to g considered had shadow g found shade had the mastery of g had superiority over hale g drag hallow g consecrate; sanctify hallowed it g made it holy handle g touch has showed g has shown hasting unto g hastening hath g has have g consider have an end g come to an end have no hurt g are unharmed having g has hazarded g risked heaped up g piled up
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hearken g listen hedged g put a hedge held my tongue g kept silent; kept quiet helped forward g furthered hew/hewn g cut (down); carve (out) hiss g whistle hoised g hoisted holdest me for g consider me holdest mine eyes waking g hold open my eyes hold his peace at her g says nothing to her holds with me in these things g stands firm against these forces hold your peace g remain silent; be quiet; keep quiet hold up g uphold holpen g helped hough/houghed g hamstring/ hamstrung howl g wail imagine g devise; plan impart g give implead g bring charges against imputing g attributing inclosed g enclosed; caught inditing g inspired by in (his) sight g looks; appears intreat g entreat [be] intreated g reason with is in reputation ghas a reputation is/shall be for many days (yet) g shall be many days from now issue/issued g come out/came out; flow out/flowed out it repents me g it grieves me; I regret jeoparded g jeopardized joined himself g hired himself join in affinity g join in marriage joy g am/be glad; rejoice
joy in g rejoice in joying g rejoicing judging right g judging righteously justified God g declared God as righteous justle g jostle keep g guard; take care of; watch over; protect keep charge g take care of needs keepeth g tends keep silence g keep silent keep under g discipline keep thy foot g guard your steps kept g guarded kept close g kept quiet; concealed; confined kept the ward of g kept guard over; kept the service of know g understand knowest thou g do you know know the proof of g prove; know his proven character know the uttermost of g ascertain exactly know to give g know how to give lade(s) g load(s); burden(s) laid by g removed laid (hold) g took (hold); adopted laid over g overlaid laid siege against g besieged laid up g placed; gathered; stored laid wait g lay in wait lament g mourn for lamentable g lamenting lappeth g drink lay any thing to the charge of g bring charges against lay folly to them g charge them with wickedness lay hold on g take hold of lay g make lay by him in store g lay in store by yourself laying await/lying in wait g plotting; plot
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lay it for g bring (something) on lay it to his heart g take it to heart lays at g reach [as with a sword] lay upon man more than right g consider a man further lead about g take along leave (off) g stop left g stopped left off g stopped; ceased left off to build g stopped building lent g gave let g hinder(ed); restrain(ed); leased let be g leave (him) alone let me alone g leave me alone let out g lease levy a tribute g collect a tribute lie against g lie about lie waste g remain desolate lien g lain light g descend; fall lighted g lit lightened g lit up lighteneth out g flashes liken g compare likethg pleases limiteth g appoints lingereth g delays listeth g wishes; chooses lodged g spent/stayed the night; stayed lodgeth g is lodging look g see looked on g saw; looked at; gazed on; examined looketh well to g carefully considers look for g expecting look out g find loose g remove; release; untie; unbind; open; loosen loosed g set sail; set free loosing from g setting sail from lusteth g desires lusteth after g craves made g put (a king over you); did; caused; held (a feast)
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made affinity with g made a marriage alliance with made an end of g finished made mention of g mentioned made of none effect g made of no effect made speed g hurried make g give; do make any baldness g shave make away g annihilate make confession g confess make even a speedy riddance g make even a speedy end make great mirth g rejoice greatly make merchandise of g treat as merchandise; exploit make ready/made ready g prepare/prepared; make preparations make speed g be quick make sport g entertain make suit g make appeal maketh intercession g intercedes make up g assemble mar g ruin/are ruining mark g observe; take note; pay attention marvel g wonder marvelled g marveled mend g repair mete (out) g measure (out) might g could milk out g drink fully mind g think about minded g determined; inclined; resolved minding g intending mingle g intermix; mix ministereth g ministers; supplies mortify g put to death; destroy; kill moved g stirred up must needs g needed to neither shall you g you shall not; nor shall you noised g reported none did compel g none were
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compelled noted g recorded nourished up g nurtured number g determine numbered g counted obeisance (made obeisance) g bowed down; submitted observed g protected; kept observe to do g be careful to do occasioned g caused occupied for g used for occupy g make a profit offended g made to stumble; fall away opening g release (as from imprisonment) ordain g establish outwent g went ahead of overcharge g overburden overflown g swept away overlaid g lay on overlived g outlived pare g trim part g divide; share parts g decides pass g neglect passed on g proceeded on passed the night g spent the night pass over g cross over; overlook paved g covered over peep g chirp perform g fulfill; do; give pertained g belonged pertain to g belong to pilled g peeled pine g waste pipe(d) g play(ed) the pipe pisseth g urinates pitch g camp (left unchanged when meaning “set up”) plaister g plaster plaiting g braiding play g compete played the whore g was unfaithful; prostituted herself played with his hand g played music (the harp) with his hand
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play the mad man g behave like an insane person plead g argue (a) case pluck down g tear down plucked up g uprooted polled g cut (his hair) pollute g defile power g have the right; ability practice g plot practiced g carried out prating g talking prayed (him/they) g asked; urged pray thee g ask (you) predestinate(d) g predestine(d) preferred g promoted prepare g declare prevail g accomplish prevent g receive; confront; come before; stay awake during prevented g went before; went first; arose before preventest him g meet him prised at g valued at privy to g informed about; aware of profit g benefit prosper g succeed protest g affirm; warn prove g tes publish g proclaim; announce; make known purchase to g obtain for purging g purifying purloining g stealing purpose g intend; determine put g excluded put (her) away g divorce(d) put difference g discern the difference put down g removed put forth g sent out; presented; stretch out put in execution g carried out put in fear g made afraid put in trust g entrusted put (his) life in (his) hand g took his life in his hands
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put off g take off put out g drive out; lend put thee in remembrance g remind you putting out of the finger g pointing the finger put to g use put to it g added to it put to the worse g defeated putting you in mind g reminding you put you in remembrance g remind you quake g tremble questioning with g arguing with quicken/quickened g make alive/ made alive; revive/revived railed on g spoke harshly to; reviled raised a levy g conscripted laborers raising up g stirring up rase g raze ravin g greedily devour ravished g captured; enraptured; raped; violated reached g passed reaching forth g reaching out; reaching forward rear up g raise; build receive g accept received up g ascend reckon g consider; count; settle accounts; regard (something) as reckoned by g recorded in reckoned up g counted recompense g repay reconcile withal g make atonement recount g remember recover g rescue; heal; restore redound g overflow refrained g restrained refused g rejected regarded g paid attention regardeth g show concern for; care; watch
rehearse g recount; repeat removed g moved rend/rent g tear apart/open; tore/torn; split render g repay; pay rentest g enlarge repent g change mind; pity; regret repented g grieved repenteth g relents repent himself g change His (the Lord’s) mind; felt sorrowful; have compassion reprove g convict; refute; correct; rebuke reproved g exposed reputed as nothing gregarded as nothing require g claim; request; demand; avenge requite g repay; pay back; retaliate; avenge; punish resemble g compare resorted g came; met respect the (or any) person g show partiality; favor any person rest g trust return and come g come back revenge g punish reverenced g showed reverence to rewardeth g repay; reward rid g deliver; rescue rifled g ransacked risen up g ascended roar(ed) g groan(ed) rooted g uprooted rose up in g broke out on run g roam said well g spoken correctly saluted g greeted sat at meat g sat at the table; sat at/for dinner saved alive gkept alive save of g save savourest g taste; appreciate say g speak sayest thou g do you say
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saw it on this fashion g saw anything like this scattereth abroad g scatters scrabbled g scratched see g find out; look seeing before g foreseeing seek my hurt g seek to harm me seeketh thy hurt g seeks to hurt you seek ye g do you seek seeth g saw seethe g boil sell g deliver sendeth forth the smell thereofgsends forth its fragrance separated g dismissed served g treated set g put; appointed set about g surrounded with set at nought g despised; neglected set forward g oversee set him at nought g despised him set it by thee g set it aside set on g serve(d) set on thee g attack you setteth light by g dishonors set the battle in array g set the battle in formation; arranged themelves for battle set them at one again g reconcile them set to his seal g certified set up g built up sever g set apart; separate; make a distinction shake the hand g wave the hand shapen g formed shaven g shaved shed forth g poured out shew(ed) g show(ed); declare(d); proclaim(ed); reveal(ed); tell/told; report(ed); make/made known; prove; explain(ed) shewest thou g do you show shew you a thing g tell you
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something shined g shon shoot out the lip g stick out their lips shorn g shaved; have hair cut off should g would; must shunned gavoided shut up g isolate; imprison; close up; put in confinement sit g be seated slack g delay; slow; ignore; weak smart g suffer smell in g savor smite/smitten/smote g strike/ struck; destroy/destroyed; wound/wounded; kill; knocked snared therein g ensnared by it snuffedg snorted in disgust snuffed up/snuffeth up g sniffed/ sniffs sod g boiled so done g done such things sojourn g am staying; stay sorroweth for g worries about sought to go g eager to sound g blew (trumpets) sounded my father g tried to find out my father’s intentions spake g spoke; told spake after the same manner g said the same thing spake . . . to that effect g spoke about this speaketh g speaks; says sped g found spendeth it up g uses it up spilt g spilled spoil/spoiled g rob/robbed; plunder/plundered; take captive; ruin; divided spoke g said spue g spew stamped g trampled stanched g stopped stand g serve stand forth g stand up stand for their life g defend
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their lives stand in g take a stand for stand to it g stand firm; commit to it stay g support; sustain stay/stayed g stop/stopped; hold back; propped stay thereon g rely on them still/stilled g quiet/quieted stood to g agreed to straiten g afflict; make narrow straitened g restricted; distressed; hindered strawed g scattered stretch forth g stretch out strike hands g clasp hands; shake(s) hands strive g quarrel; fight; contend; labor; argue strowed g scattered suborned g bribed succored g helped suck g nurse suffer g put up with; endure; allow sufferest/suffered g allow; permit suffereth long g endures for a long time suffice/sufficed g satisfy/ satisfied; be enough for sup up g gulp surnamed g also named; named tabering g beating (of a drum) take g bring; receive; capture take counsel (together) gconsult together take knowledge of g find out; notice; become fully acquainted with taken g caught; chosen taken in hand g undertaken take rest g rest taketh g chooses; does take the spoil of them for a prey g take their possessions as plunder
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take thought/taking thought g worry/worrying taking the oversight thereof g taking care of them talk g speak; tell tarriest/tarry g remain; stay taxed g registered tell g count tempt g test tempered g mixed; put together think g intend; determine think upon g remember thought g intended; planned thought scorn g disdained thrust g push(ed); drive(n); send; thrown (away) thrust out g gouge out (as eyes) tillage of g tilling (the ground) tired g adorned told g answered; explained; counted (as in money); selected took g took as wives took knowledge of g recognized took ship g got into the ship took the kingdom over g took control of the kingdom over took unto him g took for himself touched g landed touched with g concerned with traffic g trade transgressest g disobey transported g taken up travail g labor; toil; work hard travaileth g labors; toils; works hard tread (down) g trample tried g tested trode g trampled; stamped trodden g walked; trampled try g test turn g turn sour/to acid turn (again) g return; turn back turn us g restore us up g get up upbraid g ridicule; reproach upbraideth not g without reproach
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use(d) g serve(d) in vaunt itself g boast vex g afflict; oppress; trouble; harass; harm visited g punished visitest g care for vow a vow g make a vow wag g wave waited with g served with wait on/waiting on g attend to/ attending to waked g woke wakened g awakened walk after g follow wanted g needed; lacked wanting g lacking; missing; needing war g fight war a good warfare g fight a good warfare warred g made war warreth g fights in a war was come g had come was delivered of g gave birth to was had in abomination with g became an abomination to was hot against g burned against wast g were waste g be used up; ravage(d); mistreat wasted out g perished watch unto prayer g watch in
prayer waxed g become/grown; became/grew wax old g grow old wax wanton g grow undisciplined well doing g doing good went g traveled; ran went among men for an old man g was old went a whoring g prostituted themselves whet g sharpen will g want; wish; choose; desire wilt g will wished g prayed wist g knew wit g know; learn withholdeth g restrains withstood g opposed witness against g testify against writeth up g registers work g do worketh g produces; works out wot g know would g will or want (depends on context); wish to; wish that would have g wanted to wounded g struck wrest g pervert; distort wrought g worked; done; created; performed wroughtest g did you work
Update outdated or less common words. Changes vary by context, as indicated by multiple words following some KJV terms below, and not every instance of a word in the KJV has been changed. abased g humbled; humiliated; account g reason acknowledgement g cast down abjects g betrayers acknowledgment abode (noun) g dwelling acquaintance g friends about g around; for activity g ability above g beyond; more than; over ado g commotion abroad g out; into view; about adorning g adornment abstinence g time without food afar off g from afar; far away; far acceptation g acceptance off accomplished g completed; expe affliction g distress affrightened g frightened; afraid rienced; fulfilled
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afoot g on foot afore g before aforehand g beforehand aforetime g formerly after g according to after that g since after the former manner g as . . . before; according to the former manner after the manner of g in the manner of; according to the custom of after this manner g in this way; this is what; these things; such a thing after this sort g as this afterwards g afterward again g back against g in preparation for; by the time of; before; near; in; until; for; toward; opposite against the sun g in the sun agone g ago ague g fever albeit g although alien g foreigner all along g full length all hail g rejoice all the day g all day long alms g deeds of charity; giving to charity; give to the poor; charitable gift almsdeeds g deeds of charity almug g algum alway g always; forever amazement g fear ambassage g delegation ambushment g ambush amiable g lovely amiss g wrong; wrongly amongst g among among the thorns g with hooks anathema g accursed ancient (noun) g elderly angle g hook anon g immediately; at once
another man g a different man answer g defense answerable to g corresponding to any g anyone any thing g anything any way g in any way apace g swiftly apart g by himself; by themselves apothecary g perfumer apparently g clearly apt g able; skillful aright g properly armourbearer g armor-bearer arms g armed forces around anytime g sometime array g formation artificers g craftsmen artillery g weapons as g just as; like aside g astray; away as it were g what looked like; what appeared to be; like; something like; what seemed like ass g donkey as they speak g as they say astonied g dazed as touching g concerning; as for asunder g apart; separate; in pieces as you see g according to what you see at g in at a stay g the same at a venture g at random athirst g thirsty at length g finally at the last g in the end at the law g in court at the length g in the end at the return of the year g in the spring at such a time g now attent g attentive at your hand g from your hand audience g hearing aul g awl
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averse from g returned from awaked g awoke axe head g ax-head axletrees g axles babe g baby; infant backside g back bakemeats g baked foods balance g scales band g cohort; troop; division; ranks bands g chains; bonds; ropes; pangs banquetings g drinking parties barbarians g native people; non-Greeks barbarous people g native people base g lowly; insignificant; despised basest g lowest bason g basin bastard g person of illegitimate birth battlement g parapet becomes g proper for; suitable for bed g couch bedchamber g bedroom bedstead g bed beeves g cattle before g ahead; against; in front of; ahead of before his face g in his presence; ahead of him beforetime g formerly; before behind g remaining behind of g lacking in belly g rounded surface beside g besides betimes g early better more g valuable betwixt g between bill (or writing) of divorcement g certificate of divorce bishoprick g office bittern g heron black g mournful; dark blackish g dark blains g sores
blast g spirit blasted g withered blasting g blight bleatings g bleats blessing g gift bloodguiltiness g guilt of bloodshed bloody g murderous bloody flux g dysentery blot g hurt blueness of a wound g bruising of a wound bolster g head bond g slaves bondage g labor; forced labor bondmen g forced laborers; slaves bonds g chains bondservice g forced labor bonnet g cap booties g plunder boughs g branches bosom g chest; heart; embrace botch g boils bounds g boundaries; limits bountiful g generous bounty g generous gift; generosity bowels g heart, hearts; body; intestines; womb brand g torch brasen g brazen breach g outburst (of anger); breakthrough; broken forth; harbor break of day g daybreak breast g chest breeches g undergarments (the) breeding of g overrun with brethren g brothers; relatives brier g thorn bush; briar brigandines g coats of armor brink g bank (river’s bank) broad g wide (in measurements) broided g braided broidered g embroidered brokenfooted g(has a) broken foot brokenhanded g (has a) broken hand
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1658
brow of the hill g edge of the hill bruised g ground bruit g news brutish g senseless buckler g shield (but left unchanged if the words shield and buckler appear in the same verse) bullock g bull; young bull bulwarks g battlements bunches g humps (of camels) burden g cargo; load; pronouncement burning g fire business g busyness; duties but g only; except by g through by and by g immediately; at once; right away by reason of g because of; on account of by that g before by the hand of g given through byword g object of scorn cankered g corroded captivity captive g captives (but “children of the captivity” left unchanged) carcase g carcass (animal); body; corpse (human) careful g anxious carnal g material; of the flesh; human; of the world carnally g sexually carriages g luggage; supplies case g circumstances; condition castaway g disqualified cast clouts g worn-out clothes cast down g downcast castle g settlement; stronghold; fortress caterpiller g caterpillar caul g caul (no change if meaning the fatty tissue surrounding an organ); scarf cause g reason; purpose; case; dispute; sake; circumstances
causeless g without cause causes g cases causeway g highway causeway of the going up g road that goes up certain g certain (one/ones); some certain days g for many days; some time chamber g room; storeroom chamberlain g treasurer; attendant; official chamois g mountain goat champaign g plain (as in flat, open country) chance g happens chapiter g capital chapmen g traders chapt g cracked charge g command; warning; responsibility/ responsibilities; duty chargeable g burdensome charger g platter charges g expense charitably g (done) in love charity g love chastening g discipline check g correction cherubims g cherubim chief g leader chiefest g most prominent; best; chief chief friends g close friends chief(s) of the Jews g Jewish leaders chief rooms g places of honor (at the table) chrysoprasus g chrysoprase churl g scoundrel churlish g surly cieled g ceiled; paneled circumspectly g cautiously; carefully cities of store g storage cities clean g completely; pure clear g innocent; pure
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cleft g split; crack clemency g mercy clift g cleft (of a rock) cloak g excuse close g quiet; tight close places g strongholds; enclosed places clouted g patched coast(s) g border(s); territory; region; surrounding area; banks cock g rooster cockatrice g viper cockle g stinkweed cogitations g thoughts college g Second Quarter collops g folds colour g color; pretense comeliness g beauty; modesty; pleasant appearance; splendor comely g proper; presentable; handsome; beautiful; lovely; appealing; good; pleasing comers g those who approach come to years g grown up comfortable g comforting comfortably g comfortingly (at their) commandment g (at their) command commissions g orders commodious g suitable common g ordinary communications g company company g group compass g edge; circle conceit(s) g opinion(s); eyes concision g division; cutting off; mutilation concord g agreement concourse g gathering concupiscence g (strong) desire; (sexual) desire confectionaries g perfumers confusion g perversion; shame; humiliation conies g hyraxes conscience g consciousness consent g accord
constant g steadfast contemned g despised contradiction g opposition contrariwise g on the contrary controversies g disputes convenient g proper; suitable convenient time g an opportunity conversant g residing conversation g behavior; conduct; citizenship convinced g convicted corn g grain corner stone g cornerstone corn fields g grainfields cornfloor g threshing floor couch g bed counsel g council; purpose; plan counsellor g counselor; member of the council countenance g face; appearance; presence couplings g beams course g division; turn (by course g in turn) cote g (sheep)fold countries g lands court g courtyard cousins g relatives covert g shelter; lair; covered place cracknels g brittle biscuits craft g trade; trickery creature g creation creek g bay crib g manger cripple g lame crookbackt g (has a) crooked back crown royal g royal crown cruse g jar cuckow g seagull cumbrance g trouble cummin g cumin cunning g skilled; skillful; insightful (adj.); skill (noun) curious g skillfully made curious arts g magic arts
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1660
cursed g accursed custom g tax dainty meats g delicacies dale g valley dam g mother (under the dam g with its mother) damage g loss (receive damage g suffer loss) damnable g destructive damnation gcondemnation; judgment damsel g young woman dark sayings g riddles darling g dear life dart g spear daughter in law g daughter-in-law daysman g arbiter dayspring g dawn deal g portion dearth g famine decay g ruin decease g death deceivableness g deception deceivings g deceptions deepness g depth defence g defense defenced g fortified delicately g in luxury delicates g delicacies deliciously g in luxury delightsome g delightful desert (adj.) g deserted desert (noun) g what is deserved (their desert g what they deserve) despite g contempt; scorn device g scheme; plan devil(s) g demon(s) dial g sundial dignities g dignitaries dimness g gloom disallowed g rejected disannulling g annulling discomfited g confused; defeated; routed discomfiture g confusion disputationg debate; dispute
disputings g disputes disquieted g disturbed; restless disquietness g anguish dissemblers g hypocrites dissimulation g hypocrisy; deception divers g various; different; differing diverse g different doctors g teachers doers of the work g workers doings g actions; deeds doleful g mournful; gloomy dominion g authority doubletongued g double-tongued doubtless g truly drag g dragnet dragon g jackal draught g catch (of fish) draught (house) g latrine dreadful g awesome; feared dresser g caretaker dumb g mute; people who cannot speak; speechless dust g dirt dwarf g (has) stunted growth earing g plowing early g earnestly earnest g guarantee ears of corn g heads of grain earth g clay; dirt; ground; land; dust earthy g earthly ease grelieve; rest east country g East eastward g east; in the east; to the east (the same for northward, southward, westward) edifying (noun) g edification effectual g effective election g elect else g otherwise emerods g tumors emulation g jealousy end g result; outcome engines g war machines
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enquiry g inquiry ensample g example, pattern ensign g banner entering in (noun) g border; entry; entrance; reception entire g complete entrance g visit epistle g letter ere g before; until errors g unintentional sins espousal g betrothal; wedding estate g council; position; circumstances; condition; place estates g nobles even g evening even g just; only even all one g even eventide g evening ever g forever; always evermore g always every thing g everything evidently g clearly evil g misfortune; disaster; harm evil eye g envy evilfavouredness g deformity exaction g collection exactor g overseer exceeding g exceedingly (when used as an adverb) exceeding much g an exceedingly large amount of excellency g excellence except g unless; if; but excepted g the exception expectation g hope experiment g trial; test; proof expressly g specifically eyeservice g eye-service face g surface fain g willingly; desire [to] fair g beautiful; clean fairer g better; more beautiful fairest g most beautiful faith of God g faithfulness of God fallowdeer g fallow deer fame g report; news familiar friends g close friends
familiars g companions familiar spirits g mediums far g distant fare ye well g farewell far passed g late farther g even more so fashion g appearance; design; form fast g close; near; firmly fat g prosperous; fruitful; healthy; rich; big; fertile fatfleshed g fat fatling(s) g fattened calf/cattle fatness g prosperity; abundance; oil fat of kidneys of wheat g best kernels of wheat fats g vats fatted g fattened favour g favor feigned g deceitful feignedly g deceitfully felloes g rims (of wheels) fellow(s) g companion(s); neighbor fenced g fortified; armed fens g marsh fetters g shackles fight g conflict fightings g conflicts figure g type; symbol (in a figure g figuratively) finer g silversmith fining g refining firebrand g torch first g best; former first begotten g firstborn firstling g firstborn fishers g fishermen fishes g fish fitches g black cumin fitly g properly fixed g steadfast flags g reeds; rushes flanks g sides flesh g body; skin flesh g meat
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1662
fleshhooks g forks flesh pots g pots of meat fleshy g fleshly flower of their age g flower of their life flowers g menstrual flow foe/foes g enemy/enemies folly g evil; foolishness; wickedness foot g base for g because of; in charge of; as; instead of forasmuch as g since; because; for the fact that foremost g first forepart g front part foreship g bow for ever g forever for evermore g forever (left as “forevermore” in many of the psalms) form of his visage g his facial expression forth g out; down; in for that g since; because for the building g to build it for their sakes g because of them forthwith g immediately forward g beyond; willing; earnest forwardness g earnestness; willingness for which cause g for this reason fountain g flow of blood four and twentieth g twenty-fourth fourfold g four times over fourscore g eighty foursquare g square frankly g freely fray g frighten fret g decayed fretting g decaying from g by; beyond; from off from the face of from this day and upward g from this day forward froward g perverse; hostile fulfil g fulfill
fuller g launderer fulness g fullness further g farther (when referring to physical distance); support gain g profit gainsayers g those who contradict gainsaying g opposition galley g boat garlick g garlic garner g storehouse gatherings g collections gay g fine gazingstock g spectacle gier eagle g carrion vulture gift g bribe gifts g tribute; bribes gin g snare; trap girdle g belt girt g girded glede g buzzard God-ward g Godward; toward God (the) going down of the sun g sunset going g marching going(s) g steps; behavior; actions; procession goings out g places of departure; end going up of the wall g ascent of the wall gold in gold/silver in silver g pure gold/pure silver good g upright (in some cases) goodliness g loveliness goodly/goodliest g fine; good-quality; good-looking; beautiful; handsome; best; mighty; majestic; valuable goodly to look to g good-looking goodman g master good speed g success governor g master; pilot; ruler grant g permission grapegatherers g grape gatherers grave (adj.) g dignified; sober; serious
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1663
graven image g carved image graves which appear not g unmarked graves graving(s) g engraving(s); inscription gravity g dignity great g big (in) great diseases g (in) great sickness greater part g greater portion great estate g greatness great things g many things great toe g big toe greyheaded g gray-headed grief g trouble grievousness g oppression grisled g gray-colored; spotted gross g thick guestchamber g guest room guile g deceit habergeon g coat of mail habitations g dwellings; homes haft g hilt hail stones g hailstones hallowed g sanctified; holy halt g lame halting g faltering hand breadth g handbreadth hand of g direction of; leadership of; through handmaid g handmaiden haply g by chance; perhaps hard g close; near; harsh; heavily hard by g next to; at hardly g harshly; with difficulty hardness g hardship harness g armor harnessed g armed for battle harrows of iron g iron picks hart g deer; stag haste g hurry; urgency hasty g in a hurry hasty of spirit g quick-tempered haunt g hideout; frequent havock g great destruction heads g leaders heady g reckless
heart g sense hearth of fire g fireplace heathen (the heathen) g the nations; the Gentiles (the) heaven g the sky heavy laden g heavy-laden hell fire g hellfire helve g handle hence g from here; away henceforth g from now on; hereafter henceforward g from now on herbs g vegetables; vegetation; plant; grass hereafter g after this (be hereafter g happen after this) hereafter for ever g ever again hereby g by this herein g in this; here is heretofore g up until now; before this hereunto g to this her that is with child g a pregnant woman hewer g cutter hewers g who quarry stone hewers of wood g woodcutters hid g hidden high g haughty; exalted high arm g uplifted arm higher g taller; upper higher powers g authority highest room g place of honor high gate g upper gate high hand (with a high hand) g boldly high look g haughty look highminded g proud; haughty highness g exaltation hind g deer hinder g rear; back hindermost g last hindmost g last; farthest back hire g wages hireling g hired hand hither g here hitherto g up to this point; until
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now; this far hoar/hoary g white; gray hoarfrost g frost hoary head g gray head ho, ho g O!; Oh! hold g prison; stronghold holden g held; upheld; restrained holyday g holy day honest g honorable honest report g honest reputation honour g honor horseleach g leech hosen g trousers host g army; camp (left as “host” when referring to a group of angels) householder g landowner house top g housetop howbeit g although; however; nevertheless howsoever g however; whatever the case hungerbitten g starved hungred (an hungred) g hungry hurt g harm; detriment; trouble; wrong; injury husbandman g farmer; tenant; vinedresser husbandry g field; the soil; farming if so be g if indeed ignominy g dishonor ill savour g stink image g statue imaginations g plans; intentions imagination which they go about g how they are inclined to behave importunity g persistence impotent g feeble impotent folk g sick people in g among in all g in everything in any case g certainly inasmuch as g since; because in a strait g in trouble; in a tension
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in building g being built; under construction incensed g angry in circuit g on a circuit incontinency g lack of self-control incontinent g without self-control increase g interest; produce; crops; harvest indignation g wrath in due season g at the proper time infamy g shame infidel g unbeliever infirmities g weaknesses infirmity g sickness; weakness iniquity g guilt; wickedness injurious g violent in one reckoning g in one accounting in regard of g in regard to in safeguard g safe in some sort g about some things insomuch g to such a degree or extent; so in sport g joking instant g insistent; persistent; ready instantly g earnestly instructer g instructor instruments g equipment intents g intentions in the day that g at the time when in the ears of g in the hearing of in the stead of g instead of; in place of in this thing g in this matter inventions g schemes; plans; deeds in very deed g indeed inward g inner inward friends g close friends inward part g inside inwards g entrails isle g island; region; coastland issue g discharge; offspring
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1665
issues g springs; escapes jealous g zealous Jews’ speech g Jews’ language joined hard to g next door to joinings g joints judgment g justice just persons g righteous people keepers g guards; door keepers kept his bed g bedridden kid g young goat kin g relative(s) kindred g family; relatives kine g cows; cattle kinsfolks g relatives; close friends kinsmen g relatives; countrymen knit g tied; united knop g knob labour g labor lad g boy lading g cargo; loading lancets g spears lapped g drank lappeth g drinks lasciviousness g lewdness last end g final end; future league g agreement; treaty leanfleshed g lean; thin leasing g deceit; lies lees g dregs levy g collect; conscript; laborers liberal g generous; noble liberality g generosity; gift licence g opportunity; permission liers in wait g ambush; men in ambush lifted up g proud light g easy; simple lightened g radiant; illuminated lightness g carelessness lightly g carelessly; with neglect lightningsgflashes of lightning lign aloes g lign-aloes like g similar; the same; equal like as g just as; like like manner g same likeminded g like-minded
like unto g similar to; like line g cord; measuring line little space g short moment lively g living living g wealth; livelihood lo g behold; look locks g hair lofty g proud long g eternal long continuance g long lasting longsuffering g long-suffering look g appearance looking for g expectation looking glass g mirror loosed g released; removed; untied; set free lord g master; owner lordly g noble lot g allotted territory; allotment lovingkindness g loving-kindness low place g lowly place lowring g overcast lucre g gain; profit lunatick g insane lurking places g hiding places lusty g fit mad g insane mad man g insane person madness g rage (but left unchanged when meaning “insanity”) magnifical g magnificent maid g virgin; young woman maiden g young woman; maidservant maintenance g nourishment; support malefactor g criminal malignity g bad character mammon g riches man child g male child maneh g mina manifest g plain; clear; evident; known manifestation g evidence; revealing
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1666
manifested g clearly revealed; made known manifold g many; many different manifold more g many times more manner g kind; behavior; custom; way; ordinance manner of the kingdom g manner of kings mantle g blanket; cloak mark g observe, take note; target mart g marketplace marvellous g astonishing masteries g competitions; victories masters g teachers mastery g victory; control; self-control matter g cause; reason matrix g womb maw g stomach me g myself (when appropriate; e.g., I laid me/myself down…) meal g flour mean g insignificant; obscure; common meat g food; grain; scraps; fruit (when referring to produce of trees) meat offering g grain offering meet g suitable; fitting; proper members g parts of your body (but left unchanged when referring to Christians as members of the body of Christ) memorial g name; memory men children g male children menpleasers g men pleasers merchandise g business; profit mess g portion meteyard g length; measurement midst g middle; inside milch g milk mind g will; consent mine g my (as in “Mine hand” to “My hand”) mingled g mixed minister g assistant; supply
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ministration g service; ministry minstrel g musician mire g mud mirth g joy miry g wet mischief g injury; harm; evil; trouble mischiefs g evil; misfortunes mischievous g evil mitre g turban mixt g mixed moisture g strength molten g cast (of bronze or other metal) money g property; price moneychangers g money changers more g longer (no more g no longer); again (no more g never again); larger; greater more part g majority more perfectly g more thoroughly more stout g larger morter g mortar most g very mote g speck motheaten g moth-eaten motions g passions mount g earthwork; siege mound mouth g testimony moveable g unstable much g very (much bold g very bold); freely; greatly; often much set by g held in high esteem; highly valued much speaking g many words multitude g number munition g stronghold murrain g pestilence musick g music my flesh g my own people napkin g handkerchief; cloth natural force g strength naught g bad; worthless naughtiness g wickedness naughty g bad; evil
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1667
naves g hubs (of wheels) nay g no necessity of g needs of needful g necessary; required; needed neighbour g neighbor neither g nor (when not followed by “nor” within the same sentence) nether g lower next g under night season g nighttime nigh unto g near nitre g lye noisome g dangerous; harmful none g no one; no (e.g., of none effect g of no effect) none abiding g no one remaining none else g no other; no one noonday g midday noontide g noontime nothing wavering g without wavering notice g promise notwithstanding g despite; however; although; only that in nought g nothing; naught; no reason; worthlessness novice g new convert oblation g offering; sacrifice occasion g reason; opportunity; accusation odious g repulsive; hated odours g incense of g by (spoken of/by the apostles); among of g from (taken nothing of/by the Gentiles) of a fair countenance g had a handsome/beautiful face of a truth g truly off g above offence g offense; stumbling block office g function; task; service of late g lately; recently oft g often often g frequent
oftentimes g often of which g of this; that oil tree g olive tree oliveyards g olive groves; olive yards on g in on a smoke g covered with smoke on a time g once one g the same one and twentieth g twenty-first one of the same place g someone from there one that pisseth against a wall g urinates against a wall one to another g to one another one toward another g toward one another on heaps g in ruins only g alone; however, except on the morrow g tomorrow; on the next day; on the next morning on this behalf g in this matter open vision g widespread visions oracle g sanctuary; inner sanctuary oracles g words (of God) orderings g ordering ospray g osprey ossifrage g bearded vulture otherwise than g contrary to ouches g settings (for precious stones) ought g anything outgoings g borders; outer limits outlandish g foreign outmost g outermost out of g beyond; from out of course g shaken out of hand g without delay out of the way g wayward over against g on the other side of; next to; near; across from; just as overmuch g too much; overly overpast g passed over overplus g surplus
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ox goad g oxgoad paddle g spade palsy g paralytic; paralysis; paralyzed (taken with a palsy g paralyzed) paps g chest; breasts parched g roasted parlour g parlor particularly g specifically parts g region pastors g shepherds pate g head patrimony g inheritance pattern of g plans for peaceable g peaceful peaceably g in peace peculiar g special pedigree g ancestry pennyworth g denarii worth penury g poverty peradventure g perhaps perdition g destruction (left unchanged in John 17:12 and 1 Timothy 6:9) perfect g mature; innocent; pure; committed to (with a) perfect heart g wholeheartedly performance g fulfillment pernicious g ruinous person of the old g elderly perverting g corrupting; perversion pestilent g troublesome pictures g carved images piss g urine pitiful g compassionate place g site plain g made manifest plaister g plaster plat g property platted g woven pleasure g favor; desire; will plenteous g abundant plenteousness g plenty plenty g abundance plummet g plumb line
1668
poll g trim; cut off possessions g lands pommels g bowls (part of the capitals) porter g doorkeeper; gatekeeper possession(s) g lands; property post g courier posterity g descendants potsherd g earthenware; piece of pottery pottage g stew power/powers g authority/ authorities; ability; forces pransings g galloping presbytery g council of elders present g offering press g crowd pressfat g winepress prey g plunder price g proceeds; wages pricks g barbs; goads principal g leader privily g secretly privy member g male organ profiting g progress profound to make slaughter g deep in slaughter progenitors g ancestors prognosticators g foretellers proper good g treasure provender g (animal) feed provocation g rebellion pruninghooks g pruning hooks psaltery g stringed instrument; lyre publican g tax collector publickly g publicly pulse g seeds; vegetables pure g innocent purtenance g entrails putrifying g putrefying putting away g divorce put to the worse g defeated pygarg g antelope quails g quail (no “s,” singular or plural) quarrel g grudge quarter(s) g region(s); corner(s)
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The SKJV Revision Process
1669
quick g living; alive quiet g at peace quietness g peace quit g conduct; free (as in acquitted) quite g completely railer g reviler railing g reviling raiment g clothing; covering ranges g ranks (rows of soldiers) rank g ripe ranks g rows rate g fixed rate rather g even more ravening g greed ravin g (captured) prey; torn remnants ravished with g enraptured by ready g prepared; willing; skilled (of a ready mind g willingly) ready armed g armed and ready reason g pleasing; agreeable; cause; right reasoning g argument; disputing receipt of custom g tax booth recompence g recompense reconciliation g atonement record g witness refuse g worthless (adj.) register g registration reins g minds; loins; kidneys; inmost being release g holiday, loose remainder g remnant remembrance g reminder remnant g residue, rest rent g rope; tore repentance g compassion repenting(s) g compassion(s) report g fame reproach g shame reprobate g one who is condemned for failing a test; disqualified; unapproved reproof g rebuke; correction reputation g regard rereward g rear guard
resemblance g appearance residue g rest; remainder; remnant respect of persons/respect persons g favoritism; partiality/show partiality rests g ledges revellings g carousing revenger g avenger reverend g revered revilings g abusive speech; insults revolters g rebels reward g bribe(s); repay ribband g cord rie g rye; spelt right g justice; rights; very; rightly righteousnesses g righteous acts right on g straight ahead ringstraked g striped riotous g wasteful; gluttonous rising g swelling (the) rising of the morning g dawn road g raid roe/roebuck g gazelle roll g scroll room g place round about g surrounding; all around; around round compass g circular form rovers g raiders rude g unskilled rumour g rumor running issue g discharge rush g papyrus; reed sackbut g lyre salutation g greeting sardine g sardius serjeants g officers satisfaction g ransom save g spare saving g except; excepting Saviour/saviour g Savior/savior savour g taste; savor; fragrance; smell sawn asunder g sawed in two scall g scale scant g small sceptre g scepter
*Simplifed-KJV-LargePrint.indb 1669
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1670
science g knowledge scourge g whip scrip g small bag; satchel sea coast g seacoast sea shore g seashore sea side g seaside season g time; while seat g throne secrets g genitals seditions g rebellions seed g offspring; child; children; descendants seed royal g royal family seeing g since; because seemly g proper; fitting selfsame g the very same sense g meaning sentence g judgment sepulchre g burial place (left unchanged when meaning “tomb”) servitor g attendant setter forth g proclaimer settle g ledge several/ severally g separate/ separately shadow g shade (in some context) shambles g meat market shamefacedness g reverence share g plowshare sheepcote g sheepfold sheepmaster g sheep breeder sherd g shard shew g show; appearance; false display shewbread g showbread shipmen g sailors shittah tree g acacia tree shivers g pieces shod g provided with shoes (be shod with sandals g to wear sandals); fitted shoelatchet g shoe strap shoutings g shouts shewing g showing sick of love g sick with love sick to the death g sick and near
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death sides g recesses similitude g form; likeness; image similitudes g images single g healthy sitting g seating situation g location sixscore g one hundred and twenty skin g leather skirt g garment; edge of a garment slackness g slowness sleight g deception slime g pitch slimepits g slime pits slothfulness g laziness slow bellies g lazy gluttons sluices g channels small dust g fine dust smith g blacksmith; metalworker smitten g defeated; stricken sober minded g sober-minded sobriety g self-control sockets g bases (Song of Solomon 5:15) sodden g boiled sodering g soldering sodomite g male temple/cult prostitute softly g quietly solemnity g ceremony so many more as g as many as sometime/some time g formerly somewhat g something; anything song g singing soon angry g quickly angered soothsaying g fortune- telling sop g piece of bread sore g greatly; severely (adv.); severe (adj.); disease; plague; affliction (n.) sorry g sorrowful sort g way sounding g resounding soundness g health space g time specially g especially
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1671
speech g conversation spicery g spices spirit g breath; Spirit spittle g saliva spoil g plunder spoiler g destroyer spot g blemish; stain springing g growth stablished g established stalled g fattened state g condition; position stave(s) g staff(s); pole(s); stick(s); club(s) stay g support stays g armrests stead g place; behalf stedfastly g steadfastly stiffnecked g stiff-necked stink g stench stirs g noise stock g family; family member; (tree) stump; block of wood stomacher g fine clothing stone of the corner g cornerstone stonequarers g those who quarry stone stones g testicles; thighs (wounded in the stones g emasculated) stopped g closed store g supply; produce; abundance store to g supply stories g upper rooms stout g strong straightway g immediately strait g narrow; narrow place; distress; trouble straitly g strictly; tightly straitness g hardship; distress [in] straits g in distress strakes g stripes strange/stranger g foreign/ foreigner; visitor; another; illegitimate; adulterous; immoral stretched-out g outstretched stricken in g advanced in (years)
striker g a violent person stripes g lashes (with a whip); beatings; wounds stripling g youth stroke g assault; blow strong meat g solid food stuff g belongings; goods subject g obedient; submissive subjection g submission substance g possessions; wealth subtil g clever; subtle subtilly g craftily subtilty g deceit; good judgment subverting g ruin succour g helper such a one as yourself g like you such as g those who; that such like g similar; such things such things as g what such sort as it was written g in which it was written suckling g nursing child sufficient unto g enough for suit g lawsuit sum g count; summary sunder g pieces sunrising g sunrise superfluity g abundance (superfluity of naughtiness g abundant wickedness) superscription g inscription supper time g suppertime suppliants g worshippers supplications g pleading; prayers sure g secure; certain; steadfast; trustworthy surety g certainty; a pledge (of a surety g certainly/for certain) surfeiting g overindulgence surmisings g suspicions sweet odours g perfumes; sweet odors swellings g arrogance; pride sycamine g mulberry sycomore g sycamore tabernacle g tent tables g tablets (the
*Simplifed-KJV-LargePrint.indb 1671
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The SKJV Revision Process
Ten Commandments) tabret g drum; tambourine taches g clasp tackling g tackle tails g stumps tale g tally; count tares g weeds target g shield tarry g remain; delay; wait; linger taxing g census; registration teats g breasts temperance g self-control temptation g trial; testing terraces g steps terrible g awesome; terrifying testament g covenant testator g one who made a covenant thank offerings g thanksgiving offering thankworthy g commendable that g what; when that g who (he that g he who) that that g that that which g what thence g from there thenceforth g thereafter thereat g there thereby g by it; by this therefrom g from there/that place therein g in it thereof g of it; of the sort thereon g on it thereout g out of it thereto g to it thereunto g to it; to this therewith g with that, with it the same is g that is the thing g it; this they that came forth of his own bowels g some of his own offspring they two g the two of them thing of nought g worthless this day g today thither g there
*Simplifed-KJV-LargePrint.indb 1672
1672
thitherward g toward there; there thongs g straps thousand thousand g one million threatenings g threats threshingfloor g threshing floor thrice g three times through g with thunderings g thunder thus g this thus and thus g such and such; this is what tidings g news (but no change to “glad tidings”) till g until tillage g cultivated land timbrel g tambourine time past g previously times that went over g events that times that came over time to come g the future tire g turban to and fro g back and forth together round about g altogether token g sign; evidence tongue g language to the end that g so that to the intent g in order that; so that to this end g for this purpose touching g concerning tow g yarn; a wick toward g favorable toward tower of the watchmen g watchtower to wife g as a wife to wit g namely; for example; that is to say train g entourage travail g hardship; task treasures g treasuries tree g wood trespass g guilt tributaries g forced laborers tributary g subject tribute g tax; forced labor (serve under tribute g serve as forced
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The SKJV Revision Process
1673
laborers) troubled g anxious trucebreakers g truce breakers trump g trumpet trusty g those who are trusted turtle g turtledove twain g two; second twined g woven two and two g two by two twoedged g two-edged unawares g unintentionally; unexpectedly unblameably g blamelessly uncertainly g uncertainty uncomely g improperly; unpresentable uncondemned g without a trial uncorruptness g incorruptness unction g anointing under feet g underfoot undersetters g supports under the hands of g under the direction of under the mountain g at the foot of the mountain under thine hand g have at hand unfeigned g sincere unicorn g wild ox unlearned g ignorant unmoveable g immovable unshod g bare (barefooted) untaken away g unremoved until g before untimely birth g stillborn child unto g to; near upon g on; over; against upon advisement g were advised upon this g just then; on this uppermost g best usury g interest utmost g farthest utter g outer; absolute; say utterance g words; speech uttermost g farthest; last; outskirts (to the uttermost g at last)
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vail g veil vain g useless; worthless; empty; deceitful vainglory g boastfulness; pride vain jangling g meaningless talk vain shew g shadow vale g valley valiantest g most courageous vanity g a breath; lies; dishonesty; deception; idol (left unchanged when meaning worthless or useless) vanities g idols vapour g vapor variableness g variation variance g dissension vein g mine verily g truly; certainly verity g truth very age g old age very much g very many vessel g container vestry g wardrobe vesture g garment; clothing vexation g affliction; trouble; troubling victuals g provisions villany g villainy; wickedness vine tree g grapevine vintage g grape gathering viols g strings; stringed instruments virtue g power visitation g care; punishment voice g sound; statement void g empty want g need; lack wanting g lacking; needing; missing ward g custody; confinement; guard; service; division; duty; post ware g wares; goods warfare g war waste g desolate wasted g destroyed; ruined; devastated
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1674
wasteness g destruction waster g destroyer watch g guard; command; shift; station; guard post watchings g sleepless nights waterflood g floodwater way g road wayfaring man g traveler way side g wayside wealth g well-being weapon g tool weary g exhausted; tired web g fabric of the loom well g good well favored g well-favored wellpleasing g well pleasing well reported of g well spoken of wench g maidservant what is man the better g what is man’s advantage whatsoever g whatever what there is present g whatever you have what thing soever g whatever what time g when wheaten g wheat wheel g whirling dust whelp g cub whence g (from) where; why whereabout g on which whereas g although; while; just as whereby g how; by which wherefore g for that reason; for what reason; therefore; why? wherein g in which; in this whereof g of what, which, whom; (something) of which whereon g on which wheresoever g wherever whereto g to which; to what whereunto g to which; to what; toward what end (or toward this end); for this whereupon g because of this wherewith g with which; by which; with what; how
whether g which; if while g time whilst g while whit g bit whited g whitewashed with all safety g securely withs g bowstrings whither g where whithersoever g wherever whole g healed; healthy whomsoever g whomever whore g prostitute whoredom g prostitution whoremonger g fornicator whorish woman g prostitute whoso g whoever whosoever g whoever wife of thy (his) bosom g wife you love/wife he loves wiles g schemes wilily g deceitfully will g self-willed willing hearted g willing in their hearts wimple g cloak winebibber g drunkard wines on the lees g aged wine wise (in any wise) g in any way; certainly wise hearted g wisehearted withal g with that; moreover withholden g withheld within g inside within your locks g within your hair without g outside; external; beyond without repentance g irrevocable without weight g too heavy to weigh with shame of face g shamefacedly wizards g spiritists women children g girls wonderful g astonishing wood g woods (when meaning “forest”)
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1675
woollen g woolen work g workmanship workfellow g fellow worker worship g honor worthiesgworthy men wrath g anger (“wrath” kept when describing God) wreathen g intertwined wreathen work g latticework wroth g angry; wrathful (“wrath” used when describing God;
“angry” for other uses) wrought g crafted; made; ornamental; performed yea g yes; indeed yet g still; further; even; another (but kept as “yet” when meaning “but”) yesternight g last night yokefellow g companion; partner yonder g over there yourselves together g one another
Make forms of names consistent with contemporary usage: Abana g Abanah Aram g Ram Abel-beth-maachah g Arbah g Kiriath-arba Arimathaea g Arimathea Abel-beth-maacah Abia g Abijah Arphad g Arpad Abiah g Abijah Aruboth g Arubboth Abi-ezer g Abiezer Asahiah g Asaiah Accho g Acco Asareel g Asarel Aceldama g Akeldama Asarelah g Asharelah Achaz g Ahaz Aser g Asher Achsa g Achsah Ashchenaz g Ashkenaz Ader g Eder Ashdothites g Ashdodites Adoni-zedec g Adoni-zedek Ashriel g Asriel Adria g Adriatic Sea Ashur g Ashhur Agar g Hagar Askelon g Ashkelon Ahasai g Ahzai Asnapper g Osnapper Ahiah g Ahijah Asshur g Assyria Ahijah g Ahiah Assur g Assyria Aholah g Oholah Ataroth g Atroth Aholibah g Oholibah Ataroth-adar g Ataroth-addar Aholibamah g Oholibamah Ava g Avva Ahuzam g Ahuzzam Avims g Avim Ajalon (valley of) g Aijalon (Valley Avites g Avvites Azarael g Azarel of) Alameth g Alemeth Azareel g Azarel Altaschith g Al-tashheth Azariah g Azaryahu (2 Chron. 21:2) Amashai g Amashsai Azem g Ezem Aminadab g Amminadab Azur g Azzur AmpliasAmpliatus Azzah g Gaza Amram g Hemdan Baalim g the Baals Anethothite g Anathothite Baalpeor g Baal of Peor Anetothite g Anathothite Bajith g the temple Antothite g Anathothite Balac g Balak Appii forum g Forum of Appias Barachias g Berechiah Arabian g Arab Barjesus g Bar-Jesus
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1676
Barjona g Bar-Jonah Barsabas g Barsabbas Bashan-havoth-jair g Havvoth-jair Bashemath g Basemath Basmath g Basemath Bath-sheba g Bathsheba Bavai g Bavvai Beautiful gate g Beautiful Gate Beesh-terah g Be-eshterah Benammi g Ben-ammi Berachah g Beracah Berachiah g Berechiah Berith g El-berith Bethabara g Bethany Beth-aram g Beth-haram Beth-birei g Beth-biri Beth-haccerem g Beth-haccherem Beth-hogla g Beth-hoglah Bethlehemjudah g Bethlehem in Judah Beth-maachah g Beth-maacah Beth-palat g Beth-pelet Beth-phelet g Beth-pelet Bezaleel g Bezalel Birzavith g Birzaith book of Jasher g Book of Jasher book of Moses g Book of Moses book of the cov enant g Book of the Covenant book of the law g Book of the Law (of Moses) Booz g Boaz Boscath g Bozkath Bosor g Beor branch of the Lord g Branch of the Lord broad wall g Broad Wall brook of Kison g brook of Kishon brook of the willows g Brook of the Willows Cab g Kab Cain g Kain (city, Josh. 15:57) Caleb-ephratah g Caleb-ephrathah Canaanitish g Canaanite Cananite g Canaanite
Caphthorim g Caphtorim Careah g Kareah Carcas g Carkas Chalcol g Calcol Chaldaeans g Chaldeans Chaldees g Chaldeans Chanaan g Canaan Charchemish g Carchemish Charran g Haran Chelluh g Cheluhi Chephar-haammonai g Chephar-ammoni Chisleu g Chislev Chittim g Cyprus Chozeba g Cozeba Christs g christs Chun g Cun Cinneroth g Chinneroth Cis g Kish Cleophas g Clopas Cononiah g Conaniah Coos g Cos Core g Korah corner gate g Corner Gate Coz g Koz Crete(s) g Cretan(s) Cushi g Cushite Cyrenius g Quirinius Dabareh g Daberath Dalaiah g Delaiah damascenes g Damascenes (the) day g the Day (of judgment); “the Day” but “the day of judgment” day of atonement g Day of Atonement day of unleavened bread g day of Unleavened Bread Dedanim g Dedanites Dodanim g Rodanim Dodavah g Dodavahu dragon well g Dragon Well dung port g Dung Gate Ebronah g Abronah Edar g Eder Eladah g Eleadah El-beth-el g El-bethel
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1677
Eliadah g Eliada Eliah g Elijah Elias g Elijah Elihoenai g Eliehoenai Elioenai g Eliehoenai Eliphalet g Eliphelet Elipheleh g Eliphelehu Elisabeth g Elizabeth Eliseus g Elisha Elmodam g Elmadam Elpalet g Elpelet Emims g Emim Emmanuel g Immanuel Emmor g Hamor Enos g Enosh Ephraim g Ephron Ephratah g Ephrathah Ephrathite g Ephraimite Esaias g Isaiah Eshkalonites g Ashkelonites Eshtaulites g Eshtaolites Esrom g Hezron Euodias g Euodia Ezar g Ezer Ezekias g Hezekiah Ezion-gaber g Ezion-geber Ezra g Ezrah fair havens g Fair Havens feast of tabernacles g Feast of Tabernacles feast of the dedication g Feast of the Dedication feast of unleavened bread g Feast of Unleavened Bread field of blood g Field of Blood fish gate g Fish Gate Gaba g Geba Galilaeans g Galileans Gammadims g Gammadim Gat g Gath gate Miphkad g Miphkad Gate gate of Benjamin g Gate of Benjamin gate of Ephraim g Gate of Ephraim gate of the foundation g Gate of the Foundation
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gate of the fountain g Fountain Gate gate of the valley g Valley Gate Gazathites g Gazites Gazer g Gezer Gedeon g Gideon Gesham g Geshan Gezrites g Girzites Giblites g Gebalites Ginnetho g Ginnethoi Girgasite g Girgashite Gispa g Gishpa Gittah-hepher g Gath-hepher Gommorha g Gommorah great sea g Great Sea great Zidon g Great Sidon Grecians g Greeks Habaiah g Hobaiah Habaziniah g Habazziniah Hachaliah g Hacaliah Hadarezer g Hadadezer Hagarenes g Hagrites Hagarites g Hagrites Haggeri g Hagri Hai g Ai Halohesh g Hallohesh Hamuel g Hammuel Hanameel g Hanamel Hananeel g Hananel Haniel g Hanniel Hareth g Hereth Harosheth of the Gentiles g Harosheth-hagoyim Hasenuah g Hassenuah Hashabniah g Hashabneiah Hashbadana g Hashbaddanah Hashub g Hasshub Hashupha g Hasupha Hatach g Hathach Havoth-jair g Havvoth-jair Hazelelponi g Hazzelelponi Heber g Eber Hebron g Ebron Hege g Hegai Hemath g Hammath; Hamath Henoch g Enoch
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The SKJV Revision Process
1678
Henoch g Hanoch Hephzi-bah g Hephzibah Hermas g Hermes Hermes g Hermas Hezeki g Hizki Hezrai g Hezro Hiddekel g Tigris high God g Most High God Hizkiah g Hezekiah Hodaiah g Hodaviah Hodijah g Hodiah Holiest of all g Holiest of All Holy Ghost g Holy Spirit holy place g Holy Place Horim g Horites horse gate g Horse Gate Hoshea g Joshua (Deut. 32:44) Hothan g Hotham house of Eden g Beth-eden house of Millo g Beth-millo house of the forest of Lebanon g House of the Forest of Lebanon Idumea g Edom Igeal g Igal Ijeabarim g Ije-abarim Imla g Imlah (2 Chron. 18:7) Iphedeiah g Iphdeiah Ishijah g Isshijah Ishmeelites g Ishmaelites Ishui g Ishvi Ismaiah g Ishmaiah Ispah g Ishpah Isuah g Ishvah Ittah-kazin g Eth-kazin Ituraea g Iturea Ivah g Ivvah Izeharites g Izharites Jaalam g Jalam Jaanai g Janai Jaasau g Jaasu Jaazer g Jazer Jachan g Jacan Jadau g Jaddai JAH g YAH Jahazah g Jahaz Jahaziah g Jahzeiah
Jakan g Jaakan James the less g James the Less Japho g Joppa Jaresiah g Jaareshiah Jasiel g Jaasiel Jeaterai g Jeatherai Jebusi g Jebus Jecholiah g Jecoliah Jechonias g Jeconiah Jehaleleel g Jehallelel Jehalelel g Jehallelel Jehezekel g Jehezkel Jehiel g Jeiel Jehoadah g Jehoaddah Jehoaddan g Jehoaddin Jehoiada g Joiada Jehonathan g Jonathan Jehoshaphat g Joshaphat Jehoshua g Joshua Jehoshuah g Joshua Jehush g Jeush Jephthae g Jephthah Jemima g Jemimah Jered g Jared Jerimoth g Jeremoth Jerub-besheth g Jerubbesheth Jesaiah g Jeshaiah Jeshuah g Jeshua Jesiah g Isshiah Jesurun g Jeshurun Jesus g Joshua Jewess g Jew; Jewish Jewry g Judea Jezliah g Izliah Jezoar g Zohar Jibsam g Ibsam Joanna g Joanan Joatham g Jotham Johanan g Jehohanan Jokneam g Jokmeam Jona g John Jonan g Jonam Jonathelemrechokim g Jonath Elem Rechokim Jorkoam g Jorkeam Josabad g Jozabad Josaphat g Jehoshaphat
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The SKJV Revision Process
1679
Jose g Joshua Josedech g Jehozadak Joses g Joseph Josias g Josiah Josibiah g Joshibiah Jotbath g Jotbathah Jozachar g Jozacar jubile g Jubilee Juda g Judah Judaea g Judea Judas g Judah Kenezite g Kenizzite Kezia g Keziah King’s Dale g King’s Valley king’s high way g King’s Highway king’s pool g King’s Pool Kir-haraseth g Kir-hareseth Kir-haresh g Kir-hareseth Kirioth g Kerioth Kirjathaim g Kiriathaim Kirjath-arba g Kiriath-arba Kirjath-baal g Kiriath-baal Kirjath-huzoth g Kiriath-huzoth Kirjath-jearim g Kiriath-jearim Kirjath-sannah g Kiriath-sannah Kirjath-sepher g Kiriath-sepher Kishon g Kishion (only in Josh. 21:28) Kore g Korah Korhites g Korahites Koz g Hakkoz Laadan g Ladan Lahmam g Lahmas Laish g Laishah Lakum g Lakkum law g Law (when referring to the law of Moses/Pentateuch) law and the prophets g Law and the Prophets lawgiver g Lawgiver (God) leviathan g Leviathan Lord of sabaoth g Lord of Sabaoth Lord’s day g Lord’s Day Lord’s table g Lord’s Table Lubims g Lubim (2 Chron. 12:3) Lucas g Luke
Maachah g Maacah Maachathite g Maacathite Maaleh-acrabbim g Maaleh-akrabbim Maaseiah g Mahseiah (Jer. 32:12; 51:59) Maasiai g Maasai Machbanai g Machbannai Madian g Midian Mahalah g Mahlah Mahalaleel g Mahalalel Mahali g Mahli Malcham g Malcam Malchiah g Malchijah Maleleel g Mahalalel Manahethites g Manahathites Manasses g Manasseh Marcus g Mark Mars’ hill g Mars’ Hill Mathusala g Methuselah Mattathah g Mattattah Median g Mede Mehetabeel g Mehetabel Mehunim g Meunim Mehunims g Meunites Mekonah g Meconah Melchiah g Malchijah Melchisedec g Melchizedek Melchi-shua g Malchi-shua Melicu g Malluchi Melita g Malta Menan g Menna Mesech g Meshech Meshezabeel g Meshezabel Mesobaite g Mezobaite Messias g Messiah Methusael g Methushael Miamin g Mijamin Micha g Mica Michah g Micah Michaiah g Micaiah Michmethah g Michmethath Midianitish g Midianite Miletum g Miletus Mirma g Mirmah Misheal g Mishal Mithcah g Mithkah
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The SKJV Revision Process
1680
Mizpeh g Mizpah Mizpar g Mispar (the) Morasthite g of Moresheth Mosera g Moserah most high (God) g Most High (God) most holy house g Most Holy Place most holy (place) g Most Holy (Place) mount Abarim g Mount Abarim mount Ephraim g Mount Ephraim mount Gilead g Mount Gilead mount Hor g Mount Hor mount of Olives g Mount of Olives mount Olivet g Mount of Olives mount Seir g Mount Seir mount Shapher g Mount Shepher mount Sinai g Mount Sinai mount Tabor g Mount Tabor Muthlabben g Muth-labben Naarath g Naarah Naashon g Nahshon Naasson g Nahshon Nachon g Nacon Nachor g Nahor Nagge g Naggai Nahari g Naharai Naum g Nahum Nebuchadrezzar g Nebuchadnezzar Nebuzar-adan g Nebuzaradan Necho g Neco Nephish g Naphish Nephthalim g Naphtali Nephishesim g Nephushesim Nephusim g Nephisim Nethaneel g Nethanel Nethinims g Nethinim Netophathi g the Netophathites new moon g New Moon Nicolaitanes g Nicolaitans Nico-polis g Nicopolis No g Thebes Noe g Noah Non g Nun Noph g Memphis of Huram my father’s g Huram-abi
old gate g Old Gate Osee g Hosea Oshea g Hoshea Ozias g Uzziah Palestina g Philistia Pashur g Pashhur passover g Passover Pergamos g Pergamum Peulthai g Peullethai Phalec g Peleg Phallu g Pallu Phalti g Palti Phaltiel g Paltiel Pharaoh-nechoh g Pharaoh Neco Phares g Perez Pharez g Perez Pharosh g Parosh Pharzites g Perezites Phaseah g Paseah Phebe g Phoebe Phenice g Phoenicia (“Phoenix,” Acts 27:12) Philistim g Philistines Phurah g Purah Phut g Put Phuvah g Puvah Phygellus g Phygelus Piliha g Pilha Pison g Pishon Pispah g Pispa Pochereth of Zebaim g Pochereth-hazzebaim porch of judgment g Porch of Judgment portion of Jacob g Portion of Jacob preacher g Preacher prison gate g Prison Gate Pua g Puvah Puhites g Puthites queen of the south g queen of the South Rachal g Racal Ragau g Reu Raguel g Reuel Rahel g Rachel
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The SKJV Revision Process
1681
Ramath g Ramah Ramoth g Jeremoth Rapha g Raphah Reaia g Reaiah Rechah g Recah Remmon g Rimmon Remmon-methoar g Rimmon-methoar Remphan g Rephan Rephaims g Rephaim Rezia g Rizia Rimmon-parez g Rimmon-perez Riphath g Diphath river of Jordan g Jordan River rocks of the wild goats g Rocks of the Wild Goats sabbath g Sabbath (but “sabbath rest” when referring to the land) Roboam g Rehoboam Sabtecha g Sabteca Sadoc g Zadok Sala g Shelah Salathiel g Shealtiel Salcah g Salecah Salchah g Salecah Salmon g Zalmon salt sea g Salt Sea Samothracia g Samothrace Sara g Sarah Sarah g Serah Sarepta g Zarephath Saron g Sharon Saruch g Serug sea g Sea (when referring to the cast metal “Sea” in the temple) sea of Chinnereth g Sea of Chinnereth sea of Chinneroth g Sea of Chinnereth sea of Tiberias g Sea of Tiberias Sechu g Secu Seirath g Seirah Selah g Sela Sem g Shem Senuah g Hassenuah Shachia g Sachia Shage g Shagee
Shalim g Shaalim Shallun g Shallum Shamer g Shemer Shammariah g Shemmariah Shammuah g Shammua Shechaniah g Shecaniah sheep gate g Sheep Gate Shelomith g Shelomoth Shemidah g Shemida Shemuel g Samuel Shenazar g Shenazzar Shenir g Senir Shephathiah g Shephatiah shepherd g Shepherd (when referring to Jesus) Sherah g Sheerah Sheth g Seth Shethar-boznai g Shethar-bozenai Shihon g Shion Shiloni g the Shilonite Shimeah g Shimei Shimhi g Shimei Shimma g Shimea Shochoh g Socoh Shoco g Soco Shuah g Shua Shuah g Shuhah Shulamite g Shulammite Shushan g Susa Sibbechai g Sibbecai Sichem g Shechem Sihor g Shihor Siloah g Shelah Silvanus g Silas Simri g Shimri Sina g Sinai Sisamai g Sismai Socho g Soco Sochoh g Socoh Solomon’s porch g Solomon’s Porch Son of man g Son of Man (when referring to Jesus) sons of thunder g Sons of Thunder Sophereth g Hassophereth Stoicks g Stoics
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1682
Suchathites g Sucathites Sukkiims g Sukkiim Sychem g Shechem Syriack g Aramaic Syria-damascus g Syria of Damascus Syria-maachah g Syria-maacah Syrophenician g Syrophoenician Tabeal g Tabeel Tabrimon g Tabrimmon Tachmonite g Tahchemonite Tahapanes g Tahpanhes Tamah g Temah Tarah g Terah Tartan g the Tartan Tatnai g Tattenai Tekoah g Tekoa Tel-harsa g Tel-harsha ten commandments g Ten Commandments Thamah g Temah Thamar g Tamar Thara g Terah Tharshish g Tarshish Thelasar g Telassar Thimnathah g Timnah Tiglath-pilneser g Tiglath-pileser Tikvath g Tokhath Timnah g Timna Timnath g Timnah Timotheus g Timothy Tirshatha g governor Tophet g Topheth tower of Hananeel g Tower of Hananel tower of Meah g Tower of Meah tower of the furnaces g Tower of the Furnaces Tryphena g Tryphaena Tyrus g Tyre Urbane g Urbanus Urias g Uriah Urijah g Uriah Uzza g Uzzah (only in 2 Sam. 6:3, 6, 7, 8; 1 Chron. 6:29; 13:7, 9, 10, 11) Uzzen-sherah g Uzzen-sheerah Vajezatha g Vaizatha
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valley of craftsmen g Valley of Craftsmen valley of Eshcol g Valley of Eshcol valley of Jericho g Valley of Jericho valley of salt g Valley of Salt valley of slaughter g Valley of Slaughter valley of the son/children of Hinnom g Valley of the Son of Hinnom valley of vision g Valley of Vision water gate g Water Gate the way g the Way Zabulon g Zebulun Zacchur g Zaccur Zachariah g Zechariah Zacharias g Zechariah Zacher g Zecher Zamzummims g Zamzummim Zara g Zerah Zarah g Zerah Zareah g Zorah Zareathites g Zorathites Zared g Zered Zareth-shahar g Zereth-shahar Zarhites g Zerahites Zartanah g Zarethan Zarthan g Zarethan Zatthu g Zattu Zavan g Zaavan Zeboim g Zeboiim (only in Gen. 14:2, 8; 10:19; Deut. 29:23; Hos. 11:8) Zebudah g Zebidah Zebulon/Zebulonite g Zebulun/ Zebulunite Zelah g Zela Zelotes g the Zealot Zemira g Zemirah Zeredathah g Zeredah Zererath g Zererah Zidkijah g Zedekiah Zidon g Sidon Zidonians g Sidonians Zif g Ziv
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Zilthai g Zillethai Ziphims g Ziphites Zoba g Zobah
Zoreah g Zorah Zorobabel g Zerubbabel Zuzims g Zuzim
Allow for minor changes to sentence structure, to conform to contemporary style. Examples: all her/his desire g all she/he therefore came I forth g this is desired why I came a (fifth) part of g one-(fifth) there is none abiding g no one Be not afraid g Don’t be afraid endures hast thou g do you have they that g those who hast thou not g haven’t you they were not of double hear ye g hear heart g their hearts were hewed them out g cut out undivided know not g do not know thus and thus have I done g this is on this manner spake . . . g this is what I have done thus saith the Lord g this is what what . . . said said I g I said the Lord says said they g did they say what seest thou g what do you saith one to another g said to one see whom I know not whence they another say not g don’t say be g whose origins I do not know seek my life, to take it why gaddest g why do you go away g seek to take my life them that g those who
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DICTIONARY / CONCORDANCE Aaron: Son of Amram and Jochebed, and elder brother of Moses and Miriam (Num. 26:59); the spokesman of Moses (Exod. 4:14); mouthpiece and encourager of Moses before the Lord and the people of Israel, and in the court of Pharaoh (Exod. 4:30); miracle worker of the Exodus (Exod. 7:19); consecrated to the priesthood by Moses (Exod. 29); death of (Num. 20:22–29). Abba: Chaldaic form of Hebrew Ab. Applied to God (Mark 14:36; Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:6). Abed-nego: Name given by the prince of Chaldean eunuchs to Azariah, one of the three friends and fellow captives at Babylon of Daniel (Dan. 1:7). He refused to bow to the golden image of Nebuchadnezzar and was condemned to the fiery furnace, from which he miraculously escaped (Dan. 3). Abel: Second son of Adam and Eve. A keeper of sheep, and murdered by his brother Cain (Gen. 4:2–8). See also Heb. 11:4; 1 John 3:12; Matt. 23:35. Abigail: Wife of Nabal of Carmel, and afterward of David. Noted for her beauty and wisdom (1 Sam. 25:3, 14–44). Abimelech: A line of Philistine kings, like the Pharaohs and Caesars of other nations. Kings of Gerar (Gen. 20; 21; 26:1). Abomination: A hateful or detest-
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able thing (Gen. 46:34); used as to animals and acts (Lev. 11:13); to idolatry (2 Kings 23:13; Jer. 44:4); to sins in general (Isa. 66:3). Abraham/Abram: Son of Terah, a dweller in Ur of the Chaldeans (Gen. 11:25–32). Founder of the Jewish nation. Migrated from Chaldea to Haran. Moved then to Canaan, to Egypt, and back to Canaan, where he settled amid the oak groves of Mamre. There confirmed in the thrice repeated promise that his descendants should become a mighty nation, and his name changed from Abram to Abraham. Died, at the age of 175 years, and was buried in the tomb of Machpelah (Gen. 11–25). Absalom: A son of David (2 Sam. 3:3); killed his brother Amnon (2 Sam. 13); conspired to usurp his father’s throne (2 Sam. 14–17); defeated and slain (2 Sam. 18). Achan: The Judahite who was stoned to death for concealing the spoils of Jericho (Josh. 7:16–26). Adam: 1. The first man, created by God on the sixth day and placed in the Garden of Eden. Tempted to eat of the forbidden fruit, fell under God’s disfavor, and driven out of the garden subject to the curse of sorrow and toil. Died at the age of 930 years (Gen. 1–5). 2. A city of Reuben, on the Jordan (Josh. 3:16). Adonai: The Hebrews spoke this word where the word Jehovah occurred.
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Adoption: Receiving a stranger into one’s family as an own child thereof (Exod. 2:10; Esther 2:7). Figuratively, reception into the family of God (Rom. 8:15–17; Gal. 4:5; Eph. 1:5). Adoration: The act of paying homage to God; as in bending the knee, raising hands, inclining head, prostrating the body, etc. (Gen. 17:3; Ps. 95:6; Matt. 28:9). Adultery: Under Hebrew law, the crime of unchastity, wherein a man, married or single, had illicit intercourse with a married or betrothed woman, not his wife. Punished by fire (Gen. 38:24) and by stoning (Deut. 22:22–24). Advocate: In N.T., a helper, intercessor, or comforter. Jews did not have advocates, or attorneys, until after the Roman conquest (John 14:16; 15:26; 16:7; Acts 24:1); Christ as our (1 John 2:1). Agate: A species of precious quartz; second stone in the third row of the high priest’s breastplate (Exod. 28:19; 39:12; Isa. 54:12; Ezek. 27:16). Agrippa: See Herod. Ahab: Seventh king of Israel (1 Kings 16:29). He married Jezebel of Tyre, who introduced the worship of Baal and Astarte; slain by a chance arrow (1 Kings 18–22; 2 Chron. 18). Ai: An ancient city of Canaan (Gen. 12:8); captured and destroyed by Joshua (Josh. 7:3–5; 9:3; 10:1; 12:9). Alabaster: A whitish mineral susceptible of easy carving and fine polish, much used by ancients for vases, ointment boxes, sculptures, etc. (Matt. 26:7; Mark 14:3; Luke 7:37). Alexandria: The Grecian, Roman, and Christian capital of Egypt, founded by Alexander the Great in 332 BC. Conspicuous in early church histo-
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ry as a Christian center (Acts 18:24; 27:6; 28:11). Alpha: First letter of the Greek alphabet. Used with omega, the last letter, to express beginning and end (Isa. 41:4; 44:6; Rev. 1:8; 1:11; 21:6; 22:13). Altar: Altars could be simple memorial piles (Gen. 12:7); others were used to lay sacrifices upon (Gen. 8:20; Exod. 17:15–16; 27:1–8). Ambassador: A person chosen by one government to represent it at the seat of another (Num. 20:14; Josh. 9:4; Judg. 11:17–19); ministers called ambassadors of Christ (2 Cor. 5:20). Amen: A final word used to fix the stamp of truth upon an assertion (Num. 5:22; Deut. 27:15; Matt. 6:13; 1 Cor. 14:16). Amethyst: A purplish quartz, ranking among the precious stones and forming the third stone in the third row of the high priest’s breastplate (Exod. 28:19; 39:12). Amos: One of the lesser prophets. Lived during reigns of Uzziah and Jeroboam II (Amos 1:1–7; 7:14–15). His book is the thirtieth of the O.T. It rebukes the sins of Israel and closes with God’s promise. Ananias: 1. The doubtful convert whose tragic ending is narrated in Acts 5:1–11. 2. A Jewish disciple at Damascus (Acts 9:10–27; 22:12). 3. A high priest, AD 48 (Acts 23:2–5; 24:1). Andrew: An apostle of Christ (Matt. 4:18; Mark 13:3; John 6:6–13; 12:22); brother of Simon Peter, native of Bethsaida, and fisherman. Original disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35–40). Angel: A messenger (2 Sam. 2:5; Luke 7:24). In a spiritual sense, a messenger of God (Gen. 24:7; Heb. 1:14). Anise: A plant of the parsley family, producing aromatic seeds used
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in medicine and cooking, and with which tithes were paid (Matt. 23:23). Anna: A prophetess at Jerusalem (Luke 2:36). Anoint: To pour oil or ointment on a person for a specific purpose, a common practice in the East (Gen. 28:18); a mark of respect (Luke 7:46); or of induction to a priestly office (Lev. 6:20); or to kingly office (1 Sam. 9:16); or as an act of healing (Mark 6:13). Antichrist: Applied to those who hold heretical opinions of the incarnation (1 John 2:18; 4:3; 2 John 7). Antioch: 1. Capital of the Greek kings of Syria, on the Orontes. First Gentile church founded there, and disciples first called Christians there (Acts 11:19–21, 26). 2. A city of Pisidia (Acts 13:14). Starting point of the persecutions that followed Paul all through Asia Minor (Acts 14). Apostle: Official name of the twelve disciples. As to power and names, see Matt. 10:1–42; John 16:13. In a broad sense, anyone commissioned to preach the gospel (2 Cor. 8:23; Phil. 2:25); term applied to Christ (Heb. 3:1). Aquila: A Jewish convert of Pontus, and valuable assistant to Paul (Acts 18:2; 1 Cor. 16:19; Rom. 16:3). Archangel: Chief angel (1 Thess. 4:16; Jude 9). Areopagus: A rocky hill near the center of Athens, where the court of justice sat (Acts 17:19–34). Ark: 1. The vessel in which Noah and his family were saved (Gen. 6–8). 2. A little boat of rushes (Exod. 2:3). Ark of the Covenant: Built by God’s direction (Exod. 25). A chest of shittim wood for tabernacle use, 3 ft., 9 in. long by 2 ft. 3 in. wide and high, lined and covered with gold, whose lid was the mercy seat, on either end of
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which were cherubim. Golden rings were on the sides, through which poles passed for carrying. Captured by Philistines (1 Sam. 4:10–11); returned to Kiriath-jearim and brought then by David to Jerusalem (2 Sam. 6; 1 Chron. 15:25, 28); placed in temple by Solomon (2 Chron. 5:2–10). Asp: The hooded venomous serpent known as the African cobra (Job 20:14–16; Isa. 11:8; Rom. 3:13). Assyria: That ancient empire on the Tigris whose capital was Nineveh (Gen. 2:14; 10:11–22). Assyrian kings frequently invaded Israel (2 Kings 15:19; 16:7–9; 2 Chron. 28:20). Assyria was overthrown by the Medes and Babylonians in 625 BC, after an existence of 1,200 years. Athens: Capital of Attica and chief seat of Grecian learning and civilization. Paul preached on its Areopagus or Mars’ Hill (Acts 17:19–22) and founded a church there. Atonement: The expiation of sin and propitiation of God by the incarnation, life, suffering, and death of Christ. Day of atonement, and annual day of Hebrew fasting and humiliation (Exod. 30:16; Lev. 16; 23:27–32). Avenge/Avenger: Exaction of just satisfaction (Luke 18:8; 1 Thess. 4:6); “Avenger of blood” was the pursuer of a slayer to avenge the blood of the slain. He must be a relative of the dead one (Deut. 19:12). Baal: 1. Supreme male god of Phoenicians and Canaanites, worshipped with self-torture and human offerings (Judg. 2:11; Isa. 46:1; Jer. 19:5). Even housetops were temples (2 Kings 23:12). Hebrews infected with the worship (Num. 22:41; Deut. 4:16). Became the court religion (1 Kings 16:31–33). 2. Grandson of Saul (1 Chron. 8:30). Baalam: Son of Beor (Deut. 23:4). A
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man of note and given to prophecy. Slain in battle by the Hebrews (Num. 22–24, 31; Rev. 2:14). Babel, Tower of: The brick structure, built in the plain of Shinar, and intended to prevent the very confusion and dispersion it brought about (Gen. 11:4–9). Babylon: Capital city of the Babylonian empires. Situated on both sides of the Euphrates, 200 miles above its junction with the Tigris (Gen. 10:10; Isa. 14:1–3; Jer. 51:58). Once the capital of Assyria (2 Chron. 33:11). Reached height of its splendor and strength under Nebuchadnezzar (Isa. 13:19; Jer. 51:41). Chief home of the captive Jews. Captured by Cyrus the Persian, through his leader Darius in 539 BC, as prophesied (Jer. 51:31, 39). Balances: Used among the ancients for weighing gold and silver, and in traffic (Lev. 19:36; Hosea 12:7; Mic. 6:11). Balm: The balm of Gilead, or Mecca balsam, exudes an agreeable balsamic resin, highly prized in the East as an unguent and cosmetic, as the crushed leaves were for their odor (Gen. 37:25; 43:11; Jer. 8:22; 46:11; Ezek. 27:17). Banner: A simple device, elevated on a pole, bearing some emblem to distinguish the tribes and army divisions (Num. 1:52; Song of Sol. 2:4; Isa. 13:2; 18:3). Baptism: The ordinance commanded by Christ (Matt. 28:19), in which water is used to initiate the recipient into the Christian Church. Christ did not baptize (John 4:2); John’s baptism with water, Christ’s “with the Holy Spirit and with fire” (Matt. 3:1–12; Luke 3:16); Jesus baptized by John (Matt. 3:13–17). Barabbas: The prisoner at Jerusalem
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when Christ was condemned (Matt. 27:16–18; Mark 15:7; Luke 23:18; John 18:40). Barnabas: Joseph, a convert of Cyprus and companion of Paul (Acts 4:36; 9:27; 11:25–26; 15:22–39). Bartholomew: One of the twelve apostles (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14; Acts 1:13). Perhaps Nathanael in John 1:45. Bartimaeus: A blind beggar of Jericho (Mark 10:46–52). Baruch: 1. Jeremiah’s friend, helper, and fellow prisoner (Jer. 36:4–32; 32:12; 43:3–7). 2. Nehemiah’s assistant (Neh. 3:20). Bath: A Jewish liquid measure, varying from 4 3/4 to 6 1/2 gallons. Bathsheba: Wife of David and mother of Solomon (2 Sam. 11; 1 Kings 1:15; 2:13–22; 1 Chron. 3:5). Beer-sheba: An old place in southern Palestine; so named by Abraham (Gen. 21:31–33); or Isaac (Gen. 26:32–33). Belshazzar: Last king of Babylon; ruling at the time of the great feast and handwriting on the wall, 539 BC (Dan. 5). Belteshazzar: Name given to Daniel by Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 1:7). Benjamin: Youngest of Jacob’s children. First named Ben-oni, afterward Benjamin (Gen. 35:16–18). Beloved by Jacob (Gen. 42); visited Egypt (Gen. 43); tribe distinguished as Jacob prophesied (Gen. 49:27). Beryl: The first stone in the fourth row of a high priest’s breastplate (Exod. 28:20). Bethany: A village on the slope of Olivet close to Bethphage (Matt. 21:17; Mark 11; Luke 19:29; John 11:18). Bethesda: A pool near the Sheep Gate, Jerusalem (John 5:2). Bethlehem: 1. A town of Palestine, six
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miles south of Jerusalem. First called Ephrath or Ephrathah (Gen. 35:16– 19; 48:7); called Bethlehem in Judah after the conquest (Judg. 17:7). Home of Naomi (Ruth 1:19); birthplace of David (1 Sam. 17:12); birthplace of Christ (Matt. 2:1–2; Luke 2:15–18). 2. A town in Zebulun (Josh. 19:15). Betroth: To engage to marry. A betrothed woman was regarded as the lawful wife of her spouse, and he could not break off the match without a divorce, while she, if unfaithful, would be considered an adulteress (Deut. 28:30; Hosea 2:19–20). Beulah: The land of Israel when the Jewish Church is again in its true relation to God (Isa. 62:4). Bildad: The Shuhite friend of Job (Job 2:11; 8, 18, 25). Birthright: Among Jews, the firstborn son enjoyed the right of consecration (Exod. 22:29); great dignity (Gen. 49:3); a double portion of the paternal estate (Deut. 21:17); right to royal succession (2 Chron. 21:3). Bishop: Overseer; an officer of the apostolic church, identical with presbyter, or elder (Acts 20:17–18; 1 Thess. 5:12; 1 Tim. 3:1–13, 17; Titus 1:5–8; James 5:14; 1 Pet. 5). Blasphemy: Speaking evil of God (Lev. 24:11; Ps. 74:18; Matt. 12:32; Col. 3:8); and of royalty (1 Kings 21:10). Punishable by death (Lev. 24:11–14). Boaz: 1. The Bethlehemite who married Ruth. (Ruth 1–4; Matt. 1:5). 2. A brazen pillar in the porch of Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 7:21; 2 Chron. 3:17). Bosom: To lean on; implied great intimacy (John 13:23). Figuratively, Paradise (Luke 16:23; 23:43). Bread: Common foodstuff (Gen. 18:5–6; Exod. 12:34; Jer. 7:18). Made of wheat, barley, rye, fitches, and
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spelt, in loaves or rolls, leavened or unleavened; the kneading being in troughs, bowls, or on flat plates, and the baking in portable ovens of earthenware, or upon heated stones, or on the coals. Breastplate: Worn by the high priest (Exod. 28:15); embroidered, some 10 inches square; its upper corners fastened with gold or lace to the ephod, its lower to the girdle (Exod. 28:28); adorned with twelve precious stones (Exod. 28:12–29). Buckler: The small, round shield used to catch blows (Ps. 18:2, 30; 91:4; Prov. 2:7). Bulrush: Papyrus, from which paper was made (Exod. 2:3–5; Job 8:11). Burnt offering: An offering which was wholly consumed by fire (Lev. 8; 9; 14; 29). Cabins: Cells in a dungeon (Jer. 37:16). Caesar: With Julius Caesar and Augustus Caesar a surname, but with the latter it became an official title and remained so until the death of Nero. In Luke 2:1, Augustus Caesar is meant; in Luke 3:1, Tiberius Caesar; in Acts 11:28, Claudius Caesar; in Acts 25:8 and Phil. 4:22, Nero. Caesarea: Political capital of Palestine, on the Mediterranean, and official residence of Herodian kings and Roman procurators; home of Philip and Cornelius (Acts 8:40; 10; 11:1– 18). Caesarea Philippi: A city of Galilee marking the northern limit of Christ’s pilgrimage, and probable scene of the transfiguration (Matt. 16:13–20; 17:1–10; Mark 8:27). Caiaphas: Appointed high priest by Valerius, and reappointed by Pontius Pilate; AD 27–36. Deposed by Vitellius (Matt. 26:3–57; John 11:49– 51; 18:13–28; Acts 4:6).
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Cain: Eldest son of Adam (Gen. 4). Calamus: Identified with the lemongrass or sweet flag (Exod. 30:23; Song of Sol. 4:14; Ezek. 27:19). “Sweet cane” (Isa. 43:24; Jer. 6:20). Caleb: 1. Son of Hezron (1 Chron. 2:18–19, 42). 2. Son of Jephunneh, and spy of Judah (Num. 13:6; Josh. 14–15). 3. Son of Hur (1 Chron. 2:50). 4. Caleb’s district (1 Sam. 30:14). Calvary: Latin for Greek Kranion, “skull,” (referring to shape, and Hebrew Golgotha). Spot of crucifixion, in Luke 23:33. Cana: A town of Galilee, seven miles north of Nazareth (John 2:1–11; 4:46; 21:2). Canaan: 1. Fourth son of Ham (Gen. 10:6–19; 1 Chron. 1:8–13). 2. The country between the Mediterranean and Jordan, given by God to the Israelites (Exod. 6:4; Lev. 25:38). “Holy Land” after the captivity (Zech. 2:13). Palestine, from Philistia. Cankerworm: A variety of caterpillar. But in Joel 1:4; 2:25; Nah. 3:15–16, probably an underdeveloped locust. Canon: Word indicating “rule,” first applied to the scriptures by Amphilochius about AD 380 (Gal. 6:16; Phil. 3:16). O.T. canon fixed by the Jews, and accepted by Christ and his times. N.T. canon ratified by third council of Carthage AD 397. Canticles: Latinized title of the Song of Solomon. Capernaum: A city on the northwest shore of the sea of Galilee. Chief residence of Christ and His apostles (Matt. 4:12–16; Mark 2:1; Luke 7:1–5; John 6:17). Captain: 1. Title for a leader of a band of ten, fifty, hundred, or thousand (Deut. 1:15; Josh. 10:24; Judg. 11:6, 11). 2. Civic meanings: “Captain of the guard,” commander of the Praetorian troop of Rome (Acts
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28:16), “captain of the temple,” chief of the temple watchmen (Acts 4:1). Captivity: Six partial captivities mentioned in Judges. Israel had several (2 Kings 15:29; 1 Chron. 5:26), the final one being that by Shalmaneser, 721 BC (2 Kings 17:6). Judah was captive to Assyria, 713 BC, and finally to Nebuchadnezzar, 606–562 BC. Last captivity was to Rome (AD 71). Carbuncle: A gem of deep red color (Isa. 54:12). A stone in the high priest’s breastplate (Exod. 28:17; 39:10). Carmel: 1. The promontory that forms the bay of Acre (1 Kings 18; 2 Kings 2:25; 4:25; Isa. 33:9; 35:2). 2. A city of Judah (1 Sam. 15:12; 25:2–44; 2 Chron. 26:10). Cedar: A cone-bearing tree whose reddish fragrant wood was much prized (1 Kings 7:2; Ps. 92:12; Song of Sol. 5:15; Isa. 2:13; Ezek. 31:6). Censer: A small, portable vessel of copper (Num. 16:39; Lev. 16:12) or gold (1 Kings 7:50; Heb. 9:4), for carrying the coals on which incense was burned. Census: Several different censuses are noted in the O.T. (Exod. 38:26; Num. 1:2; 26; 2 Sam. 24:9; 1 Kings 12:21; 2 Chron. 2:17–18; 2 Chron. 13:3; 14; 25:5–6; 26:13; Ezra 2:64; 8:1–14). The census in Luke 2:1–3 was for taxation. Centurion: A Roman officer who had command of about a hundred soldiers (Matt. 8:5; Mark 15:39; Luke 7:1–10; Acts 10:1). Cephas: Name given to Peter by Jesus (John 1:42). Chaff: Separated from grain by throwing all into the air from sheets, or forks, with the wind carrying it away (Ps. 1:4; Isa. 17:13; Hosea 13:3; Zeph. 2:2). Chancellor: A keeper of the king’s seal (Ezra. 4:8).
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Cherith: The place where Elijah was fed by ravens (1 Kings 17:3–5). Cherub/Cherubim: Guards of Paradise (Gen. 3:24); and the mercy seat (Exod. 25:18). On the latter, wrought in wood or gold (Exod. 36:5; 37:7–9). Of immense size in Solomon’s temple (1 Kings 6:27); in heaven, four-winged and four-faced (Ezek. 1:6; 10:14; Rev. 4:8). Chief priest: See High priest. Christ: The Anointed; the Messiah (Matt. 16:16; Mark 8:29; John 4:25; Rom. 10:4; Phil 2:11). A title of Jesus, the Savior: at first with the article, “The Christ;” later, as part of a proper name, “Jesus Christ.” Christian: Follower of Christ. First so called at Antioch, Syria, AD 43 (Acts 11:26; 26:28). Chronicles: Thirteenth and fourteenth of O.T. books. Originally one book called Paralipomena, “things omitted.” A supplement to Kings, compiled by Ezra. The history covers a period of 3,500 years. Church: A congregation of religious worshippers (Acts 7:38; Mat. 16:18). Visible (Acts 2; Col. 1:24). Invisible (Heb. 12:23). Circumcision: Cutting off the foreskin. A rite, performed on males on the eighth day after birth (Gen. 17; Exod. 7:44; Lev. 12:3; John 7:22). Antagonized by Christianity (Acts 15; Gal. 5:2). Clasp: Hooks of gold or copper for connecting the tabernacle curtains (Exod. 26:6, 11). Cleopas: One of the two disciples to whom Christ appeared after His resurrection (Luke 24:18). Colosse: A city in Phrygia. Paul wrote to the church there (Col. 1:2). Comforter: Defender and helper. Applied to the Holy Spirit and Christ
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(John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7). Communion: Mutual love, confidence, and fellowship (1 Cor. 10:16; 2 Cor. 13:14; 1 John 1:3). The Lord’s Supper called the “Holy Communion.” Concubine: In the Jewish economy, a secondary wife, betrothed according to custom (Gen. 21:14; 25:6; Exod. 21:7). Concubinage repudiated in N.T. (Matt. 19:4–9; 1 Cor. 7:2–4). Coney: A small, rabbit-like animal (Lev. 11:5; Deut. 14:7; Prov. 30:26). Consecrate: Together sacred. The tribe of Levi consecrated to the priesthood (Exod. 32:28–29). Consecrate vessels (Josh. 6:19); profits (Mic. 4:13); fields (Lev. 27:28); cattle (2 Chron. 29:33); persons (Num. 6:9– 13); nations (Exod. 19:6). Convocation: The “congregation,” when called in a purely religious capacity (Exod. 12:16; Lev. 23:2; Num. 28:18). Corinth: Anciently Ephrya; capital of Achaia. Destroyed by Rome in 146 BC. Rebuilt by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, as a Roman colony. Paul founded a church there (Acts 18:1; 20:2–3). Cornelius: A Roman centurion and the first Gentile convert (Acts 10:1– 33). Council: In N.T., 1. The Sanhedrim (Matt. 26:59). 2. Lesser courts (Matt. 10:17; Mark 13:9). 3. A jury of councilors (Acts 25:12). Covenant: Ratified by eating together, oaths, witnesses, or gifts (Gen. 9:15; 15). Covenant of the law through Moses (Exod. 20); of the gospel through Christ (Gal. 3; Heb. 8). Covet: Rightful desire, good (1 Cor. 12:31); wrongful desire, sinful (Exod. 20:17; Prov. 28:16; Luke 12:15–34; 1 Tim. 6:9–10).
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Crete: One of the largest islands in the Grecian archipelago. Paul founded a church there in charge of Titus (Acts 2:11; 27:1–12; Titus 1:5–13). Cross: A gibbet of wood of various forms (Deut. 21:23; Gal. 3:13). The instrument used in the death of Jesus (John 19:17–18). Now a sacred emblem. Crucify/Crucifixion: A method of death punishment by fixing to a cross (Phil. 2:8; Esther 7:10). Limbs sometimes were broken to hasten death (John 19:31). Burial was denied (Deut. 21:22–23), but an exception was allowed in Christ’s case (Matt. 27:58). Cubit: Distance from the elbow to the end of the middle finger, or about 21.8 inches (Gen. 6:15; 1 Sam. 17:4). Cyprus: A large island in northeast angle of the Mediterranean. Christianity introduced quite early (Acts 11:19); birthplace of Barnabas (Acts 4:36); Paul visited it (Acts 13:4–13). Dagon: National male idol of the Philistines (1 Chron. 10:10). Noted temples at Ashdod (1 Sam. 5:1–7) and Gaza (Judg. 16:21–23). Represented with human heads and face and a fish’s body. Damascus: A city of Asia, 133 miles northeast of Jerusalem (Gen. 14:15; 15:2). Adjacent region called “Syria of Damascus” (2 Sam. 8:6). Taken by David (2 Sam. 8:6); and by Jeroboam (2 Kings 14:28). Scene of Paul’s conversion (Acts 9:1–27; 22:1–16). Dan: Fifth son of Jacob (Gen. 30:6; 49:16). Allotment of (Josh. 19:40– 46). Portion of the tribe moved north (Josh. 19:47–48; Judg. 18). Daniel: 1. Fourth of the greater prophets. Carried captive to Babylon in 604 BC. Named Belteshazzar (Daniel 1–2); made a governor under Darius (Dan. 6:2). Last vision on the Tigris
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in the third year of Cyrus, 534 BC (Dan. 10:10–4). 2. Second son of David (1 Chron. 3:1). Darius: 1. Darius the Mede (Dan. 5:31; 6; 9:1: 11:1). Captured Bab ylon from Belshazzar in 538 BC. 2. Darius Hystaspes, King of Persia, 521–486 BC. He restored the captive Jews (Ezra 4:5, 24; 6:14–15; Hag. 1:1, 15; Zech. 1:1,7). 3. Darius the Persian (Neh. 12:22). Darius Codomanus, 336–330 BC, last king of Persia. David: Youngest son of Jesse (1 Sam. 16:8–12); born at Bethlehem. Anointed king by Samuel (1 Sam. 16:13). Re-anointed at Hebron (2 Sam. 2:4). United his kingdom and raised it to great strength and splendor. Died at the age of 70 in 1015 BC, after a reign of seven and a half years over Judah and thirty-three years over the entire kingdom of Israel. History told in 1 Sam. 16–1 Kings 2. David, City of: See Jerusalem. Dayspring: Dawn (Luke 1:78). Deacon: A subordinate minister or officer in the early Christian church (Acts 6:1–6). Qualifications of (1 Tim. 3:8–12). Dead Sea: Not so called until the second century. In the O.T., called the salt sea and the sea of the plain. Deborah: 1. Nurse of Rebekah (Gen. 35:8; 24:59). 2. Prophetess and judge (Judg. 4:5–14; 5). Delilah: A woman of Sorek, employed to discover the secret of Samson’s strength (Judg. 16:4–20). Demas: A coworker of Paul (Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:10). Demetrius: 1. A silversmith at Ephesus (Acts 19:24–30). 2. A disciple (3 John 12). Denarius: A Roman silver coin. The “penny” of the N.T. (Matt. 20:2). Derbe: A city of Lycaonia in Asia Minor (Acts 14:20; 20:4).
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Devil: The Hebrew Satan, “adversary” (1 Pet. 5:8). Diamond: Pure crystallized carbon. Third stone in the second row of the high priest’s breastplate (Exod. 28:18; Ezek. 28:13). Diana: A Roman goddess. The Artemis of the Greeks. Her temple at Ephesus regarded as one of the seven wonders of the world (Acts 19:24– 28). Didymus: Surname of Thomas (John 11:16; 20:24; 21:2). Disciple: Follower of Christ (Matt. 10:24); of John (Matt. 9:14). Applied specially to the twelve (Matt. 10:1; 11:1; 20:17). Dispensation: Weighing out. The authority to preach and teach (1 Cor. 9:17; Eph. 1:10; 3:2; Col. 1:25). Distaff: The staff around which flax was wound for spinning (Prov. 31:19). Dives: A traditional name for the rich man in Luke 16. Divination: In scripture, the false use of means to discover the divine will; by rods (Hosea 4:12); arrows (Ezek. 21:21); cups (Gen. 44:5); the liver (Ezek. 21:21); dreams (Deut. 13:3; Zech. 10:2); consulting oracles (Isa. 41:21–24; 44:7). Faith in divination forbidden (Lev. 19:26). Donkey: A patient beast of burden, and saddle horse for even kings (Gen. 22:3; 1 Chron. 27:30; Job 1:3; Zech. 9:9, Matt. 21:1–9). Dorcas: The woman of Joppa whom Peter raised from the dead (Acts 9:36–42). See Tabitha. Dowry: The consideration paid the father of the bride by the bridegroom (Gen. 29:18; 34:12; 1 Sam. 18:25; Hosea 3:2). Dragon: An animal of the lizard species. Evidently a wild beast, as a jackal (Job 30:29; Isa. 34:13; Ps. 44:19; Jer. 9:11; Mic. 1:8); land serpent
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(Deut. 32:33); devil (Rev. 12:3–17). Dulcimer: The bagpipe (Dan. 3:5– 15). Ebenezer: A memorial stone (1 Sam. 4:1–5). Ebony: A hard, heavy, dark wood, used for ornamental work and musical instruments (Ezek. 27:15). Eden: First residence of man (Gen. 2:15). Site uncertain. Also Paradise. Edom: Called also Idumea and Mount Seir. Name given to Esau, his country and people (Gen. 32:3–19; 33:1–16). It lay to the south of Palestine and Moab. Egypt: Northeastern country of Africa; the Hebrew “Mizraim” (Gen. 10:6) and the “land of Ham” (Ps. 105:23, 27). Bondage place of the Israelites (Exod. 1–14). Noted for the Nile River, rich soil, and gigantic ruins. Ancient religion with the sun as the central object; and attributes of nature in form of trinities. Vast temples and numerous priests. Kings called Pharaohs, who perpetuated their reigns in obelisks, temples, sculptures, sphinxes, pyramids, etc. In intimate commerce with Hebrews (1 Kings 3:1). Conquered Judea (1 Kings 14:25–26). Elder: Highest in tribal authority (Gen. 24:2; Exod. 3:16; 4:29; Num. 22:7). One of the 70 leaders (Num. 11:25) or Sanhedrim (Judg. 2:7; 2 Sam. 17:4; Jer. 29:1). An official in the early Christian church, like a presbyter or bishop (Acts 20:17, 28). Elect: One called to everlasting life; the saved collectively (Matt. 24:22; Mark 13:27; Luke 18:7; Rom. 8:33; Titus 1:1). The “elect lady” (2 John 1) probably refers to the Christian church. Eli: A descendent of Aaron (Lev. 10:12). First of a line of high priests (1 Sam 1:9–17; 2:22–36; 3:1–14);
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and judge of Israel for forty years (4:14–18). Line extinguished (1 Kings 2:26–27). Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani: The Lord’s cry upon the cross (Matt. 27:46; Mark 15:34; Ps. 22:1). Elijah: A Tishbite of Gilead; appears suddenly; is fed by ravens; restores the widow’s son (1 Kings 17:1–24); invokes fire on the prophets of Baal (1 Kings 18:17–40); anoints Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha (1 Kings 19); denounces Ahab and Jezebel (1 Kings 21:17–24); is translated in a whirlwind (2 Kings 2); reappears on the mount of Transfiguration (Matt. 17:3; Luke 9:28–35). Elisha: Anointed prophet by Elijah (1 Kings 19:16–21). Prophesied in reigns of Jehoram, Jehu, Jehoahaz, and Joash, a period of sixty years. Life and works in 2 Kings 2–9; 13:14– 21. Elizabeth: Wife of Zechariah and mother of John the Baptist (Luke 1:36–80). Eloi/Elohi/Elohim: God. Eloi is also the Aramaic form of Elijah (Mark 15:34–35). Emerald: A bright green variety of beryl. The emerald of Exod. 28:18; 39:11; Ezek. 27:16; 28:13; Rev. 4:3 is supposedly the carbuncle, a fiery garnet. Emmaus: A village of Palestine, seven and a half miles from Jerusalem (Luke 24:13). Enoch: 1. A son of Cain (Gen. 4:17). 2. Father of Methuselah (Gen. 5:18– 24; Heb. 11:5–13; Jude 14). Ephah: 1. First son of Midian (Gen. 25:4; 1 Chron. 1:33; Isa. 60:6). 2. Caleb’s concubine (1 Chron. 2:46). 3. A Hebrew dry measure, estimated at two and one-third to three and onefourth pecks (Ruth 2:17; Num. 5:15). 4. A Hebrew liquid measure equal to seven and a half gallons.
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Ephesus: Capital of Ionia, on the Aegean Sea. Noted for its commerce, learning, and architecture. Paul visited it (Acts 18:1–20) and founded a church there, to which he addressed one of his letters (Acts 19:1–10; 20:17–38). Ephod: 1. A sleeveless linen garment for priests, covering the breast and back (Exod. 28:4–35; 1 Sam. 22:18), with an onyx clasp at the shoulder, and breastplate at breast, crossing. Worn later by other than priests (1 Chron. 15:27). 2. A Manassite (Num. 34:23). Ephraim: 1. Second son of Joseph (Gen. 41:52). Obtained Jacob’s blessing (Gen. 48:8–20). 2. Site of Absalom’s sheep farm (2 Sam. 13:23). 3. Place to which Christ retired (John 11:54). 4. A gate of Jerusalem (2 Kings 14:13; Neh. 8:16). 5. “Mountains of,” in Ephraim (1 Sam. 1:1). 6. “The woods of,” east of the Jordan (2 Sam. 18:6) Epicureans: A sect of pleasure-loving philosophers at Athens (Acts 17:18). Esau: Eldest son of Isaac and twin brother of Jacob (Gen. 25:25). Called also Edom. Sold his birthright to Jacob (Gen. 25:26–34; 36:1–10). Gave his name, Edom, to a country and to his descendants (Gen. 36). Esther: Persian name of Hadassah, Mordecai’s cousin, who married King Ahasuerus, and saved the lives of her countrymen. Her book, the seventeenth of the O.T., tells her story. Ethiopia: Greek and Roman for Hebrew “Cush.” The unbounded country south of Egypt (Ezek. 29:10); settled by Hamites (Gen. 10:6); merchants (Isa. 45:14; Jer. 13:23; Job 28:19); wealthy (Acts 8:27–37); strong military (2 Chron. 12:3; 14:9–12; 2 Kings 17:4). Eunice: Mother of Timothy (Acts 16:1; 2 Tim. 1:5).
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Eunuch: A castrated male. Eunuchs became court officials (2 Kings 9:32; Esther 2:3; Acts 8:27); could not enter the congregation (Deut. 23:1). A celibate (Matt. 19:12). Euphrates: A great river of western Asia, rising in Armenia and emptying into the Persian Gulf. Boundary of Eden (Gen. 2:14); “great river” (Gen. 15:18; Deut. 1:7); eastern boundary of the promised land (Deut. 11:24; Josh. 1:4); and of David’s conquests (2 Sam. 8:3; 1 Chron. 18:3). Eve: The first woman; made from man and for him (Gen. 2:18–25; 3–4). Exodus: Second book of the Bible and Pentateuch. Written by Moses. Historic from chapters 1–18; legislative from 19 to end. Its history covers the period (about 142 years) of Jewish preparation to leave Egypt, the departure, the desert wanderings, and the arrival at Sinai. Its legislation comprises the giving of the law at Sinai, directions for the priesthood, and the establishment of the tabernacle and its services. Ezekiel: One of the four great prophets; carried captive to Babylon in 598 BC; entered the prophetic calling in the fifth year of his captivity (Ezek. 1:1–3). Chapters 1–24 contain predictions before the fall of Jerusalem, and 25–48 predictions after that event. Chapters 40–48 contain visions of the temple. Ezra: The famous scribe and priest, resident at Babylon, who returned to Jerusalem with his countrymen in 458 BC, where he began instant reforms. He collected and revised the previous O.T. writing and largely settled the O.T. canon. His book, the fifteenth of the O.T., tells the story of the return and the establishment of a new order of things at Jerusalem and in Judea.
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Farthing: Two Roman bronze coins. One (Matt. 5:26; Mark 12:42), worth one-fourth of a cent; the other (Matt. 10:29; Luke 12:6), worth one and one-half cents. Fasts: One legal fast, the Atonement, kept by Jews (Lev. 16:29–34). Special fasts observed (Deut. 9:9; 1 Sam. 7:6; Esther 4:16; Jer. 36:6–10; Jon. 3:5; Matt. 9:14; Mark 2:18; Acts 10:30). Fathom: Space to which a man can extend his arms, about six feet (Acts 27:28). Feasts: Celebrations for joyous events (Gen. 21:8; 29:22; Mark 6:21–22). Numerous religious feasts observed (Exod. 12:16; Lev. 23:21–24; Jude 12). Felix: A procurator of Judea (Acts 23:26). Festus: A procurator of Judea (Acts 24:27). Firkin: A Greek measure equal to Hebrew bath, four to six gallons (John 2:6). Firmament: Overhead expanse (Gen. 1:17). Firstfruits: Offerings and priests’ perquisites (Exod. 34:26; Lev. 2:12; 23:10; Num. 18:12; Deut. 18:3–4). Flood: The deluge of Noah’s day; “the flood” (Gen. 6–8; Matt. 24:37; 2 Pet. 2:5; 3:6). Footstool: A low piece of furniture for resting the feet, used by kings (2 Chron. 9:18). The earth is God’s footstool (1 Chron. 28:2; Ps. 99:5). Frankincense: The yellowish gum used in sacrificial fumigation (Exod. 30:7–9; Lev. 16:12–13; Rev. 8:3). A mixture of gums and spices (Exodus 30:34–38). Frontlets: Phylacteries in Greek. Parchment strips inscribed with texts (Exod. 13:2–17; Deut. 6:4–22); enclosed in calfskin case, worn at prayers on forehead or left arm (Matt. 23:5).
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Furlong: In N.T. for Greek stadium, six hundred feet long (Luke 24:13). Gabbatha: The pavement on which Christ was sentenced (John 19:13). Gabriel: The announcing angel (Dan. 8:16; 9:21; Luke 1:11, 19, 26, 38). Galatia: A central province of Asia Minor, and part of Paul’s missionary field (Acts 16:6; 18:23; 2 Tim. 4:10). Galilee: Originally the circuit containing the twenty towns given by Solomon to Hiram (Josh. 20:7; 1 Kings 9:11; 2 Kings 15:29). In time of Christ, one of the largest provinces of Palestine, in which He spent the greater part of His life and ministry (Luke 13:1; 23:6; John 1:43–47; Acts 1:11). Galilee, Sea of: See Gennesaret. Gall: The fluid secreted by the liver. Bitter (Job 16:13); poison (Job 20:14, 25; Deut. 32:33); probably myrrh in Matt. 27:34 as in Mark 15:23; great troubles (Jer. 8:14; Acts 8:23). Gath: A city in Philistia (Josh. 11:22; 1 Sam. 6:17); home of Goliath (1 Sam. 17:4); refuge of David (1 Sam. 21:10). Gaza: Hebrew Azzah. A city of Philistia (Gen. 10:19); assigned to Judah (Josh. 10:41; 15:47; Judg. 1:18); scene of Samson’s exploits (Judg. 16; 1 Kings 4:24; Acts 8:26). Genesis: First book of the Bible and Pentateuch. Chapters 1–11 give history of creation, Adam, deluge, Noah, first inhabitants, and Babel. Balance devoted to history of the patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph. Covers a period of nearly 2,500 years. Authorship attributed to Moses. Gennesaret: 1. The small crescent country northwest of the sea of Galilee (Matt. 14:34; Mark 6:53). 2. “Sea of Chinnereth” in O.T. (Num. 34:11; Josh. 12:3); and “Sea of Galilee” in N.T.; enlargement of the Jordan River; thirteen miles long, six miles wide,
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seven hundred feet below the bed of the ocean. “Lake of Gennesaret” (Luke 5:1); “sea of Tiberias” (John 6:1); “the sea” (Matt. 4:15). Gentiles: In O.T. sense, all peoples not Jewish (Gen. 14:1; Neh. 5:8). In N.T., Greeks and Romans seem to type Gentiles (Luke 2:32; Acts 26:17–20; Rom. 1:14–16; 9:24). “Isles of the Gentiles” (Gen. 10:5), supposed to embrace Asia Minor and Europe. Gideon: The powerful warrior of Manasseh, and judge of Israel for forty years (Judg. 6–9). Gilead: 1. Mount and Land of Gilead, east of the Jordan (Gen. 31:21–25; Num. 32:1; Josh. 17:6). 2. A mountain near Jezreel (Judg. 7:3). 3. Grandson of Manasseh (Num. 26:29–30). 4. Father of Jephthah (Judg. 11:1–2). Gilgal: First encampment of Israelites west of Jordan (Josh. 4:19–20; 5:9– 10). Became a city and headquarters (Josh. 9:6; 15:7). Saul crowned there (1 Sam. 7:16; 10:8; 11:14–15). Gleaning: Collecting grain in fields by the handful. Field gleanings were reserved for the poor (Lev. 19:9–10; Ruth 2:2). Godhead: The supreme Being in all His nature and attributes (Acts 17:29; Rom. 1:20; Col. 2:9). Golgotha: Hebrew name of the spot where Christ was crucified (Matt. 27:33; Mark 15:22; John 19:17). Goliath: 1. The Philistine giant who defied the army of Israel (1 Sam. 17:4–54). 2. Another Goliath in 2 Sam. 21:19–22. Gomer: 1. Eldest son of Japheth (Gen. 10:2–3; 1 Chron. 1:5–6). 2. Wife of Hosea (Hosea 1:3). Gomorrah: A city of the plain destroyed by fire (Gen. 14:1–11; 18:20; 19:24–28; Deut. 29:23; 32:32; Matt. 10:15; Mark 6:11).
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Greaves: Armor, metallic or leather, to protect the shins from foot to knee (1 Sam. 17:6). Greece/Greeks: The well-known country and its people in southeast Europe; country also called Hellas. “Javan” in O.T. (Gen. 10:2–5; Isa. 66:19; Ezek. 27:13, 19); but direct in Dan. 8:21; 10:20; Joel 3:6; Acts 20:2. Greek the original N.T. language. Habakkuk: A minor prophet during reigns of Jehoiakim and Josiah. His book, thirteenth of the prophetic, denounces Chaldea, and concludes with a striking poem and prayer. Hadassah: Hebrew name of Esther (Esther 2:7). Hades: Place of departed spirits. Greek equivalent of Hebrew sheol, unseen world. Hell in SKJV (Matt. 11:23; 16:18; Acts 2:31; Rev. 1:18). Hagar: 1. Abraham’s concubine (Gen. 16:3); mother of Ishmael (21:9–21). 2. Type of law and bondage (Gal. 4:24–25). Haggai: A minor prophet. His book, fifteenth of the prophetic, exhorts the Jews to crown the work of Zerubbabel. Hall: Court of a high priest’s house (Matt. 27:27; Luke 22:55). Ham: Third son of Noah (Gen. 5:32; 9:22). Father of the Hamitic races (Gen. 10:6). Haman: Prime minister of Ahasuerus (Esther 3:1). Handbreadth: Palm width; about four inches (Exod. 25:25). Hannah: Mother of Samuel (1 Sam. 1–2). Harlot: A prostitute (Gen. 38:15). Harlotry forbidden (Lev. 19:29). Type of idolatry (Isa. 1:21; Ezek. 16). Classed with publicans (Matt. 21:32). Heathen: Non-believer (Matt. 18:17). Heaven: 1. The sky (Gen. 1:1; Matt. 5:18). 2. Abode of God (1 Kings 8:30;
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Dan. 2:28; Matt. 5:45). 3. Paradise (Luke 23:43). Hebrews: “Abram the Hebrew” (Gen. 14:13), that is, eber, the one who had “passed over” the Euphrates, westward. Therefore, “seed” or descendants of Abraham. Among themselves, preferably, Israelites (Gen. 32:28). Jews, i.e., Judahites, Judeans after the captivity. Hebron: Ancient city of Judah, twenty miles south of Jerusalem (Gen. 13:18; Num. 13:22); Arba in Josh. 21:11; Judg. 1:10. Heir: Eldest son became head of tribe or family with largest share or paternal estate; sons of concubines give presents; daughters, a marriage portion (Gen. 21:10, 14; 24:36; 25:6; 31:14; Judg. 11:2). Real estate apportioned (Deut. 21:17; Num. 27:4–11). Hell: Hebrew sheol, translated “grave” (1 Sam. 2:6); “pit” (Num. 16:30); “hell” (Job 11:8) in O.T. In N.T., Hades and Gehenna are translated “hell” (Acts 2:27; Matt. 5:29). Gehenna, or Valley of the Son of Hinnom, alone implies a place of burning or torture. Herod: 1. Herod the Great, tetrarch of Judea, 41 BC; King of Judah 41–4 BC; liberal, yet tyrannical and cruel. Issued murderous edict against children of Bethlehem (Matt. 2:16). 2. Herod Antipas, son of former; tetrarch of Galilee and Perea, 4 BC–AD 39; murderer of John the Baptist (Matt. 14:1; Luke 3:19; 23:7– 15; Acts 13:1). 3. Herod Philip, son of Herod the Great. Married Herodias (Matt. 14:3; Mark 6:17; Luke 3:19). Lived and died in private life. 4. Herod Philip II, son of Herod the Great and tetrarch of Batanea, Ituraea, etc., 4 BC–AD 34 (Luke 3:1). 5. Herod Agrippa I, grandson of Herod the Great; tetrarch of Galilee; king of his grandfather’s realm,
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AD 37–44 (Acts 12:1–19). 6. Herod Agrippa II, son of former and king of consolidated tetrarchies, AD 50–100 (Acts 25:13–27; 26:1–28). Herodias: Granddaughter of Herod the Great. Wife of her uncle Herod Philip and her step-uncle. She requested the head of John the Baptist (Matt. 14:3–6; Mark 6:17; Luke 3:19). Hezekiah: Twelfth king of Judah, 726–698 BC. Noted for abolition of idolatry and powerful resistance to neighboring nations (2 Kings 18–20; 2 Chron. 29–32). High places: Altars, temples, and dedicated places originally on high ground (Gen. 12:8; Judg. 6:25; Isa. 65:7; Jer. 3:6). When the groves and mounts of idolatry overshadowed true worship, “high places” became a reproach. High priest: Chief priest, Aaron being the first. Originally a life office, limited to a line or family. (Exod. 28:1; Lev. 21:10; Num. 3:32; 20:8; Deut. 10:6). Homer: A Hebrew liquid and dry measure, from forty-seven to sixty-four gallons, according to time, and six to eight bushels (Ezek. 45:14). Hophni: Impious son of Eli (1 Sam. 1:3; 2:12–17; 3:11–14; 4:11). Hosanna: “Save, we pray” (Ps. 118:25–26). The cry when Christ entered Jerusalem (Matt. 21:9–15; Mark 11:9–10). Hosea: First of the minor prophets. Prophetic career, 784–725 BC, in Israel. Denounces the idolatries of Israel and Samaria. Hur: 1. The man who helped stay the hands of Moses (Exod. 17:10; 24:14). 2. A king of Midian (Num. 31:8). Hyssop: A bushy herb, of the mint family (Exod. 12:22; Lev. 14:4, 6, 51; 1 Kings 4:33; John 19:29).
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Idol/Idolatry: An object of worship, other than God (Gen. 31:19); idolatry forbidden (Exod. 20:3–4; Deut. 4:16– 19); yet existed largely, especially under the judges and later kings (Judg. 2:10–23; Isa. 57:5–8). Immanuel: Name of the prophetic child (Isa. 7:14); a name for the Messiah, meaning “God with us” (Matt. 1:23). Incense: A mixture of gums, spices, etc. (Exod. 30:34–38), constituted the official incense, burned morning and evening on the altar of incense (Exod. 30:1–10). Used also in idolatrous worship (2 Chron. 34:25; Jer. 11:12–17) and by angels in heaven (Rev. 8:3). Inheritance: See Heir Inn: In the O.T., a halting place for caravans (Gen. 42:27; Exod. 4:24); in the N.T., an inn afforded food and shelter for man and beast (Luke 10:34–35). Iron: 1. City of Naphtali (Josh. 19:38). 2. The metal, along with copper, early known (Gen. 4:22). Prepared in furnaces (1 Kings 8:51); used for tools (Deut. 27:5); weapons (1 Sam. 17:7); implements (2 Sam. 12:31); war chariots (Josh. 17:16). Isaac: Son of Abraham (Gen. 17:17– 22). Second of the patriarchs and father of Jacob and Esau (Gen. 21–35). Isaiah: Son of Amoz (Isa. 1:1) and first of greater prophets. His book, the twenty-third of the O.T., covers sixty years of prophecy (1:1) at Jerusalem. It reproves the sins of the Jews and other nations, and foreshadows the coming of Christ. Called “prince of prophets.” Israel: Name given to Jacob (Gen. 32:28; 35:10); became national (Exod. 3:16); narrowed to northern kingdom after the revolt of the ten tribes from Judah (1 Sam. 11:8; 2 Sam. 20:1;
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1 Kings 12:16) with Shechem as capital (1 Kings 12:25) and Tirzah as royal residence (14:17); afterward, capital at Samaria (16:24). Kingdom lasted 254 years, with 19 kings, 975–721 BC, when it fell a prey to the Assyrians. The returned of Israel blended with those of Judah. Issachar: Fifth son of Jacob by Leah (Gen. 30:17–18). Tribe characteristics foretold (Gen. 49:14–15). Place during march at east of tabernacle (Num. 2:5). Allotment north of Manasseh, from Carmel to the Jordan (Josh. 19:17–23). Ivory: Elephant tooth; much used by Hebrews (1 Kings 10:22; 2 Chron. 9:17–21; Ezek. 27:15). Jabez: Israelite known for his prayer for success (1 Chron. 4:9–10). Jacinth: Zircon, a varicolored gem (Rev. 9:17; 21:20). Jacob: Son of Isaac and second-born twin with Esau (Gen. 25:24–34). Bought Esau’s birthright, fled to Padan-aram, married Rachel and Leah, wandered to Hebron, name changed to Israel, drifted to Egypt, where he died at the age of 147 years (Gen. 25–50). Jadon: Assistant wall builder (Neh. 3:7). Jael: Heber wife; murderess of Sisera (Judg. 4:17–23; 5). James: 1. “The Greater” or “Elder,” son of Zebedee and brother of John (Matt. 4:21–22). A fisherman of Galilee, called to the apostolate about AD 28, and styled Boanerges, a “son of thunder” (Matt. 10:2–3; Mark 3:14–18; Luke 6:12–16; Acts 1:13). Labored at Jerusalem. Beheaded by Herod AD 44. 2. “The Less,” another apostle, son of Alphaeus (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15). 3. Christ’s brother, or more likely cousin, and identical with James the Less (Gal.
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1:19). Compare Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3; Acts 12:17. Resident at Jerusalem and author of the letter of James, written before AD 62 to the scattered Jews, urging good works as the groundwork and evidence of faith. Japheth: Son of Noah (Gen. 5:32; 6:10; 9:27; 10:21). His generations peopled the “isles of the Gentiles,” and type the Indo-European and Caucasian races (Gen. 10:1–5). Jasper: A colored quartz. Last stone in the high priest’s breastplate, and first in new Jerusalem foundation (Exod. 28:20; Rev. 21:19). Jehoshaphat: 1. Father of Jehu (2 Kings 9:2–14). 2. Son and successor of Asa on throne of Judah, 914– 890 BC. A God-fearing king, in close alliance with Israel (1 Kings 15:24; 2 Kings 8:16; 2 Chron. 17–21:1). Jehovah: “He that is.” “I AM” (Exod. 3:14). The self-existent and eternal One. Hebrew word for God, generally rendered “Lord.” Not pronounced; but Adonai, “Lord,” or Elohim, “God,” substituted (Exod. 6:3). Jehovah-jireh: “God will provide.” Abraham’s name for spot where Isaac was offered (Gen. 22:14). Jehovah-nissi: “God my banner.” The altar built in honor of Joshua’s victory over the Amalekites (Exod. 17:15). Jehovah-shalom: “God is peace.” Gideon’s altar in Ophrah (Judg. 6:24). Jeremiah: 1. Second of greater prophets. His prophecies cover reigns of Josiah, Jehoiakim, and Zed ekiah, 628–586 BC, and constitute the twenty- fourth O.T. book. Life one of vicissitude. Prophecies noted for boldness and beauty, and chiefly denunciative of Judah and her policy. Withdrew to Egypt, probably where he died. 2. Seven others in O.T. (2 Kings 23:31; 1 Chron. 12:4–
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13; 5:24; Neh. 10:2; 12:1, 12, 34; Jer. 35:3). Mentioned in N.T. in Matt. 2:17; 16:14; 27:9. Jericho: Ancient city of Canaan, five miles west of the Jordan and eighteen from Jerusalem. Strongly fortified, and conquered by Joshua; fell to Benjamin (Deut. 34:3; Num. 22:1; Josh. 6; 1 Kings 16:34; Matt. 20:29; Mark 10:46). Jeroboam: 1. First king of Israel after the division, 975–954 BC. Plotter for Solomon’s throne (1 Kings 11:26–40); fled to Egypt; returned on death of Solomon; set up kingdom of ten tribes; established idolatry; warred with Judah; defeated by Abijah; soon after dies (1 Kings 12–14; 2 Chron. 10–13). 2. Jeroboam II, thirteenth king of Israel; successor to Joash. Reigned in 825–784 BC. Idolatrous, but mighty and illustrious. Raised Israel to greatest splendor (2 Kings 14:23–29; 15:8–9; Amos 1; 2:6–16). Jerusalem: Capital of Hebrew monarchy and of kingdom of Judah, twenty-four miles west of Jordan and thirty-seven east of the Mediterranean. “Salem” (Ps. 76:2); “Jebus” (Judg. 19:10–11). “City of David,” Zion (1 Kings 8:1; 2 Kings 14:20). “City of Judah” (2 Chron. 25:28). “City of God” (Ps. 46:4). “City of the great King” (Ps. 48:2); “the holy city” (Neh. 11:1). Captured and rebuilt by David, and made his capital (2 Sam. 5:6–13; 1 Chron. 11:4–9). Destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar, 588 BC. Rebuilt by returned captives. Captured by Alexander the Great, 332 BC; by Antiochus, 203 BC; by Rome 63 BC. Jerusalem, New: Metaphorically, the spiritual church (Rev. 3:12; 21). Compare Gal. 4:26; Heb. 12:22. Jesse: Father of David (1 Sam. 16:1– 18). Jesus: 1. Greek form of Joshua, Jeshua,
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contraction of Jehoshua (Num. 13:16; Acts 7:45; Heb. 4:8). 2. Justus, Paul’s friend (Col. 4:11). Jesus Christ: Jesus the Savior; Christ, or Messiah, the Anointed. Jesus the Christ. Name given to the long promised Prophet and King (Matt. 11:3; Acts 19:4). Only-begotten of God. Born of Mary at Bethlehem, 5 BC; reared at Nazareth, baptized at age thirty (Luke 3:23). Ministerial career, extending over Galilee, Judea, and Perea, began AD 27 and ended with the crucifixion, AD 30. Matthew, Mark, and Luke record His Galilean ministry; John his Judean ministry. The four Gospels embrace Christ’s biography. Jew: Contraction of Judah. Person of Judea (2 Kings 16:6; 25:25). After captivity, Hebrews in general (Ezra 4:12; Dan. 3:8–12). Antithesis of Christian in N.T. (Rom. 1:16). Jezebel: Idolatrous wife of Ahab (1 Kings 16:29–33; 17–21; 2 Kings 9:30–37). Jezreel: 1. A city in plain of Jezreel. Ahab’s royal residence (Josh. 19:18; 1 Kings 21:1; 2 Kings 9:30). 2. Valley of, stretches from Jezreel to Jordan. Greek form, Esdraelon. 3. Town of Judah (Josh. 15:56; 1 Sam. 27:3). 4. Son of Hosea (Hosea 1:4). Joash: 1. Son of Ahaziah and his successor on the throne of Judah, 878– 839 BC. Cruel and idolatrous. Murdered by his servants (2 Kings 11–12; 2 Chron. 24). 2. Son and successor of Jehoahaz on the throne of Israel, 840– 825 BC. Successful warrior (2 Kings 13:9–25; 14:1–16; 2 Chron. 25:17–25). 3. Father of Gideon (Judg. 6:11–31). 4. One of David’s heroes (1 Chron. 12:3). Job: 1. The pious and wealthy patriarch of Uz, whose poem constitutes the eighteenth O.T. book, and first of
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the poetical. It is a dramatic narrative of his life of vicissitude, the gist being, whether goodness can exist irrespective of reward. Poetry noted for its sublimity, pathos, and beauty. 2. Son of Issachar (Gen. 46:13). Jashub (1 Chron. 7:1). Joel: 1. Son of Pethuel and second of minor prophets. Probably of Judah and contemporary with Uzziah, 810– 758 BC. His book, twenty-ninth of the O.T., depicts calamities, rises into exhortation, and foreshadows the Messiah. 2. Son of Samuel (1 Sam. 8:2). John: Johanan, contraction of Jehohanan. 1. Kinsman of the high priest (Acts 4:6). 2. Hebrew name of Mark (Acts 12:25; 13:5; 15:37). 3. John the Baptist, son of Zacharias. Birth foretold (Luke 1). Born about six months before Christ. Retired to wilderness. Emerged to preach and baptize. Baptized Jesus (Matt. 3). Imprisoned by Herod (Luke 3:1–22). Beheaded (Matt. 14:1–12). 4. John, apostle and evangelist; son of Zebedee (Matt. 4:21). A fisherman of Galilee (Luke 5:1–10). A favorite apostle, noted for zeal and firmness (John 13:23; 19:26; 20:2; 21:7). He remained at Jerusalem until about AD 65, when he went to Ephesus. Banished in Patmos; released AD 96. His writings, completed at Ephesus, are the fourth Gospel, giving Christ’s ministry in Judea; his three letters, and Revelation. Jonah: Son of Amittai. Commissioned to denounce Nineveh. His book, the thirty-second of the O.T. and fifth of the minor prophets, narrates his refusal, escape from drowning, final acceptance, and successful ministry. Its lesson is God’s providence over all nations. Jonathan: Eldest son of Saul, and friend of David (1 Sam. 13:2–3; 18:1–
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4; 19:1–7; 20). Fell in battle of Gilboa. David’s lament (2 Sam. 1:17–27). Joppa: Mediterranean seaport of Israel (1 Kings 5:9; 2 Chron. 2:16; Ezek. 3:7); now Jaffa. Jordan: Chief river of Palestine, rising in the Ani-Libanus range, flowing southward, enlarging into the sea of Galilee, emptying into the Dead Sea. A swift, narrow, yet fordable stream, with an entire course of about two hundred miles (Gen. 13:10; Josh. 2:7; Judg. 3:28; 2 Sam. 10:17; Matt. 3:13). Joseph: 1. Son of Jacob and Rachel (Gen. 37:3); sold into Egypt; promoted to high office by the Pharaoh; rescued his family from famine; settled them in Goshen; dies at advanced age; bones carried back to Shechem (Josh. 24:32). 2. Three of Christ’s ancestors (Luke 3:24, 26, 30). 3. Husband of Mary, earthly father of Jesus, and a carpenter at Nazareth (Matt. 1:19; Luke 3:23; John 1:45). 4.Of Arimathea, a member of the Sanhedrim, who acknowledged Christ (Matt. 27:57–59; Mark 15:43; Luke 23:51). 5. The apostle Barsabbas, substituted for Judas (Acts 1:23). Joshua: 1. Son of Nun, of the tribe of Ephraim. The great warrior of the Israelites during the desert wanderings and conquest and apportionment of Canaan (Exod. 17:9–14; 1 Chron. 7:27; Num. 13:8, 16; 27:18–23). His book, sixth of the O.T., contains the history of his conquests and governorship, 1451–1426 BC. 2. A governor of Jerusalem (2 Kings 23:8). 3. A high priest (Hag. 1:1, 14). Josiah: 1. Son and successor of Amon on the throne of Judah, 641– 610 BC. He abolished idolatry, propagated the newly discovered law, aided Assyria against Egypt, and fell in the celebrated battle of Esdraelon (2 Kings 22:1–23:30; 2 Chron. 34–35).
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2. Son of Zephaniah (Zech. 6:10). Jot: The Greek iota. A little thing (Matt. 5:18). Journey: A day’s journey, indefinite. Sabbath day’s journey, 2,000 paces, or three-quarters of a mile from the walls of a city (Deut. 1:2; Acts 1:12). Jubal: Son of Lamech, and inventor of the harp and organ (Gen. 4:19–21). Jubilee: Year of, celebrated every fiftieth year; ushered in by blowing of trumpets; land rested; alienated lands reverted; slaves freed; outer circle of seventh or sabbatical system, year, month, and day (Lev. 25:8–55). Judah: 1. Fourth son of Jacob (Gen. 29:35; 37:26–28; 43:3–10). His tribe the largest (Num. 1:26–27). Allotted the southern section of Canaan (Josh. 15:1–63). 2. Kingdom of, formed on disruption of Solomon’s empire, out of Judah, Benjamin, Simeon, and part of Dan, with Jerusalem as capital, 975 BC. Had nineteen kings and lasted for 389 years, until reduced by Nebuchadnezzar, 586 BC. Outlived its rival, Israel, some 135 years. 3. City of Jerusalem (2 Chron. 25:28). 4. A town in Naphtali (Josh. 19:34). Judas: Greek form of Judah. 1. Iscariot, or of Kerioth. Betrayer of Christ (Matt. 10:4; Mark 3:19; Luke 6:16; John 6:71; 12:6; 13:29). 3. Man of Damascus (Acts 9:11). 4. Barsabbas, chief among the brethren, and prophet (Acts 15:22, 32). 5. A Galilean apostate (Acts 5:37). Jude: Jude 1. Judas, brother of James the Less (Luke 6:16; John 14:22; Acts 1:13). Thaddaeus, Lebbaeus (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18). An apostle and author of the letter which bears his name, the twenty-sixth N.T. book. Written about AD 65. Place unknown. Judea: Vaguely, Joshua’s conquest (Matt. 19:1; Mark 10:1), or Canaanite
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land. Limitedly, the part occupied by returned captives; the “Jewry” (Dan. 5:13); the “province” (Ezra 5:8; Neh. 11:3). A Roman province jointly with Syria, with a procurator, after AD 6. Judges: Governors of Israel between Joshua and the kings. Qualification, martial or moral prowess. Rule arbitrary. Fifteen are recorded. Period, 1400–1091 BC. Book of Judges, seventh of the O.T., was probably compiled by Samuel. Its history is that of a tumultuous period, completing Joshua’s conquests and leading to legitimate kingly rule. Judgment hall: Pilate’s residence in Jerusalem (John 18:28, 33; 19:9). Praetorium or court (Acts 23:35). Justification: Pardon and acceptance of the just through faith (Rom. 3:20–31; 4:25). Justus: 1. Surname of Joseph, or Bar sabbas (Acts 1:23). 2. A Corinthian convert (Acts 18:7). 3. Surname of Jesus, a friend of Paul (Col. 4:11). Kadesh: Halting place of Israelites near borders of Canaan, and scene of Miriam’s death (Num. 13:26; 20:1). Kadesh-barnea (Deut. 2:14; Josh. 15:3). En-mishpat (Gen. 14:7). Kain: A city in lowlands of Judah (Josh. 15:57). Kidron: The brook or ravine between Jerusalem and Olivet (2 Sam. 15:23; 2 Kings 23:6; John 18:1). King: Title of Hebrew rulers from Saul to Zedekiah, 1095–588 BC. Other rulers (Gen. 36:31; Exod. 3:19; Num. 31:8). Supreme ruler (1 Tim. 1:17; 6:15). Kiss: Form of salutation (Gen. 29:13); token of allegiance (1 Sam. 10:1); pledge of Christian brotherhood (Rom. 16:16; 1 Pet. 5:14). Kite: An unclean bird of the hawk species (Lev. 11:14; Deut. 14:13). Vulture (Job 28:7).
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Laban: 1. Father-in-law of Jacob (Gen. 24–30). 2. A landmark (Deut. 1:1). Lamech: 1. Father of Noah (Gen. 5:28–32). 2. Father of Jubal, inventor of the harp and organ (Gen. 4:18–26). Laodicea: A city of Phrygia and seat of an early Christian church (Col. 2:1; 4:15; Rev. 1:11; 3:14–22). Law: In scripture, reference is nearly always to the Hebrew civil, moral, and ceremonial law (Matt. 5:17; John 1:17; Acts 25:8). Lazarus: Abbreviation of Eleazar. 1. Brother of Mary and Martha (John 11:1; 12:1–22). 2. Type of poverty and distress in the parable (Luke 16:19–31). Leah: Jacob’s wife through deceit of her father, Laban (Gen. 29–30; 49:31). Leaven: 1. Old, fermented dough used to lighten new dough (Matt. 13:33). Passover bread unleavened (Exod. 12:15–17). 2. Corrupt doctrines (Matt. 16:6); evil passions (1 Cor. 5:7–8). Lebanon: Two mountain ranges running northeast, between which was Coelo-Syria. The west is Libanus, or Lebanon proper. The eastern is Anti- Libanus, and skirted Palestine on the north (Deut. 1:7; Josh. 1:4). Many scripture allusions (Isa. 10:34; Jer. 22:23). Leek: Closely allied to the onion (Num. 11:5). Legion: Division of Roman army; when full, 6,200 men and 730 horses. N.T. use indefinite (Matt. 26:53; Mark 5:9). Lentil: A podded food plant, like the pea or bean (Gen. 25:34; 2 Sam. 17:28). Levi: 1. Third son of Jacob (Gen. 29:34); avenged Dinah’s wrong (34:25–31); cursed (49:5–7); went to Egypt (Exod. 6:16); blessed (Exod.
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32:25–28). 2. Two of Christ’s ancestors (Luke 3:24, 29). 3. Original name of Matthew (Mark 2:14; Luke 5:27, 29; compare Matt. 9:9). Leviathan: The crocodile described (Job 41); and probably meant in Ps. 74:14; 104:26. Libya: The African continent west of Egypt and contiguous to Mediterranean (Ezek. 30:5; Acts 2:10). Ligure: Possibly amber. First stone in the third row of the high priest’s breastplate (Exod. 28:19; 39:12). Lily: Pale flower. Source of rich imagery (1 Kings 7:19; Song of Sol. 2:1–2; 5:13; Matt. 6:28; Luke 12:27). Lintel: Support over window or door (Exod. 12:22; 1 Kings 6:31). Litter: Covered couch or chair, carried by men or animals (Isa. 66:20). “Wagons” (Num. 7:3). Lois: Timothy’s grandmother (2 Tim. 1:5). Lord: Jehovah (Gen. 15:4; Ps. 7; 100). Adonai, Lord, Christ, The Lord, Our Lord. Supreme ruler. Lord’s Day: First day of the week; resurrection day of Christ (Rev. 1:10). Sunday, after AD 321. Lord’s Supper: Substitute for the O.T. Paschal feast. Instituted by Christ the night before the crucifixion as a reminder of His covenant with mankind (Matt. 26:19; Mark 14:16; Luke 22:13). “Breaking of bread” (Acts 2:42); “Communion” (1 Cor. 10:16); “Lord’s Supper” (1 Cor. 11:20). Lot: Abraham’s nephew (Gen. 11:27– 31). Settled in Jordan valley (Gen. 13:1–13); escaped to mountains (Gen. 19). Progenitor of Moabites and Ammonites. Lots, Feast of: See Purim. Lucifer: Reference to the king of Bab ylon (Isa. 14:12). Popularly, Satan. Luke: Evangelist and physician (Col. 4:14; 2 Tim. 4:11). Author of third
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Gospel and of Acts of the Apostles. Lydia: 1. A province of Asia Minor, on the Mediterranean. 2. Woman convert of Thyatira (Acts 16:14). Lystra: City of Lycaonia, where Paul was honored (Acts 14:6–18); and stoned (Acts 14:19–21). Macedonia: The ancient empire north of Greece proper, whose greatest kings were Philip and Alexander the Great. Often visited by Paul, who made here his first European converts (Acts 16:9–12; 17:1–15; 20:1–6). Magi: Oriental priests and learned men. A Median and Persian caste of royal advisers (Jer. 50:35; Matt. 2:1–11). Malachi: Last of minor prophets. Nothing known of nativity or lineage. Contemporary with Nehemiah, 445– 433 BC. His book foretells the coming of Christ and John the Baptist. Malchus: The one whose ear Peter cut off (Matt. 26:51; Luke 22:50; John 18:10). Malta: Island in Mediterranean, south of Sicily (Acts (27–28). Mamre: The Amorite chief who gave his name to the plain where Abraham dwelled (Gen. 14:13–24). Hebron (Gen. 23:19). Manasseh: 1. First son of Joseph (Gen. 41:51). The tribe divided and occupied both sides of the Jordan (Josh. 16–17). 2. Son and successor of Hezekiah on the throne of Judah, 698–643 BC. Idolatrous (2 Kings 21:1–18). Captive in Babylon; repented; restored (2 Chron. 33:1–20). Mandrake: A narcotic plant, resembling rhubarb, bearing a yellow, aromatic fruit (Gen. 30:14–16; Song of Sol. 7:13). Manger: Feeding crib or trough for cattle. The stall, and even the cattle yard (Luke 2:7–16). Manna: The bread substitute sent
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to the wandering Israelites (Exod. 16:14–36; Num. 11:7–9; Deut. 8:3; Josh. 5:12). Mara: Naomi so called herself (Ruth 1:20), meaning “bitter.” Mark: John Mark (Acts 12:12, 25; 15:37). Mark (Acts 15:39). Convert of Peter (1 Pet. 5:13). Companion of Paul (Col. 4:10). Author of the second Gospel, which was probably written in Rome. Mars’ Hill: Landmark in Athens (Acts 17:22). See Areopagus. Martha: Sister of Mary and Lazarus (Luke 10:38–42; John 11:5–28). Mary: Greek form of Miriam. 1. The betrothed of Joseph and mother of Christ (Matt. 1:18–25; Mark 6:3; Luke 8:19; John 2:1–5). 2. Wife of Cleo phas (Matt. 27:56, 61; Luke 24:1–10; John 19:25). 3. Mother of John Mark (Acts 12:12). 4. Sister of Martha and Lazarus (Luke 10:41–42; John 11–12). 5. Mary Magdalene, i.e., of Magdala (Matt. 28:1–10; John 20:1–18). 6. A Roman convert (Rom. 16:6). Matthew: Contraction of Mattathias. The apostle and evangelist. “Levi” (Luke 5:27–29); Son of Alphaeus (Mark 2:14); tax collector at Capernaum when called (Matt. 9:9). His Gospel is the first book of the N.T., AD 60–66. Establishes Jesus as O.T. Messiah. Matthias: Apostle allotted to fill the place of Judas (Acts 1:26). Measures: Hebrew standard weights and measures provided for (Lev. 19:35–36; Deut. 25:13–15). Money passed by weight until era of coinage. Melchizedek: King of Salem, and priest (Gen. 14:18–20). Prototype of Christ (Ps. 110:4; Heb. 5–7). Mene: First word of Belshazzar’s warning. Entire, Mene, “he is numbered”; Tekel, “he is weighed”;
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Upharsin, “they are divided” (Dan. 5:25–28). Mercy seat: Lid of the ark of the covenant (Exod. 25:17–22); therefore, a covering, or atonement for sin (Heb. 9:5). Meshach: Chaldean name of Mishael, Daniel’s companion (Dan. 1:6–7; 3). Mesopotamia: The country between the rivers Tigris and Euphrates (Gen. 24:10; Deut. 23:4; Judg. 3:8–10; Acts 2:9; 7:2). Messiah: Applied to regularly appointed priests or kings (Lev. 4:3, 5, 16; 1 Sam. 2:10, 3512:3–5). The Greek kristos, “anointed,” takes its place in the N.T., except in John 1:41; 4:25. Methuselah: Grandfather of Noah; oldest of antediluvians; lived 969 years (Gen. 5:21–27). Micah: Sixth of the minor prophets. Prophesied 750–698 BC. He foretells the destruction of Samaria and Jerusalem, and prefigures the Messiah. Michael: Prince of angels (Dan. 10:13; 12:1; Rev. 12:7). Midian: Son of Abraham, and founder of Midianites (Gen. 25:2; Exod. 3:1; Num. 22:4; Judg. 7:13). Miracle: A supernatural event (Num. 22:28; 1 Kings 17:6; Matt. 9:18–33; 14:25). Miriam: Sister of Moses and Aaron. Musician and prophetess (Exod. 2:4– 10; 15:20–21; Num. 12:1–15; 20:1; 1 Chron. 6:3). Mite: Half a farthing, or one-fifth of a cent (Mark 12:41–44; Luke 21:1–4). Mizpah: 1. Jacob’s covenant heap (Gen. 31:47–49). 2. Hivite section in northern Palestine (Josh. 11:3–8). 3. A city in Judah (Josh. 15:38). 4. A city of Benjamin (Josh. 18:26; 1 Sam. 10:17–21; 1 Kings 15:22). Moab: Son of Lot by his daughter, and progenitor of the Moabites. The country lay east of the Dead Sea and
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south of the Arnon (Num. 21:13–15; 22; Judg. 11:18). Though idolatrous, worshipping Chemosh, they were a strong, progressive people holding Israel subject (Judg. 3:12–14); but finally subdued (Judg. 3:15–30; 2 Sam. 8:2; Isa. 15–16; Ruth 1–2). Money: Gold and silver passed by weight among Hebrews (Gen. 17:13; 23:16); though the ring tokens of Egypt may have been current (Gen. 20:16; 37:28). Persian coined money (daric or dram) came into use after the captivity (Ezra 2:69; Neh. 7:70– 72). The Maccabees first coined Jewish money in 140 BC—shekels and half-shekels of gold and silver, with minor copper coins. The N.T. coins (Matt. 17:27; 22:19; Mark 12:42) were Roman or Grecian. Money changers: Those who made a business of supplying the annual half-shekel offering at a premium (Exod. 30:13–15; Matt. 21:12; Mark 11:15). Mordecai: A Benjamite captive at court of Ahasuerus, and deliverer of Jews from plot of Haman (Esther). Moses: The great leader and lawgiver of the Hebrews. Son of Amram, a Levite. Born in Egypt, about 1571 BC. Adopted by Pharaoh’s daughter, liberally educated, fled to Midian (Exod. 2). Called to lead the Exile (Exod. 3–19). Promulgated the law (Exod. 20–31; Lev.; Num.; Deut.). Died on Nebo at 120 years of age. Reputed author of Pentateuch. Myrrh: A gum resin much prized and variously used (Exod. 30:23; Est. 2:12; Ps. 45:8; Prov. 7:17; Mark 15:23; John 19:39). Naaman: The leprous Syrian army commander, cured by Elisha’s orders (2 Kings 5:1–19). Nabal: The Carmelite shepherd who refused food to David (1 Sam. 25).
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Nahum: Seventh of minor prophets. Probably an exile in Assyria. Approximate time of prophecy, 726–698 BC. It relates to the fall of Nineveh. Noted for vigor and beauty. Naomi: Mother-in-law of Ruth (Ruth 1:22). Naphtali: Sixth son of Jacob (Gen. 30:8). Large tribe at Sinai and Jordan (Num. 1:43; 26:50). Allotment in northern Canaan (Josh. 19:32–39). Tribe carried captive in reign of Pekah (2 Kings 15:29). Nathan: 1. Distinguished prophet, royal adviser, and biographer of David and Solomon (2 Sam. 7:2–17; 7:1–22; 1 Kings 1:8–45). 2. A son of David (1 Chron. 3:5; Luke 3:31). Nathanael: A disciple of Christ, and native of Cana in Galilee (John 1:47– 51; 21:2). Nazareth: A town of Galilee. Home of Jesus (Matt. 4:13; Mark 1:9; Luke 1:26; 4:16, 29; John 1:45–46). Nazarite: One bound by a temporary or life vow (Num. 6:1–21; Amos 2:11–12; Acts 21:20–26). Nebo: 1. A mountain of Moab, from which Moses viewed the promised land (Deut. 32:49; 34:1). 2. A Reubenite city (Num. 32:3, 38; 33:47). 3. A Chaldean god, presiding over learning. Counterpart of the Greek Hermes (Isa. 46:1; Jer. 48:1). Nebuchadnezzar: King of Babylonian Empire, 605–561 BC. Brought empire to greatest height of prosperity. Defeated Pharaoh Neco at Carchemish (Jer. 46:2–26). Captured Jerusalem three different times (2 Kings 24–25; Dan. 1–4). Nehemiah: 1. The Hebrew captive who returned, as leader of his people, to rebuild Jerusalem and administer its affairs. His book, the sixteenth of the O.T., 445–433 BC, tells of his work.
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Nettle: The stinging nettle (Isa. 34:13; Hosea 9:6). Supposedly the prickly acanthus (Job 30:7; Prov. 24:31; Zeph. 2:9). Nicodemus: The Pharisee ruler and timid convert who assisted at Christ’s burial (John 3:1–10; 7:50; 19:39). Nile: The great river of Egypt, worshipped as a god, famous for its annual and fertilizing overflows and its many mouths. Name not mentioned in scripture, but alluded to as “the river” (Gen. 41:1; Exod. 2:3); “the river of Egypt” (Gen. 15:18); “flood of Egypt” (Amos 8:8); Sihor, “black” (Josh. 13:3); Shihor, “dark blue” (1 Chron. 13:5). Nineveh: Capital of Assyria, on river Tigris. Founded by Asshur (Gen. 10:11). At the height of its wealth and splendor during time to Jonah to Nahum, and burden of their prophecies. Taken by Medes about 750 BC, and destroyed by combined Medes and Babylonians, 606 BC (Jon.; Nah. 1–3). Noah: 1. Ninth in descent from Adam (Gen. 5:28–32). Saved from the flood, with his three sons (Gen. 7–8). Re- peopled the earth (Gen. 9–10). Died at the age of 950 years. 2. A daughter of Zelophehad (Num. 26:33). Nod: The land to which Cain the murderer fled (Gen. 4:16). Oath: Appeals to God to attest the truth of an assertion in early use (Gen. 21:23; 26:3; Heb. 6:16). Regulated (Exod. 20:7; Lev. 19:12). Forms: lifting hands (Gen. 14:22); placing hand under thigh (Gen. 24:2); before the altar (1 Kings 8:31). Obadiah: 1. A court officer under Ahab (1 Kings 18:3–16). 2. A teacher of the law (2 Chron. 17:7). 3. Fourth of the minor prophets. Prophesied after capture of Jerusalem. His book, thirty-first of the O.T., is a denunciation of Edom. Nothing known of his history.
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Offering: Either bloody, as of animals; or bloodless, as of vegetables. They embraced the burnt, sin, trespass, peace, and meat offerings (Lev. 1–9). Olives: The Mount of Olives, or Olivet, is the ridge east of Jerusalem, beyond the brook Kidron. So named because of its olive trees. On its slopes were Gethsemane, Bethphage, and Bethany (2 Sam. 15:30; Zech. 14:4; Matt. 21:1; Mark 11:1; John 8:1; Acts 1:12). Omega: The last letter of the Greek alphabet (Rev. 1:8, 11; 21:6; 22:13). Onesimus: Slave of Philemon, at Colosse, on whose behalf Paul wrote the letter to Philemon (Col. 4:9; Phile. 10, 15). Onyx: A crystalline quartz, veined and shelled (Exod. 28:9–12; 1 Chron. 29:2). Oracle: Divine revelation (Rom. 3:2). Palestine: Philistia, land of the Philistines (Joel 3:4). Pamphylia: A seacoast province of Asia Minor. Its chief town was Perga, where Paul preached (Acts 13:13; 14:24; 27:5). Paphos: Town on island of Cyprus, visited by Paul (Acts 13:6–13). Papyrus: The writing paper of the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, made from the papyrus plant, a rush or reed growing in Egypt (Job 8:11; 40:21). Parable: Allegorical representation of something real in nature or human affairs, with a moral drawn. A favorite method of ancient Near Eastern teaching (2 Sam. 12:1–4; Isa. 5:1–7). Christ spoke over thirty parables (Matt. 13:3–8; 24–32, and elsewhere in the Gospels). Paradise: “Garden of Eden”; and, figuratively, abode of happy souls—heaven (Luke 23:43; 2 Cor. 12:4; Rev. 2:7). Parchment: Skin of sheep or goats prepared for writing on (2 Tim. 4:13).
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Passion: Last sufferings of Christ (Acts 1:3). Kindred feelings (Acts 14:15; James 5:17). Passover: First of three great Jewish feasts, instituted in honor of the “passing over” of the Hebrew households by the destroying angel (Exod. 12; 13:3–10; Lev. 23:4–14); called the “Feast of Unleavened Bread.” The Christian Passover is “the Lord’s Supper” (Matt. 27:62; Luke 22:1–20; John 19:42). Pastor: Figuratively, one who keeps Christ’s flocks (Eph. 4:11). Patmos: The rocky island in the Aegean Sea, to which John was banished (Rev. 1:9). Patriarch: Father of the family and chief of its descendants. The Hebrew form of government until Moses established the theocracy (Acts 2:29; 7:8–9; Heb. 7:4). Paul: In Hebrew, Saul. Born at Tarsus in Cilicia, of Benjamite parents, about the beginning for the first century; a Pharisee in faith; a tentmaker by trade (Phil. 3:5; Acts 18:3). Studied law with Gamaliel at Jerusalem; persecuted early Christians; converted near Damascus (Acts 5:34; 7:58; 9). Commissioned an apostle to the Gentiles (Acts 26:13–20). Carried the gospel to Asia Minor, Greece, and Rome. Author of fourteen letters, amplifying the Christian faith. Pavilion: Movable tent or dwelling. Applied to tabernacle, booth, den, etc. (1 Kings 20:12; Ps. 18:11; Jer. 43:10). Peniel: Place beyond the Jordan where Jacob wrestled with the angel (Gen. 32:30). Penny: The Roman silver denarius. The Greek silver drachma was a corresponding coin (Matt. 20:2; 22:19–21; Mark 6:37; Luke 20:24). Pentateuch: Greek name for the first
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five O.T. books, or books of Moses. Called Torah, “the law,” by Hebrews. Pentecost: The Hebrew harvest-home festival, celebrated on the fiftieth day from the Passover, or on the date of the giving of the law at Sinai (Exod. 23:16; 34:22; Lev. 23:12– 22; Num. 28). In the Christian church, Pentecost is celebrated seven weeks after Easter, to commemorate the day in Acts 2:1–14. Perga: A city of Pamphylia (Acts 13:13). Pergamum: A city of Mysia, in Asia Minor, celebrated for its library, which was transferred to Alexandria. Seat of one of the “seven churches” (Rev. 1:11; 2:12–17). Persia: Originally the country around the head of the Persian Gulf; afterward, the great empire, including all western Asia, and parts of Europe and Africa. Reached its height under Cyrus, 486–485 BC. Conquered by Alexander, 330 BC (Ezek. 38:5; 2 Chron. 36:20–23; Ezra 1:8). Pestilence: In Hebrew, all distempers and calamities (Exod. 9:14; 11:1; 1 Kings 8:37). Peter: Simon, or Simeon; son of John (Matt. 16:17; Acts 15:14). A fisherman, resident at Capernaum (Matt. 8:14); called (Matt. 4:18–20); name changed to Peter (John 1:42); Founder of Christian church among the Jews (Acts 2); spokesman of the apostles (Acts 10); author of two letters; probably a martyr at Rome. Pharaoh: General name of Egyptian kings. Only a few are definitely named in the Bible. Several alluded to (Gen. 12:15; Exod. 1:81; 1 Chron. 4:18; 1 Kings 11:18–22; 2 Kings 18:21; Jer. 37:5–8). Pharaoh’s daughter: 1. Guardian of Moses (Exod. 2:5–10). 2. Wife of Solomon (1 Kings 3:1).
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Pharisee: A Jewish sect, strictly orthodox in religion, and politically opposed to foreign supremacy (Matt. 23:23–33; Luke 18:9–14). Philadelphia: A city of Lydia in Asia Minor, and seat of one of the “seven churches” of Asia (Rev. 1:11; 3:7–13). Philemon: A Christian convert at Colosse in Phrygia, to whom Paul wrote a letter during his captivity at Rome, in favor of Onesimus, Philemon’s servant. Philip: 1. The apostle of Bethsaida, of whom little is known (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:14). 2. The evangelist and deacon, resident at Caesa rea, and preacher throughout Samaria (Acts 6:5). 3. The tetrarch. 4. Husband of Herodias (Matt. 14:3). Philippi: City in Macedonia, founded by Philip II, twelve miles from the port of Neapolis. Paul founded a vigorous church there (Acts 16; 20:1–6). Philistia: The plain and coast country on the southwest of Palestine, which imparted its name to Palestine (Ps. 60:8; 87:4; 108:9). Phinehas: 1. Chief of the Korahite Levites, and high priest (Exod. 6:25; Num. 25:6–15). 2. Wicked son of Eli (1 Sam. 1:3; 2:34; 14:3). Phoenicia: In O.T., referred to as Tyre and Sidon, or coasts of Tyre and Sidon. The small coast country north of Palestine, noted for its commercial enterprise, learning, and skill in arts. Included in the land of promise but never conquered (Josh. 13:4–6). David and Solomon employed its sailors and artisans (2 Sam. 5:11; 1 Kings 5). In N.T., Acts 11:19; 21:2. Phrygia: An undefined section of Asia Minor, out of which several Roman provinces were formed (Acts 2:10; 16:6; 18:23). Pilate: Pontius Pilate (Matt. 27:2). Sixth Roman procurator of Judea,
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AD 26–36. Official residence at Proconsul: A Roman official, beneath Caesarea, with judicial visits to other a consul, who exercised authority in places. Christ was brought before him a province. Appointed by the senate at Jerusalem for judgment. He found (Acts 13:7; 19:38). no guilt, but lost his moral courage in Prophet: One who tells the future unthe presence of the mob. Eventually der God’s inspiration (Matt. 23:34). banished to Gaul (Luke 23:1–7; John The prophetic order embraced polit18:27–40; 19). ical, as well as spiritual, advisers and Pisgah: The elevation, in Moab, where warners. The books of seventeen— Moses viewed the promised land four greater and thirteen lesser (Num. 21:20; Deut. 3:27; 4:49; 34:1). prophets—are comprised in the O.T. Pisidia: A province of Asia Minor, Christ is the preeminent and eternal with Antioch as its capital. Twice vis- prophet (Luke 24:27, 44). ited by Paul (Acts 13:14; 14:21–24). Proselyte: A convert to the JewPitch: Asphalt or bitumen, found in ish faith. “Foreigner” in O.T. (Deut. Dead Sea regions. Used for mortar, 10:18–19; Matt. 23:15; Acts 13:43). cement, caulk, etc., (Gen. 6:14; Exod. Proverb: Wise utterance; enigma 2:3; Isa. 34:9). (Num. 21:27). The proverbs, collectPlague: Pestilential disease (Lev. ed and poetically arranged by Solo13:2–8; 26:25). Any calamitous vis- mon, or by his authority, constitute itation (Mark 5:29; Luke 7:21). The the twentieth O.T. book. judgments of God on Egypt are Purification: A ritualistic form and called plagues (Exod. 7–12). sanitary precaution among Hebrews Plowing: Planting time (Gen. 45:6; (Lev. 14:4–32; Mark 7:3–4; John Exod. 34:21; Deut. 21:4; 1 Sam. 8:12). 11:55). Potiphar: Captain of Pharaoh’s guard Purim: The Jewish festival commem(Gen. 37:36; 39). orative of the preservation of the Potter’s field: The burial ground Jews in Persia. Celebrated yearly on for strangers, outside of Jerusalem, the fourteenth and fifteenth day of bought with the betrayal money the month Adar (Esther 3:7; 9:20–32). (Matt. 27:7). Quails: A type of bird that abounds Pound: A weight; the maneh (1 Kings in the Arabian Desert and migrates 10:17; Ezra 2:69; Neh. 7:71). One- northward in spring in enormous sixtieth of a Grecian talent (Luke flocks (Exod. 16:13; Num. 11:31–32; 19:13–27). Ps. 105:40). Praetorium: The court, hearing hall, Quaternion: A Roman guard of and judgment hall, of a Roman gov- four soldiers, two of whom watched ernor, wherever he might be (Matt. prisoners within the door, and two 27:27; Mark 15:16; John 18:28; Acts watched the door outside (Acts 12:4– 23:35). 10). Prayer: Reverent petition to a divin- Queen of heaven: The moon, wority; a universal custom. The Jews shipped as Ashtoreth or Astarte by had three daily periods of prayer: idolatrous Hebrews (Jer. 7:18; 44:17– 9 am, 12 pm, and 8 pm (Dan. 6:10; 25). Ps. 55:17). Quiver: A case or cover for arrows Priscilla: Wife of Aquila (Acts 18:2, (Gen. 27:3; Job 39:23). 18, 26; Rom. 16:3). Rabbi: A title of respect applied to
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Hebrew doctors and teachers. Applied also to priests, and to Christ (Matt. 23:7; Mark 9:5; John 1:38). “Rabboni” (John 20:16). Rabboni: See Rabbi. Raca: A Hebrew term of contempt and reproach (Matt. 5:22). Rachel: Daughter of Laban, wife of Jacob, and mother of Joseph and Benjamin (Gen. 29–35). Rahab: 1. The harlot of Jericho who received the spies, and married Sal mon (Josh. 2:1–21; 6:17–25; Ruth 4:21; Matt. 1:5). 2. Symbolical term for Egypt, implying insolence and violence (Ps. 89:10; Isa. 51:9). Rainbow: A sign of the covenant that the earth should not again be destroyed by water (Gen. 9:12–17). Ram: 1. Male of the sheep, or any ovine species (Gen. 22:13). 2. The battering ram for breaking down gates and walls (Ezek. 4:2; 21:22). Raven: An unclean bird of the crow family (Lev. 11:15; 1 Kings 17:6; Song of Sol. 5:11). Rebekah: Wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau (Gen. 22:23; 24– 28; 49:31). Redeem: In O.T., buying back a forfeited estate. Metaphorically, freeing from bondage (Exod. 6:6; Isa. 43:1). In N.T., rescuing or ransoming from sin and its consequences (Matt. 20:28; Gal. 3:13; 1 Pet. 1:18). Red Sea: The arm of the Gulf of Aden that separates Egypt from Arabia. “The sea” (Exod. 14:2, 9, 16, 21, 28). “Egyptian sea” (Isa. 11:15). “Sea of Suph” (“weedy or reedy sea”) translated “Red Sea” (Exod. 10:19; Num. 21:4). In N.T., the Greek “Erythrean,” or Red Sea (Acts 7:36). At its head, it separates into gulfs of Akaba and Suez, the latter of which the Israelites crossed. Refuge, Cities of: The six Levitical
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cities set apart for the temporary escape of involuntary manslayers (Num. 35:6, 11–32; Deut. 19:7–9; Josh. 20:2–8). Regeneration: The renovation of the world at and after the second coming of Christ (Matt. 19:28). The new birth from the Holy Spirit (Titus 3:5). Rehoboam: Son of Solomon (1 Kings 11:43; 14:21) and successor to his father’s throne, 975–958 BC. During his reign, the ten tribes, under Jeroboam, revolted and set up the kingdom of Israel. Shishak, of Egypt, captured Jerusalem from him (1 Kings 14:21– 31). Resurrection: The rising again from the dead (Ps. 16:10–11; Matt. 16:21; 20:19; Acts 2:31). Reuben: Eldest son of Jacob and Leah (Gen. 29:32). Lost his birthright through crime (Gen. 35:22; 49:3–4). Tribe numerous and pastoral, and settled east of Jordan (Num. 1:20–21; Josh. 13:15–23). Idolatrous, averse to war, carried captive by Assyria (Judg. 5:15–16; 1 Chron. 5:26). Revelation: 1. Revealing truth through divine agency or by supernatural means (2 Cor. 12:1–7). 2. Book of Revelation, or Apocalypse; last of N.T. books; written by the apostle John, about AD 95–97, probably at Ephesus. It is a record of his inspired visions while a prisoner on the island of Patmos. Its aim is much disputed, but it is seemingly a prophetic panorama of church history to the end of time. Rome/Romans: Located on the Tiber, fifteen miles from the sea. Founded 752 BC; governed by kings until 509 BC; then by consuls until Augustus Caesar became emperor, in 30 BC. At the Christian era, Rome was the virtual mistress of the civilized world. The empire declined
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rapidly after removal of capital on the sabbath was limited (Exod. to Constantinople by Constantine, 16:29). Custom seemed to sanction AD 328. The gospel was introduced 2,000 paces from the walls of a city early among the Romans, but Chris- as sufficient for all needs on the day tians were persecuted until the time of rest (Acts 1:12). of Constantine. Palestine was ruled Sabbatical year: By the Mosaic from Rome by kings, procurators, code, each seventh year was sacred. governors, or proconsuls. Paul wrote The land rested, the poor were entihis celebrated letter to the Romans tled to what grew, and debtors were from Corinth, about AD 58, to show released (Exod. 23:10–11; Lev. 25:2– that Jew and Gentile were both sub- 7; Deut. 15:1–18). ject to sin and in equal need of justifi- Sackcloth: A coarse, goat-hair cloth cation and sanctification. used for making sacks and rough garRuby: A ruddy, valuable gem; but ments. The latter were worn next to the original word is thought to mean the skin by mourners and repentants “coral” or “pearl” (Job 28:18; Prov. (Gen. 37:34; 2 Sam. 3:31; 1 Kings 3:15). 21:27; 2 Kings 6:30). Ruth: The Moabite wife of Mahlon, Sacrifice: Propitiatory, atoning, or then Boaz. This beautiful book of thanksgiving offering to God. An orRuth contains her life. It supplements dained rite (Lev. 17:4–9; Deut. 16:5– Judges and prefaces Samuel, and 19). Sacrificial offerings numerous; traces the lineage of David. but chiefly, the “burnt offering” (Lev. Sabachthani: An Aramaic, or Syro- 1:1–17); “sin offering,” and “trespass Chaldaic, word, part of Christ’s ex- offering” (Lev. 7:1–10); “peace offerclamation on the cross (Matt. 27:46; ing” (Lev. 7:11–34); the latter also a Mark 15:34). “freewill” offering. Among Christians, Sabaoth: Used usually with Jehovah, all sacrificial offerings merged in the “Lord of hosts”—hosts being com- universal offering of Christ’s body prehensive, and signifying the powers (Heb. 9–10). of earth and heaven (Isa. 1:9; Rom. Sadducees: A Jewish sect, suppos9:29; James 5:4). edly Zadokites (1 Kings 1:32–45), Sabbath: Rest day, or seventh of the whose chief tenets were: 1. rejection week (Gen. 2:2–3). Became a Mosa- of the divinity of the Mosaic oral law ic institution for rest and festal occa- and traditions; 2. rejection of the later sions (Exod. 16:23–30; Deut. 5:12– O.T. books, but acceptance of the Mo15). Day for consulting prophets saic teachings; 3. denial of angel and (2 Kings 4:23). A day of teaching and spiritual existence, and consequent joy (Neh. 8:1–12). A whole week of immortality of the soul; 4. belief in time is implied in Matt. 28:1. Among the absolute moral freedom of man. Christians, the day after the Hebrew Their hatred of Christianity was as sabbath, or seventh day, gradually bitter as that of the Pharisees (Matt. and until fully established, became 3:7; Mark 12:18; Luke 20:27). Though the sabbath, or first day, in commem- composed of men of position, the oration of the resurrection of Christ; sect was never very numerous nor thus, “the Lord’s Day” (John 20:26; influential, and it disappeared from Acts 20:6–11). history after the first century of the Sabbath day’s journey: Travel Christian era.
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Saint: In O.T., a pious Jew (Ps. 16:3). In N.T., a Christian believer (Rom. 1:7; 8:27; Heb. 6:10). Salt Sea: The Dead Sea. “Sea of the plain” (Deut. 4:49); “Salt Sea” (Deut. 3:17); “east sea” (Ezek. 47:18); “the sea” (Ezek. 47:8); “valley of Siddim” (Gen. 14:3). Title “Dead Sea” not found among Hebrew writers, but introduced by Greek authors. Situated sixteen miles east of Jerusalem; forty-six miles long by ten miles wide; 1,300 feet below the level of the Mediterranean; waters intensely salty; receives waters of Jordan from the north; no outlet. Salvation: Temporal deliverance (Exod. 14:13). Spiritual deliverance (2 Cor. 7:10; Eph. 1:13; Heb. 2:3). Samaria: 1. Synonymous with the kingdom of Israel, lay to the north of Judah. It varied in size at different times, but in general embraced the territory of the ten revolting tribes on either side of the Jordan (1 Kings 13:32). Named from its capital, Samaria. In N.T. times, Samaria was one of the three subdivisions of Palestine, lying between Judea on the south and Galilee on the north. 2. Capital of the kingdom of Samaria or Israel, and located thirty miles north of Jerusalem. Founded by Omri, king of Israel, about 925 BC, and called Samaria, after Shemer, from whom he bought the ground (1 Kings 16:23–24). It became a beautiful and strong city and remained the capital until Shalmane ser, the Assyrian, destroyed it and the empire, 721 BC (2 Kings 18:9–12). Herod rebuilt it and restored much of its ancient splendor, naming is Sebaste, in honor of Augustus, who gave it to him. Philip preached the gospel there (Acts 8:5–9). Samson: Son of Manoah and judge of Israel for twenty years (Judg. 13:3–
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25). Noted for his great strength, marvelous exploits, and moral weakness. He married a Philistine woman (Exod. 34:16; Deut. 7:3), whom he deserted (Judg. 14), and then wished to return to (Judg. 15:1–8). The secret of his strength was finally detected by Delilah, and he was imprisoned and made blind. He killed himself and numerous enemies by pulling down the pillars of the house in which they were feasting (Judg. 16). Samuel: Son of Elkanah and Hannah, celebrated Hebrew prophet and last of the judges (1 Sam. 1:19–28). Educated under Eli (1 Sam. 3:4–14) and became his successor in the prophetic office. The people then demanded a king; Samuel anointed Saul and resigned his authority to him (1 Sam. 12). He also anointed David, Saul’s successor (1 Sam. 16:13). He died at Ramah (1 Sam. 25:1). Sanballat: A Persian officer in Samaria who opposed Ezra and Nehemiah and persistently misrepresented them at court (Neh. 2:10; 4:1–9; 13:28). Sanctify: To prepare or set apart persons or things to holy use (Exod. 13:2). To establish union with Christ by faith (John 17:17); to exercise the graces of knowledge, such as faith, love, repentance, humility, etc., toward God and man (2 Thess. 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:2). Sanctuary: A holy or sanctified place (Ps. 20:2). The secret part of the temple in which the ark of the covenant was kept, and which none but the high priest might enter, and he only once a year, on the day of solemn expiation (Lev. 4:6). Any place of public worship of God (Ps. 63:2); heaven (Ps. 102:19); place of refuge (Isa. 8:14). Land of Israel called God’s sanctuary (Exod. 15:17).
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Sanhedrin: The supreme council of the Jewish nation (Num. 11:16–17). The “great Sanhedrin” was composed of seventy-one priests, scribes, and elders, and presided over by the high priest. The “lesser Sanhedrins” were provincial courts in the towns, and composed of twenty-three members appointed by the “great Sanhedrin.” Usually, “council” in N.T. (Matt. 5:22; Mark 14:55; John 11:47). Sapphire: A light blue gem, next to the diamond in hardness (Exod. 24:10). Second stone in second row of the high priest’s breastplate (Exod. 28:18). A foundation stone of the holy Jerusalem (Rev. 21:19). Sarah: Wife of Abraham; mother of Isaac (Gen. 11:29; 21:2–3). Name changed from Sarai to Sarah (Gen. 17:15–16). Relentless toward Hagar (Gen. 16:5–16); deceitful when Isaac was promised (Gen. 18:15). Commended for her faith (Heb. 11:11); and obedience (1 Peter 3:6). Died at the age of 127 years (Gen. 23). Sardis: Capital of Lydia in Asia Minor; once noted for beauty and wealth, but no longer (Rev. 3:1–6). Fell to Alexander, then to Antiochus. Seat of one of the seven church of Asia (Rev. 3:1). Satan: In O.T., a common noun, meaning “enemy” or “adversary,” in general (1 Sam. 29:4), except in Job 1:6, 12; 2:1; Zech. 3:1, where the word becomes a proper noun, and the spiritual representative of evil. In N.T., chief of the evil spirits; great adversary of man; the devil (Matt. 4:10; 25:41); “the prince of this world;” “the wicked one;” and “the tempter.” Saul: 1. A Benjamite, son of Kish, and the first king of Israel. Anointed by Samuel; slain with his sons at Gilboa. His versatile career is described in 1 Samuel 9–31. 2. Hebrew name of Paul (Acts 13:9).
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Scarlet: A Tyrian color much prized by ancients (Exod. 25:4; Prov. 31:21). Scribe: Hebrew writer who appears to have been at first a court or military official (Exod. 5:6; Judg. 5:14); then secretary or recorder for kings, priests, and prophets (2 Sam. 8:17); and finally a secretary of state, doctor, or teacher (Ezra 7:6) Scripture: By way of preeminence, the sacred writing contained in the Old and New Testaments. Scroll: The book of ancient times, consisting of long strips of linen, papyrus, or parchment written upon and wrapped on a stick (Isa. 8:1; Ezek. 2:9–10). Selah: A word of frequent occurrence in Psalms, and supposed to mean an interlude in vocal music, or a pianissimo of all parts (Ps. 9:16; Hab. 3:3, 9, 13). Senate: First body, or class, of Hebrew Sanhedrin; the other two being priests and scribes (Acts 5:21). Sepulchre: Meaning “bury,” a tomb (2 Kings 23:16; Isa. 22:16; Matt. 27:60; Mark 16:2). Seraphim: An order of celestial beings, pictured in Isaiah’s vision as around the throne of God (Isa. 6:2–7). Serpent: The Hebrew original embraces the entire serpent genus. Adder (Gen. 49:17); asp, or cobra (Deut. 32:33); viper (Job 20:16). Poisonous (Prov. 23:32); sharp-tongued (Ps. 140:3); the devil (Rev. 12:9–15). “Serpent of bronze” (Num. 21:8–9). Shaddai: El-Shaddai, “God Almighty.” The name used by Hebrews for God before Jehovah acquired its full significance (Gen. 17:1; Exod. 6:3). Shadrach: Chaldean name to Hananiah (Dan. 1:7–21; 2–3). Sharon: 1. The plain skirting the Mediterranean coast from Judah
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to Caes area. It is an extension of Shiloh: 1. A disputed rendering; rethe lowlands of Judah, and was re- ferred to a town and to the Messinowned for its fertility (Acts 9:35). ah (Gen. 49:10; Isa. 9:6). 2. A city in First mentioned as Lasharon (Josh. Ephraim, midway between Bethel 12:18). Celebrated (Song of Sol. 2:1; and Shechem. The ark of the cov Isa. 35:2; 1 Chron. 27:29). 2. A town enant remained there for three hunor district east of Jordan, and per- dred years, until captured by the haps in Gilead (1 Chron 5:16). Philistines (Josh. 18:1, 8–10; Judg. Shekel: A weight for weighing un- 21:19–23). Residence of Eli and Samcoined money, of Assyrian and uel (1 Sam. 3) and Ahijah (1 Kings Babylonian origin. There seem to 14:1–18). have been two standards, that of the Silas: An eminent member of the earsanctuary and the king (Exod. 30:13; ly Christian church. Resided at Jeru2 Sam. 14:26). Both approximated salem as teacher, fellow prisoner at half an ounce. Later, a Hebrew silver Philippi. Said to have been bishop of coin, with bronze half- and quarter- Corinth (Acts 15:22, 32–34, 40; 17:14; shekels. 18:5; 2 Cor. 1:19). Shem: Oldest son of Noah, preserved Siloam: 1. The celebrated pool, or with his father in the ark (Gen. 5:32). tank, at Jerusalem, on the south side, Blessed by Noah for his conduct near the opening of the Tyrophean (Gen. 9:18–27). His descendants are Valley into the Kidron Valley. Origithe Hebrews, Arameans, Persians, nally a part of the water supply of the Assyrians, and Arabians, whose lan- city (Neh. 3:15; Isa. 8:6). 2. An unloguages are called Semitic. cated tower whose fall killed eighteen Shepherd: A highly honorable occu- men (Luke 13:4). pation among pastoral Hebrews, en- Simeon: 1. Son of Jacob and Leah gaged in by both genders (Gen. 29:6; (Gen. 29:33). For the crime in Gen. 30:29–35; Exod. 2:16–22); arduous 34:25–30, his father denounced and dangerous employment (Gen. him (Gen. 49:5–7). 2. Son of Judah 31:40; 1 Sam. 17:34). Equipment con- in genealogy of Christ (Luke 3:30). sisted of a sheepskin mantle, a scrip 3. Simon Peter (Acts 15:14). 4. A venor wallet, a sling, and a crook; duties erable and pious Jew who blessed included counting and tithing sheep the child Jesus in the temple (Luke and being responsible for finding 2:25–35). 5. Simeon called Niger lost ones (Gen. 31:38–39). Jehovah (Acts 13:1). as (Ps. 80:1); kings as (Ezek. 34:10); Simon: 1. A native of Samaria and Christ as (John 10:11). Also applied famous sorcerer, who professed to teachers, pastors, and ministers of Christ for mercenary purposes (Acts the gospel. 8:9–24). 2. Simon Peter (Matt. 4:18). Sheshak: Symbolical name for Bab 3. Simon the Canaanite, or Simon ylon (Jer. 25:26). the Zealot, a member of the parShowbread: Unleavened bread ty of Zealots who advocated the baked in twelve loaves correspond- Jewish ritual, and an apostle (Matt. ing to the twelve tribes and placed 10:4). 4. Simon, the brother of Jesus fresh every Sabbath on the golden (Matt. 13:55). 5. Simon the Pharisee, table of the sanctuary; eaten only by in whose house a woman anointthe priests (Exod. 25:30; Lev. 24:8). ed the feet of Jesus (Luke 7:36–50).
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6. Simon, the leper of Bethany (Matt. 26:6). 7. Simon the Cyrene, who was compelled to bear Christ’s cross (Matt. 27:32). 8. The tanner of Joppa with whom Peter lodged (Acts 9:43). 9. Simon, the father of Judas Iscariot (John 6:71). Sinai: The peninsula of Sinai lies between the two great arms of the Red Sea, Gulf of Akaba on the east, and the Gulf of Suez on the west. This region contains the mountain system of Horeb or Sinai. God, Moses, and the burning bush at (Exod. 3:1–5); Israelites encampment at (Exod. 19:1– 2); law delivered to Moses at (Exod. 19:3–25); the numbering at (Num. 1–10). Sisera: Captain of King Jabin’s forces when defeated by Barak. Slain by Jael (Judg. 4–5). Sodom: Most prominent of the cities in the plain of Siddim. Destroyed by fire from heaven (Gen. 10:19; 13:10– 13). Often referred to in scripture as a symbol of wickedness and warning to sinners (Deut. 29:23; Isa. 1:9–10; Matt. 10:15; Rev. 11:8). Solomon: Last of David’s sons by Bathsheba. Named Jedidiah, “beloved of God,” by Nathan (1 Chron. 3:5; 2 Samuel 12:25). Placed in Nathan’s care; secured the throne according to David’s pledge (1 Kings 1:13–53). Built the palace and temple, grew famous for wisdom, encouraged literature, died leaving his kingdom under the eclipse of faction and on the edge of decay (1 Kings 2–11; 2 Chron. 1–9). Son of God: A term applied to the angels (Job 38:7); to Adam (Luke 3:38); to believers (Rom. 8:14); but preeminently to Christ, signifying His divine origin and nature (Dan. 3:25; Matt. 11:27; John 1:18; 5:19–26). Son of Man: In a limited sense,
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“man” (Num. 23:19; Job 25:6). In a broader, higher sense, “the Messiah.” In the N.T. sense, where the term is used some eighty times, it means Christ in incarnate form and relation (Dan. 7:13; Matt. 9:6; 12:8; Mark 2:10; John 1:51). Soothsayer: One who pretends to foretell future events (Dan. 2:27). Spikenard: An ancient fragrant and costly ointment made from the spikenard plant of India (Song of Sol. 1:12; 4:13–14; Mark 14:3; John 12:3). Spirit: The breath (2 Thess. 2:8); the vital principle (Eccl. 8:8); elsewhere, the soul. Holy Spirit is the third person in the Trinity (2 Cor. 13:14; Acts 15:28). Stephen: Chief of the first seven deacons, and first Christian martyr. A Greek convert of strong faith and great eloquence. Arrested and tried; stoned to death; Saul’s conversion following Stephen’s death (Acts 6:5– 15; 7; 8:1–3). Stoics: Members of a Grecian philosophical school, or sect, founded by Zeno, who taught in the stoa, or porch, of the Agora at Athens (Acts 17:18). Paul’s oration to (Acts 17:22– 31). Sundial: An instrument for telling the time of day (2 Kings 20:11; Isa. 38:8). Surety: Responsibility for debt, regulated by the Mosaic law (Gen. 44:32). Sycamore: A tree of the fig species growing in Egypt and Palestine and valued for its fruit and light, soft, durable wood (1 Kings 10:27; 1 Chron. 27:28; Luke 19:4). Synagogue: The Jewish assembly for social and religious purposes seems to have had its origin during the captivity, or to have been an outgrowth of it (Ezra 8:15; Neh. 8:2). Often elaborate and costly, presided over by a chief, or rabbi, assisted by a council
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of elders (Mark 5:22, 35; Luke 4:20; Phoenicians traded. Associated with Acts 18:8). Tartessus in Spain (Jer. 10:9). 2. AnSyria: The Hebrew Aram. Indefinitely other Tarshish is inferable from the bounded at different times, as to have statement that Solomon’s ships at been associated with Assyria and Ezion-geber on the Red Sea traded Babylon. More definitely the coun- with Tarshish (1 Kings 9:26; 10:22). try to the north of Canaan, extending Tarsus: Chief city of Cilicia, Asia Mifrom the Tigris to the Mediterranean, nor, on river Cydnus, six miles from and northward to the Taurus ranges. the Mediterranean. Birthplace of Paul Damascus was the capital. Joshua and rival of Athens and Alexandria in and kings (Josh. 11:2–18); submis- literature and fine arts (Acts 9:11, 30; sion to David (2 Sam. 8, 10); indepen- 11:25; 21:39; 22:3). dent under Solomon’s reign (1 Kings Tartan: An army official, like gener11:23–25). Persistent enemy of the al or commander-in-chief (2 Kings Jews (1 Kings 15:18–20; 2 Kings 6:8– 18:17; Isa. 20:1). 33). Taxes: First Hebrew taxes were Tabernacle: Tent of Jehovah, or tithes, firstfruits, redemption money, movable sanctuary, which Moses for use of the priests. Amplified under was directed to erect in the wilder- the kings and became burdensome ness (Exod. 25:8). Its plan, materi- (1 Kings 10:28–29; 12:4). Tithe tax als, and furnishings are described became a poll tax (Neh. 10:32–33). in Exod. 25:9–40; 26–27. At Gilgal The enrollment, or census (Luke 2:2; (Josh. 4:19); at Ebal (Josh. 8:30–35); Acts 5:37), was for the purpose of at Shiloh (Josh. 18:1); at Nob (1 Sam. Roman taxation. 21:1–9). Temple: 1. Solomon’s temple erected Tabernacles, Feast of: Third of the at Jerusalem on mount Moriah. Dathree great Hebrew feasts, celebrat- vid’s proposal for permanent temple, ed from the fifteenth to the twenty- but forbidden by the prophet Nathan second of Tisri. Commemorated the (1 Chron. 17; 2 Sam. 7:7–29). Sololong tent life of the Israelites. Called mon completed the work (1 Chron. also “Feast of Ingathering” (Exod. 11–12; 28–29). 2. The temple of 23:16). Observance of (Neh. 8:13–18; Zerubbabel. Completion; destrucHosea 12:9; Zech. 14:16–19; John tion; restoration (Ezra 3–6). 3. Herod 7:2, 37–38). the Great removed the decayed temTabitha: The Christian woman of ple of Zerubbabel and began the Joppa whom Peter raised from the erection of a new one. Destroyed dead (Acts 9:36–42). by the Romans, thus verifying Mark Talent: A Hebrew weight/money 13:2. denomination, equal to 3,000 shek- Teraphim: Little images kept in Eastels, or 93 3/4 pounds of silver (Exod. ern households for private consul38:25; Matt. 18:24). tation and worship. This species of Talmud: The body of Jewish civil and idolatry or superstition was in canonical law not comprised in the favor with Hebrews, though often Pentateuch, and commonly including denounced (Judg. 18:17; Hosea 3:4). the Mishna (traditions and decisions) Tertius: Paul’s scribe in writing his letand Gemara (expositions). ter to the Romans (Rom. 16:22). Tarshish: 1. The city with which the Tertullus: A Roman lawyer or orator
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hired by the high priest and Sanhedrin to prosecute Paul before the procurator Felix (Acts 24:1–9). Testament: One of the two volumes of the sacred scriptures, which treat of the old and new dispensations; distinguished as the Old Testament, treating of revelation before the Advent of Christ, and the New Testament, containing that made after the Advent (2 Cor. 3:6; Heb. 9:15). Tetrarch: Originally one who governed a part of a country divided into four parts, or tetrarchies; but under Roman rule, it came to mean any ruler or petty prince of the republic and empire, especially in Syria (Matt. 14:1; Luke 3:1; 9:7; Acts 13:1). Sometimes the tetrarch was called the king (Matt. 14:9; Mark 6:14, 22). Thaddaeus: Surname of the apostle Jude, and another form of Lebbaeus (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18). Theophilus: The unknown person, probably an official, to whom Luke addressed his Gospel and his history of the Acts of the Apostles (Luke 1:3; Acts 1:1). Thessalonica: Ancient Thermae, “hot springs.” Enlarged by Cassander and called Thessalonica after his wife, daughter of Alexander the Great. An important city of Macedonia, at the head of the Gulf of Thessalonica. Paul visited it during his second tour and founded a strong church there, to whose members he wrote two letters (Acts 17:1–9). Thomas: The cautious, susceptible, even doubtful apostle whose name in Greek was Didymus, “twin” (Matt. 10:3; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; John 11:16; 14:5–6; 20:24–29; Acts 1:13). Thummin: See Urim and Thummim. Tigris: Great eastern tributary of the Euphrates, rising in the Armenian mountains and flowing southeast-
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wardly 1,146 miles. “Hiddekel,” one of the rivers of Eden (Gen. 2:14). Timothy: Son of Eunice, a Jewess, by a Gentile father. Converted by Paul and became a close friend and valuable assistant (Rom. 16:21; Heb. 13:23). Recipient of two of Paul’s letters, the first written to him while at Ephesus, probably from Macedonia. The second seems to have been written from Rome some three years later. Tithe: One-tenth of all produce of lands and herds was set apart, under the Levitical law, for the support of the Levites, and a tenth of their tenth went to the priests. There were tithe regulations among other nations (Gen. 14:20; 28:22; Lev. 27:30–33; Deut. 12:17–18). The Pharisees tithed their mint, anise, and cumin (Matt. 23:23). Tittle: Jot; iota; any minute quantity (Matt. 5:18; Luke 16:17). Titus: A distinguished Grecian who became a Christian convert and a companion of Paul in his trials and on his missionary tours (Titus 1:4; Gal. 2:3–5; 2 Cor. 8:6, 16, 23). Paul wrote a letter to Titus, designed to instruct him in his ministerial duties in Crete, which were arduous, on account of the immorality of the people. Topaz: A variously hued gem, corresponding to the modern chrysolite, which the Hebrews obtained from Ethiopia (Job 28:19), and which constituted the second stone in the first row of the high priest’s breastplate (Exod. 28:17), and a foundation stone of the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:20). Topheth: Part of the Valley of the Son of Hinnom east or south of Jerusalem. Perhaps once a pleasure garden, but afterward polluted by the abomination incident to the worship of Baal and Molech (2 Kings 23:10;
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Jer. 7:31; 19:13). A place of judgment (Jer. 19:6–14). Transfiguration: The supernatural change in the appearance of Christ upon the mount—Hermon or Tabor. It served as an attestation of His messiahship and an emblem of glorified human (Matt. 17:1–13; Mark 9:2–13; Luke 9:28–36). Treasury: The place in the temple where gifts were received (1 Chron. 9:26; Mark 12:41; Luke 21:1; John 8:20). Trespass: To violate the personal or property rights of another (Lev. 5:6). To violate a positive law of God (Matt. 6:15). Tribe: In a Roman sense, the third part of the empire, but with Hebrews any division of the people, especially that division which sprung from the twelve sons of Jacob, and was perpetuated in their descendants (Gen. 48:5; Num. 26:5–51). Each tribe was headed by a prince, and each possessed considerable independence even under the monarchy. They waged war separately and among themselves (Judg. 1:2–4; 1 Chron. 5:18–22; 2 Sam. 2:4–9). Finally ten tribes revolted and set up the separate kingdom of Israel (2 Sam. 19:41– 43; 1 Kings 12). Tribute: A payment made as a token of submission, or for the sake of peace, or in pursuance of a treaty (Gen. 49:15). The head-tax or half a shekel paid annually by Jews was for the support of the temple service (Exod. 30:13). Troas: Alexandria Troas was an important city in Mysia, Asia Minor, six miles south of the entrance to the Hellespont and four from the site of ancient Troy. Founded by Alexander the Great; key of commerce between Europe and Asia. Paul visited it more
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than once (Acts 16:8–11; 20:5–10; 2 Tim. 4:13). Trumpets, Feast of: The feast of the new moon which fell on the first of Tisri (Num. 29:1–6; Lev. 23:24–25). It was the New Year’s Day of the Jewish civil year and was ushered in by the blowing of trumpets and observed by offerings. Turban: The priestly headdress of linen, wrapped around the head, and bearing a frontal inscription, “Holiness to the Lord” (Exod. 28:4, 36–39; 29:6; 39:28–30; Lev. 8:9; 16:4). Tychicus: A disciple of Paul (Acts 20:4) and his messenger and spokesman (Eph. 6:21–22; Col. 4:7–8). Tyre: The celebrated commercial city of Phoenicia on the Mediterranean coast. It fell to the lot of Asher, but was never conquered (Josh. 19:29). Denounced by the prophets (Isa. 23:1–17; Jer. 27:3). Visited by Paul (Acts 21:3–4). Unclean: A word which, with clean, was applied to personal and ceremonial conditions, as well as to the edibility of animals. The division of animals into clean and unclean existed before the Flood (Gen. 7:2). Uncleanness and the processes of purification (Lev. 11–15; Num. 19). Unclean animals (Lev. 11:9–31; Deut. 14:3–20). Ur: Place where Abraham lived with his father, Terah, and his wife, Sarah, before they started for the land of Canaan (Gen. 11:28, 31; 15:7; Acts 7:2). Uriah: 1. A Hittite (2 Sam. 11:3), and commander of one of the thirty divisions of David’s army (2 Sam. 23:39; 1 Chron. 11:41). He was husband of the beautiful Bathsheba whom David coveted, and with whom he had committed the crime of adultery (2 Sam. 11:4–5). In order to conceal his crime and procure her for a wife, he ordered Joab, commander-in-chief, to
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place Uriah and his forces in the hottest part of the battle with Ammon, and then to desert him, leaving him to be overwhelmed and slain by superior numbers (2 Sam. 11:15–17). 2. A high priest in the reign of Ahaz (Isa. 8:2), and probably the same as Urijah in 2 Kings 16:10–16. 3. A priest of the family of Hakkoz, in the time of Ezra, and head of the seventh priestly course (Ezra 8:33; Neh. 3:4, 21). Urim and Thummim: From the way these mysterious words are spoken in Exod. 28:30; Lev. 8:8, compared with Exod. 28:15–21, they appear to denote some material things, separate from the high priest’s breastplate and its gems, and previously well known. Their purpose seems to be indicated (Num. 27:21; 1 Sam. 28:6), and, since they were connected with the ephod (1 Sam. 22:14–15; 23:9–12), it may be inferred they were consulted to ascertain the will of Jehovah, and that they were preserved in the bag of the high priest’s breastplate to be borne “on his heart before the Lord continually” (Exod. 28:30). Not in use after the captivity (Ezra 2:63; Hosea 3:4). Usury: Exorbitant or unlawful interest for money loaned; but in a Bible sense, the taking of any interest at all. The law of Moses prohibited Hebrews from exacting interest of one another on loans, though not of foreigners (Lev. 25:36–37). Usury is severely denounced (Neh. 5:7, 10; Ps. 15:5; Prov. 28:8). Uz: 1. Job’s country (Job 1:1). Located east or southeast of Palestine (Job 1:3); adjacent to the Sabeans or Chaldeans (Job 1:15), and to the Edomites, who once occupied it as conquerors (Lam. 4:21); grouped with Egypt, Philistia, and Moab (Jer. 25:19–21). 2. The first son of Aram, son of Shem (Gen. 10:23).
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Uzziah: Son and successor of Amaziah on the throne of Judah, 810– 758 BC (2 Chron. 26:1–3). Called Azariah (2 Kings 14:21); godly king, excellent general, and renowned city builder. Entered the temple and burnt incense in violation of the law (Num. 16:40; 18:7); stricken with leprosy and forced to live in a separate house until he died (2 Kings 15:1–7; 2 Chron. 26). Vashti: Wife of King Ahasuerus and queen of Persia (Esther 1:9–22). Veil: A shawl or mantle (Gen. 24:65; Ruth 3:15). The veil proper was worn by Hebrew women only on special occasions, as in marriage (Gen. 24:65); for ornament (Song of Sol. 5:7); for concealment as in harlotry (Gen. 38:14). Vine: A favorite Near Eastern plant of many varieties and cultivated from the earliest times (Gen. 9:20). Subject of frequent metaphor (Deut. 32:32); emblem of felicity and contentment (1 Kings 4:25); rebellious Israel compared to “wild grapes” (Isa. 5:2); “empty vine” (Hosea 10:1); symbol of spiritual union (John 15:1–5). Vision: An inspired dream, fantasy, or apparition (Num. 24:4; Isa. 6; Ezek. 1:8–10; Dan. 7–8; Acts 26:13–19). Vow: Solemn promise made to God. Certain laws were laid down (Deut. 23:21–23). The law in Lev. 27 regulated the vow of Corban, and that in Num. 6:1–2, the Nazarite vow. Washing: The custom of washing hands before meals or of feet after a journey or on entering a stranger’s house was not only a polite ceremony but a religious observance (Matt. 15:2; Mark 7:3; Luke 11:38). After the salutation, the first act of hospitality was to proffer a basin of water to the guest for washing the feet (Gen. 18:4; Luke 7:37–38, 44; John 13:5–14).
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Watch: The Hebrew night was divided into three watches. The first, “the beginning of watches,” was from sunset until 10:00 pm (Lam. 2:19); the second, the “middle watch,” from 10:00 pm until 2:00 am (Judg. 7:19); the third, the “morning watch,” from 2:00 am until sunrise (Exod. 14:24). After the captivity, the Jews gradually adopted the Greek and Roman division of the night into twelve hours of four watches; “evening,” 6:00–9:00; “midnight,” 9:00–12:00; “rooster’s crowing,” 12:00–3:00; and “morning,” 3:00–6:00 (Matt. 14:25; Mark 13:35; Luke 12:38). Wilderness: An area of uncultivated waste, possible for pastoral tribes to occupy, with stretches of pasturage (Josh. 15:61; Isa. 42:11). The wilderness of wandering in which the Israelites spent forty years (Deut. 1:1; Josh. 5:6) was practically the great peninsula of Sinai, lying between Seir, Edom, and the Gulf of Akaba on the east, and the Gulf of Suez and Egypt on the west; embraced many minor divisions or wildernesses, as those of Sin or Zin, Paran, Shur, Etham, and Sinai. Wise Men: See Magi. YAH: Jehovah, in poetry (Ps. 68:4). Year: The Hebrew year was sacred and civil, with two beginnings. The sacred year began with the month of Abib (April); the civil year began with the month Tisri (October). The twelve months were lunar, with the necessary intercalary month ve-adar about every three years. Divided by seasons (summer and winter), the year was solar (Ps. 74:17; Jer. 36:22; Amos 3:15; Zech. 19:8). Year of Jubilee: See Jubilee. Yoke: Means of coupling oxen for agricultural purposes; implement was laid upon the necks of cattle
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and held there with thongs. A pair of oxen were called a yoke (1 Sam. 11:7; 1 Kings 19:21). Yoke used metaphorically for subjection (1 Kings 12:4, 9–11; Isa. 9:4); removal of the yoke implied deliverance (Gen. 27:40; Jer. 2:20). Breaking of the yoke meant repudiation of authority (Nah. 1:13). Zacchaeus: The rich chief among publicans, resident at Jericho, who climbed a tree to see Jesus pass, was invited down, became the host of Jesus, and was converted (Luke 19:1–10). Zadok: 1. Son of Ahitub; high priest in the time of David (2 Sam. 8:17); joined David at Hebron, as a chieftain of his father’s house (1 Chron. 12:28). Anointed Solomon (1 Kings 1:39). 2. A priest in the reign of King Ahaziah (1 Chron. 6:12). 3. A scribe and treasurer under Nehemiah (Neh. 13:13). Zaphnath-paaneah: A name given by the Pharaoh to Joseph upon his promotion to a high place in the royal service (Gen. 41:45). Zealot: A name added to that of the apostle Simon to distinguish him from Simon Peter, and to emphasize his membership of the party of Zealots (Luke 6:15). Zealots: Jewish fanatical party; political, having for its aim the overthrow of Roman authority; and religious, seeking a Jewish theocracy over the whole earth. Headed by Judas of Galilee (Acts 5:37). Zebedee: A fisherman of Galilee, husband of Salome, and father of the apostles James and John (Matt. 4:21; 27:56; Mark 1:19–20). Zechariah: 1. Son of Berechiah (Zech. 1:1); of Iddo (Ezra 5:1). Eleventh of the minor prophets and contemporary of Haggai, born in Babylon during the captivity; returned
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with Zerubbabel (Ezra 6:14). Time of prophecies is thought to be between 520 and 518 BC, during the period of building the second temple. His book, the thirty-eighth of the O.T., is divided into two parts: Chapters 1–8 contain hopeful visions of the restored Hebrew state, exhortations to turn to Jehovah, and warnings against God’s enemies. Chapters 9–14 are prophetic of the future fortunes of the theocracy, the conversion of Israel, the glorification of God’s kingdom, and of the coming of the Messiah. 2. A priest who blew the trumpet before the ark of the covenant on its return (1 Chron. 15:24). 3. One of the temple rulers in the reign of Josiah (2 Chron. 35:8). 4. A witness for Isaiah (Isa. 8:2). 5. Father of John the Baptist and husband of Elizabeth; priest of the course of Abijah (1 Chron. 24:10); and probably lived at Hebron (Luke 1:5–25, 57–80). Zephaniah: Ninth in order of the twelve minor prophets. Son of Cushi and descendent of Hezekiah. Prophecy denounces Judah, Nineveh, and surrounding nations, and records many cheerful promises of gospel blessing. The style
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is characterized by grace, strength, and dignity. Zerubbabel: Of the family of David; son of Shealtiel (Hag. 1:1). Commissioned governor of Judea by the Persian king, Cyrus (Neh. 12:47); leader of the first colony of captives back to Jerusalem (Ezra 2:2); laid the foundation of the new temple (Zech. 4:6–10); began the work or reconstruction and finally succeeded in completing the structure, restored the order or priests according to the institution of David (Ezra 6:14–22; Hag. 1:12; 2:2–4). Zion: The celebrated mount in Jerusalem, the highest and southernmost or southwesternmost of the city; the original hill of the Jebusites (Josh. 15:63); David captured, dwelt in fort there, and strengthened its fortifications, calling it the “city of David” (2 Sam. 5:6–9; 1 Chron. 11:5–8). Despite David’s prestige, the name of Zion still clung to it (1 Kings 8:1), and the O.T. poets and prophets exalted the word Zion, so that it came to be known as a sacred capital (Ps. 2:6); holy place (Ps. 87:2); God’s chosen people (Ps. 51:18); the Christian church (Heb. 12:22); the heavenly city (Rev. 14:1).
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